SUBMITTED

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.

City of Hays

The regularly scheduled Hays City Commission work session for tonight, Thu., Oct 6, 2016 has been canceled.

ELLIS–A public apology was read by Ellis Mayor Dave McDaniel to Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman during Monday’s Ellis city council meeting.

Following a 20-minute executive session, McDaniel read a prepared statement apologizing to Scheuerman regarding comments made by council members at the July 18, 2016 council meeting in his absence. During that July 18 meeting, council members discussed whether to require Scheuerman to wear a body camera while on duty. The discussion came following a number of citizen complaints about Scheuerman’s interaction with the public. No action was taken.

Coincidentally, Monday’s next agenda item following the public apology called for presentation of awards and proclamations. McDaniel then presented a plaque to Scheuerman recognizing him as a Certified Floodplain Manager. The certificate is issued by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.

In other business, the council unanimously approved a $3,900 change order to the waterline improvement project. At 12th Street and Cottonwood, a four inch hydrant will replaced with a six inch hydrant to hook onto a six inch service line. According to the project consultant, the change should alleviate some of the problems with water pressure in that area.

The complete Oct. 3, 2016 meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes October 3, 2016

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz. 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 the addition of an Executive Session after Public Comments.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Buck Driggs, Doreen Timken, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Avery Smith, Dena Patee, Glen Keller and Martin LaBarge
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on September 19, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #2006, with the exception of the voucher for Hays Fire & Rescue which will be considered under New Business. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Doreen Timken, PRIDE Committee representative, discussed the first phase of the cleanup of Memorial Park. Following the recommendations from Holly Dickman, KSU Horticulture agent and others, the bushes have been trimmed back and paths cleared. The committee intends to add natural landscaping with the second phase of the project this spring. Ms. Timken praised the efforts of the Stockton Correctional Facility inmates and the Public Works Department for their help with the project.
Officer Avery Smith, recent graduate of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, expressed his gratitude to the Governing Body for supporting him during his training at the Academy and for giving him the opportunity to serve the City of Ellis.
Cheryl Kinderknecht, Tourism Committee member, reminded Council of the Coffee and Calendars event on October 4th at 7:00 a.m. at the Alliance office. Organizations are invited to share event dates to develop a comprehensive community calendar for residents.
Dena Patee praised the Public Works Department for their efforts in removing the large tree from the creek.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session under attorney-client privilege. A 20-minute executive was proposed starting at 7:37 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to recess to executive session under attorney-client privilege with the City Attorney present. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 7:57 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
POST EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel read a prepared statement apologizing to Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman regarding comments made by Council members at the July 18, 2016 Council meeting in his absence.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Mayor David McDaniel presented a plaque to Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman recognizing him as a Certified Floodplain Manager. The certificate is issued by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
SPECIAL ORDER
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Street: Repair/Maintenance
City Attorney Olavee Raub provided an update on the several drainage issues brought before Council recently. Ms. Raub stated that the drainage channel on Cedar Lane was created prior to land development; therefore, homeowners bought the property with the channels already established and would likely be the party responsible for correcting. At 10th Street and Spruce, Mr. Scheuerman reported that a representative from the Natural Resources Conservation Service would review the topography of the area and offer an opinion on correcting the drainage issue in that area. Regarding the drainage on 21st Street, Ms. Raub explained that normally the developer or homeowner would be responsible to correct; however, she is researching the TIF documents to determine if drainage infrastructure planned for that area just hadn’t been completed yet. Ms. Raub will try to have more information for the next Council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Water: Special Project
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, discussed several change orders on the Waterline Improvement Project. The first change order involves the property at 606 W. 10th Street. That meter connection has always been in the alley with a long service line leading to the property. The owner of the property would like to move the connection from the alley to the front of the property. The owner is willing to donate an easement to move the meter. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to move the meter to the front of the property at 606 W. 10th Street at a cost of $121.90, contingent on approval of the easement. The motion carried 6-0.
Mr. Driggs then proposed a change order at 12th Street and Cottonwood replacing a 4” hydrant with a 6” hydrant to hook onto a 6” service line. This should alleviate some of the problems with water pressure in the area. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the change order installing a 6” hydrant at 12th Street and Cottonwood at a cost of $3,900.00. The motion carried 6-0.
At the June 20, 2016 Council meeting, Council approved the purchase of valves up to $25,000.00. Five valves were added at a total cost of $28,779.00. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to ratify the purchase of five valves at a total cost of $28,779.00. The motion carried 6-0.
Fire: Repair/Maintenance
Council member John Walz moved to ratify the invoice from Hays Fire and Rescue Sales & Service in the amount of $1,050.00 for the annual pump tests on the fire trucks. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Special Machinery: Financial
Council reviewed the proposed 6 month lease agreement with Ellis County for the 1999 Mack truck. The monthly lease payments of $3,087 will be applied to the total purchase price of the truck. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the Motor Vehicle Lease agreement with Ellis County for the 1999 Mack truck. The motion carried 6-0. City Attorney Olavee Raub will begin drafting the purchase documents.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water: Training
Council member John Walz made a motion to allow Operator-in-Training Brad Leiker and Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to attend the Kansas Municipal Utilities training on water and wastewater systems from October 12th – 14th in McPherson. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
Water: Violation
The required public notice of noncompliance with KDHE requirements for TTHM levels in the water system has been published. Although the levels are decreasing, the chemical levels are calculated on a rolling average, therefore, the City will need to publish a notice for the 3rd quarter as well.
Mr. Scheuerman informed Council of talk that the Environmental Protection Agency could issue more stringent rules on the lead and copper levels in the drinking water systems. The City could face significant financial obligations if EPA requires replacement of lead and copper service lines.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for September and the October Staff Calendar. The Department will participate in several training events in the coming weeks.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton presented an updated roster of City committee appointments and the August health insurance savings report. Minutes from the Tourism Committee, Safety Committee, and Planning Commission were included for review. City Hall will be closed on October 20th for annual inventory.
Attorney
City Attorney Olavee Raub noted she will be absent for the October 19th Council meeting. City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler will attend in her absence.
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel announced that the League’s Regional Supper will be held October 19th in Oberlin. Mayor McDaniel and Council members John Walz and Jolene Niernberger will attend the League’s Annual Conference October 8th – 10th. The Campground Committee will meet on October 10th at 7:00 p.m. Mayor McDaniel acknowledged a note received from Chris Rorabaugh thanking the Public Works Department for their help during his recent water leak. Due to a perceived conflict of interest, Council member Holly Aschenbrenner will replace Council member Gary Luea as one of the City representatives to meet with the Ellis Golf Club investors.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bret Andries moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Saturday’s weather forecast for Hays is calling for a high of 73 degrees and sunny–perfect conditions for the “2016 What’s In Your Water? Family Fun Fest Nature Trail Walk” at Hays Medical Center, 2220 Canterbury Drive.

The free event is a partnership between a Fort Hays State University leadership class, KSU Watersheds, the city of Hays and HaysMed. Activities include fun, hands-on educational stations about soils, water, plants and the environment, according to KSU Watershed Specialist Stacie Minson, WaKeeney.

It’s also an opportunity to learn about the natural vegetation at HaysMed which recently won an award from the city for water-smart landscaping.

“They’ve done an excellent job of establishing native plants and taking a more ‘wild’ approach,” said Greg Sund, Hays Public Works Director.  “It lets nature highlight what it does in this area and look more like a prairie in some cases.”

“At the same time, it provides ample opportunity for those plants to clean the stormwater that runs off. Instead of having to be regularly cared for and receive fertilizer, these plants clean the water rather than put more nutrients in the water. So, when we have people who don’t clean up after their pets, or whatever, these plants will help clean the water (runoff) before it reaches our waterways,” Sund explained.

“The landscaping can also help catch litter that can be cleaned up before it becomes a problem in our waterways, creeks and rivers,” he added.

HaysMed has converted the majority of the hospital grounds to environmentally friendly landscaping. This type of landscaping diminishes erosion, improves habitat and also reduces the use of water.  The project decreased six acres of fescue grass to one acre, thus substantially reducing outside water use while maintaining an attractive grounds presentation for patients, families and the public.

The hospital also incorporated a water barrel tree watering system.

The nature trail walk is 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Participants should park in HaysMed parking lots G or F, adjacent to the nature trail.

There’s no charge to attend and free snacks and drinks will be provided.

For more information, contact Minson at [email protected] or (785) 814-7100.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

October is filled with family-fun events in Hays as well as plenty of local sports.

Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Destination Marketing Manager Zach Woolf has a few highlights.

For an updated list of activities in Hays, check the CVB website.

The Hays Police Department responded to 53 traffic stops and 9 animal calls Fri., Sept. 30, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Aggravated Battery–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 2 AM; 2:10 AM
Disturbance – Noise–700 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:58 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–700 block E 6th St, Hays; 7:53 AM
Criminal Damage to Property–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 9/29 7:30 PM; 9/30 8 AM
Criminal Damage to Property-400 block W 7th St, Hays; 9/29 7:30 PM; 9/30 8 AM
Criminal Damage to Property-400 block W 7th St, Hays; 9/29 7:30 PM; 9/30 8 AM
Animal At Large–100 block W 18th St, Hays; 9:35 AM
Theft (general)–2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 12/31/15 3 PM; 9/30/16 9:50 AM
Disturbance – Noise–400 block W 21st St, Hays; 10:33 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 12:49 PM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–100 block Main St, Hays; 1:46 PM
Probation/Parole Violation–100 block Main St, Hays; 2:01 PM
Drug Offenses–2000 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 2:09 PM
Harassment (All Other)–1000 block W 28th St, Hays; 3:17 PM
Suspicious Activity–2700 block Thunderbird Cir, Hays; 5:53 PM
Drug Offenses–2200 block Gen Custer Rd, Hays; 6:12 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block Elm St, Hays; 6:50 PM
Driving Under the Influence–100 block Main St, Hays; 7 PM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–600 block Ash St, Hays; 7:54 PM
Driving Under the Influence–700 block Park St, Hays; 8:47 PM
Pursuit/Chase–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 8:51 PM; 9:26 PM
Driving Under the Influence–100 block W 10th St, Hays; 10:39 PM
Disturbance – Noise–1300 block Douglas Dr, Hays; 10 PM; 10:45 PM
Disorderly Conduct–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:23 PM
Domestic Disturbance–100 block E 12th St, Hays; 11:53 PM; 11:56 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 68 traffic stops and 3 animal calls Sat., Oct. 1, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–700 block Fort St, Hays; 12:03 AM
Driving Under the Influence–500 block Elm St, Hays; 12:08 AM; 12:31 AM
Water Use Violation–1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 12:33 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–500 block Walnut St, Hays; 12:38 AM
Liquor Offense, sell, furnish, transport–500 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:01 AM
Disorderly Conduct–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 1:01 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–200 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:32 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–600 block Park St, Hays; 1:57 AM
Driving Under the Influence–700 block Fort St, Hays; 2:45 AM
Driving Under the Influence–200 block W 9th St, Hays; 2:59 AM; 3:22 AM
Drug Offenses–400 block W 13th St, Hays; 3:11 AM
Drug Offenses–600 block Park St, Hays; 3:39 AM
Burglary/vehicle–100 block E 8th St, Hays; 4:03 AM; 4:04 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–100 block W 21st St, Hays; 4:44 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–1000 block W 37th St, Hays; 9:03 AM
Battery – simple–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 9/30 9 PM; 10 PM
Animal At Large–23rd St and Elm St, Hays; 11:54 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–700 block E 13th St, Hays; 1:36 PM
Criminal Threat–Hays; 1:40 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 2:06 PM
Theft (general)–100 block W 6th St, Hays; 2:30 PM
Disturbance – Noise–100 block E 16th St, Hays; 2:59 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–500 block W 6th St, Hays; 4:22 PM
Theft of Vehicle–200 block Main St, Hays; 2:30 PM; 5 PM
Disturbance – General; 200 block W 8th St, Hays; 5:37 PM
Drug Offenses–1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 6:36 PM
Civil Dispute–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 7:55 PM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–5th St and Elm St, Hays; 8:36 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–200 block W 4th St, Hays; 9:22 PM; 9:30 PM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–700 block Elm St, Hays; 9:51 PM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–400 block W 7th St, Hays; 10:15 PM
Disturbance – Noise–1400 block Fort St, Hays; 8:30 PM; 10:35 PM
Disturbance – Noise–400 block  W 7th St, Hays; 10:55 PM
Obstruction of Legal Process–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:17 PM
Driving Under the Influence–200 block of W 8th St, Hays; 11:27 PM
Civil Dispute–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 11:20 PM; 11:30 PM
Found/Lost Property–7th & Fort, Hays; 11:48 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–300 block E 20th St, Hays; 11:40 PM; 11:42 PM
Disturbance – General–500 block Ash St, Hays; 11:59 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 27 traffic stops and 4 animal calls Sun., Oct. 2, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

MV Accident-City Street/Alley–300 block E 14th St, Hays; 12:38 AM; 12:45 AM
Domestic Disturbance–300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 12:40 AM; 12:56 AM
Theft (general)–200 block W 17th St, Hays; 9/30 2:10 PM; 10/2 12:30 AM
Theft (general)–400 block W 6th St, Hays; 12:02 AM; 12:45 AM
Underage Possession of CMB/LIQ–500 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:15 AM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–100 block W 8th St, Hays; 1:18 AM
Found/Lost Property–500 block Walnut St, Hays; 1:40 AM
Driving Under the Influence–300 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:48 AM
Driving Under the Influence–100 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:18 AM
Suicidal Subject–4200 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 2:31 AM
Disturbance – Noise–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 2:31 AM
Driving Under the Influence–600 block Fort St, Hays; 2:40 AM
Civil Transport–1300 block Kansas Highway 264, Larned; 5:42 AM
Suspicious Person–200 block W 4th St, Hays; 7:22 AM
Juvenile Complaint–1700 block Volga Dr, Hays; 10:29 AM
Found/Lost Property–6th St and Ash St, Hays; 11:11 AM
Abandoned Vehicle–4100 block Covenant Dr, Hays; 12:09 PM
Found/Lost Property–6th St and Ash St, Hays; 12:59 PM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 7th St, Hays; 1:46 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 3:14 PM
Disturbance – General–2000 block Walnut St, Hays; 5:11 PM
Domestic Disturbance–600 block E 5th St, Hays; 10/1 11; 11:30 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 6:50 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–1100 block Vine St, Hays; 7:27 PM
Drug Offenses–1400 block Milner St, Hays; 9:20 PM; 9:42 PM
Found/Lost Property–300 block W 11th St, Hays; 9:53 PM
Violation of Restraining Order/PFA–500 block Oak St, Hays; 3:35 AM; 3:37 AM

The Hays Police Department responded to 13 traffic stops and 6 animal calls Mon., Oct. 3, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Water Use Violation–1700 block Vine St, Hays; 4:29 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear); US Hwy 40 and 220th Ave, Hays; 10/1 9:06 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–4th and Main St, Hays; 8:12 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:28 AM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–1500 block Elm St, Hays; 9:08 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–11th and Vine St, Hays; 9:15 AM
Drug Offenses–1900 block Holmes Rd, Hays; 9:11 AM
Lost Animals ONLY–1700 block Donald Dr, Hays; 9:44 AM
Civil Dispute–3600 block Hall St, Hays; 10:07 AM
Phone/Mail Scam–2900 block Willow St, Hays; 10:27 AM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–1200 block Fort St, Hays; 11:12 AM
Drug Offenses–300 block E 18th St, Hays; 11:52 AM; 1:24 PM
Domestic Disturbance–3600 block Hall St, Hays; 12:42 PM
Found/Lost Property–500 block W 20th St, Hays; 1:21 PM
Disturbance – General–45th and Roth Ave, Hays; 1:41 PM
Juvenile Complaint–300 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:04 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–400 block Oak St, Hays; 3:09 PM
Animal At Large–27th and Elm St, Hays; 3:16 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley– Main St and US 183 Alternate Hwy, Hays; 3:22 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–1000 block W 27th St, Hays; 4:37 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–1300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:40 PM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 10:19 PM
Drug Offenses–3600 block Vine St, Hays; 10:15 PM; 10:20 PM

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Free adult hearing screenings, sponsored by the Kansas Masonic Foundation, will be offered this fall and next spring in six western Kansas communities by Fort Hays State University.

In addition, services for adults with swallowing difficulties, called dysphagia, will be offered in several other Kansas communities throughout the spring semester. Both services will be provided by graduate students from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the FHSU Herndon Clinic.

“The FHSU Herndon Clinic in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is very fortunate to have recently received a $250,000 grant from the Kansas Masonic Foundation to support adult speech, language and hearing services in western Kansas,” said Marcy Beougher, speech-language pathologist and an instructor in the department.

The first hearing screening will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at the Masonic Center, 600 Cedar Dr., Scott City. No appointment is necessary. Screenings will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each site will have four stations, each with an FHSU graduate student providing screenings, supervised by Beougher. Each screening will take approximately 15-20 minutes.

“Many of these sites have never had a free hearing screening scheduled in their local community, so our hope is to provide a worthwhile service to many adults who would not have otherwise had the opportunity,” said Beougher.

The location of the screenings are listed by date. Exact times and locations for the later sites will be announced soon.

Oct. 7: Scott City Masonic Center, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Nov. 4: Medicine Lodge
Dec. 2: Hoisington
Feb. 3: Hill City
March 10: Hugoton
April 7: Goodland

Beougher and Kori Haberman, CSD graduate assistant, are organizing the hearing screenings.

“We are very thankful to the Kansas Masonic Foundation for this opportunity to bring a much-needed service that also provides excellent clinical experience for our FHSU graduate students,” said Beougher.

“We believe it will be a win-win situation for all involved.”

For more information, visit fhsu.edu/herndon-clinic/ or contact the FHSU Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at 785-628-5366.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

A noisy thunderstorm rumbled through Hays about 7 a.m. Monday morning.

According to the official report from the KSU Ag Research Center south of town, Hays received an even half-inch of rain, the first precipitation for the month of October.

So far in 2016, Hays has recorded 25.69 inches of precipitation. The yearly average precipitation is 22.75 inches.

There was a report of 0.9 inches south of Hays. The Eagle Media Center, 2700 Hall Street, received 0.42.inches of rain.

The weather forecast calls for a continued chance of rain through Tuesday.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Fall is in the air with the autumnal equinox beginning last Thursday, Sept. 22, at 9:21 a.m. Central Time.

The change of seasons is also evident in cooler overnight temperatures.

According to official statistics from the K-State Ag Research Center south of town, the overnight low Wednesday, Sept. 28 in Hays dropped to a chilly 39 degrees after a pleasant daytime high of 76 degrees.

That’s not a record low, though. Record keeper Joe Becker says it was 100 years ago, Sept. 22, 1916, the overnight temperature dropped to an unseasonably cold 25 degrees, which remains the record for Sept. 22.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It’s homecoming week at Hays High School. The 2016 theme is Hometown Hays and the making of a traditional parade float by each class began Sunday.

One tradition will change slightly this year.

Friday afternoon’s homecoming parade route along downtown Main Street will stop short of its usual ending point. The reason–the 44th annual Hays Oktoberfest will also be underway in Hays Municipal Park at the very south end of the parade route. Oktoberfest continues until 7 p.m.

“We’ve been talking to the Hays Police Department about what to do because of the traffic and other stuff downtown and at Oktoberfest,” Assistant HHS Principal Chris Michaelis said. “The parade will be cut a little bit short. We’ll actually stop between 6th and 7th streets.”

Normally, parades traveling south on Main Street continue to 4th Street and stop in front of the Hays Aquatic Park.

Lineup for the 74 entries is at 4 p.m. between 20th and 16th Streets. The parade begins at 5 p.m.

The owners of the Ellis Golf Course, a group of 20 investors, may be selling the course because of because of financial concerns. Hays Post incorrectly reported the group was interested in purchasing the golf course. We apologize for the error.
——————————

ELLIS–The waterline improvement project in Ellis is going more slowly than anticipated.

A letter from APAC Construction Manager Alan Moore cited incorrect maps, significant rainfall and unexpected installation of a gas line as reasons for the delay. The work was to have been completed by Sept. 30.

City council members voted four to two during their meeting Monday night to grant a deadline extension to Nov. 23.

Owners of the Ellis Golf Course, a group of 20 investors, may be selling the course because of because of financial concerns. Group representative Ron Keithley told the council the city needs to consider providing financial help with utility rates, the purchase of chemicals and equipment, and some maintenance labor. Mayor Dave McDaniel told Keithley the city will set up a committee to meet with the investors. The golf club is tentatively set to close in December.

The Sept. 19 complete meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes September 19, 2016

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Bret Andries, Holly Aschenbrenner, Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, Bob Redger, and John Walz. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, Fire Chief Denis Vine, and City Attorney Olavee Raub.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
Mayor David McDaniel requested an executive session at the end of the meeting.
PUBLIC PRESENT
Steve Ferland, Buck Driggs, Nan Brown, Don Younger Sr., Glen Keller, Sharon Disney, Randy Honas, Dean Gottschalk, Neil DeWerff, Art Gross, Ron Keithley, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Dena Patee (arrived at 7:34 p.m.), and Brian Frickey (arrived at 7:41 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on September 6, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #2005. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. Mayor McDaniel noted a change in the minutes regarding the Tourism Committee. Dena Patee should be listed rather than Art Honas. Upon a call for the vote, the Council approved the consent agenda 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ron Keithley expressed concerns to Council regarding drainage on the west side of his residence on Cedar Lane.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
General Government: Contracts
Ron Keithley, representing the group of twenty investors for the Ellis Golf Club, spoke to Council regarding the current lease agreement with the City for the golf course land. Due to the Club’s current financial situation, the Club has been put up for sale immediately. Mr. Keithley inquired if the City would be willing to sell the land which houses the outbuildings, if a potential buyer is interested. Mr. Keithley expressed that the Club has received no financial help from the City, and if a potential buyer is to be successful, the City needs to consider financial help with utility rates, the purchase of chemicals and equipment, and also provide some labor for the maintenance of the course. The Club is tentatively set to close in December. Mayor McDaniel stated the City will set up a committee to meet with the investors.
Streets: Financial
Dean Gottschalk, representing Finish Line Lease Service, spoke to Council regarding an unpaid bill with the City. In March, Council approved their bid to haul up to 1,200 ton of street material from the Ellis County stockpiles to the City. The driver from Finish Line routinely pulled material from the wrong pile, and upon the County calling Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, requested the material be brought back and material taken from the correct pile. Mr. Scheuerman stated he informed Finish Line three separate times which pile to pull the material from. Mr. Gottschalk is requesting compensation for having to haul the material back to the County. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve payment of the bill from Finish Line Lease Service in the amount of $2,272.60 for the loads hauled back to the County stockpiles. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Committee
John Walz provided an update from the PRIDE committee. The first project will be the cleanup of bushes and shrubs in Memorial Park. Volunteers will work in the park October 3rd – 7th. Council member Bob Redger complimented Public Works General Maintenance worker Joe Kreutzer on the trimming of the trees and bushes in the City parks thus far.
Fire: Special Project
Fire Chief Denis Vine reported that all of the SCBAs and fire truck pumps have been tested and all passed inspection. On September 17th, Ellis hosted a mutual aid drill with County emergency responders and fire departments, and also City of Ellis Police, Public Works, and Clerk’s offices. The drill was that a tornado hit Ellis and the responders had different rescue scenarios to work through. In all, almost 50 individuals participated in the drill. Chief Vine also noted that sign up is available at the City office for a free smoke detector. The Fire Department will install the smoke detectors and instruct residents on fire safety. The detectors are available through a grant from the Red Cross.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Buck Driggs, Driggs Design Group, updated Council on the progress of the Waterline Improvement Project. Council expressed frustration with the project timeline and the length of time roads have had open holes. Mr. Driggs shared a letter from APAC Construction Manager Alan Moore, which explained many of the obstacles encountered with the project, including incorrect maps on the locations of the water lines, significant rainfall, and Midwest Energy installing a gas line right where the waterline was expected to be installed. Mr. Driggs expressed gratitude to APAC for keeping change orders to a minimum, as there have been many things APAC could have charged the City with, and chose not to. The original contract provided APAC with 150 working days and a project completion date of September 30th. They have used 72 of the 150 working days and are requesting a project deadline extension to November 23rd. Mr. Driggs and Council both expressed they would like to see APAC crews on site more to complete the project. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to allow APAC to extend the project completion date to November 23rd. The motion carried 4-2, with Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Gary Luea opposed.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Council discussed bids from Driggs Design Group and Penco for a topographic survey and engineering design for the street drainage issue on South Walnut Street. City Attorney Olavee Raub and the Council discussed the City’s obligations, and if correction of the drainage falls on the developer, the property owner, or the City. Ms. Raub will meet with Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to discuss the several drainage issues brought before Council recently.
General Government: Agenda
City Clerk Amy Burton reviewed proposals for laptops and application software for electronic council packets. To convert to electronic council packets would cost the City approximately $6,000. There would be a recurring cost of $3,000 per year to subscribe to the document management system application. Conversion to electronic packets was not budgeted for in 2016 or 2017; therefore, Council decided to table further consideration until closer to year end when budget availability can be determined.
NEW BUSINESS
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Council reviewed the third set of Pay Estimates for work performed to date on the Waterline Improvement Project. Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to approve Pay Estimate#3 to APAC in the amount of $81,748.46. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Committees
Mayor David McDaniel requested Council approval for appointments to unexpired committee positions. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to appoint Brian Raub to the Senior Advisory Committee and Monte Cox to the Trades Board. The motion carried 6-0.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reviewed maps of the City’s sand streets with hopes of making improvements to these streets by adding 2” of millings as time permits. There would be no additional cost as the City already has the millings in inventory. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve adding 2” of millings to the City’s sand streets. Council member Bob Redger seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water
Mr. Scheuerman presented the most recent Well Level spreadsheet and Comparative Water Report for the period July 10th to August 10th.
It was the consensus of Council to further explore widening the culvert on 10th Street. Mr. Scheuerman will check with other government agencies for possible funding assistance for the hydrology study.
The Governor’s Water Conference will be held November 14th – 15th in Manhattan.
Sanitation: Policy
Due to significant rainfall this summer, Council inquired if the grass cart season could be extended past October 1st. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to extend the grass cart pickup to November 7th. The motion carried 6-0.
Mr. Scheuerman will contact Travis Kohlrus, Ellis Industrial Development Corporation, regarding the City providing assistance in the cleanup of the old motel property.
Streets
Council requested Public Works assist Ellis High School with spreading dirt around the building foundation.
The Spruce Villa Board complimented the Public Works Department for the work completed on their parking lot.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates encouraged all Council members to attend Officer Smith’s graduation from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on September 30th in Hutchinson.
City Clerk
Tourism: Repair/Maintenance
Lamar Signs has reported that the City’s billboard sign at mile marker 211 needs replaced. Council member Bret Andries moved to replace the sign at a cost of $864 with funds to come from tourism monies. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0.
General Government: Training
City Clerk Amy Burton reminded Council of the League’s Annual Conference on October 8th – 10th and the League’s course on “Ethics & Civility” on November 4th.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
Mayor David McDaniel thanked those Council members and staff who attended the training session with Gina Smith on September 14th.
Mayor read a letter from Ellis County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes inviting Council to meet with the County Commissioners to discuss topics of joint interest.
Council members Bob Redger and Gary Luea volunteered to meet with the Ellis Golf Club investors as the City representatives.
Council discussed holding a community forum event to allow residents to meet with the Governing body in a relaxed setting. It was the consensus of the Council to hold an appreciation event for City committee volunteers in the fall, with the community forum to be held next spring.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 7-minute executive session was proposed starting at 10:01 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with the City Attorney present. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 10:08 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 10-minute executive session was proposed starting at 10:09 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with the City Attorney present. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 10:19 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor David McDaniel called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 5-minute executive session was proposed starting at 10:20 p.m. Mayor McDaniel asked for a motion to recess. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bob Redger seconded a motion to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with the City Attorney and Public Works Director present. The motion carried 6-0. The Council returned to open session at 10:25 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Bob Redger moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:26 p.m.