Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

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)

Marion County transfers ownership of historic building

Commissioners unanimously approved transferring the Bowron Building to the Marion Advancement Campaign Monday.

The building needs a new roof and other repairs, but Marion economic development director Randy Collett hopes to have them done within six months.

“Our history and heritage is a priceless thing,” he said. “The Bowron Building is part of Marion’s history, it’s been here since 1886.”

Possibilities for the space include a retail space, a studio apartment, and a small theater. “I look at, not just Marion, but Hillsboro too, and see buildings along Main St. that have been for sale a long time or finally sold for 10 to 20 percent of what they originally asked,” Commissioner Becker said. “If I weigh that against the tax benefit of getting it back onto the roles, I’m leaning toward transferring it.”

The advancement campaign is considering partnering with Marion Land Bank to provide a tax abatement to whomever uses the space.

(Read more: HILLSBORO Star-Journal)

Marion County announces new EMS director

Dave Owen was announced as the county commission’s choice for EMS director Monday.

He is serving his final 30 days as EMS director in Morris County, which ends after Thanksgiving.

“He’s well-known throughout EMS in this area,” county commissioner Kent Becker said. “A lot of our people know him and we had high recommendations.”

The department is making minimal changes to ensure a smooth transition, Becker said.

“We want it to be as seamless as possible,” he said.

(Read more: HILLSBORO Star-Journal)

Prominent longtime resident of Derby leaves legacy

The bronze sculptures displayed throughout Derby are a tangible legacy of how Charlie Hubbard touched the city. Getting the works in place was just one of his many passions, said Theresa Hearn, executive director of the Derby Community Foundation.

There are now 19 of them, but if he had his way, “there would be 100,” she said.

Charles Hubbard, usually called Charlie, lived and worked in Derby for more than 60 years. He passed away on the morning of Oct. 25. Charlie had dedicated 37 years working in the Derby School District, but he also was instrumental volunteering in the community as if it was a full-time job.

Charlie was the first president of the Derby Community Foundation, served as president of the Derby Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club, and had been an active member of the Rotary Club of Derby. City Manager Kathy Sexton said Charlie was a man “who not only had big dreams, he worked hard to achieve them.”

“Whether it was Derby Rotary, the community’s bronze art collection or the historical museum, Charlie put his money where his mouth was,” Sexton said. “He has my utmost respect as a dreamer and a doer.”

(Read more: Derby News | derbyinformer.com)

Yoder shopping center drawing new tenants

Downtown Yoder is experiencing a retail resurgence.

In the past several months three new stores and a commercial office have opened in the Heritage Square strip center just off Main Street that had been largely empty for the past several years.

The growth is especially remarkable when you consider there are less than a dozen businesses in the small community six miles south of Hutchinson, in the middle of Amish country.

The business owners, remarkably, are all named Yoder, though only a pair are related.

The three retailers will celebrate a Christmas Open House on Friday and Saturday with Christmas décor, discounts, drawings, and other activities.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Miami County to get new fuel island pumps system

A fuel island pump system that has served vehicles in all Miami County government departments for more than two decades will soon be replaced with a modern system.

Miami County commissioners at their meeting Wednesday, Oct. 24, approved purchasing a fuel pump system for $32,311.35 from Holidale of Shawnee. The cost includes a SynTech Fuelmaster 2500 system with data logger, modem, NIC card, software, hose controller switch, Gasboy pumps and other hardware, plus installation. Road and Bridge Director J.R. McMahon told commissioners the county’s current fuel system is about 23 years old and in need of an upgrade. The purchase will come out of the county’s fuel fund, he said.

McMahon told commissioners the system is not used just by Road and Bridge and Public Works departments.

“Everybody in Miami County (departments) uses it,” McMahon said.

(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

MARC awards $3.1 million grant for road project in Louisburg

A $3.1 million federal grant to improve a one-mile stretch of South Metcalf Road in Louisburg is now in hand.

Rob Roberts told fellow Miami County commissioners at their Wednesday, Oct. 24, study session that Mid-America Regional Council, the grant’s administrator, approved the grant the day before on Oct. 23.

“Two years ago, I told Mr. (J.R.) McMahon I didn’t want to sit through another one of these (grant selections) without a Miami County project on the table,” said Roberts, who is a vice-chair of MARC’s board of directors. “I am happy to report that the (Metcalf 2.0) grant was approved for $3.1 million.”

(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

Ballpark design proposals due to city

Design proposals for the planned new Wichita multi-purpose ballpark were due at City Hall by Wednesday afternoon.

After announcing it plans to build a new ballpark to replace Lawrence-Dumont Stadium earlier this year, the city put out a request for proposals for the design of the facility, which will sit on or near the footprint of L-D.

It’s all part of a package put together by the city to lure the minor league New Orleans Baby Cakes baseball franchise. The team plans to play its first season in Wichita’s new ballpark in 2020.

As of midday on Friday, Hannah Lang, a senior buyer in the city’s finance department, said no bids had been submitted. According to city records, nearly 50 individuals representing various firms attended a pre-proposal meeting on October 12.

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

Hutchinson city manager, police chief discuss recent disciplinary action

In a room filled with law enforcement, dispatchers and media, Hutchinson Police Chief Jeffrey Hooper and City Manager John Deardoff held a press conference to discuss the recent events involving the Hutchinson Police Department.

While few other details were given about the recent personnel matters within the department, they did take time to discuss changes that are ahead and how the department is coping with the recent events. During the press conference, Hooper informed those in attendance that the incident involving an off-duty officer has led to a number of personnel changes. Hooper says one of the three officers terminated was Capt. Troy Hoover. He was terminated Monday. The rest of the personnel matters have come over the past three days. Hooper says he is making changes to how the department is structured.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Eudora city officials hope designs spark developer interest in downtown gateway properties

With conceptual designs in hand, city of Eudora officials are looking for investors to redevelop two properties on the southern entrance to downtown.

Eudora City Manager Barack Matite said one of the properties is the 4,320-square-foot former public safety building at 840 Main St., which has been used for storage since the city’s fire and police departments moved in July 2013 to a new building at 930 Main St. The other site is west across Main Street from the old public safety building and includes a city-owned vacant lot and a privately owned car wash.
The city requested proposals to purchase and redevelop the old public safety building in early May, Matite said.

Reno County residents still want moratorium on proposed wind farms

Although the Reno County Commission met, it had no agenda items to approve. However, commissioners did get more comments on proposed wind farms in Reno County and how the county needs to have a moratorium while it puts together blanket zoning for such facilities.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Hutchinson Police Department shakeup includes suspensions

Besides the firing of Hutchinson Police Capt. Troy Hoover on Monday, other personnel at the police department have been suspended pending completion an internal investigation, Hutchinson Police Chief Jeffrey Hooper confirmed Tuesday.

Hooper would not say how many individuals are on suspension or identify them.

“We will be taking further action this week,” Hooper said. “I’d rather not say at this point (the number or the individuals) because it’s an internal matter and we are still working with them. I’d hate to find out it was more or less than I say is involved.”

The internal investigation should be wrapped up by Wednesday afternoon and more information will be released at a press conference following that on Wednesday, the chief said.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Hutchinson’s assistant police chief fired

Hutchinson Police Department’s Capt. Troy Hoover, the department’s assistant chief for more than a decade and a veteran of more than 30 years, was fired on Monday afternoon by the city’s new police chief.

Hoover and City Manager John Deardoff both verified the firing. The News was unable to reach Chief Jeffrey Hooper, who started in the job less than two weeks ago.

Deardoff said there would be a press conference Wednesday afternoon about the firing.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

As Shawnee Mission’s first tax increment financing districts expire, evidence that things don’t always go as planned

The promise was there, twenty years ago, as cities began to dabble in a new way of raising money for hard-to-develop land. Cities, the county and school districts would forgo revenue from higher property values on newly improved land. Instead that money would go to developers for their costs. After a couple of decades, those costs would be paid and that revenue would be a boon to be reclaimed by the schools and cities.

It was called tax increment financing, and back in the 1990s, only a few Johnson County cities were brave enough to dip in a toe to an arrangement that is now a regular feature of city council meetings.

But 20 years is now about up on some of the oldest of those first Johnson County TIF districts. And as the clock winds down, it has become apparent that things don’t always pan out as expected.

Kansas communities may apply now for designation as an Opportunity Zone

On Tuesday, Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. announced that the Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting proposals from communities to designate eligible low-income census tracts as Kansas Opportunity Zones under the new Federal Opportunity Zones program. Opportunity Zones are a new economic development tool enacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 designed to encourage long-term investments in low-income urban and rural communities. Based upon the number of low-income communities identified by the Federal Census, the Governor can designate 70 census tracts in Kansas as Opportunity Zones. Census tract eligibility is based upon population and income. Information about census tract eligibility for this program may be found at http://kansascommerce.gov/opportunityzones. Communities interested in submitting proposals to be considered as a Kansas Opportunity Zone should submit a letter of interest by March 1, 2018.

Voters to decide on commission expansion in Leavenworth County

In this year’s general election, voters will decide whether the Leavenworth County Commission should be expanded from three members to five.

A group known as Give Me Five collected the necessary signatures to have the question placed on the ballot for the November election.

Janette Labbee-Holdeman, who helped spearhead the effort, argued that expanding the commission to five members will provide better representation to southern Leavenworth County.

“To me, that has not been well represented,” she said.

She said a lot of people are moving into Basehor and Tonganoxie.

Currently, both communities are represented by one county commissioner.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

Designers detail features of new Johnson County courthouse set to open in 2021

The new Johnson County Courthouse will open in early 2021 with 24 finished courtrooms, up-to-date accessibility and an entry-way sculpture of multi-colored chains by Los Angeles artist Benjamin Ball, according to a presentation by design team members to the county commission.

Designers and county officials are working on final details of the building’s interior as they prepare to set the next round of guaranteed maximum price limits on the building. The entire courthouse building project is expected to cost about $175 million. Once the details are nailed down, work will begin early next year, with the building to be enclosed by fall. Substantial completion is expected by August 2020.