Easement agreements coming in for Uniontown water project

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Work is progressing on the City of Uniontown's water improvement project. In January, the city was awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce for water improvements, which will be matched with $596,000 of local funds, from a USDA Rural Development grant and loan to the city. The project is anticipated to go out to bid before the end of this year, with the bid awarded this coming January, said Laura Moore, Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission planning and development consultant.

Easements, questions about the water tank property and the contract with the rural water district were on the table for discussion at Tuesday's regular city council meeting.

A previous meeting was held on Sept. 19 to talk to property owners about easements for the water line running out to the water tower west of Uniontown.

City Clerk Sally Johnson told the council she has one-half of the needed easement agreements back. Most property owners are donating the easements to allow the city access for utility maintenance. Mayor Larry Jurgensen suggested sending a reminder to the property owners who have not signed so the water project can move forward.

On Oct. 1, the council began negotiations with the property owner on which the city's water tank sits. Following an executive session to discuss acquisition of property, the council at Tuesday evening's meeting, decided to appraise the property to find out the actual worth.

A needed contract with Consolidated Rural Water District No. 2 was "hashed out" and is ready to be finalized by the water district this week, Jurgensen said. Once approved by the CRWD No. 2 board, the contract will be sent to the City of Uniontown's attorney, Geoff Clark, for approval, then a special meeting will be scheduled, Jurgensen said.

The mayor also noted that CRWD No. 2 gave notice of a 3-percent increase of water supplied to Uniontown. The city council voted to raise the current water rates 25 cents per 1,000 gallons, effective Dec. 1.

Jurgensen said he would contact Clark about assisting with paperwork for the water project and questions regarding the sewer ordinance, the proposed annexation, and the Uniontown High School Alumni Committee requests for using the park square during an upcoming event. Clark had turned over city work over to an associate, Patty Martin, who is on a leave of absence, the city clerk, said.

In other business, the council:

* Heard the financial report from City Treasurer Larry Neville. The city had a net income of $7,878.13 for September, with a total of all funds of $516,308.36.

* Approved the purchase of a pin locator for $495. Maintenance Superintendent Bobby Rich said the tool will allow him to locate gas and water lids.

* Heard that Southern Star Gas can provide a training on gas emergencies. Councilman Dustin Goalden was asked to see if the Bourbon County Fire Department District No.3 would like to help with the training.

* Gave approval for Rich to attend certification classes in Chanute. The council learned Rich will be out of town Oct. 22-23, and Oct. 30-31. Customers who need to have their gas turned back on can call City Hall next week, according the cityofuniontown.net website. Residents are reminded that future voluntary shut-offs will have a reconnect fee.

* Discussed a Level Pay Plan for utilities at the request of a resident. The council said residents are able to pay extra through the summer months, which would be credited to their account when costs rise in the winter.

* Approved purchasing 11,000 units of gas from the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency. The purchase agreement will be effective from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015.

* Heard a report from Goalden that Wilkinson Drywall will complete work on the community building this week. The council discussed issues with the renovation work that need to be addressed.

* Agreed to close City Hall Nov. 7 to allow Johnson to attend the Summit Fall User Group meeting. City Hall will also be closed on Monday, Oct. 14, a holiday; Monday, Nov. 11, a holiday; Tuesday morning, Nov. 12, clerk training; and Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 13, clerk appointment, according the city's website.

* Gave approval to Nickie Davis to dispose of the sidewalk on her property.

* Heard from Johnson that progress is being made on processing delinquent accounts.

* Tabled a decision on a new community bulletin board and a sign for the water tank.

* Asked Johnson to make a schedule for the Utility Committee, with one councilperson from the previous committee staying on for continuity. Utility bills are due on the 10th of each month. If not paid by 4:30 p.m. on the 25th, utilities will be disconnected. Disconnected customers must then attend a City Council Utility Committee meeting. The next Utility Committee meeting is Oct. 30.