Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

90 percent of initial wind offering spoken for at new Soldier Creek Center in Nemaha County

Fourteen Kansas organizations enrolled in Renewables Direct and will receive all or a portion of their electricity from the Soldier Creek Wind Energy Center to be built in Nemaha County and will begin operations by the end of 2020. Customers signing up for the initial program introduction include: Ardent Mills, Newton and Wichita; Benedictine College, Atchison; Bunge Milling, Atchison and Emporia; Cargill, Cummings, Emporia, Hutchinson, Topeka and Wichita; Cox Communications, multiple Kansas locations; Evcon, Wichita; Kansas State University, Manhattan; Landoll Corp., Marysville; Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita; Sisters of Charity, Leavenworth; Textron Aviation, Independence and Wichita; University of Kansas, Lawrence; Veteran’s Affairs Medical Centers in Leavenworth, Topeka and Wichita; and Washburn University, Topeka.

“The institutions, the customers that we serve, stepped up and said we want to be part of this,” said Westar spokesperson Gina Penzig. “They very much have been letting us know that this is something that they want. They want to be sustainable and have sustainable energy options. They also have to mind budgets. We were able to offer them a sustainable energy option that would also lower their costs. Of course, they lined up.”

(Read more: WIBW News Now!)

Parsons City Commission approves new police weapons

The Parsons Police Department will get new weapons after approval by city commissioners Monday evening.

The commission approved the purchase of 36 Glock G-17 Gen 5 Safe Action 9 mm pistols for $11,167.50 from Kieslers Police Supply Inc. The price includes three magazines for each gun and all of the needed attachments, including holsters and night sights, as well as a trade in of $10,610 for the police department’s old Sig Sauer 9 mm pistols.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks requested the purchase of the new guns based on a review of potential firearm replacements by the firearms instructors and staff input. He said in a report that the Glock Model 17 semiautomatic pistol is a standard weapon for policing.

During a Thursday work session, Commissioner Bill Hogelin asked Spinks if prices from other gun dealers were sought. On Monday Spinks submitted his report that showed John’s Sports Center, Pittsburg, gave a price of $26,783. Spinks explained that Glock uses Kieslers, based in Jefferson, Indiana, as its sole-source seller for law enforcement agencies in the Midwest. For that reason, Kieslers was able to charge a lower price through Glock’s Blue Label Plan. Kieslers also was the only company that could provide a trade-in option. Range 54, Wichita, provided a similar price to John’s but advised it wouldn’t provide an official quote because of Glock’s single-source provider program. Two other dealers in Texas provided higher prices as well.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Labette County approves 911 agreements

Labette County commissioners on Monday approved five agreements for backup 911 answering services.

The agreements will allow the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council to set up these call routes in the next generation 911 system that operates in Labette County and will automatically transfer 911 calls that go unanswered after 30 seconds or if there are technical issues in the county that interrupt 911 service.

Parsons Police Department and Labette County 911 are each other’s backups, so if the county’s 911 system were down in Oswego, Parsons Police Department dispatchers would answer 911. Allen County is a secondary backup for Labette County and Labette County will answer Allen’s overflow calls as well as a secondary backup.

Labette County will answer Bourbon County overflow 911 calls, but there was not a corresponding agreement for Bourbon to answer Labette’s overflow calls.

911 Director Brandy Grassl discussed these agreements with commissioners.

She said once the coordinating council builds these routes, the system will reroute calls as needed.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Atwoods pondered move to Maize, but will remain in Park City

Atwoods, which is in the 6200 block of North Broadway, has decided to remain in Park City but open a new and larger location in Echo Hills.

“They were going to Maize and I had to convince them not to do it,” said City Administrator Jack Whitson. “I worked with Mike Loveland because the price of the lots was way too high for Atwoods. I was able to talk Mike and his owners into bringing it down to where they could do it and it all fit together.”

Whitson said the city did not want to see Atwoods leave after the recent loss of True Value. The store’s commitment to Echo Hills has made the city feel comfortable moving forward with infrastructure improvements and Whitson hopes that will be the boost others need to start building.

As Dodge City voting gets underway, voter complaints are few

The one polling place for Dodge City, in an arena outside the city limits and about 6 miles south of downtown, has been a site of national controversy about race relations and the right to vote.
…
7:30 a.m. — Voting has been underway for about half an hour and lines have been steady so far. There were 45 voters lined up to enter the polling place when the doors opened at 7 a.m.
Early arrivers said they weren’t inconvenienced by the location of the polling place, although some thought a city the size of Dodge, 27,000 people, should probably have more than one place to vote.

(Read more: Politics & Government News |)

Barton County Commissioners vote 3-2 to provide letter of support to Rosewood Roots and Wings Foundation

In July, Rosewood Services asked for but did not receive a letter of support from Barton County Commissioners for Kansas Department of Commerce tax credits to help remodel the old E&E Glass building in Great Bend.

Monday, the Rosewood Roots and Wings Foundation requested a similar letter of support for a Kansas Department of Transportation grant to help purchase a 14-passenger vehicle for assistance with transportation operations.

Alicia Straub, who was not in favor of the letter of support in July for state tax credits for the building remodel, was also not in favor of providing a letter of support for the latest grant request. Commissioners eventually voted 3-2 Monday to provide the letter of support with Straub and Homer Kruckenberg voting no and Commissioners Jennifer Schartz, Kenny Schremmer and Don Davis voting yes.

The grant request from K-DOT is for $49,200 for the purchase of the vehicle and $10,000 for operational costs. The Roots and Wings Foundation will provide a $12,300 match from funds that Rains said would come from private donations.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Manhattan City Commission approves Community Improvement District (CID) for Mall

The Manhattan Town Center (MTC) submitted a petition to establish an additional 0.75% sales tax at the mall shopping center to fund future improvements and upgrades to the interior and exterior common spaces, which the City Commission approved after a public hearing on October 23. The sales tax will likely begin in April 2019, and last for 22 years. The mall will make improvements on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, meaning the City of Manhattan will collect the three-quarter cent sales tax proceeds and distribute to the mall annually. The mall wouldn’t be able to make improvements until funds are available. MTC has a project budget of approximately $20 million worth of improvements over the next 20 years.

The City will receive 10% of the CID sales tax proceeds (estimated $2 million over 22 years) to assist with improvements to the Public Plaza near the MTC entry at 3rd Street and Poyntz Avenue.

(Read more: Manhattan – News Flash)

Shawnee County to seek bids for corrections department food, commissary services

Shawnee County Corrections Director Brian Cole said he is happy with the job Philadelphia-based Aramark Correctional has done providing food and commissary services the past several years for his department.

Still, Cole told county commissioners Monday the fiscally responsible thing for them to do would be to see what other agencies have to offer.

“It’s all about accountability and providing quality services and being responsible to the taxpayers,” he said.

Commissioners Kevin Cook, Shelly Buhler and Bob Archer subsequently voted 3-0 to authorize Cole to solicit bids separately from companies interested in providing food and commissary services to his department after its contract with Aramark runs out at the end of next year.

Cole said the process would be a lengthy one, which would include creating specifications and — should commissioners hire a company other than Aramark — making the transition to a new provider or providers.

Leawood will get public input on idea of relocating old city hall building on Lee to current city hall land

Leawood city leaders are inviting the public to provide input on the possible relocation of old city hall near 96th and Lee Boulevard. City administrator Scott Lambers said the city doesn’t have details yet on what the move would look like. Rather, the intention of the meeting is to present an overlay of the site so the public can see it and provide input before any firm plans are made. Those plans include a potential new fire station on the property.

“This is really just getting a sense of people’s opinions,” Lambers said. “We don’t have any plans right now because we’ve been trying to get them (city councilmembers) to decide what to do with the fire station so that we could put together a concept plan, depending upon whether that stays or gets torn down.”

The city has been looking at the idea of converting the old city hall into a community space with a small museum. Other ideas include demolition and replacement with a replica, or possibly moving the building south to Ironwoods Park.

Shawnee planning commission to consider renewing landfill operations permit

A special use permit for the company operating the landfill in western Shawnee is up for review.

The Shawnee planning commission tonight will consider renewing a special use permit for Deffenbaugh Industries to continue operating the landfill at the southwest corner of Holliday Drive and Interstate 435. Deffenbaugh is a subsidiary of Waste Management.

If the planning commission recommends renewing the special use permit — and the council approves it — then Deffenbaugh will be allowed to continue landfill operations for the next 15 months. A city staff report indicates that the landfill’s anticipated life is 41 years, from its inception in 2002 until 2043.

Overshadowing the landfill use permit are the constant odor complaints from people who live in the areas near the landfill.

Wellington council to vote on new animal ordinance which specifically define ‘dangerous’ dogs

The Wellington City Council will be voting this Tuesday on a new animal ordinance that will literally bring more “teeth” to the existing law for those citizens with vicious and problematic animals — especially dogs.

The new ordinance, if adopted, will also more closely define what type of animals Wellington citizens are allowed to have within the city limits. One of the biggest changes under the proposed stipulations is giving animal control officers the authority to immediately address the viciousness of a dog and take immediate action – which includes the option of killing it.

(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)

Finney County loosens regulations on electronic signs

The Finney County Commission on Monday approved an amendment to the county’s zoning regulations regarding signs and outdoor advertising, altering the rules on electronic message boards and signs in residential areas.

Prior to the change, the code allowed the electronic signs in residential zoning districts with restrictions regarding brightness, how long they can be used and how often the sign can change messages. The changes came in light of the boards’ evolving technology, which give owners more control over the displays, said Kaleb Kentner, neighborhood and development services director.

Using similar sign code ordinances from Topeka and Manhattan, as well as Madison, Wis., staff drafted an ammendment that dictates the boards’ maximum luminance will be 5,000 nits from sunrise to sunset and 500 nits from sunset to sunrise, and that they must be equipped with an automatic dimmer.

Pittsburg names new police chief

Pittsburg has a new police chief.

According to a release from the City of Pittsburg, after an extensive, four-month search, the City of Pittsburg has announced the selection of Brent Narges to serve as the new chief of police for the Pittsburg Police Department.

According to City Manager Daron Hall, Narges was one of three finalists for the position, and his experience with the police department and focus on community partnerships were important factors in his selection.

“Brent has been with the Pittsburg Police Department for 22 years and has deep ties in our community,” Hall said in the release. “He has been a leader in promoting community policing efforts and has encouraged the use of new technology to improve public safety in Pittsburg.”

(Read more: Community – Morning Sun)

Lawrence paid $7.5M in bonuses to senior employees over past 20 years; city manager recommends phasing payments out

End-of-year bonuses for senior city of Lawrence employees that typically cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars annually could eventually be phased out. City management is recommending the change; employee groups are opposed.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider a new policy for the city’s longevity bonus that would tier and cap the amount paid to qualifying employees beginning in 2019 and would eliminate the payments for new employees.

Hutchinson to Receive $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant

The city of Hutchinson will receive a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Kansas Department of Commerce to improve the former Stevens Building. The grant funds are part of the CDBG funding the State receives from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. The building’s owners will provide $115,400 in matching funds to make needed repairs to the building.

Built in 1876, the Stevens Building is the oldest building still standing in Hutchinson. The restoration will include local business Evolution Salon, Spa, and Boutique expanding business into the building.

“Restoring the Stevens Building is exactly the sort of thing the CDBG fund is meant for,” said Robert North, Interim Secretary for the Kansas Department of Commerce. “Now, instead of a diminished eye-sore, the historic site will be a useful location for Hutchinson, as well as something that will evoke community pride.”

Two Pottawatomie County retailers intend to appeal their 2018 property appraisals based on the “dark store theory”

Two Pottawatomie County retailers — Menards and Academy Sports — have said they intend to appeal their 2018 property appraisals.
The move is an indication that promotion of the “dark store theory” of property appraisal is alive and well in Kansas, county appraiser Lois Schlegel told county commissioners Monday.
The “dark store theory” is an appraisal technique being promoted nationwide by large retail chains which claim they are treated unfairly in the property appraisal process.

Their buildings, the theory claims, should be valued as if they were vacant and available for sale to a future hypothetical user rather than as a functioning, occupied store.
If the “dark store theory” gains traction, appraisers such as Schlegel believe it could have a “mushrooming” effect with other franchising businesses such as restaurants and hotels making similar appeals.
The trend would have a dramatic impact on the valuation of taxing districts and, consequently, on property tax revenues.

Cities Count: Preparing for the 2020 Census

“Municipal governments have an important relationship with the census — both as consumers of the invaluable data it gathers and as partners in ensuring the complete and accurate count of our cities.”

The National League of Cities (NLC) supports the Census Bureau’s mission to “serve as the nation’s leading provider of quality data about its people and economy.” We also understand the many ways in which Census Bureau data impact a city. These resources have been assembled to provide local leaders with objective information about and resources to prepare for the upcoming 2020 Census.

(Read more: NLC)

KDHE launches public awareness campaign regarding well water

Approximately 7 percent of Kansans get their water from privately-owned wells. Recently, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) unveiled a public awareness campaign to recommend that private well water users have their wells tested for at least two contaminates, every one to three years. The contaminants include Total Coliform Bacteria and Nitrate.

“It’s important for residents to understand that the Environmental Protection Agency sets regulations for treating and monitoring community water systems, but these regulations don’t apply to privately-owned wells,” said KDHE Environment Director Leo Henning. “Residents are responsible for monitoring their own wells, so we want them to have the information they need to ensure their drinking water is safe from contamination.”

(Read more: Sabetha Herald)

Neosho County hears how electricity is marketed by wind generation

Neosho County Commissioners Friday morning heard a presentation on how electricity is marketed as part of ongoing discussion of the Neosho Ridge wind generation project.

They also continued to hear from opponents of the proposal by Apex Clean Energy to build 100 to 130 wind-powered electrical generators in the southwest area of the county. The Apex Business Development Director Melissa Peterson gave a presentation on how the proposed electricity would be marketed.

Generators in Kansas and the area from Texas to South Dakota are part of the Southwest Power Pool grid system, a non-profit organization that balances load, demand and prices.

Plans are to connect the wind turbines through a central hub to a Westar-owned line running east and west near the county line. The connection would be west of Lake Parsons, but the exact location of the central hub has not been determined. Apex is still determining how many turbines will be placed in a variety of candidate locations, depending on factors including the model turbine selected.

(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)

Retaining sales tax will fund Chanute Regional Development Authority, city properties

Chanute’s economic development over the past three years has been visible, with the growth of Orizon Aerostructures, Love’s Country Store and Travel Plaza and Tractor Supply.

With that kind of return, supporters hope Chanute will increase its investment.

City voters will decide Tuesday whether to extend a ¼-cent sales tax that previously supported construction of the Maring Aquatic Center. The renewed sales tax would fund the Chanute Regional Development Authority and also improve city properties.

(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)

Ford County Administrator addresses recent national spotlight

The Ford County Board of County Commissioners, elected officials and appointed staff would like to thank the Ford County community for the amazing amount of support during what has become a highly stressful election season that includes a closely competitive gubernatorial race presenting a unique set of challenges.

One of those challenges is a recent court filing requesting a temporary restraining order forcing Ford County Clerk Debbie Cox to open an additional polling location.

This past Thursday night, the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas denied that request. With that decision, the County Clerk is allowed to continue working towards a successful election day preceded by many early voting opportunities that include extended hours.

It is important to note that a federal court filing accompanied by national media attention and the resulting public records requests, emails, interview requests and phone calls can overwhelm and paralyze an agency’s day-to-day operations – not including the additional burden of legal fees and the incredible cost to employees in regards to stress.

The financial burden to respond to this filing comes at a great cost to you – the tax payer – and those dollars cannot be recovered through reimbursement. More importantly, the emotional toll is even more significant.

The Ford County Board of County Commissioners, elected officials and county leadership has chosen to remain calm, steadfast and strategic through the recent storm of national media attention, personal attacks, accusations and misinformation.

Resident presents head of small animal carcass to Butler County Commission; seeks help from health inspector

Business as usual can mean unusual business for Butler County Commissioners. A Butler County resident requested an audience with the Commissioners near the end of Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting and brought “Mr. Bones” with him. ’Mr. Bones” was the head of a carcass, possibly a cat, that the resident brought to illustrate his need for their assistance. He appeared before the board to ask for a County Health Inspector of County Fire Marshal to inspect the property where he currently resides, Hank Trailer Park.
He claimed the property is a haven for drug users and that he had been robbed on more than one occasion. But his plea to the commissioners was to have someone come out and inspect the property, which he rents. It was noted that there had never been such a request of the Commissioners before and there is not a County officer to whose job it is to do the inspection, the gentleman’s frustrations were evident.
The City of El Dorado has inspectors, however the property in question is out of city limits and falls within the county’s jurisdiction.
Chairman Woydziak assured him they would look into the matter and determine who could help him with the concerns he brought to the Commissioners.

Bourbon County works out details in ambulance service

As Bourbon County Commissioners work to organize a new ambulance service to operate after Mercy Hospital closes its doors Dec. 31, they have encountered issues.

Commissioners addressed some of those issues Thursday afternoon, when they met for a special meeting to discuss an ambulance service in the city and county.

The county has the responsibility to provide ambulance service. On Oct. 23, county officials said they will partner with the city of Fort Scott to operate an ambulance service. Commissioners and county officials discussed some billing concerns, as well as going through the proper procedures for reimbursements and to operate the ambulance service legally. Mercy will run the ambulance service until a 180-day contract with the county expires March 31.

“We have an administrative issue that needs to be resolved,” Meeks said. “There’s an issue with the billing cycle once Mercy closes. It deals with EMS.”

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

Should Bourbon County approve “liquor by the drink”?

On Tuesday, voters will be asked to decide whether Bourbon County’s law regarding food sales in alcohol establishments should be required.

The question for Bourbon County reads, “Shall the sale of alcohol liquor by the individual drink in Bourbon County, Kansas, be allowed in public places without a requirement that any portion of their gross sales be from the sale of food?”

Currently, 30 percent of gross sales must be from the sale of food in drinking establishments.

Members of Interdenominational Ministries of Bourbon County say the law should not be changed.

“My biggest concern is all the hotels in town can become bars,” Amanda Gilmore, member of the ministry said. “Anybody can open a bar on a corner. I’m just thinking, is that really good economic growth for Bourbon County because wouldn’t that be too great of competition since we already have multiple establishments that offer liquor? Wouldn’t that already be hurting Sharkey’s and Nate’s or Crooner’s and Holmtown? I can’t even imagine being able to support another establishment that offers liquor just from a logical standpoint.”

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

Not so fast: City of Topeka, former Heartland Park owners back in court after decision overturned

The city of Topeka lost a skirmish in a long-fought battle with the former owner of Heartland Park after the Kansas Court of Appeals on Friday overturned a district court decision.

Jayhawk Racing and Heartland Park Raceway LLC sued the city in 2016 for breach of contract, asking the courts for $4 million in damages and to find that the city failed to live up to promises it made in a memorandum of understanding to buy the racetrack.

That case has wound throughout the court system, with Shawnee County District Judge Teresa Watson finding in 2016 that a city couldn’t contract away its powers of governance. She dismissed the case, hinging her decision on whether the city breached its contract with Jayhawk Racing when the city council voted May 5, 2015, not to issue $5.5 million in sales tax revenue, or STAR, bonds. But, agreeing with arguments made by Jayhawk attorney Wesley Weathers, the appeals court said the purpose of the original contract was to purchase an interest in real estate.

Lawrence ethics policy up for debate; restrictions on hiring relatives also to be discussed

Lawrence city commissioners will soon consider various updates to the city’s ethics policy, which has not been updated in nearly 30 years.

At its meeting Tuesday, the commission will consider adopting a revised ethics policy for city employees, elected officials and appointed officials. City Manager Tom Markus is proposing the updates to the policy, which was originally created in 1991.
Markus said the proposed changes aren’t the result of a recent incident, but that such policies simply need to be reviewed and updated every so often. He said the update creates transparency and dialogue, and also serves as a public message to everyone regarding how city business is to be conducted.

Lawrence to discuss concerns that downtown panhandlers have become more numerous and aggressive toward visitors

As city leaders prepare to discuss concerns that downtown panhandlers have become more numerous and aggressive toward visitors, both police and mental health resources will likely be part of the discussion.

Some commissioners think that the Lawrence police department should potentially bring back downtown foot patrols to help deter panhandling, but others think to truly address the complex issue of homelessness and panhandling will take more.
Commissioner Matthew Herbert, who was elected in 2015, said people have been talking about downtown panhandling being an issue as long as he’s been on the commission.

Community Vision Workshop wants your ideas to improve Great Bend

A visioning project in Great Bend is trying to improve the community and create a master plan to bring the city into the future. The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Barton County Young Professionals have worked together to form the initiative with the help of Shockey Consulting Services.

Megan Barfield with the Chamber says the workshop is intended to get as many suggestions and solutions as possible. The goal is to get more than 200 people to show up at the workshop this Thursday. Sheila Shockey from Shockey Consulting Services was hired to help navigate a steering committee and develop the master plan. The final plan is anticipated to be completed by next February or March. The committee has researched the area, received suggestions, and are now looking for more community feedback.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Topeka wants to learn more about Garlinghouse Co., designer of modest bungalows

Topeka’s city government and a historic preservation company it hired are trying to learn more about the company formerly based in Topeka that created designs for the bungalow-style “Garlinghouse” homes. “The purpose of the meeting is to solicit information about the Garlinghouse Company itself, as opposed to any one of their houses in particular,” said Molly Hadfield, the city spokeswoman.

The meeting will be aimed in particular at gathering information about such topics as the way the L.F. Garlinghouse Co. operated and the people who worked for it, said Tim Paris, the city’s historic preservation planner.

“We’re familiar with the volume of work they have done, but that’s not everything there is to know,” Paris said. “We’re hoping to find out more about the company itself to establish why it is so important.”

The Garlinghouse company, founded in 1907, created designs and plans for bungalow-style homes, many of which were built in Topeka and across the nation.

Ford County won’t be forced to open second voting location, federal judge in Kansas rules

A federal judge ruled Thursday that adding a second Dodge City polling site five days before Election Day wasn’t in the public’s interest and would likely cause confusion for voters.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree heard nearly three hours of testimony, later filing the order rejecting the ACLU’s request for a temporary restraining order.

While the ACLU argued that adding a second Dodge City polling site would prevent irreparable disenfranchisement, Brad Schlozman, an attorney for Ford County, said doing so would provoke “schizophrenic whiplash” in voters.

KS Court of Appeals — City Powers: Governmental vs. Proprietary — Proprietary contracts may bind future governing bodies

From the syllabus of the Kansas Court of Appeals in Jayhawk Racing vs. City of Topeka…

6. Municipal corporations have dual capacities—governmental and proprietary. In the governmental capacity, they serve as an arm of the state and are sovereign. In the proprietary capacity, they exercise powers as any corporation does.

7. To procure what is needed for public improvements, cities contract with those people and companies that sell what is needed to do the job. When cities act in such a capacity, their actions are proprietary and are governed by the same legal rules that would govern a private corporate transaction.

…

13. If a contract entered into by a city’s governing body involves the exercise of the city’s business or proprietary powers, the contract may extend beyond the term of the contracting governing body and is binding on successor governing bodies if, at the time the contract was entered into, it was fair and reasonable and necessary or advantageous to the municipality. If the contract, however, involves the legislative functions or governmental powers of the city, the contract is not binding on successor boards or councils.
…
15. The Kansas Cash-Basis Law makes it unlawful for the governing body of any municipality to create any indebtedness in excess of the amount of funds actually on hand in the treasury of such municipality at the time for such purpose unless provision has been made for payment by the issuance of bonds.

Read the opinion.

Chamber announces “Imagine Salina” initiative

Salina Post

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is embarking on a five-year, $1.6 million initiative that will encompass workforce development and business expansion and retention, chamber officials announced Thursday morning.

More than 50 business and civic leaders attended the news conference in the chamber’s Visit Salina Annex to hear about the privately funded “Imagine Salina, Turning ‘WHAT IF into WHAT IS’” program. The plan was developed by the chamber board with significant input from the business community. The core of Imagine Salina focuses on two main initiatives: workforce development and business expansion and retention.

(Read more: The Salina Post)

Voters in Ingalls school district to decide on $1.5 million bond issue

On Election Day voters in the Ingalls school district in Gray County will decide on a $1.5 million bond issue.

The Ingalls school district superintendent says it’s been almost 40 years since the last time his district benefited from a bond project. One of the district’s oldest buildings was constructed in 1949.

Included with the $1.5 million bond are new roofs on every building, the installation of HVAC replacements and the installation of 48 new cameras throughout the schools.

“If the bond issue passes, the Gray County Sheriff’s Department and our administration will have remote access to all the cameras at all times,” Ingalls School District Superintendent Randy Rockhold says.

If the bond passes, Rockhold says the district hopes to start making changes in all of its buildings by the end of the year.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Hutchinson, Reno ounty leaders bend lawmakers ears in Thursday roundtable

Hutchinson and Reno County leaders met with a majority of the Reno County legislative delegation on Thursday for a broad-ranging discussion on issues they want lawmakers to consider – or to allow local input on if they come up.

The Hutchinson City Council and Reno County Commission hosted the 90-minute roundtable, which Sen. Ed Berger and Representatives Steve Becker, Jason Probst, Joe Seiwert and candidate Paul Waggoner attended at City Hall.

Near the conclusion of the meeting, both Mayor Steve Dechant and City Manager John Deardoff noted it was one of the most positive sessions community leaders have had with local lawmakers in several years, with some good give and take.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce board announces support for citywide, half-cent sales tax

The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce board on Thursday announced it is in favor of the continuation of the citywide, half-cent “Fix Our Streets” sale tax that will be on the ballot Nov. 6.

The tax, if approved, would be extended for 10 years.

“The sales tax, approved in 2009, has been a critical source of funding for the maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing streets,” said Amy McCarter, vice president of communications for the Greater Topeka Partnership.

Street repair has come up as an issue in economic development in Momentum 2022 discussions.

“We are pleased by the improvements and innovations we are seeing in the city’s street repairs program,” said Paul Bossert, chamber board chair and president of Premier Employment Solutions. “By extending this sales tax we can ensure that residents and visitors to the capital city will be able to utilize safe and reliable streets.”

Officer misconduct could come into question in criminal cases

The personnel matter involving the Hutchinson Police Department has given a black eye to the department that will take time to repair.

But, do the actions of those six officers who were involved in the protection and cover up of one of their fellow officers create other legal problems for the justice system?

The question was put to prominent defense attorney Charlie O’Hara. O’Hara says, unless the wrongdoing by the officer in question had a direct effect on a particular case, then efforts to file a civil motion in past criminal cases would see little chance of getting anywhere. Still, it is possible such a filing could occur.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

McConnell commander to talk tanker at Wichita Aero Club

The featured speaker at the November meeting of the Wichita Aero Club could have a big day ahead of him soon after the event.

Col. Joshua Olson, commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, will be the guest of honor at the Nov. 14 meeting of the Aero Club.

And there is at least a possibility that two days later Olson will be taking part in a delivery ceremony at the base for the first Boeing Co. KC-46 tanker.

Federal documents have previously revealed that McConnell is preparing for a delivery on that date, though the base has emphasized that it is currently only for planning purposes and that the delivery date is subject to change. But the tanker is coming — and its impact on McConnell and the surrounding region will be among those topics addressed by Olson at the club event.

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

City receives three ballpark design/build proposals

The city has received a trio of proposals for the design and construction of a planned new downtown ballpark.

According to a news release, the proposals were received before Wednesday’s deadline, though the firms involved in the bids were not named.

Using STAR bond monies and funds from a TIF (tax-increment financing) district, Wichita plans to build a $70-plus million multi-purpose stadium on the footprint of Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, which is scheduled to be razed before year’s end. According to the city, the three proposals came from “highly-reputable firms.” The proposals will now be reviewed by a team of six that will make up a ballpark oversight committee. The committee, which is scheduled to conduct interviews of members of the proposal teams, will be made up of three representatives from the city and three representatives from the Baby Cakes.

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

Leawood considering moving City Hall

The City of Leawood is considering moving its former City Hall from 9615 Lee Blvd. to a spot near the current City Hall at 4800 Town Center Drive.

All residents are invited to comment on the idea when the City Council meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at the new City Hall. Speakers will have two minutes to make their remarks.

After hearing the comments, the council will discuss the idea and possibly take action. The city is using the old City Hall for storage. Its relocation is being considered to create more green space for a yet-to-be named future park on the city’s one-time civic center, said Chris Claxton, the city’s director parks and recreation.

The cost of moving the building hasn’t been confirmed, Claxton said, but if it remains on the site, it still must be moved to accommodate the construction of a new fire station where the now-razed police headquarters used to be.

Claxton said no future use has been specified for the old City Hall if it moves to the Town Center area, but officials have discussed turning it into a museum of Leawood history.

(Read more: KC Star Local News)

Repairs on tap for city streets around Lewis Field Stadium in Hays

The city of Hays could be ready by March to solicit construction bids for fixing portions of Ash Street, Elm Street and Fourth Street in the area of Lewis Field Stadium.

Concrete and asphalt pavement on the streets would be replaced, as well as any failed curb and gutter and sidewalks, with new storm water inlets installed, as well as replacement and upgrading of old four-inch water main along Ash Street, according to John Braun, project manager for the city. The city previously budgeted $1.6 million for the project in the 2018 budget.

(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)

Topeka gets $750K grant from FHL Bank to help low-income homeowners with housing violations restore their property

The city of Topeka has been awarded a $750,000 grant from Federal Home Loan Bank for a program that works with low-income homeowners with housing violations to help them restore their properties.

Funds for the property maintenance violation rehabilitation program will be available around Jan. 1, the city said in a news release.

“Many of the people we serve are not only low-income but elderly and sometimes disabled. This grant will allow us to help over 50 families with property maintenance rehabilitation on their homes in the upcoming year,” said Corrie Wright, division director of housing services for the neighborhood relations department.

“We’re so excited,” she said. “It’s a big boost.”

U.S. attorney assigns staff member to Dodge for election

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister will send a member of his staff to monitor voting Nov. 6 in Dodge City.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” McAllister said Tuesday. In light of the concerns recently raised with regard to the polling place situation in Ford County, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas will have one or more lawyers present in Dodge City on election day to observe the election process, the press release said. McAllister’s office has not intervened in pending litigation, nor is it taking any position regarding that litigation, the release also said.

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Erie outlaws blowing grass clippings onto streets

It is now illegal in Erie to blow cut grass onto city streets.

The Erie City Council approved an ordinance during its meeting on Oct. 22 that prohibits the discharge of grass clippings on streets and alleys. Those who violate the new ordinance could face a fine of $100.

The ordinance took effect on Thursday after publication in The Erie Record.

Erie resident Chris Harris told the council in a Sept. 12 meeting that grass on the streets is a hazard to motorcyclists and bicyclists and also clogs the stormwater sewer system and the street sweeper.

The council discussed an ordinance during the September meeting, but Mayor Darrell Bauer objected to it. Seth Jones, the city’s attorney, planned to research the existing “nuisance” section of the municipal code to determine if blowing grass onto the streets could fall under it, but apparently it could not.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Chamber eyes city development plan in Marysville

Marysville Chamber of Commerce is preparing to propose a new long-term planning effort for the city, starting with a set of studies done through Kansas State University.

“I’m excited about the direction we’re moving and even more excited about developing a partnership with the city,” Chamber director Jennifer Duffy said. She plans to present the proposal to the council at its Nov. 12 meeting.

“My hope is the city will back this,” she said.

The effort will require a $50,000 commitment by the city starting in 2019, which Duffy said would encompass several studies, including a city housing inventory, a set of site planning concepts for the town’s main streets and urban design strategies to attract business and industry. The funding could come from the city’s industrial fund, she said.

(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)

Hutchinson Police Chief fires three officers, suspends fourth around February traffic stop

The Hutchinson Police Department this week fired three employees in connection with the handling of a February traffic stop involving an-off duty officer reported to be driving erratically.

Another officer was suspended, one was exonerated of wrongdoing and action remains pending against a sixth individual, Hutchinson Police Chief Jeffrey Hooper announced during an afternoon press conference Wednesday at City Hall.

The department will also be changing its command structure, said Hooper, who’s been on the job just two weeks, including naming an officer to oversee public and internal complaints and handle internal affairs.

Hooper would not identify the disciplined employees or their ranks and declined to say if they were fired for lying or for the way they handled the initial investigation.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)