Salina seeks public input as it makes changes to city’s sign codes

As the line between what is art and what is advertising becomes somewhat blurred, Salina is looking to revamp and change city code on signs. As part of this process, the city hosted a listening session Thursday evening to hear from members of the public about signs in Salina and brought in Wendy Moeller … One of the biggest challenges in adopting codes on signage is dealing with case law in the United States. Moeller said in just the past decade new decisions have come from various courts. “There’s been a couple of Supreme Court cases that have made a lot of problems for sign regulations across every community,” Moeller said. … “(The decisions from courts say) communities like Salina really need to step away from regulating signage based on the message,” Moeller said.
Source: Salina Journal

2024-02-19T07:24:08-06:00February 19, 2024|News|

Park City cracks down on chronic calls

Park City is cracking down on so-called “chronic nuisance” properties in the city. The city council on Feb. 13 unanimously voted to create an ordinance that would give city staff an additional way of dealing with properties that generate excessive police calls. Properties where two or more “trigger events” occur within a compliance period can now be dubbed chronic nuisances under the new policy. A property can also become a chronic nuisance if a non-self-defense-related shooting occurs or if a search warrant is executed there. The ordinance says the compliance period is six months for residential properties and 30 days for commercial properties or multi-family units. The ordinance lists 16 broad examples of “trigger events” police might respond to that could lead to properties being dubbed chronic nuisances.
Source: Ark Valley News

2024-02-17T14:35:55-06:00February 17, 2024|News|

2024 Hays Water Conservation Incentive & Rebate Programs

At the City of Hays Feb. 13, 2024 Press Briefing, Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman reviewed the City’s ongoing efforts to encourage water conservation through the Showerhead & Aerator Program and five rebate programs for residents who invest in water efficiency both indoors and out. “City of Hays water customers can stop by City Hall, the Finance office, anytime to pick up high efficiency showerheads for free or for cost and we also have faucet aerators available at all times,” Water Conservation Specialist Dickman said. Faucet aerators are free. Six different types of shower heads are offered. Three models are free with exchange of old shower head and the other 3 are just $5.00 with exchange of old shower head.
Source: Hays Daily News

2024-02-17T07:42:42-06:00February 17, 2024|News|

Kansas Court of Appeals: Termination for Insubordination (Frazier v City of LeRoy)

The City of LeRoy, Kansas (the City), passed a resolution and order for a citizen to remove a vicious dog from the city limits as a nuisance abatement. The resolution required service of the abatement order to the dog’s owners by the Chief of Police, Daniel C. Frazier. He refused to serve the order, claiming it was an unlawful order. The City terminated Frazier’s employment for insubordination. Frazier brings this appeal against the City, arguing that the City’s decision to terminate his employment as the Chief of Police was arbitrary or capricious, outside the scope of its authority, and unsupported by substantial competent evidence. After reviewing the arguments and record, we find the district court’s decision that the City’s decision to terminate him was proper. Thus, we affirm.
Source: Frazier v City of LeRoy

2024-02-16T11:32:28-06:00February 16, 2024|News|

Kansas Court of Appeals: Tort Claims

Turner v. City of Topeka: While jogging on the Kansas Avenue Bridge in Topeka, Kansas, Trong Do Turner leapt over a concrete barricade to enter the center of the Bridge where he fell through a large gap and injured himself. The district court granted the City summary judgment, finding it was immune from liability under the Kansas Tort Claims Act. Finding no error in the district court’s well-reasoned opinion, this court affirms.

Grey v. City of Topeka: After growing impatient waiting for a ride from a friend, Julie Kathleen Grey … climbed over the concrete barricades blocking the center of the bridge from the traffic lanes. Unfortunately, Grey did not realize the center concrete barricades blocked access to a large gap in the bridge and she fell to the ground below suffering serious injuries. Grey brought a suit against the City of Topeka and various other parties alleging they were liable for her injuries. The district court granted the City summary judgment, finding it was immune from liability under the Kansas Tort Claims Act. Finding no error in the district court’s well-reasoned opinion, this court affirms.

2024-02-16T11:30:12-06:00February 16, 2024|News|

USD-440 approves moving forward with bond election

The USD-440 Board of Education made it official Monday night by unanimously approving a resolution to authorize the calling of a bond election. The district intends to hold a special election to vote on general obligation bonds to pay the estimated $28,500,000 costs to construct, furnish, and equip: (a) additions, improvements, and renovations to Bentley Primary School, including secured entry, site improvements, and renovation and modernization of library, classrooms, cafeteria, restrooms, special education areas and gymnasium. (b) additions, improvements and renovations to Halstead Middle School, including site improvements, renovation and modernization of pre-K classrooms, cafeteria and restrooms, and a new entrance for facility activities. (c) additions, improvements, and renovations to Halstead High School, including a seventh- and eighth-grade addition, weight room and girls’ locker room addition, administration offices and conference room addition, performing arts and rehearsal space classroom addition, renovations and modernization of auditorium, classrooms, and industrial arts spaces; and secured entry addition and improvements. (d) renovation and improvements to all district facilities including a replacement press box at the football facility and new softball and baseball fields. (e) make all other necessary improvements related to the project. Superintendent Ron Barry said they can’t put everything in the notice because it would make it extremely long but that it covers the main pieces. He said the vote would be in-person only but would provide an opportunity for absentee ballots by request.
Source: Harvey County Now

2024-02-14T13:06:19-06:00February 14, 2024|News|

Shawnee Mission school district names longtime administrator as its next superintendent

The Shawnee Mission school district has named its next top leader. The school board on Monday announced that Michael Schumacher will be the district’s new superintendent, as Michelle Hubbard steps down at the end of the school year. Schumacher currently serves as associate superintendent of human resources. He will take over as superintendent in July. “I recognize the importance of the role that you selected me for and the trust you have shown in me, and I do not take it lightly,” Schumacher said in a statement. “I believe deeply that public education is the great equalizer in this country and the Shawnee Mission School District is a shining example of the unlimited possibilities that exist when great people work together to serve the needs of students.” Schumacher has served in the district for the past nine years, including as the assistant director of curriculum and instruction, executive director of secondary human resources, and associate superintendent of human resources. He previously worked as a principal and assistant principal in the Piper, Turner and Blue Valley school districts, and at Bishop Miege High School. He started his career as a high school science teacher. “Dr. Schumacher’s vision for the district is truly inspiring,” school board president Mary Sinclair said in a statement.
Source: Joco 913 News

2024-02-14T13:04:05-06:00February 14, 2024|News|

A little insight into township roads

Recently, there’s been significant discussion at Harvey County Commission meetings about the state of rural roads, following weeks of snow and slush. But not all rural roads are the county’s responsibility. The upkeep of many roads falls to the townships they are located in. The Harvey County Road and Bridge Department is responsible for all the paved roads and bridges within the county (outside of the cities), according to County Clerk Rick Piepho, as well as 74.28 miles of unpaved roads. These roads include dirt roads such as Woodlawn and long stretches of East Lake Road. The rest of the unpaved roads are the responsibility of the individual townships. Harvey County has 15 townships that cover the entire county. Harvey County is on a township road system, according to Piepho, while some other counties, like Marion, are on a county road system. The difference is who is responsible for things like the roads.  In Harvey County, each township has roads they are responsible for maintaining and clearing after a snowstorm.
Source: Harvey County Now

2024-02-14T12:58:36-06:00February 14, 2024|News|
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