08-14-1972 MinutesCity of Salina, Kansas
Commissioners' Meeting
August 14, 1972
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners met in the Commissioners' Room,
City -County Building, on Monday, August 14, 1972, 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 Jack Weisgerber, Chairman presiding
Commissioner Leon L. Ashton
Commissioner Robert C. Caldwell
Commissioner Norma G. Cooper
Commissioner Mike Losik, Jr.
comprising a quorum of the Board, also
Ron Barta, Assistant City Attorney
Norris D. Olson, City Manager
M. E. Abbott, Acting City Clerk
Absent:
L. 0. Bengtson, City Attorney
D. L. Harrison, City Clerk
The Minutes of the Special Meeting of August 7, 1972, were approved as mailed.
Mayor Weisgerber said he would like to make one comment about the matter of the
Javelin Corporation, which was discussed at the end of the August 7th meeting. He said,
"The unusual thing is that there are two Javelin Corporations, although the name is a
little unusual. The Javelin Corporation, of which Mr. Brown spoke, is the Canadian
Javelin and is interested in mining. It is a mining operation. It has nothing to do
with the United States Javelin which has to do with tires."
STAFF AGENDA
BIDS WERE RECEIVED for Engineering Project 72-550, for 3/4" Machine Laid Seal.
Brown and Brown, Inc., Salina, Kansas $26,900.00
Aubel Asphalt, Inc., Hays, Kansas 28,890.00
Engineer's Estimate 28,520.00
A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Losik to award the
contract to Brown and Brown, Inc., as the low bidder, in the amount of $28,900.00, subject
to the Engineering Department approval. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
AN ORDINANCE was introduced for second reading entitled: "AN ORDINANCE making
a levy of taxes for General Revenue and other purposes by the City of Salina, Kansas,
for the year 1972."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Last year this Commission voted unanimously to approve
the 1972 budget. At that time we said all the right things. It was good, efficient,
practical, but we would review different areas before it went into effect and reduce
unnecessary spending where we could. This was tried, beginning with the City Commission
travels through the Director of Safety position, until we ran out of year. Specific
proposals, all denied. This year we tried a general reduction before approval and were
told you can't just cut, you must be specific. Regardless of proposals or how they are
made, we always find reasons for budgeting in excess of our needs and spending in excess
on unbudgeted or unneeded items. These are the facts as I see them. What I am about
to add is guesswork, and I'll eat my humble pie if I am wrong. I think it is likely that
past City Commissions have unanimously approved all proposed budgets year in and year out,
saying they are good, practical, best interest of the community. Whatever their explanation,
they believed and agreed with it. These same budgets were never too high, never too low,
they were always just right to the penny. That is a remarkable record and I have learned
something from this experience and I hope others have also, and maybe it will give future
Commissioners something to think about when making their budget decisions."
A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Caldwell to
adopt the ordinance as read.
Commissioner Losik said, "Mr. Mayor, before we vote, I'Il not add anything more
to what has been said regarding the method of approving the budget, but I think all that
has been said is very true, and I think we still have yet and I hope someday to see this
Commission or another Commission make an honest attempt to save the taxpayers some dollars."
The Mayor called for a vote on the motion to adopt the ordinance as read:
Ayes: Ashton, Caldwell (2). Nays: Cooper, Losik (2). Mayor Weisgerber voted Aye. Carried.
The Mayor approved the ordinance and it is numbered 8236. The ordinance was introduced for
first reading August 7, 1972.
AN ORDINANCE was introduced for second reading entitled: "AN ORDINANCE levying
special assessments against certain lots and pieces of property to pay the cost of cutting
weeds on certain lots and parts of lots and the parkways abutting thereon in the City of
Salina, Kansas. A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Losik
to adopt the ordinance as read and the following vote was had: Ayes: Ashton, Caldwell,
Cooper, Losik, Weisgerber (5). Nays: (0). Carried. The Mayor approved the ordinance
and it is numbered 8237. The ordinance was introduced for first reading August 7, 1972.
AN ORDINANCE was introduced for second reading entitled; "AN ORDINANCE levying
special assessments against certain lots and pieces of property to pay the cost of abatement
of nuisances, located on certain lots in the City of Salina, Kansas." A motion was made by
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Ashton to adopt the ordinance as read and the
following vote was had: Ayes: Ashton, Caldwell, Cooper, Losik, Weisgerber (5). Nays: (0).
Carried. The Mayor approved the ordinance and it is numbered 8238. The ordinance was
introduced for first reading August 7, 1972.
A REQUEST was received from Eugene Addison for the purchase of the properties
located at 831 and 837 Birch Drive.
A motion was made by Commissioner Losik to refer this request to the Planning -
Department and the Engineering Department for their recommendation as to whether this
land has any use to the City, such as easements, etc., and if it is recommended to be
made available for sale, that it be placed on the bid basis.
Mayor Weisgerber commented that it has to be on the bid basis.- He asked if it
has been checked out as to whether it would be practical to put these I.ots up for sale?
Mr. Olson showed the Commissioners the map of the area which the Salina City
Planning Commission recommended as the development plan for the area. He added that if
this plan is to be adopted as the development plan for the area, these lots would be of
no value for park purposes.
change?
Commissioner Losik asked if there has been a change, or if there is an anticipated
Mr. Olson said this development plan is what they recommended.
Commissioner Losik said, "We might have them reconfirm it. If we get their
comments it will be an updated decision or evaluation."
Commissioner Ashton commented, "When we sold the old City Hall, this money went
back to General Operating. There still is one house over there on Crawford Street that was
considered in the entrance portion of this park. Is there any way we can negotiate some
kind of a contract to exchange this so that we do not have to take taxpayers money to acquire
this one piece of land here?"
Mr. Olson said, "Yes, if this party would be agreeable. We, on staff, have not
pursued this. You are now discussing the transfer of real estate. I don't know if you
want to do that."
Commissioner Ashton seconded the motion. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
THE COMMISSIONERS considered an amended agreement relating to the creation of
the Metropolitan Planning Commission.
Mr. Olson explained that the first page was corrected to read: "Amended Agreement",
and "this agreement made this 28th day of February, 1972 and amended August 14, 1972", the
rest reads the same. He explained that the agreement should be resigned today. He also
explained that the recommended changes in Paragraphs 39, 67 and 92 have been made, and
that the County Commissioners will consider the agreement tomorrow. He added that he
has visited with them, and they have no objections whatsoever.
Mayor Weisgerber said, "We don't want to put the ordinance on second reading
until they have made their formal motion."
Mr. Olson commented that the ordinance should not be adopted until the agreement
has been signed by the County.
Commissioner Losik moved that the records should reflect that they have approved
these changes and forwarded the agreement to the County Commissioners for their approval
and signatures. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cooper. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0).
Motion carried.
COMMISSION AGENDA
Mayor Weisgerber announced that an item has been added to the Commission Agenda
by the consent of all the Commissioners. He explainedlthat there was a meeting of the
Citizens' Advisory Committee on Friday Evening, dealing specifically with the drug problem,
and that Commissioner Cooper was there and that she would like to give a little report.
Commissioner Cooper said, "A very brief report. Last Friday I did attend a
specially called meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee. The purpose of the meeting was
to inform the Citizens Advisory Committee on the Youth Crisis Center program, but there was
not enough attendance at that meeting for a quorum and no action could be taken. I believe
parents in the City, members of the Citizens Advisory Committee should be interested enough
in this organization to find out for themselves why this service is being offered. One way
to do this is to personally visit the center and talk with the director. Whether this
Youth Crisis Center succeeds or fails depends on people knowing the facts first hand, but
I would urge attendance on the part of the Citizens Advisory Committee at the next meeting
dealing with this problem, and for people in this community interested to investigate the
program."
Commissioner Caldwell said, "I visited the group last Tuesday. This was for the
Salina Community Relations group. At that time he had data there on what they are doing,
and I thought they were trying to do too much. They have 2 or 3 advisors to cover all the
things they are trying to do. To me, they are trying to cover quite a bit with the limited
amount of people they have. The Community Relation Commission suggested they might approach
the Governor's Committee on Criminal Administration, to see if they could get funds. At
that particular time they seemed to think they didn't want to go through all that red tape
in securing funds. I believe Mrs. Wilson is now pursuing it. Again I think they are trying
to cover too many items."
Commissioner Losik commented that this actually is what they are trying to say,
that the people ought to look into the program. He said maybe they are taking on too much.
With all of us digging into the problem, surely a very logical, realistic answer can be
found.
Commissioner Caldwell added that there is some controversy about the program,
"If they get a grant from this particular committee, they are going to have to have a
going program in order to receive funds. Just applying doesn't give them the funds; they
have to have a workable program, and just what they are going to do about it."
Commissioner Cooper commented, "I am sure they must realize that even if they
submit the application, there is a time lag between the time the application goes in and
the time when they might anticipate some funding. They are going to have to recruit local
resources. I think there have been organizations and individuals, civic groups, etc.
that have offered their services in the past, and I think they will in the future too."
Commissioner Losik said he would like to add a little comment. "There are
mixed feelings on this thing, all the way through. This Youth Crisis Center is not only
for drugs but for numerous things that happen to youngsters; emotional and runaways, etc.
I am not discussing here whether there is a need or not, but I am asking and encouraging
people of the Community, and especially the members of the Citizens Advisory Committee to
find out for themselves. Go over there and visit the place. It is in the 100 block of
East Claflin, right next to the church. See for yourselves, check with your neighbors,
find out if there is a need, and then if there is a need, base it on the facts that you
have found, not just some emotional state that you were in at the time you said yes, we've
got to do something and do it desperately. This thing is very controversial, and whether
there is a need or isn't a need depends on the people of this community. I am not taking
a stand either way, I am just pleading, asking for people to look into it. I personally
made a visit over there last week and I would encourage other people to visit it, and then
make your decision based on facts."
Commissioner Caldwell said, "I visited the group last Tuesday. This was for the
Salina Community Relations group. At that time he had data there on what they are doing,
and I thought they were trying to do too much. They have 2 or 3 advisors to cover all the
things they are trying to do. To me, they are trying to cover quite a bit with the limited
amount of people they have. The Community Relation Commission suggested they might approach
the Governor's Committee on Criminal Administration, to see if they could get funds. At
that particular time they seemed to think they didn't want to go through all that red tape
in securing funds. I believe Mrs. Wilson is now pursuing it. Again I think they are trying
to cover too many items."
Commissioner Losik commented that this actually is what they are trying to say,
that the people ought to look into the program. He said maybe they are taking on too much.
With all of us digging into the problem, surely a very logical, realistic answer can be
found.
Commissioner Caldwell added that there is some controversy about the program,
"If they get a grant from this particular committee, they are going to have to have a
going program in order to receive funds. Just applying doesn't give them the funds; they
have to have a workable program, and just what they are going to do about it."
Commissioner Cooper commented, "I am sure they must realize that even if they
submit the application, there is a time lag between the time the application goes in and
the time when they might anticipate some funding. They are going to have to recruit local
resources. I think there have been organizations and individuals, civic groups, etc.
that have offered their services in the past, and I think they will in the future too."
194
Commissioner Ashton said, "It takes more money to get a program started. There
is a time element to get funds available before they have had to start the program, but
the need was there before they had any program set up. Any program that was started will
be trial and error. Some methods work and some don't, and each time they find these errors
they correct them and they move forward a little bit further. I am hoping they can find
more citizens and sufficient funds to carry on the job they are doing. As Bob said, they
are in every phase, mental, runaways, and everything. It is a large program and they can
help a lot of our youth, if they can get enough money and the proper coordination of people
to break it down and pursue each program that comes before them."
PUBLIC AGENDA
A REQUEST was received from R. L. Armstrong, County Election Officer, that the
west precinct line of Precinct 18 be changed to include the Trinity Hall building and
parking lot in order to provide a better voting place for the electors of Precinct 18.
A motion was made by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Losik to introduce an
ordinance for first reading making the necessary change in the boundary of Precinct 18 to
include the Trinity Hall building and parking lot. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
Ordinance Passed:—i z Number:
PETITION NUMBER 3271 was filed by Presley Builders, Inc., for curb, gutter, and
paving, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water throughout Parkwood Village Addition to the
City of Salina, Kansas. A motion was made by Commissioner Losik to refer the petition to
the City Engineer for a recommendation and to determine if it comes under the jurisdiction
of Resolution Number 3113. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cooper. Ayes: (5).
Nays: (0). Motion carried.
PETITION NUMBER 3272 was filed by Ray M. Shivers, Director of public relations,
Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, for the approval of the Replat of the North 200 feet of Union
Cemetery Addition. A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner
Cooper to refer the petition to the Salina City Planning Commission for study. Ayes: (5).
Nays: (0). Motion carried.
A CEREAL MALT BEVERAGE LICENSE APPLICATION was filed by D'Estel Nesbitt, d/b/a
Surf and Turf Restaurant, 1501 North Ninth Street. The Acting ..City Clerk reported that the
applicant has paid the necessary fee, has been approved by the Zoning Officer, and the
Police Department, and requests the application be approved pending the final approval of
the Health Department. A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner
Ashton to approve the license, pending the final approval of the Health Department, and
to instruct the City Clerk to issue the license at that time. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0).
Motion carried.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Losik that the
Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners be adjourned. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion
carried.
M. E. Abbott, Acting City Clerk