BY TONY FURSE | September 14, 2022

In addition to deciding on four separate wastewater rehabilitation project items, a report located elsewhere in this issue, La Cygne city leaders approved up to $2,500 for a bulletin board at Oak Lawn Cemetery.

The 4-0 vote, with Jerome Mitzner not present, followed a presentation by Danny Curtis, council president, who provided photographs of a similar display board at Louisburg's cemetery during the regular council meeting last Wednesday, Sept. 7.

The costs include two enclosed display case cork walls priced at $569 each, construction lumber priced at $655.85 tax exempt, and a 10.5-feet square concrete slab base estimated at $200. The council vote waives building permit fees.

The message board construction will be overseen by Curtis and David Brenneman, the council's cemetery committee. Curtis credited Brenneman with "a lot of the work" and said its construction with volunteers should occur soon.

Most other business before the council was of a routine nature:

--The council approved invoice No. 3980 of $10,640 from Zingre and Associates, P.A., Fort Scott, for a 27-day period of design work through Aug. 30 on the proposed new fire station.

--City leaders were informed of a Prairie View Education Foundation fund drive goal of $500 by collecting 125 bags of clothing and other household textiles at Prairie View home football games this Friday, as well as at homecoming Sept. 30 and senior parent's night Oct. 14. 

--Jodi Wade, city clerk, said a stormwater master plan survey is available on the city's website and Facebook page, as well as hard copies at City Hall. She strongly encouraged citizens to fill out and submit the survey--"many have been waiting a long time for this."

--The council approved the hiring of Jo LeStourgeon as a full-time police officer at $20.25 hourly retroactive to Aug. 30. Wade said LeStourgeon is already certified and has completed her pre-employment screenings.

--Wade presented preliminary information for grant opportunities, one regarding Linn County's participation in the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission's pursuit of a Reconnecting Communities grant through the federal infrastructure law, the other the Kansas Department of Commerce's Strategic Economic Expansion and Development grant that will provide between $5,000-$50,000 for towns with populations less than 5,000.

--Debra Wilson signed two mayoral proclamations, one setting Saturday through Sept. 23 as Constitution Week in La Cygne, the other recognizing Direct Support Professionals Week for a seven-day period that began Sunday.

--Wilson officially accepted Brenneman's request to be removed as the council's Park Board liaison.

--Dan Nasalroad, public works superintendent, reported that a seepage test was performed on the reconstructed water treatment plant settling pond last week. He said that pond is nearing completion.

--No public action followed two executive sessions totaling 20 minutes for preliminary discussion of real estate acquisition, the first 10-minute one requested by Allison Fox, permanent part-time codes enforcement officer and zoning administrator, and the second by Nasalroad.

--The council set a workshop to review factory-built home code recommendations for 6 p.m. next Wednesday, Sept. 21, immediately preceding their regular 7 p.m. meeting