Kansas Municipal News
Pittsburg kids experience citizen life for a day
With the goal of teaching economics to fourth grade students, Lakeside Elementary brought its yearly Just Imagine Kansas project to life this past Tuesday in the school’s gym. Just Imagine Kansas uses the state’s social study standards to look at economics and how that relates to Kansas by allowing the students to create a city simulation. For months leading up to the event, the fourth graders researched businesses in the local community. … For the city simulation, the students also elected a mayor. Each of the three fourth grade classes voted for a student to “run for the election,” and those three students each had to give a speech of why he or she should be elected the mayor. When the votes were cast, Adriana Lopez Gomez was appointed mayor. “I said I would help citizens with their problems,” Lopez Gomez said about
her speech.
Source: Morning Sun.
Hutchinson and county commissioners agree to split fire truck, gear funding
Hutchinson and Reno County leaders agreed in separate meetings on Tuesday to evenly split the cost of replacing $880,000 in firefighting equipment requested last week by Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer. The County Commission vote carried a stipulation that city and county staff work to resolve other outstanding shared operating agreements between the city and county that have expired. Beer requested the extra funding last week, in the wake of the destructive Cottonwood Complex Fire, suggesting both municipalities tap American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.
Source: Hutch News
Municipal Bond Trends for March 23, 2022
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
10-year Treasury yield touches new multi-year high above 2.41%
The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell slightly on Wednesday morning but hovered above 2.37%, amid concerns about the war in Ukraine and inflation. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note dipped less than a basis point to 2.3753% at 5 a.m. ET. The yield on the 30-year Treasury bond rose less than a basis point to 2.5932%. Yields move inversely to prices and 1 basis point is equal to 0.01%. The 10-year rate has surged since the beginning of the week, when Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell offered hawkish remarks when discussing how the central bank would combat inflation. Powell said that the Fed would be prepared to be even more aggressive with rate hikes than the central bank had forecast. Last week, the Fed announced its first rate hike since 2018.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Lawrence school board members question proposed cuts to administration, other staffing
Cuts to administration that both did and did not make it into recommendations for the Lawrence school board to consider drew questions from board members Tuesday evening during their budget work session. District administrators recommended a restructuring of administration; on the other hand, they recommended against a 5% reduction to administrative staff who make $100,000 or more, which would save about $169,600. The district is facing a budget shortfall estimated between $3.2 and $3.85 million dollars, though the school board members have said they’re looking to make around $7 million in cuts to provide staff raises and rebuild depleted reserve funds. On Tuesday, Executive Director of Finance Cynde Frick said that with an estimated loss of funding from declining enrollment, plus increases in property/liability insurance and utility costs, the district will most likely need to save between $3.62 and $4.27 million.
Source: The Lawrence Times
New Assistant City Administrator Daniela Rivas hits ground running in role with McPherson
Barely seven days in, and Daniela Rivas already has a solid handle on things in her role with the City of McPherson. Given her resume, that’s probably to be expected. Rivas, the city’s new Assistant City Administrator and Finance Director, already has a wealth of experience to her name. That’s why she fit the mold for the new position, which combines duties of previously separate roles. “We were very fortunate to land a candidate of her experience and caliber,” McPherson City Administrator Nick Gregory said. “Through her first week, she already has shown to be an impressive, knowledgeable and up-and-coming leader for the McPherson Community.” Rivas officially began March 14, leaving her position as city administrator for the City of Columbus, where she served since 2018.
Source: McPherson, KS
Residents forbidden to work on roads
County commissioners drew a hard line Monday on an issue that has been discussed on again and off again for years: county residents working on roads adjoining their property. In recent weeks, commissioners talked about roads near Lincolnville having newly laid rocks bladed off. Rural Lincolnville resident Mike Beneke, who graded the pointy rocks into a wind row after they caused flat tires on a truck and a trailer, was warned that the county could take action against him.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal
Kansas is on path to make it easier to get your seized property back from police
Police can keep seized property “as long as necessary,” state statute says, if they believe it could be evidence in a trial. A proposed change to state law would require police to give items back. Police hold the power to seize property believed to be used in a crime. Some cases stall or charges don’t move forward and critics of existing state law said getting back property even when it doesn’t link to criminal activity is too hard. “Many (people) opt not to fight the forfeiture and reluctantly give up their property, rather than rack up legal bills exceeding the property’s value,” Alieen Berquist, community engagement manager for the ACLU of Kansas, wrote in testimony to lawmakers.
Source: KAKE – News
Overland Park Police say ‘teams’ of thieves may be responsible for over 100 car break-ins
More than 60 vehicles in south Overland Park were broken into early Wednesday morning in what police say appears to be an organized effort. “We think it had to have been a team,” says Overland Park Police spokesperson John Lacey. “At least six, even probably 10 people going from car to car, breaking windows, looking inside, things of that sort.” The break-ins were mostly located in four different apartment complex parking lots along 135th Street, between Nall and Metcalf. The thieves appeared to target items visible through the windows, but also looted through the cars’ compartments and center console. Lacey said he expects many more break-in reports to be filed as the day went on.
Source: KCUR News
Is your internet too slow? Study shows over 1 million Kansans might not have fast enough internet
As the COVID-19 pandemic forced a large populace of people to begin working from home, many people found that their internet speed was not quite adequate for their needs. Two surveys conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas Institute for Policy & Social Research from Jan. 2021 to Jan. 2022 found that over 1 million Kansans live in a ZIP code where recorded average download speeds are below adequate for things like online education, streaming content, and households with multiple users. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines “broadband” internet at a minimum of 25 Mbps of download and 3 Mbps of upload speeds (commonly referred to as 25/3).
Source: KSN-TV
Western Kansas Groundwater levels fall a foot in 2021
Average groundwater levels across western and central Kansas fell by more than a foot in 2021, with the greatest declines in the southwest portion of the state, according to preliminary data compiled by the Kansas Geological Survey. The KGS, based at the University of Kansas, and the Division of Water Resources (DWR) of the Kansas Department of Agriculture measure about 1,400 wells every year to monitor the health of the High Plains aquifer and other aquifers in western and central Kansas. Those measurements showed an overall average decline of 1.01 feet last year. Most parts of the region saw below-average precipitation for the year, especially during the summer growing season for agricultural crops. “The key takeaway is that 2021 started off very dry and, outside of the month of May, which is the last month most folks in western Kansas saw any measurable precipitation, dry conditions continued right into the summer and fall months,” said Brownie Wilson, KGS water-data manager.
Source: KSN-TV
McPherson Police Department buys new non-lethal ordnance
The McPherson City Commission heard a request for the purchase of four new BolaWraps and 40 cartridges for the McPherson Police Department. Police Chief Mikel Golden requested approval to upgrade from the old equipment. Golden explained the old-style BolaWraps use .380 cartridges to deploy Kevlar rope with treble hooks that wrap around a person’s clothing. He went on to say the new models are more like tasers and use a battery to shoot the rope electronically. The old-style is monitored by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms due to the use of the .380 cartridges, and the new style is not. He explained the manufacturer has moved away from making the old ones, and for this reason, those cartridges and parts are no longer available.
Source: McPherson Weekly News » Feed
Alicia Hidalgo Named 2022 City Clerk/Finance Officer of the Year
Alicia Hidalgo, City Clerk, City of Liberal, Kansas, has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Mildred Vance City Clerk/Finance Officer of the Year for the State of Kansas. The award was announced at the 72nd annual City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association of Kansas (CCMFOA) Conference in Manhattan, Kansas on Thursday, March 17th. Alicia has worked for the City of Liberal for over 15 years, beginning her service as City Clerk in 2015. Prior to being hired as City Clerk, Alicia held various positions for the City of Liberal. Alicia was instrumental in navigating the City of Liberal through the COVID pandemic, apprising their City of the ever-changing laws and mandates. She is a trusted resource for planning and decision making and is always willing to go the extra mile for the City’s success. Alicia serves on the Local Emergency Planning Board and is a member of numerous local clubs and committees. She helped implement a community clean-up program to help local organizations earn money for their programs; oftentimes volunteering her time on the weekends to help. Alicia is a member of CCMFOA and has served on the CCMFOA Education/Certification Committee, the Education/Program Planning Committee and the Board of Directors. She has served as an International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) conference committee member and was inducted in 2020 as an Athenian Fellow. Alicia’s City Manager stated that she “embraces challenges, finds solutions, and maintains relationships” to help make their City a better place. Outside of work, she would probably say that her greatest joy comes from her two sons. This award is presented each year to a City Clerk or Finance Officer who has made significant contributions to the State association, the profession and their city. The award was named in honor of Mildred Vance, former auditor and City Clerk/ Municipal Finance Officer of Parsons, Kansas, who served her community from 1948 to 1988. Mildred was instrumental in developing and promoting professional education programs for city clerks and finance officers at the state and national levels and was one of the first 100 clerks to receive the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation in 1972. Mildred was later accepted into the Academy for Advanced Education (AAE) and served as a director of IIMC. She strongly believed that city clerks and finance officers should contribute to their communities and she unselfishly gave of her time and talents in church, community and civic activities.
Source: CCMFOA
Young Kansas native documents decades worth of abandoned buildings around the state
At 21-years-old, Emily Cowan – a Kansas native – is living through decades of memories thanks to her camera and love for writing. “It turned into, ‘well, let me think about this on a deeper level of what is the history of this building?’ People had memories here,” Cowan said. You may have already heard of the website Abandoned Kansas. It’s a non-profit organization that’s brought us pictures of old, abandoned buildings like Menninger’s Clock Tower in Topeka, and most recently, the beloved White Lakes Mall. Abandoned KS is ran in part by Cowan.
Source: KSNT News
KMIT Launches ‘Municipal’ Health Plan: KAHP
The Kansas Municipal Insurance Trust (KMIT), which has been operating as a self-insured work comp group for Kansas cities and other municipalities/public agencies since 1994, has announced the formation of a new employee health plan for its members. The KMIT Association Health Plan (KAHP) was launched with ten members (all Kansas cities) on January 1, 2022. As with its KMIT ‘parent’, KAHP membership is open to virtually all Kansas ‘municipalities’ (statutorily defined)—which includes cities, counties, townships, water and other special districts, community colleges, school districts, and many other public agencies. Health insurance coverage for Association members is through Kansas Blue Cross/Shield. Rates and specific optional plans are determined by KAHP, in coordination with BC/BS. KMIT’s business partner in the KAHP is IMA/CORnerstone, Wichita, which provides professional technical support and overall guidance. The purpose of KAHP is to be able to deliver quality health insurance options for public entities and their employees/families, with affordable and stable employee premiums calculated on an association (large group) rating basis. KMIT Pool Administrator Don Osenbaugh serves as the primary contact point for the KAHP. Osenbaugh can be reached at 316-259-3847 or dosenbaugh@cox.net.
Municipal Bond Trends for March 22, 2022
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Teen councils provide area youth with close-up look at governing their communities
The business of government is viewed as a playground for adults by many Americans. Yet in their midst, teens are getting to play in this sandbox through councils. They’re learning firsthand how our communities operate from the very leaders themselves. In the Johnson County area, at least three cities have teen councils: Olathe, Overland Park and Prairie Village. Olathe started its teen council in 2002. The purpose was to create a youth-led organization educating teens about local government and providing them with the opportunity to be involved and have their voices heard. High school students who live in Olathe are eligible for the council. Members are chosen through an application process that includes writing an essay and providing letters of recommendation. The teens chosen serve during the school year.
Source: Joco 913 News
Kansas debates expanding student transfers in public schools
Republican legislators who argue that Kansas parents need more education choices are pushing to allow them to move their children from the public schools they’d normally attend to others outside their local school district’s boundaries. The GOP-controlled state Senate gave first-round approval Monday to a measure that would allow parents of K-12 students to transfer them to any other school districts with enough space to take them. Under the bill, the program would start during the 2023-24 school year. The measure is partly a response to the closing of school buildings in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and different local school districts’ different schedules for returning to in-person classes.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Attention on short-term rental rules after deadly Overland Park shooting — Here are JoCo cities’ current regulations
The exact circumstances around the shooting are not yet known, but Fox 4 reported that some neighbors in the surrounding subdivision of Brookhighland have voiced concerns about short-term rentals in the past, including the home where the shooting occurred. The Brookhighland Homeowners Association president, who lives near the home, told the TV station that the HOA is “taking a very serious look at what can be done” and potentially changing its bylaws. Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog issued a statement on Monday that said issues with residents using their homes for short-term rentals are growing in the city. Skoog said he planned to schedule a discussion on the topic with the city council April 4 at a meeting of the council’s committee of the whole.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Atchison Considers Pet Protection Ordinance
City Commissioners discussed and heard a first reading of a potential ordinance that would eliminate the ability for property owners to keep pets on vacant lots within the City during Monday’s regular meeting. The Protect Our Pets Ordinance would require that habitable structures with active utility service be present on a lot for pets to be kept on the property. If property owners had multiple lots and wanted to keep pets on a lot separate from the residence, they would have to have the lots legally combined first. The ordinance was presented as a first reading without action to allow time for public feedback, with the issue to likely be considered for potential adoption during the next regular commission meeting in April. “This pet ordinance is the first step in a potential multi-step process to help clean up vacant lots in the city,” Assistant City Manager Joe Warren said. “It just so happens that we can also help address pet safety at the same time, and that gives this specific ordinance added urgency.”
Source: City of Atchison