ELLIS – The city of Ellis is considering the purchase of electronic-read water meters. Council members will discuss the proposal at their meeting Monday, Feb. 4.
Other agenda items include an update on the campground expansion project.
The complete agenda follows.
AGENDA
February 4, 2019
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes from Regular Meeting on January 21, 2019
Minutes from Special Meeting on January 29, 2019
Bills Ordinance #2062
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
SPECIAL ORDER
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Update on Campground Expansion Project
Consider Approval to Purchase Electronic Read Water Meters
Consider Bids for Cedar Lane Lift Station Modifications
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Ratification of Invoice for Overhead Shop Door
Consider Letter of Agreement for Evaluation of Inflow and Infiltration in Sewer System
Consider Purchase of Carport for Sewer Clarifier
Consider Purchase of Valves for Water Distribution System
The Center for Life Experience has moved to the Hadley Center, 205 E. 7th, Suite 251, in downtown Hays.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
The Center for Life Experience, Inc. (CFLE) has moved to a new location in Hays and is now a non-profit organization, but its purpose remains the same.
“We’re here to help people address those life challenges that come with grief and loss, and restoring healing and hope,” says Ann Leiker, CFLE executive director and a licensed social worker.
Through three core support groups that are a part of CFLE – Healing After Loss, Healing Hearts, and Healing After Loss of Suicide – participants learn that everyone grieves differently and adjusts to the loss of a loved one differently.
“We don’t stop when you’re mostly through the initial grief and loss phase. There’s another phase that can be very daunting and challenging, and that’s ‘who am I now without this person in my life?'”
People need to move forward with their lives and want to still honor those they’ve lost, Leiker says.
“We address things like going back to work, how to have the hard conversations, family changes, adjusting differently. We address all kinds of life challenges that come with grief and loss, not just grief and loss. That’s not something you see in many groups.”
Healing After Loss (HAL) deals with the loss of adults, including spouses, parents, siblings, and friends. Healing Hearts is for those who’ve lost a child of any age. Healing After Loss of Suicide (HALOS) brings together people who are surviving the loss of someone to suicide.
The fourth core group, “Healing Kids’ Hearts,” is in its fourth year.
It’s an annual daylong retreat for children ages 7-12 who’ve had a significant loss in their lives.
“Children grieve differently than adults,” Leiker stresses. “They don’t talk the same way as adults. They may want to grieve creatively, doing things like making a memory box with pictures and drawings.”
Children attending past retreats have made bird houses and memory stones to place in a garden.
Plans for the 2019 retreat in late March are to make kites along with memory boxes.
Each child is paired with an adult volunteer mentor for the day.
“They become friends and they just share. The kids come in pretty quiet and by the end of the day, they’re smiling and they have hope. They have memories of their loved one that they can share.”
CFLE also shares leadership with NAMI-Hays, the local affiliate of National Alliance on Mental Illness.
CFLE is the NAMI resource center for information about mental health issues. The NAMI-Hays support group meets at CFLE and educational programs are offered quarterly to the public.
All the groups meet at CFLE and are open to anyone at no cost.
Each meeting starts with the reminder that it is not a clinical therapy group.
“These are true support groups where we bring together people who’ve had similar experiences, where they can share and learn from each other. By listening to each other, they at least learn they are not alone. Others are dealing with the same issues although the outcomes may not be the same.”
The Center for Life Experience was launched 18 years ago in the Hays First Presbyterian Church, with donor funds specified to benefit the community, not the church.
Last May, the Session of First Presbyterian determined it could no longer financially support CFLE.
In November CFLE became a stand alone community-based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) and in late December, CFLE moved to the second floor of the Hadley Center in downtown Hays.
“We are extremely grateful and appreciative of the support we get from the community,” Leiker said, “because it allows people to just come and participate [in these groups] and feel welcome. They don’t have to worry about becoming a member or having to pay.
“They just come when they can, learn to celebrate the lost one’s life, and go on with the rest of their own lives.”
More information about CFLE is available by calling or texting 785-259-6859.
ELLIS – Following a lengthy discussion during a special meeting Tuesday, the Ellis City Council voted 3-2 to approve an engineering contract with Larkin Aquatics, Kansas City.
The firm will develop a preliminary engineering report of the Ellis swimming pool in pursuit of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the state. The Kansas Department of Commerce has up to $20 million dollars for small cities to invest in pools. Cities must provide 40 percent of a project cost with the state paying 60 percent.
The proposal from Larkin Aquatics is not to exceed $9,200. It will be paid from the Capital Improvement – Special Projects fund.
Applications for the CDBG are due May 15.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Minutes
January 29, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Steve Ferland, Martin LaBarge, Jolene Niernberger, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman and City Clerk Amy Burton. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Verda Flinn and Gary Luea.
PURPOSE OF SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor David McDaniel stated the purpose of the special meeting is to consider a contract for engineering services for the swimming pool and for Council orientation.
Swimming Pool: Contract
Council reviewed a contract from Larkin Aquatics, Kansas City, for engineering services to develop a preliminary engineering report in order for the City to apply for a Community Development Block Grant. The Department of Commerce has released up to $20 million dollars for small cities to invest in pools. The grant is a 60/40 grant and applications are due May 15th. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman and City Clerk Amy Burton spoke on the current condition of the pool. Council discussed possible funding sources and Red Cross and ADA requirements. After a lengthy discussion, Council member Bret Andries moved to approve the proposal from Larkin Aquatics in an amount not to exceed $9,200, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement – Special Projects fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-2, with Council members Bret Andries, Steve Ferland and Jolene Niernberger voting in favor of the motion, and Council members Martin LaBarge and Bob Redger voting opposed.
Council Orientation
Ms. Burton reviewed the Council Orientation Handbook.
Adjournment
Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Steve Ferland seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
Keith Marvin, Marvin Planning Consultants, talks with Ellis Co. commissioners Monday about their ideas for future growth in the county.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Jobs and water.
That’s what Ellis County commissioners believe are the two most important factors affecting business and population growth in the county.
“We’ve been constantly growing, sometimes small steps at a time,” said Dean Haselhorst, commission chairman. “We have a lot to offer here in Ellis County.
“Water supply is always a big thing in western Kansas. I know the city of Hays has been working to address that issue. But for us to attract industry, we need water. And for growth, we need water also.”
The commission met in a special session Monday afternoon with Keith Marvin of Marvin Planning Consultants, David City, Neb., to give their input into an update of the county comprehensive plan.
Marvin and a representative of MSA Professional Services, Ankeny, Iowa, also met with the Ellis County Joint Planning Commission Monday evening.
County commissioners talked about bringing young people back to Ellis County who have moved to a large metropolis.
People with young families are attracted by the “top-notch schools” in Ellis County, believes Commissioner Dustin Roths, as well as the ability to keep a job using the internet.
“There has to be a financial possibility for those people when they come back.”
Commissioner Butch Schlyer said his daughter was job hunting in December and was able to remain in Ellis County when she was hired by an insurance company to work out of her home. “She makes a very good salary doing it.”
When he was the Ellis County Health Administrator, Schlyer said “many mature clientele ended up leaving the area to go be with their kids. … We have good wireless networks here in Eagle Communications and Nex-Tech and I think that whole technology issue needs to be marketed harder.”
Keith asked commissioners what their role would be in helping with affordable housing, although “most of the time that’s going to be up to the communities” Keith noted, “but I’m always curious to hear what county folks are thinking in that direction as well.”
“A lot of it is gonna go back to affordable ground to build housing on,” answered Haselhorst. “I know there’s different individuals now looking to put some additions in the northwest part of the county.
“That’s his reason (one individual) for doing it there. It’s more affordable. He owns the ground,” Haselhorst said. “He can put up affordable housing to accommodate just the people that work for him that he’s bringing in from out of county.”
“We’ve almost built a bottleneck in some businesses where they can’t expand because they can’t find help,” added Roths.
“I think we will grow in Ellis County over the next 20 years or so, but probably to the lessening of the rural communities around us.”
Roths also talked about the possibility of promoting Ellis County as a regional shipping hub, taking advantage of the major highways that intersect in Hays, the Hays regional airport, and an opportunity to increase railroad transport.
Fort Hays State University and HaysMed are great partners with the county, commissioners also agreed.
Town hall meetings will be held Tue. Jan. 29 and Wed., Jan. 30 for public input. Both meetings will begin at 7 p.m. in the basement of the Ellis County Administration Building, 718 Main.
Marvin said more than 400 online surveys have been completed to date.
Paper copies of the survey are available at the Ellis County Administration Building, and the city halls in Hays, Ellis and Victoria.
The consultants will meet with other stakeholders this week including city officials in Hays, Ellis, and Victoria, Fort Hays State University, Grow Hays, Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, and other county officials.
ELLIS – It’s never too soon to start thinking about summer and swimming.
The Ellis City Council voted last week to pursue a grant for swimming pools from special round of Community Development Block Grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Justine Benoit, grant administrator with Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission, told the council grant funds may be used for construction of a new pool, diving boards, equipment, lifeguard stands, and concession areas. There is a required 60/40 match with the local body providing 40% of the cost.
A swimming pool committee will be developed to facilitate the project.
In other business, Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the 2019 Street Seal project for consideration. The streets included in the project were last sealed in 2013. A $11,925 bid from the Crafco state contract for street seal material was unanimously approved.
Bids for 750 ton of rock, seal oil, and 750 ton of ½” chips from other vendors were also approved.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
January 21, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Steve Ferland, Martin LaBarge, Jolene Niernberger, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Dustin Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Justine Benoit, Verda Flinn, Glen Keller, Barbara Perkins, Heather French, and Nickole Byers (arrived at 8:37 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on January 7, 2019, Minutes from the Regular Meeting on January 14, 2019, and Bills Ordinance #2061. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Fire: Report
Fire Chief Dustin Vine presented his monthly report. The Department recently trained on ice rescues on Big Creek. Chief Vine stressed that residents and animals should stay off of Big Creek as the ice is unstable and not safe.
Swimming Pool: Special Project
Justine Benoit, Grant Administrator with Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission, presented information regarding a special round of Community Development Block Grant funding for swimming pools from the Kansas Department of Commerce. The application deadline is May 15th with grant awards announced July 1st. The maximum grant request is $1,000,000 and the required match is 60/40 (60% grant funds and 40% local funds). Grant funds may be used for construction of a new pool, diving boards, equipment, lifeguard stands, and concession areas, but funds could not be used for “extras” such as a lazy river, splash pad, or slides. It was the consensus of Council to move forward with the grant application. Council developed a swimming pool committee to help facilitate the project.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Policy
Council reviewed the current document providing for aesthetic standards for small cells and proposed several revisions to simplify the standards. City Attorney Olavee Raub will present a revised draft at the next Council meeting for consideration.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the 2019 Street Seal project for consideration. The streets included in the project were last sealed in 2013. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to accept the bid from the Crafco State Contract for street seal material in the amount of $11,925, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement – Streets fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Martin LaBarge seconded a motion to approve the bid from Flatlander Dirt Works to haul 750 ton of rock to Ellis in the amount of $11,250, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement – Street fund. The motion carried 6-0.
Council member Bret Andries moved to approve the bid from Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc. for seal oil for the project in the amount of $48,000 with funds to come from the Capital Improvement – Streets fund. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Council member Bret Andries then moved to approve the purchase of 750 ton of ½” chips from APAC-Kansas in the amount of $22,162.50 with funds to come from the Capital Improvement – Streets fund. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0, with Council member Steve Ferland abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.
NEW BUSINESS
Sewer: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman would like to replace the single phase pump at the Cedar Lane lift station with a three-phase pump. The City already has a Loveless pump which would need to be rebuilt, and Midwest Energy would need to add a pole and transformer to accommodate the three-phase electricity. Right-of-ways would need to be acquired from the two residences where the lift station is located. Council requested that Mr. Scheuerman provide quotes for the project at the next meeting. Council member Bret Andries moved to direct City Attorney Olavee Raub to investigate the easement rights for the properties affected. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Tourism: Committee
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the appointment of Joleen Fisher to the Tourism Committee. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Committee
Mayor David McDaniel requested affirmation of the City’s support of the Kansas PRIDE program by adopting a resolution. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve Resolution No. 553 pledging support of the City’s participation in the Kansas PRIDE Program. Council member Steve Ferland seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Swimming Pool: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman requested approval to contract out the replacement of the roof at the swimming pool. The Department is unable to perform the work due to time constraints and other projects. The City has already purchased the materials. Council instructed Mr. Scheuerman to solicit bids for the project.
Water: Acquisition
Mr. Scheuerman requested the purchase of 65 electronic-read meters. The City has already installed close to 50 of the meters and they have been helpful in pinpointing residential water leaks faster. The meters are also used in locations the meter readers aren’t able to access easily due to location of the meter or pets in the area. Eventually, the City would like to convert all 950 traditional meters to the electronic-read meters. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the purchase of 65 electronic-read meters from Metron-Farnier, LLC in the amount of $24,068 with funds to come from the Water Depreciation Reserve fund. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, City Clerk Amy Burton noted there were funds still available from 2018 earmarked for the purchase of electronic-read meters, if Council chose to increase the purchase. Upon a call for the vote, the motion failed 1-5, with Council member Martin LaBarge voting in favor of the motion, and Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Steve Ferland, Jolene Niernberger, and Bob Redger voting opposed. Mr. Scheuerman will bring a revised quote to the next Council meeting.
General Government: Policy
Council reviewed updates to the City’s Safety Guideline Manual. The last revision was done in October 2013. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the Safety Guideline Manual as revised. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period November 10th – December 10th. The percentage of water accounted for remains slightly lower than the industry average.
Mr. Scheuerman stated the new 2015 Ford F-250 will become the Water Department truck and the bed from the old truck will be installed on the new truck. The second pickup to be purchased will replace the current Parks truck.
Concrete work needs to be performed at the intersection of 10th Street and Monroe Street. Traffic will need to be re-routed for the project. Council directed Mr. Scheuerman to contact the County since portions of that area would be under their direction.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported Officer Kolas began employment January 7th. There has not been a date set for him to attend the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. Officer Kolas has qualified on the Department’s firearms and the Taser.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton discussed possible dates to hold Council orientation. The training session reviews the Governing Body’s role in local government and the City’s policies and procedures. The orientation session will be held January 31st at 6:00 p.m.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the real estate closing on the water exploration sites will be next week.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel reminded Council of the Town Hall meeting to discuss the Ellis County Comprehensive Plan on January 31st at 8:00 a.m.
Mayor McDaniel and Nickole Byers announced that Monica Befort, local artist, is interested in working with the City to re-paint the mural on the south side of City Hall.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Steve Ferland moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m.
A unanimous vote to approve a rezoning request in east Hays was preceded by discussion among city commissioners Thursday night about rezoning procedures and notifications to the public.
The request had already been approved by the Hays Area Planning Commission during a public hearing Dec. 17, 2018.
Luke Oborny lives at 1720 Wheatland Ave. His home is near the property at the southeast corner of 22nd and Wheatland that was approved for rezoning from neighborhood to commercial.
Luke Oborny wants Wheatland Avenue to remain a Neighborhood zone.
Oborny said he feels the requirement for notification of property owners within 200 feet of the rezoning request “isn’t very far” and should be increased. “We would like Wheatland Avenue to remain residential.”
Speaking to the city commissioners before they voted, Oborny said he and his wife Kristy were not notified of the public hearing by the planning commission and felt they should have been contacted.
Mayor Henry Schwaller noted the planning commission is a legally separate entity from the Hays city commission.
“We can’t tell them what to do but they could consider a bigger notification area,” Schwaller said.
“They can,” confirmed John Bird, city attorney. “That makes sense to me,” added Schwaller. “[Oborny’s] house is not very far away.”
“The process doesn’t feel right or transparent,” Oborny added. He was also concerned about the variety of commercial operations allowed in the requested C-2 Commercial General District zoning. “What does it leave out?”
According to the city’s Unified Development Code (UDC), C-2 zoning includes 28 allowable businesses, from offices and group day cares to drinking establishments and gas stations.
“This lot would not be appropriate for most of these uses, but some of them, yes. Regardless of our business tonight, would we want to revisit this in a future discussion and change the zoning groups?,” Schwaller asked the commission.
“We’re not supposed to know what’s going to go there but they’re seeking this so they can operate a business.”
Jesse Rohr, public works director, told the commission all property owners within 200 feet of the subject property were notified of the Planning Commission public hearing, as required by state statute.
Property to the north, south and east is zoned residential, including general, single family and duplex, and multi-family.
The property across Wheatland Street to the west is zoned C-2 and is the site of the Kansas Dept. of Children and Families building.
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs said she appreciated the Obornys coming to the meeting with their concerns.
“It seems to me the use that’s being requested is pretty complementary for that area given the fact that North Central Kansas Technical College is across the street and the hospital is across the street,” Jacobs pointed out. Both institutions are on the north side of 22nd Street.
(Click to enlarge)
“Since C-2 zoning is across the street (west to Canterbury) and as you go east to the other end of 22nd to Bruckner’s, it feels right to me for that whole thing,” she said, adding she’s also in favor of any future discussion about zoning.
“A lot of the things in C-2 can be eliminated because of this lot size,” noted Commissioner Ron Mellick.
“The letter of the law was followed,” said Commissioner James Meier, “but Mr. Oborny feels like it wasn’t above board, perhaps.
“… I do think that we need to be very cognizant of being completely above board and giving everybody notice. I understand the 200-foot rule or notification comes from the state statute, but I agree there’s no reason why we can’t give more notice.”
Outgoing Hays mayor James Meier is presented with a plaque by incoming mayor Henry Schwaller Thursday night.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Henry Schwaller IV is the new Hays mayor and Shaun Musil is the new vice-mayor.
The elections were unanimously approved by city commissioners Thursday night as the governing body reorganized followed by a thank you to outgoing mayor James Meier for his year of service.
“You hit the ground running,” said Schwaller to Meier after presenting him a plaque-mounted memorial gavel.
Schwaller specifically mentioned Meier’s approach to the long-term water supply project.
“The long-term water strategy was kind of high-centered. You got aggressive. You contacted the governor’s office and you started making things happen.”
Schwaller also talked about Meier’s passion for the community of Hays and his ability to get things done.
“You’re good for the city and your leadership is exemplary.”
Meier thanked the other commissioners for allowing him to serve as Hays mayor for a year.
“It is a privilege,” said Meier, “and actually a great honor to be mayor, something many of you have already experienced.
“I’m glad I was able to survive the year without anybody punching me,” Meier joked.
The Hays city commission reorganized to elect Henry Schwaller as mayor and Shaun Musil as vice-mayor.
Meier then moved to the end of the commission table as the other commissioners moved one seat to the right while Finance Director Kim Rupp moved and updated name plaques to reflect the changes.
Later in the meeting the commission voted to change its rules of procedure regarding reorganization.
The change allows for a special reorganization meeting on the second Monday of each year following a November election, or at the first regular meeting in January. The result will make reorganizations more consistent with a shorter gap between transitions.
State statutes mandate new commissioners after a November election take seat at the second Monday in January.
The city of Hays’ governing body will be reorganized during the Jan. 24 city commission meeting.
A new mayor and vice-mayor will be elected, followed by recognition of outgoing mayor James Meier.
The newly organized governing body will also adopt the Rules of Procedure for the Hays city commission.
(Click to enlarge)
Other agenda items include a decision on the request for rezoning of a lot on the southeast corner of 22nd and Wheatland Ave. and the north 20 feet of the adjoining lot from Neighborhood Conservation District (NC.3) to Commercial General District (C-2). The rezoning has already been approved, 6-1, by the Hays Planning Commission.
Property to the north, south and east is zoned residential, including general, single family and duplex, and multi-family.
The property across Wheatland Street to the west is zoned C-2 and is the site of the Kansas Dept. of Children and Families building.
Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller said last week city commissioners have been contacted by concerned people who live in nearby houses.
He said the C-2 commercial zone to the west “makes sense because it’s near the hospital and there could be ancillary doctors’ offices and other things that fit within that classification.”
“And that does make sense,” agreed Meier, “but that’s a bigger list than office buildings.”
C-2 zoning in the city’s Unified Development Code (UDC) allows the following uses:
o Alcoholic Beverage Sales
o Animal Grooming Facilities
o Animal Boarding or Vet Services
o Assisted Living Facility
o Drinking establishment
o Drive-In/Drive Through Facility
o Farmers’ Market
o Grocery Store
o Heavy Retail
o Hotel/Motel
o Mixed Use
o Nursery/Greenhouse, Retail
o Office, General
o Parking Lot, Parking Structures
o Group Day Care Center
o Medical Office/Clinic
o Non-Profit Institution
o Nursing or Convalescent Home
o Place of Assembly
o Pawn Shop
o Personal Services
o Recreational and Fitness, Indoor and Outdoor
o Restaurant
o Retail Sales and Service
o Showrooms
o Schools, Private
o Schools, Public
o Vehicle gas and fuel station
The UDC requires a bufferyard between C-2 and NC.3 zoning, noted Jesse Rohr, director of Public Works. Mandatory fences, walls, open spaces, landscaped areas, berms or any combination thereof, assist with development of properties adjacent to different zoning classifications and make them more compatible.
“In this case, the property owner would have to provide at least at 10 foot buffer on the south property line,” Rohr told the commission.
All city infrastructure and utilities are available at the location for connection.
The State Association of Kansas Watersheds held their 68th annual meeting in Topeka Jan. 22, 2019. which brought together the many water district representatives and some of their largest partners in federal, state and local government. Col. Doug Guttormsen, the Kansas City District USACE commander, served as the keynote speaker. Jeremiah Hobbs, vice-president of SAKW, (right) provided the introduction.
USACE
TOPEKA – The State Association of Kansas Watersheds held their 68th annual meeting in Topeka Tuesday which brought together the many water district representatives and some of their largest partners in federal, state and local government.
Col. Doug Guttormsen, the Kansas City District commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, served as the keynote speaker. He gave an account of the day of the life of his district command experience. He focused on his family life in his off time and on his work making sure we deliver world class projects to the partners we have and emphasized the ones in Kansas.
“Earlier in this fiscal year, we finished a project at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, which stands ready to receive the first KC-46 air tankers later this month. Not only did the project come in on time and on budget, other Corps district are coordinating construction at Air Force facilities around the country and the world using elements of the award-winning design and lessons learned from the construction project,” said Guttormsen.
He explained a state-wide sedimentation study which will enhance ongoing projects to determine how to remove silt from our reservoirs. Current projects must decide where to place the dirt and allow for the water supply, flood risk reduction, recreation and other federally mandated functions of the lakes to continue. The life of the reservoirs will be extended by returning some of the original capacity.
The SAKW conference attendees asked several questions about the federal and Corps of Engineers role in regulatory activity and good information was shared.
Earl Lewis, assistant director for the Kansas Water Office, spoke on multiple topics including stream bank erosion mitigation as a key element in reducing sedimentation and extending the usefulness and life of the reservoirs in Kansas.
Rob Reshke, executive director, of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Conservation, spoke on several topics to include the planned release of an updated Watershed District Handbook by July 2019.
The conference continued through Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We couldn’t hope for better partners than we find here with the State Association of Kansas Watersheds,” said Guttormsen.
City registrations for dogs and cats in 2019 are on sale now at the finance office in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.
The city registers about 1,750 pets each year, according to Nikki Hausler, Hays Police Department Animal Control Officer, but “that’s really low,” she says. The annual dog and cat tax is due before March 1.
“You look around Hays and we’ve got a lot of animals out there.”
HPD Animal Control Officer Nikki Hausler with City Commissioner Shaun Musil
Hausler urges residents to get their pets registered with the city.
“It’s that one-way ticket for your animal to get home.”
If a person finds a dog or cat wearing a city pet tag, they can all the phone number on the tag – 625-1011 – which is the HPD dispatch center, and then give dispatch the tag number.
“We have 24-hour access to that data base,” explained Hausler.
A rabies vaccination certificate must be presented when purchasing a city tag for a pet. The cost is $5 if the animal is spayed or neutered. If not, the cost is $25 per animal.
“All the cool dogs are blinging this year,” Hausler quips with a smile.
Some pet owners may use microchips to for identification of their animals. Hausler says she has a “love/hate relationship” with microchips.
“I think they’re wonderful if you suspect somebody has stolen your pet because you’ve got that hidden chip inside that animal.”
Most veterinarian offices have a scanner that can read the microchips.
“If the microchip comes back to you, we know that’s your dog.”
The problem is people get their pets microchipped and then they don’t follow up.
“After you get a microchip at the vet clinic, you then have to get online and pay a monthly or yearly subscription.
“A lot of times we scan these animals, which takes about 30 minutes to get through the process, just to find out the owner never registered the microchip in their name. And it doesn’t go back to the vet clinic. They don’t keep track of who microchipped what when.
“So that microchip does no good,” Hausler says. “City pet registration is the way to go, especially inside the city limits.”
More about purchasing a pet license in Hays is available by calling 785-628-7300 or on the city’s website www.haysusa.com. If not paid by March 1, the tax is delinquent.
They weren’t quite ready in time for the Christmas rush, but Melissa Dixon isn’t worried. The executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) says the demand is year round.
The Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine, is now selling post cards depicting iconic views of people and places in and near Hays.
“The idea came from some of the visitors to the Welcome Center that have been asking for Hays postcards, and we didn’t have any,” said Dixon. “And I thought that was crazy. How can the Welcome Center not have postcards for our guests?
“We have a good collection of photography and found a few new pieces that we wanted to showcase.”
A golden-ripe wheat field with an approaching summer thunderstorm. A dilapidated barn with wind turbines visible in the distance. Rodeo action. Colorful aerial fireworks at the Wild West Fest. The Hays bison herd.
(Photo by Jessi Jacobs)
Some of the photos were taken by Jessi Jacobs, the city’s website designer in the IT Department.
“On the side, she does work for the state tourism department and Jessi graciously allowed us to use some of her beautiful imagery for some of these postcards.”
The postcards will be placed in welcome bags distributed to groups that come to Hays. The tote bag includes a visitor’s guide, a city map, a logoed pen, and now, one of the new Hays postcards will also be tucked in.
The cards are 50 cents each and sold via a new Square® point-of-sale system.
“We will not have cash in the building, so it will be credit or debit card only to make everything easy.”
The CVB is also selling Hays t-shirts, sizes small through 3XL, featuring the new Hays logo.
“We had some made for giveaways and the response was so positive that we have ordered at least two more batches since.”
The t-shirts will be included in gift bags given to VIPs who are in Hays and are now also available for purchase.
The postcards and t-shirts come from local vendors.
“We try to use local as much as we can,” Dixon said. “Northwestern Printers was able to take care of all the postcards for us. They just turned out beautifully.”
It was very difficult to pick just 9 images to feature on the postcards, according to Dixon. “And then, the Ellis County Historical Society came back with some beautiful historic images so I know we’re going to have to do a second printing. We may have to buy a second rack to display historical postcards,” she added with a smile.
Some of the historic images were shared on the CVB Facebook page and they got a great response, she said.
Most of the people the CVB interacts with are guests to the city.
“They’re coming in off the interstate. They’re asking for road conditions, weather conditions, what the attractions are and what they can do while in town.”
Local residents also seek out the CVB.
“Maybe they’re putting on a 5K or maybe they’ve got a group coming in to Fort Hays State University and they need help with their registration tables or name tags or their welcome bags. We also take care of things like that.”
A boxed set of Hays-themed note cards may also be purchased for $5. Previously, they had been utilized only for internal use and by Hays city commissioners.
Dixon hopes to expand the variety of Hays-themed items for sale in the Welcome Center to include magnets and small souvenirs.
“We absolutely want people who have a great experience here to be able to take that home with them and share that with others.”
ELLIS – City attorney Olavee Raub will update the Ellis city council about the town’s water exploration project during their meeting Monday night.
In other business, Justine Benoit of the Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission will talk about the opportunity for swimming pool Community Development Block Grant funding.
The complete Jan. 21 agenda follows.
AGENDA
January 21, 2019
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ELLIS
City Hall – Council Meeting Room
BILLS ORDINANCE REVIEW WORK SESSION BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL AND MEETING CALL TO ORDER AT 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA (if needed)
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes from Regular Meeting on January 7, 2019
Minutes from Regular Meeting on January 14, 2019
Bills Ordinance #2061
(Council will review for approval under one motion under the consent agenda. By majority vote of the governing body, any item may be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(Each speaker will be limited to five minutes. If several people from the group wish to speak on same subject, the group must appoint a spokesperson. ALL comments from public on agenda items must be during Public Comment. Once council begins their business meeting, no more comments from public will be allowed.)
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
SPECIAL ORDER
Monthly Fire Department Report – Chief Dustin Vine
Discuss Swimming Pool Community Development Block Grant Funding – Justine Benoit, Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Review Small Cell Aesthetic Standards
Consider Approval of Cost Estimates for 2019 Street Seal Maintenance
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss Cedar Lane Lift Station Pumps
Consider Appointment to City Committee
Consider Approval of Kansas PRIDE Program Resolution
Consider Approval to Hire Contractor for Pool Roof Repair
Consider Approval of Purchase for Water Meters
Consider Approval of Safety Guideline Manual Revisions
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Administrative
Public Works
Comparative Water Report
Department Update
Police
Department Update
City Clerk
Department Update
Attorney
Update on Status of Code Violation Cases
Update on Water Exploration Project
Mayor Update and Announcements
Reminder on Ellis County Comprehensive Plan Town Hall Meeting
ELLIS – The city of Ellis is considering the purchase of electronic-read water meters. Council members will discuss the proposal at their meeting Monday, Feb. 4.
