In addition to an anticipated change at city judge, a report located elsewhere in this issue, La Cygne city leaders acted on a variety of routine items at the council’s one-hour regular meeting last Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Other than David Brenneman abstaining on the consent agenda motion because of his absence Nov. 16, all actions were 4-0, with Keith Stoker not present.

Items before the council in chronological order:

--During mayor’s comments, Danny Curtis, council president moderating for an absent Mayor Debra Wilson, announced upcoming holiday closures. City Hall will be closed Dec. 23-26 for Christmas and Jan. 2 to observe New Year’s. The trash compactor will be closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

--The council agreed with the recommendation by Dan Nasalroad, public works superintendent, to revise the ‘public works laborer 1’ job description to increase benefits to the same level as a public works operator. Noted Councilman Jerome Mitzner, “We can’t compete with wages, but we can with benefits.”

--In her report, Jodi Wade, city clerk, reported her ‘attendance’ for a follow-up Kansas Department of Commerce webinar concerning a grocery store model.

--Wade reported that 90 customers had signed up as of Nov. 30 for the city’s Front Desk online platform for utility billing and payments. She said the program’s remaining glitches are being worked out.

--The council approved pay application No. 6 of $446,892.11 for a 30-day work period ending Nov. 18 to Nowak Construction Co., Inc., Goddard, general contractor for the sewer system rehabilitation project. Nasalroad said that Nowak is almost finished with the relining phase. In response to a Mitzner question, Nasalroad said asphalt will be used to patch street cuts.

--The council approved payment voucher No. 8 of $4,973.81 to Cook, Flatt & Strobel Engineers, P.A., Topeka, inspectors for the completed Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) City Connecting Link Improvement Project that widened East Market Street (Kansas Highway 152) at the intersection with Industrial. Those funds will be released from the city’s pre-paid deposit of $379,000 with KDOT. Though motioning for the voucher payment, Thomas Capp had questioned overtime charges of $169.13 on the detailed itemized statement.

--During the council’s cemetery committee report, Nasalroad asked about city policy concerning chipped gravestone bases from mowing. He said the base in question is marble/granite rather than concrete but added that “90 percent have nicks and scrapes in the center section.” In answer to Curtis, Nasalroad said the preference would be for bases that are at ground level. Said Curtis, “In our book, it doesn’t say we are responsible,” and Burton Harding, city attorney, agreed. “It’s a personal item. I don’t think the city has any obligation.”

--The council approved Community Building fee waivers, one retroactive to Nov. 19 for a Grady’s Kids prayer vigil for Amelia SueAnn Cox, 3, who died Nov. 17, and the other for an upcoming Mound City Radio Control Club meeting in February. In both cases, refundable deposits had been required.

--The council reappointed Jason Hightower, whose current term expires Dec. 31, to the La Harper Heights board. Asked by Mitzner if Hightower’s assumption of his newly elected county commissioner post Jan. 9 would create a conflict, Wade said it would not--”if something comes up that would, he would need to (recuse) himself.”

--The council approved end-of-year transfer to street funds per Kansas statute to the special highway fund. Wade said up to 25 percent of La Cygne’s 1-cent sales tax for highways can be transferred.

--Anticipating Wilson and Stoker’s attendance at next week’s meeting, the council delayed discussion on a 2023 cost of living adjustment for city employees. Next week’s meeting will also include executive session time for annual review of city employee evaluations.

--The council approved the write-off of $118.78 in fees and $5,971.28 in abatements from accounts presented.

MEETINGS

LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023

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The Linn County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, Oct. 23, and began their weekly meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims in the amount of $272,818.97. Linn County Rural Fire Chief Randy Hegwald presented... [More]

LA CYGNE CITY COUNCIL - Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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Among actions at the regular La Cygne council meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 18, was a split vote in which the city accepts a draft agreement for title search and warranty deed preparation of seven lots at 402 S. Broadway in exchange for absorbing a $16,400 house demolition bill.... [More]

LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 23, 2023

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The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present.    Following approval of the October 9th and October 14th meeting minutes, Mayor Smith opened the floor... [More]

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NEWS

Linn County News website gets new update

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Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]

Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

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County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000   The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]

Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

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The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]

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SPORTS

Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

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It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]

Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

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The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9.  Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different.  The derby was divided into three age... [More]

Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

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The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson.  Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]

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