Simons appointed treasurer at Lincolnville
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
At its Monday meeting, Lincolnville City Council approved the appointment of Clay Simons of Lincolnville as new city treasurer.
Mayor David Schneider said an application was received Monday from Lisa Casterline. He said two other people including Simons had been consulted about the job, after which Simons submitted an application.
The council approved Simon's appointment in a 3-1 vote. Sherri Pankratz was opposed. The council also agreed to pay Simons once a month at $50 per meeting.
Simons said he would be willing to work out of his home on his own computer if the city would provide software.
Purchase of a city computer and software was discussed, but action was tabled until December.
Schneider said the city has received no responses to requests for information and cost of an audit.
Simons said treasurer Don Buethe has done a good job of bookkeeping, and he will be willing to take over without an audit.
The general fund balance as of Oct. 31 was $19,323.22.
Schneider broke a tie vote regarding issuance of a letter to the owner of a partially-dismantled house on North Lombard. Pankratz and Brian Owens voted in favor. Scott Gutsch and Sylvia Bailey were opposed.
Gutsch and Bailey said they voted no because the issue came up on a verbal complaint by a nonresident.
The mayor agreed that no action should be taken until a complaint is received in writing or brought before the council.
Community building
Clerk Jane Pigorsch announced an approximate balance of $5,600 remaining in grant funds for purchase of supplies to finish the community building.
In an update on the project, Schneider said the wings on the drive-through will be poured soon. Kitchen cabinets have been installed, but not counter tops. He said Centre High School students are in the process of installing ceiling tile in the main room, and a new well has been drilled.
Streets chairman Pankratz announced the city will not be getting any new overlaid streets this year.
At a special meeting Oct. 17, the council voted to seek bids for the project.
Pankratz said Schilling Asphalt did not submit a bid, and the only other bid received was out of reach.
Schilling has set up a plant in Lincolnville for redoing 290th Street between Lincolnville and K-15, and it was hoped the company would submit a bid.
The council approved a new 20-year franchise agreement with Westar Energy. The franchise fee for customers was increased to four percent from three percent. The council can review the fee for possible changes every five years.
Gary Schneider of Tampa Lions Club was present to inform the council about an attempt to form a Lincolnville area Lions Club. He said an organizational meeting may be held the first part of December.
Schneider announced the Kansas Lions mobile screening unit will be in Lincolnville from 9-11 a.m. Saturday. It will offer free screenings for diabetes, hearing, vision, and blood pressure.
The council voted to turn over to the county collection of a $400 mowing fee on the Dover property.
After some discussion, the council approved a motion stating that once a sewer bill is six months delinquent, it must be paid in full at that time or it will be turned over to the county for collection. No partial payments will be accepted.
Pigorsch announced the Lehman property has been taken over by the bank, which has agreed to pay delinquent sewer fees.
Hein's Auto Repair in Durham was hired to make repairs on the city's grader and dump truck. City employee Steve Podszus will replace plugs and wires on a pickup. A Ford tractor will be sold by sealed bid.
After a 10-minute executive session with Podszus, the council hired Joe Vinduska as a temporary, part-time worker for snow removal at $10 an hour.
Evelyn Matz announced the senior citizens' Thanksgiving dinner is Wednesday at noon.
Celebrations chairman Bailey announced Lincolnville received five placements in the recent Scarecrows on Parade contest.
