Hayden Howard, Lincoln, was sworn into service at the September 11 meeting of the Lincoln City Council, receiving the Oath of Office by City Clerk Heather Hillegeist. Howard is a graduate of Lincoln High School, and owner/operator of Double H Heating & Cooling, specializing in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry and remodeling services. He is filling the position of Branden Johnson who has moved his primary residence beyond the city’s limits.
Minutes Approved: Routine business followed. Minutes from the August 14 meeting were approved with no amendments. The minutes of the special meeting on August 16 were also reviewed and approved as written.
Payroll Voucher: Payroll Voucher No. 23-08 for August wages and salaries in the amount of $82,907.17 was presented for council approval. A motion by council member Elijah Keever was seconded by council member Melodee Larsen, followed by a vote to approve the Payroll Voucher.
Accounts Payable: Payable lists were reviewed; prepaid invoices totaled $4,684.87 and unpaid invoices totaled $157,889.16. The council approved all invoices presented, totaling $162,574.03.
Animal Permit Hearing: Mayor Travis Schwerdtfager opened a public hearing to hear comments regarding the application for an animal permit for 25 chickens and 20 quail on the property located at 622 N. 2nd St. As required by city code, property owners within 200 feet of the property lines were notified of the hearing as specified by the city code. Each property owner who was notified attended the meeting. Neighbors and citizens representing the Lincoln County Hospital & Health Care Foundation showed in opposition regarding the animal permit. Additionally, four letters were received in opposition. The hearing was closed. The animal permit was denied.
Rec Ball Field Improvement: Recreation Board member Dale Romesburg requested to extend water services at the east ball field in order to add another hydrant closer to the new field currently being constructed. Romesburg was asked to talk with Superintendent Jeff Ahring about the location of a new hydrant. The city agreed to extend water service to the new field as part of the project. The governing body was assured the recreation board still plans to make improvements and continue to use the west ball field.
City Clerk and Council members: Clerk Hillegeist requested the Governing Body consider an additional increase in the raise given to Robin Wolf and Ethan Curnutt after successfully completing their 6-month training period. After discussion, no change was made. Hillegeist informed the council she had researched two companies regarding employee background checks. Both companies were comparable in cost and both companies only require payment if the service is used there is no monthly service fee. Of the two companies considered, Hillegeist recommended Verified First as they have an in-house legal team as well as the ability to handle the authorization forms for employee background checks. Keever moved to engage in an agreement with Verified First for employee pre-employment background checks for all future employees. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Larsen.
Council member Keever shared a memo detailing correspondence between himself and William Carothers regarding his termination pay. It was reported that Carothers has been paid all wages for hours worked as well as $500 for housing allowance. Moving expenses, as approved at the August 16 special meeting, have not been paid since no receipts have been provided to the Clerk’s office to date.
GAAP Waiver Resolution # 23-03, entitled “A RESOLUTION BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN CENTER, KANSAS, CONCERNING THE FINANCIAL REPORTING FOR THE CITY OF LINCOLN CENTER, WAIVING GAAP,” was presented. Said Resolution waives the requirement of K.S.A. 75-1120a (a) regarding the financial statements and reporting for the year ending 2023. Larsen moved to adopt said Resolution, seconded by Corpstein. Motion carried.
Council members reviewed a list of nuisance properties.
IIMC Region VII Mtg: Clerk Hillegeist reported she would be attending the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) Region VII Meeting September 13-15 with expenses covered by City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association (CCMFOA), of which she is President.
