City of Ramona
Council Minutes
January 13, 2014
Ramona City Hall
Presiding: Mayor Byron Noeth
Council Present: Art Stroda, Billy Alcorn, Pat Wick
Staff present: Jessica Gilbert, Kathy Matkins
Others in attendance: none
Reports
Clerk Gilbert read the minutes for the last council meeting.
Motion: Councilor Alcorn moved to approve the December 2013 minutes. Seconded by Councilor Stroda. Motion passed unanimously.
The financial report was read by the City Treasurer, Kathy Matkins.
Motion: Councilor Wick moved to approve the bills for payment; Councilor Stroda seconded the motion. Passed unanimously.
Because Councilman Jay Plank has moved out of the Ramona City limits, Mayor Noeth reported that Jay gave his verbal resignation, which the Mayor accepted. The Mayor said he is not filling the council position at this time.
The Mayor expressed appreciation for the work done by Jeannie Goza, with help from Art Stroda, for the Christmas event held for Ramona children.
Clerk Jessica Gilbert reported that the electrical pole outlet for Christmas decorations that’s on the pole west of the City Building is not functioning. She reported the issue to the area Westar Rep, David Whitehar, and he reported that the problem rests with the outlet itself, which is the responsibility of the City. A new outlet will need to be installed before Christmas 2014.
The court date for hearing the case against Brad Fleckinger regarding violations of City Ord. 190, was set for January 20 at 4:30pm. However, on January 13, a $50 check was delivered to the City Clerk, which paid the fine so Municipal Court will not be held after all. As for Mr. Fleckinger’s additional violations, City Attorney Bina said the Sheriff had the legal papers to serve but has been unsuccessful in finding Mr. Fleckinger, who seems to be consistently out of town.
Ord. 190 proposed amendments
City Attorney Bina drafted some suggestions for amending City Ord. 190 concerning loose dogs. He asked the City Clerk to present his suggestions (see exhibit A) and discuss them, but to wait to approve any changes until after thorough discussion. The Clerk explained that the most basic change concerns issuing tickets when the ordinance is violated, rather than involving the City Attorney. The success of this program revolves around the appointment of a Dog Officer who would issue the tickets—either when a dog is seen loose, or reported by the City Clerk or a signed complaint. Mr. Bina recommended that the City cease using the City Policy (allowing a dog to be out 3 times in 3 months before legal action is taken) and instead leave the issue of whether a ticket is issued to the discretion of the Dog Officer.
The following questions/concerns were raised which the Clerk will send to the City Attorney:
1. Can the ticket be mailed or does someone (the dog owner) have to sign for the ticket, like you do for a traffic ticket?
2. When a ticket is issued, is there a court date set at the time of ticketing?
3. Should the Dog Officer be compensated in some way? Should this be part of the ordinance?
4. The fine increments seemed a bit steep to a couple of people, suggesting the fines increased by $25 rather than $50 or $100.
5. Can there be a “dog officer team” rather than just one person being appointed?
Councilor Alcorn notified Council that he is having the house at 206 F Street, which he recently purchased, removed from the property. He submitted a $400 check and will present the application for approval at the next council meeting.
Mayor Noeth said he would talk with Dave Staatz about starting the lift station generator once a week. Councilor Alcorn said he gave Staatz the additive.
Motion: Councilor Alcorn moved to adjourn at 8:00pm; Councilor Wick seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Jessica Gilbert, city clerk
City of Ramona
Treasurer’s Report: January 13, 2014
GENERAL FUND
Beginning Balance 20,371.25
INCOME
State of Ks.-Retail tax 918.94
Westar Franchise 151.27
Marion Road & Bridge 36.56
Total Income 1,106.77
Balance prior to expense 21,478.02
EXPENSE
Ck 4227 Jeannie Goza (xmas event) 100.00
Ck 4235 Westar (street lights) 272.06
Ck 4236 State of Ks (street bond payment) 826.00
Ck 4237 Atmos Energy (city bldg heat) 90.28
Ck 4238 RDW #1 (water @ park, city bldg) 45.39
Ck 4239 Karstetter & Bina (Fleckinger case) 78.00
Ck 4240 Westar (shop, city bld, park) 89.98
Ck 4241 KMIT (workers comp insurance) 750.00
Ck 4242 Jess Gilbert 14.5 clerk hours) 107.13
Ck 4243 Kathy Matkins (5.5 treasurer hrs) 40.64
Total Expense 2,399.48
Balance as of January 2014 19,078.54
Investment Funds 5,000.00
24,078.54
Funds on Reserve
Reserve Fund: 4th of July 1936.84
Reserve Fund: Park Improvement 398.58
Reserve Fund: Memorial Bench repair 500.00
Reserve Fund: Youth Council 540.64
January 2014
SEWER FUND
Beginning Balance ` 12,345.95
INCOME
Sewer Fees 360.00
2013-2014 Sewer Fees: $360.00
Bailey, Nate $40
California Sisters $80
Gilbert $10
Leach $20
Matkins $70
Ricketts $120
Thompson $10
Thornhill $10
Total income 360.00
Balance Prior to Expense 12,705.95
EXPENSE
Ck 4228 Reimbursemet to AJ Svoboda 161.82
(Battery for generator)
Ck 4229 Enviroline (maintenance agreement) 175.00
Ck 4230 St. of Kansas (bond payment) 805.00
Ck 4231 Hocb Publishing (ord amended) 53.00
Ck 4232 Westar 55.20
Ck 4233 Dave Staatz (1/2 yr salary) 138.53
Ck 4234 Don Beisel (maintenance checks) 75.00
Total Expense 1,463.55
Balance as of January 2014 11,242.40
Investment Funds: 30,000.00
41,242.40
HIGHWAY FUND
Beginning Balance 17,125.72
INCOME
Total Income -0-
Balance Prior to Expense 17,125.72
EXPENSE
None
Total Expense -0-
Balance as of January 2014 17,125.72
Investment Funds: 5,000.00
22,125.72