December 5, 2011

The regular meeting of the Frontenac City Council, December 5^th, 2011 at Town Hall was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Kennedy.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.  Roll call was answered by Papish, Kotzman, Bridwell, Quenoy, Hipfl and Menghini.  Chiappetti and Macary were absent.

Minutes of November 21^st, 2011 were opened for discussion.    A motion was made by Bridwell and seconded by Papish to approve the minutes.  This motion was unanimously approved.

Appropriation ordinance #1564 was opened for discussion.   Bridwell questioned an expenditure to Extreme Sports and Scuba, this company provides equipment and hydrostatic tests the breathing air bottles for the fire department. A motion to approve appropriation ordinance #1564 was made by Quenoy, seconded Menghini and unanimously approved.

Dan presented the 2011 amended budget to Council for consideration.  A motion was made by Kotzman, seconded by Quenoy and unanimously approved to publish the notice of public hearing on the amended 2011 budget and set the public hearing for December 19^th at 12:00 noon.

Mayor Kennedy invited the council members, staff and families to the Christmas Lunch on December 22^nd at noon at the Senior Center. 

Council Members Comments: Quenoy thanked Chief Flora for his prompt attention at installing the stop sign at Labette and Shawger.

Menghini commended the city workers for getting on the Christmas lights and decorations.

Hipfl requested additional street lights in the Saia addition along Wilson St. and Mckinley St.  Chief Flora will inspect and make a recommendation.

Papish advised that he had been contacted by Bob Grant inquiring about a building permit or requirements for putting a smoker at his residence.  Staff will follow up with Mr. Grant.

City Administrator: After a meeting with the finance committee, Dan advised that the committee agreed on measures to increase income.  First, an increase in water/sewer rates of 5% for 2012 and raising the maintenance fee from $3.50 to $5.00, splitting that amount equally between the water and sewer department.  Menghini made a motion to approve ordinance 2011-06, making the above increases in water/sewer.  This motion was seconded by Kotzman and unanimously approved.

The finance committee also recommended a .25% sales tax increase to be used for overlay projects in the future.  This will need to be done through a ballot question submitted to the voters.  Staff has spoken with local retailers and this would make us competitive with other cities so they were not opposed to the increase.  This would reduce the need to increase the mil levy on property.  The consensus of the Council was to put the matter to the voters as a ballot question so the public can decide.  Staff will prepare the required ordinance and ballot question.  Dan recommended doing a mail out ballot as it gets a better voter response than a special question election.  It was also recommended that the City put information out to inform the public prior to the election. 

City Clerk:  Ordinance 2011-07 was presented to Council, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH AMENDMENTS TO BOND DOCUMENTS ENTERED INTO IN CONNECTION WITH RECOVERY ZONE FACILITY REVENUE BOND (SUGAR CREEK PACKING CO. PROJECT), SERIES 2010, ISSUED BY THE CITY OF FRONTENAC, KANSAS.  A motion was made by Quenoy, seconded by Bridwell and unanimously approved to pass ordinance 2011-07.

CMB license renewals for Frontenac’rs, Rick’s Recreation, Pallucca’s and Mighty Mart were presented to Council.  A motion was made by Quenoy and seconded by Bridwell to approve the 2012 CMB renewals.  This motion was unanimously approved.

With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Quenoy, seconded by Kotzman and unanimously approved.