Michael Pierce

The commission approved appropriation ordinances for payroll and disbursements, adopted Charter Ordinance No. 25 regarding commission titles, and appointed directors to the KMEA board. Additional actions included amending the lake caretaker contract, scheduling spring cleanup dates, and approving a cereal malt beverage license. The board also reviewed public works updates, including equipment repairs and generator maintenance. Numerous executive sessions were held to discuss personnel matters and conduct interviews for the city clerk and deputy clerk positions, leading to the scheduling of a special meeting for future decisions.

The meeting included discussions on the reappointment of a Housing Authority Board member, updates on public works projects including the KDOT C-Clip project and equipment maintenance, and a review of the Police Department's request to purchase ERAD equipment. Additionally, the commission held multiple executive sessions regarding non-elected personnel and approved a salary increase for the Parks and Recreation Director.

The Commissioners addressed several important items. Key discussions included a proposed rate increase from Waste Management, which the Commission decided to put out for public comment before tabling a final decision until the next meeting. The Commission approved the use of the Blue Building for a charitable event by NEK-CAP, Inc. and permitted the South Brown County Ministerial Association to use the Civic Center for the Luminaries event, including requests for street light control and barricades. An appeal regarding the Armory rental rate for a children's club was noted for later review after utility costs are finalized. Approvals were granted for the 2018 audit selection (Mize & Houser for 2019), reappointment of Parks and Recreation Board members, cancellation of the water tower maintenance agreement effective December 31, 2018, and an increase in seasonal camping rates for 2019 (though the season dates were kept the same). The purchase of a used truck with a street sweeper attachment was approved. Follow-up actions include investigating an alternate dental plan due to increased Delta Dental rates, determining if a city ordinance exists regarding throwing candy from vehicles during parades, and a tabled discussion regarding providing compensation to flag football referees and installing a carport/shelter house near a new playground area pending a budget carryover determination. Additionally, the need for a formal safety program, possibly through KMIT, was recommended.

The board conducted a series of executive sessions dedicated to the interview of non-elected personnel. Following these deliberations, the commission finalized the appointment of a new Deputy Clerk and a new City Clerk.

The meeting included the approval of Appropriation Ordinance #3454 (Payroll) and Appropriation Ordinance #3455 (Disbursements). Key discussions involved inquiries regarding grave upkeep, liabilities, disbursement amounts, the Itron contract, and an unapproved purchase of a Kubota lawnmower for the cemetery. The Commission waived rental fees for future use of the Blue Building for a Vacation Bible School and a fundraising event. Follow-up was requested regarding fixing an alley and determining ownership of a property at 400 East 16th Street. The crop bid at the airport was awarded to Larry Sextro. A Cereal Malt Beverage License for Lentz Express was approved. The Commission plans to consult with Scott Shreve and Don Rankin regarding the utility billing system audit and meet with Samuel Johnson for an update on handicapped restrooms. Bushing repair for generator #3 was approved. The Chief of Police recommended sending pre-budget request letters to entities seeking city funds and reported on new patrol car readiness. A corporate authorization resolution requested by Union State Bank was approved. The Commission held two executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel evaluations.