BY TONY FURSE | March 22, 2023

In addition to hearing about options for marketing a city-owned residential lot, a report located elsewhere in this issue, La Cygne councilmen also approved an annual city insurance premium of $66,067 to Truly Insurance, La Cygne.

At their regular meeting last Wednesday, March 15, the council approved the payment, a $2,916 increase from last year’s, on a 4-0 vote, with Jerome Mitzner not present. 

Noting only one available quote to consider, Danny Curtis, council president, alluded to discussion a year ago about having multiple quotes.

Jodi Wade, city clerk, said that EMC Insurance is “the predominate underwriter in the municipal world.” She said a change in company would not produce a different underwriter, “just a different agent.” 

In reaching out to other cities, she found only one that is not insured by EMC but rather by an insurance pool that tends to be geared toward large municipalities.

“It’s not just about prices but also about loyalty,” said Wade, noting where a different company, following “a big event, drops you afterward or raises premiums significantly.”

Noting last year’s property valuation increases, Dan Nasalroad, public works superintendent, suggested that “some of our structures maybe we should self insure. You might save enough over time to be able to rebuild fully.” He also suggested that vehicle deductibles be raised to save on premiums.

In other business before the council:

--Mayor Debra Wilson related that advertising for bids for a potential new fire station were let March 6, with a 10 a.m. Thursday pre-bid meeting and the opening of bids at 1 p.m. April 11. Wade anticipates council consideration of a bid award at its 7 p.m. regular meeting April 19.

--In her report, Tina Fenoughty, police chief, said that Achilles Ferrell, full-time police officer, will begin academy training next Monday at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, Hutchinson, with a June 30 graduation date.

--As animal control officer, Fenoughty announced that the annual Dog Days veterinary clinic will run from 10 a.m. to noon April 15.

--Wilson announced a “Build Our City” open house from 4-7 p.m. April 12 at the local library’s Swan Room and asked for “as many council members there as possible.”

--Wilson praised Jenn Vogt, deputy city clerk, for her utilization of social media to promote this past Sunday’s downtown Spring Fling Pop Up Shop (small business expo).

--Council action rectified conflicting policy guidelines that will now both state that the role of a council member does not include direct city employee supervision.

--Wade said that the annual in-house audit for the previous fiscal year was conducted last week.

--No public action followed three executive sessions totaling 25 minutes for non-elected personnel individual employees’ performances.