Anthony Escalante

The council discussed the potential formalization of a child care consulting agreement, addressing questions about the scope of services, the expert's role in the steering committee's process, and concerns regarding project oversight and funding. While members expressed interest in moving forward, concerns were raised about the lack of a defined project budget and the need to ensure community input. Ultimately, the council approved a motion to pay the consultant for the specific meetings attended to date. Additionally, an update was provided regarding progress on a wastewater lagoon and wetlands project.

The meeting included approval of the Microcom warranty agreement, which showed a slight cost increase. Discussions were held regarding changes to the Police Chief job description to broaden eligibility based on experience versus education. The scope of services and engineering fee for the Highway 77 project were adjusted, with the expectation of construction savings. The council also approved Appropriation Ordinance 3839 for $128,648. The City Administrator provided updates on clearing roads after a winter storm, the need to schedule a budget workshop for late January or early February, and reported on a water leak on Elm Street requiring road closure if weather permits repairs. Further discussion covered the significant estimated cost to rebuild the engine of a salt truck that is currently in the shop, as well as handling recent accidents involving a plow and damage to Trails Park due to vandalism, leading to discussions on security measures like trail cameras. Committee reports addressed the continuing research into allowing additional small farm animals (like sheep and goats) for 4-H projects, subject to habitat review, and Prosecutor wages. The Street Committee reported on the Dawson Drive realignment issue related to a missing easement and the need to move forward with public bidding for the 12th Road project due to safety concerns. Finally, an appointment for Aaron Westbrook as City Prosecutor for 2025 was confirmed.

The meeting included public commentary on several issues. Residents discussed concerns regarding water damage remediation involving a sump pump failure. Another resident spoke in favor of increased city beautification efforts and stricter enforcement of property codes, noting concerns about property values being negatively impacted by violations and delays in code enforcement. There was also a discussion regarding the opening of the public pool, specifically addressing staffing challenges due to lifeguard availability and insurance requirements, and potential scheduling adjustments like offering evening aerobics. Updates were provided on the status of the Sprint Grant application for the corridor and the depot. Business included the approval of barricade placement for the Mother's Day Market. Significant discussion took place concerning nuisance resolution proceedings (Resolution Number 2023-02 for 811 North 8th Street), detailing the difficulties and procedural requirements, such as state statutes protecting personal property rights, that necessitate separate documentation for violations in different areas of the same property.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the previous regular minutes from December 9, 2024. Key discussions involved the Marshall County Sports and Rec report, noting that numbers remained similar to previous years, with plans for 2025 activities including a Daddy Daughter dance and college baseball team visits. The council accepted the State Crisis Intervention Program Grant, which will fund firearm safety classes, personal firearm safes, and specialized training courses (Mental Health via FETI and PIAT Instructor level training for supervisors). The Kansas JAG Grant was approved to procure a two-year drug analyzer, allowing for safer substance testing through packaging. The council also approved the acceptance of the Edward Brian Justice Assistance Grant. Further business included the approval of Ordinance 1940, establishing regulations for food trucks to ensure safety and community integration, and Ordinance 1941, creating the Youth Advisory Council in coordination with the local school. Finally, significant discussion occurred regarding Ordinance revisions (1891 and 1900) pertaining to the City Charter, where advice was given to conduct thorough legal analysis before making sweeping changes to avoid creating further legal issues, especially concerning the adoption of the City Code.

The meeting included public comment segments. The first addressed concerns regarding property maintenance at 406 Jenkins Street, with a request for additional time to bring the property up to code following a recent passing in the family. The second public comment detailed an update from the director of the Pony Express Partnership for Children regarding their services, including emergency assistance and GED programs. The director heavily focused on the need for zoning approval to move the Bright Beginnings daycare into a building the organization already owns, a move necessitated by the loss of rental income from the previous tenant (Head Start). The director requested the council waive the site plan requirement, which the council clarified must be addressed by the Planning Commission. Business items included a request from the Keras Museum Advisory Board to implement winter hours, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday operations, and for the city to fund the wages for these extended hours. Discussion also touched upon infrastructure at the museum, specifically the need for a reliable HVAC system and foundation work, as well as potential modifications to the building's insurance policy.