CITY OF ANTHONY

Recorded

July 30, 2007

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Anthony, Kansas met in regular session at 8:30 A.M. with Mayor Hatfield presiding and the following Commissioners present: Hekel, Hammersmith, Dickey, and Williams. Absent: None. Also present were Don Heidrick, City Clerk/ Administrator; Grant K. Sechler Jr., City Superintendent; John Blevins, Chief of Police; Amber Schmitz of The Anthony Republican; Kenny Hodson, Hugh Allen Barker, and Susan Croft.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE APPROVED

Claim Ordinances #5499 making appropriations for the payments of certain claims against the City of Anthony in the sum of $12,431.51 for appropriation ordinance was presented and on motion by Commissioner Williams, seconded by Commissioner Dickey, said ordinance was unanimously approved and claims ordered paid.

BUILDING DEMOLITION EXTENSION

Hugh Allen Barker was present to ask for another extension for two weeks for completing the demolition of the Balmer/Frazier Building at 309 West Main. The officers expressed their disapproval for an extension. Having block on North Kansas and Gene's Parking Lot closed has been an inconvenience. Work could have been done during rainy period. After discussion, Commissioners agreed to split the difference of having it completed in one week instead of two. Also Kenny Hodson asked about the clean-up of 401 East Main, which according to contract to be done by July 21, 2007. The penalty per each day for the contract not completed by the contractor by the extension date is $500 a day for 309 West Main and $100 a day for 401 East Main.

Commissioner Williams made the motion to extend the demolition and clearing off of the property time for the building at 309 West Main for Hi-Grade Sand for one week until August 8, 2007 and the finishing clearing off of the property for the house demolition at 401 East Main until August 10, 2007. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hammersmith. Motion carried 4-1, Commissioner Dickey voting no.

REQUEST TO VACATE VERMONT STREET

Susan Croft requested that the City vacate the North Vermont Street. It turns out that is where she wants to build her new house. The Commissioners discussed what property could be turned over besides the street property including abandoned railroad property. The Commission will review and examine the property before a decision is made. They will do this on Thursday.

MUNICIPAL HALL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

EXEMPTION APPLICATION APPROVED

After discussion, Commissioner Williams made the motion that the City approve the Municipal Hall Alcohol Consumption Exemption Application of Paul Jefferis for August 18, 2007. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Dickey. Motion carried.

NO AIRPORT BIDS

There were no bid proposals for the Airport Fuel Storage Facility after a special effort by Darin Neufeld, EBH.

HOME PROGRAM TO REHABILITATE HOUSING

Information had been received from Mike West of SCKEDD about the requirements for the City apply for the HOME Program. Weatherization money and sales tax exemption would be used to help to meet 25%, $37,500 match. Permits could also be used.

After discussion, Commissioner Williams made the motion that the City apply for a $150,000 Grant with the City cash commitment of $23,120 with the help of Weatherization program match, sales tax exemption and permits exemption matches. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hekel. Motion carried.

CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT / BALMER BUILDING / HOUSE AT MAIN AND LINCOLN /

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE / REX MINER FUNERAL /

APPROACH FOR NEW POLICE GARAGE

Chief of Police Blevins reported that the Balmer Building was finally down but a lot of clean-up needed now. He would have recommended no extension for completion of project. 100 block of North Kansas is kept closed and Gene's Heartland parking lot is closed, an inconvenience. Also he has not cleaned up the house at Main and Lincoln.

Officers worked a domestic disturbance in 400 block of East Main. One person in custody and case is at County Attorney.

He attended funeral for Police Chief Rex Miner of Kiowa on Friday.

Mayor asked about the approach for the new Police garage, 10 feet of paving, not enough for vehicle. Chief will check on cost to extend it another 10 feet.

CITY SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT / OPC'S WILL BE RECEIVED FROM EBH /

PLATTING FOR WHEATRIDGE / MET WITH SUSAN CROFT /

STREET CREW WORKING ON GROUND AREA FOR LAKE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

City Superintendent Sechler reported that EBH will have O.P.C.'s on North Mass. sewer project and sewer main for Wheatridge Addition. They will be in Anthony to shoot elevations. Superintendent Sechler met with Visions Group on platting of Wheatridge.

He met with Susan Croft and her contractor on utilities and location of house.

Street Crew is working on ground area for new Lake playground equipment last week. It is too wet now.

He has talked to Gene's Heartland and Barker about the Demolition project going on now. Parking lot and street need to be opened.

The transformer has been placed for the new machinery at Prairie Belting.

Saturday Western Farmers called the first peak load day of the year. Had to get off line 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. Very unusual for being this late in the season.

Concrete around several water meters have been broken out for replacement.

PASTURE LAND

Commissioner Hammersmith reported it would be $9.75 an acre to spray the pasture land south of town for a total of $526.50. After discussion it was decided that it would not be done based on rent received in the past.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE HARPER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Sherri Houston has returned the Memorandum of Understanding for the county's Public Health Preparedness and Pandemic Flu plans for the City to approve. Commissioner Williams had reviewed it and said changes had been made as requested. Commissioner Williams made the motion that the City approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the County's Public Health Preparedness and Pandemic Flu plans. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hekel. Motion carried.

BUDGET 2008

The City Commission discussed the 2008 Budget as to what might be included regarding the different department requests and salary increases. Sherri and Angie had worked up salary figures for 2 1/2% to 4% increases. A work session will be scheduled. A rough draft of the Budget will be available hopefully soon. Chief Blevins gave out a report about comparable starting wages for several cities the size of Anthony for Police Departments. The Mayor suggested we discuss this at the Budget work session.

CITY CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT/ 2008 CITY BUDGET/ RECREATION BUDGET/

LIBRARY BUDGET / CITY CODE COMING / FOOTBALL FIELD AGREEMENT

City Clerk/Administrator Heidrick reported will continue to work on 2008 Budget. Process has been slow. He has been helping with Recreation Budget. He received Library Budget last week.

City Code should come from the League next week. Agreement for Football Field should be here this week.

INTEREST IN CITY'S LAND FORMERLY OWNED BY RAILROAD

The City received inquiry again about property for sale, formerly railroad property on West Spring. The City Commission will look at property on Thursday and possibly sell at auction.

Commissioner Hammersmith made the motion that the City Commission meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Dickey. Motion carried.

______________________________________________

Donald F. Heidrick, City Clerk/Administrator

Approved by ___________________________________

Howard D. Hatfield, Mayor