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12-06-1971 MinutesI City of Salina, Kansas Commissioners' Meeting December 6, 1971 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners met in the Commissioners' Room, City -County Building, on Monday, December 6, 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: Mayor Robert C Caldwell, Chairman Presiding Commissioner Leon L. Ashton Commissioner Norma G. Cooper Commissioner Mike Losik, Jr. comprising a quorum of the board, also; { L. 0. Bengtson, City Attorney Norris D. Olson, City Manager D. L. Harrison, City Clerk Absent; i Commissioner Jack Weisgerber The Minutes of the Special Meeting of November 22, 1971, and the Regular Meeting of November 22, 1971, were approved as mailed. STAFF AGENDA BIDS WERE OPENED for a Utility Pickup for the Fire Department. (Bids were received by 4100 P.M., November 29, 1971) International Harvester $2,549.00 j Long McArthur, Inc. 2,792.00 Jim Sullivan Chevrolet 2,827.24 A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Ashton to accept the bid of International Harvester for $2,549.00, providing it meets the specifications as advertised. Ayes: (4). Nays; (0). Motion carried. BIDS WERE OPENED for a Two Ton Vibratory Roller for the Street Department. (Bids were received by 4:00 P.M., November 29, 1971) Victor L. Phillips, Kansas City $3,532.00 White Star Machinery & Supply Company, Wichita, Ks, 311927.92 A motion was made by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Losik to accept the bid of Victor L. Phillips for $3,532.00, providing it meets the specifications as advertised. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. THE CITY COMMISSIONERS considered a Resolution amending Resolution Number 3064, pertaining to the installation of general improvements for undeveloped property within the City. (Referred to the City Attorney at the Special Meeting November 22, 1971) Commissioner Ashton asked the City Attorney if he had any comments from builders or realtors concerning the Resolution. The City Attorney replied, "No". Commissioner Losik asked if the general improvements provided for in paragraph (A) could be spelled out, so there will be no misunderstanding. The City Attorney replied, "Whatever you desire". City Attorney Commissioner Cooper asked explained it applies about sidewalks put in under K.S,A. 12-1803. The to sidewalks petitioned for by at least 25 registered voters in a precinct, with Commission approval of the petition. i i Commissioner Losik would like to see the definition of general improvements changed to sidewalk, paving, sanitary and storm sewers, water lines. A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton to adopt the Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION determining the Policy of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Salina, Kansas, in regards to the installation of general improvements in undeveloped property within the City, amending Resolution Number 3064, and repealing the original resolution", with the definition of general improvements spelled out as Commissioner Losik suggested. Commissioner Cooper seconded the motion, and the following vote was had: Ayes: Ashton, Cooper, Losik, Caldwell (4). Nays: (0). Commissioner Weisgerber absent. Carried. The Ma approved the Resolution and it is numbered 3113. THE CITY ENGINEER REPORTED ON PETITION NUMBER 3209, which was filed by Mrs. Nora Longbine for the removal of stop signs on North Fifth Street at Grand Avenue and Forrest Avenue. (Referred to the City Engineer at the November 15, 1971 meeting) The City Engineer recommended the stop signs be replaced with yield signs. A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Ashton to accept the City Engineer's recommendation and approve the replacement of stop signs, at the intersections of Fifth and Grand and Fifth and Forrest, with yield signs. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. THE CITY ENGINEER REPORTED ON PETITION NUMBER 3210, which was filed by Charles K. Shirack for the vacation of the 10 foot utility easement on the south of Lot 7, and the South 11 feet of Lot 6, Block 5, Replat of Blocks 4 and 5, and part of Block 3, Schippel Addition. (Referred to the City Engineer at the November 22, 1971 meeting). The City Engineer stated that a letter had been received from Mr. Shirack, the petitioner, requesting that his petition be withdrawn. The City Engineer recommended the request be approved. A motion was made by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Losik that the request of the petitioner to withdraw his petition be approved. Ayes: (4). , Nays: (0). Motion carried. THE CITY ENGINEER REPORTED ON PETITION NUMBER 3211, which was filed by Roy Presley for the placement of a street light east of Lot 15, Block 9, Replat of Faith Addition. (More commonly known as 1325 Faith Drive). (Referred to the City Engineer at the November 22, 1971 meeting). The City Engineer recommended the street light be installed as it meets the criteria that has been established. A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Losik to accept the City Engineer's recommendation and approve the installation of the street light. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. THE CITY ENGINEER REPORTED FOR THE TRAFFIC ENGINEER and recommended that Fourth Street, west of the Union Pacific Railroad, be designated as a one-way street southbound from Crawford Avenue to Cloud Street; and Fourth Street, east of the tracks be designated as a one-way street northbound. The City Engineer said the cost of signing would be $930.00. A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Ashton to approve the one-way streets, and to adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION Authorizing the designation of Fourth Street, west of the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks, as a one-way street southbound from Crawford Avenue to Cloud Street; and Fourth Street, east of the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks, as a one-way street northbound from Cloud Street to Crawford Avenue; and authorizing the installation and marking of Fourth Street with appropriate signs", and the following vote was had: Ayes: Ashton, Cooper, Losik, Caldwell (4). Nays: (0). Commissioner Weisgerber absent. Carried. The Mayor approved the Resolution and it is numbered 3114. AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE was introduced and passed entitled: "AN ORDINANCE making an appropriation for the payment of certain claims." (bills - $271,306.42) A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Cooper to adopt the ordinance as read and the following vote was had: Ayes: Ashton, Cooper, Losik, Caldwell (4). Nays: (0). Commissioner Weisgerber absent. Carried. The Mayor approved the ordinance and it is numbered A-1607. r AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE was introduced and passed entitled: "AN ORDINANCE making an appropriation for the payment of certain claims." (payroll - $104,268.76) 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, Cooper, Losik, Caldwell (4). Nays: (0). Commissioner Weisgerber absent. Carried. The Mayor approved the I 9 ordinance and it is numbered A-1608. r THE CITY ENGINEER filed Estimate Number 4 for Project 71-533 for sidewalk j improvements, for Wilson Constructors, Inc., in the amount of $7,106.48. A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Ashton to approve the estimate. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. i' A MOTION was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Cooper to instruct the City Clerk to advertise for bids for water and sanitary sewer extensions in the South Industrial Area, for Saunders Leasing Systems, Inc., to be received December 20, 1971. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. COMMISSION AGENDA THE CITY COMMISSIONERS considered the awarding of a contract for sidewalk project 71-539. (Tabled at the November 15 and 22, 1971 meetings) A motion was made by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Losik to accept the low bid of James A. Heckert, Contractor, for $3,144.00. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. THE CITY COMMISSIONERS RECONSIDERED A FEASIBILITY REPORT for street improvements, water mains, sanitary and storm sewers, which was filed by the City Engineer on November 8, 1971, and tabled at the November 15 and 22, 1971 meetings. Commissioner Cooper asked about the intersection of Johnstown and Oakdale. The City Engineer feels the intersection, because of the jog in the street, is a traffic hazard. He said he talked with the residents about the abatement of parking on the west side of Oakdale; they did not necessarily agree, but did not protest too much. ' Commissioner Cooper visited with the property owners and feels it would create a hardship on them, and feels the jog should be retained to help slow down traffic. She said there are other intersections which need to be straightened, if this is a traff is hazard. i The City Engineer agrees that there are other intersections which need improvement, but this is a good start. i I Commissioner Cooper agreed with all items of the feasibility report, but would like to hold off on the intersection of Johnstown and Oakdale. Commissioner Cooper also asked about the order of priority and if the water line on Stimmel Road could be expedited. I The City Engineer said the water line on Stimmel Road could probably be installed first because winter weather is not suitable for paving. The paving of the streets in the job will have to wait until spring. A motion was made by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Losik to I accept the City Engineer's report and approve the feasibility report with the omission of the Johnstown and Oakdale intersection project. Ayes: Cooper, Losik, Caldwell (3). Nays: Ashton (1). Motion carried. THE CITY COMMISSIONERS RECONSIDERED PETITION NUMBER 3204, which was filed by Jack Stewart on October 19, 1971, for water and sewer lines and facilities for Morton Addition. (Tabled at the November 15, 1971 meeting). Mr. Jack Stewart, representing Morton Addition, owned by Dick Foster, was present urging the City Commissioners to approve his improvements, and would like to orally petition the City Commission that the water and sewer lines to Morton Addition be classified for health and general welfare of the area. Water and sewer lines to this area would definitely be a health matter; otherwise septic tanks would have to be installed. Mr. Stewart mentioned he obtained the legal description of the easement for the property east of Morton Addition, which is owned by C. L. Clark, from the City Engineer; The property is now in the city limits, but it is not platted. Mr. Clark has indicated he will not dedicate the easement for a right-of-way. Mr. Stewart urged the City Commission to approve the petition on health and general welfare, so there would be no need for the 50% payment. 1 1 1 A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Cooper to approve Petition Number 3204, and the improvements he asked for should comply with Resolution Number 3113, which would require the payment of 50% of the improvements, and be included in the feasibility report which was just previously approved. Mr. Stewart asked the City Attorney if there is any other law under which water could be installed. The City Attorney said the Commission could install the water and sewer lines under K.S.A. 12-6a. The City could put it in and pay for it. Mr. Stewart said his client is willing to pay the 50% as required in Resolution Number 3113, and would like the project under way as soon as possible. He thought the cost of obtaining the easement should be borne by the benefit district. The Mayor called for a vote on the motion to approve the petition and the following vote was had: Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. THE CITY COMMISSIONERS RECONSIDERED a letter from the Salina Cultural Arts Commission requesting space for an office and art gallery in the new Community Theatre Building. (Tabled at the November 15, 1971 meeting) Dr. Wendell Nickell, chairman of the Salina Cultural Arts Commission, agrees with the statement of the importance of having the Cultural Arts office in the Salina Community Theatre building. He said they talked with the architect of the Community Theatre building and the Salina Community Theatre members about the possibility of putting the Cultural Arts office in the building. He said they need 1,000 square feet on the ground level, and the theatre group agreed to letting them have the location off Iron Avenue, and the theatre group would build their area on the north side of the building. The architect gave an estimate of twenty to twenty-five thousand dollars for finishing and furnishing an office. Dr. Nickell asked the Commission to approve the $1,600.00 fee for the architect to design the building to include space for the Salina Cultural Arts Commission, and permit alternate bids to be accepted for consideration by the City Commission. Commissioner Cooper asked Dr. Nickell if Cultural Arts could raise any funds. Dr. Nickell does not feel the Cultural Arts could, as they are a side arm of the City Commission. Commissioner Ashton asked if the twenty thousand dollars included furnishings. The estimated cost of the building is $16.00 a square foot, which would make it cost around $16,000.00 unfurnished. Dr. Nickell said that is correct. Commissioner Losik asked if it is possible the group could raise the money for the architect fees. Dr. Nickell didn't see how they could. Mr. Arthur Schlyer, Jr., who owns a small gallery, asked if the Cultural Arts would have a sales office for art. Dr. Nickell said they probably would. Mr. Schlyer does not feel a City sponsored organization should be in competition with him, as a private individual in the art business. Dr. Livingston said they need to know something today, that they have been delayed too long now. He said the City received forty-five thousand dollars for the sale of the Old City Hall, and the money went into General Operating; and that one-half should go for the Cultural Arts facility. Commissioner Cooper stated she would like to do everything possible to help culture in the community, until it comes to funds; then, as a Commissioner, she can't see spending this amount of money. Commissioner Ashton suggested the matter be tabled until we can get together to discuss this and the demolition, and to see if there is any money available. Possibly it could come out of Contingencies. He also suggested the City Manager and City Clerk see what money is available. A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Ashton to table until next week, and have the City Manager and City Clerk report on the money available, and discuss it at the next meeting. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. REVIEW THE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER PROGRAM, sponsored by Commissioner Losik. Commissioner Losik wants to review the program in detail and establish whether to continue or discontinue. He asked the City Manager to give a review of the program to date. i The City Manager reported on the number of fire related calls for the 8 month period: 342 calls answered 33 calls where fire extinguishers were used 22 calls for resuscitator 62 calls answered when no Public Safety Officer was on duty. Commissioner Losik asked if anyone else on the staff could answer questions on cost, staffing, funding, saving to the taxpayers. Police Chief Woody said he would not speak on the funding, his concern is the protection of life and property. He said he knows of two lives saved by the use of a resuscitator. There is no way to put a value on the program. Chief Woody said it is a splendid program and very successful from a law enforcement point of view. Director of Safety, McCabe, said he would not defend the program; he feels it has proven to be very successful. He said the Police Chief, Assistant Chief, Fire Chief, and Captains worked on the program. The program is functioning well and he will supply the Commissioners with a detailed report if they desire it. Police Chief Woody said he heard many times the program didn't work in other towns, but this program was designed for Salina. Fire Chief Bradshaw said he has been here only a short time, but he feels a man cruising in a vehicle can get to a fire faster than a truck from the station. He said if you stop a fire when it is small, there is less damage. He said the - resuscitators in the Safety Officer vehicles are a real asset to the community. Commissioner Losik said since no one wants to defend the program, he will enlighten the people of Salina of the cost of this program. No cost figures were ever determined and he feels policemen should be policemen, firemen should be firemen, and ambulance drivers should be ambulance drivers. He stated in 1970, there were 33 patrolmen budgeted for the Police Department, in 1971 there were 33 patrolmen budgeted for the Police Department, and in 1972 there were 33 patrolmen budgeted for the Police Department. Because of the centralization of emergency operations, 4.5 patrolmen are doing the dispatching. Commissioner Losik feels patrolmen should be patrolmen and not dispatchers. He further stated that in 1970 there were 46 firemen budgeted for the Fire Department, in 1971 there were 48 firemen budgeted for the Fire Department, and in 1972 there are 48 firemen budgeted for the Fire Department. The six Public Safety Officers came from the Police Department personnel, which had to add six more patrolmen. i Not until budget time did the public know that the Public Safety Officers went off duty at 11 P.M., and came back on at 7 A.M. !' We are short firefighters in the Fire Department; which is weakening one organization to help another. The cost for 2 public safety vehicles was $10,535.00. The adjusted 1971 budget shows $42,364.00 for salaries for the 6 Public Safety Officers, making a total of $52,899.00 to date for salaries and vehicles. This does not include the cost of maintaining the vehicles, insurance, and etc. By the end of 1972, the City will have spent $101,938.00 in wages alone. There is no need to duplicate this type of expenditure for what we already had. The resuscitator was called for 14 times and used 6 times. He would like to see the Commission give a hard try to save money for the community. Chief Woody said, yes, we have 4 ambulances including the one at Schilling, in addition to using the Public Safety Officer vehicles as ambulances, which at times have been used. Police Chief Woody said we are saving money by operating only 2 shifts rather Commissioner Losik said there are 10 reserve police officers to help in some than 3. He also said he did not want others doing the dispatching for the patrolmen. It takes a policeman to know what a patrolman is dcing on the street. He also said Commissioner Losik said it is spelled out in the Code that policemen are to the additional 2 vehicles on the street were that much better, and they are helping us maintain a low crime rate. Commissioner Losik said the fire rating is based on the number of firemen and equipment, and the Kansas Inspection Bureau will not give us credit for the Public Safety Officers. Commissioner Losik said let's let policemen be policemen, firemen be firemen, and have Patrolman II or I, and paint the vehicles black and white. and ambulance drivers be ambulance Commissioner Cooper asked Chief Woody how many beat areas there are. Chief drivers. We have an ambulance at Fire Station # 2 i which is manned by firemen at the present time and there is an ambulance at the Schilling Dispensary which is on call if needed. Chief Woody said, yes, we have 4 ambulances including the one at Schilling, in addition to using the Public Safety Officer vehicles as ambulances, which at times have been used. Commissioner Cooper said if the six black and whites are equipped with fire extinguishers, they would stop 98% of the fires that the Safety Officer is handling now, and put the resuscitators in the fire stations because they are strategically located. Chief Woody stated a cruising vehicles could be at the scene before a fire truci Commissioner Cooper said you mean a fire truck cannot get there before a Public Safety Officer, who is cruising. Chief Woody said no, that every policeman is within 3 minutes of any call. He also would like to see Mrs. Cooper's program on putting the resuscitators in the fire stations. Commissioner Cooper said one individual from each station could be assigned to the resuscitator. Fire Chief Bradshaw said if one fireman is assigned to the resuscitator and is out on a call, and a fire call comes in, that truck is one man short, and that just doesn't work. A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, that based on the information presented here today, the Public Safety Officer program l be discontinued as of December 31, 1971. ! Commissioner Cooper stated that we need some type of service, but feels it is r being poorly administered. i i i The City Manager stated that the department only increased 1.5 people, because 4.5 are used as dispatchers. Commissioner Losik said there are 10 reserve police officers to help in some r areas. Director of Safety asked Commissioner Losik, "Do you desire, as a Commissioner, that the policemen be policemen, and firemen to be firemen?" "Or do you want the police to help the firemen at a fire?" Commissioner Losik said it is spelled out in the Code that policemen are to help the firemen in time of fire. Director of Safety, McCabe, said it would be necessary to hire more firemen to be on the resuscitator to have enough men when fire calls come. Commissioner Losik said the fire rating is based on the number of firemen and equipment, and the Kansas Inspection Bureau will not give us credit for the Public Safety Officers. I I The City Manager asked if he wants to do away with the Public Safety Officer and have Patrolman II or I, and paint the vehicles black and white. Commissioner Cooper asked Chief Woody how many beat areas there are. Chief Woody said there are six. She wanted to know if it is sufficient. Chief Woody said i six is a minimum. Commissioner Cooper said if the six black and whites are equipped with fire extinguishers, they would stop 98% of the fires that the Safety Officer is handling now, and put the resuscitators in the fire stations because they are strategically located. Chief Woody stated a cruising vehicles could be at the scene before a fire truci Commissioner Cooper said you mean a fire truck cannot get there before a Public Safety Officer, who is cruising. Chief Woody said no, that every policeman is within 3 minutes of any call. He also would like to see Mrs. Cooper's program on putting the resuscitators in the fire stations. Commissioner Cooper said one individual from each station could be assigned to the resuscitator. Fire Chief Bradshaw said if one fireman is assigned to the resuscitator and is out on a call, and a fire call comes in, that truck is one man short, and that just doesn't work. A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, that based on the information presented here today, the Public Safety Officer program l be discontinued as of December 31, 1971. ! Commissioner Cooper stated that we need some type of service, but feels it is r being poorly administered. i i i Commissioner Ashton stated he is disappointed in Mike, that he did not come up with an idea to benefit the Public Safety Officer program. He feels the program i is sound, and would like to see it expanded. Commissioner Losik told Commissioner Ashton, for someone who knows so little about the program, and approved it at the time of adoption, you would think he would want to know what the cost would be. Commissioner Ashton said he feels the Commissioners do not have all the answers in law enforcement and fire fighting; that this is an administrative function. The program has been under bombardment from the beginning. He would like to see the Commission give this program their blessings. The Mayor called for a vote on Commissioner Losik's motion, and the following vote was had: Ayes: Cooper, Losik (2). Nays: Ashton, Caldwell (2). Commissioner Losik said the Mayor could not vote. The City Attorney said he is a Commissioner as well as Mayor, and is entitled to a vote. ESTABLISH A POLICY for Personal Expense Claims, sponsored by Commissioner Cooper. She realizes that there is no policy for the City Commissioners for the reimbursement of expenses to meetings, and it pertains only to the City Commissioners, i as the staff itemizes expenses. A motion was made by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Losik to submit an itemized list of expenses for reimbursement to the City Clerk, who will make copies and give to the other Commissioners for their approval. i Commissioner Ashton stated he would like to have guidelines on what is covered. i Mayor Caldwell said there are several ways. Sometimes it is hard, in a long line, to ask for a receipt for a meal, and that a set amount per diem might work. Mr. Robert Levin offered an opinion from the floor. He said the Commissioners are elected by the electors of the City. We should trust them for small items without ' submitting a bill, and the wives expenses should be paid also when attending a convention I or meeting. The Mayor called for a vote on the motion to submit an itemized list of expenses.) Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. COMMISSIONER LOSIK asked the approval of the City Commission to put an item on the agenda. The City Commissioners had no objections. Commissioner Losik said Miss Irene Ford wants the alley east of Lowell School vacated. The Commission asked the City Engineer to submit a report next week in order for them to establish the status of the alley. Commissioner Ashton mentioned that this had come up before. I PUBLIC AGENDA A LETTER was received from the First State Bank and Trust Company requesting I the City Commission approval to extend a canopy over public property in accordance with Section 32-41 of The Salina Code. The City Manager said the First State Bank had filed plans with the City 't Engineer, and there are no objections from the City Staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Ashton to approve the request. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. I PETITION NUMBER 3213 was filed by John G. Williamson, for the denial of the rezoning in Block 10, Riker Addition, requested in Petition Number 3207, which was filed by Dunlap Auto, Inc., on November 3, 1971. A motion was made by Commissioner Ashton, seconded by Commissioner Losik to refer the petition to the Salina City Planning Commission. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. PETITION NUMBER 3214 was filed by L. F. Eaton for authorization of a 40 foot driveway on the North 28 feet of Lot 6, and the South 20 feet of Lot 7, Block 3, Westport Exchange Addition. The City Engineer stated they are asking for additional width over 30 feet, which is necessary to have the City Commission give approval for a 40 foot driveway, and recommended they do so. A motion was made by Commissioner Losik, seconded by Commissioner Ashton to accept the City Engineer's recommendation and approve the i request for an extra width driveway. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. A MOTION was made by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Losik that the Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourn. Ayes: (4). Nays: (0). Motion carried. D. L. Harrison, City Clerk 1