Derby’s priority list updates include free paper ban, e-cigs and more

The city’s “to-do” list has changed.

Known as the list of priorities, the blueprint provides a guideline for city staff on which projects to tackle first – and which ones to move to the back for more effort later.

City Manager Kathy Sexton went before the council at its March 12 meeting explaining the changes and asking for its approval, which it gave.

As she said, agreeing on priorities makes the best use of staff time. The list includes enhancement projects to be worked on as time allows amid other responsibilities, she said.

The last update to the list was Nov. 27 and since that time, work has progressed on many of the 13 projects. Due to “substantial completion,” Sexton recommended that four of the items be removed. She also suggested combining one item on what is known as the Watch List with one on the Priority List.

That deals with converting Derby to a city of the First Class and include updating the Charter Ordinances.

As Derby approaches a population of 25,000, it needs to convert its city status to First Class.

That action hasn’t happened in Kansas in years, so it’s a process that requires much research and legal legwork.

There are seven items on the Watch List.

Among them is a suggestion to research and develop a policy on e-cigarettes that would add e-cigs and tobacco products to the indoor air ordinance.

“The intent would be to ban the use of e-cigarettes in indoor spaces by amending the city’s Clean Indoor Air ordinance,” she said.

Also, a new suggestion deals with drawing up an ordinance to ban throwing free newspapers and advertising in driveways or front yards.

Sexton said the intent would be to “clean up the look of neighborhoods.”

It also would reduce efforts required of city staff to clear out excess debris from stormwater inlets and pipes.

Both the e-cigarettes and tossed publication ban were moved up to the priority list.