By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

There are four people running for three positions on the Hays school board in the Nov. 7 general election.

Lance Bickle, incumbent, Mike Walker and Sophia Young will be on the ballot, and Kevin Daniels is running as a write-in candidate.

Each elected board member will serve a four-year term.

Hays Post has talked to each candidate, asking why they are running, what are their opinions on the upcoming $78.5 million bond issue, which is also up for a vote Nov. 7, school funding, district accreditation and other issues they feel are pressing for the school district.

Walker, 56, is the director of the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute for Public Affairs. He lives in Hays with his wife, Michelle. Walker has three daughters and a son and two stepsons. His youngest daughter is senior at Hays High School. He also has a 3-year-old granddaughter and a 2-year-old grandson.

Walker’s children attended Hays public schools, although his step-children grew up in Garden City. He has been a member of Hays school site councils as well as the district site council.

He served in the Army and also as a journalist in Washington before coming to Hays 17 years ago.

Walker was a member of the Community Vision Team that put together the current school bond proposal.

Walker said he believes in community engagement. He said he is committed to the job of a school board member and has been attending school board meetings for about two years. He also said he believes he has the right temperament to be a school board member.

Advance voting begins Monday Oct. 23 in the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St., Hays, through noon Monday Nov. 6. Polls for the Tuesday, Nov. 7 general election are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout Ellis County.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There are five people running for the three open positions on the Hays city commission in the Nov. 7 general election.

The candidates are Chris Dinkel, incumbent Sandy Jacobs, John Mayers, incumbent and current mayor Shaun Musil, and Dustin Roths.

The two people with the highest number of votes will be elected to four-year terms. The person with the third highest vote total will serve a two-year term. The mayor is selected by the commission members.

Hays Post has talked to each candidate, asking why they are running and what they consider to be the most important issues facing the city of Hays.

Jacobs, 67, a lifelong Hays resident, is currently filling the unexpired term of Rep. Eber Phelps who was elected to the Kansas legislature.

She’s been married to her husband Dan for 48 years. They have two adult children, living in Colorado Springs and Kansas City, and four grandchildren. Jacobs worked in the community banking industry for 40 years before retiring and is a longtime local volunteer. She is now the executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation.

Jacobs has “looked at a lot of business plans over the years as a banker” and she considers that one of her strengths. “I understand people when they come forward and have requests, whether that has something to do with infrastructure or economic development issues.”

Declining sales taxes are the number one issue facing Hays, according to Jacobs. The city’s general fund is financed solely by city sales tax receipts and Hays is the only city in Kansas to operate that way. Jacobs credits city staff for “outstanding budgeting” over the years yet she remains on the lookout for “better ways to budget”.

Jacobs is growth-oriented and favors incentives for attracting economic development, “but that’s not a broad brush approval of everything that would come before the commission,” she cautioned.

Affordable housing is a concern expressed to Jacobs by residents. She believes the recent Hays housing study by the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute is “not really relevant. If we believe there is a housing problem, we need to do more study.”

“I’m not ready to jump in as a commissioner and say the city needs to do that study,” Jacobs said. “I would like people to come to the table and tell us what they think they need, a round table discussion that might include the university, the medical center, Ellis County, and the business community,” she suggested.

“I’m all about collaboration in everything I do. If you can get all those people around one table and come out shoulder-to-shoulder, I think we can make some things happen whether it be economic development, solving housing issues. There’s all kinds of things that group of people can bring together.”

In her interview Jacobs also talked about the long-term water supply for Hays, a proposal for traffic roundabouts on north Vine Street and the “importance of transparency.”

More information about Jacobs is available on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sandy-Jacobs-Hays-City-Commission-354164551685996/

Advance voting begins Mon., Oct. 23 in the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main, Hays, through noon Mon., Nov. 6. Polls for the Tue., Nov. 7 general election are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout Ellis County.

By STEVE KEIL
DSNWK

To celebrate 50 years, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) announced the establishment the Jim and Rose Blume Endowment Fund and a $300,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation during their annual awards banquet Tuesday night.

Sue O’Connor, DSNWK board member and daughter of one of the organization’s founding fathers, Clem Hammerschmidt, made the announcement.

“The DSNWK leadership, both staff and the Board of Directors, have recognized the need to take a major step that will ensure that DSNWK will continue to serve western Kansans for the next 50 years and beyond,” said O’Connor. “We are excited to announce that DSNWK has established a permanent endowed fund titled the Jim and Rose Blume Endowment in honor of two of our most beloved and respected leaders, Jim Blume and his wife Rose. While honoring this amazing couple for their many, many years of dedicated service to DSNWK, this fund will be an enduring, sustaining source of new funding to support the mission and vision of DSNWK in perpetuity.”

The goal is to raise $1 million for the Blume Endowment by the end of 2018.

O’Connor’s husband, Deron, announced $200,000 of the Hansen grant will go towards the endowment. DSNWK is a quarter of the way towards reaching the $1 million goal.

Jim Blume is often referred to as a visionary and pioneer for services in northwest Kansas. Blume, who was CEO/President of DSNWK from 1982 to 2005, was featured in a anniversary video presentation and was the featured speaker at the banquet.

In the video, Blume shared a story about opening the Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood in 1975. To recruit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to come the center, Blume went to Norton State Hospital and sat at a table in front of a stage with a stack of files and candidates were brought out 10 at a time for Blume to interview.

“I could see them standing up straight and hear them saying ‘pick me,’ ‘pick me,’” said Blume. “That alone was a motivation for me to work for what they needed.”

“We encourage you to give serious consideration to a donation to the Blume Endowment,” said Deron O’Connor. “Your support will have a forever, positive impact on DSNWK, where we will build a legacy together.”

To donate, or to find out more about the Jim and Rose Blume Endowment, visit www.dsnwk.org, or contact Allen Schmidt or Sophia Rose Young at 785-625-5678.

DSNWK is a nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families from the counties of Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Trego and Wallace.

ELLIS–The city of Ellis may be facing a downgrade in its rating classification for insurance and a subsequent increase in insurance premiums for property owners.

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman told council members Monday night Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) has notified the city of a downgrade in the city’s rating classification for insurance. Scheuerman believes if the city would adopt the 2015 International Building Codes, the city’s rating would be upgraded to its previous classification. ISO has agreed to postpone the rating classification change in order to give the city more time to implement the newer building codes.

Police Chief Taft Yates presented a proposal for a new crosswalk and no parking areas on West 10th Street by the old high school. The council unanimously approved the request.

Kicking off the meeting were milestone service awards by Mayor Dave McDaniel to Fire Chief Dustin Vine (20 years), Fire Lieutenant Chris Cline (10 years), and City Clerk Amy Burton (5 years). McDaniel also recognized members of the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals, Nathan Andrews, Randy Honas, Glen Keller, Jolene Niernberger, Linda Pfeifer, and Tim Stanton, for their service.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
October 16, 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, Susan Eaton, Jolene Niernberger, Dena Patee, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Dustin Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor David McDaniel asked for the discussion regarding the drainage issues at the Ellis Golf Club be postponed until the next meeting as representatives from the Club are unable to attend tonight. City Clerk Amy Burton asked for the removal of consideration of the swathing bids as no bids were received. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the deletions to the agenda. The motion carried 6-0.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Tanna Vine, Myles Vine, Westin Vine, Nickole Byers, Glen Keller, Tim Stanton, Melissa Stanton, Brian Raub, Barbara Perkins, Chris Cline, Linda Pfeifer, Randy Honas, Nathan Andrews, and John Kolacny.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Dena Patee moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on October 2, 2017, Bills Ordinance #2031, and the September Manual Journal Entries. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Committee: Award
Mayor David McDaniel recognized members of the City’s Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals and presented Nathan Andrews, Randy Honas, Glen Keller, Jolene Niernberger, Linda Pfeifer, and Tim Stanton with a Citizen’s Award for their act of service. Members David Molstad and Rod Taylor were unable to attend.
Personnel: Award
Mayor David McDaniel presented the annual Service Awards to employees who attained milestone anniversaries with the City. Awards were presented to Fire Chief Dustin Vine (20 years), Fire Lieutenant Chris Cline (10 years), and City Clerk Amy Burton (5 years).
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire: Report
Fire Chief Dustin Vine presented his monthly report for the Fire Department. Chief Vine thanked Lieutenant Chris Cline for leading Fire Prevention Week at the grade schools. The City’s fire hydrants are color coded to alert firefighters of the gallons per minute of water that hydrant will provide. Chief Vine expressed concerns that the Department has found several fire hydrants that have either been miscoded or the coding is no longer accurate. Chief Vine also expressed disappointment that the recent work on the City’s waterlines has not improved hydrant pressure.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Museum: Contract
City Attorney Olavee Raub presented the revised lease agreements between the City and the Railroad Museum and Walter P. Chrysler Foundation. Council discussed Exhibit A and would like to add clarifying language that the Public Works Department is able to perform repairs needed, if time and qualifications allow. Council member Bob Redger moved to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the revised lease agreements with the Railroad Museum and Walter P. Chrysler Foundation as amended by the addition of language stating “except if said work is performed by qualified City staff” to Exhibit A. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: Special Project
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Dena Patee seconded a motion to authorize Mayor David McDaniel to sign the letter of support for ACCESS Public Transportation to assist the organization with their grant funding. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Insurance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman discussed a letter received from the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) notifying the City of a downgrade in the City’s rating classification for insurance. The downgrade in classification will most likely increase insurance premiums for residents obtaining property insurance in the City. Mr. Scheuerman believes if the City would adopt the 2015 International Building Codes the City’s rating would at least be upgraded to its previous classification. Mr. Scheuerman has contacted ISO and the company has agreed to postpone the rating classification change in order to give the City more time to implement the newer building codes.
Sewer: Acquisition
Mr. Scheuerman reported one of the pumps has gone down at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and needs replaced. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the purchase of an ABS submersible pump for the Wastewater Treatment Plant from Environmental Process Systems, Inc. in the amount of $4,708.30 with funds to come from the Sewer Depreciation Reserve Fund. The motion carried 6-0.
Council member Dena Patee moved to revise the approval of the purchase price of the ABS submersible pump to $5,037.00, plus freight. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Sewer: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the second and final amendment to the loan agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for the wastewater treatment plant improvements. The amendment reduces the loan balance from the approved amount of $880,110.00 to the actual amount spent of $831,611.16. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the Second Amendment to the Loan Agreement with KDHE and to authorize Mayor McDaniel to sign the loan documents. The motion carried 6-0.
Streets: Special Project
Police Chief Taft Yates presented a diagram of a proposed crosswalk and no parking areas on West 10th Street by the Old High School. Chief Yates would also like to add flashing school zone lights at the west side of the bridge (for westbound travelers) and at Cottonwood Street (for eastbound travelers), reducing the speed limit to 20 mph in the area when flashing. The flashing lights would be manually controlled by the school district as needed for traffic control, primarily during football and track seasons. The “No Parking” areas would be 19 ½’ long and 12’ wide on both sides of the proposed crosswalk and on both the north and south sides of the street. Chief Yates suggested possible contributors to the project as Golden Belt Telephone Association, the Wiesner Foundation, Midwest Energy, USD 388, and the City. City Attorney Olavee Raub stated that the Police Chief is responsible for safety issues, and in this case, would need to be in control of the lights, not the school district. Council then discussed foregoing the temporary flashing lights and reducing the speed limit from Cottonwood Street to Washington Street to 20 mph permanently. Council member Bob Redger moved to proceed with adding the crosswalk and appropriate signage and also the four “No Parking” areas on both sides and ends of the crosswalk. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council discussed waiting to implement a change in the speed limit in order to get input from residents. The motion carried 6-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported that over thirty tons of materials were collected during the City-wide Cleanup. This was an increase from last year by over eight tons. Mr. Scheuerman praised his staff’s efforts in the project.
Mr. Scheuerman reported that the Lakeside Campground has received an exemption from the Division of Water Resources to add fill material to the proposed campground expansion area south of the existing campground spaces. The area is in the flood fringeway and is therefore subject to State flood control regulations.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reminded everyone of the annual Trunk or Treat event on October 31st from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the 9th Street parking lot.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the September Monthly Financial Statements consisting of the Statement of Accounts, monthly and 3rd Quarter Treasurer’s Reports, and the Security Deposit Worksheet. The Health Insurance Savings Report for September was also reviewed.
Ellis County Health Department will hold their annual flu clinic on October 24th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Attorney
Inspection: Violation
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported that a warrant has been issued for the property owner on South Fauteux Street for failing to appear in court on his code violation notices. Ms. Raub stated the City should start considering condemnation and demolition procedures on the property. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to direct Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to obtain cost estimates on the demolition of the property in violation on Fauteux Street. The motion carried 6-0.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel reported the City had six representatives participate in the League of Kansas Municipalities Regional Supper held in Hays on October 4th.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Dena Patee seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.