Kansas Municipal News
Salina to host community forum on policing next week
The City of Salina is planning to host a discussion on policing policies next week after several weeks of comments from the public on the topic during City Commission meetings. A formal announcement will be made later this week, but during Monday’s meeting city commissioners reached a consensus on the format of the meeting, which is expected to be at 6 p.m. next Monday. While a venue has yet to be confirmed, City Manager Mike Schrage said Kansas Wesleyan University has offered the use of Sams Chapel on its campus for the event.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)
Hays: $700K in new sales tax for parks, sports complex, street projects
Hays City Commissioners for now want to sock away an expected $700,000 annual sales tax windfall the city will start to get in 2021. The commissioners at their regular work session last Thursday evening looked at a long wish list of city projects. Those ranged from expanding multi-use recreational paths to park amenities to street improvements. No one mentioned giving any money to Ellis County. Ellis County Commissioners in early May formally asked Hays to pitch in $750,000 of its sales tax proceeds over the next two years toward the county’s planned $10.8 million Northwest Business Corridor project. The 55-mph bypass around Hays for north-south US-183 highway is key to a planned $40 million private travel and shopping plaza development off Interstate 70.
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
State making free masks available to businesses, venues
Free non-surgical masks and face shields will soon available to local businesses, institutions, or even protest groups from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management, via the local emergency management office. Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar advised of the availability Tuesday during a weekly conference call on COVID-19. Forms should be available by next week for local entities to apply, Weishaar said. They’ll likely be available at the Reno County Health Department, which is open to the public.
(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)
Governor Laura Kelly recommends Kansas stay in Phase 3 of ‘Ad Astra’ plan
Governor Laura Kelly announced that her administration, as well as officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, recommend that communities do not move into Phase Out of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” which was originally planned to begin June 22, and instead stay in Phase 3 for at least two more weeks. “Though many Kansans and communities have been social distancing, wearing masks, and working hard over the past few weeks to mitigate the spread of the virus, we have unfortunately seen an increase in disease spread,” Governor Kelly said. “After consulting with Secretary Norman’s team at KDHE, I have decided that our state is not ready to move into the final phase of the ‘Ad Astra’ plan until July 6, 2020, at the earliest.” The emergency disaster declaration issued by the Governor on May 26 transfers reopening decisions back to local officials, which means counties continuing with Phase 3 of the plan is only a recommendation. However, the State continues to monitor health metrics daily, and remains committed to supporting local communities in a safe, gradual transition.
(Read more: Hiawatha World Online)
Southeast Kansas residents have made their decision on the new Pttsburg flag
Southeast Kansas residents have made their decision on the new Pttsburg flag. This flag was designed by Levi Weilert. This design was up against two other concepts and this one received the most votes. Weilert says this flag is inspired by the mining and farming history of Pittsburg. The red and yellow is of course paying homage to Pittsburg State University.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)
Dodge City cancels fireworks display
The effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt as the City of Dodge City announced the cancellation of the Dodge City Fourth of July Celebration fireworks display. According to city officials, the planning committee made up of city staff, community partners and volunteers, made the decision to cancel the display. Co-chair of the planning committee, Dodge City Fire Chief Ken Spencer, said there were two reasons for the cancellation.
(Read more: News – The Garden City Telegram)
Riley County to receive around $15 million in CARES act funds
Riley County commissioners Monday approved a contract for advisory services for dispersing federal coronavirus relief funds. The county will contract with Witt O’Brien’s, a Risk Management and Emergency Response Consulting Firm. Budget and Finance Officer Tami Robison says Riley County’s portion of the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) spending plan is around $15 million. The county is working on a resolution to be signed by July 15. The county selected this firm based on the magnitude of the dispersal and the firm’s ongoing work with helping Sedgwick County. Robison says neither county administration, nor any entity in the county has the manpower to take this on 24/7. The county has till the end of the year to complete this process. This process needs a firm that is well versed in single audit requirements, because any slip up could affect the county’s future federal funding. The Flint Hills Regional Council reached out to the county clerk to see if they could help, but Robison says they would have to drop everything for this audit. However, they will not turn away local help. This will help identify areas of the county that need those funds and get them that money.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
Shawnee County pools to open Monday; retail restrictions removed
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation pools and aquatic centers will reopen at noon Monday at 50% capacity. … Rossville Community Pool will remain closed for repairs. Pools received the OK on June 4 from Shawnee County commissioners to reopen effective immediately, but preparations and hiring of additional staff was needed before they could open. According to a news release Friday from parks and recreation spokesman Mike McLaughlin, all aquatic facilities will implement a safety break every hour in which staff will disinfect high-touch areas, such as railings, slides and diving boards. Restrooms will be cleaned every half hour. Staff will disinfect lounge chairs if requested to do so by guests, and all pools and aquatic centers will be cleaned every morning and evening. The new health order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Storms tore through Great Bend leaving one business picking up the pieces
The city of Great Bend felt the brunt of the winds brought in from Sunday night’s storms. On Monday, many community members were busy cleaning up the damage left behind. One business, in particular, was hit hard. The owners say all that’s left to do is clean up and get back to work.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Memorial tribute to Thayer fire chief
Despite rain Saturday morning, family, friends and fellow emergency responders gathered in Thayer city park to share tears, laughs and memories of former volunteer fire chief Larry Myers. Myers, 82, died June 16 and the Neosho County dispatcher called a “last page” at the end of the observance Saturday. Emergency vehicles surrounded the park and friends displayed a sign that will be installed at the Thayer fire station, which will be dedicated to him.
(Read more: www.chanute.com)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 22, 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.
Derby Vision 2040 plan focuses on connected community
Brought forward for review before the Planning Commission on June 18, Derby’s Vision 2040 comprehensive plan was unveiled as it enters its final stage of public comment — a key component in the eyes of the city. Vision 2040 is intended to be a comprehensive plan for growth and development in Derby over the next 20 years. Trying to figure out where Derby — all of Derby — wants to be is a big part of that, with feedback sought on key principles of the plan focused on land use, transportation, parks, health, the environment, housing and community facilities. City Planner Scott Knebel also noted that all of the plans from recent years (joint plans done with Wichita and Mulvane, the West End Development Plan, K-15 Area Plan, etc.) were factored into Vision 2040.
(Read more: Derby Informer | News)
Riley County to issue more restrictions after increase in coronavirus cases
The Riley County Health Department will be issuing a new health order following 29 new positive cases over the weekend. Julie Gibbs, director of the Riley County Health Department said in a virtual news conference on Monday that the details are not prepared yet but they will have a new order out either Monday or Tuesday. Gibbs said the gathering number “will not rise” and that there will be “new restrictions” on businesses. Gibbs added that they were “a little shocked at the rise in cases” the department saw over the weekend. Gibbs said the restrictions will likely be to bars and restaurants. Gibbs said 18 to 34-year-olds is the hardest hit group in the past week.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Shawnee County pools, aquatic centers opening at half-capacity Monday
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation will open community pools and aquatic centers Monday with some restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. Topeka’s three aquatic centers and three community pools will be open at half-capacity. Aquatic Supervisor David Allacher said restrooms will be cleaned every half hour. Each facility will also take a “safety break” every hour. This is when staff will disinfect highly touched and trafficked areas, like lounge chairs. “If they want to move them so there’s more distance apart they are more than welcome to,” Allacher said. “If they want them disinfected just let staff know. We’ll give you a towelette or we’ll disinfect them before you sit down.”
(Read more: KSNT News)
County to consider revising health officer’s pay arrangement
The Shawnee County Health Department is asking county commissioners to temporarily switch county health officer Gianfranco Pezzino from a salaried employee to an hourly one – which could potentially increase his pay – while making arrangements to have state and federal grant funding cover his compensation. Shawnee County Commissioners Bill Riphahn, Kevin Cook and Aaron Mays are to consider making an amendment to Pezzino’s contract when they meet Thursday, according to a news release put out Monday by the health department’s deputy public information officer, Amanda Monhollon. “This amendment proposes altering the pay of the health officer to $125.00 per hour for up to 60 hours per month through the end of the 2020 calendar year,” the release said. “The proposed restructuring of Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino’s compensation to an hourly rate is intended to ensure reimbursement to Shawnee County as an eligible expense through the CARES Act and the state’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) initiative.”
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Kansas jumps 406 cases, five deaths from COVID-19 over weekend
State public health officials reported 406 new coronavirus cases and five more deaths from COVID-19 over the weekend. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s coronavirus pandemic report for Monday showed increases of 406 new cases, 21 more hospitalizations, an additional five deaths and 6,958 more negative tests for COVID-19. The increases are from the last KDHE report, which came out on Friday. The state health department reported 12,465 cases have been identified in 92 of the state’s 105 counties. One new county was added to the list on Monday.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
One in three Kansas households hasn’t filled out Census
Amid a pandemic that has slowed efforts to count Americans, more than a third of Kansas households haven’t yet responded to the U.S. Census. In some counties, especially in rural areas, less than half of the population has filled out the forms that help steer billions in federal dollars and resources to the state each year. One recent, high-profile example: Medical supplies that Kansas received from the Strategic National Stockpile to combat COVID-19 went out to counties based on their 2010 Census counts.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)
Roadside sales not permitted on Kansas highway right of way
The Kansas Department of Transportation is reminding the public that according to state law, all rights of way on state highways are to be used exclusively for highway purposes. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes on the state’s 9,500-mile system. The violation that occurs frequently is the placement of various signs that are removed and taken to local KDOT offices. However, it is also unlawful for any persons to display on highway right of way outside the city limits any goods, wares or merchandise for sale.
(Read more: Osage County Online)
Johnson County guidelines would allow visitors at long-term care facilities, with several caveats
After three long months of lockdown with visits from family members all but prohibited, there’s a flicker of hope for residents of long-term care facilities. Johnson County and state officials have created a pathway to reopening their quarters once again to a few more members of the outside world. The county plan, based on state guidelines, sets out a list of testing and screening requirements. It still limits gatherings and communal dining. But for the first time, visitors other than those going for “compassionate care” of a resident in rapidly failing health would be allowed inside the buildings.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Questions abound at Frankfort meeting on wind farm
The first meeting to discuss extraterritorial zoning around Frankfort drew a big crowd and featured a variety of speakers and questions from area residents. About 100 people attended the meeting Thursday evening in Frankfort City Park. … Frankfort Mayor Brian Smith… said the Frankfort City Council plans to work to try to make everybody happy. Earlier this week, the council opted to request bids from consultants to help the city consider extraterritorial zoning. The action was spurred by a Florida-based company’s plan to build a wind farm in the Frankfort area.
(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)