BY TONY FURSE | June 15, 2022

In addition to patron comments and city-attorney directions concerning codes issues, a report located elsewhere in this edition, Parker city leaders tabled two potential zoning-change and/or conditional use permit (CUP) considerations to next month's regular 7 p.m. July 14 council meeting.

The first during last Thursday's monthly council meeting was a follow-up to a presentation last month by Justin Wiler, 208 E. Woodward, for a CUP to allow him to open his garage for his business, Jax Henry, of three-dimensional wood and craft engraving production and education. 

He had noted then that the front half of his property, which would include parking, is zoned residential. City leaders confirmed at last week's meeting that the front half of Wiler's property, residentially zoned, is within city limits, but the back half is outside the city.

In advising the council, who earlier this year also voted to act as Parker's zoning committee, Burton Harding, city attorney, said a CUP is "not necessarily a binary yes or no." He said considerations include the CUP's limitations, business signage, parking for up to 20 cars, and specifying the kind of business.

"You want to make sure you tailor it so it won't upset neighbors," Harding advised. "The council needs some discussion about what this would permanently look like. Will it be for one year? Five years?"

Councilman Gary Earley suggested that the council physically go to the property and discuss with Wiler "about what he wants to do.

Councilman Jerry Summers called for the item to be tabled, with leaders agreeing that Carrie Sewell, city clerk, prepare a notification to neighbors of the CUP discussion and a probable public hearing.

The second item was a citizen request about city code pertaining to use of shipping containers.

Advising that the citizen would need to approach the council, Harding said a CUP would most likely be necessary "if it's not otherwise in city ordinance. And again, this will affect neighbors and property owners." Councilwoman Jody Bloodgood called for that item to be tabled.

Another request to change zoning, however, was denied on a 4-0 council vote, with Kandice Higgins not present.

In her clerk's report, Sewell had noted that William Sinclair had asked for a zoning change from commercial to residential in order to establish electricity access on property along Main Street between the Post Office and City Hall.

Prior to Bloodgood's motion and Earley's second to deny the change, Summers had posed the question of "a CUP being needed here, too, wouldn't it," and Earley suggesting its tabling and Sinclair's appearance before the council.

Other 4-0 votes included the council establishing an electronic utility payment option through KanPay for customers who so choose.

Sewell said the option is no-cost for the city, and KanPay provides all support and supply security. Customers will be charged either $1.50 for each e-check transaction or 2.5 percent on a debit/credit card transaction.

Asked about its benefit by Ashley Balthazor, council president who served as the meeting's moderator in the absence of Mayor Cody Adams, Sewell said she has "someone asking almost daily, and other cities around are using it."

Asked by Bloodgood how long before the option will be in place, Sewell admitted that "it will take a bit because it's done virtually." Bloodgood, whose motion to adopt was seconded by Summers, suggested its information be included in the next city newsletter.

Another 4-0 vote authorizes employment of a second summer maintenance employee.

Sewell noted receiving just two applications after the seasonal $10 hourly position was approved last month. In the interim as authorized by the council, Sewell and Rodney Hetzer, maintenance, had hired Hunter Dunn. During his report, Hetzer noted that he and Dunn had removed carpeting the day before from the future City Hall at Main and Center streets.

On Sewell's suggestion after noting that the seasonal help can only work on Hetzer's three maintenance days, the council also agreed to hire Rylee Day. 

Also relating to maintenance, mosquito fogging will begin soon. Ryan Sobba, former councilman in attendance Thursday, will assist Hetzer in readying the equipment.

Jason Webber, another former councilman in attendance Thursday, relayed information insistent that the fogging program start out once a week.

"The way it is now, it's going to take a while," Webber said.

Cheryl Webber added that "part of the (current mosquito) problem is people are not taking care of their yards."

During the treasurer's report, Sewell read May general fund revenue of $5,274.78 and expenses of $9,244.69, capital outlay revenue of $4,055.73, water fund revenue of $4,745.50 and expenses of $5,700.10, sewer fund revenue of $2,347.53 and expenses of $1,204, and street fund expenses of $2,195. The park/lake fund showed no May activity.

The council approved bill payments totaling $12,014.64.

In other items before the council:

--Earley asked about the city acquiring a podium and amplifier for citizens who address the council. 

--Janice Long asked about removal of a culvert that currently impedes storm water runoff. Balthazor said she would get Chad Page, contracted water/sewer operator, involved.

--In answer to Jason Webber's question about the fate of the Shafer Automotive building gutted by fire last July 18, Harding said the issue is "in court right now" and indicated an impending trial hearing.