Municipal News & Jobs

Lawrence leaders will soon consider increasing some of the fees the city charges a natural gas provider to use city property, potentially affecting the rates the company charges its Lawrence customers. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider adopting fee changes in the city’s franchise agreement with Black Hills Energy. Under its current agreement with the city, Black Hills does not pay permit fees to use the city’s right of way, and the city is recommending it begin paying such fees so as to be in line with other such agreements the city has, among other changes, according to a city staff memo to the commission.
Source: LJWorld.com.

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.

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.

After a meeting of nearly six hours, a divided Johnson County Board of Commissioners on Friday approved new limits on public gatherings, plus set a curfew on bars and restaurants, in an effort to slow the exponential rise in COVID-19 transmission. But what the board approved, with a 4-3 vote, is a weaker version of an order proposed by Health Officer Joseph LeMaster, who warned that skyrocketing new cases are causing hospitals to reach capacity and school districts to return to online classes. The order limits gatherings to 50 people, or 50% capacity of a venue, whichever is fewer. But the board voted to include broad exemptions — shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, fitness centers, health care facilities, churches and funeral homes. The restriction also does not apply to private gatherings.
Source: KC Star.

Enforcement of the latest Sedgwick County ordinance regarding masks and other COVID-19 related directives will remain local. During the city council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, council members agreed with the county’s decision to put some teeth into the countywide directives, given the spiking positivity rate. But the council felt any local situations would best be handled by local police and, if necessary, through Cheney Municipal Court. Sedgwick County is asking cities to partner with the county on enforcement. The county’s proposal would let any city official initiate a complaint against a business or individual with an email to the Sedgwick County Health Department.
Source.

Members of Wichita’s teachers’ union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract agreement with the district over concerns about lack of salary increases, teacher workload and building safety in the pandemic, the union announced Friday. The United Teachers of Wichita voted 85% no on the collective bargaining agreement. In all, 79% of union members voted. Representatives from USD 259 and the union will both return to negotiations. The previous contract expired at the end of July. Without a new agreement, the old one remains in place. Teachers are not able to strike and not planning to do so, said Gabriel Costilla, vice president of the UTW.
Source: Wichita Eagle.

Smoke turned the air almost as dark as night early Saturday evening on U.S. Highway 50 between Burrton and Halstead as smoke from a brush fire blew over the highway. Wind gusts were strong, blowing the fire’s smoke that appeared to be far away one second and up close and causing one to put on one’s COVID-19 mask on the next. Emergency responders have been battling the grass fire near Northwest 48th Street and North Burmac Road, southeast of Buhler since this afternoon, and it didn’t appear to be anywhere near being extinguished as of 6 p.m.
Source: Harvey County Now.

Firefighters from across the Sunflower State continued to respond to the Wheat State Fire Sunday. The Wheat State Fire ignited Saturday afternoon, scorching more than 5,000 acres. With the help of fire departments from around the state and the National Guard, only hot spots remain. Rodney Redinger, Assistant Fire Management Officer for Kansas Forest Service, says the winds dying down played a big roll in their Sunday response.
Source: KSN.

There was an election last week in El Dorado, but that election did not determine public offices — and there are no threats of a recount. “We thought about it. It did cross our minds,” joked Kristina Traina, city manager’s assistant for El Dorado, after reviewing the results. The result, however, was quite overwhelming. About 97% of voters, solicited online, chose Option B for a new playground in Riverview Park during about two days of voting. Riverview Park, 800 River Road, is a 5-acre park with a playground structure, fishing access, picnic areas and walking paths including a bridge over a river.
Source: LV Times.