Kansas Municipal News
Governor Laura Kelly and Department of Commerce Launch New Kansas Certified Sites Program
Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Department of Commerce’s launch of the new Kansas Certified Sites program, a critical tool that will help accelerate economic development efforts throughout the state. The program, originally created and administered by the Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), lets developers know when the state has deemed a potential site ideal for investment and development.
(Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce)
Emporia Main Street cancels the Taste 2020
After postponing the event to September, the Emporia Main Street Board of Directors have officially canceled The Taste. The announcement was made Tuesday. The event, originally scheduled for April 4, was postponed to Sept. 26 as the community grappled with the early stages of the novel coronavirus pandemic. “There was no way we felt like we could put the quality of people required to make that event work in an in-door location and make that safe for everyone involved,” said Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street. “We went through in fine detail [of research] and just didn’t think we could do The Taste justice.”
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Madison passes real estate covenant ordinance
The Madison City Council met in an online meeting Monday evening to discuss a new proposed ordinance that will affect property owners, as well as several bids for COVID-19 safety measures. “What [the real estate covenant ordinance] does is stop a current property owner trying to tie up a piece of real estate in downtown Madison and not allow it to be used for commercial purposes in the future,” said Paul Dean, Mayor of Madison. “It doesn’t make anything illegal, it just voids those provisions. It allows people to use the property they bought the way they desire to use it.” The new ordinance is only targeted in regard to commercial real estate properties when a restrictive covenant is placed that prohibits the property from being used again in the future.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Topeka City Council bans use of police no-knock warrants
The Topeka City Council has banned the use of no-knock warrants by law enforcement in the city. The Capital-Journal reports that the council voted 8-to-1 Tuesday night to adopt the ordinance banning the controversial practice. Police Chief Bill Cochran has said this department already had a policy of not allowing no-knock warrants before the ban was made local law. Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala was the only member to vote against the measure. She said while she opposes the use of no-knock warrants, she doesn’t trust the city’s police auditor to offer an independent review of possible violations because he answers to the city manager.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Local businesses react to KDHE risk levels for activities
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently released a chart that explains the risk level of ordinary activities. It ranges from low to high risk for contracting coronavirus. On the low end it includes staying at home, but also shows that visiting a park or going camping are safer than most activities. In Topeka, Einstein’s Outdoor Outfitters is seeing more people wanting to get outside. “I would say there’s more interest this summer, people looking for tents, primarily because of again, lack of long term travel, lack of flying, lack of long-distance travel, myself included, said Alan Wisman, co-owner of Einstein’s. “I have family in Colorado, well we’re not going to Colorado, we’re probably just going to stay around here.” Einstein’s sells tents, sleeping bags, and all the supplies you might need to go camping. “It offers a relatively inexpensive vacation, it offers family time, it offers getting out of doors,” Wisman said. “A lot of young people have been inside for months and months.”
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Via Christi to take over operation of closed Wellington Hospital emergency room
Ascension Via Christi will take over operation of Sumner Community Hospital’s emergency-room operations next year under an agreement between the hospital group and the Wellington City Council. Sumner Community Hospital closed suddenly March 11, leaving Wellington and surrounding communities without an emergency room. Wellington’s City Council contacted Via Christi about taking over the ER in a similar way the hospital group did in Fort Scott in 2019. “We are committed to providing Kansans access to care by collaborating with others to develop sustainable models of care,” said Don King, Via Christi CEO and market executive for Ascension Kansas ministry.
(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)
Wichita hospitals have more ICU capacity, but COVID patients trend younger and sicker
New hospitalization numbers from Sedgwick County show more COVID-19 patients are in hospital beds and intensive care units than ever before, though more ICU beds are available than previously reported. The new statistics from the Sedgwick County Health Department’s COVID-19 dashboard provide a fuller picture of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on local medical facilities. The new report added numbers for total intensive care unit beds and total ICU beds in use at public hospitals in Sedgwick County. The report shows more ICU beds are available than the county had reported a week ago, though more patients with COVID-19 are in Wichita hospitals. “We continue to be concerned as the volume of patients rises, but we are not yet seeing strain on our capacity to care for them,” Dave Stewart, the director of marketing and public relations for Wesley Healthcare, told The Eagle.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 21, 2020
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.
Wichita proposes an increase in police funding, privatizing Century II
Wichita plans to increase police funding by millions of dollars next year and privatize Century II, bucking suggestions from protesters and community activists on both issues, as the city grapples with an expected $50 million budget hole over the next three years due to the coronavirus pandemic. The city’s proposed 2021 budget cuts some services, pushes back deadlines on capital improvements and doesn’t raise the property tax rate. Arts and cultural funding will take a 5% cut. Fewer trees will get planted. Stray cats will be left to roam. And the Wichita Animal Shelter will no longer accept animals from people trying to put their pets up for adoption. The $50 million is what needs to be cut between 2020 and 2022 to balance the city’s nearly $630 million-a-year budget.
(Read more: Wichita Eagle)
Hoisington Labor Day Parade canceled
Monday afternoon, the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Labor Day committee announced big changes to the 2020 weekend long celebration. In addition to canceling the 124th Annual Labor Day Parade, several other activities were canceled in an effort to curb the rise of positive cases of COVID-19. Among them, the following events have been canceled: Community BBQ & Beer Garden, Carnival, KIDSTOP activities at the Activity Center, Downtown Street Market, Demolition Derby and Street Dance.
(Read more: Great Bend Tribune)
JoCo will hold off on cutting back bus routes for now due to coronavirus uncertainty
A plan to cut some Johnson County bus routes and change operating times of others has been put on hold for now because of the coronavirus outbreak. Talks about expanding the microtransit service, however, will continue. The county commission had been considering the elimination of two routes …. Ridership had dropped on the routes to be eliminated, but after the coronavirus reached the United States, it dropped on all public transit. County documents showed ridership down 70 percent on fixed routes and 29 percent on microtransit.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Neodesha Fire/EMS Department awarded grant for new equipment
The Neodesha Fire/EMS Department will be using some new equipment. The department recently got their hands on a new X-series defibrillator/heart monitor. The unit cost $35,000, and half the cost was covered by a Kansas Revolving and Assistance Fund (KRAF) grant. Around two percent of money paid on a speeding ticket or fine goes into this grant fund. The department applied for the grant through their local region, and it was awarded to them by the Kansas Board of EMS. Lieutenant Paramedic Landon Woodward says the equipment was badly needed.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)
Shawnee County taxpayers take over ownership of Great Overland Station
Shawnee County is paying $1 to take over ownership of the iconic Great Overland Station in North Topeka. At their meeting this morning, commissioners voted accept a transfer of ownership of the Great Overland Station from Railroad Heritage, Inc. The building is valued at more than $5 million and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Union Pacific Railroad Passenger Depot. Built in 1927 as the Union Pacific Railroad Station, Great Overland Station now serves as a museum, as well as a special event and meeting venue. “RHI felt that with the planned riverfront park, it was natural for Great Overland Station to be operated by Shawnee County Parks + Recreation,” said Bill Riphahn, county commissioner. “We would like to continue and enhance our business relationships with the NOTO Arts District on Kansas Ave.”
(Read more: KSNT News)
Chicago adds Kansas to emergency travel order
Kansas has been added to Chicago’s mandatory travel quarantine order. According to the city’s website, travelers from Kansas will have to quarantine for two weeks upon traveling to Chicago. It will take effect on Friday. During a press conference Tuesday Dr. Allison Award said that Wisconsin could be added to the list as soon as next week.’ There are 17 other states covered by the order…
(Read more: KAKE – News)
49th Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield is postponed until September 2021
Officials from the Walnut Valley Association have announced that the 49th Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield will be postponed until September 2021, according to a news release Thursday afternoon. WVA has been closely monitoring CDC and WHO recommendations related to mass gatherings and took this decision after communicating with local public health and city officials. For those who have purchased tickets for the 49th Walnut Valley Festival, these tickets will be valid for entry in 2021 and patrons can expect a direct mailing with details. …Plans call for a series of virtual concerts and events to take place in September 2020…
(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)
Sedgwick County health officer to issue order closing bars, limiting gatherings to 15 people
Sedgwick County’s top health official says he will issue an order to shut down bars and clubs to help control the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Garold Minns, county health officer, said during Tuesday’s county commission meeting that the order would also close eating establishments that serve alcohol at 10 p.m. each day, cancel all fairs, parades and festivals, and limit gatherings to 15 people. Businesses would also need to enforce social distancing of customers. He first spoke of these measures as recommendations, but when council member Lacey Cruse asked him whether he’d be issuing the order, Dr. Minns said, “Yes, I am.” The order would be in effect until September 9. The commission can make changes to the order or vote against it. Dr. Minns said the order would not affect schools, licensed day cares or religious institutions.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
CarMax will hire 150 more employees in Olathe, doubling 1-year-old office’s staffing
CarMax Inc. is ready to accelerate through and past its desired employee count at its Customer Experience Center in Olathe. One year ago, the Virginia-based auto retailer (NYSE: KMX) opened the company’s second stand-alone contact center in a 39,000-square-foot space at 17300 W. 119th St. At the time, it said the facility would create approximately 300 jobs. Now, as part of a drive to fill more than 750 open positions nationwide, the Olathe site is expected to grow quickly from 230 to 380 employees.
(Read more: Kansas City Business Journal)
Roeland Park enters agreement with JoCo for work release program
The Roeland Park City Council earlier this month unanimously approved an agreement into enter a work release program with Johnson County. People incarcerated in relation to municipal offenses can now participate in the work release program, which reduces city expenses, according to city documents. Police Chief John Morris said the city has very few people who are in jail for long periods of time — typically maxed out at two days — so someone in the work release program would be a more serious offender.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Gov. Kelly signs order mandating masks in schools
Gov. Laura Kelly has signed an executive order that mandates the use of masks in schools, daily temperature checks and hand sanitizer in each classroom. That order mandates that all students, faculty and staff and vendors entering a school building wear a face covering. Exceptions to wearing a mask include when consuming food, during activities where it isn’t safe to wear a face covering and persons with medical or mental health conditions and those with a disability.
(Read more: State Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Flint Hills project hopes to ’reclaim’ the prairie
According to Susan Mayo of the newly formed Flint Hills Counterpoint, the tall grass prairie is "the most decimated ecosystem in North America." That’s why the rural Peabody resident has teamed up with documentary filmmaker Cyan Meeks to form Flint Hills Counterpoint. "The Flint Hills can latch onto that idea and what it means in their head," Mayo said. "It is one of the few places that has tall grass prairie. …
(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)