The City of Fairfax Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting March 15, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Tabitha Wintz, president, at 6:35 p.m. Also in attendance were: Kristi Duering, Debra Wyatt, and Shannon Long, Aldermen; Lori Helfers, City Clerk; Terry Miller, Treasurer; Donovan Cooper, Cooper Farms; Roger Martin, Optimist Club; and Chris Avrett, Fairfax resident.

The tentative agenda was approved.

Donovan Cooper, Cooper Farms, and Roger Martin, Fairfax Optimist Club, were present to discuss land deeds that were filed between 1986 and 1987 between City Hall, Cooper Farms, and The Optimist Club. It was determined that a couple errors occurred during the writing of the deeds. To correct the error the city needs to sign a quit claim deed for Cooper Farms and one for the Optimist Club. The aldermen approved granting Lori the right to have the deeds corrected and recorded. Donovan and Roger left the meeting at 6:50 p.m.

Chris Avrett, Fairfax resident, was present with concerns about 405 N. Broadway. City hall has received several calls with the same concern. Chris also has letters from different Fairfax residents backing his concern. Certified letters have been sent to the property owner regarding different ordinance violations, and the Sheriff’s Department has hand-delivered ordinance violation letters to the tenant. After discussing the issues of the property, Lori will be contacting Taryn Henry, City Attorney to start proceedings to prosecute the home owner and the tenant.

Chris left meeting at 7:10 p.m.

The minutes of the regular meeting February 15, 2023, were approved.

Accounts payable was also approved.

Old Business

Discussion continues between the council members on the fire agreement. An email from Susette Taylor, Atchison County Clerk, was read. The email was in response to a couple questions the council had on how to handle the rising cost of the fire agreement. The council feels it is time to meet with the Rural Fire Department and see what ideas they might have. Lori will reach out to the Rural Fire Department and see about setting up a meeting.

A hold harmless/insurance agreement was sent by Taryn Henry, City Attorney. This agreement can be used for a number of different situations. Contractors will need to fill out and sign the agreement before any work can begin on city property. (This form will need to be filled out for any contractor working on ball field renovations.)

John and Steve looked into new signs for the tennis court. Signs will be approximately $60.00. The new net will be donated by Mike and Marcy (Pennel) Saniuk. Delivery of the net should be in a few weeks.

New Business

Advertising for bids for the CDBG street grant will start the week of March 20. Bids will be opened April 19 at 2:00 p.m. at city hall.

Bill #2023-01 titled “A resolution authorizing individual of certain position signers for banking purposes on accounts now registered or hereafter registered in the name of The City of Fairfax” was presented to the board. It was approved and Bill 2023-01 was assigned Resolution #2023-1564

Bill # 2023-02 titled “A resolution authorizing individual of certain position signers for banking purposes on accounts now registered or hereafter registered in the name of The City of Fairfax” was presented to the board. It was approved and Bill 2023-02 was assigned Resolution #2023-1564.

Staff Reports

Terry Miller and Lori Helfers presented the treasurer’s report showing all accounts were in balance.

Lori reminded the council that April 30 is the due date for reporting ARP (American Recovery Plan) funds that have been spent by the city. A work date is scheduled for April 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Atchison County garage sale weekend will be April 28 and 29.

Lori asked the council about city-wide clean-up day. After a brief discussion the city would like to rent dumpsters for Fairfax residents to use. Dumpsters will be placed at the bottom of the park on May 5, 6, and 7.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The next meeting will be April 19, 2023.