Replacement of the water main along Oak Street from 20th to 26th Street will start later this month in Hays.
Construction is scheduled to begin Mon., Oct. 31, 2016 and will last about five months, according to Assistant Public Works Director John Braun. The work will begin at 20th Street and move north. Access to some residences may be restricted at times.
A Public Open House/Information meeting will be held tonight, Tuesday, October 18, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall at 1507 Main Street. The city’s contractor, J Corp, along with city staff answer questions and present the plan and schedule.
Braun says this project is basically a wrap-up of work that began in 2012.
“Back in 2012, we had several waterlines within the older parts of town scheduled for replacement. Since that time we’ve done waterlines on Oak St. 26th St., Elm, Hickory, Ash and various other places. So this is sort of wrapping up that program,” Braun said.
“The Capital Improvement Plan that’s in the 2017 budget lists some other waterlines on various streets that need also to be updated. Those are based more on waterline break histories. The past projects were more for water capacity and fire protection issues,” he explained.
If interested residents are unable to attend tonight’s meeting, Braun has offered to talk to people individually. Call the Hays Public Works Dept. at (785) 628-7350 or email Braun at [email protected].
ELLIS–The Ellis city firefighters may soon be sporting new helmets. Fire Chief Denis Vine will present a proposal to purchase helmets during Monday’s Ellis City Council meeting.
Council members will also hear an update on street drainage issues in two locations–21st Street and the intersection of 10th and Spruce. In other business, the Ellis Community Foundation will discuss a fundraiser for a new slide at the city swimming pool.
The complete Oct. 17 agenda is below.
AGENDA
October 17, 2016
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 October 3, 2016
b) Bills Ordinance #2007
(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) Presentation of Awards for Continuous Service
3) SPECIAL ORDER
a) Fire Department Monthly Report and Consider Approval of the Purchase of Fire Helmets – Chief Denis Vine
b) Discuss Fundraiser for Pool Slide – Ellis Community Foundation
c) Tourism Committee Report
d) Address Violation Letter – Mark Flax
4) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a) Update on Street Drainage Issues – 21st Street and 10th & Spruce Streets
5) NEW BUSINESS
a) Consider Approval of APAC Pay Request #6, NWKP&DC Payment, KDHE Payment Request #6, and Authorize Mayor’s Signature on Documents for Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
b) Consider Renewal of HVAC Service Contract with Glassman Corporation
c) Consider Approval of USDA General Obligation Bond Ordinance and Resolution
6) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
a) Administrative
1) Public Works
(1) Comparative Water Report
(2) Governor’s Water Conference
(3) Consider Approval for Training Opportunities
(4) Department Update
2) Police
(1) Discuss Archery Concerns
(2) Department Update
3) City Clerk
(1) Draft Minutes from City Committees
(2) September Health Savings Report
(3) Department Update
4) Attorney
5) Mayor Update and Announcements
(1) Letter Opposing Street Closure for Community Event
(2) Letter in Support of Golf Course – Matt Carroll
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
7) ADJOURNMENT
The final in a series of Faith and Public Policy Forums sponsored by Kansas Interfaith Action, Lawrence, will be held in Hays, Mon., Oct 17.
The event is scheduled 7-9 p.m. in Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive.
“As a faith-based public advocacy organization, Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) sees the decisions of government as having an important moral component. Public policy issues often have clear spiritual implications, and it is our role to spell those out and to help the public get good fact- and values-based information on the issues of the day,” said Rabbi Moti Rieber, KIFA Executive Director.
“In this election season, KIFA will be holding four “Faith and Public Policy” issue forums at locations around the state, where experts in the issues of taxation and budget; assistance to the poor; healing the sick; and the safety of our university environments will make presentations. These will be non-partisan, facts-only events; we won’t tell you who to vote for, but we will help you get the information you need to make educated, values-based decisions in the voting booth.
Reiber is urging the public to attend and get involved. “Join us to hear about some of the most pressing issues facing Kansas with local policy experts, and to discuss how we can best advocate for effective action from a faith perspective.”
Panelists include:
– Budget and Tax: Heidi Holliday – Executive Director, Kansas Council on Economic Growth
– KanCare Expansion: David Jordan – Director, Alliance for a Healthy Kansas
– “Campus Carry”: Megan Jones – Kansans Against Campus Carry
– Climate and Clean Energy: Dorothy Barnett – Executive Director, Climate & Energy Project
– Moderator: Rabbi Moti Rieber – Executive Director, Kansas Interfaith Action
Kansas Interfaith Action/Kansas IPL is a statewide, multifaith issue-advocacy organization that addresses and advances public policies consistent with the values of our various faith traditions. We put faith into action by educating and engaging people of faith and the public regarding critical social, economic, and environmental justice issues.
One of the great risks for seniors living in their own homes or apartments is the risk of a debilitating fall.
“More than 33 percent of all seniors over the age of 65 will fall this year,” according to Kathy Moravek, manager of the Garden Terrace Apartments at the Hays Good Samaritan Center, 2700 Canal Blvd. “Falls account for 25 percent of all hospital admissions,” she added.
Studies show massage therapy, in addition to reducing aches and pains, will also soothe muscles and joints, strengthen the immune system, promote blood and lymph circulation, improve sleep quality and reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of depression. All of these health improvements can help lessen the likelihood of a fall.
As an outreach project to celebrate The Good Samaritan Society Founder Day, the Hays society is partnering with Fort Hays State University massage therapy students to offer free massages to senior citizens Mon., Oct. 17, on-site at the Good Samaritan Center. Free transportation to and from the Center is available. Refreshments will be served and gifts will be offered to the participants after their massages.
“We would like to enhance the well-being of seniors by improving their ability to live more safety at home,” Moravek said. “Each fall we celebrate the faith, vision and servant hart of ‘Dad’ Hoeger, the founder of The Good Samaritan Society,” she explained.
“This is an amazing opportunity because it’s supporting two needed populations, students and the elderly,” said Ceena Owens, FHSU instructor of health and human performance and director of the massage therapy program.
Founder’s Day is a celebration of the Good Samaritan Society and the work it has accomplished since its establishment on Sept. 29, 1922. The Founder’s Day Service Project program allows the society to give back to the communities that help make their work possible.
“On Founder’s Day, we honor our organization’s rich history,” said Susan Jones, director of Hays Good Samaritan. “We also honor and celebrate our staff members and the people we serve.”
The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society is a non-profit organization that owns and operates more than 240 care centers, health care agencies and retirement centers. The society’s mission is to share God’s love by providing shelter and support services to those in need.
To make an appointment for the free service to seniors, call Kathy Moravek at (785) 625-7331.
HHS students in Dan Balman’s Audio/Video Production class learn about TV production capabilities on the C-SPAN bus.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
Eyes lit up and smiles could be seen on the faces of the Hays High School students in Dan Balman’s Audio/Video Production Fundamentals class when they realized the C-SPAN bus they were sitting in is a rolling HDTV (high-definition television) production studio.
The group listened intently as Vanessa Torres, C-SPAN marketing representative, explained the technical capabilities of C-SPAN’s award-winning, 45-foot customized bus which made a stop at Hays High Wednesday morning.
The primary purpose of the C-SPAN Campaign 2016 Bus is to visit schools, universities and political events across the country to engage students, educators, civic leaders and the community through on-board multimedia technology that showcases C-SPAN’s programming and resources dedicated to showing the American political process.
C-SPAN’s ‘Road to the White House 2016′ Bus tour stopped at Hays High School Wednesday.
“We were recommended to Hays High School by Eagle Communications. We work very closely with our cable TV affiliate,” said Jenae Green, the other C-SPAN marketing rep in Hays Wednesday.
“C-SPAN is a non-profit. We were created by cable and we get paid six cents a month per subscriber by the cable TV provider,” Green explained. In Hays, C-SPAN programming is provided by Eagle Communications on cable TV channel 19 C-SPAN2 is carried on channel 91.
“C-SPAN has been around since 1979,” Green said. “We’ve had our Bus program since 1993 and our nationwide StudentCam competition has been around for about 12 years now.” C-SPAN Classroom offers primary source materials for teachers.
It was the StudentCam competition that really caught the attention of the Hays High beginning video/audio students.
According to Green, the StudentCam competition is open to all high school and middle school students–grades 6 through 12. “It’s about a 5 to 7 minute documentary video competition. The topic this year is telling the new Congress and the new president about an issue that’s important to them.” The official theme title is “Your Message to Washington: What is the most urgent issue for the new President and Congress to address in 2017?”
HHS beginning audio/video students
Green said the C-SPAN bus will trek back to the winners’ schools and “do a full ceremony for those students and congratulate them.” The winners will share in $100,000 in cash prizes.
C-SPAN–an acronym for the Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network–produces in-depth coverage of the U.S. Congress, White House, federal courts, and its signature political program, “Road to the White House,” which provides access to all of the Campaign 2016 presidential candidates and their events from the campaign trail, all without editing, commentary, or analysis.
The bus will make a stop in Denver before heading to Las Vegas for the final presidential debate Wed., Oct. 19.
Taking a touch-screen quiz about C-SPAN and the three branches of government
“In this unprecedented election season, C-SPAN’s ‘Road to the White House’ gives you a front row seat, unlike any other, to Campaign 2016,” said Steve Scully, C-SPAN’s senior executive producer and political editor.
“C-SPAN’s footage takes you from the campaign announcements, to the town hall meetings and rallies, as well as the policy speeches, party conventions, and now the upcoming presidential debates — giving viewers the absolute best coverage on what the candidates are saying and how this historic race is unfolding along the campaign trail.”
C-SPAN Marketing Rep Jenae Green talks to HHS students touring the bus.
HD television camera
HHS students in Dan Balman’s Audio/Video Production Fundamentals class
HDTV production equipment
C-SPAN Marketing Rep Vanessa Torres talks about TV production facilities on the bus.
The shelves were “really bare,” according to Laurie Mortinger, co-director of the Community Assistance Center, 208 E. 12th, Hays.
Now, the shelves are stacked high with donations of non-perishable food items thanks to Trick Or Treat So Others Can Eat, an annual effort organized by Hays High DECA students.
This is the second year HHS senior Maddie Keller has participated.
“There are about 30 of us from DECA and a few other Hays High students helping tonight,” Keller said. “We go around the different neighborhoods in Hays and collect non-perishable items from residents. We get a lot during this season because Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up.”
“During the holidays, people seem to be even more generous,” said Mortinger as she loaded flats of canned peas onto a cart. “They really came through. This is great.”
“We’ve been so low, we’ve been purchasing food the past few weeks, spending about $1,000 a week.” Cash donations were also handed over during Tuesday night’s event. About $300 had been collected by 8:15 p.m. according to Mortinger.
“This looks like Christmas, a yummy Christmas,” said volunteer McKenzie Hoover, HHS DECA junior, as she sat in the midst of a huge pile of donated foods.
Twenty-seven groups of local volunteers canvassed the town, bringing in bags and boxes filled with everything from peanut butter to cereal donated by Hays residents. Then the DECA students and other volunteers at CAC unpacked and sorted it all. “I won’t have to lift weights tomorrow,” joked one DECA member as he unloaded a cart.
McKenzie Hoover, HHS DECA junior, was working the food drive for the first time. “This looks like Christmas, a yummy Christmas!,” Hoover remarked while sitting in the midst of a huge pile of donated goods .
CAC volunteers Barbara Basinger and Bob Berens
Two regular CAC volunteers, Barbara Basinger and Bob Berens, got a head start. They distributed notices about the food drive to 39 local businesses and then went back to retrieve the goods donated at those locations. “We got more than 500 items before today,” Basinger said as the pair volunteered again Tuesday night to sort and count cans.
Low-income Ellis County families can receive a week’s worth of food six times a year.
Non-perishable foods and cash may still be donated to the Community Assistance Center through Oct. 31. For more information, call the CAC at (785) 625-9110.
HHS DECA members help unload donations brought to the CAC.
Fire Prevention Week is held annually on the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, Oct. 8-10, 1871. There were more than 300 deaths and 100,000 people were left homeless.
The 2016 theme of Fire Prevention Week is Don’t Wait-Check The Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.
“Smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years,” according to city of Hays Firefighter Travis Johannes. “Carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced sooner–every five years.”
Smoke alarms are key to home fire safety. “Sixty percent of home fire deaths occur in houses without working smoke alarms,” Johannes noted. Those statistics come from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which also reports half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep.
(Click to enlarge)
Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms should be tested monthly. “Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms warn you in time to take proper life-saving action. If your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm goes off, get everyone out of the house and call 911,” Johannes said.
He recommends installing smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of a home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas. CO alarms should be placed on each level of a home, especially near sleeping areas.
The Hays Fire Department has free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms who cannot afford them. This month, HFD, as well as the Ellis, Victoria and Ellis County Fire Departments are teaming up with the Western Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross to provide free smoke alarms in the community. HFD will also assist senior citizens or those with limited mobility with installing alarms, checking alarms, or changing alarm batteries.
Second-graders watch the smoke rise to the ceiling of the HFD mobile fire safety house at Roosevelt Elementary School in 2013.
During Fire Prevention Week, Hays firefighters are taking their mobile Fire Safety House to local third-grade classes. The students learn where smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in their homes, what to do if one goes off and how to develop a home fire escape plan with their families.
In 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 367,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,745 deaths, 11,825 civilian injuries, and $6.8 billion in direct damage, according to the NFPA.
“Fire Prevention Week is a good time to check your alarms and change the batteries,” Johannes reminded homeowners.
For more information, contact HFD at (785) 628-7330.
ELLIS–Students and staff of Ellis High School won’t be in their classrooms Mon., Oct. 17. Instead, they will be scattered around town participating in the school’s fifth annual Community Service Day and helping those in need.
General cleaning and maintenance projects will be performed by the volunteers during EHS Community Service Day in conjunction with the Ellis City-Wide Cleanup Wed., Oct. 19.
Elderly residents and those who are unable to perform general cleaning or maintenance work and would like help, should contact EHS Principal Corey Burton at (785) 726-3151 or Leonard Schoenberger at (785) 726-1278.
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower in France in late June 1944.
By SAMANTHA KENNER Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home
ABILENE – A special display is planned to mark President Eisenhower’s 126th birthday. Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 12 the D-Day Planning Table will be removed from its case and displayed in its entirety including the additional leaves and chairs as well as the original rug. The display will be located in the museum military gallery through Tuesday, Oct. 18. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit www.eisenhower.archives.gov for admission details.
Birthday Party, Friday 10/14 – 3:30 p.m.
The public is invited to join the Eisenhower Foundation on Friday, Oct. 14 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the Visitors Center Auditorium in celebration of President Eisenhower’s 126th birthday. The gathering will include Mamie’s sugar cookies and punch.
VFW Vigil, Friday 10/14 – 4:00 p.m.
The VFW will open their annual vigil with a special announcement from the Abilene Post #3279. VFW posts from across the state will stand vigil overnight at the burial site of the President. The public is also encouraged to join this free event occurring in front of the Place of Meditation. There will be a document display showing the special relationship President Eisenhower had with VFW Post #3279.
Wreath Laying Ceremony, Saturday 10/15 – 10:30 a.m.
Saturday events begin with the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony led by the 1st Infantry Division of Ft. Riley at 10:30 a.m. The procession from the Library building will include a number of dignitaries and proceed to the Place of Meditation for the placement of the wreath.
American Legion Pilgrimage, Saturday 10/15 – 10:45 a.m.
The American Legion Pilgrimage will be held at the center of campus in front of the statue. American Legion Riders Post #240 will provide the rifle salute for the ceremony. Representatives from every post around Kansas will gather to pay their respects to the President. This ceremony is free and open to the public.
Reserved Motorcycle Parking – South Lot
An area in the south parking lot near the Place of Meditation will be designated for motorcycle parking only. A number of veteran riding associations including the American Legion Riders and Combat Vets Motorcycle Association will attend in support of the Saturday events.
Legacy Gala, Saturday 10/15
The theme for this year’s Eisenhower Legacy Gala is Everybody Likes Ike, taken from the 1952 video produced by Walt Disney for Ike’s first presidential campaign. Campaign election memorabilia will be on display during the reception. The evening highlight will be the presentation of the Eisenhower Legacy Awards. This year’s presentation will honor the efforts of Kansas Governor Edward Arn, U.S. Senator Harry Darby, and founder of Hallmark Cards Joyce C. Hall, who were instrumental in securing funding to build the original Eisenhower Museum. Descendants of Governor Arn and Mr. Hall will be in attendance to accept their family member’s Eisenhower Legacy Award.
Another special guest for the evening will be presidential whiz kid, Macey Hensley, from Council Grove, Kan. who has appeared numerous times on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, astounding everyone with her knowledge of U.S. presidents.
This annual, invitation-only event is already sold out. Sponsors for this year’s event include First Bank Kansas and Waddell & Reed, April Barker. For more information on attending or being a sponsor for the 2017 Legacy Gala, please contact the Eisenhower Foundation at (785) 263-6771.
Unwanted items awaiting pickup during the Annual Alley Cleanup.
By BECKY KISER Hays Post
They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Sometimes, it’s just junk, and a lot of it.
“When we started the Alley Cleanup, we collected 1.5 million pounds of stuff,” recalled Marvin Honas, Hays Solid Waste Superintendent. “The past three years, the collection has averaged between 700,000 to 800,000 pounds.”
The city of Hays wants to keep junk out of the alleys and is again offering the free Annual Alley Cleanup to residential refuse customers starting Mon., Oct. 24.
Unwanted items not normally collected by the city should be put out before Oct. 24. To make sure no treasures are accidentally picked up with the junk, “label what you want to keep, or better yet, put it in your back yard or somewhere until alley cleanup is over with,” Honas advised.
City workers will make one sweep through town to collect the discard piles, starting with curbside customers. “That way it won’t sit out at the curb very long because it normally takes us seven or eight days to complete the cleanup,” he explained. “It usually just takes a day, a day and a half to finish curbside.” Once the curbside collection is done, crews will move into the alleys.
There isn’t much the city won’t take–just trees, tires and hazardous waste. Trees and tires should be taken to the Ellis Co. Landfill while hazardous waste, such as batteries and paint, should go to the nearby Household Hazardous Waste Facility. There is no charge to Ellis County residents to dispose of trees or hazardous waste. Both locations, 1515 W. 55th St., are open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. More information is available by calling the Ellis Co. Landfill at (785) 628-9460 or the Ellis Co. HHW Facility at (785) 628-9449.
Residents are asked to sort their discards into four distinct piles. “Makes it handier. From day to day, we don’t always have the same number of people working the cleanup. It depends on absenteeism and the job requirements, ” Honas said.
SEPARATE UNWANTED ITEMS INTO FOUR PILES:
TREE LIMBS AND BRUSH--No longer than 12 feet in length or 6 inches in diameter
CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS–Lumber, drywall, bricks, sinks, wires. etc. Pull or bend over nails and place small quantities of concrete, bricks and plaster in containers.
WHITE GOODS/METALS--Guttering, siding, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, metal swing sets, etc.
MUNICIPAL WASTE–All other items such as furniture, carpet, TVs, computers, bagged garden/yard waste, etc.
The regular trash and recycle collection schedule will not be altered during the alley cleanup.
According to Honas, the annual alley cleanup and the city’s free compost site get the most positive feedback from Hays residents. “Please help us keep our alleys clean. It’s a good way to get rid of stuff not normally collected, and it’s free,” he added.
More information is available by calling the Hays Solid Waste Division at (785)-628-7350.
By BECKY KISER
ELLIS–The Ellis city firefighters may soon be sporting new helmets. Fire Chief Denis Vine will present a proposal to purchase helmets during Monday’s Ellis City Council meeting.
By BECKY KISER
By BECKY KISER
It was the StudentCam competition that really caught the attention of the Hays High beginning video/audio students.
City of Hays
By BECKY KISER
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