Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

US Treasury yields move lower as Federal Reserve turns more cautious

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves inversely to price, was lower at around 2.6720 percent, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was also lower at 3.030 percent.
The moves in pre-market trade come after the Federal Reserve adopted a more cautious tone in the previous session. The U.S. central bank said it would be “patient” with further interest rate hikes, signalling a potential end to its tightening cycle amid signs of a possible economic downturn.
On Wednesday, the Fed held interest rates — as expected — and dismissed its promises of “further gradual increases” over the coming months.

‘That is an added cost, but if you’re talking lives’: Clearwater considers full-time EMS staff

Clearwater resident Wendy Bullard and other neighbors have concerns about the future of their emergency services. Bullard is a hair dresser in Clearwater.

“I think it’s a toss up, it’s a hard call right now,” said Bullard.

Last fall, the director resigned and a handful of his staff left in support of him. Now, the city is considering new ways to staff the department.

The city administrator says city council decided it couldn’t continue with just volunteers.

“We can go back to the community and say here’s what the county is willing to support, here’s what we’re willing to do to keep it local,” said Ron Marsh, Clearwater City Administrator.

If Sedgwick County takes over services, the county’s PIO tells me it would be of no cost to Clearwater residents because they already support county EMS. And if it’s local, they will hire several full-time staff, and the city will double their EMS budget. Marsh says this may cause a tax increase for residents but some think it’s worth it.

(Read more: Top Stories | KSNW)

Sedgwick County backpedals on changing to permanent Daylight Savings time

Sedgwick County is backpedaling on its effort to stay on Daylight Saving Time year-round.

County commissioners captured the public imagination and caused a buzz at the Statehouse when they proposed getting rid of springing forward and falling back as part of their annual legislative agenda.

But now, commissioners say it’s become a waste of time, swamping issues that are a lot more important to the county.

(Read more: Wichita Eagle)

Osawatomie renews lease-purchase of grocery equipment

The city of Osawatomie has renewed its lease-purchase agreement on grocery equipment for another year as it tries to attract a new grocer to take over the vacant Ron’s Country Market location.

The grocery store at 701 Sixth St. closed in 2017 less than a year after opening its doors. Much of the equipment, valued at $400,000, was almost brand new, and in an attempt to keep it from being sold off, the city purchased the equipment through a lease-purchase agreement with First Option Bank for a reduced cost of $150,000.

The lease-purchase agreement now extends through Jan. 29, 2020. Since the city was acquiring the equipment at a fraction of its original cost, extending the agreement for another term was worth the expense, Cawby said.

A potential buyer is still interested in establishing a grocery in Osawatomie, Cawby said. A grocery store not only would fill a need for residents but would provide economic benefit to the community.

(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

Prairie Village City Council tackles complex issue of drone regulation

People who use flying drones to spy on neighbors in their backyard or buzz festival crowds could face trouble in Prairie Village under a new city ordinance being considered.

The City Council on Tuesday voted 6-4 to tell staff to continue developing the measure regulating “unmanned aerial vehicles” and bring it back to a future meeting for more discussion.

But the council members are still deeply split on how to enforce a violation whose miscreants could be blocks or even miles away and whether drones are even causing enough problems within the city to warrant a response.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Greenwood County To Issue Refunds For Those Affected By Mill Levy Error

A data entry error affecting some residents in Greenwood County was uncovered last week and discussed during this Monday’s Greenwood County Commission meeting. When entering the mill levy amounts for 2018 property taxes, county clerk Kathy Robison said she mistakenly entered the levy for Southeast Kansas Library System at 1.00 instead of .100. She said the refunds issued by the treasurer’s office will amount to approximately $47,000, but will not affect those living inside the cities of Eureka, Madison, or Hamilton, as they are taxed differently due to having their own libraries. Treasurer Donna Olson said that approximately 1,500 refund checks could be issued, but many are under $1. She asked commissioners if they wanted to issue refund checks for those less than $1. Commissioners agreed that those taxpayers should be issued a revised statement with their refund amount listed. To get the refund, they will be asked to come to the treasurer’s office within 60 days. Those getting a refund of over $1 will be mailed a check. Robison said the clerk’s office will be paying for the expenses associated with the refund, i.e. postage and extra checks. Both offices are still working with the software company to correct the error and hope to notify those affected in the next couple weeks.

(Read more: Eureka Herald RSS)

Bill inspired by high-speed chase in Topeka would remove liability for police

Legislation introduced by the Kansas League of Municipalities would strike from state law a requirement for police officers engaged in a high-speed chase to drive with regard for others’ safety.

The proposed change stems from litigation over a 2010 collision in Topeka. A man fleeing an off-duty Capitol Police officer in a stolen car at speeds of 100 mph through city streets crashed into a pickup and seriously injured its two occupants.

A district court judge rejected claims contending the officer, Patrick Saleh, didn’t have a valid reason to initiate and continue the high-speed chase. An appellate court reversal pointed to a section of state law that says drivers of emergency vehicles have a duty to consider the safety of everyone.

The case is now before the Kansas Supreme Court.

Amanda Stanley, general counsel for the League of Kansas Municipalities, said the case sparked discussion about state law and whether police pursuits merit an exception. The league wants to remove the obligation to drive with a due regard for safety.

Peabody gets new mayor with board experience

Tom Spencer was sworn in as Peabody mayor Monday, following the official resignation of Larry Larsen, and unanimous approval by the city council.

“I want to thank Larry for his service,” Spencer said. “I’m going to learn and do the best I can for the city, as I did as a councilman.”

After resigning, Larsen had a request for onlookers.

“Those of you in the audience, continue to come,” he said. “Bring those who aren’t here next time. Have people take an interest in their community, and speak up for what they like.”

(Read more: PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin)

As Olathe library branch preps for move, ‘art for art’s sake’ will be a priority

“You can make what you like in art and if it doesn’t turn out, you can just start over,” said 7-year-old class participant Cash Sundheim, from Olathe. Fellow painter, 10-year-old Lexie Ney from Olathe, agreed. “When you paint, you can’t really mess up. It’s your own and you can just try again.”

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Hutch: No merit in former officer’s lawsuit

The city of Hutchinson denies claims by former Hutchinson Police Officer Devin Berman that the city and the department violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and retaliated against him.

Berman “was never subjected to discrimination or retaliation because of his alleged disability,” the city’s legal response to Berman’s lawsuit stated. The claims in the suit “are entirely without merit,” the city contends.

Berman said he suffers from Tourette’s syndrome and “was incessantly made fun of at work by other employees.” No adverse action was taken against employees even after he complained to his superiors, he claimed.

The city responded that Berman “is not entitled to recovery of back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, attorney fees, litigation expenses, reinstatement, court costs, or any other type of legal or equitable relief.” Also, his “claims are barred to the extent that he failed to control a controllable disability,” and he “is not a qualified individual with a disability as defined by federal law.”

Berman was a city employee from late 2013 to early 2018. It was Berman’s decision to leave the job, Hutchinson City Manager John Deardoff said after Berman filed the lawsuit in December and claimed he was “forced to terminate his employment” with the city.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Frankfort get $250,000 grant

The city of Frankfort has received federal grant monies to resurface its truck route through town.

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced last Thursday that Frankfort was one of 23 communities to receive a total $11 million in federal grants for a variety of purposes.

Frankfort will receive $265,656 in grant funds through the federal Community Development Block Grant program, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development will provide a low-interest loan of $256,656 to Frankfort to pay the 50 percent match required for the project. Marshall County Partnership for Growth economic development director Ellen Barber said Frankfort has received the most federal grants in the county in recent years because the city does a good job of planning ahead.

“Melody Tommer, who is the city clerk and Frankfort’s representative on the the partnership board, is a force behind projecting for the city’s current and future needs,” Barber said. “She is adept with helping to write the grants.”

(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)

Walking trail getting extended, spruced up in Ark City

A walking trail in Arkansas City is about to get a little longer and smoother, and may even get some lights.

The Poplar Walking Trail, near the U.S. 77 bypass, is also being fixed to prevent flooding.

City employees are extending the track to a full mile in length and improving drainage for the oval-shaped path that walkers, joggers and bikers use on a regular basis.

Public Information Officer Andrew Lawson said the major part of the work involves building up the south end of the path, which will make the entire loop a full mile. Right now it is nine-tenths of a mile.

“That section always floods during heavy rainfall, so they’ll build it up and extend it to round out the path better,” he said.

Lawson said the cost to the city would be minimal because city employees are doing the work. The only real cost would be materials.

Assistant Public Works Director Mike Crandall said most of the materials being used are recycled items, which have been stockpiled from other projects. The city is also planning to install several pieces of outdoor fitness equipment along the route. The Ark City Middle School Kay Club was awarded a Be The Spark grant for $6,575in 2018.

The grant is intended to help to create locations within a community that will encourage teens to be more physically active.

Those funds will be used to purchase a fitness trail kit, which city workers will install at various points along the existing walkway.

Mural proposed for downtown Clay Center building

One of the projects on Clay Center Action Network (CCAN)’s list from the beginning is a mural on the side of the Wardcraft Home Store at 531 Court St. The organization is requesting suggestions from the community about what they would like to see on it, what might best represent Clay Center. The mural will be on the bottom half of the building leaving the brick exposed on the second floor. The mural area will need to be ‘skimmed’ to provide a flat surface to work on.

The goal is to have the skimming completed by mid-March in order for Tracy Lebo to have time to sketch an outline of the design on the wall before Serve Saturday. Then, on Serve Saturday, a group of volunteers can ‘paint-by-number’ to fill in the design. Later, Tracy will complete the shading and provide for final details.

Labette County interested in wind project

Labette County commissioners mentioned briefly Monday that they want to learn more about the Neosho Ridge Wind project in the Galesburg area.

The brief discussion was toward the end of Emergency Management Director Charlie Morse’s appointment. Morse lives in the Erie area.

Morse said one of the 139 wind turbines will be within 1,000 feet of his foundation. He didn’t sign a lease with Apex Clean Energy, which is developing the project that could create 302 megawatts of electricity.

Morse said Ford County recently established setbacks of 2,000 feet from nonparticipating property lines. Commissioner Lonie Addis said Ford County is zoned, so the county government has more control over such issues. Addis said he does not support countywide zoning in Labette County.

The city of Parsons is gathering information on the wind project, too, because the turbines would be close to Lake Parsons and they could impact migratory birds.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Hutch council supports low-income projects

The Hutchinson City Council approved letters of support for three projects to seek low-income tax credits in a special session on Tuesday.

The first was for Interfaith Housing Services to renovate the shuttered 1920-St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, 500 West 20th Avenue, into low-income apartments. The second project was for Disability Support of the Great Plains to construct 20 units at 2319 North Waldron Street. President and CEO Richard Staab said the project would be similar to an 18-unit housing complex the organization is building in McPherson. The third project was for Commerce Gardens to expand its current space on East 11th Avenue. The next phase — phase two — will include 48-units across four buildings with two and three bedroom units.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Cosmosphere drops out of Overland Park development

The Cosmosphere will not build a satellite location in Overland Park, after all.

The Smithsonian-affiliated space museum in Hutchinson had been part of the 300-acre Bluhawk development from the outset. But by this week, both the Price Brothers development company and the Cosmosphere had decided to change plans.

The Overland Park City Council heard about the Cosmosphere’s departure at its meeting Monday night from an attorney that advises that city on economic development. Todd LaSala told the council that Price Brothers didn’t consider the Cosmosphere financially feasible for the project at 159 Street and U.S. 69, the Kansas City Star reported.

Jim Remar, president and chief executive of the Cosmosphere, said Price Brothers became concerned about receiving public funding in the form of STAR bonds for both the museum and a 3,500-seat sports arena also planned at Bluhawk.

“The sports arena was part of the first phase of the project, and the developer made the decision to put the emphasis on that,” Remar said Tuesday afternoon. “The economics didn’t make sense for either the developers or the Cosmosphere.”

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

City of Topeka deviated from snow removal plan to aid neighborhoods

Topeka’s city government went against its established snow and ice removal plan when it plowed residential streets last week, city manager Brent Trout said Tuesday. He suggested the city may take similar steps to help neighborhoods in the future.

Last week’s decision “was a big departure from what we’ve done in the past, but I think it’s appropriate,” Trout said during the monthly news conference he and Mayor Michelle De La Isla hold at City Hall.

The move came at a time when the city has been examining its policies regarding snow and ice removal from streets. Trout said that while city officials remain “in the middle of that discussion,” he has made some temporary changes. Trout said the decision deviated from the city’s snow and ice removal plan, which calls for plowing of residential streets to begin only after Topeka has received 6 inches of snow accumulation.

“The street conditions following the most recent back-to-back snow and ice events required a deviation from the approved snow and ice treatment plan,” Trout said in a email. “The rapid freeze and thaw cycles didn’t allow time for side streets to clear but instead made them very slick. The threat of a prolonged below-freezing temperatures and possibility of additional snow accumulations led to the decision to remove as much of the snow and ice as quickly as possible during the warmer day last Friday on all residential streets.”

As of Tuesday, Topeka sees 52 water main breaks in 2019

Winter weather is taking a toll on Topeka’s streets.

As of Tuesday, city spokeswoman Molly Hadfield said, Topeka has had 52 broken water mains since the first of the year, an average of nearly two a day.

With no FEMA money coming, Overland Park ponders future of long-closed Turkey Creek trail section

With no federal money on the immediate horizon, it appears a decision about restoring the long-closed section of Turkey Creek Trail is back on Overland Park’s plate.

The trail section near Interstate 35 and Antioch Road has been closed for since 2017. A heavy rain in May of that year washed out the trail and retaining wall. Another storm in July loosened limestone boulders from the hillside and sent them down across the trail.

With repairs estimated at $1.2 million, the city had hoped for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But Monday night City Manager Bill Ebel told council members that no FEMA money is forthcoming.

Brown County Commission hears from wind energy developer

Around 60 local residents came out Monday morning for the regular Brown County Commission meeting to hear from a wind energy company developer.

The meeting had been moved to the third floor court room, as a larger crowd was expected to hear information on wind energy developments.

The topic has been a hot one in recent months as wind energy companies have developed areas in Nemaha County and are working toward building in Brown County. This has caused some concern with local landowners as they have been approached by developers. Commissioners have cautioned county residents to check with their individual attorneys and not make hasty decisions.

On Monday, Nat Drucker, Invenergy Product Developer on the Pony Express Wind Energy project, spoke to the county commissioners and before the audience about his company’s interest in expanding into Brown County. He noted this would be the first of many meetings where he would be addressing the commissioners, along with scheduling public forums. Drucker said he is currently working on approaching land owners and creating agreements and surveys. He said this will take up most of the year and mentioned there were no plans for any further construction in 2019. He noted the company had completed some minor earthwork and laid a concrete surface near Morrill, but stressed that the company did not plan to place a wind turbine there. He said it was the minimal earthwork required to create a hold on federal incentives.

(Read more: Hiawatha World Online)

Sabetha City Commission to consider extraterritorial expansion

City Administrator Doug Allen updated commissioners regarding the process to consider expansion of the city’s extraterritorial district.

At the City Commission’s Jan. 14 meeting, commissioners approved a change to the city’s Land Development Code Article 2 Section 2-102, prohibiting the use of commercial wind turbines within the extraterritorial area as defined within Sabetha’s Comprehensive Plan. This change was recommended by the Sabetha Planning and Zoning Commission, following a public hearing on the proposal.

During that hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission was asked about the possibility of expanding the city’s extraterritorial district to provide zoning protection to property owners who did not want commercial wind turbines on or near their properties or homes. At that time, Allen said to do this the city would need to change the city’s Comprehensive Plan to redefine the extraterritorial district.

Currently, the extraterritorial district extends approximately 1-1/2 miles from Sabetha’s city limits. The Planning and Zoning commissioners indicated that it would be their recommendation to have this expansion considered, and the city commissioners at their next meeting agreed.

(Read more: Sabetha Herald)

Sedgwick County Zoo asks for $9 million in donations, $6 million from county for upgrades

When you have to go to the bathroom in the furnace room, it might be a sign you’re in need of some new office space.

But that’s the situation administrative employees of the Sedgwick County Zoo face daily.

“This is a 60-year-old building that we have here,” said County Commissioner David Dennis. “It was initially a plastics factory . . . it was supposed to be torn down. This is the kind of conditions that our folks are living in every single day to support our zoo.” Help is on the way.

New office space is part of a planned $15 million upgrade of the zoo’s entryway, gift shop, a ride-on solar-powered train and a leopard habitat.

That will be phase one of a master plan to update the county’s No. 1 tourist attraction for the next 25 years.

(Read more: Local News |)

Shawnee collaborating with Johnson County, MARC, Lenexa on 75th Street beautification project

Shawnee is collaborating with Johnson County and the Mid-America Regional Council to make improvements on 75th Street.

The city council in its Monday meeting unanimously agreed to accept County Assisted Road System (CARS) funds from Johnson County on the city street improvement project. The total funding reimbursement makes up 50 percent of all construction and engineering costs, but not exceeding $1.4 million.

The $3 million project will make street improvements to 75th Street from Quivira Road to Switzer Road. Shawnee anticipates contributing $1.2 million of city funds for the project, with plans to receive $400,000 in outside funds from the Westbrooke Green developer and the city of Lenexa to help pay for the project (Lenexa shares part of the intersection at 75th and Quivira).

Olathe homeless shelter’s plans for new space on hold as city sorts out permitting

An Olathe nonprofit is working hard to make sure no one freezes to death in extreme winter weather.

Project 1020 was hoping to move into a permanent new home this season, but that’s now on hold.

There are rows of cots and warm blankets to welcome guests every night during the brutally cold winter months at Branches Church in Olathe. It’s the temporary home for the Project 1020 homeless shelter. “There are homeless people in Johnson County whether we want to admit it or not. They’re here and they need help and they need some place to stay,” said Barb McEver, founder of Project 1020. “We have this building across town we own and we’re insuring and paying utilities on and taxes on and we can’t use it.,” she said.

McEver said she talked with the city before ever buying the building to find out if it could be used as a homeless shelter. She got the green light in writing at least three times during the process and had lots of meetings with city leaders.

But recently, the city pulled the plug — at least for now.

“It’s only been in the last month I’d say, I’ve started feeling like a lot of pressure thinking maybe this isn’t going to happen,” McEver said.

The city of Olathe told FOX4 that although Project 1020 was cleared for how they could use the land, the building permitting had not been addressed.

At the same time the organization was buying the building, the city was also updating its codes. One of the changes, will now force Project 1020 to get a special use permit, which it is in the process of obtaining.

(Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF)

Chanute hears contract on city-owned industrial building cancelled

The buyer of an industrial building on Cherry Street has cancelled its contract with the city, the city manager told Chanute city commissioners Monday evening.

City Manager Jeff Cantrell said no commission action was required other than to accept the cancellation, and commissioners gave a consensus to do that at Monday’s meeting.

Cantrell told the commission as part of his report that the city has little way to enforce the contract, and an inspection provision gives the buyer the ability to cancel.

Commissioners voted in December to sell the vacant industrial building at 615 W. Cherry as is for $300,000 cash to developers Lamar Eby and Todd Morris, acting on behalf of an unnamed company.

Outside of Monday’s meeting, Cantrell said that the cancellation came as a surprise. City officials were aware of roof issues, and the buyer apparently hoped the city would reopen a claim for previous hail damage and provide a discount.

(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)

🎥 Ellis Co. Commission: ‘Growth comes down to two things: Jobs and Water’

Jobs and water.

That’s what Ellis County commissioners believe are the two most important factors affecting business and population growth in the county.

“We’ve been constantly growing, sometimes small steps at a time,” said Dean Haselhorst, commission chairman. “We have a lot to offer here in Ellis County.

“Water supply is always a big thing in western Kansas. I know the city of Hays has been working to address that issue. But for us to attract industry, we need water. And for growth, we need water also.”

(Read more: Hays Post)

Is it ‘game on’ for OP sports arena? Competition heats up with rival Olathe plan

A proposal for a $195 million arena, multisport and retail complex in south Overland Park has received the green light to seek state tax incentives, setting up a possible down-to-the-wire competition with a rival Olathe plan.

After a three-hour discussion, the Overland Park City Council voted 10-2 Monday night in favor of the Price Brothers plan to request $63 million in state tax incentives, in the form of STAR bonds, to enhance its Bluhawk development southwest of U.S. Highway 69 and 159th Street.

With further approvals from the Kansas Commerce Secretary and the City Council, the STAR bonds would help finance a 3,500-seat arena for concerts, events and sports, including an amateur league hockey team. The project also includes a 300,000-square-foot indoor multisport complex for youth tournaments in hockey, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, indoor soccer and baseball, Ninja training course and other activities.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

What is microtransit? To get around JoCo for little money, it could be a solution

Johnson County will spend $250,000 over the next six months on an Uber-like transit experiment, trying to find a better alternative to large buses carrying small numbers of passengers.

The county is paying for a “microtransit” pilot project serving parts of Overland Park, Mission, Shawnee and Lenexa that will allow passengers to summon a ride on a small van to desired destinations, via a smart phone app.

It’s an on-demand service that’s somewhat akin to Uber or Lyft, although this program involves a “shared ride.” It connects up to 12 passengers at one time who start out in nearby locations and need a ride to destinations in close proximity.

County officials say it’s unique in the country and demonstrates their effort to be more creative and to get more people using mass transit, in partnership with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

ACLU-Dodge City voting site legal case ending

The legal fight over voting locations for Dodge City voters is ending. On Monday, the Wichita-based attorney for Ford County Clerk Deborah Cox wrote in a court filing in U.S. District Court that Cox did not oppose the motion of plaintiffs to dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice. Last week, Cox announced “a concrete, specific plan to open two polling locations for the City of Dodge City, both of which are accessible to the public,” …

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Lawrence to host workshops to gather input on Downtown Master Plan

Residents who want to weigh in on the master plan that will shape downtown Lawrence for the next 15 to 20 years will soon have an opportunity to do so.

As part of the development of the master plan, the city will be hosting a series of workshops the week of Feb. 4, according to a city news release. The workshops will be broken into three groups: one for downtown and adjacent neighborhoods; one communitywide meeting; and one for downtown business owners and developers.

The new master plan will replace guidelines that have not been updated in 20 years and will cover topics such as land use, development, parking, transportation, infrastructure and streetscapes.

Read more: LJWorld.com.

Barton County Commissioners approve construction of equipment storage shed

Barton County Commissioners Monday approved the construction of a 40′ x 50′ pole barn at the Ellinwood sand pit. The board approved the low bid of $18,728 from Lyle Bryant Construction from Ellinwood, one of four bids that were received for the project.

County Works Director Darren Williams explained the need for the structure. Commissioner Jennifer Schartz was in agreement with Williams that the county needed to protect its investment of expensive equipment at the location. The contract calls for construction to be complete no later that March 31 of this year. The money for the project will come out of the capital improvement and fixed equipment budget.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Shawnee opens fourth fire station, signifying growth west of I-435

Shawnee city staff and residents last week celebrated the grand opening of the city’s fourth fire station — a testament to the city’s growth west of I-435.

“This new station — starting this morning at 7 o’clock — will provide an improvement in response time to nearly 6,000 homes and 17,000 residents,” said Fire Chief John Mattox at the grand opening ceremony Thursday afternoon. “So, from the men and women of the Shawnee Fire Department, a heartfelt thank you to the community and to our governing body for your support.” Located at 5300 Woodsonia Drive, Fire Station 74 is a 9,220-square-foot facility included in Shawnee’s 2017-2022 capital improvement plan. In lieu of a ribbon cutting, Shawnee firefighters, city leaders and project team members conducted a “hose uncoupling.” Mattox said they are carrying on the 150-year-old tradition that occurs when firefighters open a new fire station.

Great Bend weighing options with contractor work as complex hydrant repairs continue

Repairs are ongoing with two hydrants on 24th Street in Great Bend. The hydrants at 24th Street & Washington and 24th Street & Adams are receiving major repairs after the City of Great Bend discovered valves that do not allow the City to shut the water off.

APAC out of Hutchinson has handled the repairs. City Administrator Kendal Francis says the Public Works Department is unable to handle the complex assignment.

APAC is already in Great Bend as they work to complete the $6 million water line replacement project.

Great Bend City Council member Jolene Biggs asked Francis if this type of project is something the City will always have to contract out or if they will eventually be able to handle some of the work in-house.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Project Wichita talks about master plan

Project Wichita is a community engagement process to discover the community’s vision for Wichita and the region in the next 10 years.

(Read more: Top Stories | KSNW)

Shawnee County could gain $100K-plus in taxes after approval of contract for aerial imagery showing property changes

Shawnee County could reap more than $100,000 in additional property taxes as a result of a contract with a company that will provide aerial analysis of changes made to parcels of land in the county.

Commissioners Bob Archer, Bill Riphahn and Kevin Cook voted 3-0 at Monday’s meeting to approve an $11,400 contract with Minneapolis-based Pushpin, the company that will provide the service.

Shawnee County Appraiser Steve Bauman said Pushpin will provide “aerial imagery” that will show changes made to parcels between 2014 and 2018. The aerial imagery, produced by photos taken from airplanes, will show specific changes to properties throughout the county, ranging from new decks to swimming pools to home additions to outbuildings.

Bauman said Pushpin will compare the aerial photos to determine if changes have been made to a property. Pushpin also will check county records to determine whether permits for the changes had been filed.

Changes identified by Pushpin could result in higher taxes for property owners in cases where building permits hadn’t been filed, Bauman said.

New video series teaches motorists, cyclists how to share the road

A new series of educational videos aims to help both motorists and cyclists learn how to share the road.

City of Lawrence staff and 28 volunteers created a series of eight new safety videos called “Lawrence in Gear,” according to a city news release. The release notes that bicycle safety education has historically focused on teaching bicycle riders how to navigate the roadways safely but that the video series aims to educate motorists about how cyclists use the roadways.

The city produced the videos as part of the development of the Lawrence Bike Plan, according to the release.

Read more: LJWorld.com.

$11 Million in Community Development Block Grants Awarded for Community Improvement Projects

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that 23 communities will receive federal grants for a variety of community improvement projects, including sewer and water projects, housing rehabilitation and community facilities improvements. These communities will share a total of $11,019,485 in federal grants.

Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, 12 Kansas communities will share a total of $6,806,637 in federal grants for water and sewer projects, two Kansas communities will share $600,000 for housing rehabilitation and nine communities will share $3,612,828 for community facility projects.

(Read more and view the full list of grant recipients: Kansas Department of Commerce, KS – News Flash)

Lawrence wants public input on trap-neuter-return for feral cats ahead of City Commission discussion

Whether Lawrence should allow feral cat colonies — and the effects that could have for neighbors, wildlife and the cats themselves — will soon be discussed at City Hall, but the city is looking for input from the public before that.

On Friday, the city put out an online survey, via the Lawrence Listens platform, to gather input from the public about the proposed “trap-neuter-release,” or TNR program, under which cats would be caught, neutered, vaccinated, and then returned to where they were collected and allowed to roam free. The Lawrence City Commission is scheduled to consider the issue at its Feb. 19 meeting, and the community feedback gathered in the survey will be provided to the commission.

Though the proposal has raised some concerns among the public, leaders with the Lawrence Humane Society say a TNR program is the best choice for cats and neighbors.

Read more: LJWorld.com.

Upgraded version of Lawrence city bus app provides detailed real-time tracking of buses, new alert system

Riders of the Lawrence bus service can now use their cellphones to track the location of their bus in real time and to notify them when they need to head to their bus stop to catch it.

The city, which coordinates its bus service with the University of Kansas service, recently upgraded its bus app with an improved real-time tracking and notification system, according to a city news release. The upgraded app, My Bus Lawrence, is available for free via the app store for both Apple and Android smartphones.

Lawrence Transit Administrator Bob Nugent said, though the app’s old platform provided some real-time tracking information, new technology on the buses themselves and a different platform for the app provides riders more functionality and more detailed information.

Read more: LJWorld.com.

County residents asked for input on county’s future

City of Ellis Mayor Dave McDaniel wants Ellis residents to have a say in updating the plan for Ellis County’s growth and development. So he asked for a Town Hall meeting for the city’s residents at 8 a.m. Thursday at Ellis City Hall.

“I requested to have one in Ellis because not a lot of people will want to drive over to Hays,” said McDaniel, speaking from his Trio Home Center business in Ellis on Friday. The hired consultants pulling together the plan are Marvin Planning Consultants Inc., David City, Neb., and MSA Professional Services of Ankeny, Iowa. Starting in December, residents of Ellis County have been asked to fill out either an online survey or paper survey asking for feedback on everything from housing costs and quality of education to priorities and concerns about water quality, taxes, entertainment and rural development.

As of a few weeks ago, said environmental sanitarian Karen Purvis in the Ellis County Environmental Office, about 200 people had filled out surveys.

“I have been surprised with the number of surveys taken,” Purvis said. “I didn’t think it would be that many. Even our consultant was surprised.”

(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)

Doc’s hangar is a symbol of Wichita’s place in world history, Mayor Longwell says

Not everyone was impressed Saturday by the new permanent home for Doc, one of two World War II-era B-29 Superfortresses in the world that can fly.

Doc’s new hangar is a state-of-the-art, 32,000-square-foot interactive facility that cost $6.5 million to complete. The building has a glass front that faces South Airport Road at Eisenhower Airport.

Sitting in the middle is the mirror-finished World War II bomber that survived 42 years in the Mojave Desert and was flown in 2016 for the first time since 1956 — Doc. Kendell Reimer, 11, said there’s probably not a big enough — or flashy enough — hangar to do Doc justice.

“Not to be disrespectful,” Reimer said. “But this plane is what led us to win World War II and ended it. This plane ended that war, and I think it deserves to be the main attraction in this city.” Doc serves as a reminder of that history, Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell said. He said he hopes it will pass that legacy on to future generations, like Reimer’s.

“Doc is more than a plane,” Longwell said. “He’s a symbol of Wichita’s history as the Air Capital of the World. He’s a symbol of our community coming together and sacrificing support for our country in its time of need. He’s a reminder of the part Wichita played and continues to play on the world stage.”

(Read more: Wichita Eagle)

League of Women Voters report: Here’s who can’t afford to live in Johnson County

According to a new report by the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, anyone working full-time as a retail sales clerk, janitor or home health aide cannot, on their own, afford to rent or buy a home in any of the county’s 20 cities.

Only in Edgerton can a paramedic, school social worker or firefighter afford to own a home without devoting more than 30 percent of his or her income to housing, which experts say is the maximum a household can afford without becoming “cost-burdened” with housing.

And in only six cities, the report said, are rents affordable for a paramedic or school social worker. By taking a formal position, the League of Women Voters will then be able to encourage local governments to promote affordable housing, said Lee Rowe of Overland Park, who co-chaired the League’s 10-member committee that studied the issue.

“I care about people who work here,” she said. “As we walk around or do business here, we know that the people who are helping us are probably not able to live here. They have to come in from elsewhere.”

The report noted that affordable housing enables communities to thrive.

“Safe, stable, affordable housing is essential to civic life. Without a place to call home and a sense of community, people cannot participate in civic life, including local politics and voting,” the report stated. “Housing that is affordable to workers – including those entering the job market and baby boomers still working – can spur economic development, and in turn enhance a community’s appeal to residents of a variety of incomes and ages.”

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Project could be windfall for Galesburg

A Galesburg city council resolution approved in December may provide $100,000 a year to the city of Galesburg from a controversial proposed electric generation project.

The resolution, discussed at Thursday evening’s community forum about the Neosho Ridge Wind project, is included in the latest draft agreement sent to the Neosho County commission. That agreement has yet to be approved.

Apex Clean Energy has proposed constructing an array of electricity-generating wind turbines in southwest Neosho County.

The 300-megawatt project would have 139 windmills on 44,000 leased acres, which would be exempt from property taxes for 10 years under Kansas law.

Apex has offered to pay the county $2,000 for each megawatt of total capacity in lieu of taxes during the exemption period.

The offer to Galesburg would be part of the total $600,000 payment to the county.

The funding allocation was part of a resolution the Galesburg city council approved in December. The resolution supported the Neosho Ridge project, contingent on the funding and on Apex working with WiNexus, a Galesburg-based internet provider.

(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)

Ousted county manager falsified HR review, misused employee’s time, investigation says

Former Sedgwick County Manager Michael Scholes had county staff falsify a personnel record to help a friend get a job and misused county resources by having a public employee produce photos of him and his family for their personal use, according to an investigation that eventually cost him his job.

Those actions violated county policies and were considered to be the most damaging evidence against Scholes, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the investigation and its aftermath. The findings on Scholes are from a report by lawyer Stephanie Scheck, who was hired by the County Commission as an outside counsel to investigate complaints from county staff members about Scholes’ management style.

Dozens of county employees, city officials and other community stakeholders were interviewed about their interactions with the manager.

(Read more: Wichita Eagle)

Rezoning request approved; triggers examination of procedures, notification

A unanimous vote to approve a rezoning request in east Hays was preceded by discussion among city commissioners Thursday night about rezoning procedures and notifications to the public. A unanimous vote to approve a rezoning request in east Hays was preceded by discussion among city commissioners Thursday night about rezoning procedures and notifications to the public. Oborny said he feels the requirement for notification of property owners within 200 feet of the rezoning request “isn’t very far” and should be increased. “We would like Wheatland Avenue to remain residential.”

Speaking to the city commissioners before they voted, Oborny said he and his wife Kristy were not notified of the public hearing by the planning commission and felt they should have been contacted.

Mayor Henry Schwaller noted the planning commission is a legally separate entity from the Hays city commission.

“We can’t tell them what to do but they could consider a bigger notification area,” Schwaller said.

“They can,” confirmed John Bird, city attorney. “That makes sense to me,” added Schwaller. “[Oborny’s] house is not very far away.”

(Read more: Hays Post)