In addition to proposing exceeding the revenue neutral rate for its 2024 city budget and meeting via Zoom with a local mobile home park manager, two reports located elsewhere in this issue, La Cygne city leaders approved a project’s change order that actually deducts costs.

At their regular meeting last Wednesday, July 5, the council unanimously agreed to a change order deducting $8,800 from the $911,900 bid award to erect a new fire station. The change-order request by construction general contractor Hofer & Hofer & Associates, Inc., Humboldt, is a result of their recommendation to change the building’s steel siding from a thickness of 24 gauge to a thinner 26 gauge.

Dan Nasalroad, fire chief, said that Hofer noted that 26 gauge is the industry standard and that “they haven’t built anything with 24 gauge.”

Nasalroad expects the construction crew to be on site this week to begin the project.

During the agenda’s discussion from the floor, city leaders also helped clarify for James McCarson about property mowing responsibilities. McCarson said that language placed into a contract between the city and Jackie Pribble, owner at 109 N. 2nd St., indicated that the city would maintain “their portion up to the property line.” Last year, Pribble had been required to raze a structure there after a portion was found to be sitting directly above a city sewer easement.

McCarson believed that the property line sat back four feet from the street. Mayor Debra Wilson explained that, after platting, “the city puts in thoroughfares, right of ways, and easements. We control those, but don’t own them. Up to the road the property owner manages. All roads in town are that way after surveys.”

Wilson did offer to have the city’s public works department smooth the area for mowing preparation.

In other business before the council:

--Jodi Wade, city clerk, noted that the closest of three Evergy Kansas rate-increase public hearings across the state will be this Thursday at 6 p.m. at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus BEST Center at 12600 Quivira Road, Overland Park. She said those who cannot attend in person may join via Zoom.

The proposed $14 million increase for Evergy Kansas Metro (EKM) customers, of which La Cygne is a part, computes to a 1.95 percent increase, or an additional $3.47 per month. The proposal for Evergy Kansas Central customers is a $204 million increase, computing to a 9.77 percent increase, or an additional $14.24 per month.

If approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission after this month’s hearings, the rate increase would become effective this December.

--In her report, Tina Fenoughty, police chief and animal control officer, reported three citations since the June 7 meeting: two for animal cruelty that she attributed to the hot weather in late June and one for aggressive dog/running at large/tag. Wilson noted that the highest number of calls for service (15) for the four-week period ending last Wednesday were for animal complaints.

--No public action followed two executive sessions totaling 12 minutes for non-elected personnel review of applications and resumes.

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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