Kansas Municipal News
Cowley County fair deemed too risky amid pandemic
The Cowley County Fair Association has canceled this year’s Cowley County Fair due to the coronavirus pandemic, with COVID-19 cases rising sharply in Cowley County in recent weeks. The announcement, made around 10:30 p.m., on social media, said the decision was made after consulting representatives from the City-Cowley County Health Department and the City of Winfield. “We know that everyone is ready to get out of the house and start attending events after being restricted due to COVID-19,” the statement read. “The Cowley County Fair Association understands the continued risk that can occur with large gatherings. Therefore, for the safety of the community, friends and family, the Cowley County Fair will not be held this year. We will begin plans for the 2021 fair.”
(Read more: Cowley CourierTraveler)
Leavenworth city commissioners discuss new prison project
When they met this week, Leavenworth city commissioners were celebrating news of a new federal prison facility that will be constructed in the community. City officials have long been advocating for a new federal prison in Leavenworth. But the Federal Bureau of Prisons is moving forward with the project now that Congress has allocated $356 million for the facility’s construction. U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran discussed the project with Leavenworth Mayor Mike Griswold and City Manager Paul Kramer as well as BOP officials Monday during a conference call.
(Read more: Leavenworth Times)
City of Pratt approves open-air prom plans
Pratt City commissioners unanimously approved requests from Pratt and Skyline schools to hold at their postponed proms at Merchants Park, during a regular meeting Monday, June 16, at Pratt City Hall. Both Pratt and Skyline High School Prom Nights have exchanged tradition prom activities (which were canceled due to the coronavirus this year) for open-air affairs, and school officials presented their requests to the commission. Prom night for Pratt High School is set for Saturday, June 20, and Skyline High Prom is set for Saturday, June 27. “At least, they’ll have a prom event for pictures,” said City Manager Bruce Pinkall, supporting the requests for both schools.
(Read more: News – PrattTribune – Pratt, KS)
Ellis County to get $5.5M windfall
Ellis County will get an estimated windfall of $5.5 million from federal CARES Act COVID-19 relief money. Interim county administrator Darin Myers broke the news to the Ellis County Commissioners at their regular meeting Monday evening. “I’m going to save the best news for last,” Myers said, taking his turn to give his weekly report as the nearly three-hour meeting neared its close. “I still find it kind of hard to believe, but they’re looking at a per-person amount,” Myers said. “I really hate to say the amount because, like I say, it’s just too hard to believe, $194 a person, which would mean roughly Ellis County would get about a $5.5 million payment.”
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
City leaders approve code changes to allow for new downtown Lawrence layout; parking details still up for discussion
City leaders have voted to approve code changes that would allow downtown businesses to expand their operations into what are currently angled parking spots, but exactly what that downtown layout will look like and how much parking will be retained is not yet decided. Late Tuesday, during a meeting that stretched into early Wednesday morning, the Lawrence City Commission voted 3-2, with commissioners Lisa Larsen and Stuart Boley opposed, to approve a resolution that allows businesses to use the city right-of-way that is currently angled parking spots along Massachusetts Street. The resolution is needed for the city to put in place a new, temporary layout for downtown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that is meant to provide more room for pedestrians to practice social distancing and for businesses to serve customers outdoors.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Lawrence City Commission approves changes to no-camping ordinance, making some exceptions for homeless people
City leaders have approved changes to the city’s no-camping rules to be more accommodating to homeless people when local shelters are full. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted 4-1, with Mayor Jennifer Ananda opposed, to add an exemption to the city ordinance that currently makes it illegal to camp on public right-of-way. The exemption, aimed at decriminalizing homelessness, would allow people to camp on any public right-of-way or public property downtown when there is no available space at the overnight homeless shelters, according to a city staff memo to the commission.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Biting dogs must get microchips in Parsons
Dog owners in Parsons will have to pay for an identifying microchip implant if their dogs bite someone. City commissioners on Monday evening approved an ordinance that will make dog owners liable for the charge of nearly $30. If the dog is later declared not vicious by a municipal court judge, the owner will be reimbursed for the fee. If, however, the judge rules the dog is vicious, the city could easily identify the dog in the future and fine the owner for keeping a vicious dog in the city if already ordered to remove the dog.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 17, 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.
Prairie Village takes steps toward allowing residents to keep hens — though home owners associations still have their own prohibitions
Prairie Village took a step this week toward allowing residents to keep chickens — though individual homes associations may have their own restrictions that would prevent people from taking advantage of the city relaxing its regulations. The City Council … voted 9 to 3 Monday night to approve amending the city’s animal control regulations to allow residents to keep hens but not roosters.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Merriam sends solar installation ordinance to Planning Commission for review
The Merriam City Council last week directed the planning commission to review the current zoning ordinance related to solar installation, in an effort to ease up on resident requirements. Community Development Director Bryan Dyer said the city consistently receives resident comments that some solar installation requirements are cumbersome and can increase costs — specifically the requirement to go through the planning commission for approval if solar panels have to face the right-of-way.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Parsons makes licensing easier for plumbers
The city of Parsons will make it easier for plumbers to get licensed to do local work. City commissioners on Monday approved a charter ordinance that will lower the score on standardized testing required to get a permit for plumbing work within city limits. The city, based on a state statute, now requires plumbers to score at least a 75% on the test to be licensed. The charter ordinance will lower the minimum score to 70%.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Old schools find new uses – as homes
A former country school moved to Marion in the 1940s still stands on Lincoln St. where it is used as a home. The former Bixler School, originally located three and a half miles northwest of Marion, was purchased by Lonnie and Betty Tidwell in the 1940s and moved to 110 N. Lincoln St. in Marion to serve as a home, which it does to this day. The Tidwells added an attached garage, two bedrooms, and a bathroom.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
Cities willing to pony up for recycling
Both Marion and Hillsboro are likely to help fill the budget hole caused by rising costs of recycling. Although the $120-a-ton cost of taking recyclable material to a privately owned South Hutchinson recycling facility is $82 more than the $38-per-ton cost of taking it to a landfill, both cities seem willing to pay the difference. In January, the county planned to switch recyclable deliveries to Fort Riley, which accepted recyclable materials for free. Before the county delivered a load there, however, that facility stopped recycling because of COVID-19 concerns. It has not resumed operations.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
City of Burden: Thieves steal sand digger from local park
The City of Burden is asking for the public’s help to identify the people who stole a sand digger from Burden Park. The city said the theft happened on June 6 around 9 p.m. Video posted to Burden’s Facebook page shows three people – a man, a woman and a child – pull up to the park in a white truck and get out.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Judge rules on issue in Pretty Prairie Wind lawsuit
A Reno County judge recently ruled on a key element in a lawsuit filed by NextEra Energy over the denial of a permit for its proposed wind farm in the southeast quadrant of Reno County, finding in favor of the county and wind farm opponents. It was not the only issue in the suit, however, so the lawsuit continues, though the court has not set any new hearings or filing deadlines.One of the main contentions in the suit filed last fall by Pretty Prairie Wind LLC…
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Frankfort neighbors upset over company installing wind turbines
A group of neighbors in Frankfort are trying to bring attention to what they said is an eye sore for many. They’re concerned about a company called NextEra installing more than 100 wind turbines near their city. Gayla Randel said they weren’t informed the company was looking to build in their area, and only heard through the talk of the town. “We’re considered a non-participating land owner that means we don’t have enough land to be considered so we are not seen as people that need the information – even though we will be impacted,” Randel said.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Lenexa employee in self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 virus
A Lenexa city employee is self-quarantined after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus. Denise Rendina, city spokeswoman, said the city was informed Sunday morning that an employee who works out of Lenexa City Hall tested positive for the coronavirus. “The employee does not have a role that interfaces with the public,” Rendina said. “The employee began feeling symptoms last Wednesday and has been quarantined since then.”
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
K-State announces another round of emergency furloughs
Kansas State University says eight employees in Information Technology Services will be furloughed beginning June 28. Doing so will save the university more than $100,000. The emergency action comes following 430 employee furloughs since May due COVID-19 impacts. The university estimates in total, it has saved nearly $2.75 million. K-State’s Division of Human Capital Services is working with affected employees on federal and state health benefit options. Furloughed employees may qualify for state unemployment benefits.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
Sedgwick County Commission considers township road maintenance policy
While Sedgwick County Commissioners agreed local township roads are generally well maintained, discussion at a June 3 staff meeting and June 10 commission meeting addressed what could be done in the rare scenarios where that is not the case. Typically, townships are responsible for their own road maintenance, but a statute does exist (K.S.A. 68-124) that allows counties to take over maintenance work – to be billed to the township in question – if those roads are not being maintained. As it stands, the county can get involved if a township board neglects, refuses or fails to comply with the provisions of the statute to repair, place and keep in “condition for travel” any public roads or highways under the township’s jurisdiction. County Commissioner Jim Howell, representing District 5 (including Derby and Mulvane), brought forth a draft policy at the June 3 staff meeting which laid out a more official way for the county to implement K.S.A. 68-124. The policy included measures for official county review of the road in question, methods to notify the townships and channels for official action by the county commission (including a billing timeframe).
(Read more: Derby Informer | News)
Wichita asking businesses to sign up for free program giving teens summer work
The Wichita Sedgwick County Community Action Partnership is hosting its 9th annual Way To Work program this summer, giving jobs to teens. But they’re facing extra challenges this year. It works by businesses partnering with the city and agreeing to have the kids work for them over the summer. However, with the coronavirus pandemic, they need extra help to make it happen. “My true passion in life is always to remind a kid that you are somebody,” said Na’shell Williams, WSCCAP Program Coordinator. Williams oversees the Way To Work program. She said this year’s been tough. “Due to the COVID, we had a lot of youth who were looking for jobs who have not been able to find jobs because a lot of businesses have been closed,” said Williams. The city pays their wages, so all the business has to do is agree to give them the opportunity to learn important skills. Usually, it’s things like answering phones, organizing, and cleaning. But this year, for the first time in Wichita, some of the kids will be learning a unique skill.
(Read more: KAKE – News)