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

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

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

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]
More Meetings
- USD 362 SCHOOL BOARD - Tuesday, October 17, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 2, 2023
- PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- BLUE MOUND CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, August 28, 2023
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, August 28, 2023
- USD 344 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
- USD 346 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
NEWS
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of LaCygne public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute... [More]
Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call

On July 24 officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded to a call for an ongoing domestic issue at 605 E. 5th Street in Cabin 3 with the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, it was found that the... [More]
Commissioners review departmental budgets

SEKMHC budget cut During the July 28 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners reviewed several departmental budgets. Discussions began with Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Sheriff Akes explained to commissioners that initially he had budgeted extra hours to cover... [More]
More News
- Wisdom appointed Pleasanton Fire Chief
- Pleasanton Council cuts to get to revenue neutral
- Local residents warn of bad business practices
- Special: Resurfacing to begin on U.S. 69 in Linn County
- Pleasanton FD again at center of heated discussion
- La Cygne city to be below revenue neutral
- USD 362 files revenue-neutral exceedances
- Commissioners discuss airport future, request more information
SPORTS
Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]
Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.
More Sports
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
- Gratton at Nationals
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship
- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State