Municipal News & Jobs

PER CURIAM: After Joseph and Sharon Lambert lost their house to a fire in December 2017, they sought permission from the City of Leawood to build a significantly larger replacement home on their lot. The City refused because the dwelling would not comply with the residential zoning restrictions. The Lamberts filed a declaratory judgment action in Johnson County District Court on the grounds that their original house was a protected nonconforming use under zoning changes adopted in 2010 and 2017, so they should be able to apply that protection to their proposed replacement. They also submitted the City improperly enacted the restrictions, rendering them unenforceable. On cross-motions for summary judgment, the district court sided with the City, and the Lamberts have appealed. Cutting through various procedural thickets to the Lamberts’ advantage, we find the district court ruled correctly on the merits and, therefore, affirm.
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In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, in recognition of Patriot Day, September 11, 2020, and in accordance with a proclamation from the White House, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff for the entire day on September 11. “Nineteen years ago, today, our country experienced a tragedy that took the lives of so many of our fellow countrymen and women. My thoughts are with our friends, family members, and first responders who lost their lives on this infamous day,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Each year, we are reminded of the true bravery of those first responders and emergency workers who arrived at on the scenes of these terrorist attacks and gave everything to help others. We are reminded of the strength of our nation when we come together to support one another in times of crisis.”

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.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $42,200 to purchase emergency response equipment for the city’s fire and law enforcement departments in the city of Yates Center, Kan. … The city of Yates Center will use a $42,200 Community Facilities Grant to purchase emergency response equipment for the city’s fire and police departments. This project will enable the city to purchase safe, up-to-date equipment to ensure the continued safety of its emergency and first responders and the nearly 1,500 community members that they serve. This civic improvement is made possible because of the partnership with Yates Center, which is contributing $14,152. ….View the complete list of designated communities in Kansas.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $19,500 to purchase kitchen equipment for the new exhibit building of the Neosho County Fair in the city of Neosho, Kan. …. The Neosho County Fair Association will use a $19,500 Community Facilities Grant to purchase kitchen equipment for the county fair. The kitchen provides meals during the Neosho County Fair and can be rented for public and private events. The kitchen will also be registered with the USDA as an incubator kitchen for entrepreneurs to use while they are starting a new business. Project funds will also help purchase new folding chairs and tables. This project will ensure the continued viability of the Neosho County Fair and its efficient service for the nearly 17,000 community members served. This civic improvement is made possible because of the partnership with the Fair Association, which is contributing $36,276.

A number of residents and two businesses face eviction in a month after Baldwin City recently purchased a site on U.S. Highway 56. At its Sept. 1 meeting, the Baldwin City Council approved the purchase of the property at 109 U.S. 56 from Les Foster for $250,096. The property, which fronts the south side of the highway east of First Street, is currently the site of an old motel and a mobile home park that currently houses two recreational vehicles.
Source: LJWorld.com.

Local public health officials say they are creating a plan to step up enforcement of health orders put in place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, including a recent order that prohibits businesses from serving alcohol after 9 p.m. As part of its work session Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission received a report and presentation from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health regarding local COVID-19 cases and the community’s response to the pandemic. Some commissioners said they are frequently contacted by members of the public who are concerned about violations of health orders regarding mask use, social distancing or gathering limits.
Source: LJWorld.com.

Temporary shelters for homeless people can now house up to 40 occupants as long as the building has adequate space to do so. As part of its consent agenda Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission approved new occupancy limits for temporary shelters that typically house homeless people during the winter months. The new occupancy limits are tied to square footage of the building, and they replace the previous rules that set one limit across the board.
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.