Commissioners speak with property owners about POD ordinance
At the regular meeting of the Stockton City Commission, held on Thursday, February 20th, the commissioners met with two property owners who have PODs on their land. Don and Diane Maddy were present and stated they had asked to talk with the commissioners after they received a letter about the City’s POD ordinance. Don Maddy, who lives in a commercial zone, stated that they did come to the City to get approval to place a POD on their land. He said they had received city manager Keith Schlaegel’s approval for the placement five years ago, and now they have been notified through a letter from the City that they are not in compliance with the ordinance, which had gone into effect in 2012. He asked what they were supposed to do. Also, Mike Williams stated that he had received approval from the city manager on where he could place his storage container, though he did not receive any paperwork. Neither of the two parties had received a building permit, though it was noted that PODs don’t need to have a building permit. Williams noted that he is in a residential area and asked if there was a way to mitigate a compromise with the City. Both parties stated that they would not have spent the time and money on the PODS if there was any way down the road that they would not be in compliance. It was asked if their PODS could be grandfathered in.
Commissioner Nathan Glendening noted that these two property owners did get permission from the city manager. Commissioner Don McLaughlin stated that the City Commission had always approved building permits and variances until a former commission voted to give the building permit approval over to the city manager, which is why there have been miscommunications since that time.
Commissioner Bob Becker stated that his personal opinion would be a compromise of having them paint the PODs to cover the signage so that it blends into the surroundings. Don Maddy asked if that would be more in taxes if they were painted, with it noted that it would not increase their property taxes.
The letters were sent out so the commissioners could try and straighten things out concerning PODS and they are working on them on a case-by-case basis At this time only the Maddys and Mr. Williams have contacted the City concerning this issue.
After the discussion with the property owners, the commissioners held a ten-minute executive session for the purpose of discussing legal matters with the five commissioners: Sandi Rogers, Reesa Brown, Don McLaughlin, Bob Becker and Nathan Glendening, city manager Courtney Flower and city attorney Joe Gasper in attendance. When they came back to the open meeting, the commissioners voted to grandfather in the PODS at 624 South Walnut and 822 North Third, waive the penalty, and consider them permanent structures with the stipulation that the PODS are painted.
Next, Daphne Plumer, who is the Tiger Shark swim coach, was at the meeting to ask permission and support from the City to pursue a grant and funding to help purchase a swimming pool heater. Plumer and water superintendent Jon Voss presented cost figures on the purchase and installation of the heater. It was the consensus of the commissioners to allow Plumer to move ahead with pursuing grants for this project which would be for the 2021 year.
Next, Voss presented the commissioners with two bids for the purchase of a water chain saw for his department. After a short discussion it was approved to purchase the saw with the higher bid from local business, Jake’s Service, in the amount of $1,394.96.
After reviewing the costs for riding lawn mowers for the City and the cost of a trailer for transporting the machines, the commissioners approved the purchase of two 50-inch Hustler mowers from Waller Motor at $12,800.00 a piece, and a trailer from Advantage Glass Plus in the amount of $3,700.00.
During Public Comments, commissioner Bob Becker stated that the annual Topeka trip was a very interesting and successful two-days of meetings with legislators. He noted our lobbyists are very knowledgeable, and he is already looking forward to going back next year. He said it was good to make Stockton’s presence known with discussions on rural revitalization.
City manager Courtney Flower then introduced the idea of hiring a parttime compliance officer with the job description of following up on building permits, summer mowing, untagged vehicles, zoning issues and changes within the community. Becker asked if the City could afford it since it had not been budgeted. Flower said there are funds available that can be transferred to cover the cost of a part-time employee. The commissioners voted to hire a compliance officer to enforce the City codes based on the job description presented.
Next, the commissioners approved two handchecks for Solomon Valley Manor to Blue Cross/Blue Shield for insurance coverage n the amounts of $16,869.72 for the January payment, and $33,739.44 for the February and March payments.
The City of Stockton fund status report was approved as presented by the commissioners, as was the Solomon Valley Manor fund status report before Flower gave her City Manager’s Report.
Flower noted that the motor for the dump truck has been ordered and was to be shipped out in a few days. The security cameras have been installed around town. Flower also scheduled a time with the commissioners to meet with SVM Administrator Amanda Atkisson to discuss expansion options for the facility.
After the City Manager’s Report, mayor Sandi Rogers informed the other commissioners that she had signed an application at Stockton High School for the K-State Youth Community Perceptions Program. She also presented a thank you note from Options for the donation the City gave to the organization.
The Consent Agenda, which included the Solomon Valley Manor gross payroll in the amount of $49,966.48, the Solomon Valley Manor warrants in the amount of $34,469.22, the City of Stockton warrants in the amount of $228,380.37 and the February 4th regular meeting minutes, had been approved by the commissioners at the start of the meeting.
