09-17-1973 Minutes1-46"
City of Salina, Kansas
Regular Meeting of the Board of
Commissioners
September 17, 1973
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners met in the Commissioners' Room,
City -County Building, on Monday, September 17, 1973, 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 Robert C. Caldwell
Commissioner Norma G. Cooper
Commissioner Mike Losik, Jr.
Commissioner W. M. Usher
comprising a quorum of the Board, also:
L. 0. Bengtson, City Attorney
Norris D. Olson, City Manager
D. L. Harrison, City Clerk
Absent:
None
Mayor Weisgerber called for the approval of the minutes of September 10, 1973.
Commissioner Cooper commented, "There was considerable discussion last week on
the unit billing for refuse service. Staff left me with the impression that the reason
for the blanket charge was because they are unable to enforce and bill multi -family
dwellings for these services provided."
The City Manager explained there were administrative problems which were
experienced by the department, and that it cost more to administer the program the other
way, than the revenue it derived."
Commissioner Cooper said, "What I am saying is, the reason I supported the three
dollar charge, was based on your recommendations for billing and enforcing, and there wasn't
any explanation in the minutes to this effect, and I would like for some mention to be made
in the record showing that staff did recommend the blanket charge based on - primarily
billing and enforcement practices or whatever. I would like the record to reflect that if
it could, please."
After some discussion, Commissioner Losik moved to clarify the minutes by stating
that the basis for the method being used is because of enforcement and administration.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cooper.
The Mayor called for a vote on the motion. Ayes: Cooper, Losik, Caldwell, Usher
(4). Nays: (0). Mayor Weisgerber abstained.
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 10, 1973 were approved as corrected.
THE MAYOR PROCLAIMED, Saturday, September 22, 1973 - "SALINA HUNTING AND FISHING
DAY". The proclamation was read by Mr. Roger Dearing, Member of the Board of Directors
of the Salina Rod and Gun Club.
STAFF AGENDA
AN ORDINANCE was introduced for second reading entitled: "AN ORDINANCE ratifying
and confirming a contract with Smoky Hill, Inc., for the construction of certain
improvements in the City of Salina, Kansas, and providing for the issuance of temporary
notes to pay the cost thereof, pending the issuance and sale of bonds." (Engineering
Project 73-560 - Community Theatre Site Improvements) A motion was made by Commissioner
Usher, seconded by Commissioner Caldwell to adopt the ordinance as read and the following
vote was had: Ayes: Caldwell, Cooper, Losik, Usher, Weisgerber (5). Nays: (0). Carried.
The Mayor approved the ordinance and it is numbered 8304. The ordinance was introduced
for first reading September 10, 1973.
AN ORDINANCE was introduced for second reading entitled: "AN ORDINANCE
establishing service charges for City refuse collection service within the City of Salina,
Kansas; amending Section 31-17 and repealing the existing section." A motion was made by
Commissioner Usher, seconded by Commissioner Caldwell to adopt the ordinance as read.
Commissioner Losik said, "Before we vote on it, there are a couple of questions
I would like to ask. How long have we been operating under this set up? That is the first
question, and the second question is, I would like to have explained to me, the portion of
this change that reads, 'charges for partial months service shall be at the rate of 10(t per
day, provided the minimum fee for starting and stopping service for any period less than one
month shall be three dollars." I would like to know what that is."
The City Clerk reported the sanitation collection fees were started in 1960, and
the ordinance was changed in 1966 to the present method of administration.
The City Manager reported the quoted portion of the ordinance is to eliminate
a person who will call in and want to get on the service, and then as soon as the pick up
is made, will call back and want off the service.
Mayor Weisgerber commented, "The way I interpreted it, you pay at least $3.00
for that first month, but if you are on for at least a month and a half, or a year, then
a half a month, you are pro rated at 10d a day on the tail end of a service if you happen
to cancel in the middle, but certainly for less than one month's service, you are going
to have to pay for at least one month."
Commissioner Losik said, "Well, I know we have a motion and a second to this, but
it seems to me that 7 years have passed and again I would like to make the statement that
everything changes, and in 7 years, if we can't take and look at this and at least survey
it and see just what an impact this would have on us, on a current day basis, then I think
we are missing the boat here because we are updating our billing methods, we have bought a
computer to assist in that. We have spent money. We are going into a new operation. I
would think this would be the proper time to look at this and evaluate it, and see if it
should be left as it is or if it should be changed; because I don't think there would be
that much involved in the survey."
Commissioner Cooper asked what he wanted in the survey. "Single units versus
multi -family units?"
Commissioner Losik replied, "Right, to see how many of them are there. How many
are metered and whether they are being charged because there is definitely, and Bill
mentioned it last week, the people who pick this trash up are aware they are picking up
trash from people who are not being billed. Now if they are aware of this, then why aren't
we doing something about it?"
Mayor Weisgerber commented, "Well, I think he pretty well explained that last week."
The following vote was had on the motion to adopt the ordinance as read: Ayes:
Caldwell, Cooper, Usher, Weisgerber (4). Nays: Losik (1). Carried. The Mayor approved
the ordinance and it is numbered 8305. The ordinance was introduced for first reading
September 10, 1973.
AN ORDINANCE was introduced for second reading entitled: "AN ORDINANCE
establishing a solid waste disposal area for the City of Salina, Kansas, providing for
the adoption of rules and regulations therefor; and establishing a service fee to be
charged for the use thereof." A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by
Commissioner Usher to adopt the ordinance as read and the following vote was had: Ayes:
Caldwell, Cooper, Losik, Usher, Weisgerber (5). Nays: (0). Carried. The Mayor approved
the ordinance and it is numbered 8306. The ordinance was introduced for first reading
September 10, 1973.
A RESOLUTION was introduced and passed entitled: "A RESOLUTION establishing the
service fees to be charged for the use of the solid waste disposal area." A motion was
made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Usher to adopt the Resolution as
read and the following vote was had: Ayes: Caldwell, Cooper, Losik, Usher, Weisgerber (5).
Nays: (0). Carried. The Mayor approved the Resolution and it is numbered 3161.
THE CITY CLERK reported on Petition Numbers 3345 and 3348, which were filed by
Margaret N. Friebus for the denial of Petition Number 3321, filed by Gerald Knowles
requesting rezoning from District "A" (Agricultural District) to District "DD" (Office
District). The City Clerk reported that, according to K.S.A. 12-708, the protest petition
represents 9.1% of the area. The Commissioners took no action on the report.
Commissioner Losik said, "I would like to ask a couple of questions. Now the map
indicates the protest limits. Part of this property is in the city limits and part of it
is not. Also, what is the basis for determining the 200 foot limit? Is it property line
to property line? Is it brick to brick? Or what was the basis for this?"
14
The City Manager replied, "it is K.S.A. 12-709, and it says, '.. by the owners of
20% of the total area excepting public streets and ways, located within or without the
corporate limits of the city and located within 200 feet of the boundaries of the property
proposed to be rezoned, the ordinance adopting such amendment shall not be passed except
by at least 3/4 vote of all the members of the council or board of commissioners'. Now
that is in the event that you have what is defined as a legal protest petition, representing
20% or more of the real property proposed to be rezoned, or by the owners of 20% of the land
within the 200 foot limit, as I read."
THE CITY COMMISSIONERS reconsidered Petition Numbers 3320 and 3321, which were
filed by Gerald Knowles for annexation and rezoning of an approximate 4 acre tract of land
in Section 19-14-2. (East of Ohio Street and South of the Church of the Nazarene) (Tabled
by the City Commissioners on August 27, 1973)
Mr. Gerald Knowles was present and reviewed the action on the petitions to date.
He said, "Dr. Jerry Mathis has purchased this on a contract from me, subject to rezoning.
This did come before the Metropolitan Planning Commission. At the Planning Commission
meeting, it was voted, it was sent to you folks by a 5 to 1 vote. I have thought about
this a lot of times since last week, and I don't have too much to say, except we do have
two petitions before this right now. One is that we petitioned to be annexed into the City
and the other one is for rezoning. I really feel like the opposition here has been a little
bit uncalled for because I felt like I was doing the people of the area a favor. I feel
like this would be certainly a tribute to that particular area, with these single doctor
office buildings. Now to further this a little more, if they will look over there right
now; three years ago I planted grass in that area. I could have let it grow to weeds like
it was previously. The kids could have played over there. I told some of their children
that they could play over there in the grass, I didn't care. I really feel it is kind of a
hard nosed type of thing that has been put on here, when I have been trying to get along.
Now, I talked to the church today, and the reason I brought up_these two petitions, I
really, if you want to be honest about it, I really don't care if this property sells at all,
because I just feel like I am doing a favor to have something like this to be put in the
City. Now I'll tell you one of the reasons why I don't care. I sold it last May. The
contract calls for 7% interest. Now I can make 10% on the same, right now; so consequently,
if it does not go through, it is zoned agricultural. It is in the County; and I'II treat
it just as agricultural land. It won't be a residence. It will be agricultural land and
I will put in that area the thing that will make me the most money in that concentrated
area."
Mr. George Etherington was present, and spoke highly of the Knowles family, and
said he feels it behooves the city to go along with the Planning Commission's recommendation.
Mayor Weisgerber commented, "There is no tie between this (rezoning) and the
suggested auto plaza. If we give him this zone, nothing of a commercial nature can go on
that position. Mr. Knowles mentioned leaving this ground zoned agricultural. It is out
of the jurisdiction of the City. Agricultural zone does include some rather unpleasant
things, such as feed lots, hogs, livestock of all kinds. The courts uphold these to be an
agricultural operation."
Mr. Jim Torrey, -1016 East Ellsworth, was present again, protesting the annexation
and rezoning of the property. He said, "Let's not enter any more annexations to the city by
an acre here and ten acres there. Let's annex this land, this whole area; but before we
annex it let's consider what the new unit plan or unit plan development considers this area
to be, and then we can go from there."
Mayor Weisgerber commented, "I do notice that the church is not making a protest
to this, and fairly speaking, medical clinics are acceptable in residential areas, as far
as planning consultants are concerned."
Commissioner Usher moved to accept the recommendation of the Metropolitan Planning
Commission regarding Petition Numbers 3320 and 3321.
The motion died for the lack of a second.
Commissioner Losik moved, "That we do not approve the recommendation of the
Planning Commission and that we uphold the protest petition that has been submitted to us."
Mayor Weisgerber said, "The motion isn't according to correct legal procedure.
The motion has to be that we return this to the Planning Commission with our precise reasons
for turning it down."
Commissioner Losik said, "I so move Mr. Mayor, and the reason being that I would
like to have the full planning commission to review this, since at the time it was brought
up it was on a 5 to 1 vote. It wasn't a complete body, from the standpoint of full
membership in the Commission and the chairman and the vice chairman were not present."
The motion died for the lack of a second.
Commissioner Cooper said, "I do believe that if the highest and best use for that
ground out there is going to be commercial, we can always zone it. It can always be zoned
commercial next week, next month, the first of the year; but if the highest and best use
of that ground is supposed to remain residential, then we cannot undo that."
Commissioner Usher said, "And yet your Metropolitan Planning Commission has
already recommended that this is the best use for it."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Well I am going to recommend that the petition,
because the law requires it, and that is the only reason, go back to the Metropolitan
Planning Commission for re-evaluation and study on the basis that I think the people out
in that area were more or less verbally assured that that part of the community would retain
its residential character."
Commissioner Losik said, "I'll second that."
Mayor Weisgerber called for a vote on the motion. Ayes: Caldwell, Cooper, Losik
(3). Nays: Usher, Weisgerber (2). Motion carried.
Commissioner Caldwell commented, "I guess I'd better state the reason why I voted
against it. I know for the last few years I have been on the Commission we have had these
things come up to the Commission. Some fellow goes out and makes a sale with a firm
knowing well and good that at that particular time it hast been zoned for that, or in this
case it is not even in the city. He makes a lot of transactions with the person and as I
heard it mentioned last week that the money involved in the situation; but to me, I think
what the city should come up with and before a transaction like this could be made that it
be known between the two parties that it will be a possibility of this being rezoned for
that purpose and not get yourself too involved before it happens, this is my only reason
for it, maybe that isn't even logic, but now personally, I don't know what else is going
to go across that, probably but the doctor's office, maybe there are going to be homes,
but - maybe I am impeading progress, but I just haven't seen where you could continue to
say you are -having a thing rezoned and go on and make transactions with the person before
it actually happens. This is my only basis for it, and I want you to know that."
Commissioner Losik said, "I can support your view all the way, Bob."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Okay, we will try a different kind of a motion. I
think Mike's was a good one, if it has to go beck to Planning, but the reason I would like
to see it go back to planning, and I would like to read into the record some comments that
were made by the City Commission and by the Planning Commission at the time that improvements
were made to Ohio Street. This is taken from the Salina Journal, by the way. 'Ohio Street
will not become another by-pass, the City Commissioners decreed Tuesday. The Commission
classified the new route to Southeast Salina as a boulevard, banning heavy traffic and
forbidding parking on four lanes south Ohio and connecting Belmont. The Commission approved
a recommendation of the City Planning Department in the matter. We don't want the traffic -
way to become another 81 By-pass, Mayor Carl Ramsey said. If we take this action now,
Mayor Ramsey said, perhaps we can discourage the development of the street as a commercial
and industrial area.' Now I do not know whether South Ohio Street should or should not be
commercial. I do know that I get the strong feeling from this account that the people out
there in that area were more or less assured that when the improvements to Ohio from just
a plain residential street were made that they wanted the improvements made for reasons of
traffic flow and not to commercialize the area. If we are going to commercialize South Ohio
Street on a piecemeal basis I think this is an unfair act to proceed with for the people who
have made investments out there believing it to be a good residential area. If the new land
use plans and studies shows that Ohio Street, in the highest and best use for Ohio Street
should be commercial, then I think we could probably, would be required to reconsider it,
but at the present time, I believe the people have been told that this area out there will
maintain the integrity of a residential area and not be commercialized. I think we are
abusing this trust when we try to zone it commercially on a piecemeal basis, and I would
like to see the Planning Commission reconsider it and hold it residential unless the new
land use studies suggest that the highest and best use for this property is commercial. We
can always zone it commercial. If we do it now, and the land use indicates that the highest
and best purpose for this ground is residential, then we cannot undo it."
Commissioner Usher commented, "Well, I don't think it is commercial, and I think
what you are doing is confusing the issue. I think your reason for sending it back has got
more logic than Mike's has. Now would'a beauty shop be commercial?"
Commissioner Cooper replied, "In a residential area, apparently not because it
is a permitted use. It does not change the character and the integrity of the residential
area."
"So is building a use."
Mayor Weisgerber commented, a medical permitted
Commissioner Usher said, "I really don't see the difference of a beauty shop
in a residential area than a medical building in a residential area."
Commissioner Cooper said, "I do believe that if the highest and best use for that
ground out there is going to be commercial, we can always zone it. It can always be zoned
commercial next week, next month, the first of the year; but if the highest and best use
of that ground is supposed to remain residential, then we cannot undo that."
Commissioner Usher said, "And yet your Metropolitan Planning Commission has
already recommended that this is the best use for it."
Commissioner Cooper said, "Well I am going to recommend that the petition,
because the law requires it, and that is the only reason, go back to the Metropolitan
Planning Commission for re-evaluation and study on the basis that I think the people out
in that area were more or less verbally assured that that part of the community would retain
its residential character."
Commissioner Losik said, "I'll second that."
Mayor Weisgerber called for a vote on the motion. Ayes: Caldwell, Cooper, Losik
(3). Nays: Usher, Weisgerber (2). Motion carried.
Commissioner Caldwell commented, "I guess I'd better state the reason why I voted
against it. I know for the last few years I have been on the Commission we have had these
things come up to the Commission. Some fellow goes out and makes a sale with a firm
knowing well and good that at that particular time it hast been zoned for that, or in this
case it is not even in the city. He makes a lot of transactions with the person and as I
heard it mentioned last week that the money involved in the situation; but to me, I think
what the city should come up with and before a transaction like this could be made that it
be known between the two parties that it will be a possibility of this being rezoned for
that purpose and not get yourself too involved before it happens, this is my only reason
for it, maybe that isn't even logic, but now personally, I don't know what else is going
to go across that, probably but the doctor's office, maybe there are going to be homes,
but - maybe I am impeading progress, but I just haven't seen where you could continue to
say you are -having a thing rezoned and go on and make transactions with the person before
it actually happens. This is my only basis for it, and I want you to know that."
Commissioner Losik said, "I can support your view all the way, Bob."
THE CITY CLERK reported that the assessment rolls are ready for the following
improvements, to -wit:
Engineering Project 72-552 - Sanitary sewer facilities to serve
Lots 2, 3, 4, and 5, Brown and Brown Addition to the
City of Salina, Saline County, Kansas.
Sanitary sewer facilities to serve a tract of land in
the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of
Section Thirty-five (35), Township Fourteen (14) South,
Range Three (3) West of the Sixth Principal Meridian,
in the City of Salina, Saline County, Kansas.
as authorized by Resolution Number 3132, passed by the Board of Commissioners
on the 6th day of November, 1972. The assessments have been determined and
the final costs have been filed by the City Engineer.
A motion was made by Commissioner Caldwell, seconded by Commissioner Losik to
instruct the City Clerk to publish Notice in the official city newspaper at least once not
less than ten days prior to the date of October 15,.1973, the date set for the hearing on
said assessments, and that at the same time notice is published, to mail to the owners of
property made liable to pay the assessments, at their last known post office address, a
notice of the hearing and a statement of the cost proposed to be assessed against the land
so owned and assessed. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
THE CITY ENGINEER reported on Petition Number 3341, which was filed by Lewis
Kollhoff for the construction of sidewalks on the north side of Wayne Avenue from Roach
Street west to the existing sidewalk and from Norton Street east to the existing sidewalk,
that the petition was signed by property owners who are in the immediate vicinity but are
not adjacent to the requested improvements; however, the petition is valid under Kansas
Statute 12-1803. "Petition: When a petition signed by not less than twenty-five citizens
owning real estate in a precinct or ward of a city of the first class, praying for the
construction of a sidewalk or sidewalks in such precinct or ward is filed with the City
Clerk, the governing body may, in its discretion, by Resolution, order such sidewalk or
sidewalks constructed." The Engineering Department recommended the sidewalk improvements
be constructed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Losik to
accept the recommendation of the City Engineer and order the improvements, and to introduce
a Resolution for first reading determining necessity of and directing that the owner or
owners of certain lots construct, in compliance with plans and specifications of the City
Engineer, a sidewalk abutting said lots within 45 days of the adoption and publication of
this resolution. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
Resolution Passed: Jeyil��w1�, M, 1q?3 Number:
THE CITY ENGINEER reported on a request from Leon Ashton for recessed parking on
the north side of Illinois Street from Hancock Street to the alley east; that the right-of-
way on Illinois Street is 60 feet and the paved section of the street is 32 feet face to
face of curb.
"If vehicles were allowed to park as proposed, they would be parked across the
space normally reserved for a public sidewalk. The proposed sidewalk along the south side
of the building should not be considered as a public sidewalk unless the ground is dedicated
to the public for that purpose.
"The Salina Code, Section 32-130 (4), states that no permits shall be issued for
recessed parking area which shall abut any street, the improved portion of which is less
than Forty (40) feet in width, measured between curb facings, without the approval of at
least four-fifths (4/5) vote of the Board of Commissioners.
"In the event the City Commission favors approval of this recessed parking, this
office would recommend the following conditions:
(a) The South Fifteen (15) feet of Lot 9, Block 4, Southern Heights
Addition should be dedicated to the City of Salina.
(b) The sidewalk should be seven (7) feet in width and constructed _
six (6) inches above the parking area grade. This will provide a
bumper curb for the vehicles and maintain a five (5) foot sidewalk
for pedestrian traffic.
(c) The parking stalls should be painted and the angle of parking should
be between 600 and 750.
A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Cooper to
approve the request for recessed parking spaces, with the stipulations recommended by the
City Engineer. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Usher to set
the date of October 29, 1973, as the date to receive bids for the painting of the water
towers at Belmont Boulevard and Magnolia Road, and in Sunset Park, and to instruct the
City Clerk to publish the notice to bidders in the official city newspaper. Ayes: (5).
Nays: (0). Motion carried.
COMMISSION AGENDA
"DISCUSS AND ARRIVE AT A DECISION AS TO WHAT ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN CONCERNING
SALARIES OF CITY COMMISSIONERS." (Sponsored by Commissioner Losik)
Commissioner Losik said, "Jack, I would like to, the reason I brought this up
was not to see whether we should or .. should get a raise, but because it is a piece of
unfinished business, and since it was originally your suggestion, recommendation and a
basis for it, I would like to ask you to review that so that we could come up with a vote
of some sort and finalize it one way or another."
Mayor Weisgerber said, "I am not ready to come up with a vote on it yet. This
was suggested back at budget meeting time and came about as a result of having been to the
Mayor's Convention in San Francisco, and talk with people in like positions from other
states and from around the Country. Nearly everyone, where this subject came up in several
points, were amazed that commissioners in Salina were not paid at least some sort of token
payment. However, a small amount of money doesn't mean a lot one way or the other, to any
one of us individually. I am not really ready to bring this up because if a person does
this, I think they need good solid background of facts of which they are sure before they
would be in a position of pushing it. It may be that it should be and it may well be that
it shouldn't. I hesitate too, because I am involved in it myself. I thought what we
should at least present is some sort of report on what the other cities in Kansas are doing
as compared somewhat with us in size, and method of operation, where there is a city manager
who actually sees to the operation of the government, but I would also like and I am in the
process of trying to acquire a little information as to what states in this general area do.
It is possible that the feeling that I got at this convention could be entirely wrong. I
also do understand that quite a number of more cities in Kansas are beginning to accept this
policy; but again, I don't have the actual proof of it; so at this time, I am not ready to
say or suggest anything, one way or the other until we have more good background information
on which to act. Now if somebody else cares to go ahead, that is fine. I would prefer to
get a good solid information of which we are sure and as to what is being done and why it is
being done, and how some of the questions that come up about a thing like this are normally
answered, and I really don't have this yet."
Commissioner Losik commented, "We have a directory of all of the cities in the
State of Kansas, and I believe they show what the governing body's are."
Mayor Weisgerber replied, "In some cases this is true. I have looked through
that and some are listed and some are not. I think I am going to have some information
available on that about the middle of October, perhaps."
Commissioner Cooper commented, "Well, in just kind of scanning through the
Directory of Kansas Officials, I gathered that most comparable types of communities really
don't pay their elected officials where they have a city manager -commission form of
government. So I don't think, and of course I probably hold a different view than other
commissioners on this, but I don't think the decision that we have to make is whether we
get $1,200 or $1,500 a year type a salary. I think you either consider it as a volunteer
type of job or you consider it a paying type of job and I don't consider $1,200 either
volunteer or pay; so if the commission is going to give any kind of consideration at all
to the fact that this city's elected officials should receive a salary I think it should
be a salary or it should be purely a volunteer job, and I think it should be something that
would be considered and discussed in an election year. If you say you want to be responsive
to the people about it, I don't think you wait until following an election then decide to
discuss salaries, and possibly implement them before the next election. I think there is
probably a more direct way of doing that, and I think if you want to consider pay, then it
should be done in an election year. I don't, quite frankly, feel that your level of
government would be that much improved, quite frankly, but then that is only my opinion."
(d) Salina Code - Section 32-155 (1),
recessed parking area, except
states that no portion of a
the curb return shall be constructed
within 25
feet of a corner if
the vehicles moving in the direction
of traffic
flow on the side of
the street on which the driveway
approach
is to be situated are
required to stop for a stop light or
stop sign
at such corner, and
within 20 feet of any other corner.
"This will provide
nine (9) recessed parking spaces."
A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Cooper to
approve the request for recessed parking spaces, with the stipulations recommended by the
City Engineer. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Usher to set
the date of October 29, 1973, as the date to receive bids for the painting of the water
towers at Belmont Boulevard and Magnolia Road, and in Sunset Park, and to instruct the
City Clerk to publish the notice to bidders in the official city newspaper. Ayes: (5).
Nays: (0). Motion carried.
COMMISSION AGENDA
"DISCUSS AND ARRIVE AT A DECISION AS TO WHAT ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN CONCERNING
SALARIES OF CITY COMMISSIONERS." (Sponsored by Commissioner Losik)
Commissioner Losik said, "Jack, I would like to, the reason I brought this up
was not to see whether we should or .. should get a raise, but because it is a piece of
unfinished business, and since it was originally your suggestion, recommendation and a
basis for it, I would like to ask you to review that so that we could come up with a vote
of some sort and finalize it one way or another."
Mayor Weisgerber said, "I am not ready to come up with a vote on it yet. This
was suggested back at budget meeting time and came about as a result of having been to the
Mayor's Convention in San Francisco, and talk with people in like positions from other
states and from around the Country. Nearly everyone, where this subject came up in several
points, were amazed that commissioners in Salina were not paid at least some sort of token
payment. However, a small amount of money doesn't mean a lot one way or the other, to any
one of us individually. I am not really ready to bring this up because if a person does
this, I think they need good solid background of facts of which they are sure before they
would be in a position of pushing it. It may be that it should be and it may well be that
it shouldn't. I hesitate too, because I am involved in it myself. I thought what we
should at least present is some sort of report on what the other cities in Kansas are doing
as compared somewhat with us in size, and method of operation, where there is a city manager
who actually sees to the operation of the government, but I would also like and I am in the
process of trying to acquire a little information as to what states in this general area do.
It is possible that the feeling that I got at this convention could be entirely wrong. I
also do understand that quite a number of more cities in Kansas are beginning to accept this
policy; but again, I don't have the actual proof of it; so at this time, I am not ready to
say or suggest anything, one way or the other until we have more good background information
on which to act. Now if somebody else cares to go ahead, that is fine. I would prefer to
get a good solid information of which we are sure and as to what is being done and why it is
being done, and how some of the questions that come up about a thing like this are normally
answered, and I really don't have this yet."
Commissioner Losik commented, "We have a directory of all of the cities in the
State of Kansas, and I believe they show what the governing body's are."
Mayor Weisgerber replied, "In some cases this is true. I have looked through
that and some are listed and some are not. I think I am going to have some information
available on that about the middle of October, perhaps."
Commissioner Cooper commented, "Well, in just kind of scanning through the
Directory of Kansas Officials, I gathered that most comparable types of communities really
don't pay their elected officials where they have a city manager -commission form of
government. So I don't think, and of course I probably hold a different view than other
commissioners on this, but I don't think the decision that we have to make is whether we
get $1,200 or $1,500 a year type a salary. I think you either consider it as a volunteer
type of job or you consider it a paying type of job and I don't consider $1,200 either
volunteer or pay; so if the commission is going to give any kind of consideration at all
to the fact that this city's elected officials should receive a salary I think it should
be a salary or it should be purely a volunteer job, and I think it should be something that
would be considered and discussed in an election year. If you say you want to be responsive
to the people about it, I don't think you wait until following an election then decide to
discuss salaries, and possibly implement them before the next election. I think there is
probably a more direct way of doing that, and I think if you want to consider pay, then it
should be done in an election year. I don't, quite frankly, feel that your level of
government would be that much improved, quite frankly, but then that is only my opinion."
Commissioner Caldwell asked, "Are you thinking about it as a salary or an
expense allowance?"
Mayor Weisgerber commented, "Well at this stage of the game, I really don't
think about it one way or the other."
Commissioner Losik said, "Jack, if you feel that we can have a lot of this by
say the middle of October, why don't we just set it up for then, in other words, clean it
off the slate one way or the other. Make a decision."
Mayor Weisgerber replied, "I won't go with the middle of October date. I think
we will have State information by that time; but I am quite sure I won't have, until
December, information as far as on the national picture is of the surrounding states in
which we would probably be most interested."
After a short discussion, Commissioner Losik moved "that we hold and bring this
up at a later date after we have some input from the citizens of the community and other
sources, League of Women Voters, Taxpayers Association, various groups, and see what their
feelings are on it, and then resolve it one way or the other."
Commissioner Caldwell seconded the motion.
Mayor Weisgerber called for a vote on the motion. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0).
Motion carried.
PUBLIC AGENDA
PETITION NUMBER 3355 was filed by Webb Johnson Electric, Inc., 205 East South
Street for the rezoning of Lots 181, 183, 185, 187 on Fifth Street, Original Townsite,
from District "C" (Apartment District) to District "E" (General Business District). A
motion was made by Commissioner Caldwell, seconded by Commissioner Usher to refer the
petition to the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
PETITION NUMBER 3356 was filed by Ronald D. Barragree for amendment of Section
22-150 of the Salina Code to exclude pickup trucks, vans, automobiles, and vehicles of
similar size that do not constitute a traffic hazard.
Mr. Ronald Barragree was present. He said he brought this up because there is
quite a difference between a 5 ton winch truck and a pickup truck and the way it (the Salina
Code) is now, everyone is in violation of the city code by parking a pickup truck in a
residential area.
A motion was made by Commissioner Usher, seconded by Commissioner Losik to refer
the petition to the Traffic and Police Departments for a recommendation. Ayes: (5).
Nays: (0). Motion carried.
A REQUEST was received from Minor Harris, d/b/a Harris Refuse Service, Inc., for
an amendment to the Salina Code, Chapter 31, Article IV, regarding Private Refuse Haulers.
After a short discussion with Mr. Harris, and among themselves the Commissioners
agreed to include Mr. Harris' request with the list of licenses, fees and permits to be
considered by them in the near future.
A motion was made by Commissioner Caldwell to accept Mr. Harris' letter and in
turn respond to it, so he will have it for his records.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Losik.
Mayor Weisgerber called for a vote on the motion. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0).
Motion carried.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Usher, seconded by Commissioner Losik that the
Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners be adjourned. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion
Carried.
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D. L. Harrison, City Clerk