Month: September 2017
Ellis considers concerns about parking of operable vehicles in front yards
ELLIS–Some Ellis residents are unhappy about operable vehicles being parked in residential front yards.
The city currently has no ordinance to prohibit such parking.
Police Chief Taft Yates told city council members Tuesday he has been approached by several citizens about the matter. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner felt an ordinance was unnecessary. She wondered where residents should park when many of the city’s streets are too narrow to accommodate more vehicles and would hinder traffic. Chief Yates talked about safety for first responders and suggested the city should prohibit parking vehicles in front yards.
Following discussion, the council directed City Clerk Amy Burton to check if other cities have adopted such an ordinance.
In other business, Mayor Dave McDaniel recognized Burton for achieving her Certified Municipal Clerk designation.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
September 5, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Jolene Niernberger, Dena Patee, and Bob Redger. Also present were Acting Public Works Foreman John Leiker, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Susan Eaton and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman were absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
City Attorney Olavee Raub requested an executive session under attorney-client privilege.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Barbara Perkins, Brian Raub, Glen Keller, Nickole Byers, and Charlene Weber (arrived at 7:40 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on August 21, 2017 and Bills Ordinance #2028. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Mayor David McDaniel read a letter from the City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association congratulating City Clerk Amy Burton on achieving her Certified Municipal Clerk designation. Mayor McDaniel then presented Ms. Burton with her official plaque.
SPECIAL ORDER
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water: Contract
City Clerk Amy Burton reviewed the contract with Northwest Kansas Planning and Development Commission for administering the CDBG funds the City will apply for in September. The contract is contingent on the City receiving the grant. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Dena Patee seconded a motion to approve the Agreement for Administrative Consulting Services of Community Development Block Grant Funds with NWKP&DC in the amount of $20,500. The motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government:
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve Resolution No. 540 authorizing current employees to use the City credit card. The resolution has been updated due to changes in the Clerk II position. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Last year, the Public Works Department added millings to the City’s five dirt streets. As a second phase to that improvement, the Department would like to seal those streets to increase longevity. The City has adequate crushed rock for the project; however, oil would need to be purchased for the seal. Council member Dena Patee spoke against the project noting she would prefer the money be spent on other projects. Police Chief Taft Yates spoke in favor of the project stating the solid surface provides a safer route for first responders needing to access locations. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the street seal project at a cost of $13,200, with the funds to come from the Capital Improvement-Street fund. The motion carried 4-1, with Council member Dena Patee voting opposed.
Campground: Contract
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the proposed renewal contract with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for the Lakeside Campground. The State pays the City a small lease payment twice a year to help offset the costs of maintaining the restrooms and fishing areas. The current contract expires December 31, 2017. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the Cooperative Fishing Access Agreement with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Community Fisheries Assistance Program. The lease runs from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2028. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Acting Public Works Foreman John Leiker entertained questions from Council on the Comparative Water Report for the period July 10th – August 10th.
Mayor David McDaniel addressed the weeds growing north of Trio Home Center. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman contacted Union Pacific Railroad representatives back in July and their foreman responded the weeds would be mowed within 60 days. Mr. Scheuerman countered that the City’s policy requests much sooner action, to which he was told the City does not have authority to enter the Railroad’s right-of-way without their permission.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the September Staff Calendar and the Monthly Activity Report for August.
Several citizens have approached Chief Yates regarding the City not having an ordinance prohibiting operable vehicles from parking in the front yards of residences. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner felt an ordinance was unnecessary and asked where residents should park when many of the City’s streets are too narrow to accommodate more vehicles, plus the added vehicles would then hinder street traffic. Chief Yates again cited safety for first responders and suggested Council just prohibit parking vehicles in the front yards. Council directed City Clerk Amy Burton to inquire if other cities have adopted an ordinance prohibiting parking operable vehicles in yards.
City Clerk
Ms. Burton presented information on the Tree City USA program. The City received this designation from 2003 – 2011. Mayor David McDaniel requested Council table this item until Council member Susan Eaton is available.
The draft minutes from the Water Advisory Committee and Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals were included for review.
Personnel: Entry
Amber Hernandez has been hired for the vacant Clerk II position. Ms. Hernandez started August 28th.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the property owner at 822 Washington and 1024 Washington has pled guilty to the code violations cited at those properties. A bench warrant has been issued for the owner of the property on Fauteux Street due to failing to appear in court on the violations cited at that property. A potential buyer is still in negotiations with the property owner for the purchase of the property destroyed by fire on 12th Street.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel asked for a motion to recess into executive session at the City Attorney’s request. Council member Dena Patee moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss a citizen’s claim for damages pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(2) with City Attorney Olavee Raub present. The open meeting will resume at 8:30 p.m. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor McDaniel announced the League of Kansas Municipalities will hold their annual Regional Supper in Hays on October 4th. He highly encouraged council members to attend.
The Heartland Community Foundation is hosting a “Strategic Doing” workshop on September 25th in Hays.
The City will host a City-wide Cleanup Day on October 4th.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to adjourn the meeting. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Equifax: Data from millions of Americans exposed in hack
ATLANTA (AP) — Credit monitoring company Equifax says a breach exposed social security numbers and other data from about 143 million Americans.
The Atlanta-based company said Thursday that “criminals” exploited a U.S. website application to access files between mid-May and July of this year.
It said consumers’ names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some cases, driver’s license numbers were exposed. Credit card numbers for about 209,000 U.S. consumers were also accessed.
The company said hackers also accessed some “limited personal information” from British and Canadian residents.
Equifax said it doesn’t believe that any consumers from other countries were affected.
FHSU’s Perkins named MIAA Women’s Co-Golfer of the Week
Kansas City, Mo. – Fort Hays State junior Hannah Perkins earned MIAA Women’s Co-Golfer of the Week honors on Thursday (Sept. 7) for her efforts at the Central Region Preview. She shares the honor with Shi Qing Ong of Missouri Western.
Perkins tied with Ong for the top MIAA finish at the tournament. They tied for seventh individually, with Perkins shooting rounds of 73 and 75 to finish at 4-over (148) for the week. Her 1-over 73 was tied for the fourth lowest round by an MIAA golfer this week. Perkins helped the Tigers to an 11th place finish in their first tournament of the season.
This is the third MIAA Golfer of the Week honor for Perkins in her career at FHSU.
Listen to FHSU football vs. Central Missouri
Click below to listen to FHSU football vs. No. 13 Central Missouri. Kickoff is at 7 pm. The Auto World Pregame Show begins at 6 pm on Tiger Radio Mix-103 (KJLS, 103.3-FM).
Commission sues over pay inequality at Kansas restaurant
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing the former operator of a Kansas pizza restaurant that offered a higher wage to a 17-year-old boy than to a female applicant of the same age.
The Kansas City Star reports that the commission filed suit Tuesday against PS Holding LLC, the former owner of a Pizza Studio restaurant in Kansas City.
Jensen Walcott raised questions after learning in 2016 that her friend, Jake Reed, was told he would be paid 25 cents an hour more. The Pizza Studio manager then withdrew both job offers, telling the friends it was against company policy to discuss wages.
The pizza chain later said the manager was wrong and had been dismissed.
The teens told their story of pay inequality at the Democratic National Convention.
Area nonprofits awarded state Community Service Tax Credits
KDC
TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded 13 nonprofit organizations around the state Community Service Tax Credits (CSP). Since 1994, CSP has helped nonprofit organizations undertake major capitol fund-raising drives for various projects which have made an enormous impact on the lives of Kansans – including services for children and families, health care, crime prevention and youth apprenticeship/job training.
“Non-profit organizations make an enormous impact on the lives of Kansans and on our state economy,” said Nick Jordan, Interim Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. “We are pleased to extend an opportunity to worthwhile organizations to benefit from Community Service Tax Credits and help them continue providing invaluable services to our citizens.”
Tax credit awards are distributed through a competitive application process. Based on the scope and costs of the proposed project, applicants may request up to $250,000 in tax credits. Applicant organizations in rural areas (with less than 15,000 in population) are eligible for a seventy percent credit. Applicant organizations in non-rural areas are eligible for a fifty percent credit.
The following organizations will receive tax credits in 2017:
Atchison Valley Hope, Atchison, $200,000
The tax credits will be used to renovate the Atchison Valley Hope treatment center.
Attica Hospital District #1, Attica, $113,400
The Attica Long Term Care unit will be renovated and updated to transform the facility into a home-like environment.
Clay County Hospital Foundation, Clay Center, $213,000
“Building for a Healthy Future” is a project consisting of constructing a new 28,000 square foot building.
Greater Salina Community Foundation, Plainville, $211,500
The Heartland Housing project takes a regional approach to addressing the housing needs in the communities of Ellsworth, Lucas and Plainville.
Kansas Senior Living-SunPorch of Smith County, Smith Center, Kansas, $213,000
This project will be the first phase of the new senior living community for SunPorch of Smith County.
Kiowa District Hospital, Kiowa, $76,800
The Kiowa Hospital will purchase a newer ultrasound machine.
Mercy and Truth Medical Missions, Shawnee, $200,250
The organization will create a safety net clinic for the uninsured to receive high quality medical care.
Minneola Hospital District #2, Minneola, $210,000
The Minneola Hospital District #2 will purchase Medical Imaging Equipment to serve the rural area.
Phillipsburg Child Care Center, Inc, Phillipsburg, $213,000
The organization will provide a licensed community child care facility that will also offer extended-hour services, serving up to fifty-nine children at any one time.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Wichita, Wichita, $213,000
The organization will consolidate older homes and build one larger facility.
Rural Health Resources of Jackson Co. Inc, Holton, $213,000
The Holton Community Hospital will focus on a building and canopy addition as well as an emergency room and inpatient/swingbed facility remodel.
Theatre Atchison, Atchison, $210,000
The theater company will build a community movie theater and provide youth programming in downtown Atchison.
Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, Scott City, $213,000
The organization is renovating a 3,000 square feet building to be used as a child abuse training center and to provide services to children and families.
HPD Activity Log Sept. 4-6
The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and 35 traffic stops Mon., Sept. 4, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 1:30 AM; 3 AM
Disturbance – Noise–1000 block W 37th St, Hays; 2:07AM
Drug Offenses/DUI–1300 block Fort St, Hays; 2:31 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–200 block W 21st St, Hays; 12:38 PM
Animal Call–3700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 9:10 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 12:59 PM
Welfare Check–500 block Vine St, Hays; 5:22 PM
Theft (general)–400 block E 11th St, Hays; 9/1 9 PM; 9/4 7:30 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–13th and Vine St, Hays; 9:07 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and 16 traffic stops Tue., Sept. 5, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Water Use Violation–1800 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 7:24 AM
Theft (general)–1300 block E 41st St, Hays; 9:50 AM
Theft (general)–1300 block E 41st St, Hays; 9/3 1:48 PM
Theft (general)–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:38 AM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 3:58 PM
Disturbance – Noise–2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 4:48 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–2500 block Gen Hancock Rd, Hays; 5:18 PM
Water Use Violation–2700 block Cottonwood Ln, Hays; 5:29 PM
Found/Lost Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 7:10 PM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–600 block W 13th St, Hays; 11:31 PM
The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and 8 traffic stops Wed., Sept. 6, 2017, according to the HPD Activity Log.
Suspicious Activity–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 12 AM
44 – Traffic Stop–1300 block Haney Dr, Hays; 2:50 AM
Found/Lost Property–500 block W 17th St, Hays; 6:31 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 9/5 8 AM; 9/6 12 AM
Mental Health Call–1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 12:37 PM
Animal At Large–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 1:10 PM
Drug Offenses–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 2:10 PM
Suicidal Subject–600 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:11 PM
Water Use Violation–2700 block Walnut St, Hays; 2:51 PM
Drug Offenses–300 block W 9th St, Hays; 5:55 PM
Theft (general)–1400 block Hall St, Hays; 7:15 PM
Suicidal Subject–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 8:31 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–100 block W 33rd St, Hays; 8:55 PM; 8:58 PM
Theft (general)–300 block E 12th St, Hays; 10:45 PM; 10:54 PM
Civil Dispute–4600 block Jefferson Dr, Hays; 11:10 PM
Western Kansas woman dies in 2-vehicle crash
MCPHERSON COUNTY — A western Kansas woman died in an accident just before 2p.m Wednesday in McPherson County.
The McPherson County Sheriff’s Office reported a vehicle driven by Emily Lightner, 37, Scott City, was northbound on Plum Street.
A car driven by a 16-year-old ran a stop sign at the intersection with Avenue V hit Lightner’s vehicle.
The impact sent Lightner’s vehicle through a fence, where it rolled onto its top. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle, whose name was not released, was taken by EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.
Both were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Inman Fire, Hutchinson Fire, and the Reno County Sheriff’s Department all assisted in the accident, which occurred where McPherson, Reno and Rice Counties intersect along Plum Street.
INSIGHT KANSAS: Kobach For Prison
Kris Kobach needs to go to prison. Let me explain.
Kobach wants to be the state’s next governor. If elected, he will immediately become responsible for the state’s crumbling prison system. Earlier this week, a prison disturbance—some say a riot—resulted in several inmates being transferred from the Norton facility. Employee representative Robert Choromanski calls the whole system “a powder keg.” Chronic staff shortages result from brutal conditions, combined with a starting pay less than $14 per hour. At El Dorado, the response has been mandatory overtime, with employees pushed to 60 hours a week. Violence keeps breaking out at Lansing, and inmates are double-bunked throughout the system. Lockdowns are common. Small raises in employee pay have been offered, but far short of the need. The decrepit facilities at Lansing are among the oldest prison buildings in this country still in use. State senator Carolyn McGinn says, “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Nationwide, more than 2 million people—about 1% of the adult population—are in prison, 90% in state facilities and local jails, not federal penitentiaries. That does not account for the millions more on parole, on probation, or unable to find work thanks to that “have you ever been convicted of a felony” box on job applications—that notorious Catch 22 that sends many back to prison, unable to find lawful work.
A program called Face to Face, co-sponsored by the Council of State Governments, recently sent governors into prisons to talk to staff and inmates. These include the governors of Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, and Utah, plus Ohio’s Attorney General. Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy emerged calling prisons “very dark places” which we must stop ignoring. Governor Steve Bullock of Montana added, “behind the statistics are real people.” Missouri’s Eric Greitens wishes that people could see what prison staff do every day.
Sam Brownback has not participated, nor has Secretary Kobach. Perhaps Kobach was too busy congratulating Arizona’s cruel ex-Sherriff Joe Arpiao on his presidential pardon. Enforcing laws that Kobach wrote, Arpiao twisted local law enforcement’s responsibilities to include immigration enforcement. Incarcerating people in his notorious “tent city” prison camps, where several died, Arpiao was found by the Justice Department to be racially profiling Hispanic people, then holding them past their release dates. Arpaio defied the court order, leading to a second one, this time for contempt. This is what President Trump excused with a pardon, just before Hurricane Harvey inundated Houston. Pardon or no pardon, the voters of Maricopa County, Arizona have finally had it: they rejected Arpaio’s bid for re-election last year. The tent city prisons—which some observers call concentration camps–are now being dismantled.
Maricopa County voters made a good choice this time. Arpaio-Kobach tactics are not only cruel and unconstitutional, they are also ineffective. They are also unbelievably expensive, to the tune of $142 million in settlements and court costs.
In reality, terrified of being deported, undocumented immigrants are less likely be involved in crime than are American citizens. Furthermore, as the mess in our own Kansas prisons attests, state and local law enforcement is already stretched to the breaking point. They have no resources or expertise to enforce federal laws, and it is not their job. They do not even have the support they need to do their existing jobs.
The governors participating in Face to Face represent different parties, politics, and regions, but each is willing to start a discussion about a painful, dark place– one that most of us would rather not imagine, let alone experience. This is leadership. By contrast, Kobach ignores the call, preferring instead to score easy political points based on racial fears, while dumping mandates on the system until it breaks.
Kris Kobach really needs to go to prison.
Michael A. Smith is a professor of political science at Emporia State University.
Report: Kansas wheat crop had lower protein levels
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A report shows Kansas farmers harvested a winter wheat crop this year that had lower than usual protein levels.
The report issued Thursday by the National Agricultural Statistics Service and Kansas Grain Inspection Service showed protein content averaged 11.6 percent. That is down from 11.7 percent last year as well as the 10-year average of 12.5 percent.
Wheat crops with protein levels of 12 percent or more fetch premium prices for farmers because that higher quality wheat is used to make bread. The protein in flour is what gives it strength when mixed with water and yeast, allowing the bread to rise better for fluffier loaves.
The average test weight in Kansas was 60.5 pounds per bushel.
About 67 percent of the crop was graded No. 1, the highest rating.
Ed Secretary DeVos will end Obama rules on campus sex assault
The Latest on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ speech on campus sexual assault and enforcement of Title IX, the federal law that bars discrimination in education on the basis of gender.
1:30p.m.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos plans to end the Obama administration’s rules for investigating allegations of sexual violence on campus.
DeVos said Thursday, “The era of ‘rule by letter’ is over,” as she announced plans to review and replace the way colleges and university handle investigations.
The Obama administration guidance was originally delivered in a letter to schools. She says it has failed many students and done a “disservice to everyone involved.”
The letter details what schools must do to investigate allegations of sexual violence.
DeVos makes clear that “acts of sexual misconduct are reprehensible, disgusting, and unacceptable.”
But she says, “Instead of working with schools on behalf of students, the prior administration weaponized the Office for Civil Rights to work against schools and against students.”
She says the department will seek public comment and university expertise to develop rules to replace the current policy.
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11:35 a.m.
About two dozen protesters have gathered outside the auditorium where Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will speak about enforcement of rules governing how colleges investigate sexual assault on campus.
The protesters include women who said they were assaulted on campus and victims’ advocates.
They’re carrying signs, and one says: “Donald Trump supports Betsy DeVos supports perpetrators.”
DeVos has said Obama-era rules on investigating campus sexual assault aren’t working and suggested that revisions were necessary.
The Education Department has described DeVos’ address as a major policy speech on Title IX enforcement. Title IX bars discrimination on the basis of sex in education.
She’s speaking at George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia.
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10:50 a.m.
Some victim advocates and legal experts say they expect colleges to stay the course even if Education Secretary Betsy DeVos loosens Obama-era rules on investigating campus sexual assault.
DeVos is giving a policy address on Title IX enforcement later Thursday.
Central to the debate is a 2011 memo from the Education Department that laid out rules colleges must follow when responding to complaints of sexual assault from their students.
DeVos has said the rules aren’t working.
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3 a.m.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is expected to detail her plans for revising Obama administration guidance that governs how colleges handle sexual assault complaints.
The Education Department says DeVos will address Title IX enforcement in a speech at George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia.
Title IX is a federal law that forbids discrimination in education based on sex. In recent years, it’s been associated with efforts to address sexual assault and harassment at college campuses.
DeVos has said the Obama administration guidance isn’t working.
Police catch suspect for motel beating, robbery of Hays man
SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with an aggravated robbery and battery of a Hays man.
The incident occurred sometime after 2 p.m. on August 22 at the Red Carpet Inn and Suites, 222 E. Diamond Drive in Salina. Police say four suspects, two men and two women, entered the room of a 69-year-old Hays man. They beat him and stole 2000 Cadillac Seville., according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.
The victim had severe facial lacerations and two black eyes.
Police collected video surveillance from the motel and the Central Mall, where the suspects used the victim’s stolen credit card.
Police also issued an attempt to locate on the victim’s Cadillac and photos of the suspects were distributed to agencies statewide.
A probation officer in Sedgwick County recognized two of the suspects, sending Salina Police mugshots of Robert Roberts, 36, and Angel Adams, 21, both of Wichita.
On Sept. 1, a deputy in Sedgwick County located Roberts and Adams still driving the victim’s Cadillac. Adams also had warrants in Sedgwick County, according to Forrester.
Police booked Roberts into the Saline County Jail Wednesday for aggravated battery, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping, conspiracy to commit aggravated battery and criminal threat.
Adams will be extradited to Salina at a later date. Police expect to make additional arrests in the case.