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08-19-1974 Minutes224 City of Salina, Kansas Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners August 19, 1974 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners met in the Commissioners' Room, City -County Building, on Monday, August 19, 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 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: Commissioner Mike Losik, Jr. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 12, 1974, were approved as printed. STAFF AGENDA A PUBLIC HEARING was held on the 1975 Proposed Budget of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds. There were many interested taxpayers present. Mr. Robert Schimoler asked, "The question I have does not deal with any specific area of the proposed budget it's a question as to how the budget is proposed. How is it possible for any concerned citizen or group of citizens to make known to the Commission how one might suggest certain areas for Revenue Sharing, before it becomes final. Is there any procedure for citizen input?" Mayor Usher replied, "Of course, this is what we are doing right now, Sir. We have always discussed the use of Revenue Sharing money at Commissio Meetings, and also we've gone through the exercise of trying to determine some of the uses for it, not always with the public present, but while the news media has been present, of course, and hopefully were getting it out to the public. If you have some areas you are interested in, why you have the option to come before the Commission or contact any of the Commissioners or express your interest to the City Manager." Mayor Usher asked, "Does anyone else have any questions?" Sister Maureen Kelley replied, "It seems to me that, however, as far as the actual allocations that the money from Revenue Sharing, there is very little knowledge as far as the general public is concerned as to how the determination of allocations, and I think the use, of the actual use those funds and to see if the people in the greatest need very often have no input." Sister Maureen had for an example, the spending of $275,000. on parks, that in examin- ing those parks, they do not exist in the North or poor area of town. Sister Maureen then cited some figures on Park improvements and repairs. 225 Mr. James Briscoe wished to say about Revenue Sharing, "That a copy of each Planned Use Report and Actual Use Report must be published in a local Newspaper having wide spread circulation. In addition, receipent governments must inform the local news media, including minority and bilingual media, that the reports have been published and that information is available to the public that will support and explain the data submitted on these reports. Was this done?" He stated the BACOS Newspaper "The Black Word Is" had not received any- thing on the publications. Mayor Usher explained that the news media covers the meetings each week and perhaps someone from BACOS could be here. Commissioner Cooper stated that maybe we could be discussing the communication gap and that the public have not received the type notice they should have received, but also that interested persons could and should get their proposals in to the Commissioners concerning Revenue Sharing monies. Also if they thought they had not received word of public hearings that they go ahead and submit their proposals. Commissioner Caldwell stated that during the last month they have just been notified that they must hold a public hearing, concerning Revenue Sharing. Commissioner Weisgerber clarified for Sister Maureen that all Cities are in Revenue Sharing, but operate on a budget. Possible, Revenue Sharing was given to Cities for people in the social field, disadvantaged or needy, but our cost have risen over the years and we have had to use Revenue Sharing funds to maintain our services. There are also funds still available for use and we are asking for suggestions as to how these can be used. Sister Dianne replied, "I would like to voice something I do not under- stand but I have heard it here today and from individual commissioners before also and that is we don't know what your needs are and I just want to know if you have studied CRP, Community Renewal Program, that was done in 1972? That is a very good program that outlines block by block the priority neighborhoods for what needs to be done, and I think that as government officials you are really shirking your obligations by putting the responsibility totally on the people. You have a responsibility also to come forward. It has been done for you; and an original comment about the minority newspaper. Again, I thought you were doing that saying that this gentlemen should be here to get the reports. The law does not say the newsmen should come to the meeting, but you should publish them in the paper, so I simply don't know why people are always saying about ignorance in the people of Salina. This is really my comment and I just do not understand it and that the needs are really outlined." Commissioner Cooper explained that they are not totally unaware. But that it is a two-way street for those who have other proposals and suggestions they welcome and encourage them. Commissioner Weisgerber replied at this point that Revenue Sharing funds were not designated for long-term expenditures because we may not have these funds after this 5 -year period. What you have to do is a one-shot expen- diture, so to speak. Sister Jean Sweat expressed her concern related to the problem of the Revenue Sharing Law. Studies are being made and findings are thatthe poor and needy are not being helped as they should be and that Salina could lose greatly. She asked just what the City Commissioners' concerns were, and what they planned to do about this? Commissioners Weisberger and Usher both commented that the spending so far of Revenue Sharing were within the law and in order to maintain the services that all were enjoying in this Community we have had to go to Revenue Sharing funds. Mr. Ernest Dill mentioned a need in North Salina, The Martin Luther Kin Day Care Center. "I have discovered that they are doing beautiful work up there and they have some beautiful people working with the children up there who are, at least 90% from poor families, welfare families, whose mothers are attempting to work and help support them. Here would be an area where just a few thousand 22() dollars we could invest in the interest of some of our children and perhaps give them a better chance to get started. Quite frankly, the people who are operating that Center are professional and know just exactly what they are doing. Here is one area I think, that the City, with a very few thousand dollars would perfor a very worthwhile service to the City of Salina. I think it much more important than providing the bike trail or playground in other parts of the City." Commissioner Weisgerber pointed out to Mr. Dill that some of the social programs could be supported by other organizations and also through private donations. But, when you are a tax supported organization you have to consider the whole community and the services of the whole community and its needs. Mayor Usher commented, "We certainly wish that you had some specific program, rather than to come down here and be critical of the Commission and the way we handled Revenue Sharing. I would appreciate the fact that you would have come down here with your criticism, but with suggestions, how we could have done it better." He then suggested to Mr. Dill to have a proposal drawn up and the Commission would be glad to have a look at it. Mr. Ben Sellers, Jr. commented that he thought more direction was needed from the City Commission to various City Departments instead of putting the burden on the people. Commissioner Cooper stated that he was partially right. But requests from people who use services and wish allocations were received and considered. Mayor Usher stated, "That the Staff was accessable and the Commissioners are accessable. From the meeting here today and between the exchanges here, we see that you have concerns and if you let us know what those specific concerns are we would be glad to consider them. When people don't let u know we can only make the best judgement we're capable of doing." A motion was made by Commissioner Weisgerber and seconded by Commissioner Caldwell to approve the amended Budget of Revenue Sharing for 1975. The following vote was had: Ayes: Caldwell, Cooper, Weisgerber and Usher (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. A RESOLUTION was introduced and passed entitled: "A RESOLUTION authorizing and ordering certain paving and grading improvements, ordering pre- paration of plans and specifications, and the estimate of costs. (Crawford Street paving and grading) Mayor Usher then noted that there were several interested people in the audience, that were concerned about this, and if they had something new on the matter, to present it at this time. Mr. Phil Martin presented the Commissioners with the question, "Might their be funds from outside sources? Was there any investigation on that?" Dean Boyer, City Engineer replied, "Yes, Mr. Martin, I have discussed this with the County Commission and they have some funds that they have not spent yet, that are to be used sometime between now and June 30, 1976, but whether they will give up any priority for those funds, they want to review their own program f i rst." Mr. Martin requested and received permission to hand out to the Commission and also interested persons in the audience, material concerning the Federal -Aid Highway Act of 1973. Commissioner Caldwell informed Mr. Martin that the Commission had the information on his street and how it would be done. Mr. Martin understood that, "But perhaps there was an easier way, a way that tax dollars could be saved." Newton, Kansas, was cited as an example, where Federal Funds were applied for and that Salina was also eligible to apply. Mr. Dill, at this time, suggested that the Commission and those involved, look into the mater of applying for these Federal Funds. 2V Mr. Boyer was questioned as to whether he was familar with the program and he was. Mr. Boyer had been in contact with Mr. Kent and Mr. W. H. Ogan, Engineer of Urban Highway in Topeka, as late as this spring. He was informed at that time that these funds were to be available only for Safety Studies. Discussion followed as to going ahead on Crawford and finding out if funds were available from the Federal—Aid Highway Act of 1973. A motion was made by Commissioner Weisgerber, seconded by Commissioner Caldwell to go ahead and pass the resolution and check further to see if funds were available. The resolution was passed. Ayes: Caldwell, Cooper, Weisgerber, and Usher (4). Nays: (0). The Mayor approved the resolution and it is numbered 3197. AN ORDINANCE was introduced for first reading entitled: "AN ORDINANCE prohibiting discrimination in employment by any employer, labor organization, employment agency or school; establishing procedure by which the intent of the ordinance shall be implemented." Commissioner Caldwell made a motion that the ordinance be placed on first reading, seconded by Commissioner Weisgerber. The Mayor approved the ordinance be placed on first reading and the following vote was had: Ayes: Caldwell, Cooper, Weisgerber and Usher (4). Nays: (0). Carried. Ordinance Passed: Number: COMMISSION AGENDA THE MAYOR with the approval of the Board of Commissioners, made the following appointments: Board of Plumbing and Gas Fitters Examiners Robert K. Parker, Journeyman Plumber, reappointed for a 2 year term to May I, 1976. Building Code Advisory Board Richard Robertson, Plumbing Contractor, for a 3 year term to June I, 1977. Don Ogborn, Building Contractor, reappointed for a 3 year term to June I, 1977. Paul Wearing, Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor, reappointed to 3 year term to June I, 1977. Milt Roth, Structual Engineer, appointed for a 3 year term to June I, 1977, to succeed Kenneth White. Board of Plumbing Appeals William Lucas, Master Plumber, reappointed for a 2 year term to June 24 1976. Clarence Holm, Jr., Master Plumber, reappointed for a 2 year term to June 24, 1976. Glen Robertson, Journeyman Plumber, reappointed for a 2 year term to June 24, 1976. James Gile, Journeyman Plumber, appointed for 2 year term to June 24, 1976, to succeed Ray Snead. James M. Hall, III, Professional Engineer, appointed for 2 year term to June 24, 1976, to succeed Jim Baker. Housing Authority of the City of Salina Oliver Green, appointed to September II, 1975, to replace L. M. Srack. Tom Markley, appointed to September ll, 1976, to replace Gene Yockers. 228 The Mayor announced that in September they will have one opening on the Housing Authority and two openings on the Housing Advisory and Appeals Board. If somebody in the community, has a burning desire to serve, please let them know about it and they would sure like to consider it. 1 1 PETITION NUMBER 3445 was filed by James D. Nelson, for the construction of recessed parking on 1805 South Ohio. A motion was made by Commissioner Weisgerber and seconded by Commissioner Caldwell to refer the petition to Engineering. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. A REQUEST was received from Richard L. Worth, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, for the adoption of a resolution approving application of the provisions of Section 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, to locality. A motion was made by Commissioner Caldwell, seconded by Commissioner Weisgerber that the request be approved. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. A MOTION was made by Commissioner Caldwell, seconded by Commissioner Weisgerber that the Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners be adjourned. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. 'L L.G �if�'••- �� D. L. Harrison, City Clerk PUBLIC AGENDA PETITION NUMBER 3444 was filed by Wayne E. Weeks, 505 South Santa Fe, for the rezoning of Lot 2, Block I, Replat of Beebe's 2nd Addition from District "C" (_Apartment District) to District "D" (Local Business District). A motion was made by Commissioner Caldwell, seconded by Commissioner Weisgerber to refer the petition to the City Planning Commission. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. 1 1 PETITION NUMBER 3445 was filed by James D. Nelson, for the construction of recessed parking on 1805 South Ohio. A motion was made by Commissioner Weisgerber and seconded by Commissioner Caldwell to refer the petition to Engineering. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. A REQUEST was received from Richard L. Worth, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, for the adoption of a resolution approving application of the provisions of Section 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, to locality. A motion was made by Commissioner Caldwell, seconded by Commissioner Weisgerber that the request be approved. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. A MOTION was made by Commissioner Caldwell, seconded by Commissioner Weisgerber that the Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners be adjourned. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. 'L L.G �if�'••- �� D. L. Harrison, City Clerk