The city council met in adjourned session from the meeting of May 5, 2008 with the following present: Councilmen Gary Baughman, Mike Eshbaugh, Greg Gill, Kim Harper, and Bob Mason. Absent: Mayor Jack E. Rowden.

Others present were Outside Utilities Supervisor Dean Banker, City Clerk Thomas G. Hicks, Interim Chief of Police Courtney Leslie, City Inspector Tony Martin, Electric System Supervisor Gary Rowden, City Attorney Wayne R. Tate, County Commissioners Gary Baker, Dave Bozone, and O. D. Littrell; and Ruthie Winget.

"President of the Council" Kim Harper presided.

The minutes of the meeting of May 5, 2008 were approved as mailed.

Each member of the governing body was provided a copy of Municipal Judge Sherri Leonard’s report for the month of May, showing 29 new cases brought before the court and $1,961.50 remitted to the city.

Councilman Greg Gill arrived at 5:20 p.m.

City Inspector Tony Martin presented his monthly activities report. Martin also relayed the planning commission’s recommendation that the city should pursue a stop light or four-way stop at the intersection of Washington and Eleventh Streets.

Dave Helget has contacted the city inspector about the city tearing down the abandoned house he owns at 302 S. Harrison for $500.00, the same amount the city agreed to accept at the last council meeting for the demolition of the house at 101 S. Jackson. The city inspector was instructed to check on the cost of asbestos inspections required by the State before demolition can begin.

Motion by Baughman, seconded by Gill, that the meeting go into executive session in regard to the acquisition of real estate. Motion carried. "President of the Council" Kim Harper called the meeting into executive session at 5:40 p.m. with the meeting to reconvene in open session at 6:10 p.m.

The meeting reconvened in open session at 6:10 p.m.

Motion by Gill, seconded by Eshbaugh, that the meeting go into executive session in regard to personnel matters. Motion carried. Harper called the meeting into executive session at 6:12 p.m. with the meeting to reconvene in open session at 6:42 p.m.

The meeting reconvened in open session at 6:42 p.m.

"President of the Council" Kim Harper reported Mayor Jack E. Rowden has recommended the re-appointment of Steve Rome and Rick Wolters to the planning commission. Motion by Gill, seconded by Eshbaugh, to confirm the appointments, with terms to expire in June, 2011. Motion carried.

Motion by Baughman, seconded by Mason, that the city contribute $100.00, from electric department funds, to the community Fourth of July fireworks display. Motion carried.

Kansas Municipal Utilities is offering its members an opportunity to participate in the distribution of a publication, promoting energy efficiency and recycling. Motion by Baughman, seconded by Gill, that the City of Hugoton participate in the publication project. Motion carried.

Motion by Baughman, seconded by Gill, to accept the resignation of Thomas J. Steers as a policeman, effective May 19, 2008. Motion carried.

Motion by Baughman, seconded by Eshbaugh, to accept the resignation of Tanya Pate as janitor at the police station, effective May 15, 2008. Motion carried.

Claims against the city were presented and audited. Motion by Eshbaugh, seconded by Baughman, that Appropriation Ordinances No. 1863 and 1864 be passed. Motion carried.

Outside Utilities Supervisor Dean Banker notified the governing body about a problem with water well #14. The variable drive has gone out on the well. To repair the variable drive will cost $4,828.00. To exchange the variable drive for a used or new replacement will cost $5,311.00 or $5,802.00, respectively. City staff feels the failure of the variable drive was caused by an under sizing of the power supply. To replace both the power supply and the variable drive will cost $11,200.00. Motion by Mason, seconded by Gill, to purchase the power supply and variable drive from Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. Motion carried.

Motion by Mason, seconded by Eshbaugh, that the meeting go into executive session in regard to personnel matters. Motion carried. Harper called the meeting into executive session at 7:55 p.m. with the meeting to reconvene in open session at 8:15 p.m.

The meeting reconvened in open session at 8:10 p.m.

Motion by Mason, seconded by Gill, to accept the recommendation of Interim Chief of Police Courtney Leslie to employ Cassie Hagman as a patrolman at a rate of $13.00 per hour, effective June 10, 2008. Motion carried.

Motion by Baughman, seconded by Mason, that the meeting go into executive session in regard to personnel matters. Motion carried. Harper called the meeting into executive session at 8:13 p.m. with the meeting to reconvene in open session at 8:30 p.m.

The open meeting reconvened in open session at 8:25 p.m.

Motion by Gill, seconded by Eshbaugh, that the meeting go into executive session in regard to personnel matters. Motion carried. Harper called the meeting into executive session at 8:40 p.m. with the meeting to reconvene in open session at 8:45 p.m.

The meeting reconvened in open session at 8:49 p.m.

Motion by Eshbaugh, seconded by Baughman, that the meeting be adjourned to June 16, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. Motion carried.