Following the 2023 local election and with the start of a new term, Mayor Dave Harris and Councilman Larry Walford were sworn in for continued service to the City of Hamilton. Christopher Ray was appointed to fill the vacant council seat. Ray had previously been appointed to fill the remainder of a term last year and had been serving on the council through the conclusion of 2023.
The subject of the storm siren grant was revisited. Officials were notified that Hamilton did not get the grant applied for. Thirty-five applicants submitted for the funding resource and ultimately one project/entity was awarded funds. Clerk Daphne Rayburn told council members that the city could choose to submit for this funding again, if and when it becomes available in the future.
Rayburn reported that the city had officially submitted its application for the water tower grant and receipt of this had been confirmed. Awards are anticipated within the first quarter of this year. Rayburn noted that additional rounds of funding were anticipated and if Hamilton did not win this award, they could apply for this again.
One applicant for the City Superintendent position was submitted. Officials will be contacting references and will hold applicant interview(s) during a special meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.
Councilman Walford reported that he had reached out to community member Randy Drake in regards to the pending project for the city he had volunteered to aid with. Walford noted that Drake is still wanting to do the work, but has an injury to resolve first. It was later shared that this item may wait until spring to be addressed.
A code enforcement issue was brought to the council’s attention as an item to be addressed in the future, due to drainage in a ditch being disrupted. During this time, Councilman Rodney Dimick reported an issue with water running into a manhole at another site. Potential for diverting, making ditch adjustments or raising the manhole were discussed.
Councilman Charlie Schlotterbeck will be aiding Rayburn with filling out and submitting the 2023 water usage report for the city to be filed by the State of Kansas. This is due in March.
When the subject of funds available for street repair was brought to the floor, it was noted that the city has been trying to get gravel, but noted that this had not yet been received. The potential for looking to address sites in poor condition was discussed. Weighing this in consideration with traffic flow, high versus low, was noted as something to also look at. Available funds will be weighed with need as the city determines locations in more pronounced need. Interest was expressed in seeking quotes in the future for W Road and Lincoln Street. This subject of streets will be revisited in the spring.
CPR/AED training through the fire department is being planned for March. The city is looking to consider paying for up to 10 community members taking the training. This will be revisited in February.
In council concerns, Walford recommended that people check on elderly community members given the low temperatures.
Rayburn Heating and Cooling was contacted in regards to the heater at the pump house, to address issues experienced with it. Following discussion, council members approved end-of-year bonus totals for the Clerk, $300 and Treasurer, $400. In annual items, city officials approved the following items: Council President, Walford; City Attorney, James Watson; City Newspaper, The Eureka Herald; City Treasurer, Cindy Hardin and City Bank, Citizen State Bank.
Bills and minutes of the Dec. 12, 2023 and year-end (Dec. 28, 2023) meetings were approved.
Library board meetings have been moved to the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.
