The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding. All council members were present with the exception of Michael Hemphill.
Codes Enforcement Officer Don Hastings reported that 32 building permits were issued in October, including two for new residences. To date, the city has issued a total of 458 building permits in 2022, including 28 for new home construction. Last month the Council approved the six-month moratorium on accepting new building permits; however, the moratorium could possibly be lifted prior to April 2024 depending upon progress in reducing the current backlog of open building permits. Smith complemented Codes Enforcement Officer Don Hastings and Codes Clerk Jenny Schooler for their efforts in reducing the 2021 permit backlog from 195 down to 14.
Additionally, the council is considering elimination of permitting requirements for several types of residential construction projects. Examples of projects under consideration are (1) storage sheds less than 200 square feet with no utilities, (2) installation of culverts, (3) lot clearing work which doesn’t involve excavation, (4) fence erection and (5) non-foundational concrete patio slabs. Smith indicated that the council will work on the proposed list of projects for the November 28th council meeting.
Council Member Lew Donelson noted several zoning issues that are currently in play, including the zoning designation for the city’s new water tower. The water tower property is currently zoned as “Agricultural” but rezoning the property as “Residential” is under consideration. Additionally, the Linn Valley Community Church has had discussions with the city about establishing a daycare center at the church, raising questions about the impact on zoning. The council has been working with its consultant, Institute for Building Technology and Safety (“IBTS”) on planning and zoning issues within Linn Valley and preliminary recommendations are expected in December.
Public Safety Director Corey Murrison reported on Police Department activity in the city during the past month, including the transport of a runaway juvenile to Wichita and two arrests for Possession of Narcotics. Murrison reported that application for an arrest warrant has been made for one suspect in connection with two stolen UTV’s, and that two subjects have been charged in connection with a burglary at the Clubhouse. Charges have been filed against another suspect for theft of a generator. In addition, one citation was issued for Criminal Littering at the city dumpster.
The Fire Department responded to three medical calls, three grass fires and one injury accident in Linn Valley; as well as, two medical calls, three injury accidents, two brush fires and one structure fire in Miami County.
City Clerk Karen Siffring presented the October 2022 Financial Report which included General Fund income of $45,093 and expenses totaling $62,628. The council voted to approve expense vouchers totaling $199,522 for the month of October.
Prior to adjournment, the council went into a 10-minute executive session regarding land acquisition. No action was taken.
MEETINGS
LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 27, 2023

The Linn Valley City Council met Monday and heard from City Clerk Karen Siffring concerning meeting dates. She said the Kansas League of Municipalities (KLM) said governing bodies can’t cancel meetings prior to the meeting date, as in the case of a lack of a quorum; she... [More]
LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, March 27, 2023

The Linn County Commissioners met on Monday, March 27, and began their meeting with the approval of the minutes of last week’s meeting followed by the approval of the payment of claims in the amount of $372,248.40. County Clerk David Lamb then presented adds and abates... [More]
LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, March 20, 2023

Linn County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, March 20, and began their meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims in the amount of $208,590.69. The commissioners then approved adds and abates 2021-178 and 2022-878-... [More]
More Meetings
- PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 20, 2023
- USD 346 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, March 20, 2023
- LA CYGNE CITY COUNCIL - Wednesday, March 15, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, March 13, 2023
- MOUND CITY COUNCIL - Tuesday, March 7, 2023
- PRESCOTT CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 13, 2023
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, March 13, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, March 6, 2023
NEWS
Commissioners discuss Pleasanton meal site options

During the latter part of the meeting on Monday, March 27, Linn County Commissioners discussed the walk-through on Wednesday, March 22 at the former Memaw’s Kitchen located at 6th and Main Streets in Pleasanton. Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower read notes... [More]
Linn Valley moves forward with water, sewer project

“Positive ramifications” for the city Following a 15-minute legal session called by Linn Valley Mayor Cindy Smith at their Monday meeting, the mayor announced a preliminary agreement with Rural Water District #1 for water rights in Linn Valley. Smith... [More]
USD 362 leader asks to broaden policy

Possible April vote would make nepotism additions A vote may occur next month on broadening a Unified School District 362 nepotism policy as urged by its superintendent. At the monthly board of education meeting earlier this month, Rex Bollinger, Ed.D., laid out... [More]
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- One-cent sales tax coming on Pleasanton ballot
- SPECIAL: Pleasanton One-Cent Sales Tax Questions
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SPORTS
Prairie View competes at State Powerlifting meet

The Prairie View Buffalos competed in the State Powerlifting meet on March 25. The meet had 285 total lifters and the Buffalos took 16 boys and nine girls to the event. Prairie View had two lifters place second in their respective weight divisions at the meet. Rhett Jackman,... [More]
Jayhawk softball and baseball open season against Southeast Cherokee

The Jayhawk baseball and softball teams opened their 2023 season at home against Southeast Cherokee on March 27. Both softball and baseball teams played a double header and the boys split while the girls swept the Lancers. Baseball won their first game 3-0 but lost the second... [More]
More Sports
- 2022-23 All County Girls’ Basketball team
- Jayhawk Wrestling Club has five place at State
- Linn County Twisters takes 13 to State, 5 place
- Lady Buffs win 1, fall in semifinals
- Pleasanton basketball falls in the first round of Sub-State
- White places sixth for Jayhawk wrestling at State
- Kline and Cox-Halliburton represent Prairie View at State
- Prairie View basketball splits against Anderson County