By GEORGE NUNNEMACHER | August 30, 2023

The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present. 

Following approval of the Aug. 14, 2023, meeting minutes, the council began a line-by-line review of Resolution No. 01-2023 which has been submitted by the Linn Valley Planning Commission. The resolution proposes amendments to the City Zoning Ordinance dealing with the Single-Family (R-1) District, the Single-Family Multi-Purpose/Camping Lots (R-2) District and Supplementary District Regulations. The resolution also includes restrictions and limitations on Home Occupation, Short-Term Residential Rental Property provisions and restrictions, Special Use Permits and the Zoning Appeals process. On Council President Lew Donelson’s recommendation, the council approved a motion to return a marked-up version of the document to the Planning Commission for review. 

Smith then opened the floor for citizen participation. City resident Cyndee Hughes made a presentation entitled, “Our Streets Are Not a Playground” which proposed rule changes concerning vehicular traffic in the city. Hughes said she has captured on her dash cam multiple incidents of unsafe driving, primarily by minors operating golf carts and four-wheelers within city limits. She cited several incidents of teenagers “flying” on four-wheelers at unsafe speeds. The presentation proposed that only licensed drivers aged 16 or older be allowed to operate golf carts and four-wheelers on the city’s paved roads. 

Also recommended are registration tags, rear view and sideview mirrors and working blinker lights on all vehicles. Hughes said the near miss of an accident with a teenager on a four-wheeler prompted her to make the presentation and the request for changes to the city’s traffic code. 

The council then went into a 10-minute executive session on personnel matters and returned with no action taken. Smith informed the council that two applications had been received for the Assistant City Clerk position. In a unanimous vote, the council approved the mayor’s request to hire Mendi Cyr to that full-time position. Cyr will start on September 18. She will receive full benefits and be paid at $16/hr. 

Based on Donelson’s recommendation the council also voted to approve a $3,400 award to EK Land Management for mowing and brush cleanup in areas along 2400 Road and Ullery Road. 

Donelson noted that he will be attending a league conference in Wichita in early October.