Kansas Municipal News
Reno County and USD 309 still discussing school resource officer
As expected, the Reno County Commission made no final decision about adding a position to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office. The addition would include a school resource officer for the Nickerson School District.
The plan is for the district to pay 85 percent of the wages and benefits with an estimated cost of over $74,000 — more than what was first indicated.
Dr. Dawn Johnson with USD 309 explained why the district feels it needs the officer. The two commissioners present at the meeting Tuesday didn’t seem to have a problem moving ahead with negotiations with the district. At this point, the issue is only in the talking stage. No agreement has been reached.
There was a question raised by Commissioner Dan Deming over other districts in the county also wanting a school resource officer. Sheriff Henderson says two districts in the area have their own police departments, that being Buhler and Haven. The only others would be Pretty Prairie and the Fairfield districts. Sheriff Henderson says if they want to have an officer, they would need to come forward soon.
(Read more: Hutch Post)
Rental inspection program could be eliminated in Hutchinson
It was controversial and even lead to threats of legal action. There was eventually legislation by the state over its legality. In March 2015, the Hutchinson City Council approved establishment of a Rental Registration and Inspection Program.
But the city was forced to amend the program in June 2016 to comply with the new state statute. The change required tenant consent before conducting an interior rental inspection. The change basically took the teeth out of the city program, which was put in place to pressure landlords to keep their property up to standards. The program was also met with much resistance from landlords.
Now, after three years, the program may be eliminated. The Hutchinson Housing Commission will likely ask the City Council to do away with the program. The request will surely draw a lot of discussion by the council if and when it’s presented to them. The housing commission will meet Wednesday to consider discontinuing the rental inspection program at the end of the year. Another request to the council will be to explore alternative code enforcement methods for the city. Alternative codes might at least keep some type of watch over rental properties.
(Read more: Hutch Post)
South Hutchinson Police Chief starts GoFundMe page to assist officers being laid off
The South Hutchinson Police Department has started a GoFundMe page to assist two officers and a records clerk whose jobs will be eliminated Sept. 5 as part of budget cuts imposed by the South Hutchinson City Council last week.
Officers Matt Gabrielson and Keith Zerger, and records clerk Jaime Hedger will have little time to prepare for the layoff, said Police Chief Mark Thompson.
He’s hoping to raise at least $2,000 for each employee to help with health insurance or other bills they might face before being able to find new jobs. He based the amount sought on estimated COBRA insurance costs for their families.
“These individuals faithfully served to protect the citizens of South Hutchinson, and now they need our help,” Thompson stated on the page, found at https://www.gofundme.com/south-hutchinson-police-officers?member=618732. “Please help us raise funds to assist them during this sudden transition.”
The fund had about $1,100 raised as of Tuesday afternoon. Any unused funds, Thompson said, would be donated to Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)
Meanwhile, Thompson said, he’ll be sitting down with his leadership on the department this week to figure how to adjust schedules to compensate for the 25 percent cut in officers while taking on tasks of the clerk.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
South Hutchinson fire truck will remain in service after accident
A South Hutchinson fire truck damaged in a collision Sunday while responding to an alarm will remain in service, said Fire Chief R.C. Watson, until the vehicle is scheduled for repair.
The crash at the intersection of Blanchard and Main damaged to the truck’s front bumper and driver’s side door.
“The door is not working properly,” Watson said. “It’s got a hitch when you try to close it. And the bumper will need to be replaced. But all our trucks remain in service. It just won’t be the first-out apparatus.”
He had no estimate on the cost of repairs. The truck, he said, though running with lights and siren, stopped at the red light on Blanchard and was sitting there waiting for the intersection to clear. A Hutchinson driver who was northbound on Main saw the truck and slammed on his brakes, causing his vehicle to slide on the wet pavement and slam into the truck where it sat on Blanchard.
“The (fire) truck was stopped at the crosswalk,” he said. “Because of the water, the car moved into our lane. He ended up sliding northeast.”
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Saline County Commission selects interview board for county engineer
On Tuesday morning, Saline County commissioners unanimously selected a six-person interview board to conduct job interviews with applicants for county engineer.
The interview board will consist of County Administrator Rita Deister, Assistant County Administrator Andrew Manley, Road and Bridge Administrator Darren Fishel, Commissioner Mike White, Human Resources Director Marilyn Leamer and a professional engineer to be selected by Deister and Leamer.
Saline County’s previous county engineer, Neil Cable, retired at the end of July.
Saline County is accepting applications for the position through Aug. 26. Leamer told commissioners that three people already have applied. The board will recommend a candidate with commissioners making the final decision, Leamer said.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)
Dodge City changes residential zone; applies for housing grant
Community housing projects took up most of the city commission meeting agenda on Monday.
Community Housing Association of Dodge City, Wagon Wheel addition, Candletree #8 and a commercial zoning change to residential, were all topics addressed.
The commercial zone change was for 2.54 acres of land to an R-3 residential higher density zone for multi-family development.
The 2.54 acres is between Ross Boulevard and Canterbury Road west of Avenue A and east of Cannery Row.
According to planning and zoning director of development services Kevin Israel, it is unclear at this time at the type of housing development that will be planned for the area.
The zoning change was approved unanimously.
City officials approved the support of applying for a $250,000 grant for the abandoned housing program.
“Last year when we applied for the grant it was for $100,000,” housing special projects coordinator Mollea Wainscott said. “That grant went towards the housing development on Mulberry Circle that was part of the partnership with Dodge City Community College.”
With the housing shortage still an issue in Dodge City, the housing department is continuing to strive on bringing more housing to the community.
(Read more: News – Dodge City Daily Globe – Dodge City, KS)
Wichita allows tiny house development to move forward; neighbors hire lawyer
Saying they have no choice and over the objection of dozens of neighbors, Wichita City Council members on Tuesday approved the city’s first “tiny house” subdivision.
The neighbors left the meeting angry. They say they plan to sue to try to stop the development and plan to oppose the council members at the ballot box.
“This isn’t over,” said J.D. Munley, who lives near the planned development. “I have already talked to my attorney.” The issue involves plans to put about 90 tiny houses on 15 acres of land just outside the city limits at Harry and 143rd Street East. More than 30 residents came to Tuesday’s meeting to oppose the plan. The site is surrounded by homes on large lots valued at $300,000 to $1 million. The tiny homes are projected to be about 500 square feet plus loft space for sleeping and to sell for less than $100,000 each.
“It’s a great concept but a terrible location,” said Russ Hamker, one of the neighboring homeowners.
Neighbors said they’d been told by Realtors that they’d lose about 30 percent of the value of their homes if the tiny house development is built.
The developer, David Murfin, made two requests to allow the project to go forward: annexation to the city and approval of a plat for the development. According to Planning Director Dale Miller, annexation automatically rezones the land from a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet to 4,000-5,000 square feet. And if annexation was approved, the City Council has no legal authority to deny the plat, said Miller and City Attorney Jennifer Magana.
(Read more: Local News |)
Great Bend receives another push to place turf at the Sports Complex
n case the idea of installing turf was not on the minds of city officials and councilmembers, several baseball- and softball-minded individuals showed up at Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting to encourage the placement of turf on ballfields.
Mike Minton, president of the Great Bend Bombers Baseball organization, presented before the Council on the advantages of placing turf on the baseball and softball fields at the Great Bend Sports Complex. Minton outlined the amount of visitors the Sports Complex brings into the city each spring and summer with youth tournaments and turning that traffic into dollars spent in the community.
When the Complex opened in 2012, there were no plans to place turf on the fields, but Minton stressed the importance of staying ahead of the game. Minton has been in Great Bend for over 25 years and came to town originally as a teacher and coach. He noted once great city facilities are no longer in great shape, and does not want to see that happen to the Complex. The City has been considering the turf option and recently transferred $1.3 million into a fund in the 2019 budget for such improvements if the Council approves the project. Great Bend Mayor Joe Andrasek noted the City is discussing with other parties to get confirmation on their financial aid to the project.
(Read more: Great Bend Post)
Ark City to place stop signs at four more uncontrolled intersections
Starting this week, the City of Arkansas City will place stop signs at four uncontrolled intersections in northwest Ark City. East-west traffic will be required to stop.
The move is intended to reduce the frequency and severity of vehicle collisions at the intersections.
The City Commission voted 4-0 on Aug. 7 to approve a resolution authorizing the placement of eight new traffic control devices. City staff plan to use reflective tape and flags on the sign poles to call attention to the new stop sign placements. Tree trimming and removal will be performed as needed to improve visibility at the most troublesome intersections, as well. Motorists are urged to use caution as drivers adjust to these changes.
The City Commission acted earlier this month upon a unanimous recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee — which includes representatives of City staff, Cowley College, the Planning Commission, USD 470 and the Arkansas City Area Chamber of Commerce — in approving this change.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Shawnee man battles city for years over stream, storm water damaging his yard
A metro man has gone head-to-head with the City of Shawnee for decades, but he said, as he gets older, he just can’t do it anymore.
It all comes down to a natural stream that runs through the front of his property. David King spoke at last week’s city council meeting, something he said he’s been doing for years. “The storm water system is not natural. They built it! They created it! That’s my whole story right there,” he said.
King has lived off 71st Street for 40 years. For the first two decades, he didn’t have any issues with storm water and maintained the stream as outlined in city code.
“That is where water naturally runs, but it was a reasonable, controllable type of water,” he said.
But he said when the city made upgrades to 71st Street almost 20 years ago, the city also put in a storm water drainage system that re-routes water onto his property. That was the beginning of a 20-year battle.
The city released the following statement in regard to King’s frustrations:
“City staff has been in contact with Mr. King periodically for years. As with any citizen, we are always ready and willing to keep the lines of communication open.
(Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF)
Shawnee County officials hear mixture of comments on land use plan
Shawnee County commissioners heard mostly criticism but also some praise Monday for a proposed comprehensive land use plan they’re considering for the county’s unincorporated areas.
“I don’t think any of us want more government in our lives, and that’s exactly what this is,” said Arlen Kirkwood, owner of rural properties in northwest Shawnee County.
Kirkwood was among more than half of Monday’s audience who raised their hands in response when one speaker asked if they opposed the plan.
Still, Leslie Prentice, appearing on behalf of the more than 130 members of the Topeka & Shawnee County League of Women Voters, told commissioners that organization supports the 191-page document.
The plan’s approval would bring about land use planning that would save taxpayer dollars, she said. Commissioners heard from 13 members of the public Monday while discussing the plan for about an hour. Some speakers voiced support for the plan. Others indicated they would be willing to support the plan if certain amendments were made.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Maize officials hope new art district will help forge identity
Plug “downtown Maize” into Google and the search engine returns a map of the entire town.
There’s a reason for that: Maize doesn’t have a downtown. Other than being known for excellent schools, the suburb doesn’t have much of an identity either.
But city leaders want to change that.
On Tuesday night, they’re holding an open house to begin gathering input on what residents want to feature in the new Academy Arts District, which will run along Park and Academy avenues. “This is something we are incredibly excited about,” said Jolene Graham, an executive assistant in the city’s administration. “It really gives the people of Maize the opportunity to realize the spirit of their home, to bring it to life …”
Because Maize doesn’t have a traditional downtown any more, Graham and others say, creating the arts district is particularly important in forging an identity for the longtime bedroom community.
“The people will say, ‘This is who we are,’” Graham said. “It’s a self-discovery process.”
(Read more: Local News |)
Shawnee city council approves historic Kenneth Smith property rezoning
The historical Kenneth Smith property in Shawnee is moving closer to becoming a residential subdivision.
At its meeting on Aug. 13, the city council unanimously approved rezoning of the lush 60-acre site to planned single family.
Developers with The Alpert Companies, LP, plan to develop 92 single family residential lots in the former golf course setting, which will provide the opportunity for maintenance-provided villas in a variety of types, sizes and styles.
Sitting on the south side of 71st street, between Quivira and Pflumm roads, the site was formerly where the Kenneth Smith Golf Club manufacturing facility produced golf clubs from 1936 to 2003, which were popular among celebrities, U.S. presidents and even royalty. Developer Jeff Alpert told the council he wants to honor the land’s historical significance.
In addition to the high-end subdivision, his company plans to retain the historical Smith residence by renovating it into a modern, liveable home.
(Read more: The Dispatch stories)
Neodesha rec commission pays for new city sign
The Neodesha Recreation Commission has placed a new LED sign near the corner of 8th Street and Granby, in front of the City Hall/Civic Center.
The City of Neodesha wishes to thank the Recreation Commission for allocating the funds for this beautiful new sign, for their foresight in commissioning a sign that will help to keep our community informed, and for allowing the City to showcase our new City Logo on the sign.
(Read more: Neodesha, KS news)
Merriam requests federal commitment on Upper Turkey Creek Project
Merriam has asked the federal government to renew its commitment to the Upper Turkey Creek Flood Risk Management Project.
The Merriam council unanimously agreed to submit a resolution to the Army Corps of Engineers to show the city’s continued support to complete the Upper Turkey Creek project. Ultimately, the U.S. Congress will have to approve the project and allocate federal dollars to preliminary engineering and design before any work can be completed.
The Upper Turkey Creek Project is a joint effort between Merriam, the Corps and Johnson County Public Works. The Corps had recently informed Merriam that the project would receive no federal funding this year for engineering and design; the federal agency encouraged the city to request funding for 2019.
Merriam estimated the current total cost for preliminary engineering and design to be $1.4 million. The local share between Merriam and Johnson County would be $490,000 with the county funding 75 percent, leaving Merriam to cover the remaining $122,500.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)
Johnson County taxpayers are on the hook for election commissioner’s compensation — but have almost no say over who gets the job
Under state law, Johnson County leaders have no say over who gets hired — or fired — as the county election commissioner, despite the fact that the office is financed entirely by funds from Johnson County taxpayers.
“That statute was that they have complete authority and we have no authority,” County Chair Ed Eilert said. It was concerns about the possible politicization of the election offices of Kansas’s most populous counties that led the state legislature to pass a law giving the secretary of state full authority over Johnson County’s election office — including naming the election commissioner — some decades ago.
But in the wake of the abuses of the office under Newby’s leadership and a tight gubernatorial election earlier this month that featured Kobach, the sitting secretary of state, as a candidate, the rules surrounding oversight and and management of the Johnson County election office are attracting renewed scrutiny.
Following Newby’s departure, Johnson County and the other more urban counties that have their election commissioners appointed by the secretary of state’s office pushed for a legislative change that would return a modicum of oversight authority to the county level. Changes that went into effect early this summer give Johnson County’s Board of County Commissioners the authority to approve the election office’s annual budget and require that all election office employees abide by the county government’s personnel policies.
“Prior to the legislation, all financial operations for our county office were up to the secretary of state,” Eilert said. “That has changed. What has not changed is that the secretary of state still has the authority to hire the election commissioner.”
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post – Community news and events for northeast Johnson County)
Teardown trend has increased heavy truck traffic in NEJC. How are those trucks affecting quality of local streets?
As teardowns and new home development continues throughout northeast Johnson County so does the influx of large trucks delivering construction materials and equipment. While some city officials have concerns with how the trucks could impact city roads, others are less concerned by the frequent trips into the area by heavy vehicles.
Fairway’s Public Works Director Bill Stogsdill said he “absolutely” had concerns with how heavy trucks could impact roads but said “it would not be reasonable to require the demolition of a home to be removed a pick-up load of debris at a time.” Fairway City Administrator Nathan Nogelmeier also said he had concerns with having the larger trucks on city roads but said that it was a necessary part of community improvement.
Nogelmeier noted that Fairway had been experiencing teardown/rebuilds for a longer period of time than some of its neighboring communities so the city was more used to dealing with construction vehicles.
“Any time you want to have reinvestment in your community you are going to have to deal with heavier traffic,” he said.
Nogelmeier also pointed out that trucks have a legal right to proceed to the address where they are providing services in Fairway.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post – Community news and events for northeast Johnson County)
Great Bend City Administrator focusing on the future
Kendal Francis is going into his fourth week on the job as Great Bend City Administrator. He might be one of the most sought after people in town.
Last week, he introduced himself to the Barton County Commission and shared his vision on working together with the county to do what is best for Great Bend and Barton County. He continues to find time to talk with staff members and Great Bend City Council members to bring everyone on the same page. Shortly after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Kansas State University, Francis started working for the City of Beloit as a water treatment plant operator. The Beloit native eventually moved up to director of the water / wastewater department before serving as city administrator in Lakin and Coffeyville.
Francis noted he and the staff are not looking back and are focused on accomplishing great things while keeping the citizens in mind.
(Read more: Great Bend Post)
Attica, Kansas, has its first-ever liquor store; hopes for more retail growth
Judy and Jay Spengler have opened the first liquor store in Attica, KS, which was established in 1884. J & J Pit Stop is on the three-block Main Street, one block of which is vacant buildings.
(Read more: Carrie Rengers: Business Columns & Blogs |)
Shawnee County commission to discuss comprehensive plan Monday
Shawnee County commissioners last October asked the Shawnee County Planning Commission to address issues regarding a proposed 2037 Shawnee County Comprehensive Plan.
On Monday, they’ll hear public comments and discuss the revised version of that land use plan for the county’s unincorporated areas. They’ll talk about a document that resulted from the county’s initiation in 2016 of the process of preparing a long-range comprehensive land use plan, which would guide decision-making about the physical development of its unincorporated areas.
The attempts to guide orderly growth that balances environmental values and reasonable development demand over the next 20 years. It was crafted for the county by consultants from Omaha, Neb.-based RDg Planning and Design.
The Shawnee County Planning Commission last August voted to recommend county commissioners adopt the plan. But commissioners voted 3-0 last October to send the proposal back to the planning commission along with an eight-page list of issues they hoped to see addressed.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Tiny homes controversy is anything but small and cute
The emailed threat read like dialogue from 1930s pulp fiction.
“We’re going to tell you this once,” the message began that told Jonathan Endicott to give up his fight against the MicroMansions tiny homes development planned near his Cambria neighborhood, just south of Harry and 143rd East.
“If not we will use all of our resources, money and means to stop you. You’re dealing with powerful people that have no problems attacking your business, life and family if you choose not to stop.” The email came on Friday morning from someone claiming to be named Jim Ryun, but MicroMansions developer Abby Nelson said via email that she doesn’t know anyone by that name, “nor have we asked anyone to help on our behalf.”
Dave Murfin, who owns the land where the development will be built, didn’t return calls to comment.
Zoning cases often get contentious, but MicroMansions — 90 homes that would be nestled among houses ranging from $300,000 to more than $1 million — is inspiring much more.
(Read more: Carrie Rengers: Business Columns & Blogs |)
Shawnee County Commissioner Bob Archer reflects on trip to White House
Shawnee County Commissioner Bob Archer said participating in this week’s Kansas Leadership White House Conference in Washington, D.C., was an honor and that meeting Vice President Mike Pence was thrilling.
The conference, which was held Thursday, was organized by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. The office is meeting with county leaders from every state in an effort to expand outreach so more decision-making and problem-solving occurs at the local level, Archer said. Archer said attending the conference was an opportunity to learn from the speakers and from other participants serving in positions similar to his.
Returning from the event Friday, Archer said he was interested in talking with Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla about a housing program he had learned about. He also wanted to take a look at criminal justice reform, which was touched on at the conference.
“Everybody seemed to have the same problem — that jails were mental health facilities,” he said.
Archer concluded that participating was a great experience and that it would help him be better at his job as a county commissioner.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Bourbon County commissioners say they will not raise mill levy No additional deputies, bridge crew
Bourbon County Commissioners worked Tuesday afternoon to create a budget with no mill levy increase for 2019.
That meant eliminating increases that totaled nearly 11 additional mills: 7.7 mills from the sheriff and corrections requests; about a half a mill for additional economic development funds; and the nearly three additional mills to fund a bridge crew in the Public Works Department. On Tuesday afternoon, commissioners met with Sheriff Bill Martin and Jail Administrator Bobby Reed. Martin submitted a correction on his budget request, which had included a part-time clerk that needs to be removed because Reed also had included the same position in his budget request.
Martin presented three options for commissioners. One option includes a 3-percent pay increase for all staff, four additional deputies and the additional vehicles and equipment those deputies would require.
(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)
Commission Approves Aggieville Hotel Rezoning
At the August 7th meeting the City Commission approve a rezoning request in Aggieville for a 0.87-acre site that includes part of the old City parking lot adjacent to Starbucks. The 12th Street/ Bluemont Avenue PUD rezoning will make way for a five-story hotel that will contain 127 guest rooms. The hotel will also include an attached 113-stall parking garage.
The hotel plan is consistent with the newly proposed Aggieville Vision Plan which will include higher density development along the outskirts of Aggieville while keeping the historic Moro Street buildings more intact.
(Read more: Manhattan – News Flash)
City of Winfield considers zoning to encourage breweries in central business district
Possible zoning changes to encourage breweries in the downtown Winfield business district will be the topic of an upcoming Winfield Planning Commission meeting.
Current zoning rules state that breweries in Winfield cannot be located within 200 feet of a school or church. Relaxing these rules could encourage development of breweries in the central business district, which has several churches within its boundaries, city manager Jeremy Willmoth said.
The city is leading the initiative to relax the zoning rules after receiving an inquiry from a party interested in opening a brewery here, Willmoth said. He declined to name the party.
The city needs to encourage development of restaurants, shops and other businesses as a way to keep downtown Winfield vibrant, Willmoth said.
“The rules and regulations need to be set so they don’t hamper downtown development,” he said.
(Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com – RSS Results)
Hutch City Council to discuss where to go with park facility
The Hutchinson City Council will have to take another look at the proposed events center that the city wants to build in Rivers Banks Orchard Park north of town.
The city was to take action on bids for the building during Tuesday’s agenda session, but bids came in nearly twice the projected cost which was approximately $850,ooo. The Council is expected to reject the bids.
The action by the council also comes as questions were raised by several council members over whether the public building would cause too much competition with other privately and company owned facilities. One city council member who is employed by such a company expressed such concern during a recent meeting, but did not request any action be taken. City Manager John Deardoff says things are further complicated by the fact that the Council has already approved bonds for the project, along with engineering and design costs.
If the Council rejects the bids many other decisions will have to be made. That would include scaling down the project, putting it up for bid and deferring the project to a later date.
(Read more: Hutch Post)
New superintendent to focus on Shawnee Mission’s strategic plan for future-based learning
Strategic planning to prepare Shawnee Mission students for a fast-paced future is new superintendent Mike Fulton’s top priority.
Details for exactly what that strategic plan will look like remain to be seen, but Fulton plans to make the plan a collaborative effort between the Shawnee Mission School District Board of Education, school administration, parents, students and members of the community.
That means involvement from the community will be vital to prepare students for their futures and to reach their full potential, he said. “Schools exist for one reason: It has to help the children of our community be successful as adults,” Fulton said, adding that the school district’s strategic plan will build upon the work that has already been accomplished.
“It’s important that we no longer run the narrative that some kids learn and some kids don’t,” Fulton said. “The narrative must be that every child is capable of high performance. It’s our job as adults to figure out how we work with them to get them ready for their future.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)
Consultants unveil final recommendations for Santa Fe Commons in Overland Park — one concept with farmers market, and one without
A paper-airplane shaped band shell, water feature and curved walkway made it into the final recommendations for Santa Fe Commons Park. Public hammocks did not.
Consultants presented their recommendations at a public input session Thursday for the 3.8-acre park in the heart of downtown Overland Park. They made two final park plans – one with a farmers’ market and one without – that will continue through various city committees before the city council decides what the park should look like.
Here are proposed site plans for the two concepts. Santa Fe Commons Park, which will be re-christened Thompson Park when the work is done, has been a worry for neighbors who have been suspicious about plans to move the market. The city has been looking for ways to expand and improve popular market. But neighbors say moving it to the park would add too much hustle and bustle to the quiet space. The downtown building boom has already created traffic and parking problems, and moving the market closer to houses would make things worse, some have said.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)
Even if Wichita sells MacDonald, it can still make sure it stays a golf course
Wichita can ensure that MacDonald Golf Course remains a golf course, even if the city does sell it to the developer of the Waterfront, a council member said.
Council member Pete Meitzner said he thinks the city could and probably would make that part of any request for proposals to sell the course.
Meitzner said “It makes perfect sense for it to remain a golf-centered area,” and “If we do an RFP, we could make that a condition.”
Selling the course for anything other than golf use would undercut a city pact with First Tee, a nonprofit youth golf program that is highly popular with the council. In April, the city inked a deal with First Tee to build a $1.5 million driving range and instruction center at MacDonald.
(Read more: Local News |)
Hays city commissioners roundly praise Arc inclusive playground plan
Hays City Commissioners offered encouraging words Thursday evening to organizers spearheading a fully accessible playground, ball park and splash pad at one of the city’s existing parks.
Commissioner Henry Schwaller IV told the group to be flexible and persistent and that he thought they could succeed with the ambitious $1.6 million project, particularly if they approach fundraising and construction in phases.
“You don’t have to do all three things at once,” Schwaller said. “If you want to do this in phase 1, 2 and 3, we’d be amenable to that as well. So I’d give you an 18-month window of time to build the playground, or whatever, raise money and execute it. …Just see how that goes and work through the other elements of it.”
The Arc of the Central Plains group presented details of the recreation complex at the commission’s regularly scheduled work session in City Hall. They are asking the city for permission to build the complex in Seven Hills Park at 33rd and Hillcrest. No existing park components would be disturbed, they said.
In describing the project, Sarah Meitner said response to the project has been overwhelmingly supportive.
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
Wellington City Council contemplates how to clean up the city
The Wellington City Council wants to clean the city up, but they don’t want to take a heavy handed approach to get there.
The council heard from Winfield Environmental Inspector John Adams at a work session meeting Thursday and talked about various ideas to improve the city’s appearance.
Adams said he spends three hours per day looking around Winfield to find areas that need cleaning up. He said they are more proactive in their approach, and not complaint driven as many towns are. Adams said he tries to get a buy in from people, as opposed to forcing them to clean up property.
“Enforcement is the last resort,” Adams said. “It is not a money making thing. Our return on investment is about 20-25 percent.”
He said Winfield puts a door hanger note on people’s doors asking them to mow grass when it gets more than 12 inches tall. They have five days to comply, and if not, they will get a certified letter and they will have 30 days to get the situation taken care of. From there city of Winfield hires contractors to do the work and the homeowner gets the bill. It can be added to their taxes.
People have a right to request a meeting with city officials, and there a solution can be worked out.
(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)
Archaeologists explore a rural field in Kansas, and a lost city emerges
…Arkansas City is trying to determine how to promote its new claim to fame. Etzanoa remains mostly underground or on private land. Yet that hasn’t deterred interest.
“We get about 10 calls a day to see the lost city,” said Pamela Crain, director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The vision is to have a visitors center. The other key is to persuade landowners to allow people onto their property.”
Limited tours began last spring, focusing on key historical and archaeological sites. Town leaders are hoping for a UNESCO World Heritage site designation.
Read more: LA Times.
Things are happening in … Baxter Springs
Down town Baxter Springs, Kansas. Future home of Cafe on the Route, Little Brick Inn, Decades of Wheels, The Spin Out, and Rita’s Roost.
How should Wichita handle surveillance cameras? Police want your opinions
After a controversial rollout, the Wichita Police Department is seeking the public’s help in drafting a policy for its surveillance cameras in Old Town — and beyond.
Should the chief of police be able to decide when to release surveillance video footage? Should the cameras be pointed through windows or into private rooms? What about traffic tickets?
Those are just three questions the public can answer directly to the Wichita Police Department through an online form, available here. The full text of the policy is available here.
“We have conducted a one year policy review and updated the public safety camera policy and are seeking community input and feedback,” a statement on the Wichita Police Department website says. “We recognize sensitivities associated with the use of this technology and seek your thoughts.”
(Read more: Wichita Eagle)
Edwardsville Fire Department Awarded $1 Million Grant for Regional Fire Agencies
The department was alerted in late July that the grant was awarded in the amount of $1,103,731 with a matching requirement of $110,373. Per the conditions of the MOU, participating agencies agreed to provide a 10% contribution to the total matching requirements for their approved items. Edwardsville’s contribution comes to approximately $11,037. This amount will be funded through the City’s special sales tax, which was established in 2014 for purchases related to Fire/EMS equipment, street improvements, as well as parks and recreation activity. The items included in the original grant application included SCBA packs with harness, backpack and face piece, RIT packs including regulators and face pieces, breathing air compressors and fill stations, as well as voice amplifiers and snap adapter tool kits. Approximately $17,000 worth of equipment was not included in the final award and will likely be presented to the City Council for purchase at a later date.
Source: City of Edwardsville
South Hutchinson approves $360,000 in city personnel cuts
Against the urging of citizens, including the Reno County Sheriff and the Nickerson schools superintendent, the South Hutchinson City Council voted 3-2 to make personnel cuts Thursday.
Citizens filled the council chambers — some standing in the hallway — and several spoke against the personnel cuts during a public comment session before the council entered an executive session to discuss nonelected personnel.
Council member Luke Herren said cuts were the only option to acquire the money the city needs.
“We’ve got to have cash,” Herren said. “And the hard part about it is the only way to have recurring money year after year is personnel cuts.”
Herren said after the city’s most recent audit, only $1,800 was available in unencumbered cash. That number should be closer to $200,000, he maintained. He said the city has to find money to keep operating in light of upcoming expenses such as payments for a storm siren, a lamp post and a bond issue about to go into effect,
“We have a bond issue on the streets, and I didn’t have anything to do with that. That was two years ago,” Herren said. “When I came onto the council I asked the city manager if we could get out of the contract. It would have cost us $700,000 we didn’t have to cancel the contract.” Every citizen who spoke at public comment session voiced opposition to layoffs in the South Hutchinson Police Department.
Among them: Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson and USD 309 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
‘It only gets better from here’: The landscape is changing in downtown Overland Park
Downtown Overland Park is experiencing a big boom.
With about 300 locally owned shops, restaurants, bars and Upper Crust, a nationally recognized bakery, people who live within walking distance say it’s a unique place to be.
“It is a little bit of a throwback to the 1950s with a lot of advantages to today’s technology,” said Janiece Vohland, who lives a few blocks away from downtown.
Downtown Overland Park runs from Metcalf, west to Conser and 78th to 82nd on the south. There’s a lot happening in the small stretch.
Downtown Overland Park
City officials attribute the new development, which includes apartments and retail, to a change in city code. About a decade ago, the city’s zoning ordinance was changed to allow buildings to be built up to five stories tall.
“That took place right during the recession,” said Doug Johnson, GIS and support services manager for Overland Park’s Planning and Development Services Department. “So for the first few years not much happened. As we came out of the recession, developer interest really spiked in downtown. And we’ve had several major projects, many of which are still under construction and a couple which are still yet to come.”
(Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF)
Clearwater throws birthday parade, celebration for 100-year-old former teacher
The town of Clearwater put together a parade all to honor one woman.
Hazel Dalbom turned 100 years old on Thursday.
Event organizers say Hazel has given back to her community for decades – as a teacher and school board member.
Once word spread that there was going to be a celebration in her honor, it grew into a city-wide event.
“I was very proud and emotion that we’re able to live in a community that was able to this for someone so special,” said organizer Risse Zimmerman.
Hazel got to ride on a cart for the entire parade. She was escorted by the city’s fire trucks.
Students from the local schools came out to wave and play music for her. Even the mayor showed up.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Leavenworth files response in body camera lawsuit
Attorneys for the city of Leavenworth have filed a written response to a lawsuit that seeks the release of video of a 2017 officer-involved shooting.
The written response argues that the city’s denial of requests for the video remains in good faith and with a reasonable basis in law. The response also argues there is no public interest in the requested materials.
The response was submitted on behalf of the city by Michael Seck, an attorney with the law firm of Fisher Patterson Sayler & Smith.
The lawsuit was filed last month in Leavenworth County District Court on behalf of family members of Antonio Garcia Jr.
Garcia was killed July 11, 2017, when he was shot by Leavenworth police Officer Matthew Harrington.
Harrington, who was fired from the Police Department in January, recently was indicted on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the shooting.
The lawsuit argues the city has a legal requirement to make public records related to the shooting including videos available for inspection and copying.
Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens has confirmed the Police Department has video of the incident from a body camera and in-car camera.
(Read more: Leavenworth Times)
Hays city commission to consider additions to two city parks
Local veterans are hoping to create a veterans memorial in the Hays Veterans Park, 13th and Canterbury.
Project Director Vance Chartier of the Veteran Alliance will make a presentation about the project during tonight’s Hays city commission work session. According to Chartier, the group will ask the commissioners for permission to build the “General [Alexander] Hays Veterans Memorial” in the city park and will not ask the city for any money to support the project. The project would proceed only after all funds are privately raised and secured.
The The Veteran Alliance is composed of The Society of 40 Men and Eight Horses, Voiture 1543 and Patriot Outreach with the support of American Legion Post 173, Marine Corps League 970 and the Hays Veteran Business Coalition.
Another Hays park, Seven Hills at 33rd and Hillcrest, may also get an addition spearheaded by a non-profit group which will also appear at the meeting.
(Read more: Hays Post)
Progress at Eisenhower Park in downtown Dodge City continues
It has taken some time but the upgrades to Eisenhower Park in Dodge City have picked back up again and are set to be completed by the end of the year.
The project of renovations started in June 2017 with funding coming from different local grants and organizations.
A fixture in downtown Dodge City for decades, Eisenhower Park, located at Gunsmoke Street and 1st Avenue, has been being host to several events including Movies in the Park during Dodge City Days.
“We are so excited about the progress being made in Eisenhower Park,” Main Street Dodge City coordinator Krissy Lampe said. “Earlier this year, city staff removed the light poles and trees. Wayne Cook Construction replaced the support posts on the Gazebo, as the original posts were in poor condition.”
The project hit some delays since it began but is back on track.
(Read more: Dodge City Daily Globe)
Nuisance properties in Sedgwick County
Every neighborhood seems to have at least one of those houses, where the lawn is overgrown, or worse, it looks like a junkyard. The county and most homeowners’ associations have rules and ordinances to make sure people keep up their home’s appearance. And while the system works, don’t expect it to happen overnight.
“It doesn’t take a long time for a neighborhood to slip. It takes a very long time for a neighborhood to turn around,” says Deb Legge, Neighborhood Inspection Administrator with the Sedgwick County Metro Area Building and Construction Department.
When a home gets bad, there’s a good chance Deb Legge or one of her 16 inspectors will make a call.
They inspect nuisance calls. These are homes violating trash and tall grass codes.
“We have so many complaints this time of year…especially when it keeps raining, grass keeps growing,” explains Legge.
On average, 1500 homes are reported for unkept yards. One-thousand homes need repair or to be torn down. But the largest number of reports, 2,000 are for trash and junk.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Wichita considering selling golf course to developer
As the city of Wichita prepares to shut down one golf course, it’s considering a proposal to sell another one to a private owner.
The Golf Advisory Committee has scheduled a special meeting Tuesday where members will discuss a proposal from Waterfront developer Johnny Stevens, who wants to purchase MacDonald Golf Course at 13th and Roosevelt, officials confirmed Thursday.
Park and Recreation Director Troy Houtman said the proposal is in the early stages — “step one of 25.”
And it is nearly certain that MacDonald would remain a golf course whether the city keeps it or sells it, he said. The course east of Hillside stretches from 13th to Murdock.
(Read more: Local News |)
Mulvane plays host to Kansas’ longest-running annual celebration, Old Settlers Days
Kansas’ longest-running annual celebration, Mulvane Old Settlers Days, will return this weekend for its 145th year. This year’s theme is “A Stitch in Time”.
Jerry Bachman, president of Mulvane Old Settlers Days, said the theme originates from the celebration’s annual quilt show.
“[The quilt show] was dynamic last year. I’ve never seen so many people go to it,” Bachman said. “We used to have to have it at one of the schools, and it was just too far away.” Old Settlers attendants can buy a themed button for $2. Any person who buys a button will have his or her name entered for a drawing at 5.p.m Saturday.
“You don’t have to buy anything to get in, but you buy the button to win the prizes,” Bachman said. “The super prize is a $1,000 Visa card. There are also two $500 gas cards, a quarter of a hog, a quarter of beef, and a whole lot of dinners are given away.”
Bachman said fan-favorites from Old Settlers Days past will return this year, including the pet show, rod run, and turtle show.
(Read more: Area | derbyinformer.com)
Newton launches community alert system
Your phone buzzes, with a text: “A water main near your home has ruptured. Water service will be interrupted while the city of Newton repairs the issue.”
Quick, simple and convient— at least that is the goal behind a new notification system installed by the city.
The City of Newton has launched a Community Notification System to alert residents by text, email or phone call for local emergency situations and relevant community advisories.
“I think people are going to like this,” said Erin McDaniel, public information officer for the city of Newton. “I think people are starting to expect this kind of technology from their governments.”
City residents can sign up for the alerts, and customize what alerts they receive. The city can also customize the alerts it sends — zoning alerts to specific neighborhoods if need be.
According to McDaniel, alerts will be sent for urgent matters that could affect life and property, like severe weather warnings, police and fire activity, boil orders and public health emergencies. Advisories will be sent to residents regarding water main breaks, major road closures, trash pickup delays and other city service information.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)