CITY OF TIPTON – CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Monday, April 2, 2024

The regular meeting of the Tipton City Council was held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 2, 2024 at City Hall.   Those present were Mayor Jarrod Shivers, City Clerk Brigit Gasper, City Superintendent Rod Barker and City Council members – Ben Avery, Michael Ohnsat, Mark Towner and Sara Dilley. Council member Jessica Krier was absent.  Others present were Amanda Hawkins, Molly Wiese, Cassidy Wiese and Scarlett Ellenz.

Mayor Jarrod Shivers called the meeting to order.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

Minutes from the Tuesday, March 4, 2024 meeting were reviewed and approved.

Amanda Hawkins from the Lil Owl Café was present to report on the restaurant.  She reported that business has picked up and she will be looking for high school help for the summer.  Details of the restaurant contract were discussed in addition to equipment and restaurant income and expenses.  She will keep the city updated on the restaurant financial status.

4-H members Cassidy Wiese and Scarlett Ellenz were present with 4-H leader, Molly Wiese.  Cassidy and Scarlett presented a project that the Tipton 4-H is wanting to sponsor to enhance the park in Tipton.  They have noticed the need for good basketballs for children and adults to use while visiting the park in addition to the addition of a portable pickle ball net to be set up on the current basketball/tennis court.  They are also looking into storage options for these items so they are available for anyone to use at the park. The 4-H will pay for these items with funds they have raised in club fundraisers.    The City Council agreed that this was a very good idea and supported this project.  The council thanked them for coming up with this project and the benefit that this will have for the people visiting the park.   Rod will help with installation of the pickle ball net.

Brigit reported on utility bills. There were 4 late fees charged, 3 letters sent, and 1 full payment received. 

The sales tax receipt for March was $5782.45.  Receipts for the City for March were $25,581.98 and disbursements were $36,694.45.    A Mitchell County tax distribution was received in the amount of $2,869.92 in addition to the State of Kansas Alcohol Tax Distribution in the amount of $666.57.    The city’s insurance premium is due in April and the premium increased 19 percent from the previous year.  Brigit went over the details of each portion of the insurance and will talk to Brooke Brummer at Hometown Insurance regarding options.  Discussion was held on the effect of adding an additional structure to the policy which could cause a substantial insurance increase in addition to added utility costs.  A quote will need to be obtained for the budget.   The Mayor and Council discussed the need for a different oiler truck to be used during the street updates needed this year since there was not any major street work done last year.  A truck has been found in Winfield and it would be an improvement over the oiler the City has used in the past.  The street fund budget was reviewed.   Michael Ohnsat made a motion to purchase the oiler; Ben Avery seconded the motion.  Motion carried.   The general ledger report and other individual fund balances were reviewed.    A motion to pay the bills was made by Sara Dilley; seconded by Mark Towner.   Motion carried.

Brigit has been helping Todd Brummer of the Knights of Columbus with a grant for the repairs on the Community Center brick and the door entry system.  The application has been submitted. 

Scholarship applications for the Father Norbert Dlabal/City of Tipton Scholarship have been received and were reviewed.  Scholarship recipients from Tipton Catholic High School will receive their scholarship awards at graduation of TCHS on Sunday, May 12. 

Rod reported that he has been spraying and doing required water sampling and monitoring of water and sewer systems.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm and the next meeting will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm.

Brigit Gasper

City Clerk