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City of McFarland

Council Meeting

June 12, 2008

Mayor Perry Piper called the meeting to order with council members Cliff Hund, Stanley Havenstein, Tim Snowden and Connie Havenstein present. Arlan Miller was absent. Also present were Terry McDaniel, Randy Cossell, Randy Hupe, Paula Thompson, Kenneth Piel, Ron Rather, Tom Dillingham, Mike Newton, and Cory Thompson.

In opening the council meeting to citizens concerns, Randy Cossell discussed once again, drainage issues in front of, and in the alley behind his property as well as the property to the south of him. City Superintendent McDaniel stated he would use a transit and “shoot levels” in the area to find the locations needing correcting. In addition, he believes that using the blade on the John Deere tractor should be sufficient and correct the drainage problem. 

Paula Thompson stressed the need for the city to begin work on the drainage problem with Cory Thompson and neighbor to the south, Mike Newton’s’ property. McDaniel discussed what he felt needed to be done to help correct drainage problems with the property owners. They arrived at a resolution, that property owner; Cory Thompson will purchase two 6” double wall tubes for drainage. McDaniel requested help from both property owners to speed up some work, such as “shooting levels” prior to installing the tubes. In addition, there will be a need for fill dirt to be brought in and graded on both properties to help facilitate drainage. Council member Connie Havenstein pressed for a completion date with city employee McDaniel. He stated that by the end of July he should be finished.

Randy Hupe informed the city council of pending progress with the vacant property at 400 Wheeler. Hupe showed pictures to the council of a house that he wants to move into town. McDaniels discussed the necessary “set back” figures for the property and discussed the tubing for the driveway over the existing drainage ditch. Hupe informed the council that he would replace the siding on the house and existing garage on the property, so both will match. Council tentatively approved Hupes’ plans and once the property is staked out, McDaniel will inspect and issue a permit. Hupe stated that he will be removing three foot of the roof, and there will be no need to remove overhead wires, as the house is only 24 feet wide it should move through town without any problems. He also stated that he first needs to dig and pour a new basement for this house, his plans are to be completed with this project before bad weather sets in. Mayor Piper reminded Hupe that he would need a 3-foot diameter tube with wing walls for the ditch in front of his house.

Paula Thompson addressed the council about where residents without a basement or cellar were to go in case of a tornado warning. Council members verbalized that when the storm siren blows the Lutheran Church will be opened for residents who wish to take shelter in that basement.

Kenneth Piel discussed drainage problems with his property at 315 Main. After much discussion, it was agreed for McDaniel to use the blade and clean out the area so it will drain better, as well as all of Main Street and its culverts. Cliff Hund offered his assistance to help McDaniel with this project.

Ron Rather informed the council that he was still in the “fact finding phase” in regards to the PRIDE Committee.

Tom Dillingham talked about drainage along First Street and possible solutions.

Council member Tim Snowden gave an update on playground equipment for the City Park. A swing set arrangement had been purchased for $2900. To save on the taxes, he would like to buy this through the city, and reimburse the city with money collected from the aluminum can and scrap metal drive. In addition, he will use the city trailer and his personal truck to pick up the equipment from Garnett, Kansas. Tim would like to see the playground equipment set up and in place by July 3^rd and donated to the citizens on the 4^th of July. McDaniels shared his concerns about the new equipment and its removal during the possible time when the recycled rubber tire material arrives. Tim informed the council that the swing set was self-supporting and would take minimal effort to remove from its location. Cliff Hund made a motion to approve issuance of a check for the playground equipment with reimbursement as stated, and for Tim to use the city trailer to pick up the equipment. Connie Havenstein seconded the motion. Motion carried with all voting yes. There were no other citizen concerns at this time.

Mayor Piper stated that there was nothing new this month from the City Attorney, Norbert Marek. Minutes of the previous meeting held on May 8^th were read and approved. Hund moved to pay the bills. Seconded by Tim Snowden, motion passed with all voting yes.

City Superintendent McDaniel gave his monthly report:

Water:  Furnace has been purchased for the plant and needs to be installed. Well pumps need to be pulled. Newsletter needs to be completed by next week. Rural Water has finished collecting data using the GPS. Six meter pits need to be replaced.

Gas: Need to replace and align gas valves as well as anodes.

Sewer:  Manhole in front of city hall needs dug up and re-aligned. Need to treat “root” problems in various manholes.

Park:  It will be late in July before city knows if they are the recipient of the applied for grant for the city park. FEMA check has been received for $6119, of which $2000 has been set aside for matching funds for this grant, and the remainder to pay for work at the retention dam.

Equipment:  Backhoe is down, has problems with hydraulic cylinders. CASE says that some of the cylinders cannot be rebuilt.  New cylinders are $3000 for the five that are needed. It is possible that KanEquip can do better on price.

Streets: Will start on cleaning out the ditches first, requesting the council to approve more man-hours to complete work needing done. 

Retention Dam: Dike has been cleaned off, work still to be completed on the east side and then the final inspection. Area will need to be seeded and mulched. A trash rack has been purchased for $150, light duty. Still needs to get bids on cleaning the auxiliary spillway.

Cliff Hund made a motion to see if KanEquip can repair hydraulic cylinders for the backhoe, and if there are ones that cannot be repaired, purchase new ones, with the cost of the repairs coming out of all the utility funds. Stanley Havenstein seconded the motion. Motion passed with all voting yes.

Council discussed the use of temporary city employee, Fred Beavers, for 24 hours each week. Or 3 days a week at $10 an hour for the summer season use only. Tim Snowden then moved to approve hiring Fred Beavers for summertime help, 24 hours a week at $10 an hour. Stanley Havenstein seconded the motion. Motion passed with all voting yes.

McDaniels then reported that he has received the paperwork from the insurance adjusters for the hail damage to various city properties. After the $500 deductible, the city will be receiving $8,088.13. The Council reviewed the estimates and seemed satisfied.

The council then discussed donating $350 to purchase fireworks for the 4^th of July and hiring a “code compliance officer”. Mayor Piper will visit with Chuck Welch and ask him to attend the next city council meeting. Cliff Hund motioned to donate $350 for fireworks. Connie Havenstein seconded the motion. Motion passed with all voting yes.

The council discussed tall grass and weeds on various properties in town and the fees charged by the city to mow. In further discussion on the matter, it was mentioned that the city should charge the same as the city of Harveyville, as recently stated in an article in the Wabaunsee County Signal-Enterprise, dated Thursday June 5^th 2008. The council discussed charging $200 administrative fee for lawns / lots mowed by the city. Stanley Havenstein made a motion to change the current rate for which the City of McFarland charges for mowing tall weeds and grass to $200. Tim Snowden seconded the motion. Motion passed with all voting yes.

In final business, McDaniel stated that he would be power washing the buildings at the City Park in preparation for painting that will be done on June 23^rd at 5:30 by the McFarland Lutheran Church and any citizens who wish to help. Rain date will be on the 25^th. A light supper and drinks will be served.

At 9:53, Connie Havenstein motioned to adjourn the meeting. Stanley Havenstein seconded the motion. Motion passed with all voting yes. 

Larry Senne