City of Hamilton Received $467,000 Grant For Water Tower Repairs
The Hamilton City Council held a lengthy meeting on Tuesday, March 11, where they revisited various topics and heard public comments and concerns from residents.
Covering a wide range of issues and giving residents the chance to voice concerns, the meeting lasted just under four and a half hours.
The council held a detailed conversation with City Attorney Clark Allemang, who attended the meeting via Zoom. Attorney Allemang noted that he had sent a letter to Rodney and Ronald Oelkers regarding the ongoing dog issue. Allemang shared that the Oelkers had communicated with him, upon receiving the letter and were hopeful a resolution could be reached. It was noted that the City of Hamilton was still in need of a Municipal Court Judge. Mayor David Harris noted he was planning to communicate with area attorneys who had expressed interest in the position. If a resolution is not reached with the dog issue, the council will schedule a court hearing.
The council received notice from the City of Madison that the water rate will be increasing from $2.94 per 1,000 gallons to $3.72 per 1,000 gallons. Discussion was held regarding passing the rate on to consumers; however, residents attending the monthly meeting referenced recent increases and asked the city to absorb the increase. “The council has continually raised rates,” stated Hamilton resident Brandon Schmale. “We have been paying for a court system. It was in here when I left. The city has not been cleaned up, and it hasn’t been enforced,” he continued. Council members noted that the city had absorbed costs over the years, which had forced them to play “catch up.” Throughout the back-andforth conversation, council members echoed the comment of playing catch up, with council member Charles Schlotterbeck asking, “When do we stop,” referencing the increase in fees. Council member Rodney Dimick stated he would rather increase water rates than increase mills. The council opted to table the discussion until City Treasurer Cindy Hardin could attend.
Regarding the court system, city residents pay a $5 monthly fee to assist with the municipal court proceedings. Council members noted that the process takes time, but the City of Hamilton was moving forward with clean-up efforts. The council gave Superintendent Randy Knight the “go ahead” with code enforcement efforts pertaining to trees, mowing, non-registered vehicles and mobile homes during their February meeting. It was noted that the process had been delayed due to turnover in the attorney and judge positions.
During public comments, business owner Zevi Ashlock shared concerns regarding stray cats, which he believes the population to be nearly 50. He also referenced that by feeding stray cats, residents will also see unwanted varmints. Ashlock hoped the city could do something to encourage residents to cease feeding stray animals, as well as trap and rehome the current strays. Council member C. Schlotterbeck stated he would loan traps to Superintendent Knight to work to capture stray cats and rehome or take them to a nearby pound.
Ashlock also asked the council if a clause or law was in place that would allow him to run for city council as he doesn’t reside in the Hamilton City limits. The council noted they would review the bylaws.
To conclude his public comment, Ashlock asked the council if they would support the addition of a fuel station at West Creek Repair. Ashlock noted he is looking into ways to secure the possibility, but would need a new entrance if the project was to move forward. The council asked Ashlock to submit a proposal to the council at a future meeting.
City resident Cody Lazar noted that his water bill has doubled in the last 10 years while living in Hamilton. “I just want to make sure we aren’t trying to raise rates so we can purchase a side-by-side,” he stated. Lazar also asked the council to consider to absorb the increase.
Schmale readdressed the clean-up costs/process for the city of Hamilton. The council noted that they have been ready to move forward with various violations in the past, but unfortunately, their attorney at the time resigned. The process resumed when a new attorney came on board. The council shared with Schmale that draft letters were approved at a recent meeting and were ready to be sent out. Regarding the fees, the council shared that half of the proceeds are placed in the court fund while the other half will be used for maintenance. Schmale expressed frustration with the cleanup efforts not moving forward. “My excitement has worn out. It shouldn’t take 4 years,” stated Schmale.
The council again referenced the change in attorneys and judges, as well as noting the change in the council.
It was noted that three councilmember positions, as well as the mayor position, will be on the November General ballot later this fall. The three council members up for re-election will be Joe Beeman, Rodney Dimick and C. Schlotterbeck. It was noted that May 1 is the date to certify the open positions with the Greenwood County Election
Office, with the deadline to file for election being
June 2.
Alexis Schlotterbeck, representing Hamilton Days, shared that the committee is working to get the schedule for the annual event drafted. She shared that the committee has booked Brickhorse as the musical entertainment for the street dance.
The City of Hamilton was awarded a $467,000 grant for water tower repairs. Clerk Daphne Rayburn shared that they should have the agreement within the next couple of weeks and will need to create a detailed timeline. The city will submit invoices quarterly to be reimbursed for the project, which can include motors, pumps and VFDs for the water tower. Councilmember Dimick expressed appreciation to all those who helped read the material and for getting the grant process started.
The council then revisited the topic of equipment for the Superintendent. Council members again discussed the need for a dump trailer or UTV to assist Knight with various tasks. The council asked Superintendent Knight to create a list of items that could assist him in his daily city tasks, with the council re-evaluating the topic at the next council meeting.
With hopes of saving money for the city, the council made a motion to repeal Ordinance 335 to remove council members and the mayor from receiving a salary for the monthly meetings. The City of Hamilton began providing payments to elected officials in 1973 with a $4 monthly payment. The original ordinance was replaced by Ordinance 335 in 2010. The council has received $10 per meeting since. Beginning April 1, council and mayor positions for the city of Hamilton will be known as volunteer positions.
Fire Chief C. Schlotterbeck shared that he is still working to gather a quote for a 40x60 fire station building.
The council revisited the topic of debit cards, with the cards being used at locations where the city doesn’t have accounts set up. The council approved for debit cards through Citizens State Bank to be issued for the clerk, superintendent and mayor, with a $1,000 monthly cap. Receipts will be required with the purchases being reviewed by the council at the monthly meeting. It was also noted that the debit cards would be used for purchases only, with the cash-back option not being allowed.
During the superintendent report, Knight shared that Greenwood County Road and Bridge was slated to visit Hamilton to view the potholes on Main Street, later that week. He also noted that he had researched a KDOT grant in more depth and learned that if granted, KDOT would complete the project once, with all maintenance then being the city’s responsibility.
The council discussed electrical improvements to the city’s fire truck. The council also discussed the burning/removal of destroyed homes. The council asked Clerk Rayburn and Superintendent Knight to review the structure ordinance.
Discussion was then held regarding the “backand-
forth” discussion held
during public comments. Council member Dimick noted that a time limit should be in place. “We should follow parliamentary procedure.” The council also agreed to move public comments to the beginning of the meeting. Mayor Harris also asked the council to look over the bills and minutes before the meeting in hopes of expediting the meeting a little.
The council approved donating $100 to the Hamilton High School Junior Carnival and $100 to the Hamilton Days Donation.
The bills, totaling $14,837.85, and the Feb. 11 meeting minutes were approved as presented.
The meeting adjourned at 10:39 p.m.
Hamilton’s next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 8, at 6 p.m. at the city office.
