With hopes of cleaning up the city, the Hamilton City Council gave Superintendent Randy Knight the “go-ahead” to move forward with code enforcement efforts during their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The goal is for the city to focus on four topics: trees, mowing, (illegal, i.e. not registered) vehicles in ditches and trailer homes. It was noted that a trailer sold in an auction last fall was still on city property and needed to be removed. Mayor Dave Harris was going to contact the new owner to inform them the council granted 10 days from contact to remove the property. The council reviewed the codes as written, as well as reviewed letters that would be sent to residents if they were found in violation of a code. City Clerk Daphne Rayburn was then asked to draft a letter to all residents. The letter, set to be sent out in April, is to inform the residents what the city will be looking for and the potential penalties for violations. During the discussion, the purchase of a camera was brought up to assist Knight with documenting violations. Council member Rodney Dimick shared that he had a camera he could donate to the cause.
The council also referenced the need for a vehicle and/or trailer for Knight to use for projects. Discussion was held regarding purchasing a truck, trailer or a side-by-side. All of which had pros and cons for various tasks. The council asked Knight to consider the options and share at the next meeting.
Water Superintendent/ Clerk Reports Before a five-minute executive session for personnel- performance review, it was noted that Superintendent Knight passed his water test. Following the session, the council approved a $1/hour raise for Knight, with the added certification. With the raise, Knight is now making $19/hour. It was also noted that Knight plans to take the sewer certification in May.
Within the superintendent report, the council discussed the need for gates at the trash dumpster site, by the city shop. The consensus of the council was to purchase barbed wire and two 10-foot gates for the area. The goal is simply to keep the area secure for those who pay for that service. Superintendent Knight also asked for permission to attend the Water Conference in Wichita next month. The council approved the request and ultimately approved to cover the $180 registration fee and for Knight to spend up to $150 per night for a hotel and $50 per day on food.
During the clerk report, Rayburn shared that KPERS and the new payroll system are set up. She also noted that the new printer arrived and is set up.
Ongoing Dog Issue
The discussion then shifted to the ongoing dog issue. During their January meeting, the council agreed to have City Attorney Clark Allemang draft a letter to Rodney and Ronald Oelkers noting a hearing, however, during their February meeting, it was shared that the current judge for the city has resigned from the position. The council expressed frustration as the process has been ongoing. For a time they were without an attorney and now they were without a judge. Mayor Harris plans to reach out to a few potential city judges to see if they were interested; however, the council asked that Attorney Allemang draft a letter (to be served by public service) to the Oelkers asking them to meet with the council at their next meeting. It was noted that if they did not attend, a hearing would be scheduled. It was also mentioned that any residents with concerns regarding this issue (or others) should file a written complaint with the Hamilton City Office.
Library Report
Clerk Rayburn read a library report to the council. Within the report was a request for funds for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The council approved a $50 donation to assist with the candy purchase and approved for the park and Main Street to be utilized for the annual event. The council also discussed a work day at the library to repair the pillars and the flooring in the entryway.
Fire Station
During council concerns, discussion was held regarding the city shop and fire station. Charles Schlotterbeck shared that the fire department is looking at building a new structure, which would free up more space for the city in the current facility. It was noted that the structure does need work but could suffice for city needs.
It was also noted that a generator for the fire truck needed to be replaced. The council approved for Schlotterbeck to purchase a generator, up to $1,000, 4-0, with Schlotterbeck abstaining from the vote.
Other Business
Discussion was held regarding a resident who wished to re-address the council regarding a sewer issue, however, the council noted that a ruling had previously been reached during a council meeting and shouldn’t be added to future agendas.
During the approval of the bills, council member Dimick asked Clerk Rayburn about the payment to the Firefighter’s Relief fund. It was noted that the city makes an annual payment to the firefighter’s relief fund as a reimbursement for the purchase of the city’s fire truck. The annual payments are slated to be complete in March 2029. Mayor Harris also noted that the city opted to keep the extra siren, instead of using it for trade-in and will pay $850 to Emergency Fire Equipment Co. The council also referenced a second payment to Emergency Fire Equipment for $292.91 to wire the siren. The siren was installed near K-99 and Main Street to assist in warning residents on the west side of town. The January minutes, with a small correction, and the bills were approved as presented.
The council discussed getting a debit card for city use. They were hoping to gather additional details on the requirements to obtain a credit or debit card as one credit card vendor was wanting to use an individual’s social security number instead of the city’s employer identification number.
The council also discussed potholes on K-99 and who was responsible for repairing them. During the discussion, Knight shared a letter that had been received from KDOT about an application for funds for the city connection link program. The deadline to apply is March 28, with KDOT having $1.5 million they plan to grant this year.
Council member Joe Beeman attended the meeting via telephone.
The Hamilton City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Their next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, March 11.
