City council discusses response to house fire
Florence City Council Monday night heard from several city departments about the Dec. 12 structure fire at Eighth and Main.
Fire chief Tony Leeds thanked city administrator Ken Hoffman for making sure the fire department had enough water. He also expressed his appreciation to Florence ambulance and firefighters from Marion and Peabody who responded under the county's mutual aid policy.
Hoffman reported that water plant number one had been off prior to the fire and the city had been relying on the second plant for its water need.
Hoffman said he was able to get the plant back online after the fire started and "it limped along all night so we never had to interrupt water service." The amount of water produced was adequate to fight the house fire.
Hoffman told council members the city's reserve supply was back to normal by the following afternoon.
Florence ambulance director Judy Creamer also noted her appreciation to ambulance workers and fire fighters. A personal friend of the victims, she brought the council up-to-date on community efforts to help the family.
In an additional report on the water plant, Hoffman told council members a U.S. Filter technician is in Florence to review his company's work at the plant. He will be in the city most of the week if necessary and hopefully will be able to diagnose and repair any problems.
During discussion of review and revision of ordinances, council members unanimously approved Ordinance 771 which makes city statutes and fines commensurate with the state for controlled substances, drugs, and drug paraphernalia.
A first reading of an ordinance to require cats-at-large to receive the same treatment as dogs raised some discussion among council members and citizens in attendance. Councilman Randy Mills encouraged community members to contact their council representatives before the ordinance comes up for a final vote if they don't approve of the new wording.
The ordinance will be discussed again at a January meeting.
In other business the council:
— heard from Hoffman a water sample had been taken and sent to KDHE for copper and lead testing.
— heard of several vandalism incidents at the new restrooms at Grandview Park. After the last incident Hoffman had a door reinforced with steel in hopes of keeping vandals out.
— learned the city had acquired eight electrical poles from U.S.-77 for use at the ball park. They will be installed by city crews in warmer weather.
— heard Moore Engineering is moving underground telephone lines in preparation for work on U.S.-77.
— saw King sworn in as animal control officer and noted that Hoffman's job description also includes animal pick-ups.
— agreed on Christmas bonuses for full and part-time employees in the form of gift certificates to Wilbur's Market.
— heard Mid-Kansas Coop will donate a computer to Florence Fire Department for billing.
— approved purchasing rain gear and other miscellaneous police equipment up to $250. Council also tentatively approved accepting a rifle donated to the department by a citizen. Acceptance is contingent on department regulations governing firearms.
— heard from Trayce Warner all ambulance billing is current. The total amount billed by Warner and part-time city employee Cindy Dallke was $18,416. Warner expressed confidence the city can keep up with future billings.
— tabled until after the first of the year: selection of a cell phone plan for Hoffman and police officers, the housing authority ordinance, an ordinance allowing the sale of single plots (up to 30 spaces) at Highland Cemetery, a noise, loitering, and vagrancy ordinance, and the addition of two individuals to the standard's board.
— thanked acting police chief Erik King for spearheading a drive for food and gifts for needy families in the community. Police officers will distribute the items Wednesday (today).
— hired Knudsen and Monroe as the city's new auditing firm at an annual fee not to exceed $4,600.
— went into executive session for 45 minutes for the purpose of discussing personnel. No action was taken on return to open session.
