Kansas Municipal News
Emergency crews warn people to stay off frozen bodies of water
With temperatures below freezing now for several days in a row, ponds and lakes are iced over in some spots across Kansas. Local emergency crews are warning people about the dangers this could bring to you and your family. “If you fall through, then you risk obviously hypothermia, but one immediate risk is when you fall through, if the water is deep enough, and your head goes under, it can cause your body to shock,” says Lt. Taylor Parlier, Rose Hill Police Department. Bitter temperatures across Kansas keep firefighters busy patrolling large bodies of water. The ice poses danger to anyone who comes near it, especially children and animals.
Source: KAKE – News
Genesis Health Clubs’ tax exemption push could cost JoCo $1.1M
A fitness club chain with a sizable presence in the Kansas City metro is urging Kansas state lawmakers to include a health club exemption in the state Senate’s property tax transparency bill. The proposed amendment would allow Genesis Health Clubs to save approximately $2.5 million annually in property taxes, including $1.1 million in Johnson County, the Lawrence Journal-World reports. The Wichita-based company is delinquent on at least $549,000 in pre-coronavirus property taxes in Johnson, Douglas and Shawnee counties. It owes the most to Johnson County: $251,000.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal – The Business Journals
Restaurants ask for property tax relief from Kansas counties that restricted business
Wichita restaurant owner John Arnold says it is difficult to avoid feeling vilified by government restrictions placed on businesses in the interest of public health. …He joined others from the restaurant industry in supporting House Bill 2142, which would punish counties that imposed health orders that limited business activities. The counties would have to reimburse businesses for 100% of their property tax bill, including property taxes paid to the state and other taxing entities, for a proportionate amount of business lost. The bill appears to be a conversation starter, but perhaps not the solution, for lawmakers eager to help restaurants recover from the pandemic’s severe financial toll. County representatives warned they would have to make steep cuts to law enforcement budgets if forced to repay an estimated $500 million in property tax refunds across the state. The bill only applies to county-imposed restrictions, absolving Gov. Laura Kelly of the responsibility for losses caused by a statewide shutdown at the start of the pandemic.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Sedgwick County sees largest EMS recruiting class since beginning of pandemic
Some much-needed relief is coming to Sedgwick County after the county announced Wednesday that they are seeing the largest EMS recruiting class since the pandemic began. The reason behind the spike is that more people are wanting to step in during this difficult time. “People are just passionate,” said Kyle Burtch, special operations coordinator for Sedgwick County EMS. “They’re passionate about EMS and they want to go out and help the community the best they can.” That passion is why 13 recruits signed up to start training recently. Officials said they wanted to help the people of Sedgwick County, even in the darkest moments during a pandemic.
Source: KSN-TV
Hays Public Library offers help with vaccine registration
Many healthcare officials urge that getting the vaccine is the next step in the fight against COVID-19. As many people sign up and wait for their turn to get the shot, one community has made it their mission to make sure everyone has the same opportunity. Many health departments across the state have moved vaccine registrations online. But what happens when you don’t have the resources to register or have a question about the forms? Well, a Library in Hays has volunteered its services to make sure the process runs smoothly. Partnering with the Ellis County Health Department, the Hays Public Library is offering help to anyone in the community needing assistance with pre-registering for a COVID vaccine.
Source: KSN-TV
Topeka police introduce new therapy dog
The Topeka Police Department introduced Gracie, its new furry friend, to the public Wednesday. The Goldendoodle was donated to the police department and will be used as a therapy dog. Right now, the department plans for Gracie to help promote officer wellness, assist in investigations, and join officers when they are engaging with the public. According to officials with the Topeka Police Department, the cost of having Gracie is very minimal. Donors paid the cost of obtaining the therapy dog. The department will pay the costs of a veterinarian.
Source: KSN-TV
Firefighters keep the water flowing even when hydrants freeze
The freezing temperatures are challenging firefighters across the state as more house fires ignite so firefighters have to make sure they keep the water flowing. That means checking fire hydrants and having a back up plan. “It is vital to what we do,” said Wichita firefighter Jake Carney, “Continuous water supply is very important.” It is as simple as popping off the cap and turning a few bolts and just seeing the rush of water.
Source: KSN-TV
Fort Scott Fire Department joins risk reduction pilot program
A Southeast Kansas Fire Department will soon be helping itself – and the United States – become a safer place. Cheryl Adamson, Fort Scott Resident, said, “It’s just fitting for us and our community and the fire department to take that lead.” The Fort Scott Fire Department has entered into an important partnership with the National Fire Protection Association. Dave Bruner, Fort Scott Fire Chief, said, “It’s a community risk reduction pilot program, we were one of 250 departments across the country selected for this program.” With those fire departments across the country they will help create a new resource for fire safety and risk reductions in communities.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Program paying workers up to $15K to move to Topeka extended through 2021
A program to pay people to move to the capital city will see another year, according to Topeka’s Joint Economic Development Organization. GO Topeka said JEDO approved extending the Choose Topeka Relocation Initiative Incentive through 2021. It granted $300,000 in incentives meant to attract people to Topeka. Of that amount, 40% will be granted to remote workers in the incentive program. People who purchase a home can receive up to $15,000 while those who rent can get up to $10,000. “GO Topeka is ecstatic to see this program extended into 2021,” said Barbara Stapleton, GO Topeka’s vice president of business retention & talent initiatives. “Choose Topeka really flourished in its first year, but there is only more opportunity ahead of us as more people set their sights on Topeka, Kansas.”
Source: KSNT News
Grant money saves historic building in downtown Topeka
The Thacher building in downtown Topeka was recently approved for two grants totaling $110,000. One of the grants, worth $90,000, comes from Governor Laura Kelly who also awarded grants to 14 other historical sites. The grants were allocated to the Thacher building after Jeff Carson, co-owner of the building and the company Gizmo Pictures that it homes, applied for them. The historical venue was suffering from some structural deficiencies that were accumulated over the years and needed saving. Some tenants, including Juli’s Coffee and Bistro, had to move out. The venue was designed in 1888 by world-renowned architect John G. Haskell. Haskell was also the architect for the Kansas Statehouse located just a few blocks from the Thacher Building.
Source: KSNT News
Gathering sizes grow to 300 for Shawnee County with new COVID-19 health order
Beginning Friday, mass gathering limits in Shawnee County have increased to 300 participants or 50% of total capacity, according to a press release. Restaurants, bars and nightclubs can increase their hours until 12:00 a.m. Karaoke is now allowed as well as other live performances. Consumption of food and beverage at counters is also allowed with appropriate social distancing and barriers. Organizations that are planning events that are expected to go over 300 participants must submit a written plan for the COVID-19 Incident Response Team and the Shawnee County Health Officer to review.
Source: KSNT News
Up to 2 inches of snow, wind chills as low as negative 30 in Kansas weather forecast
More snow is in the forecast for this weekend as many parts of Kansas still have snow on the ground from this past weekend’s snowfall. People who have been staying inside due to the weather may want to get groceries or run any necessary errands soon, because the forecast calls for even colder temperatures. The additional snow and any potential ice may make driving on roads more dangerous. “Bitter cold temperatures and very dangerous wind chills expect this weekend,” forecasters with the National Weather Service office in Wichita said in a tweet. “Be prepared for extreme cold.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Recreational Trail Funding opportunity
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is not currently accepting applications for Recreational Trails Funding. The 2021 application will be uploaded in the Spring for a September 1, 2021 due date. The program provides 80 percent reimbursement to selected outdoor recreation projects. Projects that provide for motorized recreation activities are encouraged, as 30% of the funding is to be devoted to motorized projects. Qualifying projects include new trail or trailhead construction, maintenance or reconstruction of existing trails, enhancements or upgrades to existing trails/trailheads, development and planning, or land acquisition and easements.
Learn more here.
Municipal Bond Trends for February 9, 2021
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.
How The Search For Water Is Pitting Farmers Against Cities In Western Kansas
In the late 1980s, drought left the wells that supply water to the city of Hays and Russell in western Kansas precariously low. The near-catastrophe sent city leaders on the hunt for more water. “We were just trying to survive from one year to the next,” former Hays mayor and city councilman Eber Phelps said. The cities researched their options, including looking into purchasing water from several nearby reservoirs.
Source: KCUR News
Young generations aren’t staying in Kansas after graduating from college. Here’s why
Taelyr Blehm could have stayed in Kansas. When the KU senior accepted a position as a community organizer with the DART Network — an interfaith advocacy organization focusing on social justice — she had the option to work in Kansas City, Kansas, or Lawrence. Instead, she headed to Ft. Lauderdale. “I really appreciate some of my more rural beginnings. I spent summers on the farm, I knew the same people from preschool all the way through high school,” she said. “But I feel like the town I’m from perfectly represents the stagnation of Kansas as a state.” Blehm, a 21-year-old Russell native, is part of a continuing and possibly increasing generational exodus, as college-age students and graduates pursue opportunities elsewhere. Young Kansans leave for a mix of reasons. Many, like Blehm, are drawn to bigger, more diverse cities. Others seek livelier social scenes, even if that means moving across the state line to Kansas City.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
City of Edgerton debates all-terrain vehicles, disposal
Edgerton City Council discussed the details of writing a city ordinance for all-terrain vehicles, golf carts, low-speed vehicles, micro-utility trucks and work-site utility vehicles. The ordinance would be voted on at a future council meeting. In September 2020, the Edgerton City Council held a work session to discuss possible regulations to allow various types of vehicles on city streets.
Source: Gardner News
Tobacco-free parks highlight Hoisington agenda
Meeting Monday, the Hoisington City Council directed city staff to draft a tobacco-free ordinance to be enforced at city parks. Details of the proposed ordinance provide no exemptions and include a $50 fine with court costs. “Prior to drafting an ordinance on the issue, our staff felt it was critical to get council input on enforcement and whether there would be any exceptions,” said City Manager Jonathan Mitchell. “We will draft an ordinance for a future meeting but it will likely include all forms of tobacco as well as e-cigarettes.”
Source: Great Bend Tribune
After 16 years as Overland Park’s mayor, Carl Gerlach will not seek reelection
Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in November, after holding the office since 2005. Gerlach, 66, has led Johnson County’s largest city through the Great Recession of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s been at the helm of Overland Park as leaders have worked to redevelop areas such as the Metcalf Avenue corridor and the downtown, attracted new luxury apartment buildings and businesses, plus added 25,000 new jobs in the past 16 years. He felt this year was the right time to retire, he told The Star. He plans to spend more time with his family and traveling, but also looks to continue volunteering and serving the community.
Source: Joco 913 News
Johnson County city bans people from 9 medians. Critics say law penalizes the homeless
The Merriam City Council on Monday passed an ordinance banning pedestrians from medians at the city’s nine busiest intersections, despite some concerns that the law would push out the homeless and panhandlers. City officials said the law is aimed at cutting down on car crashes and ensuring the safety of pedestrians, and is not meant to penalize panhandlers — a fear brought up by Councilwoman Whitney Yadrich and some residents. … The ordinance prohibits pedestrians from standing or sitting on medians at nine high-traffic intersections, other than to legally cross the street. Police Chief Darren McLaughlin brought the idea before the council, saying that distracted driving is a main cause of accidents at the intersections, where more than half of the city’s crashes occur each year. He worries about an increase in people stopping traffic to collect money there.
Source: Joco 913 News