By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
September brings fall, which brings homecoming for local high schools and Fort Hays State University, and the opening of the Hays Symphony concert season.
Melissa Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, previews some of this month’s activities.
For an updated Community Calendar, check the Hays CVB website www.visithays.com.
ELLIS – Ellis city council members will meet tonight in regular session. Agenda items include updates on the Ellis County storm siren project and the water exploration project.
The complete Sept. 4 agenda follows.
AGENDA
September 4, 2018
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)
(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.)
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
BY BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Reconstruction of the Hays wastewater treatment plant has reached the halfway mark, underway for 13 months and another 13 months to go.
A progress update was presented Thursday night to the Hays city commission by Eric Farrow, HDR on-site engineer at the facility.
“We kicked off the project May 31, 2017, with the notice to proceed and final completion is set for Sept. 15, 2019,” reported Farrow.
It may be finished before then.
“We continue to get schedule updates from the contractor monthly and the most recent schedule we have is July 15th next year, less than one year.”
“That’s wonderful,” interjected Commissioner Sandy Jacobs.
Farrow also noted there have not been any change orders to date in the $28.4 million plan.
Within a couple of months, new wastewater will be flowing into the new structures on the plant site, 1498 E. U.S. Highway 40 Bypass, and begin the start up.
“We’re not quite to the point where we’re testing the equipment out yet. We’ve tested the tanks and the pipes and things to make sure those are within specification. The process equipment will be one of the next items [to be tested.]”
Farrow expects to have the liquid equipment train of the plant improvements tested and started up by his next report to the commission on October 25. “Beyond that is the solid train, and I’m sure we can share some of that with you then,” he said.
The rainy summer has not slowed the work at the plant site, according to Farrow, but it’s a different story at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.
The pond will provide additional storage capacity for the reuse water and ultimately, irrigation to the golf course.
“The golf course is in great shape but that also means the pond where we need to do some work is full of water,” Farrow said. “The city has made multiple attempts to pump down the water. With some dry weather, we hope to get out there. The contractor, M&D, just needs one to two weeks to get things in a position where we can start putting the final touches on the pond expansion.”
Farrow also talked about how the project is starting to work between the design/builder and the city.
“The infrastructure is my favorite thing to present an update on and it looks nice but we’re getting to the point where we have things like operational and maintenance manuals being developed. We have SCADA, which is the controls to the plant, getting developed.
“The city has been very forward in what its ‘asks’ are. I think the design/builder has delivered on that so far, just general operations and layout of the plant, so that staff is trained when we have that liquid start up going and then they are prepared when the first maintenance item comes up. I’m sure they’re excited about that,” Farrow joked.
“It’s coming together in that sense as well, both at the construction level and on the final operations side too,” he concluded.
The Burns and McDonnell/CAS Constructors team is design/builder for the project’s second phase for construction.
Hays initially had a Jan. 1, 2018, deadline to have the new wastewater treatment plant operating.
However, problems with CDM Smith, the Wichita firm hired for Phase 1 Design services and development of a GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) to rebuild the aging plant, caused a delay in the process. The city terminated that arrangement Aug. 18, 2016, after the Phase 1/Design portion of the contract was completed and awarded the Phase 2/Construction contract to Burns and McDonnell/CAS.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment agreed to extend the completion deadline to Sept. 1, 2019.
The city was fined $18,000 in 2012 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for excessive levels of phosphorous and nitrate. The current wastewater treatment facility was built in 1953. The plant must be upgraded to meet stricter KDHE and EPA permit requirements.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The United Way of Ellis County (UWEC) celebrates its 65th anniversary this year.
Organized in 1953, the earliest financial records Executive Director Sherry Dryden could find date back to 1965.
“Since then, $11.5 million dollars has been raised here in Ellis County,” Dryden announced Friday to the applause of the crowd gathered in Hays for the 2018 campaign kickoff luncheon.
There are currently 15 partner agencies working with the United Way which have provided more than 8,000 services over the past year, according to Dryden.
The 15 agencies offer 21 programs for the health, education and financial stability of Ellis County residents:
Another program, Wonder Women League (WWL), was organized during last year’s United Way campaign.
Nancy Jeter, a previous UWEC campaign chairman and now co-chair of WWL, said she thought “there are a lot of women in the community that felt like they wanted to do more but didn’t know where to start.”
The new group recently opened the Born Learning Trail in Sunrise Park with the help of volunteers from the Hays staff of Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball.
Scott Boomer, operations director of Hays Eagle Radio and co-host of the morning show on 101.9 The Bull KKQY, is chairman of this year’s United Way fundraising campaign.
Boomer is familiar with the local United Way, having conducted many radio interviews over the years about the organization and its partner agencies. He’s also been the announcer for the United Way during homecoming parades as volunteers collect change in their bright orange plastic pumpkins from the crowds.
He decided to accept the campaign chairmanship because of the many ways the community has supported him and his family.
“Life happens. There are things you don’t plan for, and that happened in my family about five years ago. “My wife, who’s had diabetes since she was a little girl, had to have a kidney transplant to save her life,” said Boomer.
“So we know what it’s like to depend on other people, even though I’m the type of person that doesn’t like to ask for help.
“But these different entities that the United Way helps and donates to and gets involved with, are so very important because everybody has times in their life when they need help. All of us.
“There’s nothing to be ashamed of. There’s no reason not to ask for help.
“So it’s wonderful when you live in a community like this and the people donate like they do and give like they do, that we have these organizations to help.
“No donation is too big or too small,” Boomer noted. “Everything helps. Whatever the organization is, it’s helping somebody.”
This year’s campaign goal is $400,000.
The United Way celebrated its community kick-off on Saturday with a children’s cook-off and adult scavenger hunt co-sponsored with area businesses. Dakota Schmidt won first place, Bryson Fairbank took second and Caydance Lang took third, all of Hays.
More information about the United Way of Ellis County is available at liveunited.us and on Facebook. Donations may be made online.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
For the second consecutive year, the winner of the Mrs. Kansas Pageant is a Hays woman.
Mrs. Kansas 2018, Anissa Pfeifer, 25, is in Las Vegas this week to compete in the national pageant, Mrs. America.
Pfeifer’s journey to the competition is due in part to Mrs. Kansas 2017, Cassie Hickel of Hays.
Hickel’s pageant clothing and styling were provided by Pfeifer and her sister Sonia, who co-own the Blue Heron Boutique in downtown Hays. During those fashion advice sessions, Hickel encouraged Pfeifer to enter the Mrs. Kansas competition.
“Cassie knows I have a passion for believing in the best in everyone and want people to follow their dreams. Having her believe in me, and saying ‘you might be scared but you just have to do it,’ kind of roped me in to it a little bit. But I’m grateful.
“I never in a million years thought I would be wearing a crown in my life,” Pfeifer said.
Pfeifer was crowned Mrs. Kansas June 23 at the pageant in Chillicothe, Missouri.
Since then she’s been busy working on her state pageant platform and local project to bring Toys for Tots to Ellis County while prepping for the national contest.
“We’ve always had Toys for Tots in this area and now I will now be able to have a location here, so you won’t have to go outside of Hays. So if you live in Ellis County you can come to Hays at Christmas time to get toys for your children.
She’s working with her friend Kim McDonald, who organizes the Toys for Tots campaign in the Hill City area, to work out the details. Pfeifer and her sister are also from Hill City.
“I’m really excited to be working with Kim and making this difference in the community.
“Children are near and dear to my heart,” Pfeifer says. “I love seeing their smiles. This organization is perfect because it helps those families who are in desperate need of just a little bit of kindness.
“Like my four-year-old said, I get to play Santa for a day so I’m really excited about that.”
Pfeifer and her husband Marcus, 27, have two “very strong willed” children, Brantley, 4, and Oakleigh, 2. “They’re full of life and they keep me running around all the time,” she smiled. Marcus has his own welding shop and specializes in oilfield equipment.
Her family has been very supportive of her pageant work, according to Pfeifer, as well as her dreams before she wore a crown.
“They are 100 percent behind me, pushing me toward all my goals.”
She also considers her close friends as family. “I’ve been really blessed to have great friends and family that have been an enormous support system and believing in me.”
Pfeifer hopes she can be that hope and encouragement to other women as they follow their dreams.
“God kind of pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she declared, “and this has been one of my biggest blessings.”
Pfeifer’s official appearance clothing and pageant costumes feature styles and accessories from Blue Heron Boutique, which in May moved into the historic George Phillip Hardware building, 719 Main. “We’re still kind of tweaking it a little bit and making all the little changes to make it ‘our home.’ It’s the perfect spot for our vision and what we want our brand to be.”
She enjoys fashion and glamour looks, which are a part of the pageant world, but says it’s what’s on the inside that is most important.
Her Mrs. America pageant platform is women’s empowerment through fashion and business.
“It’s not necessarily about how you look. You can have your hair and makeup done and still not feel beautiful or confident. It’s mainly the way you’re carrying yourself when you walk into a room in that perfect outfit and say ‘I’ve got this.’ You feel in control because it’s the confidence you have in yourself, not necessarily the outfit.”
Pfeifer credits her mother, Laura Larcom, Olathe, for instilling her confidence.
“She’s very strong and very bold. She has supported us, a single mother of four kids. I’ve had such a great role model to look up to. She definitely plays a role in who I am and why I go for things all the time.”
Although Pfeifer’s mother will be unable to go to Vegas and her husband will remain in Hays with the kids, best friend Kim McDonald, and sister Sonia will accompany her to the pageant.
Pfeifer is looking forward to her interviews with the pageant judges. “That’s where I feel I’m able to shine the most because I’m able to speak and just tell my heart.”
Still, she admits to a fear of public speaking. “I’m excited about stepping out of my boundaries, though. You’re never following your calling if you’re not a little bit uncomfortable.”
Entering its 41st year, the final competition round for Mrs. America 2018 will be streamed live beginning at 7 p.m. CST, Sat., Aug. 25, at https://mrsamerica.com/ from the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. The winner will go on to compete for the title of Mrs. World 2018.
Regardless of who wins the Mrs. America title, Pfeifer hopes Hays will keep its streak running with another Mrs. Kansas. “We’re gonna have to find a third local winner,” she laughed, “because we’ve got to keep up the trend.”
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city commissioners unanimously approved two ordinances Thursday night to amend regulations regarding the heights of some side yard fences and of accessory structures, such as garages.
Jesse Rohr, public works director, said city staff and the Hays Area Planning Commission agreed the items in the Unified Development Code (UDC) were “unnecessarily restrictive.”
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs wondered “how that got by us.”
The massive UDC was adopted in August 2016, and has been amended more than once. That is to be expected, according to Mayor James Meier.
“When you do a big update like that, I think that we all knew that when we passed it, we’re going to have to come back and fix stuff,” Meier said.
“We had a couple changes come back to you I think this past spring,” Rohr added, “and there could be more in the future but hopefully not many.”
Street side yard fences will now be able to be six feet high, rather than just 42 inches, although sight lines will still be required.
Accessory buildings may be 18 feet or the height of the principal dwelling, whichever is taller. The number of stories in the building will not be a factor.
“I think this is easier for lay people to understand,” Commissioner Ron Mellick said. “We won’t have that confusion. Just clears up the whole ordinance.”
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays city employees were called out for another water leak early Thursday morning, this time just south of the 22nd and Vine Streets intersection.
Water Resources Director Jeff Crispin attributes the recent spate of water line leaks to a rainy summer and the remediation project of the water tower near Sternberg Museum, 3000 Sternberg Drive.
“The ground shifts quite a bit with the rain that we’ve had. It also happens when there’s been no rain,” Crispin explained to city commissioners Thursday night.
The other factor is the empty water tower south of Interstate 70.
“Not only is that a source of water for us but it also helps regulate pressure within the system so you do have situations where there are sometimes leaks. That’s just part of our infrastructure that we deal with. Without that tower some of the pressures are difficult,” said Crispin.
Lead remediation and repainting of the one-million gallon tower began July 15 and was expected to be completed within six weeks.
Crispin told commissioners he hopes the large water tower will be back in service next week.
Crispin and the commissioners praised crews for responding quickly to leaks. “I’ve actually had citizens comment how quickly we seem to be getting that done,” said Sandy Jacobs.
“We get on scene and you have to call in locates to get people out before you can start digging, so our first response is to try to stop the from slowing.” Crispin said. “That also takes people at the water plant to slow things down and make sure we provide water for our citizens.”
The water line repair sites are messy and muddy, he added.
“Public Works comes behind us and helps us, but it’s been taking some time to get back and clean up those leaks,” Crispin said. “Sometimes we’ve been going from one leak to another and Public Works has other projects they have to work on, so we’re getting to those as quick as we can.”
According to Crispin, an average water leak takes four hours to repair.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays Board of Zoning Appeals has approved several requests the past two years for variances in the height of “street side” residential fences on corner lots.
The Hays Unified Development Code (UDC), adopted two years ago, limits the height of such a fence in a residential side yard that abuts the street to 42 inches. The fence in the rear or other side yard can be up to 72 inches high.
The difference has “caused some confusion and angst among property owners who have erected fences since the UDC went into effect,” according to Hays Public Works Director Jesse Rohr.
He told city commissioners last week all the variance requests for taller fences on a street side yard have been granted by the zoning appeals board since the UDC was adopted in August, 2016.
“After a couple of years using this regulation, we don’t feel that the fence height regulation as written meets the intent of what we were trying to do,” Rohr said.
“It’s just unnecessarily restrictive.”
During their meeting Thursday, the commission will consider approving a proposed amendment allowing a six-foot fence to be erected on a street side yard. The Planning Commission voted in June to recommend the change as presented by staff. All properties will still be required to address site line issues when erecting a fence.
Staff is also recommending a change the section of the UDC that regulates the heights of accessory buildings, such as garages or workshops.
Two-story accessory structures are allowed to be taller than single story accessory structures, which Rohr contends is very difficult to enforce as written.
Single story structures are now restricted to a maximum height of 18 feet while two-story structures are restricted to a height of 24 feet or the height of the principal dwelling, whichever is greater. The UDC references finished attics, unfinished attics, mezzanines, etc. to determine what constitutes a story.
After discussion between staff and the Planning Commission, it was decided to recommend a change to the UDC that would limit the height, but remove any verbiage pertaining to the number of stories.
The purposed amendment would allow a maximum accessory building height of 18 feet or the height of the principal dwelling, whichever is taller.
“This allows residences with taller homes to have taller accessory structures,” Rohr explained. “It also keeps the height of accessory structures similar to the neighboring properties which helps maintain the character of the neighborhood, which is a strong component of this regulation.”
Also scheduled for Thursday is an update of the Wastewater Treatment Facility Reconstruction Project by Stan Christopher with HDR engineers.
The complete Aug. 23 agenda is available here.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.
ELLIS – After considerable discussion Monday evening, the Ellis city council agreed to purchase two new outdoor storm warning sirens.
Darin Myers, Ellis County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, presented various options for replacement of the city’s seven storm sirens, all more than 40 years old.
The new sirens, which cover a larger area, will be purchased from Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems for $47,009.12. The monies will come from the Capital Improvement Fund.
Midwest Energy will remove the existing poles and sirens.
In other business, City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the final drafts of the contracts for the Water Exploration Project have been submitted to the landowner’s attorneys.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
August 20, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Holly Aschenbrenner, Susan Eaton, Jolene Niernberger, Dena Patee, and Bob Redger. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Bret Andries was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Darin Myers, Sam Polifka, Verda Flinn, Glen Keller, Barbara Perkins, Steve Ferland, Glenn Kohl, Dustin Mattheyer, Chad Pritchett, Gary Luea, and Nickole Byers (arrived at 7:45 p.m.).
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on August 13, 2018 and Bills Ordinance #2051. Council member Susan Eaton seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dustin Mattheyer questioned if it was in the City’s best interest to participate in the FEMA Community Rating System program.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Capital Improvement: Acquisition
Darin Myers, Ellis County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, presented various options for replacement of the City’s storm sirens. The City currently has seven small storm sirens that are all over 40 years old. Council reviewed maps illustrating the coverage provided by the various siren options. After extensive discussion, Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the purchase and installation of two large storm sirens from Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems, with Midwest Energy removing the current poles and sirens, for the total amount of $47,009.12, with funds to come from the Capital Improvement Fund. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Police Chief Taft Yates has been designated as the City liaison for the joint project.
Fire: Report
Fire Captain Dustin Mattheyer presented the monthly department report in Chief Dustin Vine’s absence. He informed Council that during the storm on July 25th, which resulted in considerable damage to St. Mary’s School, emergency responders had difficulty securing a perimeter in order to perform their duties. Residents disregarded cones and barricades that were set up to ensure their safety and the safety of the responders. Chief Vine has submitted an article to the Town Crier reminding residents to “Respect the Cones.”
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Special Project
Chad Pritchett, Ellis Community Foundation, once again spoke on the proposed project to construct a shed to store and protect the miniature train at the Railroad Museum. The Foundation has received donations and a grant for the shed, and is requesting Council approval to move forward with construction. Council questioned if the Foundation has yet secured written approval from the Union Pacific Railroad to construct the shed, as they own the ground. Mr. Pritchett and Council member Dena Patee stated the Foundation has not yet submitted the project to the Railroad. Council voiced support for the project, but to have the Foundation obtain written approval from Union Pacific before granting their approval to proceed with the project.
General Government: Contract
Council reviewed a map showing an aerial view of the land at the subject of the lease currently under consideration. It was the consensus of Council to keep possession of the land to use for storage of street materials. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to reject the bid from Dean and Julie Gottschalk for lease of the land south of the sewer plant, however, the lessee is allowed to make a final cut of the alfalfa currently planted. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Zoning
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1434 rezoning 808 Washington Street from Central Business District (C-1) to Single Family Dwelling District (R-1). Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
None
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period June 10th – July 10th and the current well level chart. Mr. Scheuerman reported that the cost estimates to repair St. Mary’s School are within the limitations set out by FEMA and the project has been properly permitted.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Mr. Scheuerman reported that 100’ of base repair work has been performed on the north truck route on 2nd Street. Mr. Scheuerman will contact Ellis County to request the area be sealed this fall.
Mr. Scheuerman also noted he would like to request assistance from the County to help with leveling Washington Street from 5th Street – 6th Street. A quote of $3,500 has been received for asphalt material. It was the consensus of Council to proceed with the additional repair work. The additional cost is within the original approval of $28,000 for the Washington Street project.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates reported that interviews will be conducted on August 25th for the vacant position in the department.
City Clerk
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported the final drafts of the contracts for the Water Exploration Project have been submitted to the landowner’s attorneys.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Council member Dena Patee reminded Council of the ribbon cutting on August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. for Shear Heaven Beauty Nook.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel asked for a motion to recess into executive session. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 20 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The open meeting will resume at 9:10 p.m. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The open meeting will resume at 9:25 p.m. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 5 minutes to discuss an employee’s performance pursuant to the non-elected personnel matter exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) with City Attorney Olavee Raub and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman present. The open meeting will resume at 9:30 p.m. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.
POST EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel issued an apology to Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman for misspeaking at the last Council meeting by addressing Mr. Scheuerman regarding an issue without him being present.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
There’s nothing else like it in Hays.
BriefSpace, now open at 219 W. 10th, is a shared working environment for at home professionals, start-up entrepreneurs, traveling business owners/employees and consultants.
“There’s always been office space for rent in Hays but not a place like this,” said Doug Williams, interim director of Grow Hays.
“You can come in and pick your spot, open 24 hours a day, every day, and it’s very affordable. You’ll also have access to high-speed internet, meeting facilities, conference rooms and free coffee.”
To familiarize the community with the concept of coworking spaces, free access to BriefSpace is offered through the end of August.
The environment is much more conducive to work than a home office in the kitchen corner. “It gets people out of the house and you don’t have to worry about the kids or your To-Do list.”
There’s a sense of community at BriefSpace, Williams says, with the “opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals in a cost-effective basis.”
Membership options range from monthly reserved coworking to day passes.
Amenities include training rooms, private phone booths, coffee bar, copier/printer/scanner, kitchen and an on-site community manager.
The basement level offers the large meeting room for 40 to 50 people, an executive conference room, and a full kitchen, which can handle catered events or other food brought in.
Members also have access to the economic development professionals with Grow Hays, who recently moved their offices to BriefSpace from the Hays Welcome Center on Vine Street.
“We foresee small groups of entrepreneurs possibly operating out of here and associating with other professions such as an accountant or other financial person,” William predicts. “We anticipate a lot of things happening down here.”
Professional and social events will also be hosted at BriefSpace in its unique common areas. The 7,000 square foot storefront in downtown Hays is the site of the former Sears store, remodeled with an industrial chic look.
“We’re going to offer these facilities to the public at large for a fee but priority will be given to members of BriefSpace.”
Interested persons can become a community member of BriefSpace at no charge at www.briefspace.com which is updated with emails about what’s happening in BriefSpace and the availability of rooms.
Williams anticipates a wide range of business interests will BriefSpace their home and the workers themselves to range in age.
“Interestingly, we talked to a fellow who owns six of these type facilities across the country who said 40 percent of their members are 50 years old or older,” Williams related. “It’s not a demographic I originally anticipated but he said retirees, that type of thing, are very popular in this type of facility.”
There are co-working facilities similar to BriefSpace in eastern Kansas, including in Wamego and Manhattan.
Being a member of BriefSpace gives members access to many other shared working facilities in the U.S. that utilize the same operational software by the vendor Proximity.
“They have other facilities in the Midwest that they provide software and services for and as BriefSpace member, you have access to those facilities at no additional cost if you happen to be in those communities.”
Building access to BriefSpace is 24/7, depending on the membership level.
“Some people work different hours,” Williams noted. “They’re on the road during the day and need to do some office work late at night or early in the morning.
“Another one of the benefits of having what’s almost your own office is being able to come and go as you please, working the hours that you want to work.”
The facility is secured by a special lock on the door accessible via a smartphone or fob and activity is monitored by cameras.
BriefSpace was designed and built through a $600,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan.
“If not for them, this facility would not be here and we’re very thankful. They’re very instrumental in economic development in western Kansas,” Williams said.
More information about BriefSpace is available by calling Williams at 785-623-1100 or 785-628-3102 and online at www.growhays.com.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Another soaker in Hays overnight Saturday resulted in an official 1.45 inches of rain as measured at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.
August has been a wet month so far with 5.30 inches of rain falling. Precipitation for the year to date is at 23.85 inches.
More showers are in the weather forecast this week, starting Tuesday evening, along with cooler temperatures.
ELLIS – The 2019 budget was unanimously approved by Ellis city council members during their August 13 meeting.
The council also unanimously approved an increase in sewer rates and sanitation rates for customers.
The complete meeting minutes follow.
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
August 13, 2018
PUBLIC HEARING – 2019 BUDGET DOCUMENT
General Government: Financial – 2019 City of Ellis Budget
Mayor David McDaniel requested a motion to open the public hearing. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to open the 2019 budget hearing. The motion carried 4-0, and the 2019 budget hearing opened at 7:00 p.m. Mayor McDaniel stated the proposed budget 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 2019. There being no public comments, Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to adjourn the budget hearing. The motion carried 4-0. Mayor McDaniel closed the budget hearing at 7:03 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Susan Eaton, Jolene Niernberger, and Dena Patee. Also present were Public Works Water Operator John Leiker, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler. Council member Bob Redger, Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, and City Attorney Olavee Raub were absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Steve Brull, Verda Flinn, Chad Pritchett, Tammy Leiker, Barbara Perkins, Margie Mickelson, Sam Polifka, Glenn Kohl, and Gary Luea.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on July 16, 2018, Bills Ordinance #2050, and the June Manual Journal Entries. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chad Pritchett, Ellis Community Foundation, requested permission to proceed with the Foundation’s project, in partnership with the Ellis Railroad Museum, to build a permanent structure to house and protect the miniature train. The Foundation is also requesting the removal of four Cottonwood trees, two of which are dead, to facilitate the project.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
General Government: Financial – 2019 Budget
Mayor David McDaniel noted that the budget hearing for the proposed 2019 budget document was held earlier in the evening with no opposition from the public voiced. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the 2019 City of Ellis budget document as presented. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Contract
Further consideration of the bid submitted for the lease of a tract of land south of the sewer plant was tabled until City Attorney Olavee Raub could present a map of the land in question.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Acting Foreman John Leiker explained the repairs needed to the north truck route on 2nd Street from Washington to Madison. Council discussed the cost estimates to repair all of 2nd Street versus just the north lane where the majority of the semi-trucks travel. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman provided cost estimates for concrete and steel material in comparison to asphalt. The Public Works Department recently completed a patch on the affected area on 2nd Street with stock materials and in-house labor. It was the consensus of the Council to table consideration of further repairs until the weather dries out and until the current patch starts to deteriorate.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: Zoning
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve an application for change in zoning of 808 Washington Street from Chad and Tricia Pritchett. The property is currently zoned Central Business District (C-1), and the applicant requests a zoning change to Single Family Residential (R-1). It was the Council’s consensus to move forward with the zoning change and to consider approval of the ordinance at the August 20th Council meeting.
Municipal Court: City Code
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve Ordinance No. 1431 adopting the 2018 Edition of the Standard Traffic Ordinance. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Municipal Court: City Code
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve Ordinance No. 1432 adopting the 2018 Edition of the Uniform Public Offense Code. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Tourism: City Code
Council member Dena Patee moved to approve Ordinance No. 1433 formally establishing the Tourism Fund in the City’s general ledger and allowing the fund to receive disbursements from the State of Kansas. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Financial
Council member Dena Patee moved to approve Resolution No. 548 providing for an adjustment to the fixed percentage increase in the utility rates. Council member Susan Eaton seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. The Resolution increases sewer rates by 5% and sanitation rates by 3%. There is no planned increase in water utility rates.
General Government: Financial
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve Resolution No. 549 authorizing City employees to use the City’s credit cards. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. The Resolution has been updated due to changes in City staffing.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
During the recent Ellis County street project on Washington Street, the City had to force truck traffic to the southbound parking lane while manholes were reset in the driving lane. From 5th Street to 6th Street, ruts were created by the heavy trucks due to the wet base from recent rains and a waterline break in the area. The contractor offered to repair that portion of the street while they were still in the area. Due to the regular meeting being postponed a week, Mayor David McDaniel approved the repair prior to Council consideration. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to ratify the repairs completed by Coughlin, Inc. in the amount of $1,200.00. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Committee
Each year, the City has an opportunity to designate a representative to act as the voting delegate at the League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference in October. Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to designate Jolene Niernberger as the voting delegate for the City of Ellis. The motion carried 5-0, with Council member Jolene Niernberger abstaining. Council member Dena Patee then moved to designate David McDaniel as the alternate voting delegate for the City of Ellis. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works: Training
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve trench safety and confined space training for Travis Roland, Joe Kreutzer, and Steve Homburg on August 29th – 30th, and for Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to attend the Kansas Floodplain Managers Association meeting September 5th – 6th. Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for July and the August Staff Calendar. Interviews will be conducted on August 25th to fill the vacancy in the Department.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the June Financial Statements, the Health Insurance Savings Report for July, and the minutes from the recent Planning Commission meeting.
Attorney
City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler requested an executive session at the end of the meeting to update Council on an outstanding code violation case.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel discussed a recent incident regarding downed limbs in the alley between Walnut and Monroe Streets. Mayor McDaniel stated he ordered Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to remove the limbs, in which Mr. Scheuerman declined stating current City policy does not allow the City to compete with licensed private contractors. He also argued it wouldn’t be fair to provide the free service to some private residents, when other residents have paid to have their limbs removed. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner stated Mr. Scheuerman’s hands are tied due to current ordinances in place, while Council member Susan Eaton expressed the fact that Mr. Scheuerman disobeyed an order from the Mayor. Mayor McDaniel stated that Mr. Scheuerman will be written up for not following his direct order even though he was following City policy. It was the consensus of Council to further discuss the situation in an executive session when Mr. Scheuerman was present.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel asked for a motion to recess into executive session at the request of City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss an ongoing code violation case pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception, K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(2) with City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler present. The open meeting will resume at 8:30 p.m. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Winners of the 2018 Water $mart Landscape Awards were recognized recently by the Hays city commission.
The program by the Hays Beautification Committee and the city of Hays recognizes residents and business owners who’ve implemented water conserving turf and landscaping on their properties.
That involves more than just knowing how to water correctly, according to the city’s Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman.
“The principals of the Water $mart landscape include things like planning and design, soil prep, right plants in the right places, practical turf areas, efficient irrigation, proper mulching and proper maintenance,” explained Dickman.
Winners of the residential property award were Jeff and JoAnn Jordan at 3306 Willow Street. Commerce Bank, 2200 Vine Street, was the business property winner.
Nominees must be within the city limits of Hays and the landscape must be visible to the public and must be installed and established/maintained for at least one full year.
There is one residential winner and one business winner per year. All nominations received are reviewed and voted upon by the Hays Beautification Committee at the June meeting.
