By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will discuss implementing a portion of the wage and benefit study conducted in 2014 by Evergreen Solutions.

The commission did not implement the study, instead it only adopted the recommendation to bring employees to the minimum pay rate based on the study.

According to his memo to the commission, County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes said because the commission enacted a 1 percent pay increase for all county employees, the pay plan in the study needs to be updated.

Smith-Hanes said staff wants the commission to adopt the policies in the study with those minor changes.

In other business, Director of Fire and Emergency Management Darin Myers will discuss purchasing a new vehicle.

Monday’s meeting is at 5 p.m. at the Ellis County Administrative Center.

By MARY LOU PETER
K-State Research and Extension

COLBY – This year’s abundant hard red winter wheat crop, slow export demand and ample supplies of low-priced feed grains available to compete with wheat for livestock feeding have combined to pull Kansas wheat prices lower this summer. Anticipated large harvests of corn, grain sorghum, soybeans and other crops this fall are likely to further clog the state’s grain storage and handling systems, according to Kansas State University associate professor Dan O’Brien.

One apparent result of the tight grain storage situation is that the Chicago Mercantile Exchange July Kansas hard red winter wheat futures contract did not converge with the actual cash price being paid for wheat at designated delivery elevator locations in central Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri as it normally would. The disconnect between futures and cash prices could have implications for crop insurance programs, O’Brien said.

For example, on July 1, at the beginning of the delivery period for Chicago Mercantile Exchange July 2016 Kansas hard red winter wheat futures, the contract closed at $3.94 a bushel, down from $4.61 on May 2 – the price of May 2016 wheat futures at the beginning of its delivery period.

Also on July 1, cash prices for wheat truck bids in Kansas City, Mo., were $3.66 per bushel.

On Aug. 8, cash basis levels had fallen further to $0.58 per bushel under Sept. 2016 CME Kansas HRW wheat futures. Basis levels had fallen $0.80-$0.85 per bushel under designated delivery locations in Salina/Abilene, Hutchinson, and Wichita, Kansas.

“The current wide wheat basis situation in Kansas seems to be the result of large inventories of wheat in combination with other grains accumulating in Kansas grain elevators across the state in general, and at designated delivery elevators in particular,” said O’Brien, an agricultural economist with K-State Research and Extension. Basis is the difference between a local cash price for a commodity and the price of a specific futures contract of the same commodity and any given point in time. “These large inventories have resulted in greater demand for grain storage, and raised the true value of physical grain storage space above the rates of storage written into the CME Kansas hard red winter wheat contract for delivered wheat. As a result, a positive ‘wedge’ has formed between the true value or ‘price’ of physical grain storage space and the futures contract storage rate on delivered hard red winter wheat.”

Because of this, long futures position holders who have been delivered upon by short position holders have an incentive to continue to pay storage and “store” the warehouse receipts they have been forced to take rather than to “load out” or actually sell the wheat in the cash market, he said. This incentive to hold and store the delivered wheat rather than move it into the cash market is a major contributing factor in the widening of wheat basis levels during delivery periods for CME Kansas HRW wheat at delivery locations in Kansas and at Kansas City, Missouri. The impact on wheat basis levels at these key locations filter out to other grain elevators across the state.

One solution to the formation of such positive “wedges” between the value of physical storage space and lower futures contractual storage rates on delivered wheat, O’Brien said, would be to raise the contractual storage rates to a level as high as the value of physical storage space is likely to ever be in the foreseeable future. Such action by the CME on the Kansas HRW wheat futures contract would help to solve the problem of non-convergence between cash wheat prices and wheat futures in Kansas wheat markets that occurs at designated grain elevator delivery locations, and that affects grain elevators across the state

“If these periods of non-convergence for CME Kansas HRW wheat were eliminated, it would benefit Kansas farmers in terms of more effective and efficient crop revenue insurance programs and wheat marketing strategies,” he said. “It would also help Kansas farmers and agribusinesses make more accurate and profitable decisions in regards to crop enterprise selection, as in making profit maximizing decisions in regards to use of farm assets.”

More information about this topic and others in agricultural economics are available on the K-State Research and Extension Ag Manager website at www.agmanager.info. This topic will also be discussed at the upcoming K-State Risk and Profit Conference on Aug. 18 and 19 in Manhattan.

ELLIS–Similar to many communities across the nation, the city of Ellis is dealing with the costs of complying with stricter effluent standards for water treatment plants imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ellis is also upgrading its waterline system.

To help pay for the waterline improvement project, city council members authorized $567,000 in General Obligation bonds at its Aug. 1 meeting. They also conducted the first readings of proposed ordinances to increase the sewer utility rate beginning in November and to automatically increase utility rates two percent each year.

A third first reading was held of the proposed ordinance amending sanitation rates effective November 1, noting that sanitation rates have not increased since 2009.

In other business, the establishment of a new 10-member Tourism Committee was also approved.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes August 1, 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, Bob Redger, 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 Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler. City Attorney Olavee Raub was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor David McDaniel noted several amendments to the agenda. Luke Karlin will not be present under Special Order, consideration of the purchase of chlorine will be deleted, and an executive session will be added. Council approved the amendments to the agenda by consensus.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Brandon Tippy, Larry Parke, Glen Keller, Doreen Timken, Dena Patee, Margie Mickelson, Dustin Mattheyer, Charlene Weber, and Nan Brown.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on July 18, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #2002. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dustin Mattheyer expressed concerns about the drainage channel north of his residence at 11th Street and Spruce. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman will contact Union Pacific to see if there is a possibility of increasing the culvert.
Brandon Tippy talked to Council about perceived inequalities in residences receiving code violation notices on his block.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire
Fire Chief Denis Vine read the article that Volunteer Fireman Chris Cline submitted for the Town Crier regarding the recent house fire on West 12th Street.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Sewer: Special Project
Council discussed Larry Parke’s request to extend the City’s sewer line to his residence on south Spruce Street. Mayor David McDaniel referenced the City’s Policy on Guidelines for Infrastructure noting that it would be the property owner or developer’s responsibility to pay 100% of the costs. No action was taken.
Tourism: Committee
Council considered a resolution establishing a Tourism Committee. The committee would consist of ten members with each member serving for a staggered term of two years. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve Resolution No. 528 establishing the Tourism Committee. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Holly Aschenbrenner abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest and Council member Gary Luea voting opposed.
NEW BUSINESS
Water: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the bond resolution for the Waterline Improvement Project. Council member John Walz moved to approve Resolution No. 529 authorizing general obligation bonds in the amount of $567,000. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Water/Sewer/Sanitation: Accounting/Billing
Council performed a first reading of the proposed ordinance providing for automatic annual increases in utility rates. Under the proposed ordinance, the utility rates would increase 2% automatically each year to maintain sustainability of the utility funds. Council could decline the percentage increase, or adjust the percentage as necessary, by approving a resolution prior to the automatic increase date as stated in the ordinance.
Sewer: Accounting/Billing
Council performed a first reading of the proposed ordinance amending sewer rates effective with the November 1, 2016 billing. The rate increase is primarily due to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment’s mandatory improvements to the City’s wastewater treatment plant. City Clerk Amy Burton noted that two cities close to Ellis experienced much higher rate increases due to their required KDHE plant modifications.
Sanitation: Accounting/Billing
Council performed a first reading of the proposed ordinance amending sanitation rates effective with the November 1, 2016 billing. Sanitation rates have not increased since 2009 and the increase is necessary to maintain solvency in the fund. The City purchased a new sanitation truck in October 2015 with no rate increase at that time.
Personnel: Policy
Council reviewed a memorandum from City Attorney Olavee Raub regarding a draft of the proposed Citizen Complaint Policy. Council discussed who could be the third person to join the Mayor and the City Attorney on the investigatory panel. Council also questioned if a timeframe should be stated as to when an investigation should be completed. It was the consensus of Council to table consideration of the proposed policy until Ms. Raub was present for guidance.
General Government: Training
Council member John Walz has visited with Gina Smith, Director of the Fort Hays State University Kelly Center, about presenting a workshop to the City governing body members and all staff on conflict management resolution. Council discussed various topics to cover and scheduling dates. Mr. Walz will obtain more information from Ms. Smith and update Council at the next Council meeting.
General Government: Special Project
Council discussed holding a Community Forum event whereby citizens could meet with governing body members and staff in an informal setting to discuss not only City happenings, but also to learn about the residents’ concerns and wants. It was the consensus of the Council to move forward with the event.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Council inquired on the large tree that fell into Big Creek. It is the City’s responsibility to remove the tree. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman explained why the City may be required by KDHE and the EPA to publish public notice on the excess THM levels in the water supply samples. Bromides are causing a reaction with the free chlorine in four of the eight wells, causing the THM levels to rise.
Water/Wastewater: Training
Council member John Walz moved to approve Wastewater Operator Steve Homburg and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman’s attendance at the Kansas Rural Water Association’s training event in Hoisington on August 9th – 10th. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Report of Activity for July and the August Staff Calendar. Officer Krom will attend a Glock armor course on August 11th.
Personnel: Position Change
Chief Yates announced that effective August 13th Officer McCollam will be promoted to Sergeant. The probationary wage rate for that position is $19.45.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton noted the draft minutes from the recent Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals meeting are included for review.
The last day of the 2016 Municipal Pool season is August 12th. The Pool will host a Dog Days of Summer event where residents may bring their dog to swim on August 13th from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Burton provided information regarding a donation fund discussed during the budget work sessions to help individuals who are unable to pay when volunteer groups come help with special cleanup projects.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel offered a final reminder about KOMA/KORA training in Hays on August 5th. He also reminded everyone to vote on Tuesday for the election primaries.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 20-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:00 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with the City Prosecutor and Public Works Director present. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 9:20 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member John Walz moved to adjourn the meeting. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

Hays Post

No, nothing near Hays is burning.

But smoke from wildfires burning in California might make residents believe so, as the National Weather Service is forecasting smoke from those fires is expected to enter into Kansas on Monday.

Forecasts show smoke at ground level will be entering into the Goodland area moving northwest and will be in the Hays area as early as Tuesday morning.

Surface level smoke, however, will be most concentrated over the northwest corner of Kansas over the next two days.

To see forecasting from the NWS click here.

KDHE

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Ellis Co. RWD No. 6 public water supply located in Ellis County. The advisory was issued because required monthly bacteriological monitoring had not been completed, resulting in unknown water quality.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it is the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the Ellis Co. RWD No. 6 public water supply indicate no evidence of contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

A Fort Hays State University student organization, Tiger Pals, and The Arc of Central Plains will host a kickoff celebration beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, in front of Sheridan Hall on the FHSU campus.

Tiger Pals was founded by three FHSU track and field student athletes: Keshawn Sewell, Jake Morrow and Justin Montney.

Tiger Pals is a volunteer organization that assists individuals with special needs and disabilities by enhancing their physical, social and mental well-being through engaging activities. Tiger Pals promotes disability awareness, unique mentorship opportunities and community involvement.

“Jake, Justin and I are extremely excited to see the implementation of this program and how it grows during our time as FHSU students,” said Sewell. “We hope to build a foundation that will allow this program to last well beyond our time here at FHSU and are excited about the opportunity to impact the lives of individuals in our community who otherwise may not get to experience many of the things we take for granted.”

“We hope to bridge this gap and provide FHSU students the opportunity to build relationships with those individuals who would greatly appreciate the time spent together,” he said.

The celebration will include a 5k run, fun run or walk, pancake feed, carnival games and competitive games.

The 5k run check-in will begin at 7 a.m. in front of Sheridan Hall. Competitors will receive their packets and bib numbers. T-shirts, at $5 each, will be available during check-in.

The 5K Run is $10 for adults and free for FHSU students. A half-mile fun run or walk for children ages 12 and under is free, and registration is not required.

Awards will be given for the top male and female finishers.

Each participant in the fun run or walk will receive a ribbon.

The 5K run will begin at 8 a.m. in front of Sheridan Hall. The fun run or walk will start shortly after the 5K run on the Big Creek Trail directly under the bridge leading to Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Maps of both routes are available on the FHSU Tiger Pals Facebook page under the Files tab.

A pancake feed will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the FHSU Quad. Carnival games and competitions will also be available.

Competition games are for FHSU students and Hays area businesses who choose to submit teams of six individuals. Competition games include tug of war, egg volleyball, bubble ball soccer and an obstacle course. Prizes will be awarded.

Funds raised will help create opportunities for mentors, mentees and the community at large. Donations are accepted at https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Hays/TigerPals5K for those who are unable to attend.

FHSU students who want to volunteer their time working with adults and children with special needs can sign up for Tiger Pals at the Kickoff Celebration. They will be notified to fill out a matching application that will pair them with an individual whom they will have to meet with regularly, similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters. A $10 membership fee covers background checks.

For more information, contact Sewell at (620) 480-0782 or [email protected].

ELLIS–City council members will consider approving two ordinances during their meeting tonight regarding customer rates for sewer and sanitation services in Ellis.

A third ordinance under consideration would provide for automatic rate adjustments for the utilities.

The complete agenda follows.

AGENDA August 15, 2016 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS City Hall – Council Meeting Room

BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
1) CONSENT AGENDA
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on August 1, 2016
b) Minutes from Special Meeting on August 8, 2016
c) Bills Ordinance #2003
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
3) SPECIAL ORDER
a) Discuss Alley Condition in 2000 Block of Walnut Street – Brent Cain
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Consider Installation of WIFI at City Hall – Golden Belt Telephone
b) Update on Entity-Wide Training Opportunity
c) Discuss Proposed Policy on Citizen Complaint Procedures
d) Consider Approval of Ordinance Amending Sewer Utility Rates
e) Consider Approval of Ordinance Amending Sanitation Utility Rates
f) Consider Approval of Ordinance Providing for Automatic Rate Adjustments
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Consider Approval of APAC Pay Request #5, KDHE Payment Request #5, and Authorize Mayor’s Signature on Documents for Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
b) Consider Approval of Pay Estimate #2 and Authorize Mayor’s Signature on Documents for Waterline Improvement Project
c) Consider Approval of Standard Traffic Ordinance
d) Consider Approval of Ordinance Implementing Uniform Public Offense Code
e) Consider Approval of Purchase of Chlorine
f) Consider Approval of Purchase of Sewer Pumping Station
g) Review Municipal Water Conservation Plan
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Comparative Water Report
(2) Water Well Levels
(3) Department Update
2) Police
(1) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) Department Update
4) Attorney
5) Mayor Update and Announcements
(1) Update from KOMA/KORA Training
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
7) ADJOURNMENT