MINNEOLA CITY COUNCIL MEETS                    November 18, 2024

The Minneola City Council met in regular session on November 18, 2024, in the Civic Connection. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., with the following Council members present: Marvin Jensen, Wesley Orr, Chad Kirk, and Debbie Buckley. Mayor Carol Sibley presided. Also present were Tyler Knox, City Manager and Brenda Stewart, City Clerk.

Laurie Minor and Kara Dugan presented information about Community Days 2025. It is titled, “Minne-Luau,” and will be held on May 16-18. They asked if the City would help again this year with getting the Community Park mowed, weeded, cleaning the pavilion, and trash afterwards. They inquired about other volunteers coming in to help mow if needed. The Council said they would have to use their own equipment and sign a waiver of liability. Cats In Action was discussed and the City will participate in that again this year. Mr. Nelson’s high school class has to prepare community project ideas. A few thoughts were discussed, and the City Council will review the projects when presented.

Natalie Marshall presented an idea of painting murals on the four sides of the pool building in the Fall of 2025. The City would need to contribute the paint which would be around $5,000. The Council liked the idea and several ideas of how to fund this was discussed. The Council asked that we review this again in the Spring.

Debbie made a motion to approve the minutes from October 21, 2024, Chad seconded, motion passed 4/0.

Financial Reports for October 2024 were reviewed. There were no questions.

Manager Update: 
•    The Lead & Copper brochures were mailed out to the citizens as needed on the EPA’s spreadsheet. The City is now up to date with all EPA requirements.
•    The Veteran’s Park sprinkler system is in and has been tested. We are having Building Solution’s drone and map where all the lines are. Then we will forward this on to EBH who will add them to our overall map system.
•    Big Iron and Purple Wave were looked at to see if they had any street sweepers and none were found. Key Equipment was contacted but they have not responded. Red Equipment has small units available, but they cost $130,000-$160,000. The Council asked Tyler to check on leasing options with Red Equipment and also check on loan options with Centera Bank. We will need actual quotes from Red Equipment. The other equipment that needs replacing in 2025, is the 60” mower and the mosquito fogging machine. The Council asked Tyler to get quotes on all the items before they can determine what to purchase.
•    The 3-year water inspection with KDHE is this coming Friday. We are working on getting all the requested paperwork emailed in.
•    The County/City did not receive the cost share funding for South Poplar Street. This will need to be discussed with the school Superintendent.
•    The City has not heard back from the new possible builder for the Sunrise Addition. Carol will contact them.
•    The Council asked Tyler to contact Matt Shelor from the Den and Tim Milford about moving the Wi-Fi to the Community Park.
Tyler and Brenda went to Pratt last Thursday for the health insurance review. As with everything else, the rates went up, but the paperwork is finalized.

Reminder that the Council/Employee Christmas party is on December 14.

Brenda passed out the published mill levies for all entities for 2025.

Both January and February 2025 Council meeting dates land on holidays. The Council agreed to move those meetings to the following Tuesdays, 1/21/25 and 2/18/25.

Utility late charges for surrounding towns were reviewed. The Council asked Brenda to prepare an ordinance revising late fees to 10% and have it take effect January 1, 2025. They also asked for information concerning the landlord’s liability on renter’s utility bills and to review the information at the December meeting.

Bills were reviewed. Marvin made a motion to approve the bills as presented, Debbie seconded, motion passed 4/0.

Wesley made a motion to go into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel, Debbie seconded, motion passed 4/0. Executive session started at 8:32 pm with the Mayor and Council present. The Council came out of executive session at 9:00.

Marvin made a motion for pay raises as outlined and to give each employee a Christmas bonus as outlined, Wesley seconded, motion passed 4/0.

Debbie made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Chad seconded, motion passed 4/0. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.

City Clerk