By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays resident Marcy McClelland was elected Tuesday as the new 1st District Ellis County Commissioner.

Her win came as no surprise — McClelland had no Democratic challenger.

She won the April primary race against fellow Republican Lyle Johnston, Ellis.

The unofficial result showed McClelland with 2,866 votes. There were 49 write-ins.

McClelland will assume her county commission seat in January.

The 1st District seat is currently held by Republican Swede Holmgren, Ellis, who did not seek re-election.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus is “thrilled” with Tuesday’s 57.41% local voter turnout.

“During the April primary, we had a 17% voter turnout, so we showed lots of improvement and that’s just great,” she said.

“We were running out of supplies at the 10 poll sites. All of them had high numbers,” Maskus said with a huge smile on her face. “It was a busy, busy day.”

The work is still not quite finished.

Maskus estimated about 257 provisional votes still remain to be tabulated, but said it “won’t be enough to change the results” of any races.

“The state is very strict on what’s eligible to be counted and what’s not,” she said.

The official canvassing of the votes is at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, by the Ellis County Commission.

“We had lines,” Maskus said, “both on election day and here at the Ellis County Courthouse for advance voting. Even in Schoenchen, they had 100 ballots cast.”

The final unofficial vote tally was completed at 8:59 p.m. Tuesday evening. Three resolution boards of three people examined each paper ballot, which cannot be run through the county’s 650 Scanner machine, to “be sure the voter’s intent was recorded,” Maskus explained.

Maskus speculated there were more paper ballots than usual because of the high voter turnout.

“I heard it many times today (Tuesday), that people opted to use a paper ballot because they didn’t have time to wait in line for the electronic ballot machines. There were long (voter) lines, but people were very patient and I do appreciate that.”

Out of 17,881 registered voters in Ellis County, 10,265 ballots were cast.

Maskus credited her office staff, the poll workers and the resolution boards for making a long day an easy day.

“The results all came in about the same time. Everybody did a great job, and people in Ellis County can be very proud they exercised their right to vote,” she said.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Wednesday should be the final day of the annual Hays Alley Cleanup which started Oct. 27. According to Solid Waste Superintendent Marvin Honas, all that remains to be collected today is tree limbs in a limited area.

City crews were busy Wednesday morning collecting limbs by hand and using a front loader in the area from Hall Street south to Main Street between 16th and 27th Streets.

Utilities Division employee Brad Domann was working with two other men in the alley just south of 27th Street about 8:30 a.m.

“We’re hoping to be done by noon today,” Domann said. “This is a good project for the city.

Domann carried small limbs to the parked city dump truck and tossed them into the open back. The bigger limbs were loaded onto the Parks Department front loader and then dumped into the waiting truck parked on 27th.

Parks Department employees will chip the limbs into mulch which is available for free pick-up by Hays residents at the Parks Department, 1546 E. U.S. Highway 40 Bypass.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There’s a national movement underway encouraging college campuses to better prevent and better respond to gender-based violence, whether it’s dating violence, sexual assault or stalking.

It’s being lead by the White House,  U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice and victims of such crimes on college campuses, according to Dr. Curt Brungardt, director of the Fort Hays State University Center for Civic Leadership.

“We’ve been proactive at Fort Hays State, thanks to folks in Student Affairs and Academic Affairs,” said Brungardt. “Still, FHSU needs to do a better job of preventing these types of crimes on our campus and we need to do a better job of responding when those crimes do take place.

“We’ve created a coalition of faculty, staff and students called the ‘Campus SAFE Initiative’ to look at ourselves. Are we doing what we can to prevent these kinds of crimes among our students? What can we do to better respond to these issues?

“I couldn’t be happier to be part of a proactive campus in this area, rather than being forced by the feds as some campuses in Kansas are,” Brungardt pointed out.

Washburn University in Topeka is one of several across the nation under federal investigation for the handling of sexual violence complaints.

Last week, Washburn President Jerry Farley signed a pledge to help stop sexual crimes on campus. Farley said the school does not have a rampant sexual violence problem, but it is important to ensure that students are safe.

Brungardt said there are two federal laws that “encourage colleges to do a better job of this — the 1972 Title IX Act ensures everyone has an equal opportunity for an education and, if someone is a victim of gender-based violence, they’re not getting an equal opportunity to get an education. The 2013 Campus Save Act requires college campuses to do prevention work on these things, and now the feds are starting to enforce that.”

“One in five women will be sexually assaulted during their college experience in this country. Every year, 100,000 Kansas women will be victims of domestic violence, and every 13 days a woman will die as a result of domestic violence in Kansas. Those numbers are alarming:”

“FHSU wants to be ahead of that, and we want to do it for the right reasons. We want to be sure we’re providing adequate prevention activities for all our students, as well as our staff, and when these crimes to take place, that services are available for victims, and the perpetrators are held accountable,” Brungardt said. “Domestic violence and sexual assault is a serious social disease that needs to be addressed. We’re doing better than we were a decade ago, but we have a long way to go, “

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

“Education will definitely continue to be a top priority for me.”

Hays resident James Leiker, president of the Hays USD 489 school board, lost his challenge to take the 111th District Kansas House seat from incumbent Sue Boldra.

Leiker, a Democrat, lost to Boldra, a Republican, 43% to 57%, or 3,629 to 4,747.

Both candidates are Hays residents, and thanked the voters and their supporters Tuesday night.

“It’s not where I wanted to be, but my campaign was all about voters educating themselves about the facts for several issues. They chose their candidate and we’ll continue to move forward. I’ll continue in my role as president of the school board,” Leiker said.

Boldra talked to Hays Post from the home of her campaign manager, Mike Karl, Hays.

“We’re very excited about the election results,” Boldra said. “We had a lot of support and worked hard. People heard my message.”

Boldra described Leiker as a “nice opponent” and wished him “all the best.”

“I believe in the democratic process and I appreciate having a good opponent and race.”

Leiker waited for the election returns at the Ellis County Courthouse.

“We had a really high turnout tonight and that’s a very powerful thing because the best thing you can do is go out and express your opinion through the ballot. People have made their decisions and we’ll see where the future takes us,” he said.

“I’m still very worried about the state’s funding of education,” Leiker added.

Leiker ruled out, for now, another run for state office, but added “there’s a very good possibility” he’ll campaign for another term on the USD 489 school board. Leiker’s current and first term on the school board ends June 30, 2015.

There were 10,265 ballots cast in Ellis County, a 57.41% voter turnout. An estimated 257 provisional ballots must still be counted, according to Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus, but “not enough to make a difference in any local races,” she said.

Results are unofficial until canvassed Monday, Nov. 10, at 5 p.m. by the Ellis County Commission.

By Becky Kiser
Hays Post

Voters in Graham County’s Hill City USD 281 school district approved a school bond issue Tuesday.

The ballot question results were 62% to 38% in favor, or YES-687 to NO-415.

The $7.65 million bond issue will be used for facility improvements at the Hill City grade school and junior/senior high school as well as at Ringneck Stadium.

The results are unofficial until canvassed by the Graham County Commission.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Rooks County voters approved a 0.50 % sales tax Tuesday to fund the building of a new jail.

According to Rooks County Clerk Clara Strutt, the results of the ballot question were  YES-974 to NO-777.

The tally is unofficial until canvassed by the Rooks County Commission.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

For the second time in two years, voters in Ellis USD 388 have turned down a multi-million dollar bond issue for various school improvements.

The question of whether to support a $8.9 million dollar bond issue  was defeated in Ellis County by a vote of 63% to 37%, or 780 NO–457 YES.

USD 388 includes portions of western Ellis and eastern Trego counties.  The Trego County vote was 62 NO–13 YES.

There were 1,237 votes at the Ellis polls and 75 votes in WaKeeney.

Trego County was the first county to complete and report its returns Tuesday night to the Kansas Secretary of State office.

Results are unofficial until canvassed by their respective boards.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Republican Rep.Sue Boldra of Hays will retain her 111th state district seat.

She defeated Democratic challenger James Leiker, also of Hays, by a vote of 4,747 to 3,629, or 57% to 43%.

Voter turnout in Ellis County was 57.41%.

Results are unofficial until canvassed by the Ellis County Commission Monday, November 10, at 5 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There were some very young voters joining their parents at the Hays American Legion on Tuesday morning.

Too young to vote in the actual mid-term election, yet young enough to participate in the national Kids Voting USA project.

Poll booth volunteer Niki Clark is normally headed to her Nex-Tech job about 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays. This Tuesday however, she was helping out at the Kids Voting USA booth. It’s open to Hays students, kindergarten through high school, who are not yet 18 years old.

“We’re helping the kids to develop a lifelong habit of voting and citizenship. They talk about the election and who’s running in school, and hopefully, at home with their parents.  Then they get to come in and ‘vote’ by marking their own special paper ballot,” Clark explained.

The kids’ ballots include pictures of the Kansas candidates running for the U.S. Senate, 1st Congressional district, governor and the state 111th and 110th districts.

“Once the child deposits his ballot, he gets an “I Voted’ sticker to wear — similar to what adults get — and something adults don’t get — a coupon good for a free McDonald’s treat,” she added.”

Clark said Kids Voting USA is available before school, after school and from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in Hays.

Results will be compiled by Hays High School students and shared with the Hays schools.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Anxious voters were standing in line this morning at 6:45 a.m. at the Hays American Legion polling place, 27th and Canterbury, waiting for the polls to open at 7 a.m. It’s stayed “busy, busy” through mid-morning, according to poll judge Sandy Herrman.

Herrman has worked at the American Legion polling location for seven years, and this election is “about the busiest morning voting” she’s seen.

Tight races in Kansas for governor and a U.S. Senate seat are expected to result in a bigger voter turnout than usual for mid-term elections. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who faces Jean Schodorf in his own race, has predicted 50 percent of eligible Kansans will go to the polls today.

Ellis County Clerk Donna Maskus stopped by the American Legion about 8:30 a.m. to check on progress and to address any technical problems.

“No problems here this morning — I did have to go to Schoenchen earlier. There’ve been a few small things to attend to in some of the locations. Overall, things are going really smoothly,” Maskus said.

The 111th House District seat pits Republican incumbent Rep. Sue Boldra against Democratic challenger James Leiker. Both are Hays residents. Ellis USD 388 patrons, which includes portions of western Ellis County and eastern Trego County, are voting on a nearly $9 million bond issue to finance school improvements.

Maskus prepared early for the likely higher voter turnout in Ellis County.

“We did try to find a few extra people to work the poll sites,” she said. “It takes a minimum of 60 people.”

In the county clerk’s office Tuesday morning, the count of “around 1,800 advance and mail-in ballots” indicated what Maskus hopes will be a “busy day:”

“I’m really pleased with what I’ve seen — a terrific advance vote count. We had lines of people waiting to advance vote, and we’re seeing across the county today. Hopefully, everybody will get out and vote.”

The polls are open in Ellis County until 7 p.m.

Check Hays Post and Eagle Radio for election results tonight.

ELLIS–The monthly bill to keep the street lights on in Ellis faces a big increase.

Council members were told at their Oct. 20 meeting that Midwest Energy has under-billed Ellis for its electric use the past 7 years. Effective immediately, Ellis will see a $1,002 monthly increase in its bill for street lights.

A representative of Midwest Energy will be invited to an upcoming Ellis City Council meeting to discuss options, which may include reducing street light use and increasing the franchise fee, with the extra cost passed on to Ellis residents.

In other business, three sealed bids were opened by Ellis Mayor Lyle Johnston and ultimately rejected, with a 4-2 vote, by the Ellis City Council.

The sealed bids were for the city-owned lots at 9th and Jefferson Street.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes October 20, 2014

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Ron Johnson, Gary Luea, Dave McDaniel, Jolene Niernberger, Terry Redetzke, 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 TO THE FLAG
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Ellen Rochau, Brian Spano, Ryan Augustine, Bernice Karlin, Jim Metzler, Becky Metzler, Dakota Metzler, Colton Metzler, Dena Patee, Glen Keller, Chad Pritchett, Mark Polifka, Sylvia Kinderknecht, Nickole Byers, Brian Raub, Jim Moeder, Luke Karlin, Heidi Schmidt, and Wesley James.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on October 6, 2014, Minutes from the Special Meeting on October 14, 2014, Bills Ordinance #1959, and the September Manual Journal Entries. Council member Dave McDaniel seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ellen Rochau addressed Council regarding property she shares with Guy Riedel at 815 W. 10th St. She questioned why she was not notified that her property was being discussed on the agenda. The property has a 3 ½’ split rail fence, an automated gate, private property signs, and a surveillance camera, yet she has heard that a Council member wants them to install a 5’ fence around the property to deter kids from entering the pond. Ms. Rochau stated that if the Council is going to require them to install a more secure fence around their property, then what about securing Big Creek, Memorial Park or other swimming pools or ponds? Council needs to treat everyone equal.
Dena Patee informed Council of an advertising opportunity and service provided by Ruben Schuckman, previous CVB director for the City of Hays. Mr. Schuckman will distribute City-related brochures along I-70 and I-35 for an annual fee of $450.00. The Chrysler Home has already committed to the services provided by Mr. Schuckman. If the City would join in with the Chrysler Home, the fee would be reduced to $400.00 per entity.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Mayor Lyle Johnston presented Employee Service Awards to James Metzler (15 years) and Wesley James (10 years).
SPECIAL ORDER
Land: Disposal
Mayor Lyle Johnston opened the sealed bids for the lots at 9th and Jefferson Street. The bids received were as follows: Mark Karlin – $500.00; Luke Karlin – $1.00; and the Ellis Baptist Church – $7,777.00. Council member Jolene Niernberger stated she still does not feel comfortable selling City property. Council member Dave McDaniel asked City Attorney
Olavee Raub if it would be appropriate for the City to inquire of the Church’s intentions of the lot. Ms. Raub stated the City could not discriminate one person’s use over another, and once title passes, the City would have no say over the property use anyway. After further discussion, Council member Gary Luea moved to reject all the bids for the lots at 9th and Jefferson Street until further notice. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-2, with Council members Ron Johnson and John Walz opposed. After the vote, Ms. Niernberger stated she would still like to see the City improve the lot in the future.
Public Works – Disposal
Mayor Lyle Johnston opened the sealed bid for the steel tank. Henry Wiesner submitted the lone bid for $256.00. Council member Ron Johnson moved to accept the bid from Henry Wiesner in the amount of $256.00 for the steel tank. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Dave McDaniel opposed. The tank will be moved by the purchaser.
Streets: Accounting/Billing
City Clerk Amy Burton informed Council that she has recently met with Bob Muirhead with Midwest Energy. The utility company has under-billed the City’s street lights for up to 7 years. Midwest Energy is not looking to recover the discrepancies in those past bills, but effectively immediately, the City’s monthly charge for street lights will increase $1,002.36. Three options were discussed to reduce the impact on the City’s budget: (1) reduce the number of City street lights, particularly on Washington Street; (2) increase the franchise fee which would pass the increase on to the customers; or (3) a combination of both reducing the street lights and increasing the franchise fee percentage. Several Council members were quick to state they were not in favor of increasing the costs to residents by increasing the franchise fee. It was the consensus of the Council to invite Mr. Muirhead to the November 17th Council meeting to further discuss options.
General Government: Committee – Special Project
Senior Advisory Committee member Dave McDaniel presented results from the Committee’s recent survey campaign. The committee distributed 150 surveys and collected 74. The survey highlighted that two big issues of concern to seniors are transportation and the lack of a pharmacy. They would like to see more retail, particularly a dollar-type store. Many of those surveyed cited the newspaper as their primary source to receive information. Mr. McDaniel also announced the Committee received a $1,000 grant from Midwest Energy to purchase large-print books at the Ellis Library.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Tourism: Acquisition
City Clerk Amy Burton read an email from Galen Pfeifer, Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chtd., regarding the Chamber’s request for the City to purchase the LED community sign in order to avoid the payment of sales tax. Mr. Pfeifer stated the purchase would be an allowable expenditure of the City, and the reimbursement by the Chamber would transfer ownership of the sign from the City to the Chamber. Mr. Pfeifer continued by stating it would be prudent to not pay the sales tax as it is an item that benefits the City as well, and could easily have been an expenditure of the City rather than the Chamber. City Attorney Olavee Raub stated the City should use caution in setting precedent for these
types of expenditures. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to purchase the LED community sign from Stewart Signs in the amount of $12,972.00 with funds to come out of the General – Tourism funds, and such amount to be immediately reimbursed by the Chamber. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-2, with Council members Ron Johnson and Gary Luea opposed.
Ms. Patee then inquired of the City granting an easement for placement of the sign. Ms. Raub stated she has a rough draft of the easement agreement prepared, but needs more information on the dimensions for the placement of the sign. Ms. Raub and Ms. Patee will meet on October 21st to determine the dimensions. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to grant an easement on the property commonly known as 911 Washington St. to the Ellis Chamber of Commerce, and to authorize the Mayor to sign the easement agreement. The motion passed 6-0.
To expedite the ordering of the community sign, Council member John Walz then moved to authorize the City Clerk to write a hand check for the purchase of the sign, rather than wait until the next Council meeting. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-2, with Council members Ron Johnson and Gary Luea opposed.
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
Brian Spano, Wilson and Company, was present to discuss the Preliminary Engineering Report. The report is due to KDHE by October 21st. Mr. Spano began by giving Council a brief timeline of events from submission of the engineering report to KDHE through final construction in 2016. Council then asked about the cost estimate on the demolition of the blowers. Mr. Spano explained the cost included some building removal and repair, as well as repairing the concrete damaged in the demolition. Council then asked about the need for a separate office and laboratory building versus just extending the existing building. Mr. Spano stated there could be some chemical and exhaust concerns by extending the current building, but that part could be explored more in the design phase of the project. Council then informed Mr. Spano that the City plans to apply for a low-interest KDHE loan and a rate increase to fund the required wastewater treatment plant improvements, and to include the SCADA computer system in the design plans. With that, Council member Ron Johnson made a motion to move forward with Plan A of the Preliminary Engineering Report including the SCADA computer system. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0. City Clerk Amy Burton will contact Corina Cox, Northwest Planning and Development, to let her know the City is interested in obtaining a loan for the sewer project.
General Government: Violation
Luke Karlin was present to ask if Council had any further information regarding the code violations issued for 1018 Washington. City Attorney Olavee Raub reported that Frank Mercer has obtained legal counsel and he has expressed a willingness to clean out the property. Mr. Mercer has no interest in restoring the property but would like dialog with the City on consolidating ownership. Mr. Karlin stated he does not want ownership of the property unless certain conditions are met. The Council inquired on the timeframe allowed for Mr. Mercer to comply with the violation order. Ms. Raub will contact Mr. Mercer’s attorney to determine how much time is needed to comply. Being that Mr. Karlin is
nearing the end of his extension of time to comply, Council member Gary Luea moved to allow Luke Karlin an additional 60 days to address the code violations at 1018 Washington St. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
General Government: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton presented revised bond refunding information from Central States Capital Markets. The revised numbers include updated lower interest rates and an option to include the refunding of the City’s KDHE revolving loan as well. The loan is currently financed at a higher interest rate than the potential bond refunding and only has four years left before payoff. The City’s net savings, as shown in the calculations, is projected to be between $391,727.42 and $473,997.66, depending on whether or not the KDHE loan is included in the refunding. Council cited some errors in past services provided by Central States and suggested obtaining a second bid on the refunding of the 2006 bonds. Council member Terry Redetzke moved and John Walz seconded a motion to disengage from the agreement with Central States Capital Markets for refunding services. The motion carried unanimously.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented bids to repair Well #2 and also to drill a new offset well. Bids to repair Well #2 were as follows: Clarke Well Service – $13,550; and Layne – $8,853. Clarke Well Service would not submit a bid on drilling a new offset well without more information. Layne provided a bid of $43,869 to drill a new offset well. Council discussed whether to try to repair the well or to drill a new well. Well #2 historically has been the City’s second largest producing well. Mr. Scheuerman recommended drilling a test hole before a decision was made. It was the consensus of Council to have Clarke Well Service visit the well site to provide a recommendation on how to repair the well and to provide an estimate on drilling a new well.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: City Code
Council member Gary Luea stated the pond on West 10th Street is a hazard and too tempting for kids to enter the water. He would like for the City Attorney to draw up documents to address the problem. City Attorney Olavee Raub stated the City would only be liable if the City wasn’t enforcing their own code – the City doesn’t currently have a code addressing security of open bodies of water on private property. Council member Jolene Niernberger questioned that wouldn’t it be trespassing for someone to enter another’s property, and is it the City’s place to tell residents what to do with their private property. Mr. Luea would like to see how other cities address open bodies of water. Ms. Raub will research ordinances from other cities for the next meeting.
General Government: Contracts
City Clerk Amy Burton requested approval to contract with Imaging Office Systems for the annual digital conversion of records. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve the bid from Imaging Office Systems to scan the boxes of records at a total cost not to exceed $2,000.00. Motion carried 6-0.
General Government: City Code
The existing ordinance has been amended to follow the language as modified in the code
violation letter. Council member John Walz moved to approve Ordinance 1380 amending the provisions for environmental code violations. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period of August 10th through September 10th. The water accounted for percentage of 83.68% would indicate the City may have a leak underground that hasn’t surfaced yet.
Water Exploration
Mr. Scheuerman has been in contact with Brad Vincent regarding the locations for the test drilling sites.
Sanitation
The City-Wide Cleanup will be held October 28th. Crews will be picking up items by type this year.
Personnel: Exit
Mr. Scheuerman reported that Matt Windholz, Water Operator, has given his two weeks’ notice. The City will need to apply for a temporary permit until his replacement becomes trained and certified. The resignation now makes the department short two employees. Council member John Walz moved to allow Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to advertise for two General Public Works Employees. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-1, with Council member Ron Johnson opposed.
Personnel
Mr. Scheuerman reported that he is having issues with employees responding to water leaks on the weekends. Employees are monitoring their calls and won’t answer their phones outside office hours. It tends to always be the same employees who do respond, and it is causing morale issues. Outside of putting employees “on-call” would there be a type of incentive to entice employees to respond to weekend or evening calls?
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the September Financial Statements consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Report for September and the 3rd Quarter, and the Security Deposit Worksheet.
Ms. Burton stated she will be absent at the November 3rd Council meeting due to attending the IIMC Clerk’s Institute in Wichita that week. The City office will be closed on October 22nd to perform the annual inventory. The Clerk’s office has received 287 LMI surveys so far out of 965 distributed. The surveys are critical in the City’s ability to qualify for a Community Development Block Grant.
Police
Personnel
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that three candidates for the Department’s open position will be interviewed by the hiring board on October 25th.
Officer Moeder will complete his FTO status on October 24th. Per State Statute, he does not have to have another officer with him and can be on duty by himself. Officer Moeder
will leave for KLETC in January 2015.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub asked for an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel, and another to discuss property acquisition.
Mayor/Council
Mayor Lyle Johnston attended the County Commission meeting earlier in the evening to personally thank them for allowing the County to assist the City of Ellis with the street project.
Council member Jolene Niernberger complimented Mr. Scheuerman and his crew for what they are doing in the community. Many vendors at the recent LKM Conference complimented the Public Works Department.
Council member Gary Luea reported another property has been secured for a test hole site. That will give the City four quarters to drill test holes.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor Lyle Johnston called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 15-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:56 p.m. Mayor Johnston asked for a motion to recess. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Dave McDaniel seconded a motion to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with the City Attorney present. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 10:11 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
Mayor Lyle Johnston called for an executive session to discuss property acquisition. A 15-minute executive session was proposed starting at 10:13 p.m. Mayor Johnston asked for a motion to recess. Council member Dave McDaniel moved to recess to executive session to discuss property acquisition with the City Attorney present. Council member Ron Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 10:28 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Terry Redetzke moved and Council member Ron Johnson seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Ed Howell, director of police at Fort Hays State University, recently became the 46th president of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police.

Howell is only the second university police officer to be elected president.

The KACP, formed in 1965, has grown to more than 400 chiefs of police from across the state “dedicated to the advancement of law enforcement.”

The group’s Articles of Incorporation state that KACP is a nonprofit corporation organized “to secure a closer official relationship amongst police officials throughout the state; to secure unity of action in police matters; to elevate the standard of police institutions and the police profession generally; to pursue humane efforts in the enforcement of laws; to encourage the advancement and perfection of a uniform police system within the state of Kansas.”

A “closer official relationship” among several professional groups is apparent in a sexual assault awareness program Howell helped organize in Hays.

“Our first concern is the victim: Are the medical needs being met? Then, are the psychological needs being met?” Howell explained.

“In my view, we have an excellent community response,” Howell said. “Hays Medical Center, Options Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Services, Fort Hays State University, Hays Police, FHSU Police, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department.

“If a sexual assault does occur, we have services that are available. If you take a look at the community response over the past five years, you have a collaborative effort from all these entities to reduce this issue (sexual assault).

“We now have the SANE START examinations available in Hays (at Hays Med). A couple years back, we had to transport victims to Salina to get a forensic examination. You can imagine how that made a victim feel.”

FHSU Police has new information available for students, as well as the general public, for protection against sexual assault. The card includes safety tips, a definition of sexual assault, how to be an active bystander and what to do if you become a victim of sexual assault.

Howell said the cards are readily available and are also handed out at area wellness fairs.