The Wamego City Commission is preparing for 2016. At Tuesday’s meeting, City Manager Merl Page reviewed the City’s Merit Wage Plan that’s been in place for a few years, and asked the Commission to continue the plan into 2016. Page said for a number of years, merit based pay was based solely on evaluations. This plan was amended for non-salaried employees to grant a cost-of living increase of 25 cents per hour on January 1st. These non-salaried employees would also be eligible for a 1.5-to-2.5 percent merit increase based solely on performance evaluations on their anniversary date. The remaining employees are eligible for a 3-to-3.5 percent merit increase on their anniversary date. Page said he’d like to continue this plan for another year, evaluate whether they should go back to the old plan. The motion passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
In other business, the Commission accepted the resignation of Deb Kiker from the Housing Authority effective December 31st. Kiker and her family are moving to Maine and will be sent a thank you for her service and contribution to the community.
Page asked for the authority to negotiate the purchase a piece of property and contents from beneficiaries not to exceed $20,000, nor exceed $5000 for ancillary fees. When the beneficiaries contacted the City for their interest, Page said the staff felt it was something the City should pursue. Permission was granted by a vote of 4 to 0.
The Wamego City Commission continues the 2015 wrap up. At Tuesday’s meeting, City Manager Merl Page reminded the governing body that the street supervisor came across an annual lease program for a Skid Steer. The annual rental fee is $5,000 for a 375 hour maximum limit, with anything over the 375 hours costing $15 per hour. The City took advantage of this program last year and it’s time to renew. Page reminded the Commission they have three choices; they can renew for the same rate as last year, send the unit back or purchase it outright for a cost over $56,000. He said the staff recommended the annual renewal, which garnered a motion that passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
In other business, Page said the Rec Advisory Group has discussed whether it’s advisable to do background checks on volunteers that participate in youth programs and decided to bring the issue before the City. Page said the staff felt background checks are necessary and would run it by legal council to see what’s acceptable for the background checks. A motion was made to pursue the issue and passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
The Wamego City Commission wraps up 2015. At Tuesday’s meeting, City Manager Merl Page announced that an independent group is working on the City of Wamego’s 150th Year celebration and feels the governing body needs to assist in formulating a plan and budget for the group. Page said the group suggested the City inject $30,000, but said he doesn’t think the city is able to meet that goal due to the 2016 budget being completed. He did suggest $22,500 and Commissioner Bill Ditto followed with a motion to fund five major events for the 150th Celebration in the amount of $22,500. The motion passed by a vote of 4 to 0. Commissioner Bob Morse was absent.
In other business, the Commission approved seven Cereal Malt Beverage applicant’s licenses for 2016. Page said the applications have been received and have gone through the review process. The seven are: Gene’s Heartland Foods, Red Raider Express, LaHacienda, Short Stop, Last Stop, Pizza Hut and Imperial Palace.
