Alva Review-Courier -

All members were present, including Mayor Bill Watson, at the Kiowa City Council's Dec. 13 meeting. Council members are Brian Hill, Tom Wells, B.J. Duvall, Jason Thayer and Janet Robison. City Administrator Sam Demel also sat at the council table, as did City Attorney Brandon Ritcha and City Clerk Sheila Smith.

Demel said they had their regular meeting with BG Consultants regarding progress with the ongoing waterline replacement project. The transmission line along Tri-City Road is 94 percent complete, Demel said. They await the railroad regarding gas lines and also a change order for the wellhouse.

The council approved payment to BG for $26,437.44. And for NOWAK Construction for $171,960.14.

Resident Questions No Notification

Debra Cortez who resides at 1104 Coates asked to be on the agenda.

“People were in my yard digging holes and I didn't know anything about it. No one informed me. I should have been informed – call me, email me, knock on the door and let me know you are going to be there,” Cortez said.

“Mr. Sam had to take the brunt of my anger. So I thought I would come here and share with all of you,” Cortez told the council. “I'm from Topeka. There we were notified weeks in advance –by mail, a notice on the door. I just prefer to be notified if anything is happening on the property. That's all I have to say. Thank you.”

Tom Wells said, “Welcome to Kiowa.”

Cortez said, “Actually, I do like it.”

Kiowa City Council Action and Discussion

The 2019 audit was approved as was the cash/budget report. The council must set up a new account for the $200,000 water conservation donation by Jeff Lloyd.

The council discussed a new business getting a discount on utilities – noting the new auto restoration business and Family Dollar/Dollar Tree.

If a business has five or more employees they get a discount on utilities. An ordinance review shows they get a 20 percent reduction in utilities. Duvall asked what about existing business expansion? Wells thinks the council should deal with individual businesses. The council decided to form a committee on this issue. They tabled and will discuss at a future meeting.

Regarding the purchase of a drone for Kiowa's police department, Police Chief Travis Peterson said he talked to the county attorney and the county commissioners agreed to pay for half of it. The cost is $7,999. The drone features an infrared and a regular camera. Peterson said the drone can help in assessing damage from a storm or searching for a lost person or vehicle, inspect a water tower, etc. Watson questioned how often this will be used and noted it seems there is much equipment purchased “that just sits there.”

“The county attorney is 100 percent for it,” the chief said. Some council members expressed concern about citizen's privacy issues. After more discussion, the council wants more time to consider the purchase of a drone. They planned to discuss it further at a special meeting which was Monday night.

An agenda item regarded picking up cardboard two to three times a week at the new Family Dollar/Dollar Tree. This sparked a conversation by some councilmembers if that's too much for the city crew. Wells said the need for cardboard pickup indicates the business is successful (which provides tax revenue to the city) so the city should be eager to help. The council discussed supplying a trailer.

The council approved the Standard Traffic Ordinances and Uniform Public Offense Code.

Demel said at this point three residents are interested in having solar power at their homes – installing solar panels. He spoke to the people at KMEA about this. The city must charge a monthly standard fee to customers with solar power as the city still has to maintain the electric lines. They will have to hire an inspector who is qualified for the job to check the solar power.

The councilmembers decided there are too many unanswered questions regarding solar power at this time. They took no action and put it on the agenda for a special meeting Monday of this week.

Next was action for an additional laptop for the office for utility billing that will be kept up by the front counter. This is for efficiency and convenience of staff due to many inquiries about utility bills. Cost is the expense of the laptop and a one-time cost of installing the utility program – about $600. The council approved.

Randy Robbins talked to the board about him spraying the city property as his business the Rusty Spur. Council approved the contract for $4,800.

Another problem arose with sewer lines at some local businesses. The council discussed options and approved authorizing to have the line cleaned and scoped. The business owners are responsible in part.

The council discussed the “Cold Weather Rule” regarding the KCC cold weather disconnects. Council voted to stay with the KCC guidelines.

Fire Department Chief Bill Duvall requested a purchase of fire equipment for $7,800, which the council approved.

City Superintendent John Duvall reported on a brief power outage for repairs that's already happened; installation of power poles; sewer lines; reading meters; etc.

The trash schedule for Christmas week and New Year's Week is changed. As the city offices are closed on those two Fridays, the trash normally picked up on Fridays will be picked up on Thursday.

Police Chief Peterson said no traffic tickets have been issued. The chief said he would like to be able to communicate with Woods and Alfalfa County law enforcement by radio.

Before adjourning the council held a brief executive session to discuss non-elected personnel.