Burlingame City Council
Historical society utility
abatement contract approved

Gabe Faimon | Reporter

BURLINGAME—A contract, to be signed by Burlingame Mayor Ray Hovestadt, between the city of Burlingame and the Burlingame Historical Preservation Society was approved by a 4–1 vote during Monday’s council meeting. Burlingame City Councilman Norm Bloomquist cast the dissenting vote.

The contract provides for “abatement and waiver of payment of any utilities supplied by the city to the Schuyler Museum and annex.” The contract also provides for storage space at the Schuyler Museum or annex for city records not exceeding 60 square feet of area. The contract states that any item stored for the city shall remain the property of the City.

Responding to questions, city attorney Rick Godderz said, “This is a storage contract, so only employees of the city shall have access to the records or documents.”

Godderz added that a list of city employees could be provided which would enable museum personnel to verify access authority. He also said city employees should only have access only during normal business hours of the museum.

In other discussion, acting on recommendations of swimming pool manager Cindy Harris, the council approved the 2009 schedule of swimming pool fees. In addition to the $1.25 daily individual fee, the approved schedule also includes single season, family, family extended, daycare and group passes. The schedule also outlines how fees for private and birthday parties would be determined, based on number of guests and length of time for each party.

The council also considered a request from Burlingame City Councilman Jim Nelson to collect information and identify interest in establishing a grocery store in Burlingame. Nelson also said that he wished to investigate the potential for wind generation of electricity for the city.

With Nelson abstaining, the council adopted motions authorizing him to proceed as requested.

Several members of the council expressed appreciation for efforts of city employees and volunteers which led to weekend success of Rodeo Days.

In other business, the council:

• authorized a city electrical and plumbing license for Bartell’s Home Improvements.

• authorized a fireworks stand for Ron Shaffer.

• scheduled a work session 5-6:30 p.m. June 4 for 2010 budget development and five-year capital improvement planning.

• heard from Jan Ogleby, of The Osage County Herald-Chronicle, who presented a draft ad for the annual progress edition of the newspaper. The council offered comments and suggestions for final development of the ad.