City of Troy, Kansas                                  Created Jan 14, 2011

March 17, 2020

Troy City Council met at Troy City Hall on HMarch 17, 2020 in regular session.  Mayor Sarah Boeh-Cerra, council members Stan Ruhnke and Cody Miller, City Clerk Jane Boeh, Working Superintendent Jim Horner, City Attorney Alan Boeh, Police Chief Doug Duncan, USD 429 Superintendent Pat McKernan, USD 429 Principal Mike Estes, Renee and Jeff Clary, Ambulance Director Matt McKittrick and Assistance Ambulance Director Tanner Veach, and Robin Ruhnke were present. 

The meeting commenced as an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. due to lack of a quorum. USD 429 Superintendent Pat McKernan and Principal Mike Estes informed those present that the Governor and the Kansas State Department of Education has shut down school buildings for the remainder of the school year.  USD 429 is working on a plan to finish the year so all students can get the credits required. USD 429 will send out letters to parents shortly and ask that citizens pay attention to the school website for announcements. The school website is: www.troyusd.org.  USD 429 will let the city know if there is anything the city can do to help the school district deal with the COVID-19 emergency. 

At 6:50 p.m. Mayor Sarah Boeh-Cerra called the business meeting to order with Councilman Tim Hanlan on conference call.

City Attorney, Alan Boeh informed the council concerning home rule police powers which the governing body and mayor have relative to health, safety and welfare issues.  If special meetings are required the mayor can call as can 3 council members in writing. The City Attorney reminded the governing body that even in an emergency situation, the Kansas Open Meetings Law is applicable.

Robin Ruhnke was present to ask for a street to be closed for the 7^th Annual Blessing of the Bikes non-perishable food drive for Doniphan County.  Those wishing to donate food can leave it at 124 S. Liberty even if they are not participating in the bike blessing/ride.  Stan Ruhnke moved to close the Liberty street from Walnut to Chestnut from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on April 25^th for blessing of bikes/food drive for Doniphan County.  Hanlan seconded the motion and it carried.

Jeff and Renee Clary requested that their property be excluded from the city limits due to a letter they received advising that electronic fences do not confine their dogs as mandated by City Ordinance.  The city tabled this request for further discussion.

At 7:15 p.m. Tim Hanlan arrived at the meeting in person.

Ambulance Director McKittrick asked that the ambulance service volunteers be paid if they are quarantined because of COVID-19 if exposed. Ruhnke moved to give ambulance volunteers 14 paid sick days at $13.00 per hour if they are exposed and quarantined because of ambulance services related to COVID 19.  Hanlan seconded the motion and it carried.

It is advisable that people leaving payments should take advantage of the drop box at city hall rather than coming in with payments.

At this time, all things scheduled for the Community Center for March and April have been cancelled except the community blood drive. Scheduling and cancellations will be reevaluated as more information is provided to the City by the Doniphan County Health Department.

Hanlan moved to pay bills Ck. #11606 to #11634 in the amount of $63,148.17.  Miller seconded the motion and it carried

Ruhnke moved to approve minutes of the March 3, 2020 meeting.  Miller seconded the motion and it carried.

Miller moved to approve zoning permit 2020-3 for a garage at 215 N 3^rd.  Hanlan seconded the motion and it carried.

Ruhnke moved to deny zoning permit 2020-4 for a carport at 405 W. Walnut because it is set on public right-of way.  Miller seconded the motion and it carried.  The resident can come to a meeting to discuss their options or remove the carport.

Mayor Boeh-Cerra appointed Nicholas J. Popple to fill the vacant council position.  Hanlan moved to approve the Mayor’s appointment.  Miller seconded the motion and it carried.

The Mayor and Council encourage all citizens to complete census data being sent out and mail back promptly.

City Attorney gave update on substation property issues. Council authorized payment to Evergy when the survey is recorded.

The governing body considered requests by two water customers that they be compensated for clothes allegedly damaged by discolored water and for a plumbing bill relating to a clogged meter. The governing body determined these issues were not the result of any negligence caused by the city and denied their requests.

Council agreed to have Annual Clean-up day on Saturday, April 18, 2020.  A Miller Trash dumpster will be at Troy City Hall, located at 137 W. Walnut, for use by Troy residents from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.  You need to bring the items you wish to dispose of.  Items not accepted will be tires, liquid paint, chemicals, brush, lumber, concrete, metal or shingles.  Old appliances and metal (example-old lawn mowers) will be picked up once they are at the curb and by calling City Hall at 985-2265 or 2101, by noon on Friday, April 17 to get on the pickup list.

Ruhnke moved to approve the 2020 oil and chat as per the map which is mostly alleys and Lower State Street from Main East to the city limits.  Hanlan seconded the motion and it carried.

Hanlan moved to purchase the necessary guards, etc. to repair the 2 snow plow blades at a cost of $897.00 and Bobcat repair cos $156.00.  Miller seconded the motion and it carried.

Digger truck repairs tabled to next meeting.

City Clerk gave council water and sewer rate information.

Hanlan moved to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.  Ruhnke seconded the motion and it carried.

Jane M. Boeh, City Clerk

City of Troy