The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2023, with Council President Lew Donelson presiding. Mayor Cindy Smith and Council Member Brenda Watkins-Muncy were absent. State Senator Caryn Tyson was scheduled to appear before the council for a discussion on Revenue Neutral Rates but, for unknown reasons, did not make the meeting.
Following approval of the July 10, 2023, meeting minutes, the council received a presentation by members of the Linn Valley Planning & Zoning Commission. Planning Commission Chairman Eric Victor and Commission Member Gregg Ahnemann discussed their proposed resolution to amend the city’s zoning ordinance.
Victor noted that there is often confusion between the jurisdiction of the city and the POA (Property Owners Association), and that the commission has been working to simplify the rules and relevant processes. He noted that the Planning Commission is tasked with safety, health, and general welfare of city residents, as well as maintaining property values; while the POA’s focus should be more related to “quality of life” issues.
As an example, the Planning Commission has been attempting to simplify and codify the city’s existing zoning ordinance with respect to recreational vehicles being parked on R-1 building lots. The commission has drafted a proposed resolution and presented it to the City Council for review. Donelson commended the Planning Commission for its good work and stated that the council will take up this issue during the August 28th regular meeting.
Next on the agenda was a discussion on the disposition of the two older buildings in the current City Hall complex and plans for the construction of a new City Hall. Donelson noted that the older building on the east side of the complex is basically uninhabitable due to roof leaks and mold issues.
He said the city rented the current temporary building because it outgrew the building space in the City Hall building. Since the city’s four-year lease on the current building expires in March of 2026, Donelson believes the council should begin planning now for design, construction, and funding of the new City Hall. He has been doing some research on potential suppliers of prefabricated buildings and plans to share any information developed with the entire council. City property just north of the Fire Station on Ullery Road has been discussed as a site for the new City Hall.
On a motion from Council Member John Weers, the council voted to approve the transfer of a Ford F-150 pickup truck from Codes Enforcement to the Fire Department.
City Clerk Karen Siffring reported that the city has received a dividend check in the amount of $7,267 from its insurance carrier.
MEETINGS
LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023

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

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

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
- USD 362 SCHOOL BOARD - Tuesday, October 17, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 2, 2023
- PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- BLUE MOUND CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, August 28, 2023
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, August 28, 2023
- USD 344 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
- USD 346 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
NEWS
Commissioners make official statement on Tanglewood roads

During the May 19 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from several residents and members of Tanglewood Lakes regarding the court ruling that the roads in the lake community are public roads. Jim Hendershot, Tanglewood Lakes, outlined several items in commissioners’... [More]
La Cygne okays local police firing range

La Cygne leaders have approved construction of a police-only firearm range near the city’s sewer lagoons. At their May 7 regular meeting, the council okayed the request on a 3-0 vote, with Tommy Capp and Ed Smith not present. First introduced by Zachary Mathies, police... [More]
Mound City council adopts rules for camping

During the May 6 meeting, the Mound City council adopted Ordinance 607 setting out rules for the camping area at the Mound City Lake. The ordinance that was adopted set a period of 14 days per stay with at least a five-day absence before returning to the lake. Violating this... [More]
More News
- LCSO releases statement on incident
- Pleasanton requests 1-year automatic aid fire extension
- Commissioners hear update, discuss aid agreement for Pleasanton FD
- Filing deadline approaches for local seats
- Commissioners discuss effects of city disbandment of fire department
- Blue Mound discusses financing options for water tower project
- La Cygne leaders contemplate sales tax adjustment
- Fire department public hearing nets crowd
SPORTS
Lady Hawks win league as Hawks host TRL meet

The Jayhawk Linn track team hosted the Three Rivers League meet on May 15. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams did well at the meet as the girls won league again this year with a score of 159. The boys placed second with a score of 100. Central Heights won league for... [More]
Pleasanton track sets school records at Pioneer League track meet

The Pleasanton track team traveled to Jayhawk Linn on May 15 to compete in the Three Rivers League track meet. The team did very well as the girls placed third with 68 ½ points and the boys placed fourth with 70 points. The Jays set some school records at this meet... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton baseball splits against Jayhawk
- Prairie View softball defeats Osawatomie and Girard
- Jayhawk baseball earns win over Pleasanton
- Prairie View track has a great day as they host home invitational
- Jayhawk track places top three at Prairie View
- Pleasanton track travels to Madison, boys take first
- Jayhawk hosts home track invitational
- Prairie View track competes at Jayhawk Invitational