ELLIS – After considerable discussion Monday evening, the Ellis city council agreed to purchase two new outdoor storm warning sirens.

Darin Myers, Ellis County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, presented various options for replacement of the city’s seven storm sirens, all more than 40 years old.

The new sirens, which cover a larger area, will be purchased from Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems for $47,009.12. The monies will come from the Capital Improvement Fund.

Midwest Energy will remove the existing poles and sirens.

In other business, City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the final drafts of the contracts for the Water Exploration Project have been submitted to the landowner’s attorneys.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

 

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

Minutes

August 20, 2018

 

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members 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, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.  Council member Bret Andries was absent.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PRESENT

Darin Myers, Sam Polifka, Verda Flinn, Glen Keller, Barbara Perkins, Steve Ferland, Glenn Kohl, Dustin Mattheyer, Chad Pritchett, Gary Luea, and Nickole Byers (arrived at 7:45 p.m.).

CONSENT AGENDA

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on August 13, 2018 and Bills Ordinance #2051.  Council member Susan Eaton seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Dustin Mattheyer questioned if it was in the City’s best interest to participate in the FEMA Community Rating System program.

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

None

SPECIAL ORDER

Capital Improvement: Acquisition

Darin Myers, Ellis County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, presented various options for replacement of the City’s storm sirens.  The City currently has seven small storm sirens that are all over 40 years old.  Council reviewed maps illustrating the coverage provided by the various siren options.  After extensive discussion, Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the purchase and installation of two large storm sirens from Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems, with Midwest Energy removing the current poles and sirens, for the total amount of $47,009.12, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement Fund.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion.  The motion carried 5-0.  Police Chief Taft Yates has been designated as the City liaison for the joint project.

Fire: Report

Fire Captain Dustin Mattheyer presented the monthly department report in Chief Dustin Vine’s absence.  He informed Council that during the storm on July 25^th, which resulted in considerable damage to St. Mary’s School, emergency responders had difficulty securing a perimeter in order to perform their duties.  Residents disregarded cones and barricades that were set up to ensure their safety and the safety of the responders.  Chief Vine has submitted an article to the Town Crier reminding residents to “Respect the Cones.”

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

General Government: Special Project

Chad Pritchett, Ellis Community Foundation, once again spoke on the proposed project to construct a shed to store and protect the miniature train at the Railroad Museum.  The Foundation has received donations and a grant for the shed, and is requesting Council approval to move forward with construction.  Council questioned if the Foundation has yet secured written approval from the Union Pacific Railroad to construct the shed, as they own the ground.  Mr. Pritchett and Council member Dena Patee stated the Foundation has not yet submitted the project to the Railroad.  Council voiced support for the project, but to have the Foundation obtain written approval from Union Pacific before granting their approval to proceed with the project.

General Government: Contract

Council reviewed a map showing an aerial view of the land at the subject of the lease currently under consideration.  It was the consensus of Council to keep possession of the land to use for storage of street materials.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to reject the bid from Dean and Julie Gottschalk for lease of the land south of the sewer plant, however, the lessee is allowed to make a final cut of the alfalfa currently planted.  Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion.  The motion carried 5-0.

General Government: Zoning

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1434 rezoning 808 Washington Street from Central Business District (C-1) to Single Family Dwelling District (R-1).  Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

None

REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS

Public Works

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period June 10^th – July 10^th and the current well level chart.  Mr. Scheuerman reported that the cost estimates to repair St. Mary’s School are within the limitations set out by FEMA and the project has been properly permitted.

Streets: Repair/Maintenance

Mr. Scheuerman reported that 100’ of base repair work has been performed on the north truck route on 2^nd Street.  Mr. Scheuerman will contact Ellis County to request the area be sealed this fall.

Mr. Scheuerman also noted he would like to request assistance from the County to help with leveling Washington Street from 5^th Street – 6^th Street.  A quote of $3,500 has been received for asphalt material.  It was the consensus of Council to proceed with the additional repair work.  The additional cost is within the original approval of $28,000 for the Washington Street project.

Police

Police Chief Taft Yates reported that interviews will be conducted on August 25^th for the vacant position in the department.

City Clerk

Attorney

City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the final drafts of the contracts for the Water Exploration Project have been submitted to the landowner’s attorneys.

Mayor Update and Announcements

Council member Dena Patee reminded Council of the ribbon cutting on August 22^nd at 10:00 a.m. for Shear Heaven Beauty Nook.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor David McDaniel asked for a motion to recess into executive session.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 20 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present.  The open meeting will resume at 9:10 p.m.  Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion.  The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present.  The open meeting will resume at 9:25 p.m.  Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 5 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present.  The open meeting will resume at 9:30 p.m.  Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.

POST EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor David McDaniel issued an apology to Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman for misspeaking at the last Council meeting by addressing Mr. Scheuerman regarding an issue without him being present.

ADJOURNMENT

Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried 5-0.  The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m.

 

ROOKS COUNTY —A small earthquake shook northwest Kansas just after 10a.m. Wednesday.

The quake at 10:02 a.m. measured a magnitude 3.7 and was centered approximately 25 miles east of Plainville and just into western Osborne County, according to the U.S. Geological survey.

There are no reports of damage or injury, according to the Rooks County Sheriff’s Department.

PHILLIPS COUNTY — The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office reported the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating a former sheriff’s department employee.

According to a social media report, Sheriff Charles Radabaugh learned of the allegations a couple of weeks ago. A deputy assigned to investigate the allegations against the former employee was also allegedly implicated.

Sheriff Radabaugh then contacted KBI and requested their assistance and they took over the investigation.

KBI agents have been in Phillips County and have interviewed witnesses.

“We expect them to return soon and complete their investigation,” according to the social media report. “Should the allegations prove to be true, appropriate personnel action will be taken and the case will be forwarded to the County Attorney for charges against the individuals.”

Authorities released no additional details.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There’s nothing else like it in Hays.

BriefSpace, now open at 219 W. 10th, is a shared working environment for at home professionals, start-up entrepreneurs, traveling business owners/employees and consultants.

“There’s always been office space for rent in Hays but not a place like this,” said Doug Williams, interim director of Grow Hays.

“You can come in and pick your spot, open 24 hours a day, every day, and it’s very affordable. You’ll also have access to high-speed internet, meeting facilities, conference rooms and free coffee.”

To familiarize the community with the concept of coworking spaces, free access to BriefSpace is offered through the end of August.

The environment is much more conducive to work than a home office in the kitchen corner. “It gets people out of the house and you don’t have to worry about the kids or your To-Do list.”

There’s a sense of community at BriefSpace, Williams says, with the “opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals in a cost-effective basis.”

Membership options range from monthly reserved coworking to day passes.

Amenities include training rooms, private phone booths, coffee bar, copier/printer/scanner, kitchen and an on-site community manager.

The basement level offers the large meeting room for 40 to 50 people, an executive conference room, and a full kitchen, which can handle catered events or other food brought in.

Members also have access to the economic development professionals with Grow Hays, who recently moved their offices to BriefSpace from the Hays Welcome Center on Vine Street.

“We foresee small groups of entrepreneurs possibly operating out of here and associating with other professions such as an accountant or other financial person,” William predicts. “We anticipate a lot of things happening down here.”

Professional and social events will also be hosted at BriefSpace in its unique common areas. The 7,000 square foot storefront in downtown Hays is the site of the former Sears store, remodeled with an industrial chic look.

“We’re going to offer these facilities to the public at large for a fee but priority will be given to members of BriefSpace.”

Interested persons can become a community member of BriefSpace at no charge at www.briefspace.com which is updated with emails about what’s happening in BriefSpace and the availability of rooms.

Williams anticipates a wide range of business interests will BriefSpace their home and the workers themselves to range in age.

“Interestingly, we talked to a fellow who owns six of these type facilities across the country who said 40 percent of their members are 50 years old or older,” Williams related. “It’s not a demographic I originally anticipated but he said retirees, that type of thing, are very popular in this type of facility.”

There are co-working facilities similar to BriefSpace in eastern Kansas, including in Wamego and Manhattan.

Being a member of BriefSpace gives members access to many other shared working facilities in the U.S. that utilize the same operational software by the vendor Proximity.

“They have other facilities in the Midwest that they provide software and services for and as BriefSpace member, you have access to those facilities at no additional cost if you happen to be in those communities.”

Building access to BriefSpace is 24/7, depending on the membership level.

“Some people work different hours,” Williams noted. “They’re on the road during the day and need to do some office work late at night or early in the morning.

“Another one of the benefits of having what’s almost your own office is being able to come and go as you please, working the hours that you want to work.”

The facility is secured by a special lock on the door accessible via a smartphone or fob and activity is monitored by cameras.

BriefSpace was designed and built through a $600,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan.

“If not for them, this facility would not be here and we’re very thankful. They’re very instrumental in economic development in western Kansas,” Williams said.

More information about BriefSpace is available by calling Williams at 785-623-1100 or 785-628-3102 and online at www.growhays.com.