07-31-2006 MinutesCommission
Action #
CITY OF SALINA, KANSAS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
July 31, 2006
4:00 p.m.
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z The City Commission convened at 4:00 p.m. and reconvened in a Study Session regarding the 2007
W budget following the special meeting. The Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners was called
to order at 4:00 p.m. in Room 107, City -County Building. A roll call was taken followed by the Pledge
a
of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
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o
There were present:
Mayor Donnie D. Marrs, Chairman presiding
Commissioner Deborah P. Divine
Commissioner R. Abner Perney
Commissioner John K. Vanier II
comprising a quorum of the Board, also present:
Jason A. Gage, City Manager
Greg Bengtson, City Attorney
Lieu Ann Elsey, City Clerk
Absent: Commissioner Alan E. Jilka
None.
CITIZEN FORUM
AWARDS - PROCLAMATIONS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR A CERTAIN TIME
None.
None.
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
(8.1) Public water supply status update and possible action on water restrictions.
Jason Gage, City Manager, outlined topics that staff will be covering.
Shawn O'Leary, Director of Public Works, outlined flow levels, consumption levels, and
staff actions since July 17, 2006.
Martha Tasker, Director of Utilities, explained the water treatment plant capacity, staging
levels, Ordinance No. 97-9833 regarding the City's water conservation plan, groundwater levels, river
flows, water rights, Kanopolis Lake's monthly and annual inflow, minimum release criteria, and the
lake's current condition, and the current water consumption and supply.
Mr. O'Leary then summarized the restrictions that were put in place on July 26, 2006. Mr.
O'Leary also noted that the Treatment Plant operations do not warrant "Water Watch" conditions,
groundwater levels do not warrant "Water Watch" conditions, the Smoky Hill River level are above
the emergency status, staff's recommendation of downgrading from "Water Supply Emergency" to
"Water Warning", and updating the Municipal Water Conservation Plan.
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Mr. O'Leary continued to explain that the proposed warning restrictions would include
three geographical regions for grass watering between 9:00 p.m., - 10:00 a.m., limiting filling of pools
to once per week, limiting outdoor vehicle washing to once per week, and the city following the
parks/facilities water reduction plan.
z City Manager, Jason Gage, commented on the groundwater levels, comparison of peak
levels, the Kanapolis Like discharge rate, and deficiencies within the City's conservation plan.
A discussion followed between Commissioner Divine, Mr. O'Leary, Deputy City Manager
Michael Schrage, and Director of Parks and Recreation Steve Snyder, regarding alternative water
sources, the condition of the new turf located at the Soccer Complex, and water conservation efforts.
Mr. Snyder also responded to Mayor Marrs' question regarding the Parks Department
Water Reduction Plan.
A discussion followed between Commissioner Vanier, Mayor Marrs, Ms. Tasker, and Mr.
O'Leary regarding water rights.
Commissioner Pemey commented on the landscaping ordinance and felt that the ordinance
should be reviewed. He also included that the ordinance should encourage the use of native plants that
would not require as much water.
A discussion followed between Commissioner Vanier, Mr. Gage, Director of Finance and
Administration Rodney Franz, Water Plant Superintendent Jim Wendell on increasing water rates,
and the effect that the restrictions would have on the budget and the amount that would be lost in
revenues.
Mr. O'Leary explained that in the past, rate studies had been done and a new study is
scheduled to occur late in 2006 or early 2007.
A discussion followed between the Commission, Mr. Gage, and Mr. O'Leary regarding the
use of private wells and requiring them to be registered with the city.
Mayor Marrs spoke on the importance of educating the public on the amount of water
required to properly maintain the landscaping so water would not be wasted.
Scott Wilks, 514 Berkshire, expressed his concerns regarding the groundwater
contamination at the Schilling base and concern that water would be drawn from that site.
Mr. Gage clarified that the city wells are located on East Schilling Road, and not at the
former Schilling Air Force Base, but that the contamination could be a factor that may need to be
addressed in the review of the conservation plan.
Mr. Wilks also expressed concerns of a possible rate increase and encouraged incentives
such as rebates for citizens that conserve water.
Mayor Marrs responded to Mr. Wilks concerns regarding rates.
Dan Aldi, Professional Sprinkler Inc., expresses concerns of large complexes that would
need more watering that the limits would allow.
Mr. O'Leary suggested that he could contact the Public Works Department so the situations
could be looked into.
Mayor Marrs suggested to Mr. Aldi to put together a plan and present to city staff; this
would be helpful to staff in accommodating the needs of those areas needing more water.
Ken Warren, 130 S. Wisconsin, felt that the city reacted appropriately in declaring an
emergency. He felt that some people that currently conserve water would be penalized if the rates
where increased. Mr. Warren also commented on the water level of Kanapolis Lake.
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Matthew Wagoner (no address given) commented on the current landscape ordinance, and
that the ordinance needs to encourage conservation. Mr. Wagoner also commented on the impact that
private wells have on the levels and people that utilize private wells should be required to follow the
same guidelines.
z Mayor Marrs and Mr. Gage responded to Mr. Wagoner's questions regarding the revised
landscape ordinance that staff is currently working on.
Lynn Danielson, 527 Seitz Drive, commented on the low water peak levels and the water
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rights.
A discussion followed between Mr. Danielson, Mayor Marrs, Mr. Gage, and Mr. O'Leary
regarding the city's current water rights.
06-7305 Moved by Commissioner Divine, seconded by Commissioner Perney, that effective
immediately to downgrade the water supply status from an emergency to a warning, specific water use
restriction modifications and authorize the City Manager to amend these restrictions as necessary.
Mayor Marrs clarified that the restrictions would include:
• Three geographical regions for grass watering between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.;
• Filling of pools once per week;
• Outdoor vehicle washing once per week; and
• City parks/facilities water reduction plan
Commissioner Divine expressed her appreciation to the citizens for their conservation
efforts and encouraged those efforts to continue.
Mayor Marrs thanked the citizens and city staff for their efforts and expressed the
importance of conserving water.
Mayor Marrs called the question. Aye: (4). Nay: (0). Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Divine reminded the members of the Salina Economic Development
Incentives Council of their responsibilities as stated in Resolution No. 05-6220.
Mayor Marrs spoke of his presence at that meeting and assured Commissioner Divine that
the council would review their responsibilities.
ADJOURNMENT
06-7306 Moved by Commissioner Vanier, seconded by Commissioner Perney, that the Regular
Meeting of the Board of Commissioners be adjourned. Aye: (4). Nay: (0). Motion carried. The
meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
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Donnie
D. Marrs, Mayor
[SEAL]
A TE T:
Lieu Ann Elsey, CMC,' y Clerk
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