By KHP TROOPER TOD HILEMAN
Public Resource Officer-Hays

Harvest time is right around the corner, so time for us to be thinking about all the extra traffic and large heavy trucks that are hard to stop.

Preliminary numbers indicate that statewide in 2015, there were 106 crashes involving farm equipment. In those 106 crashes, no one was killed, but there were 40 people injured. Already this year, preliminary statistics indicate there have been 22 crashes, with four people injured.

It is important to share the road safely, for the sake of the farmers, and for the motoring public. Tips to keep in mind when sharing Kansas roads with farmers:

• Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there. Most operators of farm equipment regularly check for vehicles behind them, however, most of their time must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering the farmer’s ability to hear your vehicle.

• Pass with extreme caution. Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the farm equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view of oncoming traffic, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you’re passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.

• When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass. Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn, and be alert to see if there might be a driveway or field they may be turning into.

• Be patient. Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. The farmer understands you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.

• Think of the slow moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed. When you see the slow moving vehicle emblem, you should immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance away, it is often difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on a vehicle, especially at night.

• Pay attention. When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow moving farm vehicle.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

As Ellis County Commission continues to work to set its 2017 budget the commission heard funding requests from outside agencies at Monday’s meeting.

The requests from the 14 agencies totaled more than $1.4 million.

Ellis County Extension Council – $265,000
High Plains Mental Health Center – $270,844.64 (increase of $25,000 from the previous year)
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas – $238,100
Hays Area Children’s Center – $139,000
Ellis County Council on Aging – $147,472 (increase of $10,900)
Ellis County Historical Society – $174,420 (increase of $74,000)
Soil Conservation District – $74,350
ACCESS Transportation – $71,844 (increase of $9,800)
Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development – $47,500
Human Society of the High Plains – $4,500 (10% decrease from previous years)
Ellis Alliance – $5,000
Hays Arts Council – $5,000
Junior Free Fair – $5,000

The county also received its first ever request from the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center. The center, which recently opened an office in Hays, helps victims of child abuse.

Commissioner Barb Wasinger said she would like to fund everyone’s request but it’s unfair to ask the county department’s to cut three-percent and not cut funding for outside agencies.

“It’s hard to tell my staff, elected officials (and) the department heads to cut their budget by three-percent and not do that to the rest of them.”

The commission will hold budget work sessions at 9 a.m. on June 16th and June 30th to discuss department budgets.

ELLIS–Ellis earned a “clean audit” opinion for 2015 from Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball during the June 6 city council meeting. ABBB Audit Manager Teri Klitzke also made recommendations for improving efficiency and internal control.

Council members also approved the city’s Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes June 6, 2016

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, 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. Council member Bob Redger was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Kellie Crnkovich, Glen Keller, Teri Klitzke, Sophia Sanders, Katlin Senst, Dena Patee, Nan Brown, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Mary Jo Walz, Steve Arthur, and Tiffany Kershner.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on May 16, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #1998. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dena Patee expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department for how nice the parks looked for the Walter P. Chrysler Car Show.
Cheryl Kinderknecht thanked the City for allowing Public Works equipment to be displayed during the Planes, Trains, & Automobiles event on June 4th.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Public Works: Public Hearing – Environmental Violation
City Attorney Olavee Raub stated that an administrative hearing has been requested by Kellie Crnkovich to determine if the items cited by the Public Works Director constitute an environmental violation. Ms. Crnkovich stated she is unclear on what needs to be done to become compliant with the environmental code. Ms. Raub suggested Ms. Crnkovich review the City Code cited in the violation notice and also meet with Alan Scheuerman, Public Works Director, to clarify the items noted in the violation notice. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to defer the hearing for 30 days to allow Mr. Scheuerman to meet with Ms. Crnkovich to determine the action needed to become compliant with the environmental code. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
SPECIAL ORDER
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Tiffany Kershner, representing Options – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, provided information regarding the Options program, and requested consideration of funding from the City for the 2017 Budget. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Steve Arthur, Director of the Ellis Public Library, presented the Library’s 2017 budget request of four mills of the assessed valuation, $2,500.00 for employee benefits, and $2,000.00 for library programming. The Library is also requesting additional funds for capital improvements, personnel, and projects totaling $12,000.00. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
General Government: Financial
Teri Klitzke, Audit Manager with Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chtd., presented the City’s 2015 audit report. The City received a clean audit opinion, meaning the financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects. Ms. Klitzke reviewed the financial statements and offered recommendations for improving efficiency and internal control.
Fire
Fire Chief Denis Vine presented an update from his Department. The supply lines have all been pressure tested, and the Department fire trucks participated in the Alumni parade last weekend and will also participate in the Riverfest parade on June 11th.
Personnel: Exit
Darret Hazlett has resigned from the Ellis Fire Department due to other commitments.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Fire: Policy
Council discussed the proposed policy on automated fire alarm systems. The Fire Department reviewed the policy and submitted revisions to City Attorney Olavee Raub for consideration. Ms. Raub stated she has not reviewed the proposed revisions; therefore, consideration of the policy will be tabled until the next Council meeting.
Fire: City Code
Council discussed a proposed ordinance regulating automated fire alarm systems. Ms. Raub explained the proposed ordinance preserves immunity to the City in damage that might occur due to a forced entry from the Fire Department caused by a response to an automated fire alarm call. Council will defer action until Ms. Raub has made revisions to the coordinating policy.
Personnel: Benefits
Council discussed the renewal of the employee’s health insurance plan and funding options for the claims reserve fund. Council member Bret Andries moved to approve the renewal of the employee’s health insurance plan with United Health Care and Freedom Claims Management, and to increase the funding of the claims reserve fund by 6.25%. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the refunding bond ordinance and resolution. The documents authorize the sale and the issuance of the refunding bonds. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1404 authorizing the sale and issuance of the refunding bonds. The motion carried 5-0. Council member John Walz then moved to approve Resolution No. 527 directing the sale of the refunding bonds. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign the necessary closing documents. The motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: Committee
Planning Commission Chairman Glen Keller presented the Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives as approved by the Planning Commission at their May 23rd meeting. The Plan is used to provide guidance to Council for the growth and development of the City. Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Committee
Mayor David McDaniel recommended additional appointments to the various City committees. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to approve the committee appointments as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Disposal
City Clerk Amy Burton presented a list of documents set to be disposed of in accordance with the City’s Records Management Policy. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the Certificate of Destruction of Public Records as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Contracts
City Clerk Amy Burton discussed with Council the possibility of installing Wi-Fi at City Hall. The proposed contract is for the monthly lease of equipment and service agreement. Council directed Ms. Burton to present a wireless router option as well.
City Attorney: Contract
City Attorney Olavee Raub reviewed a letter to Council proposing slight revisions to her contract for services. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the contract with Raub & Zeigler, LLC, as presented. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Gary Luea questioned the need to bid out attorney services. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 3-2, with Council members Bret Andries, Jolene Niernberger, and John Walz voting in favor of the motion and Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Gary Luea voting opposed.
General Government: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton discussed the need to create additional accounting funds for the special grant and loan projects in process. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve creating the necessary project funds for accounting purposes. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Council discussed options regarding concealing the concrete pile on Old Highway 40.
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported on the mowing at Spruce Villa. The Department is mowing the City’s portion of the property.
Water
Mr. Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period April 10th – May 10th.
APAC may have some water valves available for purchase. Mr. Scheuerman will compare prices with another vendor and report back.
Mr. Scheuerman and Water Operator John Leiker will attend a water training workshop sponsored by KRWA on June 14th.
Swimming Pool
The pool liner is experiencing tears resulting in water loss at the swimming pool. Mr. Scheuerman has contacted the company regarding the warranty on the liner, but the company will not return any calls. City Attorney Olavee Raub recommended calling the Better Business Bureau and the League of Kansas Municipalities.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for May and the June staff calendar. Chief Yates is back to full duty following his injury. Officer Chris Krom will be hosting child safety seat training on June 4th at the Planes, Trains, and Automobiles event.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton reported that the 2016 Refunding Bonds were locked in at an interest rate of 1.76%, resulting in estimated savings to the City of $650,000 over the remaining life of the bonds.
The swimming pool will be offering a new swim lesson group this year for children under five years of age.
Ms. Burton will be absent for the June 20th meeting.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
The facilities tour work session will be rescheduled to July 9th.
The filing deadline for Council member elections has passed and seven candidates have filed for election: Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, John Walz, Susan Eaton, Dena Patee, Martin LaBarge, and Nan Brown.
The Cemetery Committee meetings have been changed to quarterly, rather than monthly from April – October.
Council member Gary Luea requested another update regarding ongoing litigation from City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.

RUSSELL COUNTY- A Russell County teen was injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. on Wednesday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Ford F-150 driven by Danielle R. Homeier, 17, Dorrance, was northbound on Kansas 232 just east of Lucas.

The pickup crossed the roadway into the west ditch. The driver overcorrected and the pickup rolled.

Homeier was transported to the hospital in Russell.

She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and 22 traffic stops Fri., June 10, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suicidal Subject–100 block E 15th St, Hays; 2:44 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 5:35 AM
Theft (general)–200 block W 17th St, Hays; 9:45 AM; 7:30 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:27 AM
Worthless Check–400 block E 11th St, Hays; 5/28/16 12 AM; 11:59 PM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–200 block E 20th St, Hays; 10:07 AM
Mental Health Call–Hays; 10:48 AM
Suspicious Person–400 block Pine St, Hays; 5/31/16 5 PM; 6 PM
Welfare Check–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:03 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–300 block E 14th St, Hays; 12:31 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–500 block Vine St, Hays; 2:21 PM
Found/Lost Property–500 block W 39th St, Hays; 3:04 PM
Water Use Violation–100 block W 15th St, Hays; 4:13 PM
Disturbance – General–200 block E 16th St, Hays; 4:42 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 22nd St, Hays; 5:15 PM
Water Use Violation–400 block W 35th St, Hays; 5:52 PM; 6:22 PM
Animal At Large–3400 block Country Ln, Hays; 6:22 PM
Suspicious Person–100 block W 33rd St, Hays; 7:30 PM
Water Use Violation–100 block E 22nd St, Hays; 7:33 PM
Disturbance – General–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:58 PM; 10:38 PM
Drug Offenses–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 10 PM; 10:15 PM
Driving Under the Influence–1300 block Allen St, Hays; 11:24 PM; 1:07 AM

The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and 17 traffic stops Sat., June 11, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Animal Bite Investigation–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 6/10 11:15 PM; 11:17 PM
Driving Under the Influence–13th and oak, Hays; 2:17 AM; 2:19 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–400 block E 6th St, Hays; 2:27 AM
Water Use Violation–2700 block Fort St, Hays; 3:06 AM; 3:12 PM
Suspicious Person–2600 block General Custer Rd, Hays; 3:49 AM
Theft (general)–200 block W 17th St, Hays; 6/10 5 PM; 6/11 1 AM
Animal At Large–1400 block 40 Bypass Hwy, Hays; 8:35 AM
Civil Dispute–3600 block Hall St, Hays; 9:16 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block Walnut St, Hays; 2 AM; 9 AM
Found/Lost Property–3700 block Vine St, Hays; 10:02 AM
Animal At Large–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 10:41 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–400 block W 37th St, Hays; 11:27 AM
Mental Health Call–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:01 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12 PM; 12:30 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12 PM; 12:30 PM
Animal At Large–200 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:46 PM
Civil Transport–1300 block Kansas Highway 264, Larned; 5:40 PM; 7:59 PM
Disturbance – General–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 5:59 PM
Animal Call–3700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 7:29 PM
Domestic Disturbance–2900 block Grant Ave, Hays; 8:54 PM
Disturbance – Noise–2000 block Patio Dr, Hays; 8:55 PM; 9 PM
Driving Under the Influence–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 9:55 PM; 9:57 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 10:22 PM; 11:31 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 9 animal calls and 14 traffic stops Sun., June 12, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Intoxicated Subject–7th and Elm, Hays; 1:28 AM
Water Use Violation–2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 3:06 AM
Harassment (All Other)–400 block Walnut St, Hays; 6/11 10:30 PM; 6/12 7:30 AM
Found/Lost Property–1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 9:02 AM
Water Use Violation–2200 block Felten Dr, Hays; 9:19 AM
Animal At Large–1300 block Lawrence Dr, Hays; 11:10 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block E 33rd St, Hays; 11:51 AM
Domestic Disturbance–400 block E 6th St, Hays; 12:48 PM
Disorderly Conduct–1100 block E 27th St, Hays; 2:15 AM; 2:45 AM
MV Accident-Private Property; 1200 block E 27th St, Hays; 1:42 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–200 block W 16th St, Hays; 6/5 1 PM; 6/12 1:50 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 3:14 PM
Dead Animal Call–500 block W 14th St, Hays; 4:14 PM
Suspicious Activity–500 block W 14th St, Hays; 4:43 PM
Water Use Violation–1300 block W 27th St, Hays; 7:30 PM; 7:57 PM
Theft (general)–1800 block Vine St, Hays; 2 PM; 3 PM
Found/Lost Property–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 8:24 PM
Animal Call–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 8:51 PM
Driving Under the Influence–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 9:33 PM; 10:15 PM
Disturbance – Noise–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10:24 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 10:37 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 11:49 PM