Different cable company may replace Cox
A transfer in ownership from one cable TV company to another may mean changes for people living in Peabody.
Members of the Peabody City Council learned Monday night that Cox Communications, the city's current cable TV provider, was transferring a portion of its ownership to Allegiance Communications of Herington.
In the transfer, the Herington company will now serve Peabody, said city administrator Jeff Benbrook.
John Brinker, a representative from Allegiance Communications, said the company had plans to upgrade Peabody's cable TV system. Possible changes could include new channel packages, high speed Internet access, upgraded hardware, and possibly new cable.
The city currently has a long-term franchise agreement with Cox Communications until 2008. Benbrook said the council would need to approve the transfer agreement.
"The terms and conditions of the original franchise agreement will remain the same," Benbrook explained.
A decision regarding approval of the transfer agreement will be made during a special meeting set for 7 p.m. Monday.
Sewer project
The council dealt with several compliance issues regarding grant monies which will be used to fund the city's sewer project.
The council approved an addendum to the engineering services agreement and a civil rights fair housing policy.
"These are issues which are necessary for us to stay in compliance with the grant agreement," Benbrook explained.
Council also must approve an ordinance dealing with the fair housing policy. Benbrook said council members were given an example ordinance to study. The city attorney will draft an ordinance to be adopted during the next meeting, he said.
Trash rates increase
In an unrelated matter, the council approved a new trash ordinance which increases the monthly fee by 25 cents for either a large or small refuse cart. This means, for example, a resident paying $8.75 for a large cart will now pay $9. The new ordinance is effective in April.
Benbrook said the increase was necessary to cover an increase in the city's service agreement with Stutzman's.
In other matters, the council:
— reviewed a letter from Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad asking the city to help pay for the company to replace railroad grade crossing surfaces at two primary intersections in the city. After reviewing the letter, council members declined to participate.
— heard from Benbrook he was in the process of working with the Kansas Heritage Trust Fund regarding a grant which would fund major repairs and renovations at the city shop. Benbrook said the city's application was submitted March 1 and he should know by mid-May whether or not it will be funded.
"Inside sources indicate this year's grant is highly competitive," Benbrook said. "Last year there were 19 applications. This year there are 60."
Total estimated cost for the project is $110,000. If funded, the grant would pay 80 percent of the cost or $90,000, while the city would need to cover the remaining 20 percent or approximately $21,000, he said.
— discussed work orders, citizens' requests, heard the new personal computer was installed at the city shop, and heard requests for employee training.
— discussed an inter-city agreement with Hillsboro regarding operation of the pump house and daily monitoring of the facility based on KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) standards.
— decided to use Florence Web to create the city's new web site.
— continued discussion on the city's new inoperable vehicle policy to see if the process can be more streamlined at the city office making it quicker for all involved. No decisions were made.
— continued discussion on designating a workman's comp physician. No decisions were made.
Standing committee reports
— Water committee reported it had reviewed and approved the new city utility billing and meter reading policy.
— Streets and alleys committee instructed Benbrook to "keep on eye" on potholes in the city.
— Sanitation committee is reviewing new sewer rates. Benbrook was asked to provide a breakdown of numbers for those paying the minimum charge, as well as those who pay each higher increment based on usage. The information is necessary to help determine new rates.
— Fire committee presented a hand out regarding Safe Kids Camp. Council made a $100 donation to the camp.
— Finance committee discussed the Green River Ordinance as it relates to local groups like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and school groups going door-to-door for various fund-raisers. Benbrook was told to "use his judgment" in making decisions.
However, if there are complaints against a local non-profit organization, a formal complaint will need to be filed in the city office.
— Heard from Mayor Randy Dallke that the family of the late Andy Shank had donated memorial funds to be used for playground equipment or in the park. Council discussed options and the suggestion was made that a tree be planted in his memory.
The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday. Agenda items will include approving the cable franchise transfer of ownership agreement, and making preliminary plans for the 2005 budget including capital expenses, assets, and wish lists.
