By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It’s no longer the newest aquatic park in the region and attendance at the Hays Aquatic Park (HAP) has steadily declined since it was built 15 years ago–from a high of 83,162 attendees in 2000 to 46,473 attendees in 2015.

During a joint meeting Thursday night between Hays city commissioners and the Hays Recreation Commission (HRC), the city commission learned Hays’ share of the subsidization for HAP and the neighborhood Wilson Swimming Pool is $15,706.06. HRC will subsidize the other $15,706.06 of the year’s total operating loss–$31,402.12.

HRC Superintendent Roger Bixenman told commissioners that inclement weather was a factor this summer in lowered attendance at HAP. “When you include our fitness classes and pool party rentals, we had about 51,000 patrons this summer,” he pointed out. “That’s a pretty good draw in three months in my opinion.”

Attendance at Wilson Pool has remained fairly steady, averaging about 3,600 the past five years.

Ideas for increasing attendance and revenue were discussed.

“The HRC board voted two years ago to increase the HAP daily adult swim pass from three dollars to four dollars. Right now, we’re aggressively trying to sell annual passes for next year as Christmas gifts,” Bixenman said. “Another thought we had is to sell advertising on the digital marquee sign in front of the pool.”

“The board has had discussions about increasing the youth rates (for season passes) but we want to keep it affordable. We do offer scholarships for qualified low-income kids,” he added.

Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil suggested selling advertising banners on the pool fencing.

“You see it at all the ball parks. It’s not beautiful but it might bring in a little more money,” he said.

A discount for out-of-town attendees was suggested by Commissioner Henry Schwaller.

“Ten-year-olds don’t drive themselves to Hays. But that Plainville mom might be more interested in driving 30 minutes if the entrance fee is reduced,” Schwaller said.

Director of Parks Jeff Boyle, along with the city commissioners, complimented the HRC staff in its operation of both swimming pools.

“They do a great job,” said Commissioner James Meier. “The staff at our pools is patient with the kids and they’re not rude. They’re head and shoulders above everybody else at other pools I’ve taken my kids to.”

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It’s not all good cheer and happiness during the holiday season.

Starting with Black Friday–the day after Thanksgiving and the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season–the Hays Police Department deals with an increase of incidents that are not filled with “good will to men.”

“The police department knows that during this time we’ll see an increase in thefts, vehicle burglaries, scams and credit card violations,” HPD Chief Don Scheibler noted.

“The Grinch is alive and well. He will steal Christmas if you give him a chance.”

“We want everyone to be safe this holiday season. A big part of staying safe is reducing your risk of becoming a target,” Scheibler said.

Many of us are rushing to finish our final gift shopping and may be distracted as we check the holiday “To-Do” list. Scheibler reminded holiday shoppers to “keep your vehicle doors locked and don’t leave your purchases visible in your vehicle; put them in the trunk.

“The majority of vehicle burglaries in Hays occur with the doors unlocked and the property laying there out in the open,” he said.

Scheibler also recommended shopping during daylight hours.

“If you’re like me, you don’t like the big crowds, so you try to shop at night. But there are some additional potential risks with shopping after-hours, so we encourage you to shop during the day.

“There’s also safety in numbers.  Consider shopping with someone rather than alone.”

Other holiday shopping safety tips offered by the police chief include making sure your purse or wallet is “secure  on your person” and you’re aware of their location at all times.

“Don’t leave your purse in the shopping cart while you’re trying to get that last iPad off the shelf.”

Using credit cards can offer convenience and security.  However, Scheibler advised to keep track of all your cards and keep the receipts to compare with your monthly statement.

When shopping, “remain aware of your surroundings at all times and always walk with confidence and a purpose. If you look like a victim, you’re more likely to become a victim,” he said.

Scheibler also encouraged residents to immediately report any suspicious activity or people to the HPD by calling (785) 625-1030.

ELLIS–Ellis city council members continued discussion Monday about sounding tornado sirens in the town during severe weather. The sirens were not activated Nov. 16 during a radar-indicated tornado warning from the National Weather Service (NWS).

Ellis County Emergency Manager Bill Ring again reminded the council of the county policy to sound the sirens only when a local trained storm spotter sees tornadic activity. He explained the city could ask to change the policy although it would result in the sirens sounding until a NWS tornado warning is allowed to expire–possibly for hours at three-minute intervals.

After more discussion, council members decided not to change the current policy.

The complete Dec. 7 meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes December 7, 2015

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, Bob Redger, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Council member Gary Luea requested a five minute executive session to discuss property acquisition. Mayor David McDaniel requested Council members vote by show of hands to aid he and the Clerk in the recording of the minutes.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Bill Ring, Sharon Disney, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Glen Keller, and Faith Scheck (arrived at 8:05 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Gary Luea moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on November 16, 2015 and Bills Ordinance #1986. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Heather Luea requested the November 16, 2015 minutes be amended to remove the name of the fireman that resigned and the name of the Public Works Department employee that resigned. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously, with the amendment to the November 16th minutes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Emergency Preparedness: Policy
Council discussed when the weather sirens should be sounded to alert residents of severe weather. Ellis County Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Ring stated if the City wishes for the sirens to be sounded different than current policy, the City will need to make a statement for dispatch defining those changes. Council member Bob Redger believes the sirens should be sounded any time the media instructs residents to take shelter due to a weather warning. Mr. Ring explained that if the City wants the weather sirens sounded for National Weather Service warnings, the sirens will sound until the warning is allowed to expire. This means the sirens could sound for hours at three-minute intervals depending on when the warning expires. Council member Gary Luea stated he would trust a trained storm spotter over a radar-indicated threat and feels the current policy is adequate. After further discussion, it was the consensus of Council to not change the current policy.
Sewer: Special Project
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman requested approval for a permanent sludge containment site adjacent to the existing wastewater treatment plant. Council member Gary Luea contacted the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and felt the City could haul the sludge to a permanent containment site located directly on the farmer’s ground. Mr. Scheuerman stated the City must meet the regulations for not only KDHE, but also the Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Scheuerman then explained some of the requirements for a permanent containment site. Regardless of determining a permanent site for the containment, Council discussed Wilson and Company lowering the sewer line during the required modifications to the City’s wastewater treatment plant. No action was taken. It was the consensus of Council to table further discussion until additional information is known.
NEW BUSINESS
Personnel: Policy
City Clerk Amy Burton presented an updated resolution authorizing City employees to use the City credit card for necessary expenditures. The resolution has been updated due to the resignations of two employees. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve Resolution No. 517 authorizing current employees to use the City credit card. The motion carried 4-2, with Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz voting in favor of the motion, and Council members Gary Luea and Heather Luea voting opposed.
General Government: City Code – Standard Traffic Ordinance
Council considered adoption of the Standard Traffic Ordinance. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1393 adopting the 2015 edition of the Standard Traffic Ordinance by reference. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: City Code – Uniform Public Offense Code
Council then considered adoption of the Uniform Public Offense Code. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1394 adopting the 2015 Uniform Public Offense Code by reference. The motion carried 6-0.
Personnel: Salary
Council member John Walz moved to approve the 2016 Pay Rates for personnel as presented. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner questioned if the City had ever hired a consultant to perform a salary and job efficiency study. There was also a question of how the rates were calculated. City Clerk Amy Burton explained the proposed wages were taken from the approved 2016 budget. Council asked for Ms. Burton to explore the costs involved with a salary and job efficiency study. Upon a call for the vote, the motion passed 4-2, with Council members Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz voting in favor of the motion, and Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Heather Luea voting opposed.
Personnel: Benefits
Ms. Burton inquired if Council was interested in holding a City Christmas party for staff, elected officials, and their guests. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve holding a City Christmas Party in January 2016 at a cost not to exceed $500. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Heather Luea opposed.
Personnel: Benefits
Ms. Burton continued by asking if Council wanted to continue the practice of giving City employees a Christmas bonus. Council member John Walz moved to approve a Christmas Bonus for each full-time and part-time employee in the net amount of $200. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-2, with Council members Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz voting in favor of the motion, and Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Heather Luea voting opposed.
General Government: Financial
Ms. Burton presented Council with a list of bad debts to be written off. The State Setoff program collected one account after distribution of the bad debt list; therefore, the revised total to be written off is $9,459.21. This amount represents less than 1% of the City’s 2015 receivables. Writing off the bad debts is an annual accounting procedure and in no way affects the City’s ability to collect these debts. All of the debts listed have already been submitted to the State Setoff program and another collection agency. Prior to the Council meeting, Council member Jolene Niernberger reviewed the individual names of the accounts to be written off, per auditor recommendation. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the write off of the utility bad debts in the amount of $9,459.21. The motion carried 6-0.
Industrial Development: Committee
Council member John Walz moved to appoint Sylvia Kinderknecht as the City’s representative on the Ellis County Coalition Board of Directors. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Personnel: Policy
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the proposed 2016 Personnel Policies and Guidelines manual. The only major change was adding a provision for all staff to have access to the Ellis High School weight room at the City’s expense. The Police Department already receives this benefit. Council discussed having the employees pay for half of the cost of the membership to encourage accountability.
Council member Gary Luea questioned the need to continue with the provision allowing retired employees to remain on the City’s health insurance plan at the employee’s expense. The City does not currently have any retired employees on the new plan.
Council discussed pay increases and decreases related to employee evaluations. City Attorney Olavee Raub explained any decreases in pay are usually due to disciplinary reasons. Council questioned if pay increases should be tied more to annual performance evaluations rather than across-the-board percentage increases.
Council member Bob Redger questioned the need for rest breaks when most employees carry radios with them. Ms. Burton and Mr. Scheurman explained the breaks double as staff meetings and the breaks also get the employees out of the weather elements.
Ms. Burton will make modifications to the policy to present for approval at the next Council meeting.
Water: Policy
Ms. Burton presented the City’s Public Water Supply Emergency Operating Plan for review. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner requested adding Golden Belt Telephone to the list of contacts under Section VIII. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the 2016 Public Water Supply Emergency Operating Plan, with the addition of Golden Belt Telephone contact information. The motion carried 6-0.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman requested ratification of the purchase of chlorine gas from Brenntag. The storage facility only holds twelve bottles and the City purchases the chlorine gas ten bottles at a time. Council requested Mr. Scheuerman consider additional bidders for the next purchase. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to ratify the purchase of chlorine gas from Brenntag in the amount of $1,547.35. The motion carried 4-2, with Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz voting in favor of the motion, and Council members Gary Luea and Heather Luea opposed.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water
Mr. Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period September 10th to October 10th.
Council asked Mr. Scheuerman to contact Don’s Electric to inquire on the delay of the well transducers.
Personnel
Mr. Scheuerman requested authorization to advertise for the vacant position in his department. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion authorizing Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to advertise for the vacant grounds position. Upon a call for discussion, Council questioned the need for help in the grounds department through the winter, and if Mr. Scheuerman has ever considered hiring seasonal help through the summer. Mr. Scheuerman stated it usually takes several months to obtain an applicant pool and he would like to hire someone early enough to train them by spring. Upon a call for the vote, Council members Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz voted in favor of the motion, and Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, and Heather Luea voted opposed. Mayor David McDaniel broke the tie by voting in favor of the motion. The motion carried 4-3.
Personnel: Position Change
Mr. Scheuerman reported that he has moved Dominique Davis from General Public Works Employee IA to General Public Works Employee I.
Parks: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman thanked Tammy Leiker and Sharon Disney for repainting the manger scene in Memorial Park.
Streets: Special Project
The sidewalk on the south side of 18th Street from Monroe to Walnut has been poured.
Midwest Energy has hung the Christmas stars on the street light poles. Bulbs were replaced on the stars prior to hanging, but it appears many have stopped working. Mr. Scheuerman will check with Midwest Energy to see if they could help with a bucket truck to replace bulbs.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the November Activity Report and the December staff calendar.
Clerk
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported that if the City wants to pursue the renewal of the water treatment plant sales tax, she will draft the resolution stating Council’s intent for consideration at the next meeting. The sales tax election process has a very strict timeline with Council action and publication notices. Ms. Raub also noted certain ordinances will need to be revised for the State’s change in the election procedure.
Council member Heather Luea inquired of the annual evaluation process of personnel. Ms. Raub stated the Mayor performs the annual evaluations of the department heads and he could review those evaluations with Council only in executive session.
Mayor Anouncements/Update
Personnel
Mayor David McDaniel confirmed Ms. Raub’s statement on employee evaluations. He stated his review of the Department Heads will be completed by December 18th and asked for the Department Heads to have their evaluation of staff members completed by that date also. Any personnel records may only be viewed while Council is gathered in executive session. Mayor McDaniel stated when employees leave they are asked to complete the Voluntary Exit form and a Separation Checklist is completed as well.
General Government: Meeting
In order to reduce the length of Council meetings, Mayor McDaniel has asked Department Heads to prepare a memo of department update items. Agenda items must be in by 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Council meeting.
General Government: Policy
Mayor McDaniel then provided an educational piece on the role of a Council member. Council members set general policy and should not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the City. The only time Council members have authority to act on behalf of the City is when they are meeting as a Council. Mayor McDaniel also encouraged Council members to reference their Governing Body Handbook and Elected Official Notebook when they have questions.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor McDaniel called for an executive session to discuss property acquisition. A 5-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:18 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to recess to executive session to discuss property acquisition. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 9:23 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m.

By Becky Kiser
Hays Post

City commissioners are expected to approve a contract tonight with CDM Smith, Wichita, for Phase 1 Design-Build services at the wastewater treatment facility. The contract price is not to exceed $1,876,611.  The funding would come from the city’s SRF loan for the project from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.

The city must make upgrades to the aging wastewater treatment plant–estimated to cost $30 million–in order to comply with stricter effluent emission standards set by state and federal environmental agencies.

The commission will also consider approving a $13,830 professional service agreement with  the city’s airport engineer, Burns and McDonnell, in connection with acquiring new snow and ice removal equipment at the airport.

In other business, Sister Cities Advisory Board member Max Maximov will make a presentation about his trip to Paraguay and mayoral appointments will be approved to the Northwest Kansas Community Corrections Board and Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee.  Cereal malt beverage licenses for a number of businesses will be renewed for 2016.

Tonight’s meeting starts at 6:30 pm. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

The complete agenda is available here.

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Christmas is coming early to Fort Hays State University for the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, in front of Sheridan Hall. Santa Claus will be the special guest.

The Dickens Carolers will sing and FHSU President Mirta M. Martin will also be present. The winners of the annual coloring contest will be announced, hay rack rides will also be available.

Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in Dreiling Lobby, Sheridan Hall.

The ceremony is hosted by Fraternity and Sorority Life and sponsored by the Student Service Office, the Office of the President, the University Activities Board, FHSU Athletics and Wendy’s Restaurants.

For more information, contact Jacob Ternes at (785) 628-4664.

KDWPT

ELMDALE–Think you know Kansas’ flora and fauna inside and out? Would you be willing to put your knowledge to the test? Seventy-nine students from 12 schools across the state did just that during the 17th Annual Kansas ECO-Meet State Finals competition on November 5, and the results were impressive. Held at the Camp Wood YMCA, near Elmdale, the ECO-Meet tested students’ knowledge via a wetlands and aquatic ecosystems test, invertebrates test, live plant scavenger hunt, and an interpretive event.

To compete at the state level, students had to qualify at one of seven regional competitions held in September and October at Milford Nature Center, Lakewood Discovery Center, Dillon Nature Center, Wilson Lake, Great Plains Nature Center, Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, and Ernie Miller Nature Center.

At the state competition, a total of 21 teams participated, along with six students who qualified as individuals in the two test events. Schools represented at the state competition included Clay Center, Goddard, Goessel, Inman, Maize, Miltonvale, Nickerson, Pike Valley, Pratt, Salina South, Shawnee Mission South, St. Mary’s-Colgan of Pittsburg, Tescott, Tonganoxie, Wakefield, and Wilson.

2015 Kansas ECO-Meet State Finals Results are as follows:

Overall Team
1st – Shawnee Mission South High School Team A: Megan Jenkins, Joe Petty, Kara Pringle and team coach PJ Born – $300/student scholarships awarded.

2nd – Goddard HS: Sarah Tomtschick, Clara Towey, Brooke Wentz, Brooke Wetta and team coach Marylee Ramsey – $200/student scholarships awarded.

3rd – Wilson HS Team A: Anna Criswell, Aaron Dlabal, Trey Fink, Kyle Goldwater and team coach Melanie Falcon – $100/student scholarships awarded.

Individual Events
Invertebrates
1st – Joe Petty, Shawnee Mission South High School A – $200 scholarship

2nd – Kara Pringle, Shawnee Mission South High School A – $100 scholarship awarded.

Wetlands/Aquatic Ecosystem
1st – Joe Petty, Shawnee Mission South High School A – $200 scholarship

2nd – Aaron Dlabal, Wilson High School A – $100 scholarship awarded.

For more information on the Kansas ECO-Meet, and to find out how you can get involved, visit www.kansasecomeet.org or contact program coordinator Mike Rader at [email protected] or (620) 672-0708.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners will meet tonight, Tue., Nov. 24, because of the Thanksgiving holiday Thursday.

Agenda items include requests to rezone the proposed Blue Sky Acres– northwest of 250th Ave. and Mount Pleasant Road south of Hays–from Agricultural to Residential Suburban; rezone 1517 Commerce Parkway from Agricultural to Light Industrial and then annexation of 1517 Commerce Parkway.

The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing October 19 for the Blue Sky Acres proposal. According to Hays Planning, Inspection and Enforcement Supervisor Jesse Rohr, several adjacent property owners spoke in opposition to the rezoning request citing concerns about water, stormwater drainage and road/access issues. The Planning Commission denied the request by a vote of six to one and recommended the city commission also deny rezoning because the request was not in line with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

The rezoning and annexation request of 1517 Commerce Parkway by property owners Terrance and Kelly Schmidt was approved by the Planning Commission and recommended for approval by the city commission. The plan for redevelopment/infill development on the site is compatible with the Comprehensive Plan and follows the Strong Towns concept.

Commissioners will also consider ordinances and a resolution allowing for an increase in the costs, meter rates, service charges and fees for Hays water customers.

During last week’s work session, Finance Director Kim Rupp presented a recommendation for a 17 percent increase in January 2016 water bills, followed by much smaller, annual three percent increases the next ten years.

The recommendation comes from a study done by Springsted, Inc., hired by the city to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the rate increases needed in the water fund to support future anticipated operating and maintenance expenditures, debt service, capital improvements, replacements and cash reserves. The current water distribution and treatment infrastructure is underfunded. It was determined the city should be spending approximately $895,000 per year for annual water capital maintenance and repairs; however, on average, only $445,000 has been dedicated annually to that purpose.

Commissioners asked Rupp to bring other water rate proposals that are not “front-loaded” with such a large hike.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

The complete Nov. 24 agenda can be seen here.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Celebrating Christmas when a family’s child has died is difficult, no matter the age of the child or the parent.

The Hays Healing Hearts support group, headquartered at the Center for Life Experiences, 2900 Hall St., hosted its annual holiday Children’s Memorial Tree ornament hanging and dedication Saturday afternoon.

Frank Medina and his family were among the more than 20 parents, siblings and grandparents who attended the event. His two-year-old daughter Chloe, a triplet, died of leukemia two years ago.

“It was really nice,” Medina said.

“We read off the names of our children we have lost and then hung their ornament on the Christmas tree. We also read off the names of children whose families were not present. It is a great way for parents to know their children will always be remembered even if they are unable to attend the ceremony. At the end, we all held hands in a circle around the tree and said a prayer for our loved ones in heaven,” he said.

“It was very touching.”

The Children’s Memorial Tree tree is in the display window of Jackie Creamer’s The Dance Studio, 1003 Main, through the Christmas holiday.

(Photos courtesy Frank Medina)

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

STOCKTON–Area artists and their original works will begin making regular appearances in Stockton.

The small Rooks County town will kick-off its first seasonal art walk this weekend, according to Cheryl Calvin, owner of Sand Creek Mercantile.

The premier Fabulous Fall Art Walk is Sunday, Nov. 22, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Six participating businesses will each host an artist of their choice: Sand Creek Mercantile, Carousel Bakery, Stitch and Chatter, Enchanted Cottage, Asian & Thai Food and the Owl Motel.

“We will each have door prizes and the winners will be called the Sunday night or the next day,” Calvin said. “Also we will have food and drinks at each location.”

“This is our first seasonal art walk,” she explained. “We plan to have an art walk four times a year.”

For more information contact Calvin at (785) 425-8605 or email her at [email protected].