Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Pittsburg, KS Airport to Receive Infrastructure Improvements

The City of Pittsburg receives more than $600,000 in grants to improve the infrastructure at the Atkinson Municipal Airport. The City will pay for a portion of the projects, with grants coming from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).

(Read more: KOAM – Local News)

Edgerton renews sheriff’s contract

Edgerton City Council approved a recommendation to renew an agreement with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department for the law enforcement services for fiscal year 2019.
The agreement calls for the city to pay the sheriff’s department $310,459. a five percent increase from the $295,677 the city paid this year.
The agreement, outlined during the Sept. 27 council meeting, states that the sheriff’s department will provide services at the same level as those provided for the unincorporated area of the county. A fully manned patrol car will be available for the city and additional cars and personnel shall be available as needed.

(Read more: Gardner News)

Prairie Village set to reveal proposed solution to persistent flooding along Mission Road

In the span of just a few weeks last summer, torrential rains sent Brush Creek pouring over its banks in Prairie Village twice, threatening motorists on Mission Road and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to homes and property in the vicinity of the Village Shops and Village Presbyterian Church.

Now, the city of Prairie Village thinks it has a solution to the problem. Keith Bredehoeft, the city’s public works manager, told the city council this week that engineers believed they had devised a plan to mitigate the threat of such catastrophic flooding damage in the future. While he said he could not reveal specific details until next week’s meeting, Bredehoeft indicated that the plan calls for “widening and lowering the [creek] channel along with raising Mission Road…”

Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2018-14: Asset forfeiture funds used to pay salaries

Synopsis: Asset forfeiture funds credited to a special prosecutor’s trust fund pursuant to K.S.A. 2017 Supp. 60-4117(c)(3)(A) may be used to pay for salaries only if the county or district attorney or other governmental agency’s attorney determines the expenditure is for an appropriate and additional law enforcement and prosecutorial purpose, and the expenditure is supplemental to, but does not supplant, normal operating expenses. However, if such salary subsequently becomes a "normal operating expenditure," then such salary shall not be paid from the special prosecutor’s trust fund. Cited herein: K.S.A. 60-4102; K.S.A. 2017 Supp. 60-4107; 60-4117; K.S.A. 1993 Supp. 65-4173.

In effort to reduce no-shows, Lawrence Municipal Court will test having clerks call defendants with reminders

There are people who skip court on purpose. Sometimes repeatedly.

Then there are people who miss court because they forgot, or wrote down the wrong day or time.
Lawrence Municipal Court is going to try something new in hopes of reducing no-shows, at least in the latter category: phone call reminders of upcoming court dates.
The failure-to-appear rate at Lawrence Municipal Court isn’t good, and it’s been getting progressively worse in recent years, Lawrence Municipal Court Judge Scott Miller said.

Read more: LJworld.com.

Lawrence hopes to work with KU to research unified government; county still not interested

Lawrence’s city leaders resolved Tuesday to do further research into a unified city-county government, but a day later, Douglas County commissioners restated that they were not interested in the idea of unification.

The Lawrence City Commission, whose members had first brought up the topic with county commissioners at a Sept. 19 joint meeting of local governing bodies, discussed the issue again during its meeting Tuesday night and decided further research was needed.

Per a suggestion from City Manager Tom Markus, city staff will be asking the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs & Administration to study what it would take to unify the city and the county.

Markus said such a review would lay the groundwork for any attempt at unification that could happen in the future.

Read more: LJworld.com.

Lawrence leaders remove $1M insurance requirement for Airbnbs and other short-term rentals

City leaders decided that they will not require Airbnb and other short-term rental operators to carry insurance.

When the Lawrence City Commission voted Sept. 19 to require permits and licenses for short-term rentals, some said they were unsure about a $1 million insurance requirement and would like to to discuss it further. At its meeting Tuesday, the commission voted 4-1, with Commissioner Leslie Soden against, to strike that requirement from the regulations.

Read more: LJworld.com.

Douglas County to hear information on modular cells as possible solution to jail overcrowding

Douglas County Undersheriff Gary Bunting will provide county commissioners on Wednesday with information on the cost of installing portable, modular cell units at the county jail and will discuss the pros and cons of their use in addressing overcrowding.

Last month, Bunting shared with commissioners an Aug. 2 snapshot of the county’s inmate population that revealed that it had 244 people incarcerated on that one day, or 58 more people than the jail’s 186-bed capacity. The number was very similar to a Feb. 2 snapshot that counted 246 inmates. The earlier snapshot was released during the campaign for Proposition 1, which would have funded a $44 million jail expansion. County voters rejected that ballot initiative in May.

Read more: LJworld.com.

Pittsburg redevelops former smelting site

A former zinc-smelting property deemed unsafe and unusable for decades, is being put back into productive use thanks to a coordinated effort between the City of Pittsburg and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Cleanup efforts began this week at the previous Weir City Zinc Works site, located west of North Broadway Street in Pittsburg.

A coal-mining town fewer than 50 miles from the richest zinc mines in the United States, Pittsburg was once an ideal location for zinc smelting industries in the late 1800s. Although little is left of the zinc industry today, high levels of metal contamination left behind rendered these properties unsafe and unusable for many years. KDHE is working with Pittsburg and other communities across the state to restore the environment and promote the redevelopment of these properties.

(Read more: City of Pittsburg)

Was man fired by City of Olathe for belonging to motorcycle club?

An Olathe man has filed a lawsuit claiming he was unfairly fired by the city for belonging to a motorcycle club.

Larry Brown’s lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Johnson County District Court and seeks unspecified damages for his termination in October 2016. The lawsuit names as defendants the city, Mayor Michael Copeland, Police Chief Steven Menke, City Manager J. Michael Wilkes and then-chief information officer Shawn Whitcomb.

City officials said they had not yet seen the lawsuit and had no comment. “Mr. Brown alleges that he was terminated from his position with the City of Olathe not because of his failure to pass the additional background check but rather because he belonged to a motorcycle club,” the lawsuit says.

Southeast Kansas health center to take over Mercy clinics

Four Mercy-owned health clinics in the Kansas counties of Crawford, Bourbon and Linn will be taken over by the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, after Mercy announced earlier this week that it’s Fort Scott hospital location will close by the end of the year.

“CHC/SEK entered into discussions with Mercy this summer about the need to maintain access to care and they were anxious to preserve the resources they had built in Bourbon and Linn counties,” said Krista Postai, CEO of CHC/SEK, in a statement. “As an organization that had grown out of a faith-based health system, CHC/SEK shared their values and their commitment to providing quality, affordable care.”

Mercy announced Monday that it is closing its Fort Scott hospital — including inpatient services, the emergency department and ambulatory surgery — because of “declining patient numbers and shrinking reimbursement.”

(Read more: www.joplinglobe.com)

Shawnee County to spend $94K to make improvements to Rueger Park softball fields

Shawnee County commissioners made a move Thursday aimed at turning south Topeka’s Rueger Park Softball Complex into a facility capable of hosting national championship tournaments.

Commissioners Kevin Cook, Shelly Buhler and Bob Archer voted 3-0 to award a bid arranging for the county to pay $94,796 to the low bidder, Brown Midwest Commercial Construction, to make improvements to the four lighted softball fields in the park at 2801 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

The project will bring the infield playing surfaces “up to championship level play,” county parks and recreation director John Knight told commissioners in a recent memo.

Dodge City looks to install panhandling ordinance

City commissioners and officials have begun discussions on possibly implementing a panhandling ordinance similar to one that was put in at the city of Wichita.

The discussions stem from safety issues risen from ongoing panhandling between those that are seeking assistance and those giving assistance.

“We have been discussing generally the potential ordinances that address some of the safety concerns related to pedestrians transfer of gifts or donations between pedestrians and drivers or passengers of vehicles,” said city legal counsel Brad Ralph. “It generally follows the format that was passed in Wichita and I can say it will not be exactly like that ordinance but we have made additions and changes to that.”

Augusta City Council okays updates to airport leases

Augusta City staff, the City Attorney, and the Airport Advisory Board have been working several months on updating the lease agreements for T-Hangars, the Community hangar, and the tie-down spaces at the Augusta Municipal Airport.
Not only has the existing lease been in place for a long time and needs updated, but it also needs to address some current issues at the airport. Augusta Assistant City Manager Cody Sims explained the situation to council members at Monday night’s regular council meeting. “I contacted three other municipal airports and asked about updating leases…Updating leases does not happen very often,” Sims stated. Some of the new provisions to ensure that the City is getting the best use and return with the existing hangar space available at the airport, and to provide a consistent and equitable opportunity for the public to use the airport, include:

(Read more: El Dorado Times)

Great Bend finding out the expense of not having an engineer

As the Great Bend City Council approved the inspection services from Kirkham Michael for the 8th Street paving construction, they received a glimpse of the expense of not having an in-house engineer.

The project cost of the street construction will hit the City of Great Bend but the price tag will be reimbursed by the benefit district, those around 8th Street.

The inspection cost of $38,225 was accounted for, but councilmember Cory Urban noted that just one project is nearly half an annual salary of a city engineer.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Lenexa approves hearing date for public financing request on office project south of City Center

The Lenexa City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved holding a Nov. 6 public hearing to consider a redevelopment tax-increment financing (TIF) project plan for the Vantage Point office project in the Mining TIF District which would allow the developer to receive as much as $26.7 million in reimbursements for eligible project costs.

The TIF project plan covers about 32.5 acres at the northwest corner of Renner Boulevard and 93rd Street, according to a Tuesday memo from Assistant City Attorney Sean McLaughlin to the council. The developer is VP Lenexa LLC, a subsidiary of Wichita-based Vantage Point Properties Inc.

Wichita Fire Dept. introduces new rescue dog

Wichita firefighters Thursday introduced their department’s new rescue dog.

Sailor is working for the Wichita Fire Department with her handler after graduating from Ground Zero, an emergency training facility in Oklahoma.

The pair will work together on search-and-rescue efforts in disaster situations.

“She only indicated on live human scent,” Sailor’s handler, Wichita Fire Department Captain Chad Winton explains about the dog and how she’ll help the department. “When she find that individual, she will stay with them and continue to bark until I come up and reward her and locate that victim.”

(Read more: KWCH News)

Downtown bike-share program doubling in size with 100 more bicycles, new locations

The downtown Wichita bike-share program that launched last year is more than doubling its size with additional locations and more bicycles.

Bike Share ICT is adding 100 more bicycles and 24 new locations in the coming weeks, said Becky Tuttle, community development director for Greater Wichita YMCA. The expansion is funded through a contribution from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Wichita Community Foundation. “Bike Share ICT has had a tremendous impact on the bike and pedestrian culture of our city,” Mayor Jeff Longwell said in a release. “I love seeing more and more people riding bikes, and I hope the success of this program will continue to spread the love for biking in our community.”

(Read more: Wichita Eagle)

More jobs means more than better pay to some Kansans

More jobs and better pay coming their way, that was the conclusion of the annual jobs forecast from Wichita State’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research Thursday. “I’m actually optimistic about the job outlook,” said Jeremy Hill, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research behind the forecast. For the last few years he’s been pessimistic about job growth and Kansas has lost jobs. But now, he says, things are turning around. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to grow a lot. But I think it’s actually a positive sign.”

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Merriam celebrating inaugural Merriam Drive Live this weekend

The inaugural Music Fest Merriam Drive Live is set for Saturday, Oct. 6.

Downtown Merriam will turn into a street and lawn party with live music on two stages. Plus, festivalgoers can enjoy a touch-a-truck and beer garden as well as food trucks, yard games — including Connect 4, corn hole and giant Jenga — and other kids activities. Crafters and farmers market vendors will also be there for visitors to get their shopping done.

McPherson residents might snag a free pizza with a properly functioning smoke alarm

McPherson’s Domino’s Pizza, 719 N. Main St., and the National Fire
Protection Association are teaming up with the McPherson City Fire Department to promote fire safety during Fire Prevention Week on Oct. 7-13.

From 11 a.m until 7 p.m. this upcoming Monday and Tuesday anyone who orders a Domino’s pizza may be randomly selected and surprised at the door when their pizza
arrives aboard a fire engine. If the smoke alarms in the home are found to be working, their order is free.

If the alarms are not working, the firefighters will replace them or install new batteries.

Goddard STAR bond project finally a reality?

The starting gun finally may be sounding for real on the long-awaited $25.4 million Goddard STAR Bond Development.
The city council on Monday approved a fourth amendment to the development that offers the best promise yet to jumpstart the project, which has been on the drawing board for five years.

The amendment assigns master developer rights for five years from Goddard Destination Development to Goddard Sports, LLC, a company owned by Wichita entrepreneur Rodney Steven. The agreement calls for construction on Phase I of the development to begin no later than Dec. 31, 2018.

“They are ready to begin, and I don’t have any inclination at all that this date will be missed,” city administrator Brian Silcott told council members.

Amtrak will run Southwest Route as it is for at least a year

Amtrak officials say its Southwest Chief route, which stops in Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Garden City, will continue to operate as normal for at least the next year.

Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas made the announcement Wednesday in news release after a hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

The Southwest Chief line runs for 2,300 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles. Amtrak officials said in June they were considering using buses along the route in parts of Kansas, New Mexico and Arizona.

Moran said during Wednesday’s hearing that Amtrak officials committed to continuing operation as it currently is along the entire route at least through the current federal fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, 2019.

(Read more: KOAM – Local News)

Mission residents urge council to pass non-discrimination ordinance with protections for LGBTQ residents, employees

Mission residents came out Wednesday night in overwhelming support of a nondiscrimination ordinance to extend legal protections to their LGBTQ neighbors and city employees.

Councilmember Sollie Flora introduced the ordinance that would make discrimination against a number of classifications, including LGBTQ individuals, illegal. LGBTQ residents and city employees are not currently given legal protection from discrimination under state or federal law.

The ordinance is reflective of the city’s values, Flora said Wednesday.

Sedgwick County to investigate itself on secret personnel matter

Following a closed-door session and cryptic pronouncements from the bench, a divided Sedgwick County Commission has decided to hire outside counsel to conduct an investigation of personnel matters within the county.

Commissioners declined to state the reason for the investigation, but sources within county government have previously told The Eagle that some commissioners have been concerned about a high rate of turnover among department heads who report to County Manager Michael Scholes.

The decision to launch the investigation came Wednesday after a half-hour meeting of commissioners behind closed doors.

(Read more: Politics & Government News |)

Marysville considers change in downtown zoning

Marysville City Council is eyeing a change in zoning of Marysville’s central business district to allow for apartment development in the future.

City inspector Dave Richardson told council members at their Sept. 24 meeting that Marysville Planning Commission is considering a new zoning district for downtown buildings that currently are prohibited from having ground-floor residences.

Richardson said the change could offer more options for use of vacant buildings that once housed businesses and professional offices in the downtown area.

Current city code allows for second-story residences, such as apartments and lofts, in buildings along Center and Broadway, but not on the main floor.

(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)

Wellington City officials not happy with Dollar Tree’s rush to pave 17th Street

Developers involved in the Dollar Tree project paved 17th Street north of the new store over the weekend, and Wellington city officials are not real happy with the situation.

As part of the overall agreement, the developer was supposed to do that project, but they were also to allow the city to inspect the work as it proceeded and they were to meet certain specifications. City officials discovered on Monday the work had been done over the weekend. Dollar Tree officials are targeting for an opening date of Oct. 25.

City Manager Shane Shields told the council at Tuesday’s meeting that he and other city officials are going to get information from a consultant and see what their options are moving forward. Shields, in his report at the end of the meeting, said the developers agreement says the project is subject to specifications listed by the city. They have sent the developer a notice to stop work on the project until it is resolved.

(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)

Statewide opioid response includes more resources in western Kan.

In response to the estimated $30 million dollars in grants being awarded to several state agencies in Kansas from the Federal government for use in battling opioid and substance use disorders, Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. today announced his coordinated effort to ensure those funds are targeted toward addressing prevention and treatment of substance use disorders in Kansas. Western Kansas is specifically targeted for more telehealth resources and Oxford Houses, self-run, self-supported residential recovery programs.

(Read more: Hays Post)

Official: Economic development is a regional issue

A growing regional economy is a benefit to all, including Derby’s residents and business owners.

That was among the many points John Waltner of the Regional Economic Area Partnership, or REAP, made during a recent presentation in Derby before the City Council.

The cliche statement may be that “the rising tide raises all boats,” but it is appropriate, he said. Waltner, who retired as County Administrator of Harvey County in 2017, also served as mayor of Hesston for nearly 25 years. Derby is part of REAP’s board of directors and is represented by council member Tom Keil and

City Manager Kathy Sexton.

As part of his job in dealing with REAP’s member relations, Waltner has a mission to visit the REAP member cities and counties to provide an update and to hear questions or concerns.

(Read more: Derby News | derbyinformer.com)

Derby Recreation Commission receives $5,000 grant

A $5,000 grant from the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association may soon assist in displaying news and health tips from the Derby Recreation Commission throughout the city.

In efforts to promote patient health and partner with local healthcare providers, the DRC plans to use the funds to add electronic video communication kiosks. Derby Recreation Commission marketing director Mykalynn Penny said, however, that after evaluating costs, they are now looking at displaying the information on televisions instead.

The plan is to add three to five displays. Each screen would have approximately 10 slides and seven of them would be from the DRC. Penny shared that they’d include information on health and wellness, education information as well as fitness programs available at the Derby Recreation Center.

(Read more: Derby News | derbyinformer.com)

Leavenworth Commissioners discuss amended Port Authority agreement

When they met Tuesday, Leavenworth city commissioners discussed proposed changes to the 1969 agreement that established the Leavenworth County Port Authority.

As currently written, the agreement calls for members of the Port Authority’s governing body to jointly be appointed by the Leavenworth City Commission and Leavenworth County Commission.

But the County Commission has proposed changing the appointment process for the economic development organization. Under a proposed amended agreement, the County Commission would be the only entity that approves members of the Port Authority board in the future.

County commissioners approved of the amended agreement in July.

But Leavenworth City Manager Paul Kramer said the agreement needs to be ratified by both the County Commission and City Commission.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

Overland Park council makes it official: Farmers Market staying put

It took less than a minute Monday night for the Overland Park City Council to finally settle months of debate over whether to move the Farmers Market into a downtown park.

No, the council said. The Farmers Market will not relocate to Santa Fe Commons Park. With that unanimous voice vote, council members gave the go-ahead to city staff to put the question behind them and begin working with consultants on the finer points of a redesign for the park, which is soon to be renamed Thompson Park.

Chanute negotiates sale of former Spirit building to cabinet manufacturer

Chanute commissioners negotiated Tuesday evening with a manufacturer interested in repurchasing the building at 615 W. Cherry, and will consider action at next week’s meeting.

Jim Caldwell, owner of Hi-Lo and Bridgewood Custom Cabinets, said he wants to attend an auction next week to purchase equipment for the plant, which would expand the Bridgewood operations. Caldwell is making an offer of $400,000 to purchase the 615 W. Cherry building from the city. He is also requesting incentives of a reduction of dollar-for-dollar for equipment purchased for the building, and $5,000 for each new job created. He said after Tuesday’s special commission meeting that the job creation incentive is similar to one offered to Xcursion pontoon boats.

(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)

CORRECTED: Manager search to commence in Winfield

CORRECTION: Any early title incorrectly mentioned “Wellington”. That should have stated “Winfield”. We apologize for the error!

With Jeremy Willmoth no longer manager for the City of Winfield, the city commission will soon begin looking for a replacement.

Winfield Mayor Greg Thompson said the commission’s first order of business is to find an interim city manager. Interviews will begin in the next couple of weeks. The interim manager could end up being someone who is already employed by the city, said Thompson.

“(The commission hasn’t) talked about it a great deal,” Thompson said about finding an interim. “But obviously this is where our focus needs to be at this point.”

The commission could call on consultants to help with hiring a permanent manager, which they did in 2016 when replacing former manager Warren Porter. The governing body might also consider other sources of help, said Thompson.

Parsons looks at options for utility fund rate hike

Although a rate increase is certain to be implemented soon, Parsons city commissioners are still trying to decide exactly how to increase revenue in the stormwater utility fund.

During 2019 budget planning in the summer, city staff recommended that the stormwater rate for residential customers be raised from $3.50 per month to either $4.50 or $5. Commercial rates under that plan would be raised by the same amount, from $4.50 per month to either $5.50 or $6, but city commissioners now think commercial utility customers should shoulder more of the burden because their larger buildings and parking lots create more stormwater runoff into the city’s drainage system.

During a Thursday work session, City Manager Debbie Lamb presented the commission with 11 scenarios, ranging from keeping the two rates the same to raising the residential rate to $5 and the commercial rate to $10. The latter would raise an additional $109,194 annually for the stormwater fund.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Sedgwick County Zoo unveils new 25-year master plan

Sedgwick County Zoo has a new 25-year master plan that includes a water park, an aquarium, a hotel and an African savanna.
By Bo Rader

(Read more: Local News |)

Valley Center considering outdoor exercise equipment

The Valley Center Recreation Commission is considering the installation of an outdoor workout circuit with up to six pieces of equipment at the McCay Family Soccer Complex. The stations would include three stationary pieces of equipment and three that have moving parts. The equipment is designed to use a person’s body as the weight resistance.

Cost for the equipment and installation is just over $37,000.

(Read more: Area | derbyinformer.com)

Clearwater fire chief steps down from post, volunteer firefighters resign

The fire chief for the City of Clearwater stepped down from his post Tuesday night. The move followed an emergency meeting at City Hall. With the resignations of the fire chief and other firefighters in the city, Clearwater will now have to rely on outside communities for emergency response.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Fort Scott plans to work with Bourbon County to find health care solutions

City officials are putting plans in motion to address the impact of the city losing its hospital by the end of the year.

City Manager Dave Martin talked to the Fort Scott City Commission Tuesday about working together with Bourbon County officials on potential solutions after Mercy Hospital Fort Scott officials announced Monday plans for the hospital to close by Dec. 31. Martin said he, Director of Economic Development Rachel Pruitt and Community Development Director Robert Uhler have been contacted by some people about the future of services currently provided by Mercy. He emphasized the need to work with the county on the future of health care in the community.

“We want to partner with the county to save health care here,” he said. “We’re working on a fast timeline.” During discussion later in the meeting, Mayor Jolynne Mitchell said “it will take our whole village and community to overcome what we’re facing right now.”

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

Bourbon County Commissioners discuss impact of hospital closing

The upcoming closing of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott was announced the same day Jody Hoener punched the clock for the first time as Bourbon County’s economic development director.

On Tuesday, commissioners said the announcement means the newly created economic development director position is more important than ever. “It’s a very sad day for Bourbon County with the closing of the Fort Scott hospital,” Commission Chairman Lynne Oharah said. “Our hearts go out to the employees that are affected because of this dramatic change in their lifestyles.

“It’s going to be up to the county and the city to move forward with a plan that will benefit Bourbon County. So we just have to take the news as we’ve got it and we’re going to have to move forward.”

“Out biggest nightmare was realized yesterday,” Second District Commissioner Jeff Fischer said. “There’s challenges ahead.”

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

Garden City airport eyeing new terminal

The Garden City Commission unanimously approved a request for the consideration of funds for the construction of a new terminal at Garden City Regional Airport, a project that would result in an larger, updated facility that would allow the airport to accommodate larger aircrafts.

The request, the Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Appropriation Project Request for fiscal years 2018-2020, potentially could secure $20 million for the $26.85 million terminal construction project. Should the city receive the funding, it still must finance or find outside payment for the remaining $6.85 million, said Rachelle Powell, director of aviation at Garden City Regional Airport.

Mayor Roy Cessna said the city has looked into enhancing the terminal for some time, and had long looked for ways to bring in larger airplanes and more airlines. The first step, he said, was a larger terminal.

Harvey County trying new approach to limit health costs

The Board of Harvey County Commissioners approved changes Monday morning to the Harvey Healthy Rewards wellness program designed to get higher participation among county employees.

Health Department Director Lynnette Redington said changes made by the wellness team encouraged more physical activity. She suggested allowing employees’ spouses to join the program.

“That is a huge addition this year,” she said.

Commission Chairman Randy Hague said spouses should be on the plan because their health affected the county’s insurance.

County Administrator Anthony Swartzendruber said staff talked about possible changes that could limit the cost of health care. He said larger counties had clinics in their buildings where employees see a doctor and not have the visit billed to the insurance provider. He also said it was too late in the year for the county to consider such a change in 2019.

(Read more: Newton Now)

Miami County courthouse to undergo repairs to water-damaged plaster

A plaster restoration expert who helped restore Kansas City’s historic Midland Theater has been contracted to repair plaster damage in the stairwells, the courtroom and two offices of the Miami County Courthouse.

Miami County commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 26 to hire Brad Bruce of Kansas City, Kan., to complete the restoration for $13,420.

During a study session earlier that day, County Administrator Shane Krull described water damage to the plaster on the third-floor ceiling of the west and east stairwells. Plaster from the east stairwell fell three floors to the ground level. The damage occurred on a weekend, and no one was injured.

(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

Lawrence City Commission voices concerns about validity of community survey on police

While some Lawrence city commissioners said the results of a survey gauging the community’s interactions with and perceptions of Lawrence police were important to consider, they also expressed disappointment and frustration with the consultant’s methodology in conducting the survey.

The city hired Allegro Training & Consulting and paid the firm $20,000 to complete the survey. Vice Mayor Lisa Larsen said she is a big believer in looking at statistics, but pointed out that one version of the consultant’s own report states that the survey is not statistically valid because it doesn’t have a representative sample of the population.

“I want to see data that will help us move forward with our policing in Lawrence, but when I see sentences in here that say it is not a statistically valid cross-section of Lawrence, it’s hard for me to take that data seriously,” Larsen said.

Read more: LJworld.com.

Reno County Commission considering changes to economic policy

The Reno County Commission is considering a policy that would require businesses to meet certain conditions if they want incentives from the county. This policy would also apply to businesses that create five to nine jobs.

County Administrator Gary Meagher told the commission Tuesday that, for those companies, they would pay 50 percent of what the county pays companies that plan to create 10 or more jobs.

In every case, the minimum wage criteria and cash incentives per job created would apply. Some on the commission didn’t like limiting small businesses or those in a small community from only getting 50 percent and suggested at least going to 75 percent of what is paid to those who create 10 jobs or more.

No decision was made on the county economic policy Tuesday, but it could come back in the next couple of weeks for final adoption.

(Read more: Hutch Post)