Great Bend City Council meeting
July 7 - 6:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
The council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/.
Agenda
Opening: Pledge of Allegiance
A. Consent agenda
B. Old business
C. Recognition of visitors and announcements
The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Comments should be limited to three minutes.
D. New business
1. Councilmember reports
2. Administrator's update
3. Economic Development report
4. Splitting Public Works Department Director roles
With the recent resignation of Public Works Director Jason Cauley, the city explored the possibility of restructuring the department by dividing it into two separate entities: Public Works Department and the Utilities Department. Splitting the department could allow for more focused leadership in each area, with directors possession specialized knowledge in their respective fields. A motion will be presented to approve an ordinance establishing a utilities department and the position of Director of Utilities.
5. Accelerated payment of PFAS
The city has been participating in a nationwide class action lawsuit against manufacturers of PFAS chemicals. Some of these claims have been settled and Great Bend's share in that settlement totals a little over $1.3 million to be paid out over time. Great Bend has the opportunity to accelerate those payments and receive the total amount left this year, discounted to present value and minus a 3.5% transaction fee. This would be accomplished by selling the income stream to an investment banking firm. A motion will be presented to choose an option on receiving a final proposed number when it is negotiated.
6. PTRC for USD 428 or RFP for daycare at Front Door facility
Since 2009, the City of Great Bend has leased the Front Door facility to Great Bend Children's Learning Center for use as a daycare facility. Over the past several years, the utilization went from year round to only in the summer months due to staffing issues. This summer, the building is not being utilized, and the city received rent payments of $300 during the three months the daycare was operating in the prior years. After discussion with the Children's Center, they are looking at opening an additional room in their current facility as the space requirements of the Front Door only allow a small number of children. USD 428 reached out to the City and was interested in a lease agreement to move the Parent Teacher Resource Center (PTRC) from Washington School to the Front Door as they are facing some construction challenges with Washington School and the costs associated with that project. The City Council will be asked for a decision to move forward with either a lease agreement with USD 428 to move the PTRC into the Front Door facility or to move forward with a request for proposals for daycare facilities to continue the use of a daycare. If the City moves forward with USD 428, the city will prepare a lease agreement to bring back to the council for consideration or the City will put out an RFP for a daycare facility and also bring back back for formal consideration.
Adjournment