Kansas Municipal News
Wichita bans corporate political donations on last-minute party-line council vote
Corporations and limited liability companies will no longer be allowed to contribute to Wichita City Council and mayoral campaigns after a contentious debate and 4-3 vote Tuesday. The four Democrats on the council approved the measure over the objection of their Republican colleagues during the final meeting before incoming Mayor Lily Wu, a Libertarian, and two new Republican council members take office. In a break from standard procedure, outgoing Mayor Brandon Whipple made an emergency declaration, allowing the council to finalize the reform Tuesday and forgo the standard second reading that would have otherwise been required next week. Whipple said the emergency declaration was necessary because the state-mandated $500 contribution limit for individuals and businesses resets with the start of a new year. “If you gave tons of money last campaign, you now can do this tomorrow if this doesn’t pass today,” Whipple said. The Republicans didn’t buy his logic. “I don’t think anyone would think that this is an emergency, and as a public health professional before I was elected to this position, I am just concerned with diluting the word ‘emergency,’” council member Becky Tuttle said. “I also believe firmly that businesses should have a say in who runs our city,” she said. “Businesses pay property tax, they pay sales tax. I don’t think they should get to vote, but I do believe they should have a say.” The city previously barred political committees, corporations, partnerships, trusts, labor unions, business groups and other organizations from contributing to candidates. But those restrictions were dropped in 2015, five years after the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Citizens United decision, which prohibits the government from restricting independent spending for political campaigns by corporations and other groups.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Fire causes damage to Paris Park pavilion in Arkansas City
A fire damaged the Paris Park pavilion in Arkansas City on New Year’s Day. Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department responded to the fire around 4 a.m. Firefighters found heavy flames engulfing the south end of the pavilion. Crews were able to contain the fire in the area, preventing further spread and minimizing potential damage. Damage is estimated at $10,000. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Arkansas City Police Department Lieutenant Detective Jason Legleiter at 620-441-4435 or Chet Ranzau, Arkansas City Fire Marshall, at 620-441-4430.
Source: KSN-TV
Kansas court systems slowly reaching finish line for complete restoration after cyberattack
The nightmare plaguing the state of Kansas’ court systems is almost over. On Tuesday, Kansas Courts spokeswoman Lisa Taylor said in a press release that a new portal allowing people to search through Kansas district court cases online is fully operational, with some drawbacks. For example, this portal is temporarily out of date while courts work to feed in case information filed on paper. The Kansas District Court Public Access Portal was one of several systems impacted by a cyberattack in October last year. Online systems associated with the Kansas Courts have been struggling to recover in the aftermath. “In the short time we’ve offered free online case search for district courts as part of our Kansas eCourt modernization plan, it has become our most popular service,” Chief Justice Marla Luckert said. “Restoring the ability to search case information online is yet another major milestone in our restoration plan.” Other features restored recently include the ability for people to pay fines, fees and costs online through the portal and the Kansas eCourt case management system. Information on recent payments, similar to case information, accessed through the portal may be out of date for the time being. Payments processed on Oct. 12 and after may not show up in the payment portal.
Source: KSN-TV
Orange line of Lawrence: City demands homeless camps move away from levy
A line drawn in the sand, or in this case, mud, accompanies a deadline from the city of Lawrence, demanding homeless camps move away from a levy along the Kansas River. WDAF-TV spoke to some of the people living beyond that border, one week away from the threat of their removal. Jan. 8 is the date the city of Lawrence posted, saying by then people need to move at least 15 feet away from the levy due to federal regulations and concerns about maintenance. But few tents have been moved so far. The area is in the sightline of City Hall, behind Johnny’s Tavern just north of the river. It’s the areas outside of the city-sanctioned camp that is being targeted, with a line of orange spray paint following the levy in the unmanaged, yet still busy, camping area. “But it seems to me that there’s going to be some kind of problem with people who don’t want to leave, and I can’t see them being invited to do something,” said Mark William Keplinger, who lives at the sanctioned camp. “Everyone’s arguing over who owns what or what owns what or what this is all becoming. And I’m like, it is what it is. Just get along with it,” said Jimmy Lee Lierhadley, who lives in the area outside of the city fencing. “Well I didn’t notice it went down really until they said something the other day,” said a 44-year-old man also living outside of the fenced area. The line cuts through his tent. He said it was painted while he was at work doing construction. “I told [my boss] my situation, and he needed a laborer and he went out and bought me these work boots,” he said, bringing the boots out of his tent.
Source: KSN-TV
Lyons raises money to continue Christmas bell and star
A holiday tradition in Lyons has been around for nearly a century. Those in the community take great pride in the tradition. “When I come home for the holidays, when I see that bell and star, that bell and star is home,” Teresa Schafer from Lyons said. “It means that I’m home for the holidays, and I know that that is a lot of people. You know you see the bell and star on the bell and star means home. And that’s not only me that is so many people.” In 1936, Oscar Laudick, Schafer’s great-grandpa, created the star to go on top of the courthouse. He was a custodian there. Then, in 1938, the bell was created after lights were hung from the star to the corner of the courthouse, looking like a bell. In 1951, a radio antenna was added to the courthouse, so the bell and star were moved to its current location, the Lyons water tower. Laudick rebuilt the star going from four feet to 10 feet. Each year, the bell and star is paid for by donations. Many will donate in memory of someone when they pass away. Laudick’s daughter JoAnne Arie always made sure there was money for the project, but she died in 2023. So, Schafer took it upon herself to set up a GoFundMe. They raised the $5,000 they needed in two weeks. The bell and star has gone up in price every year, but Schafer says the tradition will never stop. “There is not a single person that does not love that bell and star,” Schafer said. “There is not a single person that would not do what it took to keep that beloved star going.” The star looks like a star from any angle. The white bulbs are painted black, with a small spot of light showing on each side.
Source: KSN-TV
Researchers find high levels of fertilizer in area drinking water
Matthew Kirk has an unpleasant task: breaking the news to families about fertilizer chemicals in their drinking water. The Kansas State University geology professor and his collaborators check for nitrogen pollution in the private wells that so many rural households depend on. “Most of the well owners that I’ve talked to,” Kirk said, “this isn’t something that’s really on their radar.” Researchers aim to test about 150 private wells in south-central Kansas in Barton, Stafford, Pawnee, Edwards, Rice, Pratt and Kiowa counties. Students and scientists from K-State and Barton and Dodge City community colleges have teamed up to test about 90 so far. Of those, half contain more nitrate than federal regulators allow in public water systems. “Of those that didn’t,” Kirk said, “a lot of them were pretty darn close.” One well contained more than five times as much nitrate as the federal government tolerates in public water supplies. That household has started treating the water before drinking it. Drinking too much of these nitrogen compounds is dangerous for babies, and scientists are investigating suspected links to serious health conditions in children and adults, such as cancer. Public water sources have to comply with federal standards, so utilities treat water to reduce nitrate levels when necessary.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
New city commissioner hopes to give back to her community
Melanie Watson began her role as city commissioner on Dec. 12 and said she sees it as a way to give back to her community after the support she received while going through a difficult time in her life. Watson was the victim of domestic violence that eventually led to a violent attack from her husband after she filed for divorce. “I knew there would be consequences for me, physically, when I was trying to leave, I remember praying to God asking him not to kill me or disable me to the point I can’t care for my children,” Watson said. Watson was rushed to St. Francis where she said she had to be resuscitated twice along the way and again when she arrived at the hospital. Hospital staff told her family she wasn’t expected to make it through the night. She said that was when support from the community started with supportive calls from people she knew in Newton giving support to her family at the time. Watson stayed at the hospital for two months, and her arm had to be amputated during that time. After returning home she said the trauma had affected her mental state, and her mother moved in. Before going to the hospital, Watson had been working two jobs, but after leaving she was unable to work. Watson said during this time, she felt great support.
Source: Harvey County Now
Longtime Shawnee HR director Liz Barnard retires
After 28 years in public service, the City of Shawnee’s human resources director has retired. Having watched Shawnee grow for almost three decades, Liz Barnard said she’s proud of her time in the city. “It was just a treat to serve the City of Shawnee for so many years,” she said. In Barnard’s tenure, she said she worked with four mayors, 46 councilmembers and more than 500 employees. It all went by in a blur, she said. “They say the days are long, but the years are short or something like that,” she said. “It’s true.” She also said she saw the city expand and evolve. “When I started, we didn’t have Splash Cove. We didn’t have Station 74. We didn’t have the Justice Center,” she said. “Anything west of Pflumm was basically just houses. There was no commercial development. So it’s just been so cool to see the different things that have been accomplished, in large part, to the amazing staff that was there.” Barnard was involved with projects that include the first Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, the Veterans Day celebration and helping lead the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Source: Johnson County Post
Wichita city council approves new ordinance to stop landlords from retaliatory evictions
Tuesday morning the Wichita City Council approved a new ordinance that allows landlords to be fined up to $2,500 for evicting a tenant when they complain about terrible living conditions. “In this case we have people who reached out over the years that are tired of a lack of response from their landlord and then when the city comes out and inspects a finds a violation and writes them up, they end up getting evicted. Well that’s not right,” said Brandon Johnson, the city council member for district one. Johnson says this is an ongoing issue which is why the city council is approving an ordinance that will fine landlords up to twenty five hundred dollars for evicting someone in retaliation. “I really would like to see in the event of a landlord or slumlord not responding there’s some judgement,” said Johnson. After next Tuesday landlords can be fired for unfairly threatening tenants with eviction. If you have a challenge you can come to city hall, meet with a legal expert, show evidence, and then it goes from there. Any convictions will be posted of the city of Wichita website for all to see. The council says there are already state laws protecting tenants but this is taking it one step further. “There are laws on the book that prohibit landlord retaliation. We’ve just never had a mechanism to actually enforce it so this is what this was,” said Mike Hoheisel, a city council member for district one. Both Johnson and Hoheisel say they’re excited to pass this ordinance and bring more protections to tenants in Wichita but this is just the beginning. “We have a lot more work that we need to do when it comes around evictions and these records,” said Johnson. He thinks when there’s a continuous problem happening in the city it’s up to the council to step up and help.
Source: KAKE – News
Green light: City Council approves ordinance updates needed for new downtown parking plan
A revamped approach to public parking in Wichita’s core has cleared a key step. The City Council on Tuesday approved a pair of ordinance updates necessary for the city to move forward with a long-discussed plan that will include increases to parking fees and meter technology updates in the downtown, Old Town and Delano areas. Local government and economic development officials have said modernizing public parking in the core is an important component for Wichita’s expected downtown growth spurred by a planned $300-million biomedical campus and other major projects. The Council approved the plan itself in March 2023. Among other components, it allows the city to collect parking revenue in new ways, including via smartphone app technology and credit and debit cards. Council member Bryan Frye, who voted in favor of the ordinance updates, said he’s seen other cities with updated parking technology and that it’s “about time” Wichita is doing the same. “As a frequent user of downtown parking, to get with the times and get modern equipment is sorely needed,” he said. “So I’m grateful for that.” Coins will remain a payment option. Handicap parking will not have meters.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for January 2, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
‘Stars are aligning’ for a Kansas water conservation plan, Kelly says
Gov. Laura Kelly said she is planning to spend a significant amount of political capital on water during the upcoming legislative session. The aquifers under several western Kansas towns are depleted beyond the minimum threshold for aquifer density, meaning what remains couldn’t support things like center-pivot irrigation. Other areas are luckier, with an estimated 25 to 100 years of water use. Still, those areas need to change water use to be able to support agriculture long term. Kelly said since the water shortages reached crisis levels, there hasn’t been a politician in the unique position she’s in as a second-term governor who isn’t planning to run for higher office again.
Source: Hutch News
New guide documents historic structures in unincorporated areas of Douglas County — barns, farmsteads, cabins, outhouses and more
The guide is the product of a 12-year study by the county’s Heritage Conservation Council, and it documents around 2,400 historic resources in the unincorporated areas of the county. That includes the grain bin, buggy shed, stone fences and farmhouse on Coffman’s land — but also a diverse mix of other structures throughout the county, from a turn-of-the-century Victorian-style house in Marion Township to a potato barn in Grant Township to a cabin at Lone Star Lake. It’s all part of an effort to bring more attention to these old buildings, keep them in good condition and highlight structures that property owners might not have even known had historic value.
Source: LJWorld
Goessel Council honors long-time council member
The Goessel city council met on Dec. 12, a week earlier than usual, because of a school concert on the regular meeting date. This was the last meeting for long-time council member Dean Snelling. Mayor Evan Esau presented a plaque to Snelling and thanked him for his 10 years on the council. Esau talked about Snelling’s expertise and said, “We’re going to miss you.” No other current council members have been on the council as long as Snelling has been. He has served with the leadership of several different mayors. Turning their attention to another matter, the council welcomed new part-time police officer James Bowlin to the meeting. “I’m excited about being here,” he said, “excited to serve the community.” The council talked with him about a school presence and the need to have police in town at different times. Bowlin said he is willing to do that. He also works in Moundridge, 12-hour shifts. Bowlin is scheduled for a challenge exam in December and then can start his work at Goessel.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
City approves continued reduced rates for licensed daycares
A continuation of the reduced electrical demand charge program for licensed daycare facilities was approved by the Garden City Commission at their regular meeting on Dec. 19. Mike Muirhead, Garden City Public Utilities Director, said the program was initially approved on Sept. 20, 2022 for licensed childcare facilities within the city that are on the Church and School rate, but the minutes of that meeting did not specify if the program was to be a one-year credit or if it would be an ongoing program and if it was, when the commission would reevaluate its continuance. The program works by reducing $1 from the total electric monthly demand charge for the number of authorized childcare positions per licensed facility, Muirhead said. For example, Little Leaders of GCK Early Learning Center is authorized by the state of Kansas to have 97 childcare positions, so, they receive a $97 credit for each month they were open in 2023. It’s a reduction off of that demand charge. Muirhead said he checked in with the state on Dec. 7 and there were some changes in the number of childcare centers in Garden City and the number of authorized childcare positions for each center this year. This year there were three new facilities, Muirhead said. Dreamz Child Care Center, which has 75 childcare positions; Garden Academy Early Learning Center, which has 97 childcare positions; and the Kansas Childrens Service League, which has 66 childcare positions.
Source: Garden City Telegram
Kansas Tops Nation in Economic Growth Over Fall 2023
Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated that, according to data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the Kansas economy grew by 9.7% in the 3rd quarter of 2023 — the fastest rate in the nation. This improves on an already impressive record of economic growth; in the 2nd quarter of 2023, Kansas’ economy grew at the second-fastest rate in the nation at 7.4%. “This data shows that our efforts to support businesses, create a stable economy, and grow our workforce are paying off,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, Kansas is outstripping the entire nation in economic growth and attracting business investment. Last week, I announced Kansas surpassed $18 billion in business investment since I took office in 2019. It’s clear we have the momentum to continue this trajectory of economic success into 2024 and beyond.” The Kelly Administration’s work to support the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries helped drive this economic growth. While those industries decreased nationally and in 33 other states, they were leading contributors to growth in Kansas. Kansas also ranked third in the nation for growth in personal income, with personal income growing at 4.9% over the 3rd quarter of 2023. Farming, which decreased nationally and in 41 other states, was the leading contributor to the increased earnings in Kansas. Kansas’ economic growth is measured by the change in its real gross domestic product (GDP), or the market value of goods and services produced in the state. The second quarter of 2023 included April through June; the third quarter included July through September.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
New Downton Pavilion Is In the Works For Fort Scott
The Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is located between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue and construction is slated for completion in mid-January. A new 70-foot by 150-foot pavilion is in the works for downtown Fort Scott between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue. The Fort Scott Farmers Market Pavilion, or Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is part of many additions in “The Gathering Square” in Fort Scott’s vibrant downtown district, according to Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells. ‘The farmers market pavilion would aim to be a dynamic community hub,” according to a press release from Wells. “This outdoor pavilion stands in the original location of the first farmer’s market in the community’s history and champions access to fresh produce by hosting the Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday from May to October. Beyond the market, the pavilion transforms into a cultural stage.” “The current plan is to make it available to rent, like Riverfront Park, or the (Gunn Park) shelter houses,” Wells said. “The city has first right-of-refusal on any use other than the set times guaranteed to the farmers market.” This gathering space offers Bourbon County’s farmers a direct link to the community, fostering healthier lifestyles with the offering of fresh produce and enhancing local commerce, he said. The pavilion is constructed with sustainability and adaptability in mind, and the design aligns with the International Building Code of 2015, according to the press release. The pavilion committee also envisions music, theater, and community gatherings coming alive in the space. It is adjacent to the newly constructed splash pad and sensory park that was constructed last summer. Also on the horizon is a much-needed public restroom near the site.
Source: Fort Scott Biz
E-scooters to cease operations in Manhattan after company announces U.S. shutdown
E-scooters will no longer be a mode of transportation in Manhattan in the new year. City officials announced this week that effective Sunday, the LINK/Superpedestrian e-scooters will no longer be available throughout the community or on the Kansas State University campus. The company that oversees those e-scooters, Superpedestrian, will cease operations after the new year, due to financial challenges as reported by Tech Crunch earlier this month. E-scooters were introduced in Manhattan in August 2020 after the city contracted with Superpedestrian (formerly LINK) for a pilot program, deploying about 150 scooters into the city, at the request of Kansas State University. That fleet of scooters eventually expanded to 450. Since that time, officials say more than 412,000 trips have been taken throughout the community. City and university officials are planning to discuss other opportunities in 2024 to bring e-scooters back to the community.
Source: 1350 KMAN
One of the two water tanks complete in Newton
The City of Newton recently announced the completion of its First Street water tank. The city has been working since 2016 to replace a 3.1 million gallon water tank located nearby with two concrete 1.9 million gallon tanks. In 2021, the city purchased property to build the new tanks on from BNSF, due to the closeness of the location to existing infrastructure that serves the old tank. The project began in May of 2022 and then was put on hold for 10 months by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment due to new pollution being discovered on the property. Over that time period, costs of the project increased, and the city estimated it would pay $1.57 million extra to complete the project when it discussed the issue in May. The total estimate of the project was $8.3 million. The city took work back up and in a recent release reported the first tank to be ready for the chlorination process to begin in January. In the coming months, work will begin on demolishing the old water tank as well as installing the second water tank. The exterior of the old water tank has turned a mostly green, black color due to the City choosing not to clean or repaint it since it was slated for demolition.
Source: Harvey County Now
Hillsboro moves forward with housing plans
Housing was once again the main topic of discussion at Tuesday’s Hillsboro City Council meeting. In a follow-up from the Dec. 6 meeting, the group voted and agreed to transfer six acres of land to Mennonite Housing for a workforce housing project. Mennonite Housing will be applying for tax credits to pay for a 24-unit project that will be located near Dollar General and Carquest. The plan is for the housing to be made up of 12 Duplex buildings and would include a clubhouse maintenance garage. Duplexes would be two and three-bedroom units—each with a garage unit to fit within the requirements of the program. The units will be constructed in an energy-efficient manner and include a range, refrigerator, space saver microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer. The furnace and tankless water heater will be gas. The air conditioner and appliances will be electric. Residents will be responsible for all utilities except trash. The clubhouse will have a manager’s office, community room, kitchen, restrooms, computer room and a covered rear patio. Free WIFI will be available in the clubhouse. Outdoor amenities include a playground and basketball court. The requirement for applicants to be able to be residents and live in the tax credit property is that their gross household income needs to be below 80% of area medium income (AMI). The annual gross household income amounts would be based on the number of people that are in the household. A limited number of units are available at lower monthly rent amounts for households with annual gross household income below 30% or 50% of AMI. There are also a limited number of units available for households with annual gross household income between 60% and 80% of AMI.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press