CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
JANUARY 8, 2024 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting on January 8, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Oath of Office was administered to newly elected councilmembers by Clerk Johnson.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $243,781.59, Receipts $73,292.55, Transfers Out $19,054.68, Expenditures $62,540.26, Checking Account Closing Balance $235,479.20. Bank Statement Balance $244,368.14, including Checking Account Interest of $53.92, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,888.94, Reconciled Balance $235,479.20. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,083.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,153.58, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,862.06, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $332,578.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $923.79, and Utility CDs $1,091.36 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,015.15. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 to General Fund $2,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000, to Security Meter Deposit $9.56; from Gas Utility Fund to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $3,000, to Security meter Deposit $19.12; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $3,000 for Total Transfers of $19,054.68. Net Loss for the month of December $8,302.39, Year-to-Date Net Loss $108,072.77. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $124,626.63 (102.0%), Expenditures $119,097.15 (74.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,864.03 (100%), Expenditures $34,036.23 (82.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $137,399.07 (87.7%), Expenditures $163,108.78 (72.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $207,072.57 (138.3%), Expenditures $156,498.76 (84.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $9,525.56 (75.6%). The January 2024 estimated payables to date in the amount of $28,498.47 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
•Minutes of December 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
•Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
•Destruction of records for 2013 and prior
•Resolution 2024-0108-1 – 2024 GAAP Waiver
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich requested to shut off water and close public restroom for the winter. After water is shut off, the doors will be locked and signs will be placed on the doors.
He gave an update on the sewer issue at 100 Second St – the issue in on the property owners side of the sewer service. It is recommended that when new line is tapped into main it includes a trace wire (all utilities).
The sewer main in the alley between Hill St and Clay St was backing up. A screen was used when cleaned out to see what was blocking the flow. Screen was full of feminine hygiene products. A request to not flush certain items was put in the January newsletter.
The quote from CAS Constructors, LLC for labor to replace the butterfly water valve at the master meter is $4,720. Valve, actuator, and solenoid have been ordered and still several weeks from delivery.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept quote in the amount of $4,720 from CAS Constructors, LLC to remove existing butterfly valve and replace with new actuated butterfly valve
Mayor Jurgensen asked for a followup on the standing water in the drainage ditch from midway between Third St and Second St to the railroad right-of-way box culvert. Source of water is still undetermined.
Mayor Jurgensen reported that he spoke to owner of 201 Second St about the fallen fence and yard. Tenants have picked up and stacked fallen fence and cleaned up yard. It was also reported that improvements at 404 Washington are continuing.
Clerk Johnson reported the Kansas Health and Environment Labs schedule of fees are projected to increase 35% effective May, 2024.
She gave an update on the finance and utility billing software implementation.
Johnson received information regarding National Flood Insurance Plan training. As Uniontown has not significant flood risk, she will not attend but will pass on information to her replacement.
Also received a notice regarding Information Technology/Operational Technology Essentials Workshop. Council did not feel anyone should attend, but Superintendent Rich could attend if he wanted to.
She received notice of a rate increase from C2 today that will be effective with the January reading. Service fee will increase from $20 to $25/month, usage rate will increase $.23/1000 gallons, a 5.22% overall increase. Johnson presented options for city customer rate increase to be effective with the January readings to reflect the increase from C2.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve Ordinance No. 204 repealing Ordinance No. 195, relating to water rates and amending any previous ordinances for resolutions setting forth water rates for the City of Uniontown, Kansas with inside city limits minimum charge of $27.16 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.74/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000; for customers outside city limits minimum charge of $28.40 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $13.31/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000 to take effect on the January 26, 2024 billing
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – severe weather is forecasted for the weekend. A member update had not been received from KMGA as of meeting, Clerk Johnson will reach out for an update. He also reminded council that dog/cat registrations period is now until March 31. It was asked if we would host a rabies clinic again this year. Clerk Johnson with reach out to Dr Holeman for a late March date.
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking project – Grant check has been received and work will begin when weather permits.
Pond Project – contractor is still waiting on county for rock.
NEW BUSINESS
Water Meter Replacement Plan – after discussion, we will start with a few this year and budget in the following years for more to have on hand and replace when needed. Superintendent Rich stated he would need help to remove/replace some of the meters as some of the meters are pretty deep in the well.
Clerk Johnson asked when and where to advertise for the City Clerk position. Mayor Jurgensen asked her to send the clerk’s job description to the council in next month’s packet and put a non-elected personnel executive session for on the agenda to discuss duties and benefits.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:33PM
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
DECEMBER 12, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting on December 12, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 8:00PM, due to schedule conflict with school activity, by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (8:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Mayor Jurgensen presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing councilmember Josh Hartman
404 Washington repair followup – Mr O’Dell did not appear. Exterior of structure is not completed but has been made safe and secure. Exterior and interior work is continuing.
USD 235, Vance Eden – Mr Eden forgot after the music program. He wanted to address the council about support for a proposed grant project to construct preschool/daycare classrooms, office spaces, and community space for fitness center and computer lab.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:12PM
Meeting resumed at 8:12PM, no action taken.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $393,424.49, Receipts $38,253.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $184,870.35, Checking Account Closing Balance $243,781.59. Bank Statement Balance $252,410.86, including Checking Account Interest of $71.68, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,629.27, Reconciled Balance $243,781.59. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,562.47, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $20,047.08, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,841.33, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $331,232.47. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $869.87, and Utility CDs $1,049.90 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,919.77. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of November $149,642.90, Year-to-Date Net Loss $99,770.38. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $109,948.84 (90.0%), Expenditures $103,590.71 (64.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,931.68 (92.0%), Expenditures $27,021.56 (65.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $120,906.83 (77.2%), Expenditures $120,058.49 (53.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $170,695.62 (114.0%), Expenditures $142,559.66 (77.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $8,841.12 (75.6%). The December 2023 estimated payables to date in the amount of $69,435.50 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
•Minutes of November 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and November 27, 2023 Special Meeting
•Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported a sewer issue at 100 Second St. It is unsure whether the leaking line is the city’s or the property owners. Council directed him to determine the ownership of the line and fix if it is the city’s line.
He reported that the labor for the water valve replacement is estimated at $4,720 and estimated to be 12 weeks out.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to table labor for valve replacement until January meeting
Rich asked about a water meter replacement plan. This will be put on the January agenda under new business.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was not in attendance. Johnson reported that Animal Control Officer is monitoring the dogs at large on Washington Street and taking appropriate action.
Clerk Johnson received a request for donation for SOS (Send Off Seniors) party. Historically the city donates $100.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2024 SOS Party
Johnson asked to not renew Zoom subscription. It has been used twice in the last three years. Council agreed to non-renew as we can always reactivate if needed. She did receive a late notice for renewal of smoothwall and did get it paid and renewed.
She also gave an update from the December 5 KDHE public meeting on the Lead Service Line Inventory being required by EPA and KDHE. KDHE does have grants available for assistance in getting accurate information for the inventory. Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) also has technical assistance available. She will be attending a MAP webinar in January. Some of the testing processes are changing and the acceptable level will be reduced from 15ppb to 10ppb
She provided governing body with a resource pamphlet from League of Kansas Municipalities and asked to not comply with request for Economic Development Survey as city has not expended anything for economic development. Clerk was directed to order a 2024 Governing Body Handbook for new councilmember.
Animal Control Officer Binford wanted to express her appreciation for the gift and council support.
Johnson also thanked the council for allowing her to be City Clerk.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – again conveyed his appreciation to other governing body members and city staff as his term is ending.
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will present $10,000 grant check on December 18. Contractor is planning to begin as soon as weather permits.
Pond Project – contractor has contoured bank and is waiting on County to deliver rock. County rock crusher is broken down at this time. Mayor Jurgensen has given KDWPT biologist Don George an update on progress and discussed with him the weeds growing in the riprap on the west side. It is recommended to not spray with roundup or glyphosate. Mr George would like to view the areas of weeds and make herbicide recommendation.
NEW BUSINESS
2024 CMB off premises renewal-Union Station –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to renew Union Station’s CMB off premises license for 2024
Procurement Policy – after discussion, policy does not need changed. The wording on the invitation for bid needs to state that bid opening will be (up to 10 days) before council meeting and will be awarded at council meeting.
Financial/Utility Software – Clerk Johnson contacted four companies for quotes – Tyler Technologies, one time fees $60,570, annual fees $20,645; MuniBilling, one time fees $2,390, annual fees $5,208; gWorks, one time fees $1,500, annual fee $2,030; and Edmunds, one time fees $10,000-12,000, annual fees $7,000. She recommended gWorks as they have the lowest quote plus we already use gWorks desktop Utility Billing module. There will be no onboarding/implementation cost for utility billing. All quotes are for cloud-based software.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to purchase gWorks Finance Hub and Utility Billing Hub cloud-based software
Employee Benefits-Health Insurance – Clerk Johnson presented the three options she found. None can be used until we have an employee to insure. Once an employee is hired, she recommends KMIT as the best option for long term health benefits.
Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:59PM
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
NOVEMBER 27, 2023 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Special Council Meeting on November 27, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Discuss ordinance regulating council pay – review and discussion of the draft ordinance presented.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt amended Ordinance No. 203, an ordinance establishing compensation for members of the governing body of the city of Uniontown, Kansas.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance, job duties, and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:40PM
Clerk Johnson called in at 7:30PM. Open meeting resumed at 7:40PM. Council asked Clerk Johnson to gather information about health insurance coverages/plans and costs from KMIT, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and Kansas Rural Water Association.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to table insurance benefit discussion until December 12, 2023 meeting
Moved by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
NOVEMBER 14, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting on November 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Zach Snyder and Stevie Amos (Thomas Construction), Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Placemaking Project – bid opening – this is for 34’ X 65’ X 6” pickleball court, 2 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $18,430 and Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $20,650. Bid tabulation attached.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $18,430
Clerk Johnson stated that acknowledgement for the BCBS Pathways Grant of $10,000 was received, needs signed, and returned.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to authorize Sally Johnson to sign the BCBS Pathways Grant acknowledgement and return
Pond Project – bid opening – this for Phase II of riprapping bank, 3 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $13,500; Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $6,680; and Thomas Construction Inc, $28,024. Bid tabulation attached.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Marbery Excavation & Hauling in the amount of $6,680
Clerk Johnson has ordered/received weed barrier. She ordered one designed to go under driveways this time.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the October 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $395,312.22, Receipts $37,931.52, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $27,043.25, Checking Account Closing Balance $393,424.49. Bank Statement Balance $399,580.44, including Checking Account Interest of $84.55, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $6,155.95, Reconciled Balance $393,424.49. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,433.01, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,710.66, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $480,508.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $798.19, and Utility CDs $682.57 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,480.76. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $562.50, Expenditures $562.50, Ending Balance $0. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00; for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of October $1,887.73, Year-to-Date Net Income $49,872.52. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $100,111.61 (81.9%), Expenditures $94,509.42 (59.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,115.85 (84.4%), Expenditures $25,225.57 (61.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $112,721.15 (72.0%), Expenditures $111,228.80 (49.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $156,439.58 (104.5%), Expenditures $133,070.97 (71.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $6,183.82 (52.9%). The November 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $185,122.07 were presented which includes invoice for street resurfacing.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
•Minutes of October 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
•Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:55.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:20.
Clerk Johnson called in at 8:00, out at 8:15.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:52.
Johnson called in at 8:25, out at 8:52. Open meeting resumed at 8:52. Council asked if schedule a special meeting for executive session for non-elected personnel could they also include discussion of the council pay ordinance. Yes, they can. They would like to have meal provided for special meeting.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to schedule a special meeting for November 27, 6PM, to dicuss ordinance regulating council pay and executive session for non-elected personnel exception.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the incoming water valve is not closing completely. He is currently shutting off the master meter when the pump is not running. He has replaced the solenoid which was also leaking. Can’t find anyone to work on the leaking valve. We can order a new one like we currently have or we can order a different valve but would possibly not be the same size and would cost more to replace. Either valve would probably have a 4-6 week delivery.
Motion ;by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to order new valve like existing valve from Mid America Valve
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 404 Washington has started construction. 102 Franklin received letter on 10/31 and have started piling up dead tree/brush. 201 Fulton letter was sent to attorney handling the foreclosure. The attorney was to notify the lender and/or owner to address the issue. After discussion, due to the time of year and other properties in town with ditches not mowed, City will not pursue this until spring.
Clerk Johnson reported on information received from KDHE on the Lead Service Line Inventory and a scheduled public hearing on the Lead and Copper Rule Revision Rule Implementation in Chanute on December 5, 7PM.
KMGA May 1, 2024 through April 20, 2025 Projected Gas Volumes were received.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to accept KMGA proposed Projected Gas Schedule for May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025
Johnson also reported on the KMU Regional Meeting and the KSGFOA Fall conference.
KMU is hosting a virtual 2024 Legislative & Regulatory Outlook on December 1, 10AM. She has registered to attend.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – absent
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – conveyed his appreciation for the City and staff during his time on the council. He will be unable to attend the December meeting, so said goodbye tonight.
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – has been receiving reports of dogs at large in the 300 block of Washington St. He will ask Animal Control to followup.
OLD BUSINESS
Street project – work is completed. Mayor Jurgensen and City Superintendent Rich met with contractor to discuss some areas of concern. Work is warranted until October 27, 2024. Contractor will come in to repair areas of concern next summer while working in the area.
Mural Grant – we have received the third and final payment from grant.
NEW BUSINESS
Council Pay Ordinance – tabled until special meeting on November 27, 2023.
Procurement Policy –
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to table discussion of current procurement policy to the December 12, 2023 meeting.
Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:57PM