ATTENDANCE:

Members Present:     Mayor Cooney and Councilmembers Bain, Olmsted, Shepherd,                                                Short and Sawyer.

Members Absent:      None.

Others Present:          Cassie Smith, Jason Becker, Kayla Campbell, Carol Delk, Garalee                                           Haskins, B.D. Elwood, Angie Dixon, Sara Cash, Amy Kopfer,                                                 Josh Delaughder, Tina White, Shayleen Casteel, Martin Goedecke,                                  Patty Goedecke, Kirk Ives, Patrick Kopfer and Betty Oliver.

CALL TO ORDER

            Mayor Cooney called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. There was a quorum of the council in attendance. Mayor Cooney led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

MOTION – Council Minutes

            Councilmember Sawyer made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 2, 2010 council meeting with a change stating that the motion appointing the Council President was approved with a vote of 4-1 with Councilmember Olmsted abstaining from the vote. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Short. Motion passed 5-0.

MOTION – Appropriation Ordinance

            Councilmember Shepherd made a motion approving Appropriation Ordinance 408A, AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CLAIMS, and the Treasurers Report. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bain. Motion passed 5-0.   

            Discussion continued regarding the investing of the CD's. A $250,000.00 CD is due and City Treasurer Klein got bids from both banks and for different terms of investment. The council reviewed the submitted bids and agreed to accept the 6 month bid of 1.23% APY submitted by Emerald Bank. 

AMEND AGENDA

            Mayor Cooney informed the council that Sara Cash had requested the agenda be amended to include the discussion of bringing the Lewellen Amusements carnival to town over Memorial Weekend. 

MOTION – Amend Agenda

            Councilmember Sawyer made a motion to amend the agenda to allow discussion with Sara Cash regarding Lewellen Amusements carnival in town over Memorial Weekend. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olmsted. Motion passed 5-0.

AUDIENCE:

Oxford Register – Josh Delaughder

            Josh Delaughder addressed the council with the request to receive police reports that can be published in the weekly paper. The paper has only received this information on a sporadic basis. Delaughder would like to request the "top sheet" of the standard offense reports. Delaughder stated that he had received a letter from the city's attorney, Kerwin Spencer, and his recommendation was to start a copy account and as records are requested the 25 cents per copy can be deducted from the account. Delaughder stated his feelings that this information is important to the residents of the community and should be revealed every week or at least every other week. 

            Council discussion continued and it was agreed that this should work well for both the paper and the city. 

Oxford Booster Club Electronic Sign – Tina White

            Tina White addressed the council with the Booster Club's desire to put an electronic informational sign on the corner of the Emerald Bank property. The sign would be used to announce all community events, especially the schools. The sign will be 5' high and 9' wide and mounted on a pole. They would like to have this project completed before school starts again in September of 2010. The Miracle Sign Company from Wichita has been contracted to submit the permits to the City and also construct and install the sign. White stated that they felt all regulations could be met with their plan. The sign will also be programmed to "dim" at night so as not to cause conflict with motorists. White stated that she is requesting the city's support and also a monetary donation of $ 500.00. The sign will cost about $15,000.00 and the Booster Club has $4,000.00 to use towards the project. Discussion continued with the council.

MOTION – Booster Club Electronic Sign

            Councilmember Sawyer made a motion to pledge $500.00 towards the Booster Club Electronic Sign. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Shepherd. Motion passed 5-0.

Pit Bull Regulations – Cassie Smith and Jason Becker

            Cassie Smith addressed the council with concerns regarding the city's pit bull dog regulations. Smith owns a very gentle pit bull and it would never inflict any harm to anyone. Smith requested the city to change the regulations to not be "breed specific" but to address "vicious dogs" in general. 

            Councilmember Olmsted stated that this is a very emotional issue for dog owners. Concerns have always been that it is not the amount of dog bites (with a pit bull) but the degree of damage inflicted by that bite. 

            Mayor Cooney stated that the council's concern is that if the pit bull ban is lifted in Oxford, then everyone owning that breed will move to town and not all pit bulls will be as gentle and friendly as Smith's might be. Mayor Cooney told Smith that she might get a petition of residents in the community is support of overturning the ban. He also wants to look into "pardoning" as per KSA 15-309. Chief Ives felt that particular statute authorized a pardon for an offense and every day that someone keeps a pit bull is another offense. The pardon would have to be granted everyday. 

            Councilmember Sawyer stated that he talked with a few residents and they were not in support of lifting the ban. A lengthy discussion continued and the council agreed to talk to the city's attorney regarding stiffer regulations for vicious dogs, pardons, and/or specific requirements on maintaining a pit bull – if city regulations were amended. 

Cave Park Fishing Dock – Martin Goedecke, Engineer

            Martin Goedecke addressed the council in regard to the finishing of the fishing dock at Cave Park. The bids came in more than funds available. Goedecke has talked with Danco and they would like to proceed with a portion of the project and then finish it later when the city receives additional funds from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Goedecke recommended to the council that the city reject all bids and then authorize him to negotiate with Danco on completing the project in 2 phases. Discussion continued.

MOTION – Cave Park Fishing Dock

            Councilmember Bain made a motion to reject all bids submitted for the construction of the Cave Park Fishing Dock and authorize Martin Goedecke to negotiate with Danco for the construction of the dock in two phases. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sawyer. Motion passed 5-0.

Lewellen Amusements Carnival – Sara Cash

            Sara Cash addressed the council with her desire to bring a carnival to Oxford during Memorial Day week. She got her contact information from the Belle Plaine Tulip Time posters. When she first contacted Lewellen Amusements, they wanted a $20,000. guarantee. The second contract was a $15,000.00 guarantee and finally they agreed to bring in a "split show" for a $ 0.00 guarantee and give her 10% of the revenue brought in to the carnival. The "split show" would consist of 10 rides – 5 adult and 5 kids, 8 games and 2 food vendors. Cash stated that she would make donations to area clubs, non-profits, projects, etc. from the 10% that she receives. The city would need to offer their support for the event. The city would need to block streets, provide electric and water service to the sleepers and office, provide 24 hr. police protection, etc. A lengthy discussion with the council continued.

            Mayor Cooney and the council expressed their support of Sara Cash's endeavor and stated that block streets, providing electric/water, porta pots and police protection should not be a problem for the city. Discussion continued and the council agreed to block streets, etc. at the May meeting if the project moved on to fruition. 

Show & Go Car Show – Sara Cash

            Sara Cash informed the council that there would be a Show & Go Car Show on Saturday, April 24, 2010. This is the same day as the city-wide garage sale. They are anticipating about 100 cars and there will be live music and karaoke. Discussion continued and they council expressed their support of the event. 

FIRST RESPONDERS – Garalee Haskins

Monthly Report – see attached

            Haskins reported on the calls during the month and the training completed by herself and Tommy Flowers.

            Haskins also reported that she had obtained information regarding training that might be available for emergency pediatric care. 

MOTION - Participation in Sumner County AFG Grant for Minitor Pagers

            Councilmember Olmsted made a motion authorizing the city's participation in the 2010 Sumner County Fire Chief's Association Grant Application for 4 Minitor pagers. The city will be obligated to provide a 5% match. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bain. Motion passed 5-0.

FIRE DISTRICT #3 BUILDING LEASE

            Mayor Cooney and members of the council discussed the lease on the building at 210 S. Sumner to Fire District #3. The original lease covered a 10 year period and that time will be up in July. The Fire District spent $20,000.00 on the concrete floor in the building and that was used as the 10 year lease payment. The lease also required FD #3 to pay the gas utilities on the building. 

            Discussion continued and the council agreed upon terms for the new lease that would include Fire District #3 paying for all utilities at a "non-profit" rate for electric and water; gas utilities would remain the same with the district paying the costs; annual lease payment of $1,500.00; 10 year term for contract; and if the district is negligent and causes damage to the building then they would be responsible for the repairs. The city will maintain ownership of the building and make all necessary repairs do to normal wear. 

            Mayor Cooney requested that the city's attorney, Kerwin Spencer, draft this lease agreement for the May meeting.

MOTION – Resolution 333

            Councilmember Olmsted made a motion authorizing Resolution 333, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CERTAIN AMENDMENT TO AN EXISTING LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF OXFORD, KANSAS, AND THE STATE OF KANSAS, ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION; AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING CERTAIN DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE LOAN AGREEMENT. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sawyer. Motion passed 5-0.

MOTION - Resolution #334

            Councilmember Bain made a motion authorizing Resolution #334, AUTHORIZING THE OXFORD CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT THE SUMNER COUNTY MULTI-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN AS AN OFFICIAL PLAN. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sawyer. Motion passed 5-0.

MOTION – Resolution #335

            Councilmember Bain made a motion authorizing Resolution #335, AUTHORIZING JAMES FAIR – DIRECTOR, SUMNER COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF OXFORD, KS, TO PREPARE THE SUMNER COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, WHICH SHALL BE REVIEWED AND CONSIDERED FOR ADOPTION BY THE OXFORD CITY COUNCIL UPON COMPLETION. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sawyer.  Motion passed 5-0.

AIRPORT – Councilmember Shepherd

Model Airplanes

            Councilmember Shepherd reported that he had been asked if the city would allow model airplanes at the Oxford Municipal Airport. After some discussion, it was reported that this had been requested in the past and that it is not something the insurance company would allow.

Pasture fencing

            Councilmember Shepherd reported that the fence at the airport pasture would be started on Monday, April 12, 2010.

SWIMMING POOL – Councilmember Bain

            Councilmember Bain discussed with the council the policies for the operation of the pool as well as the lifeguards and assistant manager. 

            The council approved opening day at Memorial Day – May 31, 2010. The 4th of July carnival will be held as usual. There will not be late night swims on a weekly basis, but only occasionally and for a special event. At the late night swims, all swimmers will be charged $1.00 to swim and passes will not be allowed. The fees for swimming, pool parties and/or pre-paid passes will be the same as last year.

            Swim lessons will be held in 2 sessions and will be taught by the lifeguards. They will not be American Red Cross instructed.

MOTION – Lifeguard; wage

            Councilmember Bain made a motion to hire Brittani Walters, Sydney Young, Tyler Hoover, Phillip Gehring and Tim Kennedy as lifeguards for the 2010 season. Their hourly wage will be set at $ 7.50/hr. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olmsted. Motion passed 5-0.

MOTION – Assistant Manager

            Councilmember Bain made a motion to hire Melissa Young as Assistant Manager of the pool for the 2010 season. Her hourly wage will be set at $ 8.25/hr. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sawyer. Motion passed 5-0.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

MAYOR, JOHN COONEY

MOTION – Executive Session

            Councilmember Bain made a motion to go into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sawyer. Motion passed 5-0.

            Executive session at 9:29 p.m.

            Mayor Cooney called the meeting back to regular session at 9:45 p.m. No action was taken by the council in executive session.

POLICE DEPARTMENT – CHIEF IVES

Monthly Report – see attached

            Chief Ives reported that they would be having a work day at the pound. They are going to clean up around it and put up some fencing as a screen. 

            Chief Ives also reported that they were still investigating the rash of thefts and that in response to that, they would be changing their shifts and hours worked. Discussion continued.

CITY OFFICE – BETTY OLIVER

            Betty Oliver reported that the city had again been awarded the Tree City USA recognition for 2009. This is the eleventh year the city has received this award.

UTILITY DEPARTMENT – PATRICK KOPFER

            The council requested that the speed bumps in Cave Park be replaced and/or installed prior to the May council meeting. Kopfer stated that he would look into complying with their request.

MOTION – Adjournment

            Councilmember Bain made a motion to adjourn the meeting of the Oxford City Council. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sawyer. Motion passed 5-0.

            Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

Signed:                                                             Mayor

            John Cooney

(seal)

Attest:                                                                          City Clerk

            Betty Oliver