In addition to autumn physical housekeeping items and drafting of updated city codes, both reports located elsewhere in this edition. Parker city leaders will invite county law enforcement or information technology (IT) representative to next month’s 7 p.m. Nov. 10 meeting.
The invitation for either Kevin Friend, Linn County sheriff; Bobby Johnson, undersheriff; or Chris Martin, county IT director, came during an agenda item at last Thursday’s monthly council meeting revisiting a request by Craig Haley, police chief, for the city to be a part of Linn County’s law enforcement records management system. He said Parker’s is the only city police department not a part of the county’s system.
Haley said being part of that CentralSquare Technologies system platform is “beneficial for storing records and creating and keeping track of reports. Everybody’s moved away from paper and now store their records electronically elsewhere in the event of a computer crash.”
He said that, if dispatch calls him out for a case under his Parker jurisdiction, “they put it in their database but not my report.” If his city computer were to crater, Haley said he would lose that report information needed for prosecution.
Haley admitted that the cost would probably exceed $10,000 for Parker to be a part of the county’s system.
Another request made by Albert Kerr, representing Parker’s United Methodist Church, is expected to be completed. Appearing during public comments time, Kerr asked that an 8-inch whistle be placed to the south end of the east parking area with a concrete box in between--”we need more room for funerals and for a hearse to park.”
Kerr said he had made the request at least 34 months ago, prior to the completion of Wayne Burk’s final year as mayor, “but it never got done.”
Chad Page, contracted water/sewer operator who was also contracted maintenance at the time of the request, said he believed the installation of pipe and gravel could be accomplished among himself, Kerr, and Rodney Hetzer, current maintenance.
During her report, Kathy Harrison, city treasurer, reported September general fund revenue of $15,363.98 and expenses of $8,850.03, capital outlay revenue of $7,264.92, water fund revenue of $4,570.07 and expenses of $6,896.65, and sewer fund revenue of $2,283.48 and expenses of $742.25. Neither the street nor park/lake fund showed any September activity.
Because the council’s regular September meeting was cancelled due to lack of a quorum, a presented report showed August general fund revenue of $2,383.53 and expenses of $9,227.49, water fund revenue of $5,205.71 and expenses of $4,162.10, sewer fund revenue of $2,663.78 and expenses of $1,082.18, and park/lake fund revenue of $772.50 and expenses of $273.42, with no August activity for either the capital outlay or street funds and bill payments that month totaling $15,736.
On a 3-0 vote with Kandice Higgins and Jason Webber not present, the council approved an $800 expenditure to Crystal Riggs, who is organizing the Dec. 10 Santa Comes to Parker annual Christmas event, this year returning to the Parker Elementary School.
During her report, Carrie Sewell, city clerk, shared complaints about the noon whistle sounding at 12:13 p.m. each day and said she would reset it if she knew how. Page said the problem could be fixed and agreed to train Hetzer on its resetting.
In other business before the council:
--Sewell reported information from John Terry, business development representative for KwiKom Communications, Iola, that his company expects to be laying broadband fiber optics in Parker by the end of the year. KwiKom is currently in Greeley. She said homeowners can expect letters explaining their options for tying in.
--Page reported a repaired leak in the area of Heritage Park to a residence, as well as meter and hydrant installation at the park, a $1,555.40 Page Enterprise invoice part of the current month’s $22,226.63 approved bill payments.
--Sewell read a thank you letter from the Linn County Library District No. 1 for the “generous donation” of $300 for the Parker library’s summer reading program.
--In answer to Councilwoman Jody Bloodgood concerning mosquito spraying equipment, Sewell said that VanDiest Supply Company conducts area April seminars where they will inspect equipment and recommend repairs.
--Hetzer and Sewell confirmed that Tony Ikenberry, Parker United Methodist Church minister, donated 50 pounds of fish food to the city.
--A decision on electing a council president to replace Ashley Balthazor was tabled to next month’s meeting. Under Kansas League of Municipalities by-laws, Balthazor assumed the mayor’s post upon the August resignation of Cody Adams.
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
Lettuce, lettuce for everyone
USD 344 wins vertical sustainability garden grant A grant that Pleasanton USD 344 went after in October 2023 for a pod to grow vertical sustainability gardens was confirmed won by the district. Superintendent Don Epps said the program should produce 400 to 500 heads... [More]
Local food drives to aid Linn County organizations and families
Three local schools and one local business are working to ensure that all of Linn County has a happy and healthy holiday season. Pleasanton Elementary, Parker Elementary and La Cygne Elementary are collecting canned and shelf-stable food products for the holiday season. Parker... [More]
Commissioner questions process of clerk’s resignation, appointment
During the Dec. 9 meeting, Linn County Commissioner Jim Johnson noted he had been asked by several people and questioned County Clerk David Lamb on the process that will take place when his resignation becomes effective. Lamb explained to the commissioners that it is up to... [More]
More News
- La Cygne leaders anticipate quotes
- Commissioners review option for county website
- SPECIAL: Lamb resigns County Clerk position
- Deputy extinguishes fire at Prairie View
- Commissioners meet with city representatives on compactor sites
- Pleasanton Council discusses compactor agreement
- Commissioners hold election canvass
- Linn Valley Council fills vacant council seat
SPORTS
Prairie View varsity girls’ wrestling compete at Spring Hill
The Prairie View girls’ varsity wrestling team traveled to Spring Hill on Dec. 7 to compete in the Spring Hill Girls’ Invitational. The Lady Buffs placed 10th out of 21 teams with a score of 46. Gardner Edgerton won the tournament with a score of 179. Here are the... [More]
Jayhawk varsity girls’ wrestling start season at KanOkla tournament
The Jayhawk girls’ varsity and JV wrestling teams traveled to Caney Valley on Dec. 6 to compete in the KanOkla girls’ wrestling tournament. The Lady Hawks placed 14th out of 20 teams with 50 team points. Douglas won the tournament with 130.5 team points. Here are... [More]
More Sports
- Hume teams lose openers at Appleton City
- All County Volleyball team 2024
- Three Rivers League releases 11 man All League football team
- Jayhawk volleyball has a great season and earns four unanimous all league selections
- Prairie View volleyball celebrates record setting season of team and individual accomplishments
- Prairie View football defeats Columbus to move to the sectional round of the playoffs
- Prairie View football advances to Regional round of 3A playoffs
- Jayhawk cross country finishes season at 3A State meet at Rim Rock