Submitted

PLAINVILLE — The United Methodist Health Ministry awarded Rooks County Health Center a grant for a two-phase project to upgrade the current equipment and decor of RCH’s lactation room and to purchase a laptop to use for telemedicine/televideo with the lactation consultant, Avry St. Peter, RN, Doula.

The grant funds allow RCH to purchase a laptop, a second Medela breast pump, new furniture, privacy screens, a refrigerator and newborn photos from area photographers. With the purchase of a laptop, St. Peter will be able to provide 24/7 lactation support to new mothers. This enables mothers to receive consultations at home at any hour, particularly handy for those 2 a.m. feedings. The services are available to mothers who deliver at RCH or are referred to RCH for lactation consultation.

“The lactation room is available to any mom that needs it.  If someone is visiting RCH and they need to pump or breastfeed their baby, they can use the room also,” said Nancy Sterling, RN, OB Nurse Manager. “RCH employees are able to use the pumps as well while they’re at work and away from their babies.”

Through donor contributions of $19,650 and matching dollars from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, a total of $42,850 in grants were awarded to support projects to increase initiation and duration of breastfeeding in communities across Kansas. 2015 was the second year of Impact Funding, where members contribute funds to join the team and have their donations matched by the Health Fund to increase impact. The input of the diverse team, including several knowledgeable breastfeeding advocates, was crucial to the funding decision process. The 2015 Impact Funding Team received 25 proposals for breastfeeding grants and RCH was selected as one of 15 projects to receive funding. Sterling applied for the grant on RCH’s behalf.

FHSU University Relations

Fort Hays State University has produced entrepreneurs who are scattered across America and beyond, but the university is particularly proud of those who have remained in northwest Kansas.

Accordingly, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. on March 29, Fort Hays State will showcase four young Hays area entrepreneurs who have started three Hays-based businesses. The Entrepreneur Direct event will be in the Fort Hays Ballroom of the Memorial Union.

Each of these businesses has a market footprint well beyond the immediate community. The presenters will be: Lance Bickle and Dallas Haselhorst, co-founders of Sicoir Computer Technologies, a technology service provider and retailer; Joseph Boeckner, founder of Joe Bob’s Outfitters, a storefront and online retailer of guns and shooting supplies; and Dustin Roths, founder of Diamond R Jewelry, Diamond Broker of Kansas.

Entrepreneur Direct is a speaker series that features successful entrepreneurs in an informal setting accessible to students, faculty and the public. The program is intended to connect students with successful entrepreneurs who have stories and advice to share. A panel asks questions about entrepreneurship and encourages questions and interaction with the audience.

NCKTech

NCK Tech is pleased to announce the Dean’s Honor Roll list for the Fall 2015 semester. To qualify for the honor roll, students must achieve a 3.5 – 4.0 GPA. The students, their program of study and hometowns are as follows:

Agenda: Wesley Thompson–Agriculture Equipment Technology
Ashland: Timothy Miller–Electrical Technology
Atwood: Shawn Pochop– Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
Axtell: Zachary Heinen–Telecommunications and Network Tech
Belleville: Sarah Talkington–Practical Nursing
Beloit: Tyler Blass–Information Tech
Beloit: Tiffany Bockover–Business Management
Beloit: Jace Campbell–Electronic Engineering Technology
Beloit: Christie Louthan–Technical Studies
Beloit: Rebecca Robison–Practical Nursing
Beloit: Christopher Sevilla–Electrical Technology
Beverly: Blaine Hayden–Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
Beverly: Shannon Pittman–Practical Nursing
Beverly: Mackenzie Wilson–Practical Nursing
Brookville: Amy Breneman–Wolf Assoc Degree Nursing
Catharine: Alexa Brull–Business Technology
Cawker City: Katelynn Ratliff–Electrical Technology
Chase: Clayton Ingham–Electrical Technology
Claflin: Matthew Demel–Welding
Claflin: Carson Kirmer–Electrical Technology
Clay Center: Aaron Pierson–Heavy Equipment Operation
Clyde: Lucas Bulleigh–Electrical Technology
Clyde: Kenzie George–Practical Nursing
Colby: Troy Koon–Welding
Colby: Zachary Young–Undeclared
Coldwater: Nathan Brooks–Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
Coldwater: Makena Unruh– Practical Nursing
Concordia: Austin Budreau–Agriculture Equipment Technology
Concordia: Anthony May–Business Management
Concordia: Abigail Mendenhall–Practical Nursing
Concordia: Kimberly Reed–Practical Nursing
Concordia: Jessica Tantuico-Boudreau–Practical Nursing
Concordia: Jaimie West–Practical Nursing
Courtland: Megan Worm–Practical Nursing
Damar: Maci Knipp–Technical Studies
Edwardsville: Joseph Coffman–Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
El Dorado: Lucas Hill–Diesel Technology
Ellis: Makenzie Henman–Assoc Degree Nursing
Ellis: Rachel Keller–Pharmacy Technician
Ellsworth: Zachary Martin–Telecommunications and Network Tech
Enterprise: Cy Sprouse–Electronic Engineering Technology
Erie: Tyler Thiesing–Technical Studies
Glasco: Sarah Hines–Practical Nursing
Glasco: Connor Weis–Electrical Technology
Goodland: Stephani DeLaRosa–Technical Studies
Great Bend: Garrett Anspaugh–Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
Great Bend: Christopher Nollette–Welding
Hays: Candace Albers–General Business
Hays: David Allaman–Electrical Technology
Hays: Aaron Begler–Assoc Degree Nursing
Hays: Samantha Brown–Pharmacy Technician
Hays: Ma-Corazon Burgos–Practical Nursing
Hays: Brian Cheslog–Carpentry-Cabinetmaking
Hays: Michelle Dehnel-Snavely–Business Management
Hays: Cathryn Doty–Business Management
Hays: Mandy Ehrlich–Business Technology
Hays: Sara Favinger–Practical Nursing
Hays: Jordan Fischer–Automotive Technology
Hays: Zachary Gibson–Business Technology
Hays: Jesus Gil–Automotive Technology
Hays: Danelle Glines–Practical Nursing
Hays: Dylan Gottschalk–Practical Nursing
Hays: Gregory Harold–Undeclared
Hays: Aubree Karlin–Practical Nursing
Hays: William Kasselman–Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
Hays: Michael Lohrmeyer–Business Technology
Hays: William Long–Pharmacy Technician
Hays: Beth Lutters–General Business
Hays: Lea Miller–Technical Studies
Hays: Jennifer Montoya–Assoc Degree Nursing
Hays: Taylor Morgan–Practical Nursing
Hays: Kathleen Oder–Practical Nursing
Hays: Lauren Pallister– Practical Nursing
Hays: Breiton Pfannenstiel–Heavy Equipment Operation
Hays: Sydni Pfannenstiel -Practical Nursing
Hays: Regina Sipplegrimes–Business Management
Hays: Deidra Smith–Practical Nursing
Hays: Jordan Staab–Technical Studies
Hays: Lisa Ulrich–Technical Studies
Hays: Dakota Zimmerman–Automotive Technology
Hoxie: Connor Katt–Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
Hutchinson: Garrett Schmidt–Electrical Technology
Jewell: Logan Schwerman–Agriculture Equipment Technology
LaCrosse–Kathy Bracke– Practical Nursing
Lebanon: Sara Steenson–Practical Nursing
Liebenthal: Kelly Koerner–Welding
Logan: Dorothy Becker–Business Technology
Logan: George Latt–Information Tech
Louisburg: Trenton Graves– Welding
Louisburg: Chase Green: Diesel Technology
Lucas: Steven Ammon–Automotive Technology
Mankato: Lee Simon Practical–Nursing
Marysville: Brandon Nash–Information Tech
McCook: Jaedon Willis–Automotive Technology
Meade: Landry Cordes–Assoc Degree Nursing
Minneapolis: Katelin Steinbrock–Practical Nursing
Morrowville: Tristan Miller–Electrical Technology
North Platte: Bryant Iverson–Information Tech
Norton: Wyatt Harting–Carpentry-Cabinetmaking
Osborne: Bailey Conway–Practical Nursing
Osborne: Shelby Jones–Practical Nursing
Penokee: Kelsey Keith–Practical Nursing
Pfeifer: Noah Dreiling–Carpentry-Cabinetmaking
Plainville: Brittan Chance–Welding
Plainville: Justin Holloway–Welding
Plainville: Amanda Rudman–Practical Nursing
Plainville: David Sowles–Electrical Technology
Plainville: Caitlin Wessel–Practical Nursing
Quinter: Colton Corwin–Building Construction Technology
Quinter: April Easterberg–Technical Studies
Quinter: Braden Evans–Building Construction Technology
Rexford: Jacob Antholz–Information Tech
Riley: Tyler Hageman–Agriculture Equipment Technology
Russell: Jaryn Brown–Assoc Degree Nursing
Russell: Andrew Hachmeister–Welding
Russell: Kristen Lorenc–Assoc Degree Nursing
Russell: Jori McAdoo–Practical Nursing
Russell: Shanan Ryan–Practical Nursing
Russell: Jason Suchy–Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning
Saint John: Austin White–Electrical Technology
Salina: Nathaniel Burke–Information Tech
Salina: Allie Schooley–Practical Nursing
Scott City: Colin Foos–Electrical Technology
Scott City: Hayden Webster–Diesel Technology
Seneca: Nicholas Lierz–Diesel Technology
Sharon Springs: Trevor Frasier–Culinary Arts
Sharon Springs: Dylan Nicholson–Culinary Arts
Stockton: Ryan Allen–Carpentry-Cabinetmaking
Stockton: Cayden Conyac–Bricklaying
Stockton: Amanda Morgan–Assoc Degree Nursing
Stockton: Patricia Stewart–Pharmacy Technician
Talmage: Colton England–Welding
Tribune Joanna Schneider–Assoc Degree Nursing
Utica: Dylan Nuttle–Carpentry-Cabinetmaking
Victoria: Sarah Bose–Undeclared
Victoria: John Karlin–Electrical Technology
Wilson: Randi Stoppel–Assoc Degree Nursing
Woodbine: Jessica Acheson–Assoc Degree Nursing

The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and 17 traffic stops Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Domestic Disturbance–3700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 1:48 AM
Theft (general)–2700 block Plaza Ave, Hays; 8:10 AM
Welfare Check–3200 block Hall St, Hays–9:10 AM
Animal At Large–1400 block Allen St, Hays; 10:29 AM
Animal At Large–300 block E 19th St, Hays; 11:08 AM
Suspicious Activity–1600 block E 22nd St, Hays; 12:03 PM
Found/Lost Property–2nd and Ash, Hays; 12:37 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 1:13 PM
Theft (general)–500 block E 16th St, Hays; 1:15 PM
Burglary/residence–1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 2:09 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1500 block Walnut St, Hays; 2:39 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 3:56 PM; 3:58 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–300 block E 8th St, Hays; 4:21 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1100 block E 27th St, Hays; 5:33 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–1800 blk E 26th St, Hays; 5:48 PM; 5:52 PM
Animal At Large–2400 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 6:06 PM
Found/Lost Property–2900 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 7:30 PM
Intoxicated Subject–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:57 PM
Drug Offenses–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:12 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:47 PM
Driving Under the Influence–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:09 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and 13 traffic stops Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 12:06 AM
Driving Under the Influence–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 2 AM; 2:06 AM
Battery – simple–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 2:19 AM
Urinating in Public–700 block Elm St, Hays; 2:36 AM
Drug Offenses–200 block W 20th St, Hays; 3:04 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 10:03 AM
Stalking–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 7:45 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–200 block Ash St, Hays; 2/19 12 AM; 11 PM
Animal Call–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 11:20 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1600 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 12:50 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–300 block W 6th St, Hays; 3:21 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 3:35 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–800 block Vine St, Hays; 3:52 PM
Disturbance – Noise–400 block Walnut St, Hays; 4:10 PM; 4:20 PM
Theft (general)–1700 block Golden Belt Dr, Hays; 4 PM; 4:20 PM
Found/Lost Property–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 7:04 PM
Mental Health Call–27009 block Colonial St, Hays; 8:25 PM
Welfare Check–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 8:51 PM
Miscellaneous Investigation–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:43 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 10 animal calls and 16 traffic stops Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Disturbance – Fight–200 block W 10th St, Hays; 12:31 AM
Aggravated Battery–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:45 AM; 12:47 AM
Driving Under the Influence–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:11 AM; 1:12 AM
Battery – simple–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 12 AM; 1:30 AM
Drug Offenses–100 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:54 AM
Disturbance – Fight–2200 block Walnut St, Hays; 3:02 AM
Animal At Large–15th and Walnut St, Hays; 9:44 AM
Animal At Large–2000 block Marshall Rd, Hays; 12:09 PM
Animal At Large–300 block E 12th St, Hays; 12:22 PM
Animal Injured–3100 block E 13th St, Hays; 1:14 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–300 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:30 AM; 1:30 PM
Animal At Large–2100 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 1:55 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1300 block E 30th St, Hays; 3:57 PM
Found/Lost Property–13th St, Hays; 5:07 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–300 blk W 6th, Hays; 2/20 12 PM; 2/21 5:29 PM
Civil Transport–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 6:38 PM
Disturbance – Noise–500 block Mission Mt, Hays; 8:20 PM
Civil Dispute–600 block E 5th St, Hays; 8:50 PM
Animal Call–1300 block E 33rd St, Hays; 9:36 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–1900 block Marshall Rd, Hays; 1 PM; 10:11 PM

The Hays Recreation Commission is in need of volunteer coaches for the spring flag football and soccer seasons.

“Coaching can be a very rewarding experience. As a volunteer coach, you are allowed to choose your practice times, as well as choose your assistant,” said Keith Smith, HRC youth sports director. “You are even able to choose to have your son or daughter’s friend to be on your team.”

Coaches for the following sports/age ranges are needed:

5-6 Boys Soccer needs 2 more coaches (16 teams total)
5-6 Girls Soccer needs 3 more coaches.(14 teams total)

7-8 Boys Soccer needs 2 more coaches (13 teams total)
7-8 Girls Soccer needs 6 more coaches (8 teams total)

9-10 (10 teams) and 11-14 (7 teams) Coaches have been filled!!!

6-8 Flag Football requires 7 more coaches (12 teams)

“The fewer coaches we have, the more bench time a child will receive,” Smith said. “We don’t feel that is the best way for a child to learn the activities we offer.”

Coaches are required to pass a background check and take the National Youth Sports Coaches online training. This training will also provide volunteer coaches with drills, ideas and techniques for coaching your team.

If you are interested or know anyone who would be, contact Smith at (785)623-2650 or email [email protected].

ELLIS–The April sales tax election in Ellis will be a poll site election rather than a mail-in ballot. City council members voted 3-2 for the poll election during their Feb. 15 meeting.

In other business, the council approved a contract with APAC-Kansas for Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements,  and also extended the amount of time property owners have for removing snow from their sidewalks after a winter storm.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes February 15, 2016

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Heather 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 Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler. Council member Bob Redger and City Attorney Olavee Raub were absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Police Chief Taft Yates requested the addition of Consideration of Approval for New Hire under New Business.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Glen Keller, Phillip Quevillon, Shane Herrington, Leo Groff (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), and Richard Wahlmeier (arrived at 7:45 p.m.).
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on February 1, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #1991. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Phillip Quevillon introduced himself to Council. He is currently employed as a wind technician with the Cedar Bluff windfarm and plans to be in Ellis for 5-10 years. Mr. Quevillon offered pro bono services to review any bids on street repairs. He also expressed interest in offering training classes in public speaking and would like to bring comedy acts and new bands to Ellis to perform.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire: Policy
Fire Chief Denis Vine discussed the need to develop a policy for Fire Department procedures for call outs for homeowners with automatic smoke detectors. Chief Vine provided three variations for Council to consider for when the homeowner is not home and there is no visible evidence of smoke or fire: (1) attempt contact with the homeowner or family, and if unsuccessful in reaching someone, wait 15 minutes, recheck the house for smoke or fire, and if no evidence, clear the scene; (2) same as (1) except force enter the home after the 15 minute wait; or (3) after attempting to contact the homeowner or family and checking the residence for smoke or fire, force enter the home immediately. Council discussed who would be liable for damage done during the force entry, and how to re-secure the residence upon leaving the scene. City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler noted the liability would be much greater if the Department left the scene and someone was inside the residence versus damage done during forced entry into the home. After further discussion, the Council decided to table consideration until Ms. Zeigler can confer with City Attorney Olavee Raub.
Streets: Special Project
Leo Groff and Richard Wahlmeier, VFW representatives, asked for the City to return the parking lot to an all-weather material to cut down on mud and ruts. Council directed Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to place millings throughout the entire parking lot. Mr. Scheuerman noted the City would need to purchase the millings to do so. It was the consensus of the Council to address the purchase later in the meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Council discussed the significant street repairs needed from 13th Street and Dorrance up through Lakeview Street. Council member Gary Luea asked if the City could assess special assessments to residents in the affected area. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner countered that the residents didn’t ask for the street so why should they have to pay specials on the repair work, but also felt that curb and guttering was excessive. Mr. Scheuerman noted that the City has the budget to perform the work on Lakeview over the next three years, and asphalt is the lowest price he’s seen in years. Mr. Scheuerman also explained why curb and guttering was necessary, and that Council would need to hire an engineer for the project, in part to ensure proper drainage for the area. Council expressed concerns of how homeowners could access their property during the maintenance work since there is only one access point. Mr. Luea then brought up repairs needed on some of the City’s brick streets. Mr. Scheuerman stated there is no need to solicit bids for the repair work as the Department is fully capable of performing the repairs. After further discussion, Council directed Mr. Scheuerman to obtain cost comparisons for hot mix asphalt versus brick on Dorrance Street from 9th – 10th Streets and for City Attorney Olavee Raub to investigate the City’s ability to assess special assessments to residents from 13th and Dorrance Streets up through Lakeview Street.
Water: Acquisition
Mr. Scheuerman discussed the possible purchase of a line locator for the Water Department. He has demonstrated several of the models and both he and Water Operator John Leiker recommend the purchase of the Radiodetection model. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to purchase the Radiodetection RD7100 from Subsurface Solutions in the amount of $3,779 with funds to come from the Water Utility fund. The motion carried 5-0.
Campground: Special Project
Mr. Scheuerman provided an update on the campground dock project. He has ordered the framing materials and is currently making revisions on the grant application to send in to Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner stated the City has the money available and suggested the City forgo the grant application. She also expressed concerns that only having the dock framed and not completed poses a safety risk. Council discussed securing the unfinished dock until the status of the grant application was known in June. Council member Gary Luea spoke in favor of completing the dock because of how long the project has been ongoing, and agreed the City has the money and should forgo the grant application. Council member John Walz disagreed stating that money is tax money and Council has always encouraged the Department Heads to explore grant opportunities. Ms. Aschenbrenner moved to purchase the remaining materials for the dock in an amount not to exceed $6,800 with funds to come from the Campground fund. Mr. Luea seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Jolene Niernberger stated the Council has strongly encouraged Department Heads to apply for grants and now making a decision to forgo the grant application is sending a mixed message to the Department Heads. Upon a call for the vote the motion passed 3-2, with Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, and Heather Luea voting in favor of the motion, and Council members Jolene Niernberger and John Walz voting opposed.
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the proposed contract between the City and APAC-Kansas for the Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements. The Council approved awarding the contract to APAC-Kansas at a previous Council meeting. City Attorney Olavee Raub has reviewed the proposed contract with no suggested revisions. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the contract with APAC-Kansas and authorizing the Mayor to sign the document for the Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
Public Works: Building Code
Council discussed amendments to Code Section 4-125 providing for work by property owners. The Trades Board would like to meet with the Council again before approval. Council member Jolene Niernberger questioned the last sentence in each section stating that only licensed contractors can be employed by homeowners to perform work on property. No action was taken on the proposed amendments.
Public Works: Licenses/Permits
Council reviewed proposed ordinances providing for contractor licensing. Under Code Section 4-119 subsection (4) defining “Contractor”, Council discussed possibly raising the project cost exemption from $200 to either $500 or $1,000. Council will discuss the amount with the Trades Board prior to approval. Council member Heather Luea asked if the ordinances should provide for volunteer work performed for not-for-profit entities. Mayor David McDaniel will set up another meeting with the Trades Board to discuss the proposed amendments to the ordinances.
General Government: Financial
Council discussed whether to administer the April sales tax election by mail-in ballot or by poll site. In talking to County Clerk Donna Maskus, Council member John Walz stated the mail-in ballot tends to have a higher percentage of votes cast, although sometimes the voter signs the wrong ballot and the County has to call to correct. Mr. Walz feels the poll site election will only generate negative votes. In an email to City Clerk Amy Burton, Ms. Maskus stated the mail-in ballot is considerably less expensive than the poll site election; however, only registered active voters are mailed a ballot to cast. Both inactive status and active status voters are allowed to vote at the poll site. Mr. Walz made a motion to administer the April sales tax election by mail-in ballot. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner expressed concerns on switching the means of how people vote on this important of an election. Both Ms. Aschenbrenner and Council member Heather Luea felt the City would receive greater results holding a poll site election. Upon a call for the vote, the motion failed 2-3, with Council members Jolene Niernberger and John Walz voting in favor of the motion, and Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, and Heather Luea voting opposed. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner then moved to administer the sales tax election by poll site. Council member Heather Luea seconded the motion. That motion carried 3-2, with Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, and Heather Luea voting in favor of the motion, and Council members Jolene Niernberger and John Walz voting opposed.
Water Exploration: Special Project
Council member Gary Luea provided an update on the City’s test hole sites for an additional water source. The State has indicated interest in keeping the abandoned north well for observation purposes, but Mr. Luea is unclear on the purpose since they have another well close to that location. Mr. Luea recommended the City drill six more test holes. It was the consensus of the Council to have Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman obtain bids from drillers for the additional test holes.
NEW BUSINESS
Personnel Entry
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that on February 13th a hiring committee made up of 6 individuals performed interviews for the vacancy in his department. The committee selected Ellis resident Shane Herrington for consideration from Council for hiring. Mr. Herrington introduced himself and entertained questions from the Council. Council member Heather Luea requested an executive session to further discuss the hiring.
Executive Session
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 10-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:04 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member Heather Luea moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler and Police Chief Taft Yates present. The motion carried 5-0. The Council returned to open session at 9:14 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
Post-Executive Session
Council directed Police Chief Taft Yates to provide the Governing Body with additional information on the candidate for hiring with a plan to take action at the next Council meeting or scheduled Special Meeting.
Water: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the annual financial reports as required by the United States Department of Agriculture for the water utility system. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the 2015 USDA Financial Reports as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
Streets: City Code
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that during this latest snow event, he received several complaints about residents not clearing their sidewalks according to City Code. City Code states that residents must clear sidewalks within six hours of the abatement of the storm or six hours after sunrise, if occurring at nighttime. Upon contacting those residents, Chief Yates was informed that the sidewalk had been cleared, but when the Public Works Department cleared the streets, the sidewalk had been covered up again with the pushed snow. Chief Yates asked for Council to consider extending the time the residents have to clear the snow and ice from their sidewalk to allow the Public Works Department to clear the streets prior to residents clearing their sidewalk. Council member Gary Luea moved to extend the time specified in Code Section 13-502 to twelve hours after the abatement of the storm, and twelve hours after sunrise if occurring at nighttime. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Campground: Event Request
Council member John Walz moved and Council member Heather Luea seconded a motion to approve the Public Property Permit Applications from the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland for August 13, 2016, and for September 24-25, 2016, for the use of Lakeside Campground, and the Event Request for Traffic Control for September 24-25, 2016, for road barricades. The motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman commended his staff for the excellent job they did removing snow during the recent snow event, even with the Department four staff members short at the time of the storm. Mr. Scheuerman also thanked the County for allowing Melvin Kinderknecht to assist the City with snow removal.
Council discussed the purchase of millings for the VFW parking lot. Council directed Mr. Scheuerman to obtain bids on the millings and for hauling the millings to Ellis. Mr. Scheuerman will attempt to have the bids for review at the next meeting.
Water: Acquisition
Council inquired about the status of the installation of the transducers for the water wells. Mr. Scheuerman will check on the transducers and report back to Council.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that both police vehicles are fully operational. The Explorer recently had the transmission replaced at no cost to the City. The Taurus has been delivered and is in operation.
Chief Yates then informed Council of several training opportunities coming up for the Department. He has also been asked to speak at Fort Hays State University regarding women in law enforcement on February 19th.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton reported her Department has sent out Request for Proposals for a new copier/printer/scanner. She also reported the Fiscal Sustainability Report required by KDHE will hopefully be complete for the next Council meeting.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel reported the Town Hall meeting with Senator Ostmeyer and Representatives Boldra and Rahjes on February 20th has been moved up to 9:00 a.m.
On February 27th the Ellis County Courthouse will hold its open house. The PRIDE committee will also meet on February 27th to review the results from the First Impressions visit.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member John Walz moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m.