CITY OF ANTHONY
Recorded
July 30, 2008
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Anthony, Kansas met in special session at 8:30 a.m. with Mayor Howard Hatfield presiding and the following Commissioners present: Hekel, Dickey, Hammersmith 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; Wynona Mandevill, Carol Mackey, Jeanne Kastens, John Schott and others.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE
Claim Ordinance #5550 making appropriation for $6825.31 for the payments of certain claims against the City of Anthony for appropriation ordinance was presented and on a motion by Commissioner Williams, seconded by Commissioner Dickey, said ordinance was unanimously approved and claims ordered paid.
ELECTRIC RATE DISCUSSION
About 25-30 citizens were present to discuss the City of Anthony’s decision to increase electric rates by 40% to meet the present expenses, since the Electric Reserve had been depleted. Wynona Mandevill, Carol Mackey, Jeanne Kastens and John Schott among others spoke. They asked questions about expenses and revenue. They expressed their concerns that they could not understand why the City had not addressed the issue earlier. The Electric Reserve had experienced a decline over the last several years. They expressed that it is going to put a great burden on fixed income people and the businesses. It would have been better to have a gradual increase.
The Mayor explained that the City had received reports of the declining Electric Reserve and should have done something earlier but did not; however we need to increase the rates to meet expenses.
Hopefully the City will get this turned around. A plan for future needs will be developed.
The City would look at cutting spending in the Budget. Mark Wright believes this raise affects everyone and all businesses.
FIRE DEPARTMENT APPOINTMENT
Commissioner Hammersmith made the motion that the City appoints Brandon Sanpaka to the Anthony Fire Department. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hekel. Motion carried.
ELECTRIC RATE ORDINANCE
The City Commission decided to wait until Monday’s regular City Commission Meeting to address the Ordinance to raise the Electric Rates.
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT/AGGRAVATED ROBBERY/THEFT 100 BLOCK OF S. ANTHONY/DISTURBANCE 400 BLOCK OF N. MASSACHUSETTS/SUICIDE ATTEMPT 400 BLOCK W. GRANT/OUT OF STATE TAGS/HOUSE NUMBERING
Chief Blevins reported that they had investigated an aggravated robbery/ theft case in 100 block of S. Anthony. Two suspects taken into custody. Thanks to Sheriff’s Department for their help.
There was a disturbance in the 400 block of N. Massachusetts. One person arrested for battery and criminal damage to property.
Officers responded to suicide call in 400 block of W. Grant. One person taken to Larned State Hospital.
Mayor Hatfield asked about out of state tagged vehicles. One on N. Jennings and one on S. Jennings. The Chief will check on this.
Commissioner Hekel asked about the house numbering project.
CITY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT/LAKE SEPTIC SYTEM/SERVICE CHANGES FAA VORTEX/GARFIELD DRAINAGE PIPE/FEMA/MUTUAL AID MEETING/NORTH TENNIS COURTS/FIELD HOUSE/I.D. PARK ENTRANCE
Superintendent Sechler reported that piping and connections for the Lake septic system was installed last week. They will start installing the laterals.
The Electric Department will do the new service changes for FAA Vortex on Wednesday.
Drainage pipe under Garfield was completed Monday.
FEMA Kick-off meeting for electrical damage was Wednesday. It is considered a small project and will take less paper work. The Kick-off Meeting for Debris will be Tuesday August 5th at 9:00 a.m.
Grant Sechler, Steve Wilkinson and Larry Berry will attend Mutual Aid Meeting at Lacrosse on Thursday.
The Contractor started work on North Tennis Courts.
He will check on interest of fixing the field house roof.
He will check also about the entrance for I.D. Park.
CITY CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR REPORT/NEWS MEDIA/2009 BUDGET/LIBRARY BUDGET
He reported he had spent time with T.V. and radio media people about electric rate increase. Also, with the local newspaper. He thanked Commissioner Hekel for his time with T.V. media people.
A lot of time has been spent on the 2009 Budget and has a work copy of the budget for the work session, Friday at 6:00 p.m.
Library has presented their Budget for 2009
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Hatfield made the motion that the City Commission go into executive session to discuss confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties for fifteen minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Williams. Motion carried. At 11:00 a.m., the City Commission Room was cleared with the Chief of Police, City Superintendent and City Clerk/Administrator remaining. At 11:15 a.m. the Mayor called the meeting back into regular session. No decisions were made.
NEW LAKE LEASE LOTS
The City Commission was in agreement to go ahead and describe an area for two lots for Anthony Lake and advertise an auction to be held to sale the rights to Lease the newly described lot areas at the Anthony Lake.
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