In addition to halting Community Building rentals and discussing beavers damming private-property waterways, both reports located elsewhere in this issue, La Cygne city leaders approved two public works purchase orders at their regular council meeting last Wednesday, March 1.

Purchase Order No. 2023-4 will allocate up to $70,000 from the water capital outlay fund to acquire through Acrison, Inc., Moonachie, N.J., a carbon feeder for the water treatment plant. The city had made a request to the Linn County Commission, which was denied, to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to help pay for what Dan Nasalroad, public works superintendent, said is a “must have” item.

Nasalroad said the carbon feeder, which he anticipates might still be up to three months before arrival, “will give us flow that we need. Right now, we can’t put the volume of carbon in that we need.”

In answer to Councilman Jerome Mitzner, Nasalroad said the new feeder is large enough to handle future expansion capabilities.

Purchase Order No 2023-5 allocates $15,618 from the special park and pool tax fund through Blue Valley Tractor, Stilwell, for a Wright zero-turn mower to replace the current Grasshopper mower for the city park.

Like the carbon feeder, Nasalroad said the mower will be delivered in the next few weeks because “it’s not in stock now. There’s very little inventory available.”

Nasalroad said his department has been pleased with a similar mower that has been in use at Oak Lawn Cemetery for the past two seasons.

The council also unanimously approved two special project pay applications.

In considering a final invoice of $29,677.75 from Starbuck Trucking LLC, Fredonia, general contractor for the water plant settling pond new construction and renovation, the council opted to keep $10,000 for retainage. Jodi Wade, city clerk, had suggested holding back “a little.” Nasalroad said he is confident Starbuck will complete any remaining work but admitted the retainage “is good.”

Also approved was pay application No. 9 of $279,765.49 from Nowak Construction Co. Inc., Goddard, general contractor for the sewer rehabilitation project, for a 50-day work period ending Feb. 19.

About patching of project street cuts, Nasalroad reported that Nowak is awaiting the seasonal opening of asphalt plants.

In other action, the council unanimously approved sending to the La Cygne Planning and Zoning Commission application for 76,000 square feet of city-owned property at 602 N. 5th St. to be divided into three plats.

Mayor Debra Wilson had asked about an ad hoc council committee being formed to work with a surveyor to draw out the legal plats, but when council members voiced concern about the time required and their own jobs, the consensus was for Nasalroad and Wade to work with the surveyor and with Abby Mills, water resources engineer for BG Consultants, Inc., Manhattan, concerning the site’s drainage relating to the proposed stormwater master plan.

In her report, Tina Fenoughty, police chief, praised Jo LeStourgeon, full-time police officer, and Allison Fox, codes enforcement officer and zoning administrator, in handling an incident at a local business that involved a “subject with a mental illness issue.” Fenoughty said the business complimented both officers for handling the situation “professionally.”

Fenoughty also said that reports for this year’s January-February time span had doubled those of any of the previous four years.

She also told the council that a possible new vehicle might be secured later this month or early in April and that the city’s annual Dog Days veterinary clinic is set for April 15.

In his report, Nasalroad publicly announced that loose decorations “that hinder mowing” at Oak Park Cemetery will begin to be moved starting March 20 “to get us ready for cemetery mowing season.” He said removed items would be labeled and stored at the cemetery’s building “for a while.”

In other business before the council:

--The council rescinded an earlier appointment of Randy Broyles to the city’s Board of Appeals. Wilson said the city did not receive an acceptance response from his appointment letter.

--Wilson reminded those in attendance of the commercial district Spring Fling Pop Up Shop (small business expo) March 19.

--Citing American flag ethics, Brenneman said he wants to see a light shining on the City Hall flag after dark.

--During the park council committee report, Wilson said swimming pool lifeguards will be interviewed this week. In preparation for the pool’s May 27 opening, Wilson reported that pool managers have been interviewed and offers presented to applicants.

--No public action resulted from an eight-minute executive session for trade secrets relating to a possible city partnership with a non-profit organization, nor for two closed sessions totaling 15 minutes for preliminary acquisition of real property discussion regarding potential home development.

MEETINGS

LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023

thumb

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

thumb

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

thumb

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

NEWS

Linn County News website gets new update

thumb

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

thumb

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

thumb

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]

More News

SPORTS

Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

thumb

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

thumb

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

thumb

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]

More Sports

PLEASANTON WEATHER
View Legals for Free