MINNEOLA CITY COUNCIL MEETS                                                March 17, 2025

The Minneola City Council met in regular session on February 24, 2025, in the Civic Connection. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., with the following Council members present: Marvin Jensen, Dustin Laudick, and Debbie Buckley. Mayor Carol Sibley presided. Also present was Tyler Knox, City Manager.

Ashley Tedford, pool manager, presented a video of repairs needed for the swimming pool, and possible repairs to the facility. She asked when the pool would be filled so that she can coordinate lifeguard training. Tyler plans to fill the pool the first week of May, pending repairs. She asked if she could attend a virtual pool operator training class and if the city would cover the cost. The council approved to cover the cost. Ashley was asked to send the information to Tyler, and he would get her enrolled and pay. Swimming lessons were discussed. Ashley would like to look into options and possibly get herself and assistant certified. The cost of that is unknown at this time but she would call other communities and ask questions. Discussion was made about the cost of certification and whether the city charges for swim lessons or if they are dealt with like a pool party with payment going directly to the guards.

Heath Hesston, Clark County Sheriff, met with the Council. The council introduced themselves to the new sheriff and asked random questions about him and his plans for the sheriff’s office. He is enjoying and learning his new role as an administrator. Marvin questioned about tax sales in Clark County and number of deputies. Heath stated he has two full-time positions open. He has hired two part-time deputies, and they should be starting this Friday, Heath is working on certification requirements for them. Tyler asked about his comment in the county commission meeting about getting rid of DigiTicket which the city also uses for the issuance of city tickets. Heath stated he did get rid of DigiTicket and only plans to only write district tickets. Heath stated that if the city wants tickets, the City will need to have our own police department.

Justin Clowdis, Minneola Fire Department, Submitted the runs and trainings bill to the City for the 2024 year totaling $2200. Justin asked the Council if we would pay for two sets of bunker gear. Marvin made a motion to pay for two sets, Debbie seconded, motion passed 3/0. Justin discussed the possibility of the city purchasing some needed equipment and discussed the budget for the fire department and how the fire department operates. The council asked Justin to get some bids, and we would see what we can do.

Dustin made a motion to approve the minutes from February 24, 2025, Debbie seconded, motion passed 3/0.

Financial Reports for February 2025 were reviewed. There were no questions.

Tyler, Manager Update:

• The revised Cedar Street drawings were approved, and we are waiting on them from EBH. He will take them to the courthouse and have them filed when they arrive.
• Summer and Full-Time Maintenance was discussed. We have three applicants for the full-time position, and we will set up a time to interview them the first week of April.
• We have started on the foundation for replacing the CL2 room at the swimming pool and hope to have it done in the next couple of weeks.
• Well 5 pump seized and was pulled by Clarke Well Service. They will let Tyler know the cost of repairs in the coming weeks. Well 5 is a back-up well that is not used year-round but is needed in the summertime to help with the demand of water.
• A new door was installed in the old shop building.
• Reminder that he and Brenda will be leaving Monday the 24th for the water conference in Wichita, Brenda will return Wednesday and Tyler will return Thursday.

There is no update on Sunrise Addition at this time.

The Council was reminded of upcoming dates:

• Dog Clinic will be at the old fire station March 29, 10-2.
• Spring clean-up day is April 26. Trash should be placed on the streetside behind the curb instead of in the alleys.
• Garage sale is scheduled for June 7.
• 2025 Election deadline is June 3, noon, at the courthouse in Ashland. Carol, Wesley, Debbie, Chad are up for re-election.

Marvin made a motion to approve Resolution 2025-RO1, for property abatement at 113-115 Cypress, Debbie seconded, motion passed 3/0. The resolution gives the city manager the authority to remove code violation items from property. This action still needs to be signed by the city Judge. The council asked that Tyler, Brenda, and Dorothy Bremer, Code Officer, to meet prior to the clean-up to discuss what needs to be removed.

Cats in Action is scheduled for April 16. The Council approved Carol to purchase new plants for the pots on Main Street, and have the kids clean the pots out as a project. Carol will put the new plants in the pots. Tyler asked them for any other possible projects.

The Council discussed the fire department and how the hospital is covering stand-by pay for some of the firefighters on extremely windy days, and it should be the county paying. The Council would like to look into the situation and see if the city, county, and hospital can arrange an agreement to split the cost of this and the importance and appreciation of our volunteers. The council decided to raise the cost per run/training as follows: $40.00 per run per person, $20.00 per meeting per person. Brenda will present an Ordinance at the next Council meeting for formal approval.

The bills were reviewed. Marvin made a motion to approve the bills as presented, Debbie seconded, motion passed 3/0.

Dustin made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Debbie seconded, motion passed 3/0. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 pm.

City Manager