By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

More teens die from car crashes than any other cause — and the first year of driving is the most dangerous.

To bring awareness of safe driving habits to teens, Hays High School has joined the project “Celebrate My Drive.” Celebrate My Drive encourages teens to make positive choices as they begin driving, with slogans such as 2N2 — two eyes on the road, two hands on the wheel.

The online campaign, sponsored by State Farm Insurance, is also a contest.

HHS Assistant Principal Chris Michaelis said people making the online commitment at www.celebratemydrive.com to drive safely also can help the school win a grant from State Farm of up to $100,000.

“Any driver can go online to www.celebratemydrive.com once a day through Oct. 24, and make a safe driving commitment on behalf of Hays High. When you log on to the website, it asks you some questions about safe driving. Those questions change every day,” he explained.

The contest divided the participating schools into large and small high school categories.

“For me, personally, it’s been a long time since I had driver’s education and some rules have changed,” Michaelis discovered, “so it’s a good refresher for us ‘older generations’ to go back and review and think about safe driving.”

The grant awards are to be used in part for safe driving education within the 100 winning schools.  A portion of the grant can be used at the school’s discretion.

“We want to educate our students about safe driving habits,” Michaelis said. “They’re just learning how to drive, and sometimes teenagers feel like they’re invincible and they can do a lot of different things while driving.”

Not true, he stressed.

“Statistics prove that you have to be focused on driving. … We want to educate our youth and we also want to educate the Hays public (about safe driving.) This is an opportunity to do both.”

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It’s a new location, new day and perfect weather for the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser in Ellis County.

This year’s event has been moved to October 17 instead of early June. It’s still outdoors–this time in the south parking lot of the Hays Mall instead of the Hays Middle School track.

As in every other year, the public is invited to join the fun and celebration with area cancer survivors, and to remember those who have lost the battle to cancer.

Many aspects of RFL remain unchanged–the opening ceremony followed by the first lap walked by cancer survivors and their caretakers; the luminaries will be lit at dusk followed by the reading of each person’s name who is being honored or remembered.

Today’s event continues until 10 p.m.tonight.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The annual Ellis County Relay for Life has changed little the past 19 years.

It’s always been the first week of June, and usually held at Hays Middle School.

Now in its 20th year, the local fundraiser for the American Cancer Society will be Saturday, Oct. 18, in the Hays Mall south parking lot from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.

One important tradition has not changed, according to RLF co-chairman Lonny Claycamp.

“The first lap is walked by cancer survivors and their attendants,” he said.

Claycamp has been involved for “10 or 12 years” in Relay, and then in 2008, he was diagnosed with myeloma — bone marrow cancer.

“Cancer affects so many people.It doesn’t discriminate,” said Claycamp. “It’s not a pleasant experience. I’d love to help the American Cancer Society researchers find the cure and get cancer out of people’s lives:”

Claycamp said this year’s Relay for Life will have a “carnival atmosphere,” with games, face painting, music and more.

“We’ll have our own ‘walking track’ set up in the parking lot using big orange traffic cones from APAC,” he explained, noting there are 15 teams signed up. “More teams are welcome, whether it’s two people or 10 people.”

One of the most popular ways of contributing to RLF is luminaries. A $10 donation is made in honor of someone who has died of cancer or someone who is battling the disease. The luminaries, in personalized paper sacks, line the track course and are lit at dusk.

“Such a bright and hopeful light,” Claycamp described the sight of the 2,000 or more luminaries donated each year.

This year’s RFL goal is $70,000, which Ellis County has reached the past two years.

Claycamp said the fundraising dollars are doing their job.

“Thanks to research by the American Cancer Society, many cancers are very treatable today, even curable,” he said.

More information about the Ellis County Relay for Life is available on their website on their Facebook page or by calling Claycamp at (785) 635-0772.

ELLIS — Ellis City Council members met in special session Tuesday to review the preliminary engineering report by Wilson and Co. for required improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment facility.

Council members questioned the need for a separate building to house the office area and wanted to know if the space could be added to the existing building to lower construction costs. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman will direct the question to Wilson and Co.

It was also decided to explore a low-interest Kansas Department of Health and Environment loan and a sewer rate increase for customers to fund the mandatory improvements.

The complete Oct. 14 meeting minutes follow.

——————

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Minutes October 14, 2014

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Council members Ron Johnson, Gary Luea, Dave McDaniel, Jolene Niernberger, Terry Redetzke, and John Walz. Also present were City Clerk Amy Burton and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Dena Patee
PURPOSE OF SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Lyle Johnston stated the purpose of the special meeting is to discuss the purchase of a community sign, and to review and discuss the preliminary engineering report prepared by Wilson and Company on required wastewater treatment facility improvements.
a) Discuss Purchase of Community Sign – Ellis Chamber of Commerce
Dena Patee was present to discuss the purchase of the LED community sign. Ms. Patee stated she inadvertently omitted sales tax in her original calculation of needed funds to purchase the sign, and is requesting the City either consider purchasing the sign for the Chamber to avoid paying sales tax or donating to the Chamber the amount needed. The amount of sales tax due would be $1,143.71. If the City purchased the sign, the Chamber would immediately reimburse the City for the price of the sign. Ms. Patee has visited with the Boards of the Chrysler Museum and the Community Foundation and neither entity is able to purchase the sign tax-exempt. The Chamber has raised almost $14,500 to cover the cost of the sign, installation and electricity to light the sign for approximately 8 months. If the City is unable to purchase the sign, the Chamber will need to organize another fundraiser to raise money to pay the sales tax, possibly by selling bricks to be placed around the sign. City Clerk Amy Burton will contact Galen Pfeifer, City Auditor, to discuss selling the sign to the Chamber after purchase, as the City has no interest in owning the sign. The Chamber will also need to obtain an easement to place the sign south of the Railroad Museum. This item will be revisited at the next regular meeting to give Ms. Burton an opportunity to contact Mr. Pfeifer.
b) Review and Discuss Preliminary Engineering Report on Wastewater Treatment Facility
The Governing Body reviewed the Preliminary Engineering Report prepared by Wilson and Company on required improvements to the City’s wastewater treatment facility. Council questioned why a separate building was needed to house the office area – could the needed space be added onto the existing building to save on construction costs. The need for a SCADA system was also discussed and it was the consensus of Council that this computer based system is needed and will help the facility run more efficiently and effectively. Several of the itemized cost lines were questioned as being extremely inflated; however, the costs are simply estimates and allow room for budgeting. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman will contact Brian Spano with Wilson and Company to inquire about the necessity of the separate office building and the cost estimate on the existing blower removal and demolition. It was the consensus of Council to explore a low-interest KDHE loan and a sewer rate increase to fund the required improvements to the facility. Council member Ron Johnson suggested in the future Council put engineering services out for bid to ensure the City is being prudent when considering such large projects.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Terry Redetzke moved and Council member Ron Johnson seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Donations are being accepted through this Saturday for the 17th annual Coat Giveaway in Hays next Saturday, Oct. 25.

Gently used coats of all types may be dropped off at either McDonald’s restaurant, any Hays school, and at Master Cleaners and Top Notch Cleaners on Eighth Street in downtown Hays.

“We just want it so that anyone who needs a coat, can have a coat,” said Amy Smith, co-owner of Top Notch Cleaners.

Top Notch and Master Cleaners will roll out numerous racks filled with hundreds of donated coats, gloves and hats onto their driveways starting at 9 a.m. Oct. 25. The giveaway continues until 2 p.m.

“The kids coats always go first, so get here early if that’s what you’re looking for,” Smith advised. “Kids grow so fast and families with several children may not be able to afford a brand new coat for each of them every year.”

Both dry cleaners are making minor repairs as needed to the donated coats and then will clean them before the big giveaway.

“There are no income guidelines, no paperwork, nobody to talk to — just come get what you need. It’s to help not only those who are low-income, but also middle-class — anybody who needs a little help here and there,” Smith said.

…

Over the years, the coat drive grown big enough to reach people outside of Hays.

The donated coats have also been given to Rooks County where “they don’t have anything like First Call for Help like we do in Hays. Judge (Doug) Bigge comes and gets three or four trash bags full of coats and takes them to the courthouse in Stockton where they’re given to people who need them,” Smith said, “and we have a service group in Hill City that collects coat donations there and then brings them to Hays for our giveaway.”

Any coats that are left over are given to other organizations, including the Hays Community Assistance Center and the Russell Food Pantry.

Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The annual convention of the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (KABVI) will be held in Hays this weekend, Oct. 17 to 19 at the Whiskey Creek Restaurant banquet room, 3203 Vine.

The public is invited to a craft sale of products made by persons who are blind or visually impaired. Proceeds from the sale will go to the KABVI to support its programs. The craft sale is Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Whiskey Creek.

The convention program includes information about  business enterprise, Audio-Reader, Talking Books, the Kansas School for the Blind Outreach Program, iPad and iPhone apps for the blind, employment rights, and disability integration.

More information is available from KABVI president, Nancy Johnson, by calling toll-free (800) 799-1499 or at emailing [email protected].

Hays resident Bob Chaffin is the KABVI treasurer.

The Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired was founded in 1920 and is a nonprofit organization.

Fort Hays State University will host a two-day blood drive this week sponsored by the FHSU business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi.

The American Red Cross blood drive is Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and again Thursday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event will be in the FHSU Memorial Union Ballroom.

All presenting donors will receive an American Red Cross water bottle.

Walk-ins are welcome. Contact (800) RED CROSS or go online at redcrossblood.org for an appointment.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

You’ll see them everywhere in Kansas this weekend.

Men wearing bright yellow and red aprons standing near store entrances and churches holding specially marked Tootsie Rolls asking for your donations to the Knights of Columbus annual Tootsie Roll Drive.

Proceeds are used to help Kansans with intellectual disabilities.

Donors get a smile and “Thank You,” and of course, a Tootsie Roll candy.

Eighty percent is returned to local Knights of Columbus councils to be donated to institutions of the council’s choice which aid people with intellectual disabilities.  The remaining 20 percent is used by the state K of C council to sponsor the annual Special Olympics basketball tournament held at Fort Hays State University each spring, and for religious education of  people with intellectual disabilities.

Hays Mayor Henry Schwaller IV recently declared Oct. 10-12 “Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities Days” in Hays.  Gov. Brownback signed a similar declaration for Kansas.

This is the 44th annual Tootsie Roll drive.

Last year, the 254 Kansas K of C councils collected more than $347,000.

Click HERE to read the Hays proclamation by Mayor Schwaller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELLIS — Although the current facility is “performing well,” the city of Ellis, along with many other Kansas cities, is facing required improvements of its wastewater treatment plant to comply with new Kansas Department of Health and Environment regulations.

During the Monday, Ellis City Council meeting, Brian Spano and Doug Goetz, Wilson & Co., reviewed the Preliminary Engineering Report for the required improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

The total cost as presented is estimated at $880,000 which includes a new building to house the Supervisory Control Data Acquisition system.

Spano told council members the city would need to raise its sewer rates four to five dollars to fund the project.

Discussion will continue at the Oct. 20 meeting.

In other business, the council expressed a desire to review each city policy, many of which have not been updated for years. They directed City Clerk Amy Burton to being including one or two policies in the council information packet for review and discussion at the next city council meeting.

Burton and Police Chief Taft Yates are currently reviewing the police department policies.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

 

REGULAR MEETING Minutes October 6, 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, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Denis Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Terry Redetzke was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Brian Spano, Doug Goetz, Bernice Karlin, Steve Homburg, and Glen Keller
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on September 15, 2014 and Bills Ordinance #1958. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bernice Karlin addressed Council on behalf of her son, Luke Karlin, who was unable to attend. The roof at 1008 Washington is in need of repair before winter, and Ms. Karlin inquired of any developments with the owner of the lower floor’s willingness to clean out the property. City Attorney Olavee Raub reported that Frank Mercer informed her that he will be hiring someone to clean out the lower floor, and gave Ms. Karlin the contact information for Mr. Mercer so she may contact him directly.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire: Special Project
Fire Chief Denis Vine reported this week is Fire Prevention Week and volunteer firemen will be visiting the elementary schools to talk to students about fire safety.
Personnel: Entry
Council member John Walz moved to approve Joel Millerman, Shaun Bird, and Monte Boydston as volunteer firemen. Council member Dave McDaniel seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Fire
Chief Vine reported the Department has received the fire hose approved for purchase at the last meeting and therefore, was able to return the 500’ of supply line borrowed from the City of Hays. The fire trucks were pump tested today and the annual DOT inspections will be performed in the near future.
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
Brian Spano and Doug Goetz, Wilson & Co., reviewed the Preliminary Engineering Report for the required improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Certain alternatives were discussed to ensure the new improvements will comply with the new Kansas Department of Health and Environment permit regulations for automated sewer treatment plants. The total cost as presented is estimated at $880,000 which includes a new building to house the Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. If the Council chooses not to install the SCADA system at this time, the cost would decrease to approximately $535,000. Mr. Spano explained the current plant is performing well and the only foreseeable major expenditure would be the rehabilitation of the St. Mary’s lift station in 5-7 years. Council discussed how to pay for the required improvements. Mr. Spano said the City’s current sewer rates, even with the October 1 rate increase, are right at the State average. The City would need to raise the sewer rates $4-$5 per connection to fund the project, or look at a low interest KDHE loan. A Community Development Block Grant was discussed; however, the City is already exploring a CDBG grant for the street improvement project, and municipalities aren’t allowed to pursue multiple CDBG grants in the same year. When further discussing the SCADA system, Mr. Spano explained the City needs to determine if it wants to fund the project for the minimum short term needs only, or also plan for the long-term needs of the facility. It was the Council’s decision to table the item until the October 20, 2014 meeting in order to have more time to review the Preliminary Engineering Report. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman then explained how the SCADA system would benefit the daily operation of the Wastewater Treatment Facility and if the SCADA system was not installed, the City would need to hire two more wastewater operators to continuously monitor the chemical levels.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Financial
City Attorney Olavee Raub has spoken to Rick Ensz and in order for him to disclose possible bond refunding savings; the City must disengage from the contract with Dave Malone, and enter into a contract with him. Mr. Ensz’s underwriting fees would be 3%, compared to 2.75% with Mr. Malone. City Clerk Amy Burton received a call from Mr. Malone stating the latest projections estimate the City’s potential savings from refunding the bonds at $365,000. Council member Ron Johnson would like to know all of the costs involved with the refunding before a decision is made whether or not to refund the bonds. The refunding will be further discussed at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Parks: Event Request
Council member Ron Johnson moved to approve the Public Property Permit Application, Noise Permit Application, and Event Request for Traffic Control from the Ellis STUCO for homecoming activities on October 10, 2014. Council member Gary Luea seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
General Government: City Code – Board of Health
Council member Ron Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No. 1379 modifying the date of the Mayor’s appointment to the Board of Health. Council member Dave McDaniel seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Water: Committee
Currently, the City does not have a voting representative on the Ellis County Wellhead Protection Committee. Council discussed if there was interest or necessity in appointing someone to that vacant position. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to appoint Water Advisory Committee Chairman and Council member Ron Johnson to the Ellis County Wellhead Protection Committee. Motion carried 5-0, with Mr. Johnson abstaining.
Water: License/Permit
The City’s authorization to regulate private domestic wells expires on December 31, 2014. Council discussed requesting an extension of that authority. Council member Gary Luea asked why only domestic wells were included in the request. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the letter to the Chief Engineer of the Kansas Division of Water Resources requesting an extension of the City’s authority to restrict domestic water wells. The motion carried 4-1, with Council member Gary Luea opposed.
Capital Improvement: Policy
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the proposed Capital Improvement Plan for 2014-2019. The Plan has been updated for 2015 budget decisions. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the 2014-2019 Capital Improvement Plan and Reserve Fund Balances as presented. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1, with Council member Ron Johnson opposed.
General Government: Policy
Council expressed a desire to review each policy of the City, as many have not been updated for years. The City Attorney and Police Chief are currently reviewing the Police Department policies. It was the consensus of Council to have the City Clerk start including one or two policies in each Council packet for review and discussion at the next Council meeting.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported that the electric motor at Well #2 is locked up and has not been functional for two weeks. Dan Freese, Layne Christensen, suggested the motor from Well #1, which is not being used due to being replaced by a submersible pump, be transferred to Well #2 and place a new pump, pipe and screen 2’ higher in the well at an estimated cost of $8,000 – $12,000. The other two options would be to replace Well #2 with an offset well with pitless adapters. This would remove the fine sand and possibly increase gallons per minute. A 12” well is estimated at $49,900 and a 16” well is estimated at $64,500. Council member Ron Johnson would like for Mr. Scheuerman to obtain a bid from Clarke Well & Equipment as well. This item will be revisited at the next meeting.
Capital Improvement: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman presented four bids for a 10’ x 12’ commercial grade steel insulated garage door. The bids are as follows: Kansas Doors – $1,900.00; C & E Doors – $1,695.00; Heartland Building Center – $1,384.00; and Trio Home Center – $1,924.94. The door will be installed at the Old Power Plant and will allow the Department to house cold-sensitive equipment during the winter months. City staff will install the door. Council member John Walz moved to accept the low bid of $1,384.00 from Heartland Building Center with funds to come from the Capital Improvement Fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0, with Council member Dave McDaniel abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented a map of the sewer lines that have been cleaned over the last four years. Next year is the final year of the contract with Mayer Specialty Service. The Sewer Utility Fund is budgeted for 11,000’ of cleanout for 2015; however, approximately 15,000’ remains. Mr. Scheuerman noted that when the contract is put out for bids next year, the footages will need to be increased to include all of the City’s lines within a 5-year period.
Water
Mr. Scheuerman explained to the Governing Body why the percentage of well depth calculation may no longer be a reliable trigger in determining what water conservation stage the City should declare. Although the well levels are increasing, the gallons per minute those wells are pumping cannot keep up with the demand of the average gallons used in Stage 2. This summer four of the eight wells stopped pumping due to demand. John Steel with KRWA is planning to come to Ellis to perform draw down tests on the wells and hopefully offer suggestions on how to increase the gallons per minute pumped.
Public Works: Disposal
Mr. Scheuerman reported the City no longer needs a large steel tank and two old storage sheds behind the Old Power Plant. It was the consensus of Council to put the tank up for sealed bids but to demolish the storage sheds.
Public Works
Mr. Scheuerman reported that no one took advantage of the water give-away event at the City pool.
The Stockton prison inmates have been working with the City crews on clearing out the trees on East 15th St. and cleaning out trash and debris from behind the Old Power Plant.
The Department rented a 60’ man lift to paint the cemetery bell tower, move the carillon speaker, and to cut out two large dying trees.
Department staff replaced the water pump in the Champion grader.
A water main break occurred October 1st in the 400 block of Taylor St.
Street: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman informed Council that the Federal Highway Association now requires conformity with new size and color regulations for street signs for purposes of the 911 system. Current standards dictate the City only has to conform to these new standards when the current signs become faded and need replaced. Twelve new signs have been purchased at a cost of $653.80.
City crews have sprayed all of the weeds growing in the streets and the street sweeper picked up excess chips from the newly sealed streets.
Personnel: Exit
Mr. Scheuerman reported that Anton Harmon has resigned due to health issues. He plans to review past applicants before advertising the position.
Sewer
At the previous Council meeting a question came up of residents with private wells cross-connecting to the City supply system. The City has 138 registered private well owners. Mr. Scheuerman will prepare a letter to residents explaining what a cross-connection is and what the federal law states regarding the connections. The letters will be distributed with the December 1, 2014 utility bills and Town Crier newsletter.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the monthly activity report for September. The Department recently participated in National Seatbelt Safety Week. Officer Moeder has completed two hours of firearms training with Officer Krom. Several citations have been issued for driving against restrictions. The Department has contacted the high school to remind students of their driving restrictions. Recently, the Department partnered with several other agencies, including KBI, Hays Police Department, and Ellis County Sheriff’s officer, to successfully execute a search warrant in which a large amount of marijuana, paraphernalia and firearms were recovered, along with two vehicles.
Chief Yates also presented the October officer calendar.
Chief Yates hopes to set up a board to conduct interviews on October 25th for applicants for the open position.
City Clerk
City Clerk: Training
City Clerk Amy Burton requested approval to attend the IIMC Certification Institute. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to allow Ms. Burton to attend the IIMC Certification Institute from November 3-7, 2014 in Wichita, KS and also to take her personal vehicle. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Training
Ms. Burton reminded the Governing Body of the LKM Regional Supper in Hill City on October 21st and the KRWA Management Training for Water and Wastewater Utilities on October 23rd.
City Clerk
Ms. Burton received a call from a representative from Communities of Distinction about their television program and possibly highlighting Ellis. It was the consensus of Council that the project would be cost prohibitive.
All of the LMI surveys have been distributed to residents. The City has distributed 924 surveys and received back 142. Return of the surveys is critical to becoming eligible for a Community Development Block Grant.
Dena Patee, Ellis Chamber of Commerce, has asked if the City could purchase the LED community sign in order to save paying sales tax on the purchase. Ms. Burton has contacted Galen Pfeifer, City Auditor, and there would be no budget effect on the purchase, as the reimbursement of the purchase would act as a budget credit. Council requested Ms. Patee contact the Ellis Community Foundation and if the Foundation is unable to purchase the sign for the Chamber, then the City will reconsider the purchase.
Ms. Burton reported the City office will be closed on October 22nd for inventory.
The City has received a check for $5,252.35 from EMC Insurance for payment of the sewer pump struck by lightning this summer.
Ms. Burton informed Council she will be presenting bids for a folding machine in the near future. The City will be transitioning to a Z-fold type utility bill and discontinue use of the postcards. The change is due to privacy issues and frequent reports of postcards being damaged or lost in the mail.
Attorney
Mayor/Council
Council members signed a letter to Ellis County thanking them for their recent assistance on the street rehabilitation project. Mayor Lyle Johnston plans to present the letter to County Administrator Greg Sund and attend the next County Commission meeting.
Council member Dave McDaniel inquired about the City surveys sent out to residents in September. He also thanked Mr. Scheuerman for painting the bell tower at the cemetery and noted the Senior Advisory Committee will be presenting their survey results at the next meeting.
Council member Ron Johnson suggested the City post a sign at the campground informing campers of the water restrictions in the City. He has had reports of campers washing their vehicles during their stay.
Council member Jolene Niernberger would like to discuss the letter Council member John Walz distributed at the last meeting. The anonymous letter discusses the City’s current water situation. Ms. Niernberger also suggested a work session to review the Preliminary Engineering Report presented by Wilson & Co. earlier.
Sewer: Special Meeting
The Council will meet on October 14, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in Council chambers to review and discuss the Preliminary Engineering Report regarding improvements needed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Council member Gary Luea asked Mr. Scheurman to contact Brad Vincent and the drillers to let them know the City is close to drilling test holes.
Mr. Scheuerman informed the Council that the Ellis County Landfill will disallow charges for construction debris during the City-Wide Cleanup.
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 10:29 p.m. Mayor Johnston asked for a motion to recess. Council member Ron Johnson 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 5-0. The council returned to open session at 10:44 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Dave McDaniel moved and Council member Ron Johnson seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Since he was 14 years old, Josh Dechant has been interested in growing entrepreneurship in Hays.

Today, the Fort Hays State University graduate is the “Entrepreneur in Residence” within the FHSU College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

“It’s a volunteer position which comes with an office,” explained Dechant.

“Business growth in Hays is stagnant. There are lots of creative people out there with good ideas who don’t know how to get started. There are also a lot of people in Hays who can offer guidance and investment dollars to entrepreneurs. We need to get them connected,” Dechant said.

After attending a roundtable meeting in Wichita last month where Dechant was approached by many want-to-be business owners asking him to develop customized web sites and computer apps for their companies, Dechant decided a similar event needs to happen in Hays.

The inaugural meeting of JoinUp Hays is tonight, Oct. 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at K’s Diner, 3402 Vine. There is no charge to participate.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people who want to bring more businesses to Hays. We need the ‘idea people,’ everyone from students to the stay-at-home moms, along with developers and designers. Several influential established business people — “big thinkers” — plan to be there to offer advice and assistance,” he said.

Dechant is so enthused about the project he’s already developed a mobile JoinUp Hays computer app to connect the participants.

“Anyone with unique perspectives and skill sets who would like to participate is welcome to attend. It’ll be a great networking event.”

For more information about JoinUp Hays, call Dechant at (785)-650-9736.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Volunteers from 20 community organizations went door to door in Hays Tuesday night gathering non-perishable foods for the Community Assistance Center.

Hays resident Megan Wilkerson set out a grocery bag of “canned corn, some yummy chicken Alfredo and tuna” on her porch Tuesday evening before leaving for a class.

“I think everybody deserves to eat,” she said.

About an hour later, her donations were collected by youth volunteers from the United Methodist Church.

The annual “Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat” event is organized by the Hays High School DECA club. The students were posted at the Community Assistance Center where they helped unload donations and categorize food for placement on the pantry shelves.

“It’s one of our biggest food drives,” according to Community Assistance Center co-director Theresa Hill. She’s hopeful DECA reaches its goal of 12,000 items, about 300 more than last year. “It would carry us through spring.”

“The shelves have been really bare. Last May’s food drive by the local postal carriers brought in about half of what it usually does. We’ve had to buy a lot of food,” Hill said.

“We serve about 5,500 people a year here, averaging about 150 food orders a month:”

The Community Assistance Center, now in its 30th year, provides food for low-income Ellis County residents, including seniors and college students.

Victoria and Schoenchen also will have food drives this week.

The official collection count will be done at the end of the week

“Anyone whose house is missed, please drop by your donations,” Hill asked.

The Community Assistance Center, 12th and Oak, is open from 7 a.m. to noon weekdays.

High DECA has organized the event since 1985, according to DECA sponsor Shaina Prough.

By Becky Kiser
Hays Post

The annual food drive organized by the Hays High School DECA club was underway Tuesday evening in Hays.

Community volunteer are participating in “Trick Or Treat So Others Can Eat,” walking door-to-door collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the Community Assistance Center, 12th and Oak.

The collected items are then taken to the CAC where more volunteers sort the food into several categories, including “canned meats” and “cake mixes,” and then stack the donations on the pantry shelves.

Hays resident Megan Wilkerson set out a grocery bag of “canned corn, some yummy chicken Alfredo and tuna” on her porch Tuesday evening before leaving for a class.

“I think everybody deserves to eat,” she said.

High DECA has organized the event since 1985, according to DECA sponsor Shaina Prough.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It may be a little early for Halloween, but Oct. 7 is perfect for the annual Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat canned food drive, organized by Hays High School DECA students.

Scores of community volunteers will go door-to-door Tuesday evening, 6 to 9 p.m., collecting non-perishable goods to restock the pantry shelves at the Hays Community Assistance Center.

“There’s a real need this year for dry goods,” DECA member Summer Smith said. “The Community Assistance Center needs boxed meals, macaroni and cheese, pancake mixes, and even cake mixes. And as usual, they’re also looking for canned foods, including soups, veggies, fruits and meats.

“We can also accept cash donations for the Community Assistance Center, if you want to do that,” Smith added.

Hays residents are asked to leave their donations of canned foods and dry goods in a bag near their mailbox or door if they won’t be home Tuesday evening.

Hays High School DECA has been involved with the annual food drive since 1985, according to sponsor Shaina Prough.