07-08-1974 Minutes179
City of Salina, Kansas
Regular Meeting of the Board
of Commissioners
July 8, 1974
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners met in the
Commissioners' Room, City -County Building, on Monday, July 8, 1974, at four
o'clock P.M.
The Mayor asked everyone to stand for the pledge of allegiance to the
Flag and a moment of silent prayer.
There were present:
Mayor W. M. Usher, Chairman presiding
Commissioner Robert C. Caldwell
Commissioner Norma G. Cooper
Commissioner Mike Losik, Jr.
Commissioner Jack Weisgerber
comprising a quorum of the Board, also:
L. 0. Bengtson, City Attorney
Norris D. Olson, City Manager
D. L. Harrison, City Clerk
Absent:
None
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 1, 1974, were approved as
mailed.
STAFF AGENDA
A PUBLIC HEARING was held on the environmental effects of the proposed
Water Treatment Plant Improvements.
Mr. James C. Dowell and Mr. Robert Crawford, of Wilson and Company,
were present.
Mr. Dowell presented the Environmental Assessment of the project and
explained the public hearing is being held as one of the requirements for a grant
application that has been made on behalf of the City of Salina, for a project to
improve the Salina Water Treatment Plant, principally to upgrade the sludge
disposal facilities and to discontinue dumping sludge disposal in the Smoky Hill
River. He also explained that the hearing is to discuss the environmental impact
of the project and also to promote public participation in the project.
"I. Probable Impact of the Project on Environment.
The existing operational mode of the Salina Water Treatment Plant is not
compatible with State and Federal regulations governing water quality. The City
has been ordered by the State to cease the practice of discharging backwash water
calcining plant effluent, and sludge from the desilting basin to the Smoky Hill
River. For this reason, the City is preparing to undertake a project to conform
with applicable regulations.
"The project basically consists of the installation of two basins, a
dewatering building and associated pipelines and appurtenances. One basin would
be used for storage of backwash water. After sufficient time has passed for some
settling to occur, the supernatant from this basin would be pumped to the seconda
settling basin while the settled sludge would be pumped to the calcining facility
180
The second basin would be used to store centrate from the centrifuge in the
calcining plant and settled sludge from the desilting basin. Settling and
thickening would occur in this basin. The sludge collected here would be pumped
to the dewatering building which would house either a centrifuge, vacuum filter
or other dewatering device to separate water from the sludge. The centrate or
filtrate from the dewatering building would be pumped to the secondary settling
basin while the solids would be transported by truck to a landfill area.
Miscellaneous improvements contained in the project include the installation of
a sludge collection mechanism in the desilting basin and the replacement of three
worn sludge pumps located in the pit between the upflow basins.
"Construction of the proposed project will present a positive
environmental impact by eliminating all discharges of sludge and washwater from
the municipal water treatment plant. This will serve to promote water quality
in the Smoky Hill River.
"We have originally taken a look at two potential sites for the project
One site is at the existing water treatment plant and actually within the confine
fenced off in that area. The other site we looked at was across the river in
Oakdale Park. We have done a little research and investigation and we think it
would probably be more feasible to construct the proposed facilities right there
at the plant, principally because it would be handier and also you are not taking
space from the park so these comments are directed toward that.
"The project could present a negative impact on the environment in the
event that the project site is chosen on the east side of the river. This site
is currently part of a city park. While the proposed project will occupy only a
small fraction of the total park area, the project would present an encroachment
on an area reserved for recreational activities.
"II. Any Probable Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot be
Avoided.
One adverse environmental effect which cannot be avoided is related to ultimate
disposal of dewatered sludge. The proposed project provides for hauling of the
sludge to landfill. The sludge will contain compounds such as calcium carbonate,
magnesium hydroxide, and alum, but the bulk of the sludge will be silt settled
from the river water. These substances are relatively inert and it is anticipate
that they will not cause severe ecological problems if disposed in landfill. A
certain amount of land will, however, have to be reserved for this specific
purpose which may prevent it from being used for a more desirable purpose.
"III. Alternates Considered With Evaluation of Each.
One alternative solution was considered although it was not discussed in the
Engineering report. This alternative was to construct a sludge lagoon to store
and dry the waste sludges. Dried sludge would be hauled to landfill by truck.
This solution was, however, found to be unfeasible due to the lack of available
land in the vicinity of the water treatment plant.
"IV. Any Irreversible and Irretrieveable Commitment of Resources.
The project will require the permanent allocation of land sites for the project
itself and for the ultimate disposal of sludge. The sites considered for
construction of the project have been discussed previously. It is anticipated
that the existing sanitary landfill facility can be used for ultimate sludge
disposal. These two land sites will represent the only irretrieveable commitmen
of resources other than the monies, labor, and materials required for design and
construction of the project.
"V. Public Objections to the Project, If Any, and Their Resolution.
The Citizens of Salina have been informed of the project through the local news
media and through this public hearing. To date, no objections to the project
have been voiced; however this hearing is for anyone to voice objections they do
have to the project. Interested persons, of course, have this opportunity.
1
1
L
LJ'
1..81
"VI. Agencies Consulted About the Project.
Various state agencies have had an opportunity to comment on the project through
the State Clearinghouse review. Their remarks are attached to the grant
application which has been submitted. All comments received from these agencies
have been in favor of the project.
"VII. Summary and Conclusions.
The City of Salina is preparing to undertake a project which will enhance the
water quality of the Smoky Hill River. Construction of the project will eliminat
all discharge from the water treatment plant to the river while minimizing
negative environmental effects."
Mr. Dowell said if anyone has a prepared comment to read, they should
be allowed to comment at this time.
There was no response.
Commissioner Cooper said, "If no one else has any questions, I have.
In your report you stated that the first conclusion reached by the engineering
department was that on site sedement basin would be better as opposed to somethin
across the park.
Mr. Dowell replied, "Yes."
Commissioner Cooper asked, "Where on site?"
Mr. Dowell replied, "It is getting a little crowded; however we have
one basin located and there is just enough room to put it in right at the
intersection of South Street and Fourth Street.
Commissioner Cooper asked if that would be East of the building itself?
Mr. Dowell explained, "There is a little area in the yard, just enough
room to build a holding basin. What we would be putting in there is a backwash
water, which would, of course, contain some inerts and things that have fallen of
on the filters. When you go to clean the filters this stuff needs to be caught
before it is discharged into the river. The other basin is a dewatering basin
facility which will be built at the south end of the plant site, which is on the
south side of that very large desilting basin and that is where we will have a
holding tank which will hold calcining centrate as well as sludge from the
desilting basin and sludge from the secondary settling basin and then there will
be a dewatering building right there. The object of these two holding basins
of course is settled by gravity as much of the solids out as you can; then you
run them through a centrafuge or a vacuum filter or some other dewatering device
like this and this further squeezes more water out of the sludge, so you have
less sludge to dispose of, and then you take the centrate from the centrafuge
and filtrate from the vacuum filter and run it back through the secondary
settling basin, consequently you don't waste any water either."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Gravity really does your large percentage
of your project though, doesn't it?"
Mr. Dowell replied, "No, Ma'am."
Commissioner Cooper said, "It does not?"
Mr. Dowell replied, "No, Ma'am, actually you are squeezing the sludge
quite a bit through the centrafuge or the vacuum filter. You probably get quite
a bit of water out of there."
Commissioner Cooper asked, "If the two sites that you are considering
on the present water department ground, if they are going to be adequate for the
amount of residue that will have to receive treatment, will they be adequate say
at least good planning in the future - 10 years down the road?"
184
Mr. Crawford said, "I can't tell you just exactly how much the volume
is, it is not a tremendous amount, but it will occupy some space with the new
landfill operation. I don't anticipate too many problems in space."
Commissioner Losik said, "I might add we have a section of land out
there and we, I think this is a part of the thinking when we purchased that much,
that eventually we would have to designate certain areas to take care of these
special areas, so we have ample land."
Mr. Crawford said, "Incidentally the volume will vary a lot depending
upon how much river water we have to use, or how much well water we have to use
and the condition of the river at the time we are using it; so actually the
volume will vary considerably from time to time."
A LETTER was received from the City Planning Commission recommending
the approval of the Final Plat of White Truck Addition, as requested by Mr. R. J.
Meyer in Petition Number 3426. A motion was made by Commissioner Caldwell,
seconded by Commissioner Losik to accept the recommendation of the City Planning
Commission and approve the Final Plat of White Truck Addition, and authorize the
Mayor to sign. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
A LETTER was received from the City Planning Commission recommending
the denial of the rezoning of Lots 46 - 51 inclusive, Block 6, and Lots 12, 13,
14, 16, 17, 18 and 19, Block 5, Replat of Edgemere Addition from District "A"
(Second Dwelling House District) to District "D" (Local Business District) as
requested by Mr. Gene Addison in Petition Number 3430. A motion was made by
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Losik to accept the recommendation
of the City Planning Commission and deny the petition for rezoning. Ayes: (5).
Nays: (0). Motion carried.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Caldwell, seconded by Commissioner
Losik to introduce an ordinance for first reading relating to non-discrimination
in employment by any head of a department, official agent, or employee of the
City of Salina, establishing procedure by which the intent of the ordinance shall
be implemented, Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
Ordinance Passed: Number:
THE CITY COMMISSIONERS reconsidered a request by Radio Cab Company/
Yellow Taxi for a 15(t per trip increase in taxi fares. (Tabled at the July 1, 19
meeting)
Mr. French was given a copy of the proposed ordinance change which
would eliminate the City setting the cab rates.
A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner
Cooper to introduce an ordinance for first reading providing that the rates of
fare that the taxi cabs must be kept on file with the City Clerk and posted in
all cabs; amending Section 34-68 of the Salina Code and repealing the existing
section.
Commissioner Losik said he wished the news media would give some
publication, so if there are complaints or suggestions from the public that they
get them between now and time for second reading.
Mayor Usher called for a vote on the motion. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0).
Motion carried.
Ordinance Passed: Number:
185
COMMISSION AGENDA
THE MAYOR, with the approval of the City Commission, made the following
appointments:
AMERICAN_ REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
To make the plans and submit an application
to the Kansas Bi -Centennial Commission for its approval and then on to the
National Bi -Centennial Commission for their final approval so that the City of
Salina can become a Bi -Centennial community.
Mrs. Karen Graves
Dr. John Dahlquist
RECREATION COMMISSION
Mr. Stan Nelson appointed for a 4 year term to June 9, 1978
to succeed Mr. Allen Dodge.
PUBLIC AGENDA
A LETTER was received from Mr. Richard Worth, Executive Directof of
the Urban Renewal Agency relating to cash grant-in-aid of $45,000 for the six
month period starting July 1, 1974 and ending December 31, 1974.
Mayor Usher asked, "So it is available then?"
Commissioner Cooper asked, "When did Campus notify the City regarding
their decision to postpone?"
Mr. Olson replied, "I think probably in the neighborhood of 30 days
ago, 45 days or so.
Commissioner Losik said, "Norris, on this figure you say we have
according to Dick's figures we have $33,000 is that what you are indicating we
should use now?"
Mr. Olson replied, "No. In committing the $45,000 balance, the
difference between the $78,000 that Dick gave you and the $33,000 that we have
for credits would leave a balance of $45,000 that we either have to have credits
for or in lieu of cash and unless we can come up with $45,000 worth of credits
between now and the end of December it would have to be cash."
Commissioner Usher added, "If they get started on the project?"
Commissioner Losik said, "But in the mean time you want to use the
$33,000 that we would be deferred from the present?"
Mr. Olson replied, "No, those are credits ...11
Commissioner Losik said, "These are credits that we already have.
I see. Okay."
Commissioner Cooper commented, "Contingent upon the funding, didn't
you say something like that?"
Mr. Worth said, "We
have available in Federal money $236,000 which
would be used to complete the
project in the Central City we have started, to
extend the street improvements
on south on Santa Fe to Walnut. That would
include street widening, relocation
of some fire hydrants, sidewalk improvements.
It would not be acquiring any
property or displacing anybody. In order to
qualify for the $236,000 we need
to have $78,000 in local credits, we have
available $33,000 in credits.
We need an additional $45,000 to make up the
difference. I think Mr. Olson
has some ideas how that might be met."
Mr. Olson replied, "I
Larry Bengtson a couple different
talked with Dick, Dean Boyer, Don Harrison and
of
times. It would be our recommendation
that if you approve this request
that you do so with a stipulation, 'if and when
the money is needed'. I think
our recommendation also would be that the $45,000
be committed from our present
Urban Renewal street improvement fund. I mention
this on the basis that we have
not yet initiated any work in the Northeast
Industrial area, and that the
recent decision by Campus Company to defer any
positive act on their part for
at least 6 months to a year."
Mayor Usher asked, "So it is available then?"
Commissioner Cooper asked, "When did Campus notify the City regarding
their decision to postpone?"
Mr. Olson replied, "I think probably in the neighborhood of 30 days
ago, 45 days or so.
Commissioner Losik said, "Norris, on this figure you say we have
according to Dick's figures we have $33,000 is that what you are indicating we
should use now?"
Mr. Olson replied, "No. In committing the $45,000 balance, the
difference between the $78,000 that Dick gave you and the $33,000 that we have
for credits would leave a balance of $45,000 that we either have to have credits
for or in lieu of cash and unless we can come up with $45,000 worth of credits
between now and the end of December it would have to be cash."
Commissioner Usher added, "If they get started on the project?"
Commissioner Losik said, "But in the mean time you want to use the
$33,000 that we would be deferred from the present?"
Mr. Olson replied, "No, those are credits ...11
Commissioner Losik said, "These are credits that we already have.
I see. Okay."
Commissioner Cooper commented, "Contingent upon the funding, didn't
you say something like that?"
186
Commissioner Losik said, "What we are doing is we are telling them that
we are going to obligate ourselves for a total of $78,000..."
Mr. Olson added, "If and when they are needed. If we could scare up
these credits between now and Christmas we wouldn't have to come up with the cash
if we don't we definitely would have to come up with the cash in order to have a
project."
ODmmissioner Losik said, "And we couldn't use Revenue Sharing because
we can't use it for matching, we could use it for release money, but we couldn't
use it for this, so we would have to come up with somehwere else."
Commissioner Weisgerber asked, "Has it been determined yet exactly
what would be done with this money?"
Mr. Olson said, "The project, as I understand it, Dick and you can
either explain it or keep me honest."
Mr. Worth said, "I'll keep you honest 'till you get dishonest."
Mr. Olson said, This is what is called for in the amendatory applicatio
that was filed 30 days ago, plus or minus; as I understand it the project include
the widening of Santa Fe, it includes the underground installation of utilities,
the moving of fire hydrants. Basically these are the major items of the project.
Commissioner Weisgerber commented, "We have talked a lot of time in the
Mr. Boyer, the City Engineer, said, "Basically, travelwise you will
have four 12' lanes plus the parking lane."
Commissioner Cooper asked, "Where is it coming from?"
Mr. Boyer replied, "The sidewalks go down to 8-3/4 feet."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "Well I may be talking off the top of my
head here, but to me it sounds like a lot more important and a lot more practical
thing to use this money on storm sewers than it is to widen Santa Fe, which
doesn't seem to me to be a too bad a situation as it is."
Mr. Boyer replied, "I don't think our storm sewers are bad in the
area we are talking about. It was combined in this downtown area and I don't
think we have any left here to separate right now."
Commissione Weisgerber said, "Oh yes."
Mr. Boyer said, "Is there more down at the south end?"
Mr. Olson said,"Oh I think you have got them all the way down to
Walnut, Dean. You have already separated about half of the 100 block of North
Santa Fe. "
Mr. Boyer said, "I had Mr. Bassett check it and he didn't think there
was anything left that needed to be done in this confined area."
Mr. Olson said, "You mean along Santa Fe."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Well the 100 block North, is what you are
talking about, right?"
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "I may be talking on the spur of the
moment, but it seems to me there are ways this money could be used down there a
lot better than widening Santa Fe."
Mr. Boyer said, "Well I think, of course, one of the things you have
to think of is they are going to do a portion of Santa Fe anyway, and instead of
stopping in the middle of this would give us a chance to end up through an
intersection."
past about the need
to separate sanitary and storm
sewers down town and we have
talked about using
that money for this project. I
mean, if we would get this
money using it for
that particular thing, and getting
utilities underground, mayb
I am wrong. There
was talk of changing the type of
parking but I didn't think
in our last talk we
were talking about widening the
street. How much wider?
What are we talking
about on this?"
Mr. Olson
replied, "6 feet or so on each
side of the street, I believe.
Mr. Boyer, the City Engineer, said, "Basically, travelwise you will
have four 12' lanes plus the parking lane."
Commissioner Cooper asked, "Where is it coming from?"
Mr. Boyer replied, "The sidewalks go down to 8-3/4 feet."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "Well I may be talking off the top of my
head here, but to me it sounds like a lot more important and a lot more practical
thing to use this money on storm sewers than it is to widen Santa Fe, which
doesn't seem to me to be a too bad a situation as it is."
Mr. Boyer replied, "I don't think our storm sewers are bad in the
area we are talking about. It was combined in this downtown area and I don't
think we have any left here to separate right now."
Commissione Weisgerber said, "Oh yes."
Mr. Boyer said, "Is there more down at the south end?"
Mr. Olson said,"Oh I think you have got them all the way down to
Walnut, Dean. You have already separated about half of the 100 block of North
Santa Fe. "
Mr. Boyer said, "I had Mr. Bassett check it and he didn't think there
was anything left that needed to be done in this confined area."
Mr. Olson said, "You mean along Santa Fe."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Well the 100 block North, is what you are
talking about, right?"
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "I may be talking on the spur of the
moment, but it seems to me there are ways this money could be used down there a
lot better than widening Santa Fe."
Mr. Boyer said, "Well I think, of course, one of the things you have
to think of is they are going to do a portion of Santa Fe anyway, and instead of
stopping in the middle of this would give us a chance to end up through an
intersection."
18*1
Commissioner Cooper said, "When you say you are going to do Santa Fe,
what do you mean by 'do'?"
Mr. Boyer said, "We are going to do a portion of this widening under
the present contract."
Mayor Usher said, "It is already let."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Okay."
Mr. Boyer said, "This concept was presented in the original plan on the
f i rst project."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "They are also talking about changing
the curb line and making a, what shall I say, jutting?"
Commissioner Cooper said, "Sawtooth. That is what I was going to ask
if this had any bearing on this Ash Street sawtooth parking?"
Mr. Olson replied, "The sawtooth has been eliminated."
Commissioner Losik said, "I am glad to hear that."
Mr. Boyer said, "I think the project is about the same, except it
will not be sawtooth curb parking."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "I know that was eliminated because of
the difficulty of cleaning the street and this sort of thing. Well, somewhere
then I missed this change."
Mr. Boyer said, "Basically this is the same street widening concept as
we had with the sawtooth."
Commissioner Cooper asked, "Dean, what kind of appearance is this going
to have if you are going to do this in the 100 block north and not the 100 block
south?"
Mr. Boyer replied, "The 100 Block South will be done."
Commissioner Cooper replied, "Oh, okay."
Mayor Usher said, "They are going to Walnut."
Mr. Boyer said, "This is why we were going to do in the second project.
In the first project we are going to do 2 a block, almost, and then stop right
there."
Mayor Usher asked, "You are going to take 4 feet off of each side of
the street?"
Mr. Boyer replied, "I think it will probably be at least 4 feet.
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "What do you hope to gain doing that,
really? What is going to be the advantage?"
Mr. Boyer said, "You won't lose anything. The thing you will gain
will be safer traffic on Santa Fe."
Commissioner Cooper asked how hazardous is it at the present time?
Commissioner Weisgerber commented, "I don't see it."
Mr. Boyer replied, "It is pretty hazardous. If you get two full sized
cars going side by side, the inside car is always holding back because they
think there is a bumper sticking out too far and sometimes they are."
Commissioner Weisgerber commented, "You have to move all the parking
meters."
Commissioner Losik commented, "That is progress, Jack."
Commissioner Cooper said, "If you don't, you are losing out."
188
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "Well, if Santa Fe were a really narrow
street, I could see the point of it, but it just doesn't seem that there is that
much traffic down town to justify needing to widen Santa Fe. If we had stayed
with that old original super block concept and a lot of the things that were to
go on in that north 100 block, that tied in in an entirely different way."
Mr. Boyer said, "Well I think the question that keeps turning in my
mind is what about this project that is already approved? This concept has
already been approved and started."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "Well somewhere along the line most of
the talk that we had both when we were down at Kansas City sometime ago, they
were talking about additional funds and we have talked here, has involved not
so much on the streets as it has on getting the storm sewers and the sanitary
sewers separated. Somewhere I had the idea that if we could get extra money,
a lot of that would be used for this particular purpose, and that it was somethin
that certainly needed to be done. If they aren't separated and there is a lot
of pressure again on this environmental thing to get that separation made, the
money would be better spent for that then it would on widening Santa Fe. It seem
to me."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Staff said most of it was taken care of in
that two block area, right?"
Mr. Boyer said, "I would check to make certain of this."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "I don't think this is the information
we have had, and it certainly isn't in the south block surely, where you are
going to go and widen. I think you have separate storm and sanitary sewers
there. Am I wrong in this Norris?"
Mayor Usher asked, "How soon do you have to know about this, Dick?"
Mr. Worth replied, "We are in that six month period now. So if we need
to delay, it probably should be delayed one week and a definite consideration
made next week."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "Alright Dick, is this money, if we
put up this $45,000 either in cash or in services, is your application such,
and the grant that is being made to you from HUD such that the money has to be
spent for the widening or could it be varied if some study would be made and it
seemed there would be another more practical way to spend the money than widening
Santa Fe or are you committed?"
Mr. Worth replied, "It would have to be spent in that immediate
area, but it could be switched from one item to another."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "Well I certainly think that would
bear some study before we just blank go along and widen that street."
Commissioner Losik said, "Jack, I'll go along with that. I'd suggest
we table it until next week and have staff come up to make sure they are or
aren't separated."
Commissioner Cooper said, "We don't need to table it if there is that
flexibility within the application. You can go ahead and approve it, then if
you find you can more or less ear mark this money if approved and forthcoming
for that purpose. If you find out that your sewers and your utilities are in
good shape in the 100 block south and the 100 block north, then you are going
to have to spend the money, right? There is some rule that says you have to
spend the money."
Mr. Boyer said, "You have the flexibility for which side of the street
you want to spend it on, that can be decided after."
Commissioner Losik said, "For some reason, that isn't the way it ends
up. I would recommend that we table it, get this information, make the decision.
Dick said that one week isn't going to hurt, because what will happen, we approve
it today, a week will go by and the first thing you know a month will go by and
none of this will be resolved, and the next thing you know the bulldozers are
widening Santa Fe."
189
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "I don't object to putting up the
$45,000, but we certainly want to be sure that the money, both ours and the
Federal Government's, is being spent to the best advantageous manner, and that
is what I am questioning."
Commissioner Losik said, "Sure, I think so too."
Mr. Worth said, "There is a lot of pressure and some explaining to do."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "I don't object to going ahead and
approving the $45,000, but I think this City Commission certainly should have a
say somewhere along the line as to how that money is going to be spent and be
sure we are in agreement on where it is going to go."
Mr. Olson said, "The law specifically provides this, there will be no
project unless you approve the plans."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "Well, I think on that basis ..."
Mr. Olson said, "You approved the plans of the Ash Street and going
south 200 feet, widening Santa Fe."
Commissioner Losik said, ''Alright, but what are we asking for now?
In addition to that an amendment to it, with an additional $45,000 to be
obligated."
Mr. Olson said, "Until you approve those plans you will not have a
project."
Commissioner Losik said, "Alright, but in the mean time, as I say,
this one week is not going to hurt. Now gentlemen, I think that the time has
come when we ask staff here for some information as to whether storm sewers
are or aren't separated, we can't get that information. I think we should
have it. Now if it just takes a minute to do it.."
Mr. Olson said, "I'll do it now."
Commissioner Losik said, "Nobody seems to know, but here we are
blanketing, putting out this money, approving this thing on a .. think so basis."
Mayor Usher said, "We haven't committed ourselves at all."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "I think we could approve the grant then
ride herd on what we are going to do with the money later. Dick, this thing
is a lot different you see now than what we originally did, because when we
originally did this we were going on the at least probable assumption that there
would be continuing Federal funds available and that that whole north block
would be completed, but you got cut off in the middle. You didn't get your
properties bought at the south end of the block all the different things that
you had intended to go through with. That changes the whole concept of that
block and it changes the concept of the way the money ought to be spent. It is
really useless to widen the north half of the block now. It might not have been
had other funds been available, and had these other things worked in, but it
changes the whole thing. Is this not correct?"
Commissioner Losik said, "Well I'll move that we
table it
and get
this information submitted to us for next week to make the
decision
on it, 'cause
Dick says one week isn't going to hurt him, then this would
clearer for us."
make it
a little bit
Mr. Worth said, "I can certainly appreciate your
viewpoint.
There is
pressure on us to get the application in, but one week, I think
they
would go
along."
Commissioner Losik said, "Sure, I think so too."
Mr. Worth said, "There is a lot of pressure and some explaining to do."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "I don't object to going ahead and
approving the $45,000, but I think this City Commission certainly should have a
say somewhere along the line as to how that money is going to be spent and be
sure we are in agreement on where it is going to go."
Mr. Olson said, "The law specifically provides this, there will be no
project unless you approve the plans."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "Well, I think on that basis ..."
Mr. Olson said, "You approved the plans of the Ash Street and going
south 200 feet, widening Santa Fe."
Commissioner Losik said, ''Alright, but what are we asking for now?
In addition to that an amendment to it, with an additional $45,000 to be
obligated."
Mr. Olson said, "Until you approve those plans you will not have a
project."
Commissioner Losik said, "Alright, but in the mean time, as I say,
this one week is not going to hurt. Now gentlemen, I think that the time has
come when we ask staff here for some information as to whether storm sewers
are or aren't separated, we can't get that information. I think we should
have it. Now if it just takes a minute to do it.."
Mr. Olson said, "I'll do it now."
Commissioner Losik said, "Nobody seems to know, but here we are
blanketing, putting out this money, approving this thing on a .. think so basis."
Mayor Usher said, "We haven't committed ourselves at all."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "I think we could approve the grant then
ride herd on what we are going to do with the money later. Dick, this thing
is a lot different you see now than what we originally did, because when we
originally did this we were going on the at least probable assumption that there
would be continuing Federal funds available and that that whole north block
would be completed, but you got cut off in the middle. You didn't get your
properties bought at the south end of the block all the different things that
you had intended to go through with. That changes the whole concept of that
block and it changes the concept of the way the money ought to be spent. It is
really useless to widen the north half of the block now. It might not have been
had other funds been available, and had these other things worked in, but it
changes the whole thing. Is this not correct?"
190
Mr. Worth replied, "Well I certainly agree there. Of course you do
know we have taken bids for this work in the north half of the block. We haven't
accepted them due to the fact they are over our engineer's estimate and of course
I relied on the city staff in their statement that the storm sewers in the rest
of these two blocks were separated. 1 am as surprised as anyone to find out they
might not be. Whether they are or whether they aren't, but there is one thing,
if we are doing something to dress the north half of that block up if it is
possible it would be nice to do something that would dress the balance of Santa
Fe so that we won't have one area that looks real nice and the other look a
little bit drab."
Mayor Usher said, "Of course, I think also the concept - the First
National would be constructing a building and using the other lot there for
parking, wouldn't make any difference if you widened that street, because they
could design it so that it really wouldn't have any effect on the rest of the
block. I think this is one of the reasons I was kind of - probably in the mood
to accept that, but now when you start talking about going clear on down to the
other end of the block, I don't know."
Commissioner Caldwell said, "I don't think we would be wrong in going
ahead and approving this."
Mayor Usher said, "I don't either."
Commissioner Caldwell said, "I think if the storm sewers are there or
they are not there, we have to do this within the second week from now or we
won't get the grant. I think we are just delaying it, and that is what has
happened in the past. We have delayed things and then we didn't get the grant.
I realize that tableing it would give us information, but even next week we would
still have to approve the program, regardless of if there are storm sewers there
or not."
Mayor Usher said, "I think that is right."
Commissioner Weisgerber said, "Well, we need to get that money, and
we need to use it well, so I see no objections to really going ahead and getting
a grant in aid, but let's check this thing through and ..."
Commissioner Losik said, "Jack, I agree with you 100%, and in the past
what happened is we say we are going to do these things, but they never get done,
and we go with the original request that was submitted to us, and then we say
well you people approved this months back, so this is why we are doing it,
and there is no delay on this fora week, it might be well worth the time to
take this week and discuss it and look it over."
Commissioner Losik said, "I have had a lot of understandings on a
verbal basis that we found in the fine print wasn't there, and this has happened
in the past, and it will happen in the future."
Commissioner Caldwell said, "If we found out that the sewers aren't
the way you say they are, what will we do about the grant?"
Commissioner Losik said, "Well Bob, I think what Jack brought up is
one of the important things. I think there is no question that we will do it,
but I think at this point we should stipulate that we would want it considered
more for that point than we would just for the standpoing of just widening the
street. I think there is nothing wrong with having that as a priority in here.
In this short period of time we have started on this project, it has changed,
the concept has changed, so what we are saying is to try to throw a priority
on it on a current basis, and if the time when the money is finally getting to
us and ready to break down if the situation is such that this would not be the
most and highest priority, it can be changed, but let's identify it, because
we are in effect committing ourselves for $45,000."
Commissioner Cooper said, "I know, but it is my understanding that
we have this kind of latitude."
Commissioner Losik said, "I have had a lot of understandings on a
verbal basis that we found in the fine print wasn't there, and this has happened
in the past, and it will happen in the future."
191
Commissioner Cooper said, "So what we are talking about then is basical y
a program funded for traffic purposes, aesthetic purposes and this kind of thing,
right?"
Commissioner Losik added, "and the utilities."
CrnmissionerWeisgerber said, "In other words, I should have been
listening to Dean Boyer instead of to you?"
Mr. Olson said, "I wish you hadn't said that because it hurt."
Commissioner Losik said, "I think it is a nicer, more secure feeling
that we are all human, but on the other hand we are sure now, so I am glad of
that."
Mr. Olson said, "I have labored under a misconception prior to Mr.
Boyer's coming to work for the City, so I have 3 or 4 years of appologizing.""
Commissioner Cooper commented, "Well, see that is just one less
problem that you have."
Commissioner Caldwell said, "We had a motion."
Mayor Usher said, "It died for lack of a second."
Commissioner Losik asked, "Well, did you make the motion?"
Commissioner Caldwell said, "No, I didn't make the motion, you made
the motion to table, but it didn't get a second."
Commissioner Losik said, "Well, at this point, now that the sewers
are there, we are back to the original deal and the fact that Dick did confirm
that there is this flexibility and will be, then I'll make the motion we
approve this."
Commissioner Caldwell seconded the motion. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0).
Motion carried.
Commissioner Caldwell said, "I would like to comment here, we were
referring to this Campus company. I thought we had an agreement with them.
(laughter)
Commissioner Losik said, "Excuse me, Bob, I am not laughing at you,
everybody seems to chuckle about it."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Campus brings out the humor in everyone."
Commissioner Cooper said, "It is going to be in the record that the
flexibility
is built in on this application, right? That you may go ahead and
use this
for utility purposes, storm sewers, sanitary, whatever, or some other
kinds of
improvement program in that area. That is going to be in the record
because we
have talked about it here today, is that not correct, Mr. Worth?"
Mr. Olson returned to the room.
have been
Mr. Olson said, "I'll have to speak, because Mr. Boyer is correct. I
laboring
under a misconception for two years that there was nothing
closer to
Santa Fe and Iron that needed separating than 8th street, but the
closest one to this project is 8th street, which would not qualify, so they are
separated
in the downtown area, even the 7th Street alley coming north."
Commissioner Cooper said, "So what we are talking about then is basical y
a program funded for traffic purposes, aesthetic purposes and this kind of thing,
right?"
Commissioner Losik added, "and the utilities."
CrnmissionerWeisgerber said, "In other words, I should have been
listening to Dean Boyer instead of to you?"
Mr. Olson said, "I wish you hadn't said that because it hurt."
Commissioner Losik said, "I think it is a nicer, more secure feeling
that we are all human, but on the other hand we are sure now, so I am glad of
that."
Mr. Olson said, "I have labored under a misconception prior to Mr.
Boyer's coming to work for the City, so I have 3 or 4 years of appologizing.""
Commissioner Cooper commented, "Well, see that is just one less
problem that you have."
Commissioner Caldwell said, "We had a motion."
Mayor Usher said, "It died for lack of a second."
Commissioner Losik asked, "Well, did you make the motion?"
Commissioner Caldwell said, "No, I didn't make the motion, you made
the motion to table, but it didn't get a second."
Commissioner Losik said, "Well, at this point, now that the sewers
are there, we are back to the original deal and the fact that Dick did confirm
that there is this flexibility and will be, then I'll make the motion we
approve this."
Commissioner Caldwell seconded the motion. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0).
Motion carried.
Commissioner Caldwell said, "I would like to comment here, we were
referring to this Campus company. I thought we had an agreement with them.
(laughter)
Commissioner Losik said, "Excuse me, Bob, I am not laughing at you,
everybody seems to chuckle about it."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Campus brings out the humor in everyone."
192
Commissioner Caldwell said, "I was under the impression that they were
there for a period of time and then negotiate with the City for this Urban Renewa
Project. It seems like the City in some way or the Chamber od commerce, whoever
is in charge of that would limit a lease agreement with Campus company and order
them to conform because they will probably continue using that building as a
manufacturing plant as far as I am concerned. I understood in the beginning it
was a training program that was going on, and each time they continue this, that
they are not going - they haven't made a commitment to the City about this
project in the Northeast Industrial area. I feel like we should limit them in
their lease agreement so they could conform to the program, because they are
just using the City. I think. Now, maybe I am wrong. I feel that we do want
them to train the people, but they are not doing anything about the project."
Commissioner Cooper said, We don't have anything to do with the lease
agreement, all we have to do with ..."
Mayor Usher said, "They have got a least and at that time, when it
comes up they will have to negotiate, but until then I think they are bound by
the lease."
Commissioner Losik said, "I think we are also, but on the other hand
too, I believe they were interested in Industrial Revenue Bonds, too which the
City is approving, and I agree with Bob, I think this thing has drug on and on
and I think it is time to bring it to a head as quickly as we can legally do it,
'cause in fact even though they are not using high horse power machinery and so
forth out there, they are in fact manufacturing in an area that is not designed
for manufacturing."
Commissioner Cooper said, "I know, but everyone was informed of that,
and knew about now where do you get the idea that - they haven't submitted a
request for Industrial Revenue Bonds, have they?"
Commissioner Losik said, "I believe that will be forthcoming ... when
they start getting ready to negotiate."
Commissioner Cooper said, "That wasn't my inquiry. They have not,
as of this point."
Mr. Bengtson said, "You passed a resolution of intent."
Commissioner Cooper asked, "For Campus?"
Commissioner Losik said, "We did, that is right, you betcha.
We wanted them to pay the going price of the land for the use of Industrial
Revenue Bonds, and they said no we are not interested, we never use those, so
then they turn right around and come back at us with that. That is right. And
I think that the City can take a view - a stand on that to see if they are
going to do it, if not withdraw that."
Mayor Usher asked, "When is their option up, Dick?"
Mr. Worth said, "Our option with them is uncertain. We have their
deposit, which we are retaining. I sent them registered letters about 10 days
ago telling them that they had said they would close with us something like
June 4th. They have made no effort yet to do so. I got the receipt back from
the letters, but no answer, yet."
Commissioner Caldwell said, "I don't want to complain and lose the
project, but I feel they should be better committed than what they are saying."
Commissioner Losik said, "Bob, I agree with you cause you can't lose
something you don't have, and we don't have it yet."
Mayor Usher said, "They have 80 people employed out there."
193
Commissioner Losik said, "I know it, but then on the other hand it was
supposed to be a training school and that is not what they are doing."
Commissioner Cooper said, "As long as they can get by with this, I
agree with Bob, they are going to."
Mayor Usher said, "When their lease comes up for renewal, they are goin
to have to negotiate something different."
Commissioner Losik said, "We have bent over backwards because we
are subsidizing them even on that lease, payment on that building, through the
contingency that the revenue money we are giving them, so the City is paying
for something they are not getting."
Commissioner Caldwell commented, "Well at least I will say they are
employing 80 people that we didn't have before."
Commissioner Losik said, 111'11 agree, Bob, but the things we are
looking for are the big things too."
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Caldwell, seconded by Commissioner
Losik that the Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners be adjourned.
Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
D. L. Harrison, City Clerk
11