Burlingame City Council
Council questions unexpected
expenses for library work

DeAun Michael
Branch Reporter

BURLINGAME—Budget concerns continue to plague the Burlingame City Council as they struggle to keep city finances on track. Last week during the Sept. 15 regular council meeting, during review and approval of monthly expenses, questions were raised regarding several charges including one from Keating Mud Jacking Inc., of Topeka.

Previously, the city council had approved a bid by Keating to perform work at the city library. According to city administrator Flip Hutfles, additional costs appear to be related to overtime, a change in pier height and several other items. However, the council questioned the excessive amount due over the original bid.

“I thought we said if it is going to be more than this, they need to bring it back to us,” said council member Vikki DeMars.

She requested city attorney Rick Godderz review the contract prior to approving the additional expense. The board approved payment ordinances excluded the Keating Mud Jacking expense pending further review.

An update and presentation by LaVene Brenden, with Bartlett and West, regarding the Phase II water project was also on the agenda. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Brenden was unable to attend. Council asked that his presentation be rescheduled as soon as possible.

The council discussed several concerns regarding progress on the Phase II water project, including replacement of meters, chlorinator and fire hydrant issues. A special meeting was held Sept. 22 to address the council’s concerns.

In other business related to the Phase II water project, a resolution was unanimously passed giving the mayor the authority to sign and make available interim financing.

In other business, the council:

• heard from Burlingame resident Rosie Parker regarding a proposal to start a city-wide aluminum recycling activity to support the museum utility costs rather than the current abatement the city provides. Parker would be willing to take the aluminum to Osage City to sell if other groups in town would be willing to help collect.

• heard concerns from Burlingame City Clerk Patti Gilbert regarding staffing at the city offices. Gilbert will need an additional person designated to sign on the city checking account with the resignation of Hutfles, in addition to the part-time position being recently vacated. This issue was tabled for additional research and was to be discussed at the special meeting Monday.

• approved a $50 advertisement in the Burlingame Bearcat Sports Program handout.

• heard a report from Burlingame Police Chief Jon Shaffer regarding a Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) conference he attended. He is working with Karen Smart at the MADD office in Topeka on a pilot program for Burlingame and Osage County.