Hays SKIL manager Lou Ann Kibbee is the new president of the National Council on Independent Living.

Hays Post Intern Annie Sandmeier talked with Kibbee shortly after her return from Washington, DC:

The weather is perfect for the annual Kids Fest sponsored by Celebration Community Church, Hays.

Kids and up to 5th grade and their families are taking it all in today.

Live music, food, games, inflatables, train rides, face painting and balloon artistry.  It’s all free and it’s all on the parking lot of Hays Academy of Hair Design.

Academy Students and staff are also volunteering their time and talent giving free back-to-school haircuts for 100 children.

Kids Fest continues until 1p.m. this afternoon.

It’s not “official” until the beer is poured for dignitaries,who hold their glasses high for the welcoming toast, and “Ein Prosit” is sung.

Day Two of the 31st annual Herzogfest in Victoria is underway under a clear blue sky and mild temperatures.

Ellis City Council members met in a special session Thursday night to discuss water issues.

The town declared a water emergency earlier this summer.

The Ellis Golf Course has been  granted a variance on watering restrictions and is now allowed to use 40,000 gallons of water a month through the end of 2013.

A proposed ordinance implementing conservation water rates for usage in excess of each customer’s base usage was approved.

Council members also talked about city wells and the water exploration process.

Consultants from  Layne Christensen, Wichita, are recommending the Ellis water wells be rehabilitated, estimated to cost $8,000 to $12,000.  The consultants also recommend Ellis begin searching for new water sources.

 

The public hearing for the city of Hays 2014 budget is scheduled for the next regular Hays City Commission meeting, August 22^nd at 6:30p.m in City Hall.

City Manager Toby Dougherty says the proposed budget is is $35,982,468, with the mill levy expected to remain at 25 mills for the fourth consecutive year:

Once the proposed budget is published, the mill levy can go down but not up at the public hearing. The mill levy can only increase is another public hearing is held.

 

Residents living in northwest Hays may notice some rumbling noise starting Monday.

It won’t be thunder, says Hays Utilities Director Bernie Kitten:

There are 120 miles of sanitary sewer lines in Hays.

If you will not be home or on vacation during the time of the sewer line cleaning which starts August 12th, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down.  Other ideas on how to protect your home:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything before you clean/inspect the sewers on my street?
Yes. Occasionally during cleaning and inspection, air pressure in the sewer can cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Take the following precautions to prevent water damage in your home:
• Close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use.
• Insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.
• Remove all floor mats in bathrooms.
• Place an old towel around the base of toilets, or cover all toilets with plastic or old towel and close the lid on the plastic or towel.
• If you have a float plug in your floor drain or a backwater valve installed in your house, ensure that it is free of debris and operating properly.
• Wrap the cover of your basement and other floor drains with thick plastic (i.e., a freezer bag or a car floor mat). Place something heavy over the floor drains to keep the plastic-covered floor drain covers in place.

The precautions are recommended only during our working times as provided.

You may put things back as they were when the equipment has moved off your block.

See attached map for detailed locations. On the map, the red lines indicating 2013 project – 19 miles, is the area that will be cleaned.

The area between Willow and the 183 By-pass and 27th St. to 41st Street
And finally the area between Vine St. to Willow St. and 27th St. to 33rd St.

Why are you cleaning and inspecting the sewers?
The cleaning and inspection program keeps the sewer system operating efficiently by:
• Preventative maintenance significantly reduce the chance for damaging sewer blockages and backups
• removing built-up debris, such as tree roots, grease, grit and sand
• determining the condition of the sewer for repairs or replacement of sewers as necessary

How do you clean the sewers?
The sewers are cleaned using a high-pressure nozzle to flush water down the sewer. The dirt and debris are sucked up through a manhole by a large vacuum truck and taken to the landfill.

How do you inspect the sewers?
They are inspected by inserting a remotely operated video camera into the sewer to record its condition. The video shows us if repairs or replacement of the sanitary sewer is needed.

Will I notice anything after you have cleaned/inspected the sewers on my street?
Sometimes the sewer cleaning and inspection leaves an odor in the home. If so, run some water down the sink and bathtub drains, flush the toilets, pour a pail of water into each basement floor drain, and open the windows. After a short time, the odor should disappear.

Can I use the toilets and my water while you are cleaning and inspecting the sewer on my block?
Yes. However, be careful as air pressure in the sewer during the cleaning and inspection can sometimes cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Remember to close the lids on all toilet bowls when not in use, and insert drain plugs in all sinks and bathtubs when not in use.

The City of Hays apologizes for any inconvenience this may impose. Performing this preventative maintenance by cleaning the sanitary sewer will improve the sewer’s performance and significantly reduce the chance for future sewer backups and related problems.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at the Utilities Office at 785-628-7380, or via email [email protected]

DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

Minutes August 5, 2013

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members John Walz, John Leiker, Jolene Niernberger, Loran Gottschalk and Terry Redetzke. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Steve Ferland arrived at 7:35 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

City Clerk Amy Burton requested to table the consideration of ordinances creating special capital improvement funds. The funds need to be added into the Capital Improvement Plan before formally added by Council. It was the consensus of Council to table the item.

PUBLIC PRESENT

Galen Pfeifer, Andrew Allen, E. L. Patee, Glen Keller, David McDaniel, Wesley James, Maggie James, Jim Carthew, Joyce Carthew, and Charlene Weber

BUDGET HEARING

General Government: Financial – 2014 City of Ellis Budget

The 2014 City of Ellis Budget Hearing began at 7:31 p.m. Mayor Johnston stated the proposed budget for the City has been published the required amount of time and that tonight is an opportunity for the citizens of Ellis to comment on the proposed budget for 2014. No one from the public chose to comment; therefore Mayor Johnston adjourned the budget hearing at 7:32 p.m.

General Government: Financial – 2014 City of Ellis Budget

Councilmember John Walz moved to approve the 2014 City of Ellis budget as published. Councilmember Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Motion failed 2-3 with Councilmembers Niernberger and Walz in favor and Councilmembers Redetzke, Leiker and Gottschalk opposed.

Councilmember John Leiker stated that he is not in favor of targeting one department over another to reduce the budget. Mr. Leiker made a motion to reduce each department’s budget and outside agency requests by three percent across the board. The motion died for lack of a second.

Councilmember Jolene Niernberger noted with a full council now present she would like to make a motion to approve the 2014 budget as presented. Councilmember John Walz seconded the motion. Upon a call from the Mayor for discussion, Ms. Niermberger stated that the City’s accountant has mentioned several times over the years that the City is barely maintaining its current budget level. The mill increase may seem extreme, but it is important to maintain the current City staff with the level of benefits already established, and street repairs have been put off long enough. Ms. Niernberger stated the proposed budget is not extravagant and feels a three percent cut across the board is extreme. Councilmember Walz stated the City’s water and street issues are expensive and this proposed budget allows for both issues to be addressed. Councilmember Redetzke is in favor of the street project, but feels the police and fire department budgets should be reduced. Councilmember Gottschalk inquired if the City could cut back patrol hours to reduce overtime within the department. Councilmember Leiker stated that people want 24-hour police protection and is not in favor of reducing patrol hours. Upon a call for a vote from the Mayor, the motion failed 3-4 with Councilmembers John Walz, Steve Ferland and Jolene Niernberger voting in favor and Councilmembers Loran Gottschalk, John Leiker and Terry Redetzke voting opposed. Mayor Johnston broke the tie by voting against the motion, noting he would like to see the mill levy reduced by even one mill.

Galen Pfeifer, City Accountant, noted that if the City wants to reduce the budget by one mill, Council will need to cut approximately $11,522 from the proposed budget. The City could use savings to fund the one mill or reduce department budgets and outside agency appropriations by 1%. Mr. Pfeifer reminded Council that just because an amount is budgeted, doesn’t mean that it has to be spent. He explained that the mill levy as proposed in the 2014 budget supports operations and balances the funds properly without using savings. If the budget continues to be underfunded and the City utilizes savings in order to fund operations, it is only a short-term benefit at a long-term expense. Mayor Johnston stated that if the fire truck lease purchase was paid off in 2013 that could save approximately 2 mills in payments for 2014. Galen Pfeifer noted that would not have any effect on the 2014 budget because the money would still need to be budgeted in order to reimburse savings for the payoff amount. The City would, however, save interest costs in the long run. Currently the proposed budget includes the addition of two employees in the Street department. Councilmember Walz questioned Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman if the department could facilitate the street project with only one additional person. Mr. Scheuerman noted he needs skilled workers for street projects and if Council wants streets repaired and maintained, then the department needs two employees. Mr. Walz noted that citizens have expressed a desire to get the streets repaired. Councilmember Steve Ferland noted the other option to pay for street projects instead of raising the mill levy would be to assess property owners through special assessments. It was the general consensus of the Council that no one wanted to raise the mill levy but felt the proposed budget was an honest budget that made provisions to move forward on some projects that needed to be addressed. Councilmember John Leiker then made the motion to approve the 2014 budget as published. Councilmember Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.

General Government: Financial – 2014 City of Ellis Budget

Councilmember John Walz moved to approve Ordinance #1355 attesting to an increase in tax revenues for the 2014 budget year. Councilmember Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember John Leiker moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from Regular Meeting on July 15, 2013, Bills Ordinance #1930, and June manual journal entries. Councilmember Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

E.L. Patee addressed Council regarding land he currently leases from the City. He asked if the City would consider pulling the sand from under the trees to allow water to run by the trees and bushes. Mr. Patee also asked if the Public Works department could “square” off the corners on Calvary Street to slow drivers down. Over time, the corners have rounded and drivers use excessive speed around the bends. Council instructed Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to look into Mr. Patee’s concerns.

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

None

SPECIAL ORDER

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Public Works: Special Projects – Big Creek

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman contacted several municipal agencies on the possibility of spraying the weeds in Big Creek. Three of the agencies contacted did not recommend spraying the weeds, but also did not have anything on record prohibiting it. However, Kansas Department of Health and Environment informed Mr. Scheuerman that the City is not allowed to spray weeds in the creek and could be fined for doing so. Mr. Scheuerman would like to use dozers in the late fall to clean out the creek bed. To do so, the Division of Water Resources, the Corps of Engineers, and possibly the Department of Agriculture would require the City to obtain a permit. Any debris pulled out of the creek must be disposed of outside of the flood zone. It was the consensus of Council to direct Mr. Scheuerman to proceed with the process of obtaining the necessary permits from the various agencies in order to clean out the creek bed. Council discussed the possibility of coordinating clean-up efforts with the church groups and schools. Police Chief Taft Yates will also contact the Ellsworth Correctional Facility to see if a work crew might be available this fall to help.

NEW BUSINESS

Parks: Event Requests

Councilmember John Walz moved to approve the Public Property Permit Application from USD 388 for use of Creekside Park on August 16, 2013, and to ratify approval of the Public Property Permit Application from Ellis Recreation Commission for use of Creekside Park on August 2, 2013. Councilmember John Leiker seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.

General Government: Financial

During the budget process, Galen Pfeifer, City Accountant, noted that since the cemetery expansion project was complete, the fund should be closed out to the General Fund. John Leiker moved and Terry Redetzke seconded a motion to close the Cemetery Expansion Fund into the General Fund. The current amount in the fund is $709.37. Motion carried 6-0.

General Government: Financial

During the budget process the Council discussed paying off the lease purchase agreement for the 2009 fire truck. City Clerk Amy Burton reported that the purchase option price is only available on the rental payment date – the next payment date being March 27, 2014. The Council will revisit the lease purchase agreement in January 2014.

General Government: City Code – Conservation Water Rates

City Clerk Amy Burton presented a proposed ordinance implementing conservation water rates for usage in excess of each customer’s base usage. A customer’s base usage would be equal to the usage calculated during the sewer rate evaluation period. Ms. Burton explained different scenarios of how the customer’s water rates would be calculated under the proposed ordinance. The proposed ordinance would only be in effect during Stage 3 water emergency declaration. Council discussed changes that need to be made to the current policy, including raising the amount for reconnection of services due to termination of services for violation of City Code (i.e. leaks). It was the consensus of Council to direct Attorney Raub to modify the proposed ordinance to charge a conservation rate of $10.74 per 1,000 gallons and to add wording stating the conservation rate would be effective only under the declaration of a water emergency.

Water: Policy

The Council discussed a letter received from the Ellis Golf Club requesting a variance on the watering restrictions. The Council wants it noted that neither the Council, the Mayor, nor the Police Chief knew the Ellis Golf Club had been watering in violation of the watering restrictions. City Attorney Olavee Raub stated that the Ellis Golf Club straddles two classes of water use, Class 1 and Class 2. Under the declaration of a water emergency, only Class 1 water use is prohibited. Golf courses are specifically defined as a Class 1 water use; however, commercial and industrial water use is defined as Class 2. Attorney Raub suggested possibly developing a special use permit that would limit the number of gallons allowed for commercial use. Being that a representative from the Ellis Golf Club wasn’t present; the Council would like the opportunity to discuss the letter received with the Ellis Golf Club. The Council directed City Clerk Amy Burton to invite a representative from the Ellis Golf Club to the special meeting on August 8, 2013.

Capital Improvement: Repair/Maintenance

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented two bids for lighting the City Shop. Mr. Scheuerman recommends the low bid from Don’s Electric & Rewind. Councilmember John Walz moved and Councilmember Loran Gottschalk seconded a motion to accept the low bid from Don’s Electric & Rewind in the amount of $2,800 with funds to come from Capital Improvement. Motion carried unanimously.

REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS

Public Works

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the updated water well levels and discussed the drainage issues on 10th Street. He spoke to the Council on the possibility of trying to alleviate some of the drainage issues during the waterline improvement project. Mr. Scheuerman also reported that the material has been received for the street project and spoke on updates to the National Flood Insurance Program. The Director informed Council that the City has been using effluent water for the street sweeper. The pool is scheduled to be drained on August 22, 2013. The City will make the pool water available to residents; as long as they are aware the pool water is chlorinated and will also have other debris in it from use this summer. Approximately 100,000 gallons will be released and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Police

Police Chief Taft Yates presented the August officer schedule. He also reported that Officer Casey will be attending training on crime scene investigations later this month.

City Clerk

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the June financial statements consisting of the Statement of Accounts, Treasurer’s Statement for June and also the 2nd quarter, and the Security Deposit Worksheet. Ms. Burton noted the Water Utility Fund will need to be monitored closely due to decreased revenues from the water emergency declaration. Ms. Burton also discussed the possibility of implementing a low-flow shower head incentive program for residents. Charlene Weber would like to present the possible project to the Fort Hays Leadership Team as a semester project. It was the consensus of the Council to be in favor of the possible program.

Attorney

City Attorney Olavee Raub reported she has filed a formal complaint against the owner of a cemetery memorial that has been in violation of City Code for several months. Ms. Raub stated the memorial is to be taken down immediately and if the owner would like to resize the memorial in order to meet code specifications, then a permit must be applied for with the new sizing and approved through the City. Ms. Raub is also working with the Water Advisory Committee to revise and clarify certain definitions in the water conservation plan.

MAYOR/COUNCIL

Mayor Johnston read a letter addressed to Ellis Fire Chief Denis Vine from Gary Brown, Hays Fire Chief thanking the volunteer fire department for their assistance during the train crash and fire on July 16, 2013. Mayor Johnston also noted he will not be in town to attend the August 8, 2013 special meeting.

Councilmember John Walz discussed with Council the possibility of drafting ordinances that would automatically increase the water and sewer rates by a small percentage each year, rather than large increases periodically. Once the ordinances were in place, the actual percentage could be adjusted up or down by resolution each year. It was the consensus of Council to direct the City Attorney to prepare a draft of the ordinances for further review and discussion.

Councilmember Niernberger congratulated former Mayor David McDaniel on his nomination of Vice-Chairman of the Ellis County Joint Planning Commission.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilmember John Leiker moved and Councilmember Terry Redetzke seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:21 p.m.

 

FROM THE CITY OF ELLIS

 

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL  Special Council Meeting  Thursday, August 8, 2013

CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M.

1. (I/O) Discussion with representatives from outside agencies regarding water exploration process.

2.  (D/A) Consideration of water variance from Ellis Golf Club

3. (D/A) Consideration of proposed ordinance on conservation water rates

North Central Kansas Technical College and Hays High School are partnering in the state’s new Career and Technical Education program, which encourages students to earn an industry-recognized technical certificate in a key occupation.

The CTE initiative covers student tuition cost for technical courses and rewards school districts with a $1,000 payment for each of their students who complete the certificate.

A $20,000 check for the Hays school district was presented Wednesday morning by 111^th District Representative Sue Boldra of Hays to representatives of Hays High and NCK Technical College.  They were flanked by several students who have completed the program, which is designed to meet the increasing business demand for a well-trained workforce.

Last school year 703 Kansas students earned industry-recognized certificates in health, construction, manufacturing and automotive, an increase of 28 percent from the previous year.

Still no contract agreement between the Hays NEA and USD 489 following Tuesday afternoon’s 90-minute negotiation

The sticking point is teachers’ salaries.  The school board is offering $220,000 for raises, $60,000 more than the board’s offer two weeks ago.  After a brief caucus, Hays NEA bargaining unit co-chairwoman Kathy Wagoner said they “can not sign off on that.”

The teacher’s union is holding out for $400,000, which includes money for horizontal and vertical movement on the salary schedule, and a 1.7% cost-of-living raise:

Because of “increasing costs of health insurance and worker’s compensation,” the board has no extra money, according to Superintendent Will Roth.

School board president Greg Schwartz  says the board’s offer provides a 1.85% salary raise for employees, more than the cost of living increase:

The board representatives will take the teachers’ $400,000 figure back to the entire school board at Monday’s work session.

The negotiating teams will meet again Tuesday, August 13, at 4:30p.m.  The first day of school for USD 489 is next Thursday, August 15.

Union Pacific crews began working Wednesday to remove the chicken meal which spilled during the July 16  trail derailment in Hays.

According to Dan Wells, KDHE Northwest District Environmental Administrator in Hays, there have been some complications delaying the cleanup.

U-P estimates there are about 1,500 tons of the chicken meal on the ground northeast of the intersection of 8th and Vine streets.

Because it’s mixed with soil contaminated with diesel fuel from the wrecked train locomotives, the meal is not allowed in the Ellis County Landfill.

Wells says Barton County is the nearest Subtitle D Landfill which can accept it.  But Barton County is experiencing flooding, and another Subtitle D landfill may have to be found.

Union Pacific is sending 20 gondola-style railroad cars from Utah to Hays on which the chicken meal will be loaded.

Although there is a strong odor emanating from the white-tarped pile, Wells says there is no danger to the public.  “It may be an offensive smell to some people.  I haven’t seen any flies around it and we haven’t had any reports of rodents in that area, ” he says.

The chicken meal was destined for use in the manufacture of cat food.