By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

A recently announced agreement between Thomas More Prep-Marian and the Hadley Center has the Ellis County Commission rethinking locations for temporary office space during renovations at the courthouse and jail.

The commission had narrowed the list of potential of temporary locations to house the courthouse and Law Enforcement Center staff during reconstruction to the Hadley Center and the former PATH Lab on 13th Street.

Last week, TMP announced it has entered into a 10-month lease with the Hadley Center to house the girls’ residency program for 2014-2015.

The program will use the third floor, one of the floors identified as possible office space for county employees during construction.

Officials from the Hadley Center have suggested the county can use the second floor instead of the third.

Law Enforcement Center and courthouse staff, Commissioner Barbra Wasinger and County Administrator Greg Sund met by phone Friday afternoon with architect Andrew Pitts from Treanor Architects to discuss the two projects.

Pitts said they looked at the second floor but said it does not lay out as well for office space.

According to Pitts the PATH Lab does not need a lot of work done to it before the county moves in. The main project would be building space for two courtrooms on the upper level.

Staff had also asked about moving LEC staff into the courthouse after those offices are emptied with people moving to their new location at 718 Main.

Pitts said the benefit of moving everyone out is they do not have to keep an ADA-accessible entrance. He also said there will be some additional costs because of the delay.

He said he does not believe there would be a great deal of money saved by keeping staff at the building instead of moving them to another location.

Such a scenario also would force LEC staff to move twice. Wasinger and Sund both said they do not believe it would save any money to move them twice.

The commission is scheduled to discuss and possibly make a decision on the temporary location at tonight’s meeting.

Related story: Ellis County Commission meets Monday.

PHILLIPSBURG — Robbie Hodges is living the dream.

He’s seeing the world, doing what he wants, making people laugh, all while hanging out in rodeo arenas across the country.

The Cave Springs, Georgia man will serve as barrelman and rodeo clown for this year’s Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo in Phillipsburg July 31 to Aug. 2. In other words, he “works” the barrel, moving it to its best spot to provide an oasis of safety for the bull riders and bullfighters. And if there are slow spots during the rodeo, he fills them with jokes and back-and-forth banter with the announcer.

He got his start in rodeo as a bareback rider, but he was always the jokester, the funny guy. “I hid my fear through funny comedy,” he said. “When I got ready to retire (from bareback riding), I wanted to be a barrelman. Fourteen illustrious years later, here I am,” he joked.

He loves cracking jokes, even at his own expense.

“I hate to say it, but I’m good. I’m not like (Seattle Seahawks football player) Richard Sherman,” he cracked. “I try to be cool. Hey, I’m a successful man. I live in an RV.”

He’s rodeoed at every corner of the country, from California to Davie, Florida, to New York, and Puyallup, Washington. And he’s won awards for his work. Robbie was the 2010 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo barrelman and an alternate the next year. He has been nominated for some of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association’s highest honors: Clown of the Year twice, Comedy Act of the Year twice, and Coors Man in the Can four times.

In Phillipsburg, he’ll provide the laughs and banter with the announcer while cowboys are getting ready to compete. He loves the “walk and talk” – being in the arena, cracking jokes during slow times. “I like spontaneity and comedy. I like quick and funny.” Robbie comes up with his material off the cuff. “Most of my stuff is from the situation and the crowd. Ninety percent is from the crowd, and the other twelve percent I make up,” he jokes.

It’s Robbie’s second time in Phillipsburg. He worked the PBR in 2013 there.

He loves what he does, even when he jokes about it.

“I don’t get too caught up in rodeo. I stop off at them because they pay, but the rest of the time, I’m seeing the world, playing the guitar and hanging out,” he said.

The Phillipsburg Rodeo is July 31 to Aug. 2. Tickets are $15 for reserved adult seats and $11 for children ages 3-12. General admission tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets are available at Heritage Insurance in Phillipsburg (785-543-2448). For more information and a complete schedule of event, visit KansasBiggestRodeo.com.

TOPEKA — A legal order issued by the state of Kansas bans, from noon to 7 p.m. daily, the watering of lawns and other outside vegetation with water from private wells located within the Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area in and around the city of Hays.

The order was updated on July 11 to modify the hours. The Hays City Commission voted on Thursday to move from a Stage 2 water warning to a Stage 1 water watch, relaxing some watering restrictions.

According to the order, “…the use of water wells within the boundaries of the IGUCA in Hays, Kansas, and the immediate area, to water lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs and other similar outdoor vegetation during the hours of 12:00 noon through 7:00 p.m. daily from July 11, 2014, through September 30, 2014, is hereby banned.”

The order was signed July 11 by David W. Barfield, chief engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources.

The order affects the IGUCA in the city of Hays and its immediate vicinity. The control area was established by the Division of Water Resources in 1985 at the request of the city to help implement water conservation measures by providing a mechanism to address preventable waste of water by privately owned wells. In the IGUCA order, the chief engineer reserved the right to restrict outdoor watering within the area if information showed well users were not voluntarily avoiding watering of lawns and other outside vegetation during times of high temperatures, strong winds and solar radiation, all of which contribute to preventable waste of water.

The IGUCA order requires owners of private wells to register wells with the Division of Water Resources. Owners of private wells, whether or not they have complied with the registration requirement, are subject to the restrictions imposed by the Water Conservation Plan adopted by the city of Hays. Currently, the city prohibits the following: washing sidewalks, parking lots and driveways; allowing loss of water through leaks in plumbing systems or by runoff onto sidewalks or into street guttering from watering yards; and, the watering of lawns between noon and 7 p.m.

In addition to the restrictions imposed by this order, private well owners continue to be subject to the regulations imposed on all water users under state law.

Beginning Tuesday, the installation of a water service tap will begin on Allen Street between 11th and 12th streets.

Allen Street will be restricted to one lane. Signs will be in place to direct the traveling public. The traveling public should use caution and, if at all possible, avoid this area. This section of work should be by Friday, pending weather conditions.

For more information, call (785) 628-7380.

The Ellis County Commission will continue with a meeting-heavy July at its regular session at 5 p.m. Monday at the Ellis County Courthouse.

On the agenda is consideration of where to temporarily house the courthouse and Law Enforcement Center staff during upcoming renovations at the courthouse and jail.

The commission is considering both space at the Hadley Center and the former PATH Lab, located on 13th Street.

Both buildings would need to be renovated to house the staff even temporarily. That expense, which does not include networking and telephones, has been included in the plans for the courthouse/LEC renovation.

Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Mike King also is scheduled to appear at the meeting, part of a two-day trip to Hays.

King is scheduled to tour several facilities while in town, including the new Doonan truck dealership, Goodman Energy and Hess Services.

The commission also will meet as the Public Building Commission at 4:55 p.m. Monday prior to the regular meeting.

Jana’s Campaign

This week, Drs. Curt and Christie Brungardt, faculty members at Fort Hays State University and founders of Jana’s Campaign, will speak at a national conference at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire on the issues of reducing gender-based violence on college campuses. They will be presenting on a panel with other experts who have moved from victimization to activism.

The Brungardts also have been selected to be part of a 90-member coalition of national experts to develop and implement strategies on college campuses across the United States.

“This is such an honor to be asked to participate at this level,” said Christie Brungardt, mother of the late Jana Mackey. “We will use this opportunity to learn and bring back suggestions to benefit FHSU and our regional community.”

Over the next three years, this national action group will formulate recommendations and engage campuses to improve their prevention and response to dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

“Jana’s Campaign and our sponsored event, the Heartland Campus Safety Summit, will help facilitate these action steps with colleges and universities throughout our six-state region,” said Curt Brungardt, Jana’s Campaign president.

Jana’s Campaign is a regional gender violence prevention and education organization located in Hays. Jana’s Campaign was created in honor of Jana Mackey who lost her life to domestic violence in 2008. Mackey, a Hays High School graduate, was a law student at the University of Kansas and had spent years herself volunteering and helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in Lawrence.

ELLIS — There’s been enough rain this summer to refill Big Creek in Ellis and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks wants to restock the fish in Big Creek.  City council members were informed of that request during their July 7 meeting.

Still, the council is concerned about some residents’ requests to lift the Stage 3 Water Warning, which bans all outdoor watering.

It’s unknown if  lowering the city’s water status would results in the loss of a grant that was applied for during the water emergency, and if a change in status would affect Ellis’ search for a viable water source.  A representative from the Kansas Division of Water Resources has been invited to speak at the next city council meeting.

The complete July 7, 2014, agenda follows.

DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL  

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL  REGULAR MEETING  Minutes  July 7, 2014

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Ron Johnson, Gary Luea, Dave McDaniel, Jolene Niernberger, Terry Redetzke, and John Walz.  Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Denis Vine and City Attorney Olavee Raub.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

The monthly fire department report will be added under Special Order.  Council member Dave McDaniel requested the correction of the consideration of property at 9th and Jefferson Streets, rather than 9th and Washington Streets.

PUBLIC PRESENT

Kelly Robb, Melissa Robb, Glen Keller, Ryan Augustine, Susie Kohlrus, Mark Bongartz, Chavonne Schmidt, Wes James, Maggie James, James Robben, Luke Karlin, Art Honas, Jim Moeder and Jim Carthew.

CONSENT AGENDA

Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from Regular Meeting on June 16, 2014 and Bills Ordinance #1952.  Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Melissa Robb expressed her disappointment in the Council for not legalizing the discharge of fireworks, and hopes Council will consider amending the Ordinance requiring a determination by June 15th of each year.  Ms. Robb feels the City lost revenue by not allowing fireworks.

Susie Kohlrus requested Council consider lifting the Stage 3 water restrictions as she feels the City no longer meets the triggers for a designated water emergency.  She asked that the Council keep the public informed of their decision-making process.

Chavonne Schmidt requested the Council consider amending the Ordinance that disallows chickens in the City limits.  Chicken coops should be allowed as they provide fertilizer and food.

PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)

Mayor Johnston acknowledged Kelly Robb for his graduation from Advanced Individual Training and for being named Soldier of the Month.

SPECIAL ORDER

Fire Chief Denis Vine provided Council with his monthly report of activity and training within the volunteer fire department.  A check has been received from the insurance company for reimbursement of the lost equipment during the swift water rescue in June.  Chief Vine also reported the firemen have repaired the roof at the old fire station.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

General Government: Policy

Council discussed the City’s Policy on Guidelines for Infrastructure, which includes a provision for cost-sharing with the developer and/or property owner for installation of curbs and gutters.  Neither Chad Sproul nor Peter Schield were present to submit or discuss cost estimates of their project, therefore this item will be tabled until they do so.

General Government: Land Disposal

The Council discussed Luke Karlin’s inquiry if the City is interested in selling the vacant lot at 9th and Jefferson Streets.  City Attorney Olavee Raub noted that if interested, the City would have to put the lot out for bids.  To do that, the City would also need to obtain an appraisal on the property.   The City has three options – (1) sell the lot so that it is privately owned and maintained; (2) maintain ownership of the lot and either leave it alone or develop and maintain the lot; or (3) maintain ownership and lease the lot to an interested party.  The Council decided to table the item until a base appraisal could be obtained from Ellis County.

General Government: City Code

Council discussed the current City ordinances related to the sale and discharge of fireworks.  City Attorney Olavee Raub prepared a draft revised ordinance extending the determination date from June 15th to June 25th.   The May 1st deadline to apply for a permit would need to stand as the Planning and Zoning Board needs adequate time to meet the publication requirements and to hold a hearing for a special use permit.  It was the consensus of Council to table this item until ordinances from other cities could be reviewed and to also review the current Planning and Zoning regulations.

Water: Policy

Council discussed the Water Advisory Committee’s recommendations on imposing more restrictive time allowances for watering as provided under Code Section 15-507.  Special use watering permits would only be allowed for Buffalo, Bermuda or Zoysia grasses, and residents would have to produce a receipt proving purchase of any of those types of grasses before a permit to water would be issued.  Two concerns noted regarding lowering the City’s water status is if the City would lose grant funding that was applied for under a water emergency, and if a change in status would affect the City’s search for a viable water source.  Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman will invite Kelly Stewart, Kansas Division of Water Resources, and Brad Vincent, Ground Water Associates, to the next regular council meeting to discuss the Council’s concerns.

NEW BUSINESS

Sanitation: Acctg/Billing; Sewer: Acctg/Billing

Jim Moeder was present to discuss his new business, Big Creek Floral & Gifts, LLC.  Council member Dave McDaniel moved to approve the Application for Local Incentives from Big Creek Floral & Gifts, LLC, for free sanitation and sewer services for one year.  Council member Ron Johnson seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Fire: Contracts

Fire Chief Denis Vine reported that Hays Fire Department would like to use the City’s water rescue mannequin for training for three days in July.  Council member Ron Johnson moved to approve the agreement with Hays Fire Department for use of the City’s water rescue mannequin.  Council member John Walz seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

Event Request: Traffic

Council member Ron Johnson moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the Event Request for Traffic Control for the Ellis Jr. Free Fair parade on July 26, 2014.  Motion carried unanimously.

Fire: License/Permit

Council took under consideration an application from Dave Honas for a temporary CMB license to operate the Fire Department’s beer garden at the Ellis Jr. Free Fair. Council member Terry Redetzke moved and Council member Ron Johnson seconded a motion to approve the Application for License to Sell Cereal Malt Beverages for Dave Honas during the Ellis Jr. Free Fair.  Motion carried unanimously.

General Government: Acctg/Billing

City Clerk Amy Burton requested that the Council’s consideration of ordinances increasing the utility rates be tabled until after Council meets with Galen Pfeifer, CPA on the 2015 budget.

REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS

Public Works

Water

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period May 10th to June 10th.  The Department is aware of two leaks and crews are working to repair them.

Mr. Scheuerman then reviewed the current well levels.  Some of the measurements are static readings while other measurements were obtained while the wells were running.

Council reviewed the feasibility report from Bartlett & West.  The report provided projected costs if the City were to purchase water from Trego Rural Water District as an emergency water supply.  It was the consensus of Council to meet with Bartlett & West to further discuss options.

Special Machinery: Acquisition

James Robben, Carrico Implement, informed Council that the bagger purchased on the new mower has been discontinued and replaced with a bigger 3-bag system.  The additional cost of the new bagging system is $800.00 and Mr. Robben is requesting the City consider splitting the additional cost with Carrico Implement.  It was the consensus of Council to not ratify the additional cost.

General Government: Special Project

Mr. Scheuerman discussed with Council setting up a booth at the Ellis Jr. Free Fair to obtain feedback from residents on how satisfied they are with the level of service the City provides.  Residents will be asked to fill out a one-page survey in exchange for a bottle of water or a shower head.  Mr. Scheuerman is asking for members of the Governing Body, the Clerk’s office and the Police Department to help participate.  He will submit the proposed survey at the next regular meeting for approval.

Sewer: Repair/Maintenance

Mr. Scheuerman reported that the new sewer pump was struck by lightning and needs to be replaced.  The City’s insurance will pay for the new pump less the $1,000 deductible.  Council member John Walz moved to approve the purchase of the ABS Submersible Pump from Environmental & Process Systems, Inc. in the amount of $4,641.00 with funds to come from the Sewer Utility Fund, with the understanding the cost to the City will only be the $1,000.00 deductible.  Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Streets: Repair/Maintenance

Golden Belt Coop has requested asphalt material to fill in the potholes between the elevator and Equity Bank.  The Coop has the machinery and will perform the labor.  Council member Gary Luea moved to allow in-kind services with Golden Belt Coop whereby the City will provide adequate asphalt material to fill the potholes, and in return the Coop will provide the City free weigh tickets for the City’s sanitation truck.  Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Police

Police Chief Taft Yates presented the July officer calendar and the Monthly Activity Report for June.  The Department is currently reviewing applications for the vacancy in the Department.  Chief Yates informed Council that he has one officer on light duty until the middle of July due to a bone fracture.  The Department will also hold fraud training at the Good Samaritan Center and All in a Day’s Grind on July 16th.

City Clerk

Swimming Pool

City Clerk Amy Burton reported that half-way through the season the Swimming Pool has experienced a 34% increase in attendance from last year.

Interviews for the Clerk II position are scheduled for July 17th.

City Clerk: Financial

Ellis County Treasurer Ann Pfeifer reported that the revenue from the Hays TIF project was accidentally distributed to Ellis.  A check for $242,333.45 was sent to the County for the reimbursement.

Industrial Development: Repair/Maintenance

Ms. Burton reported that the deadline has passed for property owners to respond on their willingness to participate in a survey to correct the legal description of the buildings in the 1000 block of Washington Street.  Only four of the seven property owners responded.  City Attorney Olavee Raub will try to solicit responses out of two other owners; but the third may be a problem due to ownership issues.

Mayor/Council

Mayor Lyle Johnston reported that Latisha Haag is looking for judges for the Girl Scout’s National S’Mores Day event.  He will confirm the date and time and inform Council.

Council member Ron Johnson would like for the Governing Body to tour the City buildings to view the facilities and equipment.

Council member John Walz reported that the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks want to restock the fish in Big Creek.  Mr. Scheuerman will contact the Department to get more information.  Mr. Walz would also like to see a provision in the Water Conservation Plan that the sale or discharge of fireworks would not be allowed if the City is in a water emergency.  He asked Mr. Scheuerman to contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to see what chemicals could be used to spray for weeds in the creek.  In 2015, Mr. Walz would like for some of the Tourism monies to be used for replacing the vinyl on the billboard signs.

Council member Jolene Niernberger informed the Governing Body of a meeting in Stockton on July 9, 2014 on the Vision for the Future of Water in Kansas.

Council member Gary Luea asked Mr. Scheuerman and Chief Yates if a stop sign could be installed at the intersection of 19th and Spruce.  He also asked if a certificate of appreciation could be sent to the Prayer in Action Group for their hard work in the community.  Mr. Luea would like to see further action taken to clean up the property at 11th and Monroe.

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

Mayor Lyle Johnston called for an executive session under attorney-client privilege.  A 5-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:38 p.m.  Mayor Johnston asked for a motion to recess.  Council member Terry Redetzke moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to recess to executive session under attorney-client privilege with the City Attorney present.  Motion carried 6-0.  The Council returned to open session at 9:43 p.m.  No action was taken in executive session.

ADJOURNMENT

Council member Terry Redetzke moved to adjourn the meeting.  Council member Dave McDaniel seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.