The Hamilton City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The following report was generated from the unofficial minutes, which are subject to board approval.
The Hamilton City Council opened their regular meeting on June 9 with three executive sessions for personnel review totaling 35 minutes. After returning to open meeting, it was noted that Council member Rodney Dimick would reach out to Superintendent Robert Ryan concerning personnel issues and contract options.
The council approved bills and amended minutes.
ResidentBrandonSchmale was present to discuss applying for a Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) license for 99 Line Ranch, LLC with the State of Kansas. The council discussed the request and reviewed applicable licensing requirements and fees. The item was tabled.
The council discussed concerns regarding unauthorized removal of gravel from the city yard and unauthorized dumping. A possible solution of installing a gate with passcode-controlled access was discussed. The council also reviewed the need for policies governing gravel use and access to the city yard. The Mayor will obtain a quote for a fence and gate system for the city lot.
During the Library Report, it was noted that assistance is being sought for a future “Touch-a-Truck” story hour including digging equipment or shovels. An assistant has been hired to work during the summer and may continue on a part-time basis after August. Memorial funds and community service assistance were used to complete front landscaping improvements. Plans are underway to install a lending-library box for weeded and donated books that are not added to the regular collection. It was also noted that no budget increase is being requested at this time.
In New Business, the council reviewed proposed revisions to the livestock ordinance regarding animals at large, enclosure and setback requirement, nuisance and health concerns, permitting and enforcement. Following discussion, no action was taken to prohibit roosters. The council directed City Attorney Stuart Symmonds to revise the draft ordinance to make property owners responsible for livestock ordinance violations, require permits for keeping livestock, increase minimum acreage requirements for larger animals, clarify enclosure requirements and add nuisance, health and runoff standards. Existing nonconforming livestock structures will be addressed through proposed grandfathering provisions, with immediate correction required for health and runoff hazards and a longer compliance period for other nonconforming conditions. Revised acreage figures and other supporting information will be provided to the City Attorney, who will prepare a revised draft ordinance and legal memorandum for Council review at the next meeting.
Council discussed the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and the upcoming FY 202627 budget timeline. Following Treasurer Cindy Hardin’s recommendation, council reached consensus to proceed with filing above the RNR to maintain flexibility during the budget process. A draft budget will be prepared and presented at the July meeting. The council also discussed the need for additional support for the Fire Fund, including future equipment and facility needs and directed the treasurer to include a proposed Fire Fund mill levy increase in the budget materials for consideration. Final decisions regarding mill levies will be made during the budget adoption. A budget review will be held at the next meeting.
During Old Business, the council discussed street repair materials recently delivered to the city including asphalt patch and gravel. Mayor David Harris and the council discussed recent street repairs completed by volunteers and staff and noted the limited capacity of the superintendent to oversee maintenance activities. Prioritizing pothole and street repairs, documenting repair needs and developing a more organized approach to scheduling and supervising maintenance work was discussed. Staff was directed to assess available materials and equipment, identify priority repair location and provide cost estimates and recommendation for completing needed repair.
The council reviewed a proposal for installation of a mini-split HVAC system at the city office. Mayor Harris receiving a quote from in the amount of $5,875 for installation of a mini-split system and related HVAC components. After discussion, the council tabled the issue until more information could be gathered and another quote could be obtained.
Concerns regarding overgrown trees and vegetation obstructing roadways, alleys and intersections were discussed. The Code Enforcement Officer will inspect and document problem areas, issue notices to affected property owners for trees that extend into roadways and work with the City Attorney to clarify notice procedures and compliance timelines. The council also discussed establishing appropriate deadlines for correction of hazardous conditions.
Discussion was also held regarding Insurance Policy Updates, “Party In The Park” event and brush pile burning.
Superintendent Ryan submitted his resignation due to workplace challenges. The council accepted the resignation and noted the need to begin planning for interim coverage and future staffing needs.
Code Enforcement Officer Devin Harris reported on current enforcement priorities. The council discussed purchasing a laptop/ tablet to record citation information and photographs. Devin Harris also reported reviewing draft ordinance updates. Citation books and an official badge are being researched.
Discussion was held regarding drainage and standing water caused by a blocked or deteriorated pipe in front of a vacant or derelict property and a sewer issue. The sewer issue involved a residential collapsed segment of sewer pipe. It was noted the city is not currently responsible for that segment. Potential solutions were discussed.
Concerns were raised regarding missing or confusing street signage in the Garfield/Greenwood area which has resulted in delivery issues reported by carriers including FedEx and UPS. The council noted the issue and discussed reviewing options to improve or replace signage.
SPECIAL MEETING The Hamilton City Council also held a special meeting on June 16 at 6 p.m.
The council considered a request for a CMB license for 99 Line Ranch, LLC. Ordinances 186 and 281 were discussed. A motion was made to grant a CMB license to 99 Line Ranch, LLC at the fee of $60 per year. The motion was rescinded. Another motion was made to grant the CMB license at the annual fee of $60 for the retail sale of cereal malt beverages in original, unopened containers, with no consumption permitted on the premises. The motion passed 3-1 with 1 vote abstained.
The council held multiple executive sessions to discuss employee review. After returning to open meeting, the council discussed the superintendent position with Superintendent Ryan and reviewed various personnel and human resource matters. Draft job descriptions for the Water/Wastewater Supervisor and Groundskeeper positions were presented and reviewed. The council indicated the revised position descriptions would be considered for approval at the next meeting. Ryan discussed his intention to resign by August 2026 and expressed concern regarding his continued employment. The council and Ryan discussed a transition plan with Ryan agreeing to remain employed up to 20 hours per week to provide coverage for water and sewer operations during the transition period.
Mayor David Harris requested that the city obtain contract lawn maintenance services on an interim basis while the Superintendent position is vacant. The council directed the city clerk to advertise for the Groundskeeper and Water/ Wastewater Supervisor positions.
The council approved the bills.
The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Hamilton City Council will be held on Aug. 11.
