Kansas Municipal News
County forms new 911 advisory board
A couple of years ago, according to Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Director Elora Forshee, efforts began in earnest to seek out a way to engage the community voice regarding 911 operations. In the wake of those ongoing efforts and feedback heard from a 2022 task force formed in response to the death of Wichita teenager Cedric Lofton, a community advisory board (CAB) was suggested and officially approved by the Sedgwick County Commission at its Feb. 7 meeting. Representing first responders (Wichita-Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Advisory Board) and staff (Employee Advisory Board), county 911 was getting input from two of the three key facets in its response – with only the community voice missing. “We didn’t have a good conduit for the community to have input in their 911 services,” Forshee said. “We think this is a great opportunity for our community to have some voice within the system and provide input.” Opening the county’s new emergency communications center within the past year also led to the prioritization of the CAB, which will be made up of 13 voting members. Makeup of the board will include a representative from each of the five commission districts, the city of Wichita, city of Derby, a city of the second class, a city of the third class, a youth member and three at-large members. The board will be fully ratified by the county commission.
Source: Derby Informer | News
City of Lawrence to launch revamped SeeClickFix mobile app
The City of Lawrence will soon launch a mobile app where community members can report code compliance issues, missed trash pickups and more, according to a city news release. Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 20, the app, powered by SeeClickFix Inc., will be free to download and use on smartphones. The city in June 2022 announced that it was pausing its SeeClickFix app for about nine months so the city could “revamp and improve the system to better serve our community.” Next week’s launch will mark 20 months since that announcement. Community members will be able to submit requests for city assistance in seven service categories, according to Thursday’s news release: General property maintenance pertaining to code compliance; property maintenance pertaining to weeds; nonemergency police assistance pertaining to theft, damage to property or use of financial cards; parks maintenance issues; tree or overhead limbs; missed trash collection; and dead animals. All communication related to the service request will take place live within the app. “The City of Lawrence App makes it easier for community members to request City services – allowing them to submit a ticket and follow along with progress updates through the work’s completion,” according to the release.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Hesston approves property sale tied to grocery store project
The Hesston City Council approved selling property it owns to BHF Grocery Store, LLC, owned by Beneficient Heartland Foundation Inc. At its Feb. 12 meeting, the city council voted 5-0 to sell 0.57 acres of property located at the corner of Old Highway 81 and North Lancaster Street to the company for $50,000. “The 50,000 offer for the property is well above our investment in the property,” City Administrator Gary Emry said, adding that the city had invested $42.000 to $44,000 in the property so far. “I think it’s a good offer.” Emry described the property as serving as a domino piece in Hesston’s downtown grocery store project. The long-discussed project is to be paid through funds from the state’s TEFFI law, which allows the Beneficient company, with an office in Hesston, to offer financial services in the state, requiring two and one-half percent of the value of transactions to be given to the State of Kansas for rural development or used for the benefit of Hesston. Beneficient Heartland Foundation, Inc., oversees the spending of the funds to benefit the City of Hesston. A City of Hesston memo stated that the property will be used for the purpose of building a one-story office deposit institution, the property’s future owner.
Source: Harvey County Now
Water sector issues joint statement to Congress on fully funding SRFs
On Feb. 15, a broad cross-section of water sector organizations representing, utilities, public works departments, executives, manufacturers, research organizations and other industry partners sent a letter to Congress requesting that it fully fund the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) to congressionally authorized levels of $3 billion each for fiscal year 2024. The letter stated in part: “Fully funding the SRFs will expand access to affordable financing for water infrastructure that protects public health. SRF subsidized loans fund infrastructure that provides safe drinking water, recycled water, wastewater services and stormwater management in thousands of communities around the nation every year. Without increased federal funding for this critical public health infrastructure, the risk of exposure to preventable diseases from poor water quality and water scarcity will increase for millions of Americans.” The demand for affordable SRF financing has increased exponentially in recent years. Increased federal funding is needed to meet the growing demand for SRF subsidized loans, which has skyrocketed due to the increased cost of planning, design, construction and financing.
Source: Water Finance & Management
Mulvane seeks to bring back farmers market
At the most recent meeting of the chamber board in Mulvane, according to The Mulvane News, the possibility was discussed of restarting the farmers market in the downtown area. Previously, several years ago, a market was operated by local farmer Tom Phipps in the Carson Bank lower parking lot on Saturdays during the summer. Currently, chamber members are making plans to start the new market the second Sunday in April from 1 to 4 p.m. at the west end of Main Street (by the Historical Depot Museum).
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Rainbow representative gives city info about fiber project
The City Commissioners met on Monday to speak with Rainbow Communications representative Julie Bergman about updates with the Fiber Project. City Administrator Becky Berger was not present during the meeting due to illness with strep throat. Bergman explained the current status of the project and how it aims to provide a fiber broadband network to residents in Hiawatha. “We’re overbuilding all the lines in town to be able to provide fiber Internet to all the residential residents,” Bergman said. “We’ve had fiber to businesses since about 2012-2013 time frame.” Bergman also mentioned about working with construction companies to complete the fiber cable installation and notices would be hung on customers’ doorknobs to let them know about fiber cable work being done. Bergman also gave more info about more Internet technology being upgraded in Kansas and added that the state was qualifying cities as being “broadband ready” and “fiber ready.” “Here in the next 30 or 60 days, we’ll be coming back to kind of talk to you about that as far as becoming a certified broadband ready city in the state of Kansas,” Bergman explained. “So that’s a campaign that the state is starting also to make sure all cities are open to, you know, advanced services and being ready for high speed.”
Source: City Government | hiawathaworldonline.com
Hutchinson officials share concerns about community’s wildfire risk
Mayor Greg Fast asked Chief Beer if he has any suggestions on how to get people to voluntarily comply. Cutting down trees and hauling them away can be an expensive undertaking, so Beer said fire officials have researched grants to help offset the costs. He suggested a “chipper day” with a third party contracted to run limbs and brush that individuals have put out by the curb through a chipper, but many grants are limited to property bordered by federal lands, and only state lands surround Hutchinson. Councilmember Goss said it makes sense for the city to fund a chipper project if it will save homes in the community. Fast reassured residents that “We are not going to make people take out trees, and they shouldn’t be afraid to get the fire department involved.” City ordinances do not indicate clearance around things like backyard fire pits or chimineas, and problems ensue when fires are burned near wood fences or dry leaves.
Source: Hutch News
Municipal Bond Trends for February 16, 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.
Salina seeks public input as it makes changes to city’s sign codes
As the line between what is art and what is advertising becomes somewhat blurred, Salina is looking to revamp and change city code on signs. As part of this process, the city hosted a listening session Thursday evening to hear from members of the public about signs in Salina and brought in Wendy Moeller … One of the biggest challenges in adopting codes on signage is dealing with case law in the United States. Moeller said in just the past decade new decisions have come from various courts. “There’s been a couple of Supreme Court cases that have made a lot of problems for sign regulations across every community,” Moeller said. … “(The decisions from courts say) communities like Salina really need to step away from regulating signage based on the message,” Moeller said.
Source: Salina Journal
Park City cracks down on chronic calls
Park City is cracking down on so-called “chronic nuisance” properties in the city. The city council on Feb. 13 unanimously voted to create an ordinance that would give city staff an additional way of dealing with properties that generate excessive police calls. Properties where two or more “trigger events” occur within a compliance period can now be dubbed chronic nuisances under the new policy. A property can also become a chronic nuisance if a non-self-defense-related shooting occurs or if a search warrant is executed there. The ordinance says the compliance period is six months for residential properties and 30 days for commercial properties or multi-family units. The ordinance lists 16 broad examples of “trigger events” police might respond to that could lead to properties being dubbed chronic nuisances.
Source: Ark Valley News
2024 Hays Water Conservation Incentive & Rebate Programs
At the City of Hays Feb. 13, 2024 Press Briefing, Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman reviewed the City’s ongoing efforts to encourage water conservation through the Showerhead & Aerator Program and five rebate programs for residents who invest in water efficiency both indoors and out. “City of Hays water customers can stop by City Hall, the Finance office, anytime to pick up high efficiency showerheads for free or for cost and we also have faucet aerators available at all times,” Water Conservation Specialist Dickman said. Faucet aerators are free. Six different types of shower heads are offered. Three models are free with exchange of old shower head and the other 3 are just $5.00 with exchange of old shower head.
Source: Hays Daily News
Kansas Court of Appeals: Termination for Insubordination (Frazier v City of LeRoy)
The City of LeRoy, Kansas (the City), passed a resolution and order for a citizen to remove a vicious dog from the city limits as a nuisance abatement. The resolution required service of the abatement order to the dog’s owners by the Chief of Police, Daniel C. Frazier. He refused to serve the order, claiming it was an unlawful order. The City terminated Frazier’s employment for insubordination. Frazier brings this appeal against the City, arguing that the City’s decision to terminate his employment as the Chief of Police was arbitrary or capricious, outside the scope of its authority, and unsupported by substantial competent evidence. After reviewing the arguments and record, we find the district court’s decision that the City’s decision to terminate him was proper. Thus, we affirm.
Source: Frazier v City of LeRoy
Kansas Court of Appeals: Tort Claims
Turner v. City of Topeka: While jogging on the Kansas Avenue Bridge in Topeka, Kansas, Trong Do Turner leapt over a concrete barricade to enter the center of the Bridge where he fell through a large gap and injured himself. The district court granted the City summary judgment, finding it was immune from liability under the Kansas Tort Claims Act. Finding no error in the district court’s well-reasoned opinion, this court affirms.
Grey v. City of Topeka: After growing impatient waiting for a ride from a friend, Julie Kathleen Grey … climbed over the concrete barricades blocking the center of the bridge from the traffic lanes. Unfortunately, Grey did not realize the center concrete barricades blocked access to a large gap in the bridge and she fell to the ground below suffering serious injuries. Grey brought a suit against the City of Topeka and various other parties alleging they were liable for her injuries. The district court granted the City summary judgment, finding it was immune from liability under the Kansas Tort Claims Act. Finding no error in the district court’s well-reasoned opinion, this court affirms.
Municipal Bond Trends for February 15, 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.
Municipal Bond Trends for February 14, 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.
USD-440 approves moving forward with bond election
The USD-440 Board of Education made it official Monday night by unanimously approving a resolution to authorize the calling of a bond election. The district intends to hold a special election to vote on general obligation bonds to pay the estimated $28,500,000 costs to construct, furnish, and equip: (a) additions, improvements, and renovations to Bentley Primary School, including secured entry, site improvements, and renovation and modernization of library, classrooms, cafeteria, restrooms, special education areas and gymnasium. (b) additions, improvements and renovations to Halstead Middle School, including site improvements, renovation and modernization of pre-K classrooms, cafeteria and restrooms, and a new entrance for facility activities. (c) additions, improvements, and renovations to Halstead High School, including a seventh- and eighth-grade addition, weight room and girls’ locker room addition, administration offices and conference room addition, performing arts and rehearsal space classroom addition, renovations and modernization of auditorium, classrooms, and industrial arts spaces; and secured entry addition and improvements. (d) renovation and improvements to all district facilities including a replacement press box at the football facility and new softball and baseball fields. (e) make all other necessary improvements related to the project. Superintendent Ron Barry said they can’t put everything in the notice because it would make it extremely long but that it covers the main pieces. He said the vote would be in-person only but would provide an opportunity for absentee ballots by request.
Source: Harvey County Now
Shawnee Mission school district names longtime administrator as its next superintendent
The Shawnee Mission school district has named its next top leader. The school board on Monday announced that Michael Schumacher will be the district’s new superintendent, as Michelle Hubbard steps down at the end of the school year. Schumacher currently serves as associate superintendent of human resources. He will take over as superintendent in July. “I recognize the importance of the role that you selected me for and the trust you have shown in me, and I do not take it lightly,” Schumacher said in a statement. “I believe deeply that public education is the great equalizer in this country and the Shawnee Mission School District is a shining example of the unlimited possibilities that exist when great people work together to serve the needs of students.” Schumacher has served in the district for the past nine years, including as the assistant director of curriculum and instruction, executive director of secondary human resources, and associate superintendent of human resources. He previously worked as a principal and assistant principal in the Piper, Turner and Blue Valley school districts, and at Bishop Miege High School. He started his career as a high school science teacher. “Dr. Schumacher’s vision for the district is truly inspiring,” school board president Mary Sinclair said in a statement.
Source: Joco 913 News
A little insight into township roads
Recently, there’s been significant discussion at Harvey County Commission meetings about the state of rural roads, following weeks of snow and slush. But not all rural roads are the county’s responsibility. The upkeep of many roads falls to the townships they are located in. The Harvey County Road and Bridge Department is responsible for all the paved roads and bridges within the county (outside of the cities), according to County Clerk Rick Piepho, as well as 74.28 miles of unpaved roads. These roads include dirt roads such as Woodlawn and long stretches of East Lake Road. The rest of the unpaved roads are the responsibility of the individual townships. Harvey County has 15 townships that cover the entire county. Harvey County is on a township road system, according to Piepho, while some other counties, like Marion, are on a county road system. The difference is who is responsible for things like the roads. In Harvey County, each township has roads they are responsible for maintaining and clearing after a snowstorm.
Source: Harvey County Now
Recycling costs concern Council
Cost was the main concern among Iola Council members with a proposed drop-off recycling program presented Monday. The evening’s discussion was the second of its kind since the Council has decided to offer a recycling program in some form to the community. Council members agree the need is there, but they are not willing to raise utility fees if necessary to accommodate a program. The Council initially discussed offering curbside pickup and constructing a recycling facility at the Jan. 22 meeting but balked at the projected investment of $585,000. Tasked to research other alternatives, City Administrator Matt Rehder presented a new drop-off recycling proposal Monday. The proposed program consists of four drop-off recycling containers for plastics, cardboard, glass, and aluminum. The containers would be placed within city limits at a singular “to-be-determined” location. The total cost of such a program would be approximately $141,100 annually, with an initial start-up cost of $273,000. Mayor Steve French took issue with the cost of the truck to transport the recyclables, as well as the need to create a new full-time position. “We need to save where we can,” he said. He suggested the council and city administration consider utilizing a private entity to pick up the items to eliminate the cost of a new truck and driver. “If we can drive the cost down, I can accept it,” he added. The estimated cost of a roll-off container truck is $225,000 and the cost to employ a driver would be $45,000. The roll-off containers, by themselves, cost $48,000. Eliminating the need for the truck and new position would dramatically decrease the proposal’s initial start-up cost, as well as the recurring annual fees.
Source: The Iola Register
USD 246 OKs four-day week
After months of deliberation and extensive input, the Northeast USD 246 Board of Education approved a four-day school schedule at Monday’s meeting, held at the high school. The Northeast School District joins a growing number of Kansas schools switching to a four-day week. According to a report from Natalie Wallington of the Kansas City Star, the Kansas State Department of Education listed 71 public schools with four-day weeks in 2023, increasing from 69 schools in 2022 and just 56 in 2021. The bulk of the districts adopting four-day weeks were in the western and southern regions of the state. The board unanimously accepted the motion, following a lengthy discussion at the meeting. Opening the discussion, high school athletic director and Kansas National Educators Association member Piper Richardson informed the board members of a poll/survey that was sent out to staff members across the district. “We had two teachers vote for five days,” she said. “So there were about 45 (teachers) for the four days. I believe the Monday off was significant … I think it was in the high 30s … With 100 percent voting.” USD 246 Superintendent Dr. Ray Streeter noted the significance and importance of the new schedule adding more professional development days for the staff, otherwise known as PD, which gives them time to become more proficient, work with others, and acquire new skills to use in the classroom.
Source: Morning Sun