city – Hays Post Archive

Newer, smaller recycling truck prompts changes to city of Hays policy

Posted on June 29, 2015June 29, 2015

By RICKY KERR
Hays Post

The City of Hays recycling program has made changes for collection of recyclable materials effective immediately, following the purchase of a newer but smaller truck.

“We ask our customers to break down the larger boxes,” said Solid Waste Division Superintendent Marvin Honas. “The main reason for that is the customers are leaving Styrofoam in these boxes and plastic wrap, neither of which is recyclable.”

Since the new recycling truck has two compartments instead of three, the program will not be able to sort plastic and Styrofoam trash from recyclable material.

“We had one compartment for paper and cardboard, one compartment for glass, plastics, tin and aluminum, and the third one we used if there was any trash,” Honas said.

The program chose to get a smaller, single-axle truck because it would be able to navigate streets and alleyways more safely.

“We cannot turn the (old) truck around in a cul-de-sac without backing up and turning around about three times,” Honas said. “Especially if there’s cars in that cul-de-sac. We usually have to pull the old truck in and just back out. From a safety standpoint, I don’t think that’s probably a good practice.”

Honas said the program no longer will be pick up trash from the yard, and asked that customers to bag cartons and other smaller cardboard boxes in plastic bags to avoid being blown around the yard.

“Time is a great essence right now and we don’t have extra personnel so we have to make do with what we have and manage those people the best way we can,” Honas said.

It was also clarified that plastic grocery bags are not recyclable in the program.

Honas was unsure if the changes will affect program participation, but acknowledged that everyone has a personal choice on whether to recycle.

“I don’t know how its going to affect our participation rate. Until we see where we’re at as far as if there is a decline, we can maybe evaluate that a little more,” he said.

The new recycling truck should see action within a few weeks, after trees have been trimmed to prevent damaging it.

For more information, visit the recycling program website.

Listen to the full interview with Honas below:

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City commission moves to Stage 2 water warning (VIDEO)

Posted on February 28, 2014February 28, 2014

By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

In the midst of a severe and unrelenting drought, the Hays City Commission approved a Stage 2 water warning declaration at its meeting Thursday night. The warning means the city will “reduce water to just enough to keep the roots of the grass alive on all parks and ball fields that utilize potable water.”

Outdoor water use will be prohibited from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and connections to the potable water system for irrigation also will be barred.

The move implements the second-tier fee for heavy water users, increasing the rate from $7.42 to $10.30 per 750 gallons. The fee will effect March water usage.

“Most people shouldn’t be affected by that one at all,” said City Manager Toby Dougherty, adding the city will ramp up its efforts to educate the community on conservation and regulations.

The city decided to move to water warning early due to the upcoming spring planting season.

“Knowing that a lot of people plan their lawns and gardens now, I would hate to see somebody plan a garden or a lawn replacement program and then penalize them later from a monetary standpoint through the conservation tier fee,” Dougherty said. “This gives people the opportunity to plan or not to plan knowing they’re going to pay more for that water usage outdoors.”

The drought is weighing heavy on the minds of city officials.

The next step in the city’s water conservation plan is a Stage 3 water emergency, which would implement even stricter conservation rules including a complete ban on outdoor watering and closure of municipal swimming pools.

Dougherty said the move will help “slow the rate of decline,” calling the move to Stage 2 pre-emptive.

City officials estimated that, at the current rate of decline, the city would have reached the need for a water warning by mid-summer 2014, with supplies requiring a Stage 3 water emergency in 2015.

Ellis council talks police records, Big Creek cleanup

Posted on January 8, 2014January 8, 2014

ELLIS — At Monday’s meeting of the Ellis City Council, city officials heard a presentation from Suzie Lidstrom of Huber & Associates on the Enterpol records management system for the Ellis Police Department.

The system is used by several area law enforcement agencies. Enterpol provides a shared database which will help area law enforcement solve cases faster and keep communities safer by providing critical information at the agency’s fingertips.

Brad Ricke, a member of the high-technology crime unit of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department spoke in favor of the Enterpol system.

The sheriff’s office has used the Enterpol system for years with success. Ricke said the Enterpol system is an affordable and reliable system that will aid the Ellis Police Department and help area law enforcement agencies as data is shared.

In other action, the council tabled until January a proposal to reimburse Ellis County just more than $3,000 for cleanup of large dead trees in Big Creek.

Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman said his department will attempt to clean as much of the debris as possible before accepting the county’s help. However, because of the city of Ellis does not own the proper equipment to remove the largest of the trees, help eventually will be needed.

Scheuerman said by having his department remove as much as possible, the cost proposal from the county will be able to be reduced.

Below are complete minutes from the Monday meeting:

DRAFT COPY NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
ELLIS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Minutes January 6, 2014

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lyle Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Council members Jeff Wolf, John Walz, John Leiker, Jolene Niernberger, and Terry Redetzke. Also present were Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, City Clerk Amy Burton, Police Chief Taft Yates, and City Attorney Olavee Raub. Council member Loran Gottschalk was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PRESENT
Jim Carthew, Joyce Carthew, Ryan Augustine, Dave McDaniel, Glen Keller, Brad Ricke, and Suzie Lidstrom
CONSENT AGENDA
Council member John Leiker moved to approve the consent agenda containing the Minutes from Regular Meeting on December 16, 2013, Minutes from Special Meeting on December 17, 2013 and Bills Ordinance #1940. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. The Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ryan Augustine was present to inform Council that he is now working as a free-lance computer programmer and website developer. Council has discussed in previous meetings the need to revamp the City’s website. If the City chooses to contract out the City’s website, Mr. Augustine would like to submit a proposal.
PRESENTATIONS OF AWARDS, PROCLAMATIONS, REQUESTS & PETITIONS (HEARINGS)
None
SPECIAL ORDER
Personnel: Entry
Newly hired Ellis Police Officer Jon Geiger introduced himself to the Governing Body and provided a background of his work history.
Police: Special Project
Suzie Lidstrom, representing Huber & Associates, gave a short presentation on the Enterpol records management system for the Police Department. The system is currently used by several area law enforcement agencies. Enterpol provides a shared database which will help area law enforcement solve cases faster and keep communities safer by providing critical information at the agency’s fingertips. Brad Ricke, a member of the high-technology crime unit of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department spoke in favor of the Enterpol system. Their agency has used the Enterpol system for years with high success. Mr. Ricke believes the Enterpol system is an affordable and reliable system that will aid the Ellis Police Department and help area law enforcement agencies as data is shared.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Water: Special Project
The Council discussed options presented at the December 17, 2013 Special Meeting regarding exploration of additional water sources for the City. It was the consensus of the Council to send Council members Terry Redetzke and John Walz, Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman, Water Operator Matt Windholz, and Water Advisory Committee Chairman Ron Johnson to meet with Trego County Rural Water District on January 9, 2014 to determine if the District is interested in working with the City of Ellis on providing water to the City. Council member Terry Redetzke added that Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty will be attending the February 17, 2014 meeting to determine if the City is interested in purchasing water from the City of Hays as they are exploring other water sources as well. The Council will continue to explore and consider any options available.
Fire: Financial
During the 2014 budget session, the Governing Body discussed paying off the lease purchase of the 2010 Freightliner Fire truck. The payoff would save the City approximately $19,300 in interest costs. Council member John Walz moved to pay off the existing lease purchase of the fire truck in the amount of $153,935.18 with funds to come from the Old Electric monies, with the understanding that the annual rental payment will be budgeted each year for the remainder of the lease term to replenish the Old Electric funds. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Works: Special Project
The Council discussed the cost proposal of $3,042.38 from Ellis County to help with the cleanup of the large dead trees in Big Creek. It was reported that the County chose to charge the City for their assistance since the City voted to retain the City’s share of the additional half-cent sales tax. The City previously reported that it plans to use the additional sales tax monies to help fund water exploration. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman would like to table this item until the end of January to see how much of the debris his Department is able to remove on its own. The City will still need the County’s assistance as the City does not own the equipment necessary to pull the largest pieces out of the creek bed. However, Mr. Scheuerman feels by having his Department remove as much as possible, the cost proposal from the County will be able to be reduced.
General Government: Grant
City Clerk Amy Burton inquired if Council was interested in submitting an application for the Ellis Thrift Shop Community Grant. The City has until January 31, 2014 to submit an application. This item will be tabled until the next meeting.
Water: Repair/Maintenance
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented bids for the inspection and cleaning of the water tower. Mr. Scheuerman recommended the bid from LiquiVision Technology Services. Council member John Walz moved and Council member Jeff Wolf seconded a motion to approve the low bid from LiquiVision Technology Services in the amount of $2,700.00 for the inspection and cleaning of the water tower with funds to come from the Water Utility Fund. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
General Government: City Code – Credit Card Authorization
City Clerk Amy Burton presented a resolution authorizing City employees to utilize the City credit card for necessary expenditures. The resolution has been updated for changes in staffing. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved and Council member John Leiker seconded a motion to approve Resolution #498 authorizing current employees to use the City credit card. Motion carried 5-0.
General Government: City Code – GAAP Waiver
The Council considered a resolution exempting the City of Ellis from GAAP requirements for financial statements and financial reports. Council member John Walz moved and Council member John Leiker seconded a motion to approve Resolution #499 waiving the GAAP financial reporting requirements for 2014. Motion carried unanimously.
REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Public Works
Water
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman presented the Comparative Water Report for October and November. Mr. Scheuerman talked to Council about possibly investing in an electronic meter reading system that would provide cost savings to both the City and the customer by catching water leaks more quickly and reducing water loss. He plans to have a representative present to Council at a future meeting.
Personnel
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman requested approval to begin advertising for the two new positions approved in the 2014 budget. Council member Jolene Niernberger moved to authorize Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman to begin advertising for the two open positions in the Public Works Department. Council member John Walz seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Streets: Repair/Maintenance
City Attorney Olavee Raub reported that she has confirmed that Lakeview Drive was properly dedicated and platted and therefore owned by the City. Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman reported the City has since performed some minor repair work but the street is in very poor condition. The street was very poorly constructed and does not appear to be installed at the specifications reported to the City at the time of the dedication. The City will continue to patch as needed but major construction work was not budgeted for in 2014.
Public Works Director Alan Scheuerman also noted that the County provides the City of Ellis with salt and sand for the roads for free, and in return, the City provides loader assistance to the County. The City did encumber overtime holiday pay to provide assistance to the County on New Year’s Day.
Police
Police Chief Taft Yates presented the January officer schedule. On January 9, 2014 the Department will be training with EMS and area law enforcement and fire departments on landing zones for emergency helicopters. The training will take place in Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. Chief Yates reported that he has started to receive applicants for Officer Casey’s position. He also recognized that it is normal procurement procedure to obtain two bids for purchases over $1,000. He is submitting only one bid for the records management system because it is a specialized product and used by area law enforcement agencies.
City Clerk
City Clerk Amy Burton announced the filing deadline for the April 1st election is noon on January 21st. Three council positions are up for election. The City’s holiday party will be held on January 25th at the Ellis Golf Club. The annual rabies clinic will be held January 25th from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the City Shop. Residents will also be able to purchase annual dog tags at the same time.
City Clerk Amy Burton reported on January 27, 2014 the Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a hearing on a special use permit application from Alliance Well Service. The City is required to receive a publication notice as well since the City owns property within 200’ of the proposed location.
The City has also been notified that Tri-Central Office Supply will cease support for the City’s Savin copier in June due to parts no longer being available. Ms. Burton also shared a card of thanks from the Fort Hays State University 310 “Water for the Heartland” Team.
MAYOR/COUNCIL
Council member Jeff Wolf wanted to dispel a rumor that the City has already decided to close the pool for the 2014 season.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Lyle Johnston called for an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel. A 10-minute executive session was proposed starting at 9:10 p.m. Mayor Johnston asked for a motion to recess. Council member John Walz moved to recess to executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel with the City Attorney, Public Works Director and City Clerk present. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. The Council returned to open session at 9:20 p.m. No action was taken in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
Council member John Leiker moved to adjourn the meeting. Council member Terry Redetzke seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

Commission OKs raises, renews lease with NCK Tech (VIDEO)

Posted on January 3, 2014January 3, 2014

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

The Hays City Commission held two meetings Thursday night, the first a makeup of the canceled Dec. 26 meeting. In that meeting, the commission approved a resolution adopting the 2014 job classification and pay plan which includes a 1-percent increase in salaries for all city employees, union and non-union members:

Assistant City Manager Paul Briseno said through the budget process, earlier in the year, the commission had budgeted for the increase and all of the salaries but two are paid for out of the general fund, with the total increase of $80,000. The other two salaries are paid for through the levy fund.

The commission also the approved mayoral appointments of Dawne Leiker and Patricia Levy to the Sister Cities Advisory Board.

At the regularly scheduled work session meeting, Eric Burks, president of North Central Kansas Technical College, presented the commission with the annual report of the Big Creek Technical Training Center at 101 Main.

The city and NCK Tech have a five-year lease agreement for the building, set to expire in May. City staff and the college both recommended approving a two-year extension of the lease with a requirement that if either party decides to not renew the lease, they must give 12 months notice. The current agreement allows for six months.

With the current lease agreement, NCK Tech uses the facility for free, but it is responsible for maintenance, they must hire five full-time employees and they have to construct projects for the city every other year.

“I think this has been a great win-win situation for both of us, not only for Hays but the surrounding communities,” Commissioner Ron Mellick said.

Students already have completed a podium for the city commission chamber, and they are currently working with Nick Willis, stormwater/water conservation superintendent, on water conservation projects in a number of city building.

The commission approved sending the action to the next regular meeting, scheduled for Jan. 9.

An amendment to the city’s parking regulations also will be on the agenda for the next regular commission meeting after the commission heard a report from I.D. Creech, director of public works.

During the creation of the current comprehensive plan, parking has been labeled as an issue that needs to be addressed. Creech said city parking regulations tend to require more parking stalls than needed. Requirements are calculated on square footage rather than an occupancy number, he said.

Creech said the city should change the wording in the parking regulations to allow for an alternative method of calculating parking needs.

Creech said this would not be automatic. There would be an application process and documentation would have to be provided to the zoning administrator.