Two proposals of different natures were made to the council in the forms of a summer event and a contract for waste removal. Robert Graham requested to host a car show in downtown Kingston on July 21. The show, which holds seven events throughout the area, would attract between 100 to 150 cars and people coming to the community to participate in the event. One vendor, who is a part of the Kansas City Barbecue Association, travels with Graham's show. Outside vendors were discussed and the question of licenses was mentioned.
The second proposal, from Allied Waste, would remove the city's solid waste service and establish a contract with the system. The contract would charge residents a little over $10 for a one-day-a-week disposal of the same 95 gallon containers the city currently owns. The service would be the same, but the city would receive a portion of the funds and would save money in the form of operations and maintenance of the truck as well as vehicle insurance.
In continuing discussion of the city's budget, a date for a formal and final review was set for Thursday, April 12, and a vote on Thursday, April 19.
A meeting also will be held for city employees to discuss each job description and gain feedback from employees on what their job entails and how to perform those duties.
Moving forward with improvements, city hall has received renovations as new tile flooring has been placed down and walls are being re-painted. Mayor Ron Casey also mentioned the need to replace the seven benches downtown due to rotting wood seating. An idea to use funding from the 2007 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax was presented to construct a covered pavilion over the paved pad where the skate park was formerly located. The funding also would allow picnic tables to be placed in the area as well as possibly including smaller basketball goals for younger children. Playground equipment packages also were provided to the council members to consider for replacing the old equipment and possibly including two sets for age groups of 2 to 5 years old and 5 years and older. The remainder of fencing to be placed around the park was discussed as well. A portion of the fence is complete while the remainder has not been voted upon.
The need for a portable generator was discussed in anticipation of future storms that could cause power outages through the area. Should power be out for three days, Casey said the water wells would not function. A generator is needed to prevent such an issue from arising.
Approximately 40 applications have been submitted for the position of city treasurer and are expected to be reviewed promptly with recommendations going before council from the mayor. The suggestion was made by councilman Ed Miklas for the mayor to present the best candidate to the council, but Casey said he wished for the council to be more involved in city decisions and hiring and termination of city employees.
The council also discussed an issue of removing a tree that has fallen in a resident's yard. The city questioned if the tree was in the right of way or on private property. Considering the issue, Casey told council members that sidewalk disrepair also is an issue. Sidewalks were installed during the depression era and belong to the residents as part of their property. The city is not liable or responsible for any accidents that occur due to sidewalk disrepair or repairing the walkways.
The council will vote on issues during their next meeting, Monday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in city hall.