In addition to considering a dedicated truck route, acting on spending measures, and considering elementary-school safety measures, all three reports located elsewhere in this issue, Parker city leaders have opted to try selling their old police car via sealed bid.
At its monthly meeting last Thursday, the council voted 4-0, with Jason Webber not present, to take sealed bids on the Crown Victoria up to next month’s 7 p.m. April 13 meeting as recommended by Councilman Jerry Summers. Summers said the city should have the right to reject any and all bids.
Mayor Ashley Balthazor said the vehicle’s Blue Book trade-in value is listed between $1,200-$1,900.
During his report, Craig Haley, police chief, noted numerous complaints at the city lake of off-road vehicles “doing damage and creating ruts to mow over.” He suggested consideration of an ordinance to disallow off-road vehicles to leave city lake roadways.
During his report, Chad Page, contracted water/sewer operator, will next month present an updated quote, estimated around $6,000, for a new pump at the sewer lift station.
“We’re starting to fight the old pumps,” said Page, noting that rebuilding one is possible. “But it has to be shipped out, and they can’t promise anything.”
He said both lift-station pumps are currently operating, but the older one purchased 15 years ago “is on its last leg.”
During her report, Kathy Harrison, city treasurer, noted February general fund revenue of $6,067.56 and expenses of $11,212.87, capital outlay revenue of $4,231.89 and expenses of $18,170.26, water fund revenue of $4,380.01 and expenses of $3,728.75, sewer fund revenue of $1,962.08 and expenses of $1,904.04, and street fund expenses of $275. The park/lake fund showed no February activity.
The council approved bill payments totaling $58,401.38.
Because the February monthly meeting was cancelled due to an anticipated lack of a quorum, Harrison also provided information showing January general fund revenue of $31,853.34 and expenses of $12,669.95, capital outlay revenue of $3,572.52, water fund revenue of $5,782.14 and expenses of $6,737.77, sewer fund revenue of $2,554.23 and expenses of $1,282.24, and street fund revenue of $1,645.61 and expenses of $372.20. The park/lake fund showed no January activity.
In other business before the council:
--The council elected Gary Earley as its pro tempore president on a 3-0 vote, with Earley abstaining. Balthazor said that Earley would preside over meetings in the rare event both she and Webber, the council president, would be absent.
--Carrie Sewell, city clerk, reported that several residents are needing culverts replaced. Asked by Balthazor of his interest, Page said he is interested but that “some may just need cleaning out.”
--Following up on an appearance at last November’s meeting, Albert Kerr asked about assisting the city by mowing at the sewer lagoon and the city lake. Balthazor said that the city will contact him if needed. “We don’t know yet if we need help or not,” the mayor said.
--As a step toward establishing a commercial auto shop in a current residential zone at 412 W. Kimball St. with Taylor Chapman, Julie Hurlock told the council that a conditional use permit application and fee have been submitted to the city. In response to the business being set back 15 feet from the center of the alley, Hurlock said their measurements indicate that “our door is exactly 15 feet away.”
--No public action followed a 20-minute executive session for non-elected personnel.
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 discuss effects of city disbandment of fire department

During the Public Works report at the May 5 meeting Linn County Commissioners heard a brief report on mutual aid agreements for the Linn County Rural Fire Department and what effect the possible disbandment of the Pleasanton Fire Department will have on the county. District... [More]
Blue Mound discusses financing options for water tower project

Members of the Blue Mound City Council heard from Tom Fingers of Midwest Assistance Program and Joey McLiney from McLiney and Company concerning options for financing the water tower on Monday, May 5, for their regular monthly meeting. The city has received a grant... [More]
La Cygne leaders contemplate sales tax adjustment

After bond defeasance, election would be required to alter stated fund focus By all appearances, La Cygne voters may not be far away from seeing a ballot proposal to alter the stated focus for one of its two 1-cent city sales taxes. Information at the two regular... [More]
More News
- Fire department public hearing nets crowd
- County counselor issues statement on Tanglewood roads
- Linn Valley City Council ends discussion with SEKMHC on building
- SPECIAL: Legislative Update
- 16 criminal cases from Tanglewood Lake incident dismissed
- Tanglewood seeks clarification, aid from county
- Commission workshop hears of justification for SEKMHC CEO $600,000 salary
- La Cygne police get automatic plate readers
SPORTS
Prairie View track has a great day as they host home invitational

The Prairie View track team hosted their home invitational on May 1. The Buffalos did very well as the girls won the meet with a score of 142 and the boys placed second with a score of 92. Central Heights won the meet for the boys with a score of 103. Once again, the Buffalos... [More]
Jayhawk track places top three at Prairie View

The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Prairie View on May 1 to compete in the Prairie View Invitational. The Hawks did well at the event as the girls placed second overall with 124 points while the boys placed third overall with 89 points. Here are the individual... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk hosts home track invitational
- Prairie View track competes at Jayhawk Invitational
- Pleasanton baseball sweeps St. Paul and falls to Uniontown
- Jayhawk track wins the Pleasanton Invitational
- Pleasanton track places in top three at home invitational
- Prairie View track has multiple gold winners at Anderson County, top athletes compete at KU Relays
- Jayhawk baseball earns first victories of the season
- Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ track teams win Oswego Invitational