CITY OF TIPTON – CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Monday February 6, 2023

The regular meeting of the Tipton City Council was held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday February 6, 2023 at City Hall.   Those present were Mayor-Braden Hake, City Clerk Brigit Gasper, City Superintendent - Rod Barker, and City Council members – Jarrod Shivers, Michael Ohnsat, Sara Dilley and Jessica Krier.  Council member Mark Towner was absent.  Also present were Doug Palen and John McClure of NCK Outdoors.

Mayor Braden Hake called the meeting to order.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

Minutes from the January 3, 2023 meeting were reviewed and approved.

Doug Palen and John McClure of NCK Outdoors were present to discuss the Operations and Maintenance Agreement compiled by Doug Palen and Nat Lopes for the Tipton Woods Trail that had been discussed at the November 2022 meeting with no action taken.  It was noted that the City Clerk had forwarded a copy to the City Attorney and he saw no purpose in the agreement since the City of Tipton is owner of the property and the trail property is covered by the city’s insurance.  Doug Palen and John McClure also gave an update on future plans for Phase II of the Tipton Woods Trail and other trails that are being developed in the area. No further action was taken.

Brigit gave an update on the utility bills. There were 15 late fees charged and 7 letters sent.  No disconnect orders were issued.

The sales tax receipt for January was $5569.41.  Highway tax receipt was $1310.91 was received and was deposited to the street fund. Receipts for January were $62,258.41 and disbursements were $25,657.14.  The general ledger report for 2022 was reviewed in addition to the general ledger report for all of the funds year to date.  Bills were discussed and Jarrod Shivers made a motion to pay the bills; Jessica Krier seconded the motion.  This was approved by all.

Council positions up for election in 2023 positions held by Jarrod Shivers, Jessica Krier and Mark Towner.  Filing for these positions will need to be done by June 1, 2023 at noon in order to have names on the ballot. 

Scholarship applications for the Father Norbert Dlabal scholarship are being distributed to the Tipton Catholic High School seniors.  Deadline for completion of scholarship applications is March 1, 2023.

Discussion was held on interest in the lease of the Café and the lease agreement. Braden will talk to a party that has come forward and is interested in leasing the Café. He will discuss the details of the agreement with them. The current lease expires March 31, 2023.

Braden and Jarrod have found a possible replacement mower for the City and will get more details regarding replacement.

Annual KMIT Audit Report is almost completed and will be mailed with the required documentation paperwork.  This is required for Workmen’s Comp insurance and is due February 15. 

The required Municipal Water Use Report is due March 1 and Brigit will do this online to avoid additional fees.

The SAM renewal for the City of Tipton and Tipton Rural Fire Department have been completed and approved.  This is required once a year and is for the U.S. Government’s System Award Management to ensure that the City of Tipton can do business with the Federal Government.

Emily Benedick of Mitchell County Economic Development was in Tipton on January 25 and was available to answer questions from the public.  She gave a presentation to the Tipton Community School Jr. High School students and the interested students from Tipton Catholic High School on the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.  This is a competitive program to help students learn how to set up and run businesses. 

The Solomon Valley Foundation Grant application due date was February 1, 2023.  Lisa Shivers found there was interest in additional picnic tables that could be moved around the park and concession area for use during baseball and football games and during the Church picnic and other events taking place in the park area.  The tables would be round tables and easier for older people and children to slide into. Lisa gathered all the details for the grant submitted to Solomon Valley Foundation.

Rod Barker was commended by the Mayor and the council on the great job of snow removal during the recent snows. 

Rod Barker, City Superintendent reported that Tim Halfhide from KDHE was here Monday February 6 for a water inspection.  He met with Tim and provided him with the reports and details needed for the inspection.  Tim also needed the water usage figures for 2022 and Brigit obtained those for him.  Rod reported that all went well for the inspection. 

Rod gave an update on the bathrooms in the park and since the paint is coming off of the tin on one side, he will replace the tin and paint if necessary.

Brigit discussed her intent to resign from the position of City Clerk.  She has enjoyed working with the City.  She will continue and when a replacement is found she will train the person taking over as the job is complicated and much is required for reporting in addition to daily duties.  She will post the position in businesses and put it in the church bulletin.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm and the next meeting will be held on Monday March 6, 2023 at 7:30 pm unless a special meeting is needed.

Brigit Gasper

City Clerk