Kansas Municipal News
$3.75M federal grant will help City of Lawrence purchase its first zero-emission buses
Lawrence transit officials say a federal grant to purchase the city’s first fully electric buses is a step in the right direction for the city’s sustainability goals and for eventually converting the city’s fleet of diesel buses. The Federal Transit Administration has awarded the city a $3.75 million federal grant to purchase zero- or low-emission buses. Transit and Parking Manager Adam Weigel said the grant, which requires a local match of $2.2 million, would enable the city to replace five diesel buses with zero-emission electric buses, purchase charging stations and work with the nonprofit Center for Transportation and the Environment to plan and evaluate the program.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Municipal Bond Trends for June 5, 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.
The City of Merriam Enters Phase 3 on June 8
The City of Merriam will enter Phase 3 of the state’s Ad Astra reopening plan on Monday, June 8. All City facilities, playgrounds, and sports courts will reopen to the public. The Irene B. French Community Center will remain closed as the City prepares to open the Merriam Community Center later this month. Phase 3 of the Ad Astra plan recommends gatherings of 45 people or less. Residents are encouraged to wear masks inside City buildings and at playgrounds, practice physical distancing of 6 feet or more, use hand sanitizer if unable to wash hands with soap and water, and to avoid touching your face.
(Read more: Merriam, KS news)
Retail, residential development approved in Gardner
Grata Development received rezoning approval from the Gardner City Council for a $200 million mixed-use development located at the southeast corner of 175th St. and I-35 in Gardner. According to the press release, the 262-acre development comprises retail (New Trails), multifamily (Prairie Forge) and single-family housing (Prairie Trace). “We are grateful for the partnership we have formed with the city staff and elected officials in Gardner to bring this exciting project to life. The goal of the New Trails Project is to provide amenities for people to enjoy life together as they live, work and play,” said Travis Schram, Grata Development president.
(Read more: Gardner News)
Hutchinson demonstration remains peaceful despite rumors of counter-protest
Multiple peaceful demonstrations were held on Saturday across the state of Kansas. In Hutchinson, a group of protesters walked along 25th and main street despite the hot sun. “It’s very hot and I’m especially very proud of everyone for sticking with it,” said Teresa Delgado, rally organizer. Protesters took a knee for more than eight minutes, the time a Minneapolis officer had his knee on George Floyd before his death.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Hutchinson announces Small Business Emergency Relief program
The City of Hutchinson has been approved for $132,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, allowing it to establish a Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Program. Applications are now being accepted for the program which will assist small businesses of up to 50 employees who employ people from low- to medium-income households. Businesses must have at least 51% of its employees who fall within household income guidelines and submit an Employee Certification form for each employee.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Three area police departments receive grants to hire officers
Three area police departments received grants from through the U.S. Attorney’s office to hire Community Policing officer. Area departments receiving grants included: Cheney Police Department, $250,000; Hesston Police Department, $125,000; and Pratt Police Department: $125,000. The grants, which went to 15 departments in Kansas, were part of nearly $400 million nationwide for law enforcement hiring announced by the Department of Justice, through its Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP).
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Topeka city government furloughs non-union employees
As part of an ongoing effort to cut costs, Topeka’s city government is requiring non-union employees to spend five days on furlough, the city’s spokeswoman said this past week. Non-union employees, of which the city has 285, must take five unpaid days off between June 13 and Sept. 18, said Molly Hadfield, the city’s media relations director. But the city is no longer seriously considering asking groups of employees to accept pay cuts, city manager Brent Trout said this past week at the monthly news conference he holds with Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “In the sense of specific salary percentage reductions, I think that that probably is not something that we’ll look at,” Trout said. “We’ve been studying the issue and looking at things and we believe that if there’s changes that need to be made, that furloughs is a better option.”
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Counter protest by white supremacists fails to materialize at Hutchinson event
Jarin Berger said he may have overprepared with 600 water bottles in an ice tub outside his home for the roughly 75 people who marched in support of social justice down Main Street in Hutchinson on Saturday. Despite concerns about potential violence from protesters and counter-protests from white supremacists that led to several businesses being boarded up, the event went off without a hitch. All along the route, police stopped to block off traffic at intersections and every couple blocks someone handed out water to chanting protesters. “I just wanted to let them know they were welcome here and we just thought water would be the best way,” Berger said, adding 600 water bottles was too much. “But, I mean it’s got all of our neighbors out. We are all kinda banding together and helping out so. That’s kinda what it’s all about.”
Read more: Local News |)
County health officer sounds a warning as COVID-19 numbers rise in Wichita area
Sedgwick County’s health officer is raising concerns that the Wichita area may have moved too fast to fully reopen the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. He’s recommending a retreat to an early phase of health precautions to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Dr. Garold Minns is recommending backing up to Phase 2 of the “Ad Astra Plan,” Gov. Laura Kelly’s now-abandoned effort for a slower, more deliberate reopening after two months of strict stay-at-home orders and mass gathering limits.
(Read more: Local News |)
Kansas county baling straw to help curb ‘banner year’ for blue-green algae
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, it may soon be time to bale. Pun intended. With this week’s oppressive heat wave cranking up water temperatures across the state, the annual battle between pond and lake managers and the scourge of blue-green algae is right on our doorstep. After seeing an earlier-than-normal outbreak of blue-green algae in April at Lake Shawnee, three Shawnee County waterways are now taking part in an experimental pilot program attempting to allay the threat of future blue-green algae outbreaks this summer.
(Read more: Pittsburg Morning Sun)
Shawnee anticipates $8 million drop in general fund revenues for upcoming budget
Shawnee city staff and leaders considered ways to to reduce expenses while continuing to provide services for the community, during a council discussion on how the budget could be affected by a potential second wave of COVD-19. In a presentation to the city council on the upcoming budget, city management and department heads discussed the impact of COVID-19 on city services as well as ways the city has significantly reduced expenses to accommodate the loss in revenue. City staff anticipate a roughly $8 million drop in tax revenues and other miscellaneous revenues in the general fund this year, from about $55.6 million to roughly $47.9 million, especially with the possibility of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic later this year. City staff expect revenues to increase again next year.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Louisburg approves use of UTVs, golf carts on streets
Owners of UTVs and golf carts can drive their vehicles on Louisburg streets under certain conditions and speed limitations. The Louisburg City Council voted 5-0 in late May to allow work-site utility vehicles, utility task vehicles and golf carts to be operated inside the city limits. UTV owners must register their vehicles with the Louisburg Police Department and purchase a city-issued tag to display on the vehicle. UTVs can be operated on any highway, street or roadway in Louisburg that has a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less. Utility vehicles must have bench or bucket-style seats. Vehicles that require the driver to straddle the seat are not allowed.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)
KDHE looks to open schools
Kansas remains optimistic that its school buildings will reopen in the fall. However, the lingering impact of COVID-19 will impact the opening in a variety of ways. Kansas schools will have to be prepared for any scenario that comes their way in the fall. Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson, Ed.D., assembled a task force in May to develop comprehensive guidance for safely reopening school buildings and for ensuring the continuity of academic rigor and assessment in the event school is interrupted for any reason.
(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)
Winfield’s Walnut Valley bluegrass music festival postponed due to coronavirus
The Winfield festival known for its bluegrass and other music is being postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Walnut Valley Festival organizers announced on Thursday that the 2020 festival will be postponed until September 2021 due to public health recommendations on mass gatherings.
(Read more: Local News |)
Two men arrested for social media post that urged violence in Wichita-area neighborhoods
Wichita police have arrested two men over a widely circulated social media post that urged violence and looting in suburban neighborhoods while peaceful protests calling for an end to police brutality were ongoing Wednesday evening. Announcement of the arrests sparked immediate outcry on social media from people saying at least one of the men only shared the post, reportedly a screenshot from Snapchat, to warn others.
(Read more: Local News |)
Feared rioting in smaller towns does not materialize
Misinformation fueled fear of looting and rioting in parts of Sedgewick and Butler County on Wednesday night. Despite rumors of mass looting and rioting that was said to be headed down HWY-254 and into El Dorado, none of it happened. The city remained quiet and the adjourning cities mirrored the silence. That did not stop many from taking to social media, in fear of what could happen to their town.
(Read more: State News – Morning Sun)
Local chiefs laud their agencies in wake of unrest
The heads of local law enforcement agencies touted their community-policing efforts and treatment of local citizens after being asked about the police killing of George Floyd that has trigged widespread civil unrest across the nation. … Winfield Police Chief Robbie DeLong said his department is developing new and unique community outreach projects, and has participated in several events in recent years, including a celebration of Laotian residents at Island Park.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Ark City considers tightening leash law
Arkansas City Commissioners are looking at revising a city ordinance that regulates allowing dogs to run at large. The current municipal code allows a dog to be off the leash if under the owner’s voice control. The code also permits dogs to roam and be on a property without the owner’s permission, as long as the dog remains under the control of its owner. The proposed ordinance revision will remove the voice control option, prohibit dogs from running at large within the city, and require all dogs be on a leash.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Reno County Stepping Up Council recognized
The Stepping Up Council of Reno County was created almost two years ago to find alternatives to incarceration for people with mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders or developmental disabilities who encounter the criminal justice system for low-level offenses. This month, the group, formed by members of nearly a dozen local agencies and organizations, achieved a milestone by being named an Innovator County by the national Stepping Up Initiative.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)