CITY OF TIPTON – CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The regular meeting of the Tipton City Council was held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at City Hall.   Those present were Mayor-Jarrod Shivers, City Clerk Brigit Gasper, City Superintendent Rod Barker and City Council members – Ben Avery, Jessica Krier, Michael Ohnsat, Mark Towner and Sara Dilley. 

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

Minutes from the October 2, 2023 regular meeting and the October 16, 2023 special meeting were reviewed and approved.

Brigit gave an update on the utility bills. There were 6 late fees charged, 3 letters sent, and 4 full payments received.

The sales tax receipt for October was $5939.29.  The highway tax received was $1315.64. A tax distribution from Mitchell County was received in the amount of $381.53.  Receipts for October were $22286.82 and disbursements were $19489.23.   Receipts and bills were reviewed in addition to upcoming expenses.  The general ledger report was reviewed.  A motion to pay the bills was made by Jessica Krier; seconded by Sara Dilley.  Motion carried.

Discussion was held on the pending purchase of property from the Diocese of Salina and uses of the property that have been suggested and discussed. The contract that Paul Gregory, City Attorney drew up that was approved at the special meeting on October 16 will need numerous revisions as required by the Salina Diocese for the purchase to be completed.  Ideas for the property were discussed as well as expenses involved in the purchase process and future expenses and costs.  There has been an option presented for the City to purchase the entire Block 48 and Block 61 from the Diocese.  Further discussion was held on expenses that would be incurred for Blocks 48 and 61. The Diocese and Parish would be in agreement to this provided the contract includes the requirements that the Diocese needs to have for the purchase agreement. Inquiries were made to Brooke Brummer at Hometown Insurance regarding the added cost of insurance and she is obtaining an estimated quote for the total parcel.    Mark Towner made the motion to move forward with the purchase of the entire Block 48 which includes lots 1 and 12 and the entire Block 61, provided the insurance cost does not increase substantially.  Ben Avery seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Brigit reported that she has not been notified of election results from the November 7 election from the County Clerk.

She has submitted the KMIT Renewal information for the workman’s compensation insurance that the city is required to hold.  Further reports to KMIT will need to be done around the first of the year.

Tipton Grocery owners Drew and Brandi Shirack are needing to update equipment at the store.  A grant was submitted and should be awarded in the next couple of months. 

Necessary equipment needed for street repair was discussed.  Rod will keep looking for reasonably priced equipment that will be needed for the project in the future.

Rod reported that the issues with notifications on his phone for the water tower and wastewater systems have been corrected with service and equipment from Pierce Electronics.  He has been working on the Lead and Copper Inventory reporting and extensive documentation that is required by KDHE to be completed by October 2024.

Rod also reported that Prairie Land has been notified about several street lights that are not working properly and they should be in town soon to replace bulbs.  He will also be putting up the Christmas decorations on Main Street.

The Christmas Lighting Contest was discussed and it was decided to hold the lighting contest again this year.  The lights will be judged the week prior to Christmas and the winners announced at the January meeting.  Prizes will be 1^st Place $75.00; 2^nd Place $50.00; 3^rd Place $25.00.

Brigit received an email from Emily Benedick, Mitchell County Community Development Director that there are metal plaques that were made with grant funds for putting beside the murals.  Emails were sent to property owners with murals and they can either install the signs themselves or Schoen’s would install for a fee.  Plaques for the murals on City property will be installed by Rod.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm and the next meeting will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 7:30 pm.

Brigit Gasper, City Clerk