City considers sale of Water Street property
A decision was tabled until next week regarding a request to sell city-owned property.
Tony Schafers and Gene Warnica requested the city sell property adjacent to their business property on Water Street.
Schafers said they wanted to acquire the property to use it as an access driveway to their business property.
Discussion followed regarding the ownership of the property that was deeded to the city by the railroad.
City attorney Dan Baldwin said the property had been surveyed a few years ago when other city-owned property in the same area was sold.
Mayor Martin Tice asked Baldwin to obtain more information before the commission would consider action.
In other business:
— The commission approved the city's membership to Kansas Municipal Energy Agency. Membership will entitle the city to use the services of a KMEA representative with Westar Energy negotiations, David Mayfield, city administrator said.
An ordinance and resolution also were approved associated with the membership.
Mayfield said city officials recently met with KMEA representative Jim Weidner. Weidner suggested the city partner with other cities and then negotiate with Westar Energy.
A rate schedule was anticipated from Westar Energy in regards to negotiating a new contract for July 2005. An 18 percent increase for transmission lines was anticipated, Mayfield said.
— Property owners will be levied special assessments for street improvements in the 100 block of Washington Street. The costs of the project were distributed among property owners. An ordinance related to the assessment was approved by the commission.
— Two annual ordinances also were approved by the commission related to traffic laws and public offense codes.
— A quarterly financial statement, September investment, collateral report, and financial statement were approved.
— Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities, reported a post at North Freeborn and Main streets was replaced and painted, a drain box on Cedar Street was replaced, and grass reseeding at Country Club Heights.
The 12.5 electrical line that will service the hospital has been run across Luta Creek, Sanders said.
— Baldwin reported 10 lawsuits had been filed against individuals with delinquent city bills. Six more will be filed when additional information is obtained, Baldwin said.
— Warrants for $32,846 and payroll for $24,253 were approved.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
