The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present. 
Following approval of the July 24th, 2023, meeting minutes, Smith opened the floor for citizen participation, however, there were no citizens seeking to make comments or to share information with the council. Smith then signed a proclamation to commemorate Constitution Week and the two hundred thirty-sixth anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention.
Codes Enforcement Officer Don Hastings reported that 23 building permits were issued in July, including two for new residences. This compares with 42 building permits issued, including two for new residences last year at this time. 
Public Safety Director Corey Murrison reported on Police Department activity in the city during the past month, including one DUI arrest and one Domestic Violence complaint. Officers responded to two non-injury vehicle accidents, two vehicle lockouts and three stray dog complaints. 
The Fire Department responded to one motor vehicle accident and one smoke investigation, as well as seven medical calls in Linn Valley. The department also responded to two vehicle fires in Miami County. 
City Clerk Karen Siffring presented the July 2023 Financial Report which included General Fund income of $31,721 and total expenses of $66,395. The council voted to approve the payment of expense vouchers totaling $161,853 for the month of July. 
On a motion by Council Member Robert Suppenbach, the council voted to pass Ordinance #250 which incorporates by reference the “Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas Cities” into the city’s code. This ordinance cancels and repeals Ordinance #241. Also, on a motion by Suppenbach, the council voted to pass Ordinance #251 which adopts by reference the “Uniform Public Offense Code” published by the League of Kansas Municipalities. In a unanimous vote, the council approved a motion by Council President Lou Donelson to approve Ordinance #248 which increases the city’s court cost for the Municipal Court from $55 to $78.50. Donelson noted that the city’s costs have gone up significantly and that the $55 court cost has been in effect since 2015.
In her report, Smith addressed several personnel matters before the council, including her intention to hire an Assistant City Clerk in 2024. Smith cited City Clerk Karen Siffring’s current workload, the critical nature of her duties and the amount of overtime she has had to work just to keep up. Smith expects to post the position and interview prospective candidates by the end of this year. Smith also made a recommendation to the council to consider merit raises for two employees. Council President Lou Donelson followed up with motions to approve a 6 percent salary increase for Public Safety Director Corey Murrison and to increase Siffring’s pay rate from $24.59/hr. to $26.59/hr. Both motions passed with a unanimous vote.

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

Economic Development Director resigns

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Cites lack of professionalism and respect in leadership   During the public comment portion of the commissioners meeting on Aug. 18, Economic Development Director Chasity Ware took the podium and read a letter to the commissioners that began by noting that she had lived... [More]

Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan

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The Pleasanton City Council met Monday night and listened to a presentation by Streets Supervisor Taylor Robinson who presented a plan on how to move forward to get all city streets redone next spring and summer. Robinson said she met with Linn County Public Works Superintendent... [More]

USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy

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During the August meeting, which was moved to Tuesday, Aug. 12, the USD 344 Board of Education adopted a new cell phone policy as recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards and Kansas State Department of Education. The new policy prompted several questions from... [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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