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Lincolnville to launch a sewer repair project

Staff writer

Lincolnville City Council members agreed Monday to take steps to repair the city’s sewer ponds and replace several sections of sewer lines.

Rose Mary Saunders, a grant writer associated with Ranson Financial Consultants LLC of Wichita, provided information on the steps that need to be taken to launch the project.

The first step is to hire an engineer to analyze the system, make recommendations, and provide a cost estimate. Saunders will provide the city with a list of names of engineering firms that can be contacted about the project.

Saunders provided several funding options including the USDA Department of Rural Development, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, general obligation bonds, and a Community Development Block Grant.

The city used a CDBG to build its community center. In that case, volunteer labor was used in lieu of matching funds to construct the building. It was dedicated in August 2006.

Saunders said the most likely funding scenario would be a CDBG with matching funds from a KDHE revolving loan.

Saunders said KDHE has a list of deficiencies in the city’s sewer system, which will make loan approval likely. Her fee for guiding the city through the project will be approximately $1,200. A public hearing will be conducted before the project receives final approval.

In the absence of Mayor Barb Kaiser, Vice Mayor Joe Vinduska led Monday’s meeting.

He introduced city attorney Lori Lalouette. She received the council’s approval to publish a legal notice from the city to repeal a 1981 fireworks ordinance that bans the sale and discharge of fireworks within the city limits.

A new ordinance will be published allowing for sale of fireworks within the city. The new ordinance will conform to county regulations regarding fireworks.

The council met with Lalouette for 15 minutes in executive session to discuss matters protected by attorney-client privilege, which included delinquent sewer bills. No action was taken after returning to open session.

City employee Troy Peterson reported a problem with a dog getting loose in Lincolnville. City clerk Sabrina Carson reportedly was bit by the dog while walking to work one day. She said she called and talked to a sheriff’s deputy and was informed the sheriff’s department could not come into town to enforce an ordinance unless the city had an agreement with the county for such services.

“If they can’t do this, they can’t do anything else in this town,” councilman Pat Combs said. “They can’t pick and choose.”

Lalouette said she would investigate the matter.

Vinduska reported that a grant for a new city siren was approved. Fire chief Lester Kaiser will present more information later.

Carson reported that the city would be reimbursed by FEMA for extra expenses incurred because of the Feb. 8 and 9 snowstorm. City employees were instructed to calculate expenses using worksheets.

The council approved a $100 donation to the Centre After-Prom party scheduled for April 16.

Dawn Kaiser directed city employees to begin work on the ballfield as soon as ground conditions permit.

Vinduska reported the completion of repairs on sewer lines at two locations.

Peterson requested installing stronger gateposts at the entrance to the city’s burn site. Vinduska asked him to get cost estimates. He also instructed Peterson to put a lock on the gate and to place a sign on it detailing days and hours of availability.

Kristen Ebaben reminded the council that something needs to be done about the burned-out house in Lincolnville. Peterson said he will contact the owner and report back.

Treasurer Clay Simons informed the council that he will be republishing the budget to reflect a rollover of unused funds to 2011.

The council approved payment of bills and payment of council members. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 4.

Last modified March 17, 2011

 

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