Buhler News

CITY OF BUHLER

COUNCIL NOTES

MARCH 29, 2011

Traci Isaacson of 104 E Curtis requested consideration for the no parking signs on the 100 block of East Curtis.  She noted that the restriction of parking from 7:30 – 8:30 am were a major inconvenience for her family.  The parking restriction was originally requested by residents a result of student parking.  The Council requested a poling of the neighborhood to find out if a change would pose a problem for them.

Chris Miller of Miller and Associates reported that he led a tour group through the new Water Treatment Plant to view and explain the current progress on the project Monday, March 28.  He then showed the Council members a video clip of Buhler’s water well #3.  There were several areas of concern including a small hole through the casing and debris on the screens.  Chris recommended that the well be cleaned as part of the rejuvenation.  Additional costs amount to $16,744.34 which includes a new pump, 70 feet of column pipe, carbon line shaft, CCT inspection, 5’ SS line shaft, Bronze spider gears, and Sonar Jet, Acid and Sodium Hypo cleaning. He also proposed a plaque at the Water Treatment Plant naming community members involved in the process.

Councilmember Neufeldt was commended on work in choosing colors for the Water Treatment Plant.  Payment request #2 was presented from Utility Contractors, Inc. for work completed and materials through February 28, 2011.

City Clerk Merrill Peterson presented a letter from KDHE Division of Environment to Les Teter noting that they were “pleased to note that the City of Buhler is in full compliance with the 503 Sludge Regulations for the past year”.  They further commented that they “appreciate the fact the forms were completed correctly and promptly returned to KDHE”.  A controlled burn has occurred at the City burn site south of Buhler. A thank you has been received from the 2011 Reno County Water Festival participants.  A letter was received from the Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community requesting a letter in support of a Community Service Tax Credit regarding their planned remodeling project for two wings of the facility.  Mayor Friesen will submit a letter of support as agreed by the Council.  Mr. Peterson also reported on the recent CCMFOA conference he attended in Wichita.  He particularly noted the networking with other City Clerks along with the pertinent topics presented, some of which were legislative review, KPERS, and transportation programs available for street projects using a revolving loan fund which would carry a lower financing charge.  March sales tax was down just slightly at less than ½ percent.  He also noted that the deadline had passed for signup for Buhler Recreation summer programs.  He received notification that the City Library has received Ad Valorem taxation exemption from the Court of Tax Appeals for the additional space now occupied by the library.  Mr. Peterson also brought to the Council’s attention a letter he received from Dave Schroeder commending Police Chief Tracy’s assistance during a recent accident.

Police Chief Tracy reported that 190.9 gallons of fuel were consumed and 1964 miles were logged on the Police vehicles.  He made note of the need to replace the oldest Police car.  Preliminary costs would be approximately $22,000 from a dealer in Wichita specializing in police vehicles and using the state discount for a new Dodge Charger with a 6 cylinder engine, equipped for police service.  At the request of the Council, he will check further regarding trade in value and other dealers although they may not be able to honor the State of Kansas contract and equip the vehicle appropriately.  A question arose regarding the source of funding for the vehicle.  City Clerk Peterson noted that this cost would come from the capital equipment reserve fund and had been anticipated in the budgeting process.  Chief Tracy also reported on law enforcement activities for the past month which are logged into the police records.

Superintendent James Perry reported that the annual sewer line cleanout maintenance had been completed on a specific area of Buhler and that a portion of this section videoed per contract.  The crew has replaced a water meter for a residence, repaired park bathrooms and run the street sweeper whenever possible.  He stated that it works best if the streets are wet when the sweeper is in operation.  Hydrant flushing is coming up from April 4 through 8 per schedule.  He is concerned that due to having only one of the wells in service at present, pressure may be an issue so he will make a final decision based in part on weather conditions and anticipated resident water usage.  He also reported that the sidewalk audit is in progress. A letter was received from the Kansas Bureau of Environmental Field Services stating that they had done an inspection at the burn site and we were in compliance with the Kansas Open Burning Regulations and approval.  The letter reiterated that we can only burn tree, brush and clean lumber at the burn site.

Mayor Friesen brought up the issue of drug and alcohol testing and background checks for new employees.  The city policy states that any employee may be subject to testing at any time the Council requests it to be done.  He would like to see it become a prerequisite for all newly hired employees.  There is a considerable price attached to testing and policy would need to be adopted to carry out the change.  It was suggested to do “ten panel” testing.  Further investigating will be done before any hard and fast requirements are initiated.  Sources for background checks will also be checked into.

Mayor Friesen also reported on a mock tornado emergency scenario that was conducted in Buhler in conjunction with the Fire Department, Public Works Department, Police Department and Reno County Emergency Management.  It was noted the Police Department, Fire Department, and Reno County Emergency Preparedness duties are initiated during and immediately after an event but that most of the Public Works Department and City Administration duties and responsibilities come into play after the event.  Mayor Friesen specifically thanked Deputy Fire Chief Doug Hanen and his hard work in the design and coordination of the scenario drill.

The Personnel Committee informed the Council that the person chosen for the vacant Public Works position had declined their invitation.  They instructed Superintendent Perry to contact the second choice to fill the position offering him an employment offer pending Council approval.  Mr. Justin Mourn accepted the position and a start date was set for May 1, 2011.

Mayor Friesen conveyed his desire to have a member of the City Council visit board meetings at least quarterly citing the boards’ feelings of being abandoned by the City Council.  He suggested Councilmember Bryan visit the Library Board, Councilmember Goertzen visit the Recreation Board, and Councilmember Schmidt visit the Zoning Board.  He and Councilmember Neufeldt will cover the Board of Economic Development.

A request in the form of an agreement was received from the KDHE to obtain groundwater samples in several areas of Buhler using direct push technology to identify potential areas of carbon tetrachloride contamination.  The areas of concern do not affect the city’s public water supply which is obtained east of town but does raise concerns for private wells within the city limits.  The city should have more information in the coming months.

Discussion on the property adjacent to Buhler Road between South Street (69^th) and Dutch Avenue (82^nd) regarding these properties were the first impression of motorists passing through Buhler.  Of concern was the property at 4^th and Buhler Road.  It is currently zoned as MH-1 which allows a mobile home to be located on the property if it meets the required setbacks and usage.   Zoning Administrator Peterson stated that the new owner purchased the property with the specific intent to move a mobile home onto the site and is in the process of obtaining the zoning permit.  The owner has been in contact frequently to make sure everything is appropriate.  When requirements appear to be met he will issue the permit per regulations.

Reported by Don Ratzloff, Deputy City Clerk and Daniel Friesen, Mayor.

Questions, Concerns, Comments?  Contact the City Staff or Mayor any time:

City Office

219 N Main

620-543-2253
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Mayor Daniel P. Friesen
620-543-5003
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