ELLIS – The 2017 audit report by Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, will be presented during the Mon., June 18, Ellis city council meeting.

Funding requests for 2019 will be made by Walter P. Chrysler Home and Museum and Ellis Railroad Museum.

In other business, Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers will have an update on installation of storm warning sirens and an application for local financial incentives from Shear Heaven Beauty Nook will be considered.

The complete agenda follows.

 

AGENDA

June 18, 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)

• CONSENT AGENDA
  1. Minutes from Regular Meeting on June 4, 2018
  2. Bills Ordinance #2047
  3. April Manual Journal Entries

(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)
  1. 2019 Budget Request – Walter P. Chrysler Home and Museum
  2. 2019 Budget Request – Ellis Railroad Museum
• SPECIAL ORDER
  1. Presentation of 2017 Audit Report – Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chtd.
  2. Fire Department Monthly Report – Chief Dustin Vine
  3. Update on Storm Siren Installation – Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers
• UNFINISHED BUSINESS
  1. Review Amended Ordinance Extending Time to Comply with Tree Trimming Regulations
  2. Consider Approval for Repairs to Roofs at Campground and Swimming Pool
• NEW BUSINESS
  1. Consider Approval of Application for Local Incentives – Shear Heaven Beauty Nook
  2. Consider Ratification of Invoice for Purchase of Pea Gravel
  3. Consider Approval of the Purchase of Tires for Sanitation Truck
  4. Consider Approval for the Purchase of Asphalt
  5. Consider Approval of Campground Reservation
  6. Consider Approval of Disposal of Records
  7. Consider Approval of Appointment to Ellis Industrial Development Corporation
• REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
  1. Administrative
     • Public Works
       • Department Update
     • Police
       • Department Update
     • City Clerk
       • Health Insurance Savings Report for May
       • April Financial Statements
       • Department Update
     • Attorney
       • Update on Status of Code Violation Cases
     • Mayor Update and Announcements

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

• ADJOURNMENT

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays city commissioners voted unanimously Thursday night to approve a charter ordinance that will increase the transient guest tax (TGT) rate 2 percent to fund improvements to the north Vine Street traffic corridor, estimated at more than $7.6 million.

The TGT is currently at 5 percent and is added to each customer bill for stays in Hays motels. The monies fund the Convention and Visitors Bureau budget and are used for the promotion of Hays.

“City staff suggested a significant part of the project could be funded with transient guest tax dollars, due to the fact the improvements would make it better for visitors, pedestrians, people that are staying in the area, and not just for people that live here,” said Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty.

The Hays 5 percent TGT is lower than most of its peer cities in Kansas. Johnson County’s rate is 9 percent.

The charter ordinance can be challenged within a 61-day period by a petition of more than 10 percent of voters who voted in the last city election. If a valid petition is presented, the ordinance will be put to a vote of Hays residents.

Final publication of the ordinance will be June 25. The protest period will then begin, ending August 25. If there is no protest petition, the Kansas Department of Revenue will be notified August 27, with the new rate implemented October 1.

The city hopes to receive some federal funding for the roundabout project through a TIGER grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Vine Street is also a federal highway, U.S. Highway 183.

“If the grant is large enough, I’m sure our finance director (Kim Rupp) could look at the possibility of the city self-financing the project and get the interest off the grant, which would be beneficial for us as well,” Dougherty said.

Admitting he is “not a fan of roundabouts,” Vice Mayor Henry Schwaller still supported the TGT increase.

“We do need to resolve the intersection and 32nd and 33rd. It is the most dangerous intersection in the city and we’ve neglected it for a long time,” said Schwaller.

“We know one option that was really simple but we cannot pursue today, was about $1.8 million. So regardless of how we pursue this – we don’t even know what the engineering is going to look like — we will need at least $2 million to fix just that one intersection. It’s important that we do it and that’s why I support this tax.”

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs agreed with Schwaller, noting the earlier option came out of the city’s 20-year comprehensive plan. “I’m sorry we didn’t do that then but we didn’t, and now we’re moving forward.”

“I really appreciate staff’s recommendation on this. I think it’s an outstanding way to finance something that doesn’t call for us to raise taxes in other ways,” she added.

The 2 percent TGT increase is projected to raise $6.2 million over 20 years.

Outgoing commissioner Chris Dinkel called it a “creative approach.”

“We’ve known that the north Vine corridor has needed help for a long time…The idea of putting roundabouts throughout this corridor to help with access to businesses with this creative way of funding it doesn’t require us to raise taxes on the city. It doesn’t put other projects in jeopardy.”

Mayor James Meier noted the city’s sales tax revenues, which make up most of the General Fund, have been stagnant the past five years, while Transient Guest Tax receipts have increased.

“It’s been growing steadily,” Dougherty confirmed, “and in some places significantly outpacing the sales tax which has been very flat the past three years.”

The TGT was flat last year, according to Dougherty, the first full year the former Ambassador Hotel was closed. During that time, the Butterfield Inn, now Best Western Plus, was also closed for a significant time to repair water damage.

“TownePlace Suites is now open,” Dougherty noted. “Another hotel is getting ready to be constructed and another is in the planning stage, so we think the TGT is going to keep going up.”

The city is considering a plan approved by the Kansas Department of Transportation to install Vine Street traffic roundabouts at 32nd/33rd, 37th and 41st Streets. Engineering and design is underway.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Five families living just outside the Hays city limits east of 27th and Canterbury will soon have access to city water.

Because of failing private water wells, they requested to become city customers and will pay $62,328 for extension of water service on east 27th.

“They’re still experiencing declining water levels,” Director of Water Resources Jeff Crispin told city commissioners Thursday night.

The commission approved the sole bid of $54,284 for the project from M&D of Hays.

Cost to each of the five property owners for the three-inch water line is $12,465.60, which includes design/engineering and easements. Crispin said the city has already received the five payments and pre-annexation agreements have been signed.

The water line extension will connect at the south end to an existing dead end line at NCK Tech, 2205 Wheatland Ave.

As a bonus, the water quality at the college will improve.

“We haven’t had any issues with water quality at NCK Tech,” Crispin said. “But connecting the line as part of this project will allow us to do a loop. The service that goes north into the school is a line that stops right there, a dead end line. You always want the water to be looped. That way the water is continuously flowing through that area, providing improved water quality.”

The city has to occasionally flush the dead end line to ensure the sewer doesn’t become stagnant, said Toby Dougherty, city manager. “That’s resulted in wasted water,” he added.

CITY OF HAYS

A proposal for funding three proposed traffic roundabouts will be discussed at tonight’s Hays city commission meeting.

Commissioners will consider a recommended charter ordinance to increase the Transient Guest Tax (TGT) rate to 7% from 5% to fund the improvements in the north Vine Street corridor. Costs are estimated at $7.6 million.

If constructed, the roundabouts are expected to significantly improve accessibility for visitors, residents, and pedestrians; improve safety; and keep the area economically viable.

There are three agenda items regarding bid awards.

• Repainting the exteriors of both water towers
• Extension of water service on East 27th Street to be funded by the five customers requesting service
• Site work and concrete slab at the new Fire/Rescue Training Facility south of the Waste Water Treatment Plant

The complete June 14 agenda can be seen here.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

 

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Hays city commission recently approved a contract for engineering/design of three traffic roundabouts on north Vine Street.

That work is currently underway and the project should be ready for bid in late 2019. The $398,000 for engineering will be paid out of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) contingency fund.

Improvements to the corridor, which was developed in the 1960s, are estimated at $7.6 million. Current traffic conditions are considered unsafe, lack pedestrian access, and are difficult for visitors and travelers to navigate.

In order to pay for the roundabouts at the intersections of 32nd/33rd, 37th and 41st Streets, city commissioners are considering a charter ordinance to increase the Transient Guest Tax (TGT) rate to 7% from the current 5% TGT levied on all hotel stays in Hays.

According to information presented at the June 7 work session, a 2% TGT increase would generate approximately $416,000 annually to support a 20-year bond in an amount of $6.2 million.

That estimate includes the two new proposed hotels to be built north of Interstate 70, the La Quinta Inns & Suites and the Hilton Garden Inn, said Finance Director Kim Rupp. “We added that in,” he told the commission.

“We’ve been looking at funding opportunities and it’s been discussed before, that with a $1 million contribution from Stormwater Reserves for the portion of the project that would actually be designed to convey the stormwater through the system, a 2% raise in TGT could be used to pay for the rest of the project,” City Manager Toby Dougherty said.

The current 5% TGT is lower than most peer cities across Kansas. To increase the Transient Guest Tax, the city commission must pass a charter ordinance.

Passing a charter ordinance requires a two-third majority vote of the city commission. After passage, there is a 61-day period where the ordinance could be challenged by a petition of more than 10% of voters who voted in the last city election. If a valid petition is presented, the ordinance would be put to a vote of the Hays residents.

Assuming passage of the ordinance at the Thu., June 14 regular meeting, final publication would be June 25. The protest period would begin, ending on August 25. The Kansas Department of Revenue would be notified on August 27, and the new rate would be implemented on October 1.

In answer to a question from Commissioner Shaun Musil, Dougherty clarified the recently approved TGT benefit for the Hilton Garden Inn development is capped. “They get the 5% right now. Any future increases are retained by the city,” Dougherty explained.

Musil also asked about the possibility of grants for the roundabout project and whether the TGT could be lowered after being raised 2%. “Every time we raise a tax, it seems like everybody says we never lower it,” said Musil.

“If you raise the TGT in anticipation of prepaying the project and there’s added grant monies or the future commission decides we’re only going to do part of the project and not all of it, which would be a lower price tag,  the commission could determine what the net income needed to be…They could either modify the TGT down to 1% or leave it at 2% for a shorter duration,” said Dougherty.

Discussion then turned to how TGT monies are used.

“It’s pretty open now,” Musil said, “and it didn’t used to be. We’re using it for funding of outside agencies and I don’t think it should be a blank check just because we have it. I think there should be some accountability.”

Mayor James Meier and Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller agreed.

“Not only accountability, but what are we doing with the money? We have no strategy,” Schwaller contended. “No offense to Melissa (Dixon, CVB Director). She’s been in the job for a year. I’d like to know what she intends to do with the money.”

Schwaller was quick to add that Dixon was doing a “wonderful job.”

“If we can use the money to build roundabouts, how come we can’t pay people to mow the Vine Street median using the Transient Guest Tax? Why does it have to be out of the Parks budget?

“We really need to have a strategy if we’re going to raise the TGT,” repeated Schwaller. “How’s the money going to be spent by both the city, outside agencies, and to improve Vine Street, which is the gateway – the entry – to the city?”

The CVB budget is funded by Transient Guest Taxes and is used for the promotion of Hays, including funding to a number of outside agencies.  The city’s General Fund monies come primarily from a city sales tax.

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs also supported coming up with a strategy for using CVB dollars.

“We’ve criticized other groups for having excess money and not having a strategy and here we sit at CVB with the same thing.

“I’m sure Melissa (Dixon) would jump in on this,” Jacobs said. “I think it’s great to bring this up before the city budget process and figure out what the strategy looks like.”

“We agree,” Dougherty chimed in. “We’ve already begun the discussion process.”

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A renewed discussion of a possible traffic roundabout at 27th and Canterbury wound up with a request to prioritize a solution for traffic problems at 27th and Indian Trail during Thursday night’s Hays city commission work session.

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs had asked commissioners to again talk about 27th and Canterbury, this time suggesting a permanent roundabout might help with congestion involving traffic from Hays High School and HaysMed employees at certain times of the day. An earlier discussion of a temporary roundabout was not moved forward.

After Projects Manager John Braun presented suggestions for the intersection with costs ranging from $27,600 to $81,000, Vice-Mayor Henry Schwaller said he was “very opposed to the project” and called it “a solution looking for a problem.”

“It does function well 98 percent of the time.”

Schwaller believes the intersection of 27th and Indian Trail, with four-way stop signs, is much more problematic.

“You want to put a roundabout there? Now you’ve got my interest.” Schwaller also pointed to 27th and Broadway, 27th and Plaza, and Dillons grocery store at 1902 Vine as problem traffic areas. “Those are dangerous intersections.”

“I appreciate the desire to do something at 27th and Canterbury,” Schwaller added, “but this isn’t where our money is needed.”

“Personally, I think roundabouts are a solution,” Mayor James Meier said. “We think they’re a solution on north Vine Street but are there other places where they can be a solution? Honestly, Indian Trail and 27th is the first one that came to mind. But my problem is (it would involve moving) utilities, property acquisition and the access roads on the north side would have to be closed. I think it’s a harder sell, but to me it’s not an either/or.”

“I think it’s worth talking about,” agreed Jacobs, adding that she still supports a roundabout at 27th and Canterbury. Outgoing commissioner Chris Dinkel disagreed, saying “it doesn’t make sense to revisit this. It would have been a good idea when we were (recently) working on the intersection anyway.”

Commissioner Shaun Musil brought up the issue of prioritizing street projects.

“I feel like we’ve knocked a lot of those out – 13th Street, 8th Street, 41st Street. We don’t have a lot of major street projects but I think we’ve always prioritized them, making sure we have the money and paid cash. I think we should get Indian Trail on there,” Musil suggested, “and figure out what we need to do. I don’t think Canterbury is a bad idea. I just don’t think it’s a need right now.”

The other commissioners agreed, each saying they’ve heard many concerns from residents about the 27th and Indian Trail intersection and asked City Manager Toby Dougherty to present more information at an upcoming meeting.

This isn’t the first time traffic problems at that intersection have been addressed by the city commission, according to Dougherty.

“The last time the city commission formally discussed Indian Trail and 27th, they petitioned the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to cost-share in a traffic signal. KDOT said they’re not going to cost share because it doesn’t meet the requirements for a traffic signal, and that’s the last time it was discussed, back in 2005 or 2006,” Dougherty reported.

Since then, the city has done some in-house studies of the intersection including geometrics for a roundabout.

Dougherty said rough cost estimates and what type of property would need to be acquired will be prepared for the commission’s review.

Schwaller suggested people watch an online episode of the television show “Mythbusters” about the efficiencies of four-way stops versus roundabouts.

City Attorney John Bird recommended the AARP website as a another resource.

 

ELLIS – Financial requests in the 2019 budget were heard Monday by the Ellis City Council from several groups.

The Ellis Alliance and Ellis Community Foundation both asked for the same funding as they received last year. The request from the Ellis Public Library includes additional funds for capital improvements, personnel, and projects totaling $12,000.  The Ellis Recreation Commission is asking for $5,000 for improvements to the ballfields.

No action was taken by the council. They’ll consider the requests during their 2019 budget preparation.

The council also unanimously approved renewal of city employees’ health, dental, life, and accidental death and disability insurance policies.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

 

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

Minutes

June 4, 2018

 

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, 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.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

Mayor David McDaniel requested adding consideration of the purchase of a line stop under New Business and an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel at the end of the meeting.  Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve the additions to the agenda.  The motion carried 6-0.

PUBLIC PRESENT

Daniel Pyle, Jim Carthew, Jeannie Ferland, Valerie Henery, Lori Miller, Travis Kohlrus, Pauleen Edmonds, Barbara Perkins, Verda Flinn, Glen Keller, Angie Kreutzer, Tracey Andrews, Gilbert Kinderknecht, Steve Arthur, and Mary Jo Walz (arrived at 7:35 p.m.).

CONSENT AGENDA

Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on May 21, 2018 and Bills Ordinance #2046.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

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

General Government: Financial – Budget Request

Steve Arthur, Director of the Ellis Public Library, and Angie Kreutzer, Library Board President, presented the Library’s 2019 budget request of four mills of the assessed valuation, $2,500 for employee benefits, and $2,000 for library programming.  The Library is also requesting additional funds for capital improvements, personnel, and projects totaling $12,000.  Mr. Arthur also explained how State library funding could be affected in 2020 and beyond due to changing library standards.  Small local libraries may not receive the same level of funding as in the past.  The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.

General Government: Financial – Budget Request

Travis Kohlrus presented the 2019 budget request from the Ellis Alliance.  The Alliance is requesting $12,500, the same amount as last year.  The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.

General Government: Financial – Budget Request

Pauleen Edmonds presented the 2019 budget request for the Ellis Community Foundation.  The Foundation is requesting consideration for $10,000 in funding, the same amount as last year.  The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation

General Government: Financial – Budget Request

Dan Pyle continued by presenting the Ellis Recreation Commission’s 2019 Budget Request.  The Commission is requesting $5,000 for improvements to the ballfields.  The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.

SPECIAL ORDER

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Personnel: Insurance

Lori Miller, Heartland Retirement & Benefits Consulting, LLC, fielded questions from Council regarding the employee’s health, dental, life, and accidental death and disability renewal insurance policies.  The policies were previously presented at the May 7, 2018 Council meeting.  Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the Blue Cross Blue Shield dental policy as presented.  Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve the Advance Insurance basic term life and accidental death and disability insurance policy as presented.  Council member Dena Patee seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.

Council member Jolene Niernberger then moved to approve the employee health insurance policy with United Health Care as presented.  Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.

Campground/Swimming Pool: Repair/Maintenance

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the breakdown of the insurance payment from EMC Insurance for hail damage during last summer’s storms.  Funds were received to repair roofs at the Ellis Railroad Museum, the old Fire Station, the Swimming Pool, the Dog Pound, and the Campground bathhouses.  Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman recommended switching to metal roofs at the campground and swimming pool.  Steel prices are steadily increasing and are expected to rise another 8% by July 1^st.  Council member Dena Patee moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to allow Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to purchase the metal material to replace the roofs at the campground and swimming pool.  Upon a call for further discussion, Council expressed they would like to see bids to determine the actual cost of the replacement.  Therefore, Ms. Patee rescinded her motion and Ms. Niernberger rescinded her second.  Mr. Scheuerman will provide quotes for the next Council meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Economic Development: Accounting /Billing

Jeannie Ferland has recently purchased Jus Teazin Salon from Heather Lyman.  The City provides free sewer and sanitation services for one year for new business owners that meet the eligibility requirements.  Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Dena Patee seconded a motion to approve the Application for Local Incentives for Jus Teazin Salon.  The motion carried 6-0.

Water: Acquisition

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman explained the need to purchase a line stop at 6^th and Jefferson Streets.  Currently, the City must disconnect water service to almost one-third of the north end, including several businesses, in order to repair waterlines in that area.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Dena Patee seconded a motion to purchase a line stop from Municipal Pipe Services in an amount not to exceed $2,900, with funds to come from the Water Depreciation Reserve Fund.  The motion carried 6-0.

Fire: Licenses/Permit

Council discussed two fireworks permit applications and the dates for sale and discharge of fireworks per City ordinance. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the Fireworks Permit Applications for the Ellis Baptist Youth Group and the Ellis Softball/Baseball Association, contingent on each organization submitting proof of insurance prior to June 27^th.  The motion carried 6-0, with Council member Bret Andries abstaining due to perceived conflict of interest.  Per City ordinance, fireworks are allowed to be sold between June 27^th and July 5^th and discharged between July 3^rd through July 5^th.

Water: Repair/Maintenance

Council member Dena Patee moved to ratify the invoice from Lewis Ford in the amount of $1,095.05 for repairs to the 2004 Ford F250.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.

General Government: Committee

Glen Keller, Chairman of the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals, presented the 2018 Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives as prepared and recommended by the Commission.  The document is useful for Council during budget preparation as it prioritizes items important for the growth and sustainability for the City.  Council member Bob Redger moved to approve the Commission’s recommendations for the 2018 Comprehensive Plan as presented.  Council member Bret Andries 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 April 10^th to May 10^th.

Council discussed the Community Block Party on June 9^th.  Council asked Mr. Scheuerman to supply extra polycarts to Playworld Park for the event.  Supper will be served at 6:00 p.m. with games and a movie to follow.

Mr. Scheuerman reported he has received numerous complaints regarding the lack of cleanliness of the campground bathhouses.  He stated the Department checks the bathhouses at least once a day, including weekends.  Mr. Scheuerman asked if Council would like the Department to check the bathhouses more frequently to try to reduce the number of negative comments.  It was the consensus of Council to not modify procedures at this time.

Police

Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for May and the June Staff Calendar.  Five applications have been received for the vacancy in the Department.

City Clerk

City Clerk Amy Burton presented the minutes from the recent Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals meeting.

Council reviewed a summary prepared by Ms. Burton of Tourism Fund expenditures from 2017 to present.  Council discussed advertising “buy-ins” in regards to the Eagle Communications contract.   The Tourism Committee will discuss further at their meeting June 12^th.

Personnel: Exit

Ms. Burton announced that Assistant City Clerk Charlene Weber has submitted her formal letter of resignation.  Her last day will be July 13^th.  The City will hold a reception for Ms. Weber from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. that day.

Personnel: Entry

Verda Flinn has started full-time employment today in her transition into the Assistant City Clerk’s position.

Attorney

Mayor Update and Announcements

Mayor David McDaniel thanked Jackie Henman and Council member Susan Eaton for preparing the flowers for the cemetery prior to Memorial Day.

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

Mayor David McDaniel asked for a motion to recess into executive session at the request of Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman.  Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved for City Council to recess into executive session for 7 minutes to discuss staffing in the Public Works Department 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 9:12 p.m.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.   No action was taken in executive session and the open meeting resumed.

POST EXECUTIVE SESSION

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Dena Patee seconded a motion to direct Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to advertise for a temporary recycling center worker.  The motion carried 6-0.

ADJOURNMENT

Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to adjourn the meeting.  Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion.  The motion carried 6-0.  The meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Looking ahead to the Independence Day holiday, the city of Hays is reminding citizens of the local ordinance regarding fireworks.

According to Ryan Hagans, interim fire chief, “consumer fireworks may be only sold within the city limits July 2, 3 and 4 unless the city commission suspends the sale and use of fireworks for safety reasons.” Fireworks may be sold in Hays during all hours on those dates.

All consumer fireworks legal for sale and use in Kansas are permitted to be sold and used in the Hays city limits. Bottle rockets and skyrockets are prohibited by state law.

Despite a statewide drought, late spring rains in Hays have made conditions favorable for Fourth of July fireworks.

The hours for discharging fireworks within the city limits are 10 a.m.-11 p.m. July 2-4.

“Persons using fireworks are responsible for cleaning up all the debris,” Hagans added. “Those who are found in violation of that may be fined up to $500 and 30 days in jail.”

The Ellis County Commission Monday gave the go-ahead to Director of Fire and Emergency Management Darin Myers to draft a resolution approving the discharge of fireworks within the unincorporated areas of Ellis County.

Myers recommended the dates and times fireworks are allowed as the same as the city of Hays.

In Ellis, city ordinance allows fireworks to be sold June 27-July 5 and discharged July 3-5.

ELLIS – The city of Ellis is working on its 2018 budget.

During tonight’s council meeting, they’ll hear funding requests for next year from the library, Ellis Alliance, Ellis Community Foundation and the recreation commission.

In other business, a vote is scheduled for the approval of employee insurance policies, and the council will consider approving the Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan 2018.

The complete agenda follows.

AGENDA June 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)
1) CONSENT AGENDA
a) Minutes from Regular Meeting on May 21, 2018
b) Bills Ordinance #2046
(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.)
2) PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
a) 2018 Budget Request – Ellis Public Library
b) 2018 Budget Request – Ellis Alliance
c) 2018 Budget Request – Ellis Community Foundation
d) 2018 Budget Request – Ellis Recreation Commission
3) SPECIAL ORDER
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Consider Approval of Employee Health, Dental, Life, and Accidental Death & Disability Insurance Policies
b) Discuss Repairs to Roofs at Campground and Swimming Pool
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Consider Approval of Fireworks Permit Applications – Ellis Baptist Youth and Ellis Softball/Baseball Association
b) Consider Approval of Application for Local Incentives – Jus Teazin Salon
c) Consider Ratification of Repairs to Public Works Truck
d) Consider Approval of Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan 2018 Goals and Objectives
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Comparative Water Report
(2) Department Update
2) Police
(1) Monthly Activity Report for May
(2) June Staff Calendar
(3) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) Minutes from Committee Meeting
(2) Tourism Fund Summary
(3) Department Update
4) Attorney
(1) Update on Status of Code Violation Cases
5) Mayor Update and Announcements
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
7) ADJOURNMENT

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Additional outdoor watering restrictions in Hays will go into effect Fri., June 1 and continue through Sun., Sept. 30.

Outdoor water use will be prohibited between noon and 7 p.m. for city of Hays water customers and for those with private wells. The control order for private wells was signed April 6 by the Kansas Dept. of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources.

The measure is part of a greater interest to reduce water waste and to improve conservation practices in the Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area (IGUCA) located in Hays. It was established in 1985 at the request of the city to help implement water conservation measures and provide a mechanism to address preventable water waste by privately-owned wells.

By restricting daytime outdoor water use – including the watering of lawns, landscapes and gardens – unnecessary water loss due to wind and evaporation can be reduced, according to Hays Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman.

“Typically the evaporation is much higher during that time of day,” Dickman explained, “and also a lot of times the wind is a little bit higher during that time frame – the heat of the day.”

Year-round the city of Hays prohibits washing down of sidewalks, parking lots and driveways; the known loss of water through breaks or leaks in plumbing systems; and the escape of water from landscape irrigation on private property onto public property such as sidewalks or into the street.

Those found to be in violation of the outdoor water prohibitions and restrictions can be fined after an initial warning.