By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

You may not want to think about it yet, but it’s inevitable.

Hays USD 489 has issued its enrollment schedule for the 2016-2017 school year.

Online enrollment begins Monday, Aug. 1, for Hays High School, Hays Middle School and the elementary schools. Parents and guardians of students new to the district or kindergartners are urged to contact their respective school offices as soon as possible.

On location enrollment will be held Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 3 and 4. HHS Freshmen Orientation is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 5. USD 489 classes start Wednesday, Aug. 17, with a half-day session.

Enrollment for The Learning Center is always available online. Early Childhood Connection is now enrolling students Monday through Friday by calling (785) 623-2430.

If there are conflicts families cannot avoid on the enrollment dates, they should  contact the HHS office at (785) 623-2600 in late July to make other arrangements.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It was hot in Hays Wednesday.

According to the official record from the K-State Agricultural Research Station, the high temperature yesterday, June 15, was 103 degrees.

But that wasn’t high enough to break the record of 105 degrees on June 15, 1985.

The temperature dropped considerably after 8 p.m. as a fierce wind kicked up from strong thunderstorms that developed just east of Hays. According to Ray Burgert of the National Weather Service, it led to a strong outflow of air pushing in the other direction. While the rain and storms moved east, a strong west wind blew through Hays.

One year ago on June 15, the temperature in Hays reached just 85 degrees.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Hays Police Department is becoming “more proactive” when it comes to distracted drivers, according to Chief Don Scheibler.

Scheibler quoted statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) of what he called the “real consequences” of distracted driving.

“In 2014, over 3,100 people were killed in distracted driving accidents and over 440,000 were injured,” Scheibler reported, “and teenage drivers had more fatality accidents caused by distracted driving than any other age group.”

During the last three years, 417 people have been cited for inattentive driving in the city of Hays, according to Scheibler. “They were distracted and failed to give their full attention to their driving and as a result, an accident occurred.”

Distracted driving comes in many different forms, not just relatively new electronics such as smart phones, cell phones, portable computers or video players. The more conventional distractions to driving include talking with passengers, eating, and even applying makeup.

The biggest problem is caused by smart phones.

“Texting, which is apparently the preferred method of communication for our teenagers, is the most dangerous of all distractions while driving,” Scheibler noted.  “Texting causes visual, manual and cognitive distraction of the driver. It requires you to take your eyes off the road, your hands off the (steering) wheel, and your mind off your driving.”

The city of Hays and the state have laws prohibiting all drivers from texting while operating a vehicle.  Drivers younger than 17 are completely prohibited from use of wireless communication devices except to report illegal activity or to summons medical or emergency help.

The fine for texting while driving in Hays is $50 plus $75 court costs.  Scheibler said Hays police have issued 61 tickets in the past three years for texting while driving.

In an effort to make Hays streets safer, HPD has joined the One Text Or Call Could Wreck It All campaign by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The message focuses on how distracted drivers are a danger to themselves and to everyone else on the road.

“Our plan for spreading the message is two-fold,” Scheibler said. “We plan to continue the education of our drivers and the dangers of distracted driving and we’ll use social media, presentations to the public and other events.

“The second half of our plan won’t be quite so popular.

“It’s going to include the Hays Police Department being more proactive in enforcement of our traffic laws related to distracted driving.  We will be writing tickets to those who choose to violate the law. We know that working with the community, we can help make the roads safer for everyone.”

Scheibler also outlined steps to avoid distracted driving.

“Remember this: focus on driving, refrain from eating, drinking, reading, grooming, smoking or other activities that take your mind off the road.  Turn off your phone or switch it to silent mode before you get in your car and then stow it away so it’s out of your reach.

“Don’t ever text and drive, surf the internet or read your email while driving.  It’s dangerous and it’s against the law.”

 

ELLIS–Ellis earned a “clean audit” opinion for 2015 from Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball during the June 6 city council meeting. ABBB Audit Manager Teri Klitzke also made recommendations for improving efficiency and internal control.

Council members also approved the city’s Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives.

The complete meeting minutes follow.

ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Minutes June 6, 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, 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. Council member Bob Redger was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Kellie Crnkovich, Glen Keller, Teri Klitzke, Sophia Sanders, Katlin Senst, Dena Patee, Nan Brown, Cheryl Kinderknecht, Mary Jo Walz, Steve Arthur, and Tiffany Kershner.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Walz moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from the Regular Meeting on May 16, 2016 and Bills Ordinance #1998. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dena Patee expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department for how nice the parks looked for the Walter P. Chrysler Car Show.
Cheryl Kinderknecht thanked the City for allowing Public Works equipment to be displayed during the Planes, Trains, & Automobiles event on June 4th.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
Public Works: Public Hearing – Environmental Violation
City Attorney Olavee Raub stated that an administrative hearing has been requested by Kellie Crnkovich to determine if the items cited by the Public Works Director constitute an environmental violation. Ms. Crnkovich stated she is unclear on what needs to be done to become compliant with the environmental code. Ms. Raub suggested Ms. Crnkovich review the City Code cited in the violation notice and also meet with Alan Scheuerman, Public Works Director, to clarify the items noted in the violation notice. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to defer the hearing for 30 days to allow Mr. Scheuerman to meet with Ms. Crnkovich to determine the action needed to become compliant with the environmental code. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
SPECIAL ORDER
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Tiffany Kershner, representing Options – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, provided information regarding the Options program, and requested consideration of funding from the City for the 2017 Budget. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
General Government: Financial – Budget Request
Steve Arthur, Director of the Ellis Public Library, presented the Library’s 2017 budget request of four mills of the assessed valuation, $2,500.00 for employee benefits, and $2,000.00 for library programming. The Library is also requesting additional funds for capital improvements, personnel, and projects totaling $12,000.00. The Council took no action and will consider the request during budget preparation.
General Government: Financial
Teri Klitzke, Audit Manager with Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chtd., presented the City’s 2015 audit report. The City received a clean audit opinion, meaning the financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects. Ms. Klitzke reviewed the financial statements and offered recommendations for improving efficiency and internal control.
Fire
Fire Chief Denis Vine presented an update from his Department. The supply lines have all been pressure tested, and the Department fire trucks participated in the Alumni parade last weekend and will also participate in the Riverfest parade on June 11th.
Personnel: Exit
Darret Hazlett has resigned from the Ellis Fire Department due to other commitments.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Fire: Policy
Council discussed the proposed policy on automated fire alarm systems. The Fire Department reviewed the policy and submitted revisions to City Attorney Olavee Raub for consideration. Ms. Raub stated she has not reviewed the proposed revisions; therefore, consideration of the policy will be tabled until the next Council meeting.
Fire: City Code
Council discussed a proposed ordinance regulating automated fire alarm systems. Ms. Raub explained the proposed ordinance preserves immunity to the City in damage that might occur due to a forced entry from the Fire Department caused by a response to an automated fire alarm call. Council will defer action until Ms. Raub has made revisions to the coordinating policy.
Personnel: Benefits
Council discussed the renewal of the employee’s health insurance plan and funding options for the claims reserve fund. Council member Bret Andries moved to approve the renewal of the employee’s health insurance plan with United Health Care and Freedom Claims Management, and to increase the funding of the claims reserve fund by 6.25%. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton presented the refunding bond ordinance and resolution. The documents authorize the sale and the issuance of the refunding bonds. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1404 authorizing the sale and issuance of the refunding bonds. The motion carried 5-0. Council member John Walz then moved to approve Resolution No. 527 directing the sale of the refunding bonds. Council member Jolene Niernberger seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign the necessary closing documents. The motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: Committee
Planning Commission Chairman Glen Keller presented the Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives as approved by the Planning Commission at their May 23rd meeting. The Plan is used to provide guidance to Council for the growth and development of the City. Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member John Walz seconded a motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Committee
Mayor David McDaniel recommended additional appointments to the various City committees. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Gary Luea seconded a motion to approve the committee appointments as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Disposal
City Clerk Amy Burton presented a list of documents set to be disposed of in accordance with the City’s Records Management Policy. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Holly Aschenbrenner seconded a motion to approve the Certificate of Destruction of Public Records as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
General Government: Contracts
City Clerk Amy Burton discussed with Council the possibility of installing Wi-Fi at City Hall. The proposed contract is for the monthly lease of equipment and service agreement. Council directed Ms. Burton to present a wireless router option as well.
City Attorney: Contract
City Attorney Olavee Raub reviewed a letter to Council proposing slight revisions to her contract for services. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to approve the contract with Raub & Zeigler, LLC, as presented. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. Upon a call for discussion, Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Gary Luea questioned the need to bid out attorney services. Upon a call for the vote, the motion carried 3-2, with Council members Bret Andries, Jolene Niernberger, and John Walz voting in favor of the motion and Council members Holly Aschenbrenner and Gary Luea voting opposed.
General Government: Financial
City Clerk Amy Burton discussed the need to create additional accounting funds for the special grant and loan projects in process. Council member Holly Aschenbrenner moved to approve creating the necessary project funds for accounting purposes. Council member Bret Andries seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Council discussed options regarding concealing the concrete pile on Old Highway 40.
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported on the mowing at Spruce Villa. The Department is mowing the City’s portion of the property.
Water
Mr. Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for the period April 10th – May 10th.
APAC may have some water valves available for purchase. Mr. Scheuerman will compare prices with another vendor and report back.
Mr. Scheuerman and Water Operator John Leiker will attend a water training workshop sponsored by KRWA on June 14th.
Swimming Pool
The pool liner is experiencing tears resulting in water loss at the swimming pool. Mr. Scheuerman has contacted the company regarding the warranty on the liner, but the company will not return any calls. City Attorney Olavee Raub recommended calling the Better Business Bureau and the League of Kansas Municipalities.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the Monthly Activity Report for May and the June staff calendar. Chief Yates is back to full duty following his injury. Officer Chris Krom will be hosting child safety seat training on June 4th at the Planes, Trains, and Automobiles event.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton reported that the 2016 Refunding Bonds were locked in at an interest rate of 1.76%, resulting in estimated savings to the City of $650,000 over the remaining life of the bonds.
The swimming pool will be offering a new swim lesson group this year for children under five years of age.
Ms. Burton will be absent for the June 20th meeting.
Attorney
Mayor Update and Announcements
The facilities tour work session will be rescheduled to July 9th.
The filing deadline for Council member elections has passed and seven candidates have filed for election: Gary Luea, Jolene Niernberger, John Walz, Susan Eaton, Dena Patee, Martin LaBarge, and Nan Brown.
The Cemetery Committee meetings have been changed to quarterly, rather than monthly from April – October.
Council member Gary Luea requested another update regarding ongoing litigation from City Prosecutor Cassy Zeigler.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member Gary Luea moved and Council member Bret Andries seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and 12 traffic stops Tue., June 14, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Civil Dispute–1900 Vine St, Hays; 12:03 AM
Driving Under the Influence–500 block W 21st St, Haysl 1:51 AM
Animal Injured–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 7:02 AM
Credit Card Violations–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 4/20/16
Credit Card Violations–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 4/27/16
Credit Card Violations–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 5/3/16
Credit Card Violations–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 5/3/16
Credit Card Violations–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5/11/16
Credit Card Violations–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 5/11/16
Credit Card Violations–2200 block Drum Ave, Hays; 5/11/16
Water Use Violation–1500 block Oakmont St, Hays; 9:36 AM
MV Accident-Property Damage–4100 block Vine St, Hays; 9:53 AM
Assist – Other (not MV)–1000 block Vine St, Hays; 11:01 AM
Harassment (All Other)–1000 block Downing Ave, Hays; 12:36 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–300 block Main St, Hays; 1:29 PM
Drug Offenses–1400 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 1:33 PM
Mental Health Call–100 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:57 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 2:50 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–2500 block Vine St, Hays; 2:59 PM
Prescription Fraud/Forgery–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 6/8 12 PM; 6 PM
Prescription Fraud/Forgery–1900 block Vine St, Hays;6/12 12:45 PM; 1:08 PM
Suspicious Person–3400 block Summer Ln, Hays; 6:06 PM
Found/Lost Property–700 block Main St, Hays; 6:08 PM
Domestic Disturbance–3800 block Vine St, Hays; 11:43 PM

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There are so many things going on in Hays during the summer months, Rick Rekoske, the Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, can’t talk about them all.

Here are a few highlights with a reminder to check the CVB website for an updated calendar of events.

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

Fort Hays State University graduate Kate Fox will hold a closing reception for her exhibition, “The Magic Box,” from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 17, at the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art in Rarick Hall on the FHSU campus.

Fox created the exhibition for her Masters of Fine Arts in Intermedia, with which she graduated in May.

The Moss-Thorns gallery is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m Monday through Friday.

Fox’s work can be viewed at https://www.foxywolff.com.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Rumor has it the taste test foods sold out Friday night during the 8th Annual Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) competition, “Fire on the Frontier BBQ Classic” in Hays Municipal Park.

From 5 to 10 p.m., people who purchased BBQ Bucks enjoyed previews by some of the many competing teams. A huge variety of food was available including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, burnt ends, nachos and beans.

Live music got underway at 7 p.m. on the portable stage. Adults checked out the beer garden and the kids checked out the live piglets from the Fort Hays State University farm and a bounce house.

The registered participants are competing in the KCBS competition today. The awards ceremony will be open to the public at 3:30 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 200 Main Street.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The preliminary overview of Ellis County’s 2017 budget earned a “thank you” and praise from all three Ellis County Commissioners Monday night.

County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes told the commission it came from department heads with “a mix of proposals to reduce spending without eliminating filled positions.” He cautioned it still excludes funding requests from outside agencies which will be presented at the next commission meeting on June 13.

The decrease in oil and gas revenue continues to hit Ellis County hard. Last year, the county based its budget off of oil at $38 per barrel and it was valued at $34. For this year, the county based the budget around $27 per barrel.

“Departments were able to save $600,643 over their 2016 budgets in what they’re proposing for 2017. That is a 3.3 percent reduction,” Smith-Hanes reported, and he called it a “very good level of savings. I really appreciate the work of our department heads.”

Commissioner Barb Wasinger said she was “very impressed” with all the department heads and also thanked Smith-Hanes, who is in his first year as county administrator. “This is a watershed moment for Ellis County and it means a lot to our taxpayers. I know it was difficult for all of you.”

“We said (earlier this spring) the budget had to be cut between two and five percent,” said Commission Chairman Dean Haselhorst, “and you guys got it to over three percent.  I think it shows to the public we are trying to be good stewards of their money.  Barb, myself and Marcy all said we were not in favor of having to raise taxes or the mill levy.” The 2016 budget included a 2.361 mill levy hike.

“We appreciate you,” added Commissioner Marcy McClelland.

Approximately $100,000 in savings comes from changes in five department head positions announced May 20.  Longtime County Health Administrator Butch Schyler is retiring; Emergency Services Director Kerry McCue will assume those duties.  Interim Public Works Director Curt Hoffman is returning to his  former position as County Road and Bridge Supervisor; Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Ring will become PW Director.   The Emergency Management Department will be merged with the Rural Fire Department to be headed by Rural Fire Director Darin Myers.

Haselhorst said the changes seem to be acceptable to Ellis County residents.  “People at church Sunday came up to me–I had no idea who they were but I’m assuming they were from Ellis County. They said ‘that’s a great idea.  I wish you’d have done that sooner.”

Individual department budgets will be reviewed by the commissioners Thursday, June 16, and Thursday, June 23, at 9 a.m.  The final draft of the proposed Ellis County 2017 budget will be presented at the July 11 commission meeting.