ELLIS – Two properties in Ellis were officially condemned by city council members during their meeting Monday night.  The property owners have 30 days in which to remedy or remove the houses.  Fire Chief Dustin Vine requested permission for firefighters to train in the buildings before they are razed.

In other business, the council discussed a possible rebate to water customers after purchase of a high-efficiency toilet.  The potential program will be considered further during budget work sessions for possible implementation in 2019.

Mayor Dave McDaniel noted the Water Advisory Committee was scheduled to meet this week to discuss the land survey of tracts in Trego County for use as a possible new water source.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

 

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes

January 15, 2018 

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

None

PUBLIC PRESENT

Glen Keller, Leonard Schoenberger, Nickole Byers, Brian Raub, Karen Ashbaugh, Myles Vine, Westin Vine, Emily Mattheyer, Gary Luea, and Verda Flinn.

CONSENT AGENDA

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on January 2, 2018, the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on January 8, 2018, and Bills Ordinance #2037.  Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)

Mayor David McDaniel recognized members of the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee and presented Karen Ashbaugh, Emily Mattheyer, Jolene Niernberger, Brian Raub, and Leonard Schoenberger with a Citizen’s Award for their act of service.

SPECIAL ORDER

Fire: Report

Fire Chief Dustin Vine reported that Ellis County Fire has donated two ladders to the Department.  Chief Vine also asked City Attorney Olavee Raub if the firefighters might be able to train in the two properties set to be condemned by Council before they are removed.

Advertising: Contract

Nickole Byers, Ellis Review editor, presented proposals for the City’s 2018 advertising package.  The City would be able to advertise in thirty publications throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska for $450 – $1,000 per month depending on the size of the ad and frequency of publication.  Ms. Byers is also willing to customize any type of advertising plan to fit the City’s needs.  Mayor David McDaniel suggested the Tourism Committee review the proposals and prepare a recommendation to Council.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

General Government: Violation

City Attorney Olavee Raub presented two resolutions for consideration.  Each resolution states the Council’s findings on why the listed property should be condemned and provides the owner a stated timeframe in which to address the findings.  Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to apply a 30-day deadline for the property owners to remedy or remove the stated properties.  The motion carried 6-0.

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner then moved to approve Resolution No. 543 condemning the property at 1309 Fauteux Street.  Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.  Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve Resolution No. 544 condemning the property at 208 West 12^th Street.  The motion carried 6-0.

NEW BUSINESS

General Government: Special Project

Council discussed the City of Hays’ High Efficiency Toilet Rebate Program.  The City would need to implement a permit and inspection fee to ensure the resident purchased an eligible toilet.  Council discussed possible rebate amounts, resulting budget implications, and how the City could fund the approved rebates.  It was the consensus of Council to further discuss the toilet rebate program during budget work sessions for possible implementation in 2019.

Sanitation: City Code

City Clerk Amy Burton presented an ordinance removing the stated sanitation special pick-up rates and inserting language that would allow Council to set the fees by resolution.  Council inquired if the monthly service charges could be removed from the ordinance and set those fees by resolution as well.  Council member Dena Patee moved to approve Ordinance No. 1427 as amended to set sanitation service charges and special pick-up fees by resolution.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

Streets: Acquisition

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to accept the low bid from PMSI for crack patch material in the amount of $9,975.00 with funds to come from the Capital Improvement-Streets fund.  Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS

Public Works

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented a list summarizing the violations cited at 210 E. 11^th Street.  Flatlander Dirtworks, successful bidder for the removal of the condemned properties at 1309 Fauteux and 208 West 12^th St., notified Mr. Scheuerman that their bids may increase due to the County Landfill tipping fees increasing February 1^st.  Council requested Mr. Scheuerman obtain updated bids from the contractor.

Police

Police Chief Taft Yates reported the new police radios have arrived and are being programmed by the vendor in Great Bend.  Both of the Department’s Ford Explorers are at Ka-Comm in Salina for equipment transfer and installation.

City Clerk

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the Health Insurance Savings Report for December, the 2017 Catastrophic Sick Leave Summary Report, and the 2017 Safety Committee Annual Report.  Council requested a budget orientation work session to be held in late March.  Due to a situation involving the City’s Tourism Committee, Ms. Burton suggested the City develop a handbook for all Committee volunteers highlighting the parameters in which to operate. Ms. Burton and City Attorney Olavee Raub will work together to develop the document.

Tourism: Financial

At Ms. Burton’s recommendation, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to create a separate Tourism Fund.

Attorney

City Attorney Olavee Raub will meet with Ellis Golf Club representatives this week to discuss the possible sale of land at a potential buyer’s request.

Mayor Update and Announcements

The Water Advisory Committee will meet this week to discuss the land survey of tracts located in Trego County for use as a possible water source.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner requested the Council discuss holding a Committee Appreciation event at the next Council meeting.  Mayor David McDaniel and Council member Jolene Niernberger will attend the League’s Local Government Day on January 24^th.

ADJOURNMENT

Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.

 

CITY OF HAYS

In advance of National School Choice Week observed Jan. 21-28, Hays Mayor James Meier signed a proclamation Thursday noting the city’s participation.

The Hays Police Department responded to 1 animal call and conducted 21 traffic stops Wed., Jan. 17, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Found/Lost Property–4000 block General Hays Rd, Hays; 12:42 AM
Harassment (All Other)–600 block Main St, Hays; 1/1 10 AM; 1/15/ 10 AM
Identity Theft–1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 12/4/17 8:23 AM; 12/5/7 8:23 AM
Criminal Trespass–2300 block E 13th St, Hays; 10:07 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block West 12th, Hays; 10:45 AM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–500 block W 27th St, Hays; 1/14 1 PM; 1:30 PM
Mental Health Call–2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 12:21 PM
Fraud–2700 block Plaza Ave, Hays; 12/21/17; 1/16/18
MV Accident-Hit and Run–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:35 PM; 5:14 PM
Drug Offenses–500 block W 37th St, Hays; 7:11 PM
Criminal Trespass–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 6 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2400 block Vine St, Hays; 9:37 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 26 traffic stops Thu., Jan. 18, 2018, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Driving Under the Influence–400 block W 9th St, Hays; 1:53 AM; 2:04 AM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1/16 7:44 PM
Obstruction of Legal Process–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1/17 9:52 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 8:49 AM
Suspicious Vehicle–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 8:56 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–2600 block Vine St, Hays; 9:09 AM
44 – Traffic Stop–1000 block E 41st St, Hays; 10:15 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–500 block W 35th St, Hays; 10:48 AM
Animal At Large–2700 block Epworth St, Hays; 11:35 AM
Probation/Parole Violation–300 block Fort St, Hays; 11:50 AM; 11:53 AM
Animal At Large–300 block W 13th St, Hays; 12:36 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–27th and Sherman Ave, Hays; 12:47 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–5500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:35 PM; 1:38 PM
Unattended Death–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 1:26 PM
Assist – Other (not MV)–500 block Mission Mt, Hays; 2:29 PM; 3 PM
Found/Lost Property–2700 block Hall St, Hays; 3:25 PM
Found/Lost Property–1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 3:26 PM
Suicidal Subject–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 4:59 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–700 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:30 PM; 12:35 PM
Domestic Disturbance–100 block W 4th St, Hays; 6:14 PM
Suspicious Activity–300 block E 7th St, Hays; 8:22 PM
Suspicious Activity–1100 block Vine St, Hays; 8:21 PM
Drug Offenses–200 block Ash St, Hays; 10:09 PM
Liquor Offense, sell, furnish, transport–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:22 PM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–700 block Fort St, Hays; 11:53 PM

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays property owners may be eligible for lower insurance rates after April 1.

The city of Hays’ Public Fire Protection Classification by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) will improve from Class 3 to Class 2 effective April 1, 2018, according to Fire Chief Gary Brown. The rating is used by insurance companies to help set homeowner and fire insurance rates.

Brown told Hays city commissioners Thursday night a re-evaluation in October 2017 of the city’s preparedness for fire emergencies included additional credit for the Ellis County fire station, fire trucks and firefighters located in Hays.

“We made significant progress in a lot of areas. Beginning in January 2017 the city of Hays and Ellis County fire departments automatically respond together to reported building fires in the city and the built-up areas surrounding the city without regard to the city limits. This cost effective sharing of resources allows for a stronger initial response to fires, better and safer firefighting operations and increased fire insurance credit,” Brown said.

Commissioner Shaun Musil congratulated Brown for the improvement. “This is great news for the residents of Hays and Ellis County.”

He noted the Automatic Aid Agreement between the fire departments were not the only consideration. Many city departments were included in the evaluation including 911 Communications, Water Resources, Public Works, and police.

“Planning, Inspection and Enforcement (PIE) within Public Works has a really important tole in this. They make sure new buildings get built in accordance with the building code, make sure that there’s adequate water on site for the buildings that are being built, make sure that we get the water mains in place and have those fire flows.”

Brown also cited recent upgrades to the 911 and radio communications systems by Ellis County as instrumental in the reclassification.

“We’re now also getting credit for procedures to command emergencies which meet national standards. Our standard operating procedures were evaluated to make sure they were adequate. The way we do fire code enforcement and fire investigations were all rated in this schedule.”

ISO evaluates fire protection in more than 44,600 communities. The towns are rated on a scale of Class 1 (exemplary fire protection) to Class 10 (no recognized fire protection.)

As a Public Fire Protection Class 2 community, Hays will be in the top 4% of communities nationwide and the top 2% of communities in Kansas. Hays has been in Class 3 since 2005.

Brown suggested residents check with their insurance agent regarding the impact of the improved ISO score.  “In general, insurance costs are lower in communities with better Public Fire Protection Classification scores,” he explained.

Several restaurants from Hays and WaKeeney have been featured in a story by The Daily Meal, a foodie website.

To check out the article, “From Biscuits to Barbecue Along I-70 in Kansas: Small-town diners and little-known wineries amid the wheat fields,” click HERE.