12-14-2020 Minutes CITY OF SALINA,KANSAS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
December 14,2020
4:00 p.m.
The City Commission convened via Zoom meeting at 2:30 p.m. for 2021-2025 Water and
Wastewater Rates Analysis.
Mayor Hoppock asked the Clerk for verification that notice had been sent for today's City
Commission meeting. The Clerk replied yes.
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners was called to order at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom
meeting. Roll call was taken followed by a moment of silence.
Those present and comprising a quorum via the Zoom meeting: Mayor Michael L. Hoppock
(presiding), Commissioners Trent W. Davis, M.D., Rod Franz, Melissa Rose Hodges, and Karl
Ryan.
Also present via Zoom meeting: Michael Schrage, City Manager; Jacob Wood, Deputy City
Manager;Greg Bengtson,City Attorney;and Shandi Wicks, City Clerk.
AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
None.
CITIZENS FORUM
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR A CERTAIN TIME
(5.1) Public hearing of the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (KWPCRF)
(Project No. C20 2049 01) for improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
(5.1a) Resolution No. 20-7895 authorizing the filing of application with the Kansas
Department of Health & Environment for a loan under the Kansas Water
Pollution Control Revolving Fund Act.
Mayor Hoppock opened the public hearing.
Martha Tasker, Director of Utilities, explained the loan, project, fiscal impact and action
options.
Mayor Hoppock asked if the interest rate and loan amount would be locked in soon. Ms.
Tasker stated the interest rate was set last month and once the application was submitted,
the interest rate and loan amount would be locked in.
Mayor Hoppock asked if the full loan amount would be collected and if interest would be
paid for the entire amount. Ms. Tasker stated the City would be reimbursed for the dollars
spent and only pay interest on the amount reimbursed.
Commissioner Franz wanted to clarify that the interest amount paid would be based on the
amount reimbursed. Ms. Tasker stated that was correct.
There being no further comments the public hearing was closed.
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IF 20-0406 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Franz, to adopt Resolution No. 20-
7895 authorizing the filing of application with the Kansas Department of Health & Environment
for a loan under the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Act. Aye: (5). Nay: (0).
Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
(6.1) Approve the minutes of December 7, 2020.
(6.2) Approve Resolution No. 20-7923 accepting the 2020 Salina Land Bank Conveyance
Report.
(6.3) Approve Resolution No. 20-7920 authorizing the City Manager to renew an
agreement for life insurance benefits with MetLife.
1 20-0407 Moved by Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the consent
agenda as presented. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried.
ADMINISTRATION
(7.1) Resolution No. 20-7914 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with
Overland Contracting Inc. for Phase 1A of the Wastewater Treatment Plant
Improvement Project,Project No. 20028.
Martha Tasker, Director of Utilities, explained the agreement, project, fiscal impact and
action options.
Greg Bengtson, City Attorney, stated the need for participants to announce themselves and
the need for roll call vote for the remainder of the meeting according to the Kansas
Attorney General's office.
Mayor Hoppock asked how the maximum project cost was determined. Ms. Tasker stated
she worked with the Kansas Department of Health & Environment to help determine the
estimated project cost. She continued to state if the project cost was less than the estimated
total,the loan amount would not be less.
20-0408 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to adopt Resolution No. 20-
7914 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Overland Contracting Inc. for Phase 1A
of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project,Project No. 20028. Aye: (5) (Davis,Franz,
Hodges,Ryan,Hoppock). Nay: (0). Motion carried.
(7.2) Resolution No. 20-7922 approving a support letter for the Salina Housing
Authority's participation in the Department of Housing and Urban Development's
(HUD) Section 18 and RAD Conversion Programs.
Lauren Driscoll, Director of Community & Development Services, explained the request,
fiscal impact and action options.
Holly Knight, BGC Advantage & Phil Knix, Salina Housing Authority Executive Director,
provided information from a presentation regarding the request and the participation in
the Section 18 and RAD Conversion Programs.
Commissioner Davis asked if the overall plan was to more centralize the housing managed
by the Salina Housing Authority eliminating housing within neighborhoods and what
would the distribution look like ten (10) years from now. Ms. Knight stated there would
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still be housing scattered around town but there would be new housing in blighted areas of
town.
Commissioner Davis asked of the remaining eliminated housing, would those be replaced
with single family housing. Ms. Knight stated they would not necessarily be replaced with
single family housing. She continued to state there had to be a benefit for the residents. She
further stated there would not be a one (1)for one (1) replacement of the housing.
Commissioner Davis asked what the intent was for the conversion. Ms. Knight stated the
purpose of the conversion was to get funding that was secure and was on an annual
contract basis to replace what was unknown in the current method.
Commissioner Davis asked what the options were for maintaining the current housing if
the conversion was not an option. Ms. Knight stated the funding was dwindling and it was
getting harder to afford the basics. Mr. Knix stated there had been a housing funding
shortage for years and the current situation of dwindling money from the federal
government would continue to see the properties dilapidated in an increased state. Ms.
Knight stated HUD would take care of the residents but would not take care of the units.
Commissioner Davis asked if housing would be available for residents that were in
rehabilitation. Ms. Knight stated the Salina Housing Authority would accumulate vacant
units six (6) months in advance for residents to move to during the rehab period.
Commissioner Hodges asked if the housing authority would be looking at specific streets
the development would be bounded by within the next ten (10) years. Ms. Knight stated
the consolidation would be within the city limits. She continued to state there was not a
specific boundary but there was housing on both the north end and south end of the
community that were being looked at getting rid of. Ms. Driscoll stated the ability to
consolidate the housing to an overall area instead of a spread out area would help the
housing authority.
Commissioner Hodges asked what role the City Commission had in the conversion of the
housing. Ms. Knight stated the board members were appointed by the City Commission
and were setting policy on what was best for the housing authority. Greg Bengtson, City
Attorney, stated the introductory information in the staff report was intended to be helpful
for the City Commission in terms of the relationship with the housing authority. He
continued to state the relationship had worked well over time and the housing authority
had conducted a successful program largely independently without any direct involvement
by the City other than the titling of the housing units. He continued to state the City
Commission was the delegating the authority and the delegating authorities could be
modified over time and whatever degree of input the Governing Body would like to make
was within their purview.
Commissioner Hodges stated she received a message from a citizen regarding any City
Commissioner involved in real estate not being involved in the sale of the properties and
asked how the individual roles of the City Commission were. Mr. Bengtson stated the State
law covered that and the City's ethics policy would handle any conflicts of interest in the
matter. He continued to state the conflicts of interest would be the same for the board
members of the Salina Housing Authority.
Commissioner Hodges asked for clarification on the highlighted portion of the
Centennial/Indian Hills area. Michael Schrage, City Manager, stated the highlighted area
was a portion of Centennial Park. Ms. Knight stated that the area was not under
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consideration.
Mr. Schrage stated the remainder of the decisions to be made would be handled by the
Salina Housing Authority and would not come back before the City Commission for
consideration.
Mayor Hoppock asked who the guarantee would be on the bonds for the project. Ms.
Knight stated the developer would be responsible for the backing, guarantee and letter of
intent.
Mayor Hoppock provided his thoughts on the need for clean,safe housing.
Commissioner Davis asked how low income housing would be placed so they could utilize
neighborhood parks and services. Ms. Knight stated the developers would do what was
called knock and talks to talk to neighbors or banks in the area to determine the best
neighborhood for the housing. She continued to state a rebranding would be include in the
renovation process.
Commissioner Franz stated the conversion program covered the 162 current units and not
the voucher program. He continued to state the operating flow from the rental supplement
was minimal and if the fuel for the maintenance trucks took the operating expenses down
even lower, he asked were the money came from to pay the debt. Ms. Knight stated the
money to pay the debt would be the tax credit equity and payments would only be paid to
the sales note would only be paid based on current cash flow. She continued to state the
subsidy would remove the vouchers and there would be replacement vouchers issued in
addition to the current vouchers and would be called project based vouchers.
Mayor Hoppock asked what Commissioner's Franz concern was on the debt.
Commissioner Franz stated he would hate to see the project move down the road if there
would potentially be debt in the future.
A conversation ensued between Mr. Bengtson, Ms. Knight and Mr. Knix regarding the
financing and debt responsibility of the various parties included on the Salina
Redevelopment Homes organizational chart,the seller takeback note and the expectation in
the City of Salina or Salina Housing Authority being responsible for the project.
Eric Brown, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President and Salina Housing Authority
Board Member, provided information on the housing challenges in Salina and
rehabilitating housing stock in the community.
20-0409 Moved by Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Ryan, to adopt Resolution No. 20-
7922 approving a support letter for the Salina Housing Authority's participation in the Department
of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Section 18 and RAD Conversion Programs. Aye: (5)
Davis,Franz,Hodges, Ryan,Hoppock. Nay: (0). Motion carried
(7.3) Authorize the purchase of several items to be maintained, stored and utilised by the
Salina Police Department.
Brad Nelson, Police Chief, provided information on the request, fiscal impact and action
options.
Commissioner Davis asked if the maintenance would be relatively low that the
him department's budget could handle. Chief Nelson stated the maintenance would be low
especially in the first five (5) years.
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Commissioner Franz provided his thoughts on building the picnic area at the training
facility and would like a shelter at Jerry Ivey Park to be enhanced for the department's use
and possibly name the shelter after John Charley Stonebraker who was killed in the line of
duty.
Commissioner Davis asked if the picnic shelter was a canvas top shelter. Chief Nelson
Q_ stated it was a permanent structure similar to that in Jerry Ivey Park.
Chief Nelson stated the intent was to allow the officers to have events within the
department without being in the public eye.
Commissioner Hodges stated she did not have an issue putting a shelter at the training
facility but it was disingenuous to promote it as public outreach. She continued to state the
facility had limited access to the public. She further thanked the Police Department
Excellence Fund and the Wilson Family Trust for their generosity.
Commissioner Davis stated it would be a good location for officers to rest and relax at the
facility. Chief Nelson stated the idea came from the officers and they wanted to be at a
location that would allow them to comingle without attention of the public.
20-0410 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the construction of
the picnic shelter and purchase the training mat, enclosed cargo trailer and utility terrain vehicle to
be paid in full by the Salina Police Department Excellence Fund. Aye: (5) Davis, Franz, Hodges,
Ryan,Hoppock. Nay: (0). Motion carried.
Commissioner Ryan asked if any of the shelter houses at Jerry Ivey Park were currently named
and if they were not, maybe one could be named after Officer Stonebraker. Michael Schrage, City
Manager, stated the shelters were not named and could be named. Commissioner Ryan provided
his thoughts on the possibility of allowing the naming of the shelters in the future and use of the
shelter by the police department for events as well as the new picnic shelter. Mr. Schrage stated
staff could look at the possibilities.
(7.4) Second reading Ordinance No. 20-11046 adopting new Article IV, Chapter 30 of the
Salina Code pertaining to the establishment and operation of the Citizen Review
Board.
Mayor Hoppock asked if a Commissioner had any questions regarding the amendments of
the ordinance. Commissioner Davis provided his thoughts on the deadline of the
Expression of Interest (EOI) forms for the board when the board establishment was not
even complete. Mayor Hoppock would like the item to be discussed under Other Business.
Commissioner Hodges provided her thoughts on opening up the EOI form acceptance at
an early timeframe and wanted to know why the timeline was shortened. Mayor Hoppock
stated the news release for the Citizen Review Board was sent out separately without a
deadline and a deadline was established under a separate board notice.
Commissioner Davis provided his thoughts on the deadline of the EOIs and the creation of
the board.
Commissioner Hodges provided her thoughts on the current Law Enforcement Advisory
Board and stated she was not able to tell citizens on the parameters on the board and when
two they would meet. She continued to state if something more collaborative needed to be
done to appoint members of the board that was a possibility. She continued to state she
would like to postpone the second reading to address the concerns of the Governing Body.
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Mr. Schrage stated the City Commission voted and instructed staff to solicit EOI's. He
continued to state he was slow in doing that to allow the information through Governing
Body action on the creation of the board to develop to include in the application for
solicitation.
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Commissioner Davis provided his thoughts on the makeup of the board and the lack of
w knowledge if a citizen was a relation to a police officer.
A conversation ensued between the City Commission and Mr. Schrage regarding the
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solicitation of the EOI's for the board.
Jon Blanchard, Salina, NAACP Treasurer, provided his thoughts on solicitation of
applications for the board and the process of appointing members of the community to the
board.
Bryan Frazier, Salina, provided his thoughts on the deadline for solicitation of applications
and the creation of the board.
Greg Bengtson, City Attorney, stated he inadvertently missed adding the words Law
Enforcement to the title and the publication summary before Citizens Review Board. He
continued to state he did not think it was necessary to make an amendment.
20-0411 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, to extend the submission
deadline for the Citizens Review Board back to January 4th.
Mayor Hoppock accepted responsibility in the confusion and stated there was enough confusion
that he agreed the deadline should be moved to January 4th.
...... A roll call vote was taken. Aye: (5) Davis, Franz, Hodges, Ryan, Hoppock. Nay: (0). Motion
carried.
20-0412 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Franz, to adopt Ordinance No. 20-
11046 adopting new Article IV, Chapter 30 of the Salina Code pertaining to the establishment and
operation of the Citizen Review Board on second reading.
Commissioner Davis asked if there was any thought on the terms of the board members or if that
would be left up to the Mayor's discretion. Mr. Schrage stated there was a provision in the
ordinance for the varied terms but the terms of the members would need to be determined as part
of the appointment process. Mr. Bengtson stated the Mayor making the appointments would make
the designations with the City Commission providing their thoughts on the decision.
Commissioner Hodges stated she was grateful to her fellow commissioners, to the members of the
community, the previous Law Enforcement Advisory Board for the time spent on the issue and
allowed the already strong and functioning Police Department to not only be satisfied with the job
they were doing but to push forward and push to be better and exercise their desire to be better
and hoped the board would function well and stated she still had some concerns that ran the risk
of potentially compromising the ordinance under Section 30-83. (Membership) a member of the
police department serving as a voting board member and Section 30-93 the board having enough
IL autonomy to hold an executive session without the police chief's presence. She stated it was going
to be a very reluctant no vote but hoped it would be a productive, relevant, transparent, trust
building board for the community that will serve us in the years to come.
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A roll call vote was taken. Aye: (4) Davis, Franz, Ryan, Hoppock. Nay: (1) Hodges. Motion
carried.
(7.5) Resolution No. 20-7911 amending fees in the 2021 Comprehensive Fee Schedule
related to Ambulance Fees.
Debbie Pack, Director of Finance & Administration, explained the amended fees, fiscal
N impact and action options.
Commissioner Davis asked what the percentage of cash payments was. Ms. Pack stated if a
person accepted assistance through the hospital, the City accepted that recommendation
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(") which was typically the Medicaid rate. She also stated she was not aware of the percentage
but could get that information for the commission.
20-0413 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, to adopt Resolution No. 20-
7911 amending fees in the 2021 Comprehensive Fee Schedule related to Ambulance Fees. Aye: (5)
Davis,Franz,Hodges,Ryan,Hoppock. Nay: (0). Motion carried
(7.6) Resolution No. 20-7906 authorizing the City Manager to execute renewals of Agreement to Provide
Administrative Services for a Self-Funded Health Benefit Plan and Individual and Aggregate Stop-
loss with BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas.
Natalie Fischer, Director of Human Resources, explained the renewal, fiscal impact and
action options. Michael Schrage, City Manager, recapped the renewal, fiscal impact to
maintain the current coverage and prescription coverage options.
Commissioner Davis asked for the pharmacy stop loss,would the deductible be met with a
$2,000 payment or what the combined exposure would be with the existing plan. Ms.
Fischer stated if the City moved to the new plan, medical would continue at $2,000 but
there would be a $5,000 out of pocket for prescription coverage. She continued to state
with the current plan, an individual would either have an out of pocket for $6,150 for
prescription with the$2,000 deductible met with a total of$8,150. She continued to state for
a family, the prescription with the medical out of pocket would be$12,400.
A conversation ensued between the City Commission, Ms. Fischer and Mr. Schrage
regarding out of pocket costs for prescription and medical, Tria Health agreement and
medical and prescription stop-loss.
Bob Charlesworth, Charlesworth Consulting, LLC, provided information on the
prescription coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and the deductibles for
both prescription coverage and medical coverage.
Mayor Hoppock provided his thoughts on the coverage options.
Mr. Charlesworth provided information on the current prescription company.
Commissioner Davis asked if Tria Health reviewed the drug prior to it first being filled. Mr.
Charlesworth stated Tria Health would be involved after the prescription was filled the
first time.
Mr. Schrage explained the action options.
Commissioner Hodges asked which coverage option would have a lower out of pocket for
the employee. Ms. Fischer stated option#2.
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Ms. Fischer asked if a plan amendment could be made with Elixir below the affordable care
act maximums. Mr. Charlesworth stated yes but it had to be below the affordable care act
maximum.
A conversation ensued between the City Commission and Mr. Schrage regarding the
coverage options and out of pocket costs.
Commissioner Franz asked if the difference was in the administrative fees and stop loss.
Ms. Fischer stated yes.
Commissioner Franz asked how the census number of 474 was established. Ms. Fischer
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stated she thought at the time the renewal documents were created that was the census.
20-0414 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, to adopt Resolution No. 20-
7906 authorizing the City Manager to execute renewals of Agreement to Provide Administrative
Services for a Self-Funded Health Benefit Plan and Individual and Aggregate Stop-loss with
BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas with the 50/50 cost share plan structure and adding prescription
benefit management with Prime Therapeutics. Aye: (5) Davis, Franz, Hodges, Ryan, Hoppock.
Nay: (0). Motion carried.
(7.7) Resolution No. 20-7919 amending the City of Salina personnel manual.
Natalie Fischer, Director of Human Resources, explained the amendments, fiscal impact
and action options.
Michael Schrage, City Manager, asked staff to explain the function of Human Resources
(HR) in managing employee's vacation cap. Ms. Fischer stated HR staff would calculate the
vacation usage and anyone that had a balance above the cap, staff would pay those
employees, in a separate payroll, so they do not forfeit the money. She continued to state a
few employees had grandfather caps and anyone who had hours over their specific cap,
HR staff would
Commissioner Franz asked if someone had a grandfather cap, HR staff would allow them
to keep that cap and not pay down to the next cap. Ms. Fischer stated yes.
Commissioner Franz stated it was his understanding that there were several employees
that, every year that lose vacation or don't get paid for it because they do not go to HR to
ask. Ms. Fischer stated or an employee would ask but maybe forget to submit the buyback
form or they worry about the vacation they have to use and do not look at their pay stub or
ask and fail to submit a buyback form.
20-0415 Moved by Commissioner Franz, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to adopt Resolution No. 20-
7919 amending the City of Salina personnel manual. Aye: (5) Davis, Franz, Hodges, Ryan,
Hoppock. Nay: (0). Motion carried.
DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS
(8.1) Resolution No. 20-7918 authorizing the Mayor to execute an amended and restated
Small Cell Master License Agreement with USCOC Nebraska/Kansas,LLC.
Dean Andrew,Director of Planning, explained the amendments and action options.
111 Ana Ruge-Rodela,US Cellular,explained the requested changes pertaining to the fees.
20-0416 Moved by Commissioner Hodges, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to adopt Resolution No. 20-
7918 authorizing the Mayor to execute an amended and restated Small Cell Master License
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Agreement with USCOC Nebraska/Kansas, LLC. Aye: (5) Davis, Franz, Hodges, Ryan, Hoppock.
Nay: (0). Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
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(9.1) Request for executive session(legal).
I move the city commission recess into executive session for _ minutes to discuss
legal considerations related to the City's obligation to fund the 2020 transportation
services grant under the City's agreement with OCCK for funding public
transportation services with legal counsel based upon the need for consultation
a
with an attorney for the public body which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship pursuant to K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will
resume in this room at p.m.
20-0417 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, to recess into executive
session for 20 minutes to legal considerations related to the City's obligation to fund the 2020
transportation services grant under the City's agreement with OCCK for funding public
transportation services with legal counsel based upon the need for consultation with an attorney
for the public body which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship pursuant
to K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in this room at 9:00 p.m. Aye: (5). Nay: (0).
Motion carried.
The City Commission recessed for a 6 1/2 minute recess at 8:33 and into executive session
at 8:40 p.m. and reconvened at 9:00 p.m. No action was taken.
Also present in executive session: Debbie Pack, Director of Finance and Administration;
Mike Schrage, City Manager; Greg Bengtson, City Attorney; and Jacob Wood, Deputy City
Manager
20-0418 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Ryan, to recess into executive session
for 15 minutes to legal considerations related to the City's obligation to fund the 2020
transportation services grant under the City's agreement with OCCK for funding public
transportation services with legal counsel based upon the need for consultation with an attorney
for the public body which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship pursuant
to K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in this room at 9:20 p.m. Aye: (5). Nay: (0).
Motion carried.
The City Commission recessed into executive session at 9:05 p.m. and reconvened at 9:20
p.m. No action was taken.
Also present in executive session: Debbie Pack, Director of Finance and Administration;
Mike Schrage, City Manager; Greg Bengtson, City Attorney; and Jacob Wood, Deputy City
Manager
(9.1a) Possible action to follow.
Mayor Hoppock stated there was not action to be taken at this time.
Commissioner Davis mentioned the need for City Manager's performance review and re-
establishing City Commission pay. Michael Schrage, City Manager, stated all employees were re-
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established and he would try to find examples of performance evaluations from the City
Manager's association to forward to the City Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
20-0419 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Hodges, that the regular meeting of
W the Board of City Commissioners be adjourned. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried. The meeting
adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
0
[SEAL] Michae L. oppo ,Mayor
ATTEST:
IOUAOL (1°( r
Shandi Wicks,CMC, City Clerk
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