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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