Representatives with Viking Industrial Painting were present Monday night to discuss a grant opportunity that could potentially fund the needed water tower project.
Highlights regarding available grants were provided to council members by Viking representative and former resident Kesha Eldridge who attended training offered by the Kansas Water Office on the new grant program. Eldridge told city officials that no matching funds are required for this grant opportunity. Hamilton City Clerk Daphne Rayburn is working towards submitting for this funding. Applications for the grant are due December 29. Eldridge noted that award letters would be sent out in the spring and are anticipated for the end of February. As Viking and the city discussed developing a competitive application, the project and planning were also included in conversation. It was noted that the results from lead testing paint on the tower had come back and the tower will have to be contained while work is completed. Potential unforeseen costs were reviewed.
As the riser pipe was discussed in potential unforeseen costs, (they don’t know the condition until inside the outer layer) Viking noted that this could be figured into the grant to prepare for the potential of this needing attention.
When concerns were voiced in regards to the concrete foundation, Reimer foundation repair for towers is also a service offered by Viking. Another potential item for concern was noted.
It was shared that the drain plug for the water tower might be cross threaded. Viking told members of the council that this was another item that could be added for contingency.
Before the meeting concluded, Hamilton City officials later revisited the subject. Two quotes, one from Viking Industrial Painting and one for Maguire, were received. The total for work outlined by Maguire was shared at $305,000. It was noted that a representative had visited Hamilton the week prior. The quote from Viking Industrial Painting was shared at $352,500. Neither bid includes items discussed during the evening’s meeting for addition. Viking will be providing an updated quote for the added/contingency items that potentially need addressed. Members of the council voted to proceed with Viking Industrial Painting. This is contingent on the receipt of grant dollars.
An executive session for the duration of 20 minutes was held.
After the return to regular session, following the addition of 10 and 5 minutes, officials shared that recent hire Chris Campbell did not meet requirements for the position of Superintendent and the city was electing to let him go. A consensus was reached to pay Campbell for 8 hours.
It was next announced that Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck would be resigning from licensed water and sewer operator. Brian Nowell was then appointed and will be fulfilling this as a licensed operator.
Schlotterbeck brought a sewer issue to the council’s attention. He explained that the church located along Highway 99 has been experiencingissuesandtheir tap is under the highway. Potential alternative routes and options were reviewed.
Options included putting in a lift station, tying in elsewhere - if elevation allows, contacting KDOT and installation of laterals. After members of the council reviewed a map, discussing the issue, a consensus was reached that Schlotterbeck would contact the needed individual and discuss laterals.
In his report of operations, Schlotterbeck, who has been serving as Interim Superintendent, noted that a leak had been experienced on North 6th Street. This was dug out and a new meter and meter can were installed. A sewer issue was experienced on East Garfield Street. Schlotterbeck notified fellow city officials that the sewer machine runs, but is experiencing occasional issues. Future repair is anticipated. Schlotterbeck also recommended that an annual sewer cleaning/ maintenance program be adopted in the future.
Bills were corrected to reflect the payment to Campbell, reviewed and approved.
During the maintenance update, Clerk Rayburn told members of the council that she did not have an update on the pending repair of the city office garage door as she had been unable to get in touch with community member Randy Drake who had volunteered his time for the task. The council will be reaching out to Drake.
Council member Christopher Ray brought a concern before officials last Tuesday evening. He voiced concern in regards to the tree being unlit in the middle of the road in the early morning hours before the sunrise. Schlotterbeck noted that this is on a timer and told fellow council members that he would adjust this.
As the subject of Christmas was brought to the floor, Councilman Joe Beeman shared that he would like to see garland purchased to be wrapped around power poles on Main Street for future Christmas seasons. Discussion was had in regards to creating a Christmas budget. Mayor Dave Harris noted that after he purchased the tree for Main Street, space was left for members of the community/ kids to put ornaments on if they so wished. Mayor Harris told Clerk Rayburn to feel free and add decorations the tree. A $500 limit for the purchase of Christmas decoration was discussed, members of the council asked that items purchased be reusable for annual use.
Councilman Larry Walford told fellow officials an individual had approached him with a question. The community member in question owns a lot with no structure on it and is still receiving monthly utility bills. Schlotterbeck explained that if the property has an active account, the minimum is billed. He added that the individual can fill out a form and pay a turn-off fee, to no longer be billed. If the individual were to shut off utilities and want to begin services again in the future, there would be a reconnection fee.
Gravel and the provision of volunteer work by Pat Harris was discussed. Following the brief discussion on gravel, Mayor Harris told fellow officials that gravel ended up in his ditch during the process of snow removal and he will be working to abate this.
Christmas cards to those who are aiding the city will be sent out. A Visa gift card was approved for inclusion in cards to two individuals: one who has performed road maintenance at no charge and the other who has mowed on behalf of the city. Gift cards were approved for the amount of $50.
Christmas bonuses for employees were approved as follows: Amber Woodie, for her work serving the city reading meters, $200; Treasurer Cindy Hardin, part-time employee, $100 and Clerk Rayburn, $200.
Minutes of the November meeting were reviewed and approved as written.
The Hamilton City Council year-end meeting is slated to be held on one of two dates: Tuesday, December 26 or Thursday, December 28.
The next regular meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held Tuesday, January 9 at 7 p.m.
