Washington County High School senior Nina Kern described possibilities for new signs at the city’s entrances Monday night when the Washington City Council met at City Hall. Present were Mayor Ryan Kern, Theresa Herrs, Roxanne Schottel and Don Imhoff. Melanie Bryant and Kevin Elder were absent.
Kern gave the council an overview of her project-based learning project and proposed new entrance signs for the city. She presented several theme and sign ideas and preliminary cost information. The council asked several questions and indicated interest in new signs but asked Kern to meet with City Administrator Carl Chalfant to gather more information about current city signs and more information from property owners. Funding, including maintenance funds, would need to be addressed.
Following executive sessions of 30 minutes and 10 minutes to discuss employee evaluations, the council set wages for the 2021 year, effective with the Jan. 15 pay date. Wage increases of five percent were approved for the treasurer, administrator, clerk, full-time EMT, power plant operator, public works supervisor and electric lineman #1 positions. Three percent raises were approved for the water waste operator, street laborer and electric lineman #2 positions, along with first responders and standby, weekday and weekend EMT work.
Three city employees were presented service awards. Mike Manning was recognized for 40 years of service as a lineman. Leland Koch received a certificate for 20 years of service as an EMT. Denise Powell was recognized for 20 years of service as city clerk and as a part-time EMT. The employees also were recognized at the virtual Kansas League of Municipalities meeting.
Chalfant said all B Street pavement had been poured. Crews were to pour the wingwalls on the reinforced concrete box culvert this week. Chalfant said he hoped sidewalk could be completed from the College and B Street intersection north this week. If concrete tests pass muster, Chalfant said the intersection could be open Dec. 18. The council approved payment #7 for the city’s share of the B Street work to Vogts Parga Construction for $44,692.71, less the 10 percent retainage of $4,469.27.
Payment #9 for Orr Wyatt Streetscapes for the water project for $501,884.05 was approved. “Things are moving along pretty good,” Chalfant said.
Chalfant said the voltage conversion project for properties south of Mill Creek to the Industrial Park had been completed. “It was a great day,” Chalfant said. “The crews we had in, they all worked together super.” The city received assistance from the City of Clay Center and Great Plains Power, along with Mike Schmaderer of Mid-States Energy Works.
In other business, the council:
• Agreed to suspend enforcement of a section in the city code while a new meter reading system is installed for water usage. Instead of an average, actual usage will be used for billing with the new system. Chalfant said he hoped new software would be installed in January. Once the new meter reading system is working, the council can address any updates to the ordinance, Chalfant said.
• Decided to request a formal audit proposal from Summers, Spencer and Co. for the 2020 city audit. An additional audit will be required for the city water project.
• Approved 2021 refuse licenses for C&M Refuse Inc., Jones Trash Service, Get ‘er Dumped, Durflinger Disposal Service and Temps Disposal Service.
• Approved 2021 cereal malt beverage licenses for Casey’s Retail Co., Leizler’s Oil, dba Short Stop #25, and Washington Bowl.
• Continued discussion about failing storm sewer walls and ideas for repair and replacement.
• Approved a resolution that updated some fees that are required or allowed by the City Code, including adjusting EMS rates to get maximum reimbursement for ambulance service.
• Accepted a price of $1,380 for trash service for the city from C&M Refuse for 2021.
• Approved a bid from America Pride Services for 2021-2022 of $21.77 per delivery to City Hall and $38.22 per delivery of 120 shop towels.
• And adjourned to noon, Dec. 29, to close out the 2020 year.