Kansas Municipal News
Pickleball noise causing issues at this Prairie Village park
Prairie Village is looking at four different options for alleviating pickleball noise coming from public courts at Windsor Park. Residents near the park at 7200 Windsor St. have shared concerns about the incessant noise of paddles hitting balls at six pickleball courts that were installed at the park in June. … The Prairie Village City Council last week gave city staff the green light to explore options for four different types of possible sound mitigation at the park.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Lawrence Police Department prioritizing calls by solvability; non-officer responders working out well, chief says
The Lawrence Police Department is prioritizing calls by how solvable they are, LPD Chief Rich Lockhart told city commissioners Tuesday, and the addition of four non-officer responders has helped with efficiency. The department is now using a solvability matrix to guide its members’ efforts, he said. They’re going to focus and investigators’ time on violent crimes against people and the most severe and solvable crimes. Emergency dispatch will help classify calls as they’re received, and Lockhart said someone with the department will call people and let them know they’re going to have a delayed response and offer to schedule a time to make a report — probably the next day, either over the phone or in person with a teleserve employee.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 Superintendent announces retirement
Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 Superintendent Richard Proffitt has announced his plans to retire in a statement from the district office on Tuesday morning. Proffitt has served as the USD 250 Superintendent of Schools since 2018, guiding the district through the pandemic and capping off his career with the renovation of the Pittsburg Community Middle School. “It has been my pleasure to have worked with the Board of Education, administration, staff, students and community in Pittsburg,” Proffitt said. “I am proud of the accomplishments that have been made during my tenure and I have been honored to work with such wonderful professionals that made it happen on a daily basis. …
Source: Morning Sun
A look into Topeka’s next multimillion dollar park
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation gave county commissioners a sneak peak into the nearly $4 million dollar Southwest Topeka Family Park project. Talks have been in the works for nearly a decade to turn the plot of land at southwest 21st and southwest Urish by the Midwest Health Aquatic Center into Family Park. At Monday’s Shawnee County commission meeting, parks and rec were able to show the commissioners what those talks are turning into. The design, which is still an evolving concept, includes a “Destination Playground,” pickleball courts and a shelter house. It’s the latest phase of a master plan, which was approved back in 2021.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Labette County explores use of repeaters for rural firefighters
Labette County commissioners on Monday heard about a portable repeater that could improve radio communication for rural firefighters. Firefighters have struggled in certain areas of the county to reach the 800 megahertz tower in the center of the county with 2-watt handheld radios. The county received a grant to purchase for firefighters 100 handheld radios programmed to the state’s 800 radio system. The grant brought in $212,500, and the local match will be $37,500. Many fire departments haven’t updated their 800 MHz radios since 2012. Charlie Morse, the county’s emergency management director, brought in two L3Harris radios for testing in the county.
Source: Parsons Sun
KDOT to share updated plans for US50/400 expansion
A public meeting for four upcoming U.S. 50/400 expansion projects in Finney and Gray counties will take place on Thursday, November 16, from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Gray County Recreation Center 4-H room. The Kansas Department of Transportation will host the event. The four U.S. 50/400 projects have been divided into two groups for design and construction–a western and eastern group. The two projects in the western group extend from Aerodrome Road in Finney County east to 7 Road in Gray County. The two eastern group projects extend form 7 road east to Cimarron. A brief presentation will begin at 5:45 pm, followed by the opportunity to view proposed improvements made since the November 2022 open house. These projects are nearing completion of the Preliminary design phase, and updated plans that show improvement to managing direct highway access while increasing capacity will be on display. These updates are focused on locations where the highway intersects local streets. Information presented will be available online from November 16 to December 2 for those unable to attend. Visit ike.ksdot.gov/US50-expansion.
Source: Western Kansas News
Disappearing Main Street: The struggles of finding the next generation of owners
How long do you think it should take to find a buyer for a thriving business? Longer than you might think if you live in small town, Kansas. Don’s Place is nestled in the middle of downtown Protection, Kansas whose population was 503 as of 2021. There it’s been serving up home cooked goodies for fifty years now, a milestone the entire town celebrated in September. … But now, the Dellingers are looking to sell. “I’m not quitting because of the business. I’m just quitting because I’m too old to do it,” Don said as he flipped burgers on the grill. “Things are starting to wear out.” However, they can only sell out if they can find the next generation of owners.
Source: KAKE – News
Fighting water woes in Kansas
The State of Kansas Governor’s water conference is this week. It’s an effort to save water in the wake of a drought in parts of Kansas, along with aquifers that are drying up. “I always say the sky is not falling. But today is our opportunity to keep it from falling,” said Susan Metzger with Kansas State University. Metzger is announcing a water institute at Kansas State at the university level this week as well that coincided with the state water conference. “The future is critical, and if we don’t protect our water resources here in Kansas, well then our communities, our industries, our livelihood, they have the choice and freedom to move to other places,” said Metzger.
Source: KSN-TV
Pottawatomie County ponders next steps after sales tax proposal fails for second time
For two consecutive years, Pottawatomie County voters have turned down a proposal to raise sales tax by a quarter percent to fund certain county road projects. Commissioners on Monday pointed to a lack of ability to educate the public as to the benefits of these projects. County Counselor John Watt says commissioners can’t actively push ballot issues because of state statute, something Dee McKee says she doesn’t agree with. Commissioner Greg Riat believed the issue could’ve been helped if an outside group threw its support around it. County Administrator Chad Kinsley says a big discussion will be needed ahead of next year’s budget.
Source: 1350 KMAN
City of Newton working to boost tree sales
The City of Newton is giving out coupons to residents for 50 percent off trees through the end of the month or until supplies last. Currently, the city has given out about a third of the available coupons. Coupons can be picked up at the third floor of City Hall, located at 201 E Sixth Street, and will have a list of participating greenhouses. Erin McDaniels, the city’s communication’s director, said the city does this each spring and autumn as part of its tree city program. “Having trees and green space and parks, these are things that improve the quality of life for our community,” McDaniels said.
Source: Harvey County Now
Haysville offers incentives to open certain restaurants in the city
The City’s Economic Development Director Danielle Gabor said the city is looking at ways to keep up with its growing population. One way is with its restaurant incentive program that is designed to help new restaurants get up and going. “Originally was $5,000 and it was just for a steakhouse and a coffee shop and we increased that number recently to $15,000. It also includes a fast food or quick service dining restaurant,” explained Gabor. Gabor says adding more restaurants in the city gives more options for both Haysville residents and people in nearby cities like Wichita to visit and spend their money.
Source: KAKE – News
Municipal Bond Trends for November 14, 2023
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.
City of El Dorado receives Safe Streets and Roads for All grant
Transportation safety is always a priority for the City of El Dorado, whether it’s driving, walking or biking. A Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will help the City continue to improve safety throughout the community. The City received notice from Congressman Ron Estes’ office of the $160,000 grant. This will be used for a road safety audit to develop a new City of El Dorado Transportation Safety Action Plan, which will be part of the previously authorized Transportation Master Plan now underway. “This will help us identify places that have safety issues in the transportation network,” explained City Engineer Scott Rickard. “From there, we will come up with a plan to remediate those issues.” The grant will hopefully open other opportunities for federal or state grant dollars. Typically, federal funds are first used to fund planning documents to justify construction projects. “This will give us a guiding document to apply for additional grant funds for building out the improvements,” Rickard said. “It also will aid in updating the City’s Capital Improvement Plan for future improvements.” El Dorado is one of only seven cities in Kansas who received this grant, which focuses on planning and projects to improve safety and help prevent deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways. In addition to the federal grant of $160,000, the Kansas Department of Transportation is funding the matching 20 percent so there is no cost to the City.
Source: City of El Dorado
Municipal Bond Trends for November 13, 2023
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.
Russell recognizes Purple Heart recipients at ceremony tomorrow
The Purple Heart medal is presented to U.S. military service members wounded or killed by enemy fire. It was originally awarded by George Washington in 1782 to recognize meritorious service in combat. It is the nation’s oldest and one of the most distinguished military awards. The Russell community is home to many veterans and families, including Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families. The City of Russell has a long history of supporting military personnel and veterans. The Purple Heart Proclamation is an official expression of Russell’s appreciation for the sacrifices and Purple Heart recipients that were made defending our freedoms.
Source: City of Russell
Shawnee voters overwhelmingly renew two key sales taxes
With two landslide approvals by Shawnee voters, the renewal of two existing sales taxes means promising futures for city projects. In last Tuesday’s election, Shawnee voters overwhelmingly voted to renew the “Parks & Pipes and Pavement” sales taxes, which together fund improvement projects throughout the city. Their renewal means the city will be able to move ahead with no gaps in funding. According to unofficial final Election Night results, the “Parks and Pipes” tax issue passed with nearly 75% of voters approving the measure, which renews the 1/8-cent citywide sales tax that is specifically designated for building and improving city parks, trails and stormwater drainage systems. Meanwhile, the “Pavement” tax passed with nearly 76% of voters approving it. That’s a 3/8-cent citywide sales tax meant specifically for maintenance and improvements to city streets, curbs and sidewalks.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Clay Center continues discussion on lifting pit bull ban
Four members of the Clay Center City Council’s Administrative Committee agreed last week they should recommend to the full council to do away with the city’s ban on pit bulls and strengthen the city’s vicious dog ordinance with stricter penalties for dogs running at large. However, they also agreed the council should have more discussion on this before they do it. The council reviewed statistics on dog attacks and looked at other cities that have lifted bans, which included Abilene, Salina, Concordia and Junction City. These cities also handle issues with dogs with a vicious dog ordinance rather than an outright ban.
Source: www.ccenterdispatch.com – RSS Results in news,local/* of type article
Lawrence Public Library bans smoking, verbal harassment and more from its campus under new code of conduct
The Lawrence Public Library has rolled out new rules for its campus and lawn — including banning smoking, vaping and verbal harassment — and prescribed consequences for breaking them. Repeated instances of such behavior could now get a patron suspended for a period of a week to six months, under the library’s new code of conduct. Violent or threatening behavior may result in longer or indefinite suspensions. The library has received numerous complaints from patrons about safety issues in and around the library. Library administrators pledged to improve public safety in the library, but the lawn and parking garage are owned by the City of Lawrence. That has limited staff members’ ability to address issues that may arise: for instance, the library can eject or ban people, but those people could still hang out outside. The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday approved an agreement to lease the library plaza, the yard directly south of the library building, to the library for $1 per year for five years. With the new lease agreement, the library can extend its behavior policies to the whole campus, which includes “the library itself, the Library Plaza, Reader’s Garden, and green spaces surrounding the library on Vermont, Kentucky, and 7th Streets up to the public sidewalk,” according to the library’s website.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Johnson County cuts bus routes to Overland Park, Olathe, Gardner
Riders of three Johnson County bus routes serving Olathe, Gardner and Overland Park will have seven weeks to make other arrangements, as Johnson County commissioners look for ways to cut costs in the transit system. Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to suspend service indefinitely on three unpopular bus routes – the 482 Overland Park Flex, the 519 Olathe Express and the 595 Gardner-OP Express. Service on the three routes will be curtailed at 8 p.m. Dec. 31, following a public notification period. The routes were culled because of low ridership, with all three averaging less than four passengers per hour. Suspending them is expected to save the county $833,000 a year. The Overland Park Flex route offers service on request in an area that serves central Overland Park, including senior living facilities Overland Towers and Santa Fe Towers. The Olathe Express and Gardner-OP Express run between those cities and Kansas City, Missouri. There are some alternative routes, suggested by Josh Powers, director of the county transit division. The new 487 route, which runs between Overland Park and Lenexa along 87th Street, is a possibility, as is Micro Transit or Freedom On-Demand, which are both on-demand services. Freedom/Freedom On-Demand is for persons with disabilities.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Olathe to change school start times to ease bus driver shortage. Some parents are worried
After a year of contentious debate, the Olathe school board is finally poised to vote on changing school start times so that bus drivers can take on more routes amid ongoing labor shortages. But some parents, especially with elementary aged children, worry the proposed later bell times would put them in a bind, concerned they will struggle to find morning childcare and make it to work on time. Since last year, the district has been studying changing school times to address the bus driver shortage. Stakeholder groups have considered 20 possible bell schedules, with several parents raising concerns along the way. But officials say they’ve now come up with new school start times that should be manageable for the majority of families. “When we look at change to the system, obviously change is hard and it affects everyone,” Jim McMullen, deputy superintendent of organizational operations, told the school board last week. He added that adjustments are focused on, “getting all students to and from school, and providing equitable access for all students for all programming. But also all the additional things we do on a daily basis in our K-12 schools to provide great enrichment opportunities for our kids,” such as field trips and activities.
Source: Joco 913 News