04-26-1971 Minutes1
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City of Salina, Kansas
Commissioners' Meeting
April 26, 1971
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners met in the Commissioners' Room,
City -County Building, on Monday, April 26, 1971, 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:
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Mayor Robert C. Caldwell, Chairman presiding
Commissioner Leon L. Ashton
Commissioner Norma G. Cooper
Commissioner Mike Losik, Jr.
Commissioner Jack Weisgerber
comprising a quorum of the Board, also:
L. 0. Bengtson, City Attorney
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Norris D. Olson, City Manager
D. L. Harrison, City Clerk
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 19, 1971, were approved as mailed.
THE MAYOR PROCLAIMED the Week of April 25, 1971 - "ST. FRANCIS BOYS HOME WEEK''
Observing their 25th anniversary. The proclamation was read by Father Yates.
THE MAYOR PROCLAIMED May 1, 1971 - "LAW DAY U. S. A. in the CITY OF SALINA".
The proclamation was read by Wendell Kellogg, Attorney.
THE MAYOR PROCLAIMED May 2 - 9, 1971 - "NATIONAL MUSIC WEEK". The proclamation
was read by Mrs. Bernard Hawley.
THE MAYOR PROCLAIMED the Month of May - "ABWA SCHOLARSHIP MONTH". The
proclamation was read by Mrs. Byrl Glendening, President of the Sunflower Chapter of ABWA.
THE MAYOR PROCLAIMED May 1, 1971 - "BUDDY POPPY DAY". The proclamation was read
by Verle Burt, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
THE MAYOR PROCLAIMED The Month of May, 1971 - "POPPY MONTH", and May 15, 1971
"POPPY DAY". The proclamation was read by Mrs. LaVeda Bennett, Poppy Day Chairman for
Unit # 62 of the American Legion Auxiliary.
BIDS were received for six Police Vehicles:
Bennett Pontiac, Inc. $11,675.29
Bell Motor Company, Inc. 13,389.65
Long -McArthur, Inc. 15,659.00
Jim Sullivan Chevrolet 15,697.35
Marshall Chrysler -Plymouth 16,720.00
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Losik to award the
bid to Bennett Pontiac, Inc. for $11,675.29, subject to the checking of the bids to see
if they meet the specifications. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
THE CITY COMMISSIONERS considered the dog ordinance which was referred back
to committee at the March 29, 1971 meeting, for four weeks. Commissioner Ashton stated
the committee has not completed its draft of the ordinance. A motion was made by
Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Cooper to table for two weeks. Ayes: (5).
Nays: (0). Motion carried.
THE CITY COMMISSIONERS considered the bids for the demolition of the Old City
Hall and Police Building, which were tabled at the March 29, 1971 meeting for four weeks
Mr. Harold Chase, representing the group which wants to save the Old City Hall
reiterated the discussions of the previous meeting. It was Mr. Chase's understanding
that the Old City Hall site was to be used for another parking lot. He said in checking
the parking situation of the nearby lots on various days, there is no need for another
parking lot in this area.
Mr. Chase referred to the study being made by Wilson & Company of the downtown
core area, which is due in two weeks. He thinks the City Commissioners should wait until
the report is complete.
Mr. Chase and his group visited with the Library Board to discuss the problems
of moving the museum to a different location. The biggest problem is money. They
discussed the possibility of adding a tax levy. It seems the Saline County Commissioners
would have to assume the financial obligations if it were to be included in the tax levy.
Mr. Chase mentioned he heard the City Commissioners had received an offer for
the site, which was close to the appraisal figure of a local realtor, which was done in
1967.
Mr. Chase said his group has not come up with any better suggestion or
financial solution to save the Old City Hall, but thinks it should be left for its
historical value.
Mr. Ed Pogue, representing the Salina Chamber of Commerce mentioned the
Salina Community Theatre was interested in the site at one time as a possible site for
the theatre. The Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce went on record approving
the site for a theatre. He feels if the Commissioners have a chance to sell the property
to a private individual, it would be the best way to go. He stated that the City tried
to get Federal Funds for the redevelopment of the downtown area, but was unable to do so.
Mrs. Byrl Glendening feels the fire insurance is too high on old buildings
such as the City Hall.
Mr. Gib Wenger feels we have building pollution in the City. If we have a
chance to sell the property to a private individual, we should do so.
Mr. Jack Stewart, Vice-president of the Salina Community Theatre stated they
are very interested in the site, only when the City Hall is demolished. This is one of
two choices for the theatre.
Mr. Frank Langshaw again said ''there is no better way to get visitors into
town than with a good museum.'' He urged the Chamber of Commerce to do this. He said
12,000 people visited the museum last year, and of these 5,000 were from out of town.
Mr. Chase feels the City Commissioners can reject the bids, or accept the
offer of $45,000.00, or wait to see the report of Wilson & Company. It is the decision
of the City Commissioners to make.
Commissioner Ashton asked Mr. Chase about using space in Memorial Hall for a
museum. He said at first he was in favor of saving the Old City Hall, but in looking
at the cost and best land use, he now feels the best thing would be to sell the property.
It might just be the thing to give the downtown area a transfusion. He knew the three
past Commissioners were in favor of selling the property.
Commissioner Ashton moved to reject the bids for the demolition of Old City
Hall and accept D. A. Nelson's bid of $45,000.00 for the property as it is and instruct
the City Attorney to prepare the papers, and to retain the Old Clock.
Mr. J. R. Uphoff thinks the City Hall should be saved.
Commissioner Ashton's motion died for the lack of a second.
Commissioner Losik moved to reject the bids for the demolition of the Old City
Hall. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cooper. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion
carried.
Commissioner Losik moved that all three items: 1. The use of City Hall for a
museum, 2. The Wilson & Company report, and 3. The selling of the site, should be
coordinated within thirty days and instruct the City Clerk to advertise for bids to
sell the site and building.
Commissioner Weisgerber feels a delay of 30 days might hinder the offer of
Mr. Nelson and feels two weeks is long enough.
Commissioner Losik amended his motion to be two weeks. Motion was seconded
by Commissioner Weisgerber. Ayes: Cooper, Losik, Weisgerber, Caldwell (4).
Nays: Ashton (1) Motion carried.
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AN ORDINANCE was introduced for second reading entitled: "AN ORDINANCE relating
to benefits obtainable by cities under the program for Federal and State Aid on Highway
construction. Project Number 35W-85 - 1 35W-1 H. On 1-35W and Centennial Road for
0.371 mile for the reconstruction of guard rail. A motion was made by Commissioner
Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Weisgerber to adopt the ordinance as read and the
following vote was had: Ayes: Ashton, Cooper, Losik, Weisgerber, Caldwell (5). Nays: (0).
Carried. The Mayor approved the ordinance and it is numbered 8156. The ordinance was
introduced for first reading April 19, 1971.
THE CITY ENGINEER reported on Petition Number 3153, which was filed by
Mrs. Wayne Darling on April 16, 1971 for the repair and construction of sidewalk on the
east side of Tenth Street from Harsh Avenue to Hamilton Avenue. The City Engineer
reported that 67% of the property owners signed the petition, which is sufficient for
the City to install the sidewalk. A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded
by Commissioner Weisgerber to accept the City Engineer's report and proceed with the
sidewalk. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
A LETTER was received from the Salina City Planning Commission recommending
that Petition Number 3145, requesting the rezoning of Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, Block 9,
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Faith Addition to District "D" (Local Business District), be approved.
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Mr. Frank Norton, Attorney representing the petitioners said there has not
been any protest from the neighboring property and that the property will be used for
a restaurant.
Commissioner Ashton asked if the widening of Crawford Avenue, at a later date,
would interfere. He said he did not think so.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Weisgerber
to accept the recommendation of the Salina City Planning Commission and approve the
rezoning and introduce an ordinance for first reading. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion
carried.
Ordinance Passed:
Number:
A LETTER was received from the Salina City Planning Commission recommending
that the property bordered by Cloud Street, Hageman School Property line, the north
line of Charlotte Street extended, U'. S. Highway 81 By-pass and Hageman Avenue be
rezoned to District "D" (Local Business District). Rezoning was requested in Petition
Number 3147, which was filed by C. N. Hoffman and asked that the property be rezoned
to District "E" (General Business District).
Mr. Robert Berkley, Attorney representing Mr. Hoffman, discussed the rezoning
with the City Commissioners.
Mr. Baten Young, Principal of Hageman School, asked Mr. Berkley about the use
of the surrounding property. Mr. Berkley stated that there are no plans for the
immediate future. The trailer court is still there and there are plans at the present
time to use the small building as a used clothing store. Mr. Young thinks the property
would make a good park.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton to table for one week so interested
property owners can be made aware of the rezoning. He later withdrew his motion to
table.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Cooper to
accept the recommendation of the Salina City Planning Commission and approve the rezoning
and to introduce an ordinance for first reading. Ayes: (5). Nays: (0). Motion carried.
Ordinance Passed: Number:
Commissioner Losik moved that the Regular City Commissioners meetings be held
on Monday evenings at 7:30, on a six month trial basis.
Commissioner Ashton felt this would be unfair to the City Staff to ask them
to come back in the evening, after they worked all day, because some meetings would
last until 11 or 12 o'clock.
Commissioner Losik said it is not fair to the citizens not to hold the
meetings in the evening.
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Mrs. Etta Langshaw said she comes to the meetings after five when she gets off
work. The meetings are usually in session. If there is anything to ask the City
I Commissioners, one can usually do so after five.
Commissioner Cooper stated she would like to have some evening meetings,
one every 4 to 6 weeks for the people unable to attend the meetings at 4 p.m.
Commissioner Weisgerber stated it makes no difference to him, but agrees with
Commissioner Ashton, the meetings would drag out all evening.
Commissioner Ashton said he has never had any complaints about the meetings
at 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon.
Commissioner Losik feels we should experiment with different things and give
the people the opportunity to come to the Commissioners Meetings.
Commissioner Losik amended his motion to a 7:30 meeting every other week.
Commissioner Cooper favors the trial basis but not every week, or every other
week. She thinks the Regular Meetings should be at 4:00 p.m., and have an informal
hearing with the people once a month in the evening.
Commissioner Ashton asked if it would be necessary for the City Staff to be
present at the evening meetings for informal hearing. Mayor Caldwell said he thinks
they should be.
Mr. Langshaw thinks the people should be informed on what is coming up at
the meetings; perhaps publish the agenda in the paper.
Commissioner Losik's motion died for the lack of a second.
Commissioner Ashton moved to talk about it at a later date. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Losik. Ayes: (5)• Nays: (0). Motion carried.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Cooper,
` that the Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners be adjourned. Ayes: (5)•
i Nays: (0). Motion carried.
D. L. Harrison, City Clerk