Menu
Uniontown's treasurer resigns, council gets project update
Citing health concerns, longtime City of Uniontown Treasurer Larry Neville told the council on Tuesday night that the council would need to find a replacement for him, Neville said.
"I can't say enough about Sally (Johnson, the city clerk). I've pushed a lot onto her. She is a good student and picks it up quickly, but you need a treasurer. The first of May, we (he and his wife Linda) will be close to moving."
They are moving to Springfield, Mo. to be near a son and his wife who will be having twins soon.
"We are going to miss you," Dustin Goalden, council member said, with other council members chiming in, in agreement.
Later in the meeting, Mayor Larry Jurgensen said he wanted to thank the three city employees, Johnson, Neville and City Superintendent Bobby Rich.
"I want to give thanks to all the employees for the extra time they've given since the water project began," Jurgensen said. "We've got a great force. I hope you know how much you are appreciated."
Water system improvement project
A few easements are still needed for the water system improvement project, which got underway in February in Uniontown.
"Johnny Johnson said his attorney said not to sign the easement (for the water tower site)," Sally Johnson said. "The only other option for us is condemnation proceedings for eminent domain."
The council approved beginning the proceedings.
In addition, Bill Griffiths and Wanda McKinnis still need to sign their easement agreements, Sally Johnson said.
Rich said Lathrop Construction of Nevada, Mo., contractor for the water system project, said the project is proceeding well.
"He thinks he'll be done and out of here by July," Rich said
Ditches were created when the water pipe was laid. Councilwoman Amber Kelly asked when the ditches would be dealt with.
"He'll work on the ditches after we get rains to settle them," Jurgensen said.
The council approved giving a change order to the construction company to add the McKinnis line back into the water project, along with four new meters for new service connections.
Utility connection fees
The council labored for more than an hour on wording for the ordinance for utility connection fees for residents living in and outside the city limits. New residences are being constructed in both areas.
Johnson said Danny Graham was beginning construction on a new home west of town on Maple Road. Inside the Uniontown city limits, Rick Millsap is building a residence on a lot north of the Baptist Church; Ardell Bisher and her son, Barry Boyse, are putting in a manufactured home; and Terry Kirby has requested utilities for his shop and trailer be split.
On Wednesday morning, Johnson said she is still working on finalizing the wording.
"This is basically what it will be," Sally Johnson said, "In city limits hook-up/connection fees will be 50 percent of the cost of labor, line, meters, materials and parts needed to connect and hook-up for gas, water, and sewer. Outside city limits hook-up/connection fees will be 100 percent of the cost of labor, line, meters, materials and parts needed to connect and hook-up for gas, water. Sewer service outside the city limits has to be approved by the council before connection."
Other council business:
* Rachel Bradbury, local resident, asked whether a license or permit is required to operate a personal training business within the city limits. The council said there are no ordinances for that.
* Neville reported that the city's funds total $578,884. "We stay in pretty good shape, better than most small towns," he said.
* Bills received so far for the water project were approved. The April payment is $122,420 for legal, engineering and construction services and the recording of 32 easements.
* Sally Johnson reported attorneys are reworking a resolution for the voluntary annexation of Union Station.
* Johnson reported Dave Berry with Northern Pipeline of Topeka, said he will send a sample contract, proof of insurance and security bond. City Attorney Bob Johnson will then draw up the contract for the council. Northern Pipeline will relocate the Hinton Creek gas line.
* The council approved writing off delinquent utility accounts of former customers who are deceased.
* Rich reported he is waiting to see what GPS maps for utilities he receives from Agricultural Engineering Associates before proceeding to procure maps for present and future city uses. He said the Kansas Rural Water Association has maps available for water utility only. Rich said it is imperative to have good maps for the city superintendent.
* Sally Johnson reported the city attorney will send condemnation notices to two property owners on Third Street. No renovation work has been done on the properties within the year's time given to the property owners, Wilkinson Drywall and Lonnie and Sarah Roufs.
Rebecca and Jason Sutterby, owners of a third building that needed repairs, have worked on their property and will not be sent a letter.