Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Long-time Fort Scott city attorney resigns

Longtime Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer announced his plans to resign from the position at Tuesday’s meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission.

During the comments portion of the meeting, Farmer said he is “tendering my resignation” effective March 30, and read from a letter he sent to commissioners and City Manager Dave Martin. The letter is dated March 5.

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

Residents protest plan to sell land

A proposal by city officials to sell a parcel in Stone Creek Addition that was to be used for a small park has run into opposition. A number of community residents showed up at the Feb. 26 City Council meeting to show their opposition to the move.

The 1.77-acre lot, known as Reserve S, was intended to be a neighborhood park, but the city’s approach to parks has shifted during the years to larger parks and officials say the land is no longer needed for that use.

However, Stone Creek resident Kaci Link said the potential of a park was one of the reasons why her family, including three small boys, picked the neighborhood, which is north of Patriot.

“It’s a great area,” she said.

But it would “have been good to have known that the land could be sold.”

Reno County Commission eyes disallowing public comment when considering planning recommendations

The Reno County Commission spent nearly an hour Tuesday discussing how it would approach receiving recommendations on NextEra Energy’s application for a permit for the Pretty Prairie Wind Farm.

A majority of the commission indicated support for taking no further public comment on the issue, relying solely on the recommendation of the Reno County Planning Commission and any evidence submitted to that board during the April 4 public hearing, now set to begin at 3 p.m. at the Atrium Hotel and Conference Center.

The commission, however, pressed by Commissioner Ron Hirst, left the door open to potentially considering “new information” not known when the planning commission makes its decision. That would follow a hybrid policy developed by the Wichita County Commission.

County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan was asked to draft a formal policy the board will take up in the future, likely next week. The policy would apply to all zoning applications, but the NextEra conditional use permit would be the first issue addressed by it.

A proponent of wind farm restrictions asked for clarification on what will be received by the Planning Commission and what will be forwarded to the County Commission.

In particular, Amy Brown advised the commission, residents would like to be able to offer audio-visual presentations during the public hearing and have experts in other states or countries testify by Skype.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Barton County establishes weight limits on bridges

The Kansas Department of Transportation distributed the results of the bridge load rating project last fall. As a result of the load rating, the Barton County Commission passed a resolution the following December to establish weight limits on seven bridges in the county.

Commissioners passed a new resolution Monday to include an eighth bridge with weight limits.

Barton County Engineer Barry McManaman says the weight limit signs on the road before the bridge helps with the county’s liability if an overweight truck has an accident on the bridge.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Saline County agrees to spend $115,00 on aerial photography

The Saline County Commission approved aerial photography, road work and other purchases Tuesday morning.

The commission agreed to spend $115,600 for the first of two aerial photography flights. Chairman Bob Vidricksen said the photos are used by the Road and Bridge Department, County Appraiser’s Office, and Weeds Department.

Geographic Information Systems Coordinator Judy Palenske said there has been much growth and development in Saline County since the last aerial photos were taken in 2017.

(Read more: News – Salina Journal)

City waits to vote on $1 an acre land sale

If you build it they will come. But at what cost?

The cost of four acres of land surrounding the new Wichita baseball stadium? $4.

At least that’s the plan. Some are frustrated with the concept.

“It seems we are being held hostage,” said Todd Ramsey, Wichita resident. “Like we really don’t have an option at this point and that’s frustrating.”

Ramsey was one of about a half dozen who asked the city to slow down on Tuesday and get public input on a land sale surrounding the new baseball stadium.

(Read more: Top Stories | KSNW)

Reno County Commission ready to sunset half-cent sales tax

Although no final decision was made at Tuesday’s Reno County Commission meeting, commissioners appear to be on track to sunset the bonds that were used to build the Reno County Correctional Facility, improve the Reno County Jail Annex and improve security at the courthouse.

The county expects to save $879,400 in interest and maybe have as much as $1 million from the sales tax collected that won’t need to be spent on the project.

Former County Commissioner Dan Deming, who was very much involved in getting the jail bond issue approved, says he’s happy with the outcome.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Communication happening between Topeka city government, homeless community

Positive communication is taking place between Topeka’s city government and the local homeless community, people from both agreed at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

“We’re learning from them and they’re learning from us, and that’s what it’s all about,” said Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz.

Five members of the public — including three homeless people and one former homeless man — spoke at Tuesday’s meeting, where no action was taken on a proposal put forth last May that would ban camping on public property.

Local homeless residents have expressed concerns about that measure. It now goes back to the council’s public health and safety committee, where Ortiz is chairwoman. Ortiz said Tuesday she felt pleased that homeless people — and others who want to help the homeless — were getting involved. Still, she said she wanted the committee to take its time in deciding what to bring before the council.

“We’re still trying to figure out what will work for us,” she said. “This isn’t going to be a quick turnaround.”

Ellis County budget crunch squeezes criminal prosecutions

A backlog of drug cases in Ellis County will only get worse, due to a shortage of prosecutors in the Ellis County Attorney’s office.

With regret, the Ellis County Commission Monday evening denied a request from County Attorney Tom Drees to add a fifth full-time attorney to his office.

“I believe what Tom says is absolutely accurate. I believe he could sure use another attorney,” said Commissioner Butch Schlyer during the commission’s regular meeting on Monday evening.

Then he addressed Drees.

“I think since you were on the agenda the first time, it’s been impressed upon me even more that the county’s financial situation is just really, really bad,” Schlyer said. “Your timing on this is just atrocious.”

Drees in late February asked the commissioners to upgrade an existing part-time position to full-time, a $35,000 expense. Voicing support at that same meeting were law enforcement and court services professionals who echoed the need.

After being denied Monday evening, Drees acknowledged some cases aren’t getting prosecuted, sometimes when the clock runs out on time to file them.

(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)

Mission Hills continues discussion on non-discrimination ordinance

Mission Hills continued its discussion on crafting a non-discrimination ordinance Monday, with much of the conversation focused on comparing language already passed by neighboring communities. Mission, Prairie Village, Merriam, and Roeland Park have already passed NDOs- which grant legal protections for LGBTQ+ residents and employees. The ordinances apply to employers of commercial property and rental housing, while providing exemptions for religious institutions and private entities.
Mission Hills is in a unique situation as the city does not have multi-family rentals or commercial property, as its neighboring communities do.

Mission Hills’ legal counsel Anna Krstulic noted a key difference was that Prairie Village’s NDO impacts any employer with one or more employees, whereas other communities’ ordinances apply to businesses with four or more employees.

Wichita City Council moves forward with developers downtown plan for medical school

The Wichita City Council voted 7-0 Tuesday to move forward with a request from property owner Sudha Tokala that would help advance her plans for a potential downtown medical school.

Special assessments total $12 million that are related to multiple buildings that Tokala owns downtown as part of the city’s facade improvement and asbestos remediation program.

That request now moves to a March 19 public hearing to set the maximum amount of the assessments.

The agreement covers the former Finney State Office building, which are two buildings joined together at 230 E. William and 130 S. Market; Sutton Place at 209 E. William; Broadway Plaza at 105 S. Broadway; and the former Henry’s department store building at 124 S. Broadway.

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

Saline County rejects road reclassification following concerns

The Saline County Commission unanimously rejected a proposal Tuesday morning to reclassify 16 county roads from gravel to earth after several residents that would be affected by the changes contacted staff to discuss ways the roads are used.

Two weeks ago, the county commission tabled the proposed road reclassifications and directed staff to contact residents who would be impacted by the changes.

Road and Bridge Administrator Darren Fishel said he received calls from several property owners who said the roads are used to transport cattle, mail, and equipment, and to travel to a cell tower and between farms.

The proposed changes also included reclassifying one road from earth to gravel. Fishel said the proposed changes would save the county $10,000 to $15,000 per year.

(Read more: News – Salina Journal)

Sunday liquor sales draw much conversation in South Hutch

The South Hutchinson City Council refused to fast-track any decision on Sunday liquor sales during Monday’s meeting despite the efforts of a few in attendance that wanted the matter passed immediately.

Greg Dovel, who is opening a liquor and smoke shop in the city, wanted the council to pass Sunday liquor sales last night. New Police Chief Dean Harcrow said Monday that he would rather have the council take time to think about the matter before taking any action — Dovel agreed.

Dovel said he had seen petitions being circulated against Sunday liquor sales and suggested Mayor Luke Herren was behind the effort. He also said Herren told local media that the matter would come up for a public vote. In fact, Herren told Hutch Post that the matter would come up for public vote if it gained enough traction.

Such a vote would have to come by petition or action by the council. Even if the council were to pass an ordinance for Sunday liquor sales, a petition could still be mounted for, or against, the matter. It would be voted on by the public. Dovel and those in favor stressed to the council that the city is losing revenue by not having Sunday liquor sales. Those in favor were hoping to fast-track the matter instead of waiting what could be several months for action or a vote.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Growth continues at Water District # 7 Johnson County

The start of 2019 appears to be as fast-paced as 2018. The Water District continues to move forward with projects in 2019, that were identified in previous years, that hopefully will provide water service to areas without service. The District serves urban and residential areas in southwest Johnson County, northwest Miami County, and areas along the Johnson/Douglas County line. The District continues to experience commercial growth in its service area primarily within the Logistics Park Kansas City (LPKC) in Edgerton, KS; however, it also experienced the addition of an apartment complex (Blackhawk Apartments) in Spring Hill, KS.
The residential growth was strong again in 2018 with the addition of nearly 60 residential services throughout the District’s service area that stretches from the City of De Soto, on the north, to Hillsdale Reservoir on the south. There appears to be several residential subdivisions being planned throughout the District’s service area near De Soto, Spring Hill & Olathe, that will make additional lots available for potential property owners.
Commercial growth continued as well in 2018 with 2019 activities moving forward as well. The Exceligence Project in Gardner has added another commercial user to the Water District’s system. Projects at LPKC are strong and involve the Water District and the expansion of its facilities to accommodate that growth. It is exciting to see this growth and the energy that it brings to the Edgerton community. 2018 proved to be a busy and productive year for Water District #7. 2019 will be equally busy with work securing long-term water supply contracts and keeping up with the commercial business and residential activity that is occurring in the service areas of Water District #7.

(Read more: Gardner News)

How Wichita draws water from Equus Beds sparks criticism

A lot of discussion and a potential showdown with the city of Wichita could come during Tuesday’s annual meeting of the Equus Beds Groundwater Management District in Halstead.

A proposal from Wichita to take water directly from river sources rather than use that water to recharge the water table is up for action. It’s part of an agreement made by the city and the district several years ago. Equus Beds manager Tim Boese says the board is recommending rejecting the proposal.

“In their proposal, it would just be getting a credit when the aquifer is in a fuller state . . . instead of injecting it (surface water into the aquifer), they would take it to town, then get more appropriations to use later on,” Boese said. “We think that’s in direct conflict with the current statutes and regulations that we have in place in Kansas.”

(Read more: Hutch Post)

New acting chief named at Larned State hospital

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Acting Secretary Laura Howard announced today she has appointed Lesia Dipman to serve as Acting Superintendent of Larned State Hospital.

Dipman has served the State of Kansas for 34 years, starting her career at LSH in 1984 where she has worked in various positions, from food services to the nursing department, and multiple departments, from the State Security Hospital to the adolescent unit to the youth center. She attended Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from KSU in 1994. By 2004, she was promoted to Director of Social Services at the hospital, and a year later earned a master’s degree in social work from Newman University in Wichita.

In 2006, Dipman transferred to the State Security Program at LSH as the Administrative Program Director, her most recent position before being named acting superintendent by KDADS Acting Secretary Howard. Dipman replaces Bill Rein, who served as superintendent at the hospital from June 2016 until January this year.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Land could be “transferred” from city to new baseball team

The City Council will decide Tuesday whether to sell land worth more than $800,000 to the team owners for development.

One of the team’s owners, Lou Schwechheimer, told the Associated Press that the development around the ballpark should spur economic growth elsewhere in Wichita.

The deal calls for the transfer to cost considerably less than the value – just $24 for the footprint being given. Until now, that stipulation was left secret. Mayor Jeff Longwell said it was because of Minor League Baseball rules. Managers of existing business near the site of the new stadium said they’re not opposed to the idea but are disappointed in the lack of specifics of the entire project.

“We’re not getting information,” said John White, manager at The New Stadium, a bar which sits blocks away from the new stadium site. “It’s hard to get information about what they’re going to do.”

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Greenwood County Hospital Requests Financial Assistance To Help Until Sales Tax Funds Are Available

Greenwood County Commissioners heard a request at their meeting this week from Greenwood County Hospital representatives in need of funding to help with a Medicare payback. GWCH board member Pam Brown explained that the new half-cent sales tax for the hospital will not go into effect until April and will likely not be available to the hospital until June. When budgeting, board members were under the impression that the tax would take effect in January, as that’s what commissioners had indicated prior to verifying with the state. With the hospital no longer receiving the three-mills from the county and not having the extra sales tax dollars yet, Brown and hospital CEO Sandy Dickerson requested $105,000 from commissioners. According to the request, “We owe Medicare roughly $176,000 on the cost report, you may not be aware the hospital gets paid based on our costs and we have done several cost-saving measures this past year that impacted that – kind of a double-edged sword.”

(Read more: Eureka Herald RSS)

Sports success at Eureka HS rallies town continuing to recover from tornado

Less than a year since a tornado tore down homes and injured people in Eureka, the town comes together around high school sports. Eureka won the 3A state wrestling tournament late last month and this weekend, sends its boys’ and girls’ basketball teams to State.

The athletes are using last year’s tornado as motivation to succeed, not an excuse to let down.

Two weeks ago, Eureka wrestler Kolby Beitz says more than 100 people from the community made the long trek to Hays to support the team.

The wrestling team championship was the first sports title for Eureka in school history. The Tornadoes are looking to add to its history with both basketball teams competing at State this weekend in Hutchinson.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Clearwater weighs options for future of EMS services

The City of Clearwater met Tuesday night with residents to discuss the future of its EMS services.

The public gathering comes a little more than one month since a late-January meeting at which city officials discussed how volunteers are hard to come by and took a look at its options to keep those services running while meeting state regulations.

Clearwater has a pair of options to tackle the issue. First, it can add four paid positions, a director and three full-time paramedics. Adding these positions would come at an addition to taxpayer costs in the city.

The city could also rely solely on Sedgwick County EMS. It would cost the county about $500,000 to cover EMS service for Clearwater, Sedgwick County Public Information Officer Kate Flavin said in January.

The City of Clearwater is set to make a final decision on the future of its EMS services on March 12.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Metallica helps Wichita’s Intrust Bank Arena break all-time attendance record

Intrust Bank Arena set a new record on Monday with the help of a thrash metal band that’s been around for 37 years.

Metallica’s Monday-night crowd of 15,690 was the biggest the downtown arena has seen in its nine year-history, and it busted the previous record held by country legend George Strait, who drew 14,680 fans in 2014.

The only way to get crowds that big at Wichita’s arena is to play a show in-the-round, meaning that the stage is in the center of the floor and every seat is available. That’s what Metallica did for its first show in Wichita since it played the Kansas Coliseum in 2004, and the band filled every seat and then some. The show was a sell out, arena officials said.

(Read more: Local News |)

Legislators chew on food sales tax

It is not often that three legislators representing two different branches of state government, and two political parties, can agree on something. But Saturday morning there was agreement from the Harvey County delegation on one issue — sales tax on food.

New Governor Laura Kelly was elected after making lowering the sales tax on food a campaign issue. However, her first budget does not contain lowering that tax.

“If there is one thing that Senator (Carolyn) McGinn (R-Sedgwick), (Rep.) Tim (Hodge) (D-North Newton) and I all agree on is that we can do better with food sales tax,” said Rep. Steven Owens (R-Hesston) during a legislative breakfast March 2 in Newton. “There is no question. It was not in the governor’s budget, and so be it. Hopefully we can make some headway on that.”

Hodge has twice campaigned on the issue, and has supported an amendment to a tax bill this year that would reduce the sales tax on groceries by one cent. He said March 2 he was disappointed that a reduction of the sales tax on food did not appear in the governor’s budget.

“That is a big disappointment for me,” Hodge said. “I think we get something there this session and if not this session, next session. It needs to happen. We can not put the cost of government on the least of these. It is not right, it is not fair, it is not Christian — choose your adjective. It is not right. … It is as regressive as all get out.”

(Read more: Newton Kansan)

City of Parsons makes tobacco 21 more restrictive

Parsons city commissioners on Monday voted 3-1 to eliminate exemptions in an ordinance that made it illegal for most people under 21 to buy tobacco or vaping liquid.

The change came after the request of convenience store owners to either repeal the tobacco 21 ordinance passed on April 2, 2018, or cut out the exemptions. The ordinance had made exceptions for customers who were in the military and could show military ID and to those who were 18 when the ordinance was approved.

Convenience store representatives said it was too difficult during busy periods such as the lunch rush to determine if a person was grandfathered into the law.

“It makes a place to where human error can happen,” Cami Raschen, an owner of Stockyards Travel Plaza, said.

Without the exemptions, the cashiers just have to punch the birth date of a customer into the cash register, which then will either allow or disallow the sale based on the person’s age.

Commissioners Kevin Cruse and Peter Cook had said they were in favor of repealing the law altogether, but Commissioners Tom Shaw and Bill Hogelin were set against a repeal. Cruse eventually voted in favor of the changes, saying he only did so only to make it easier on the stores. He said he would continue to push for a repeal of tobacco 21.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

South Hutchinson City Council to discuss Sunday liquor sales

The South Hutchinson City Council is meeting Monday evening with several topics up for discussion.

The council will begin talking about Sunday liquor sales. According to Mayor Luke Herren, the matter came up for discussion after a new retail liquor business opened and inquired about possible Sunday sales.

Herren says the matter is up for discussion only and says, if the issue gains enough traction, it could come before the public for a vote.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Finney County commission enters into MOU for tax abatement for Livestock Nutrition Center

The Finney County Commission on Monday agreed to enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding a 10-year, 20-percent tax abatement for a new agricultural business set to bring 15 jobs to Finney County over its first two years.

Livestock Nutrition Center, LLC, a livestock feed company currently located in five states, requested the tax abatement. The Garden City location at 3680 Jones Ave., an old feed mill that has been shut down for over a year, will mark the company’s second location in the state and only one in western Kansas.

Lona DuVall, president and CEO of the Finney County Economic Development Corp., said the new company could be beneficial for local farmers and cattle feed yards alike.

“Anything that we can do to add additional value to the grain crops that our farmers are growing here is going to be a good thing,” she said after Monday’s commission meeting. “The more opportunities we have to enhance the feed quality, the better it’s going to be for everybody involved.”

Michael O’Donnell Found Not Guilty On 21 Wire Fraud Charges; Jury Hung On Remaining Counts

Sedgwick County Commissioner and former state Sen. Michael O’Donnell was found not guilty in federal court today of 21 counts of wire fraud related to campaign payments.
O’Donnell said he was “relieved” with the verdict. After several hours of deliberation, the jury said it couldn’t come to an agreement on five other charges, including two for wire fraud and three for money laundering.

Judge Eric Melgren said it’s up to prosecutors to decide whether they want to retry O’Donnell on those charges. U.S. Attorney for Kansas Stephen McAllister said in a statement after the verdict was announced that his office is “evaluating whether to take the case to trial again” for the five charges the jury couldn’t agree on.

O’Donnell, a Republican, was charged with 26 counts last year after federal investigators looked into his campaign finance reports. Prosecutors said O’Donnell misused $10,500 in campaign contributions, paying his friends who were doing little or no work on his campaigns for state Senate and county commission.

(Read more: )

Geary County Commission shuts down CVB Advisory Committee

There will no longer be a Geary County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Advisory Committee. The Geary County Commission adopted a resolution on a 3-0 vote Monday to dissolve the committee.

Commissioner Keith Ascher said the issue was discussed with members of the Advisory Committee who were supportive of the idea and that CVB Director Michelle Stimatze was also asked about it. “And she thought it was appropriate, so we took action today ( Monday ) to dissolve that committee. So now it ( CVB ) will strictly be in the hands of the county commissioners, which makes more sense.” Ascher added it does streamline things and removes a layer of bureaucracy.

Ascher stated he thought it probably allows the director to do more of what she needs to be doing. ” I think her goal in place of a committee is that she would have monthly meetings with hotelers. It wouldn’t be as formal but she would get input from them trying to increase some of our conventions, conferences and reunions…just all across the board.”

(Read more: Junction City Post)

Lawmakers considering bill to remove transportation spending from tax lid

A joint legislative task force report on transportation has a lot of promising recommendations for the county, the director of Douglas County Public Works says.

The report released in January made recommendations to guide development of a new state transportation plan and reflected findings from a series of hearings the Joint Legislative Transportation Vision Task Force conducted last fall and summer. The task force’s top recommendations are that the state stop raiding the Kansas Department of Transportation’s state highway fund for revenue to cover other state needs and that the state finish the 21 projects outlined in the 2011 state transportation plan.

With the recognition that local needs outpace available revenue, the task force report also makes a number of recommendations about sharing state highway fund revenue with local governments and suggests the Legislature remove any funding obstacle that hinders local government from spending money to make needed improvements.

Winfield could test out solar power

Installation of a small solar panel project will be up for approval Monday night by Winfield City Commissioners.

The project is a partnership between the city, the Kansas Power Pool and solar farm designer ZeMac, LLC. The KPP will pay $25,000 toward the solar project. The City of Winfield will pay about $30,000 for its share, utilities director Gus Collins said.

The project was first presented to commissioners at a November work session. If approved, the next step is to order the solar panels. Those would take around six weeks to arrive, Collins said.

The panels will be located in front and a little west of the East 12th Avenue power plant.

Collins said the city is “looking forward to the educational and informational aspect” of the project.

Although small, the panel project would be an opportunity for staff to learn about solar operations, as well as provide the community with information and education about solar power, Collins stated in a memo last year.

(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Commissioners table discussion on communications tower project

A request to construct a communications tower northwest of Emporia has been tabled for at least 30 days following a meeting of the Lyon County Commission Thursday morning.

The decision came after a request was presented to commissioners by AT&T and Network Real Estate LLC to erect a cell phone tower near a residential area located just west of the intersection of Road 190 and Road E. The request was approved by the Lyon County Board of Zoning and Appeals, according to Zoning Director Sam Seeley. “As of right now, the land is zoned as agriculture,” Seeley said. Homeowners in the area, including Russell Osborn, have also already filed a valid petition of protest against the construction on the grounds that it would decrease property values and create an eyesore.

“Four of our properties are within 1,000 feet of [the location],” Osborn said. “My concern is, I don’t think they took into consideration the existing neighborhood. We’ve all gone out there and built our houses and put investments into the properties, and the people that own the ground across from us don’t even live in this county.”

Osborn said he and the other petitioners were not objecting to the construction of a cell phone tower, but wanted to see a different location used instead.

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Mayor says community facility, continued park development forthcoming for Edgerton

Downtown Edgerton will soon boast a new gathering place for residents if plans outlined by Don Roberts, mayor, during his state of the city address come to fruition. During his address on Feb. 21, Roberts said that downtown Edgerton holds a special place in his heart and that the Greenspace is the right place for the city to build a new gathering place.
“Both the Downtown Edgerton Plan and the Parks Master Plan confirm what residents have always known. The Greenspace is the right place for the city to build a new gathering place for our community,” he said.
Currently the Greenspace is used for such events as the Mayor’s Christmas tree and the popular auction during Edgerton Frontier Days event.
Roberts said the facility, when completed, would offer space to host community events such as Senior Lunch, Boy and Girl Scout meets, visits from Santa and serve as an emergency shelter during inclement weather.
He said the city plans to hold a public open house for residents to offer input on what types of amenities they would prefer in the facility.
“Please mark your calendar for Thursday, April 4. We invite all residents to come, bring your family and friends, your neighbors and community members of all ages and help plan the future of the Greenspace for the next generation of Edgerton residents,” he said.

(Read more: Gardner News)

Hutch City Council will be asked to reject park pavilion bids for second time

For a second time, the Hutchinson City Council will have to address the proposed pavilion at Rivers Banks Orchard Park during Tuesday’s agenda session.

It was back in August of last year when the council rejected bids for the pavilion when they came in more than $700,000 over estimated costs. At that time, Landmark Architects offered to go back to the drawing board on its own nickel and try to create something more financially sound.

But after putting the matter up for bid, three contractors came back with numbers more than $500,000 over the estimate. City Manager John Deardoff says the bids are disappointing because extra engineering work netted just $237,000 in savings. He’s recommending the council reject the bids for a second time.

Deardoff says he doesn’t know where the project will go from here.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Parsons City Commission eyes changing tobacco 21

At the request of a couple of local convenience store owners, city commissioners will considering repealing or more likely modifying an ordinance that pushes the legal age to buy tobacco and vaping liquid in Parsons to 21.

The tobacco 21 ordinance that was approved on April 2, 2018, includes a grandfather clause that allows anyone 18 and over at the time the law was approved to continue buying tobacco and vaping liquid. That means anyone born on or before April 2, 2000, can continue buying tobacco even if they’re not yet 21. Anyone who was born after that date must wait until they turn 21. The ordinance does allow anyone 18 and over who can show a military ID to buy tobacco.

It’s the grandfather clause that has caused problems for store owners.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Developer to ask Wichita City Council for $12 million to begin developing downtown buildings for possible medical school

Sudha Tokala’s idea of a medical school in downtown Wichita appears to be taking its first major step.

Tokala, who owns five downtown buildings in close proximity, including the former Finney State Office Building, will ask the City Council on Tuesday for $12 million in special assessments as part of the city’s facade improvement and asbestos remediation program.

The city’s Office of Economic Development is recommending approval of Tokala’s requests after a March 19 public hearing.

The city’s analysis of the proposal says the five buildings would be “part of an overall plan redevelop the area for a medical- and trade-school complex. The complex would include schools for various health professions in the former State Office Building and use the surrounding buildings for supporting services associated with health education and student housing.”

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

Century II advisory plan gains Downtown Wichita approval

The board of nonprofit group Downtown Wichita has voted to support the recommendation for a new performing-arts facility in Wichita.

The group said in a press release that the vote puts the organization in agreement with the findings of the Century II citizens advisory group, which after a year-long process made its recommendation to the Wichita City Council that a new, $155 million venue be built downtown.

“The Downtown Wichita Board commended the work of the Century II citizens advisory committee in gathering information, input, exploring options, and thoughtful consideration regarding the future of our community and region when it comes to the importance of the performing-arts organizations located in Century II and community investment in a performing-arts facility,” said Don Sherman, chair of the Downtown Wichita board. “We look forward to working with the city of Wichita and other stakeholders within the timeline recommendations of the advisory committee in identifying the next steps toward a comprehensive master planning process of this very critical and valuable riverfront area.”

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

County approves emergency spending of $375K to seal crumbling taxiway at Johnson County Executive Airport

No doubt about it, February has been murder on all types of paved surfaces. And none more so than the runways at Johnson County Executive Airport, where the harsh weather has caused a crumbling “concrete cancer” that has made one taxiway too dangerous to use.

County Commissioners approved emergency spending of $375,000 out of the airport’s reserves Thursday to quickly seal up the surface of Taxiway Alpha. Not doing so could result in the entire airport eventually being shut down, said Larry Peet, deputy director of the airport commission.

First there were podcasts, now ‘Coffee and Chat’; City of Leavenworth reaching out to public in new ways

Local residents will have the opportunity to meet with Leavenworth’s mayor and city manager this weekend.

Mayor Jermaine Wilson and City Manager Paul Kramer will be available to answer questions during the city’s first Coffee and Chat program.

The event will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St.

Wilson said the event will allow people to meet with city leaders outside of a City Commission meeting.

“This is just providing the neutral ground,” he said.

He said there will be no agenda for the event. He said the discussion will be guided by people’s questions.

Kramer said city officials started producing podcasts last year as an initiative to reach members of the public. And the Coffee and Chat program is a new outreach initiative.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

Leavenworth County rehires former public works director

A former public works director for Leavenworth County is getting ready to step back into his old job.

Mike Spickelmier has been hired as the county’s new public works director. He is scheduled to begin his new duties March 20, according to County Administrator Mark Loughry.

Spickelmier previously served as the county’s public works director, but he was terminated from the position in 2016 by a 2-1 vote of the Leavenworth County Commission.

The action later resulted in a finding by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office that commissioners had violated the state’s open meetings law.

None of the commissioners who were involved in the termination remains on the commission.

County Administrator Mark Loughry was not employed with the county at the time of Spickelmier’s termination. But Loughry acknowledged that he is aware of what happened.

Loughry said the termination did not give him pause when recently hiring Spickelmier as the new public works director.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

Gardner’s mayor says future continues to be bright

This past year was a momentous time for the City of Gardner. We celebrated the start and completion of a number of significant projects that enhanced the quality of life for our residents and addressed the diverse needs of our community.
Our robust economic development strategy allowed us to strengthen Gardner’s economy, securing $105 million of private investments in 2018 alone. This is due to the addition of 13 new businesses that have opened or are in the development process. Some of the new establishments we welcomed include the Hampton Inn, Excelligence Learning Corporation, Scooters, First Point Urgent Care, Enterprise Leasing, Planet Sub, and CVS. And early this spring, we will celebrate the official groundbreaking of the new Olathe Health Urgent Care & Multi-Specialty Center – an essential service to our residents that has been absent from Southwest Johnson County until now.
These new businesses also helped us take a big step in job creation last year. Approximately 460 new jobs were formed, helping to increase Gardner’s local workforce. These types of opportunities give many of our residents the convenience of living and working in Gardner while helping to boost our economy.

(Read more: Gardner News)

Salina residents concerned about North Ninth Street traffic

Several North Salina residents expressed concerns about the safety of pedestrians, especially children, who cross North Ninth Street, during a meeting at the St. John’s Military School library Thursday evening.

Public Works Director Jim Kowach said Salina officials are considering adding crosswalks and lowering the speed limit on North Ninth Street from 40 to 35 miles per hour.

Kowach said a speed study determined most people generally drive 40 mph or less, but that some people go much faster during the early morning and late evening. About 7,500 vehicles drive along North Ninth Street on an average day.

In an interview after the meeting, Karen Humphries, who lives in the 1100 block of North Ninth Street, said the current speed limit of 40 mph is too high.

“I think it’s wrong in a residential area with a bunch of kids trying to get to and from school buses,” she said.

Her husband, Tom Humphries, said he supports lowering the speed limit to 30 mph because children have been hit by vehicles, and because people attempting to pull their vehicles in and out of driveways have been struck by oncoming traffic.

(Read more: News – Salina Journal)

Wichita plans to sell riverfront property near new ball park for $1 an acre

After agreeing to build a $75 million stadium to lure a minor-league baseball team to Wichita, city officials now plan to sell the land around the stadium to the team owners for $1 an acre.

Wichita Riverfront LP, a partnership that was created to develop the area around the stadium, would buy 24 acres west of downtown for $24, or a dollar less than a city parking ticket.

The sale would include 3.5 acres of riverfront property on the west bank of the Arkansas River that has not been appraised. The rest of the property is valued at $805,600, according to Sedgwick County Appraiser’s Office records. The ballpark developers’ majority owner, Lou Schwechheimer, said the city will come out ahead in the deal. Schwechheimer, who is moving the Triple-A Baby Cakes from New Orleans to Wichita, said the ballpark and surrounding area will be a catalyst for economic growth across Wichita.

“We are absolutely going to give the fans and the residents of Wichita and the surrounding areas our very best effort every day, and we’re going to give so much more than we are going to take,” Schwechheimer said.

(Read more: Wichita Eagle)

Property owners in northwest Lawrence must soon begin repairing sidewalks

Some property owners in northwest Lawrence will soon be getting notices from the city asking them to repair their sidewalks.

City staff estimates that millions of dollars in sidewalk repairs are needed throughout Lawrence, and the city was broken into eight zones to begin enforcing the city’s long-standing ordinance. The ordinance requires property owners to repair hazardous sidewalks adjacent to their properties, and certain homeowners could be eligible to have the city pay for all or part of their repair costs.

Municipal Services and Operations Program Specialist Mark Thiel said repair notices for the first zone will be sent out March 11. Property owners have 60 days to have repairs made themselves, or they can choose to have a city-hired contractor make the repairs and receive the same pricing as the city, according to the city’s sidewalk repair enforcement policy.

Transfer station’s future discussed in Labette county

City officials hope the expiration of a contract for the trash transfer station south of Parsons will result in lower rates.

City Attorney Ross Albertini spoke to commissioners about the issue briefly during a work session Thursday afternoon.

Waste Corporation of America owns and operates the trash transfer station under a contract with the Labette County Solid Waste Management Committee. The 15-year contract began in January 2005. WCA built the station that began operation in June 2007. After the contract ends, the transfer station will revert to Labette County.

Albertini said Labette County Commissioner Doug Allen brought the topic to the attention of city officials recently. Albertini and Derek Clevenger, director of utilities, met with Allen to discuss options, although the county solid waste committee will make the final decision on how to proceed in regard to operation of the transfer station.

“It’s up to the county sanitation committee to make that decision obviously, so we’re a long ways from that,” Albertini said.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Wind project foe balks on making survey public

An opponent of the Neosho Ridge Wind energy project wants some information about the project kept out of the public record.

Neosho County Commissioners, with Counselor Seth Jones and County Attorney Linus Thuston present, talked Thursday evening about information provided in open meeting being public record. One member of the audience accused Apex, the wind project developer, of using that information to hound residents.

Over the past two weeks, opponent Dustie Elsworth has contacted nearly 200 people, including those outside of the area of the Neosho Ridge project, and claimed that a high majority favor increased setbacks, holding the developer Apex Clean Energy accountable, and providing a guarantee against property value decreases. But Elsworth declined to provide information to the commissioners about his survey because that would become public record. A representative of Apex expressed interest in getting copies of the survey, which prompted the hounding accusation. Thuston said those names and addresses are public record.

Lawrence police document ‘ridiculous call’ in funny Twitter thread

The most ridiculous call of 2019 (so far)

A thread. pic.twitter.com/F2SKHqDdZV

— Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) February 28, 2019

Click here to read the full thread.