Chris McNeil

Key discussions included plans for city officers, with Oaths of Office scheduled for a future date, and the temporary suspension of the January court session due to transition in the code enforcement officer role. A neighborhood revitalization hearing is scheduled for the next meeting, requiring a re-approval of Ordinance 603 with date edits. Financial updates involved sending 2025 ordinances to Ransom Financial for the city code website update and opening a new savings account for the landfill, with monthly transfers planned. City employees completed tasks such as removing school zone signs, installing business district signs, and painting well houses; council authorized having all water valves serviced by a contractor. The council accepted a new application for the city fire department and discussed necessary repairs for loose stones in the cemetery. Old business covered progress on grant closures (ARPA and Dane Hansen for generators) and park/playground updates, including setting advertisement and bid timelines, and approving the first amendment to the CDBG grant agreement. A resolution was approved identifying a structure at 320 Starr as dangerous, setting a hearing date for the March meeting, while another dangerous structure hearing is set for February. Updates were provided on the transition of EMS services to Clay County and Concordia EMS. In new business, following an executive session, the council hired a new Code Enforcement Officer.

Key discussions during the session included patron concerns regarding property nuisances, budget, and generator project financing. The council held an executive session to discuss personnel matters, which resulted in the acceptance of the Ambulance Service Director's resignation and the appointment of a successor. Other topics involved the approval of Resolution 243 (GAAP waiver), updates on the annual audit for the water fund, handling of municipal court cases for property nuisances, property foreclosures, approval of the 2025 service contract with CCARES, discussion on funding 100% of the exterminator costs for Seniors Citizens, troubleshooting a non-working computer in the fitness center, city employee reports on snow removal and equipment maintenance, discussion on replacing the band shell paint and updating the dump truck situation, status updates on the CDBG Sewer Project and ARPA generator project, review of sewer line cleaning estimates, progress on generator purchases funded by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant, updating Low to Moderate Income (LMI) surveys for the Park/Playground project, and discussion regarding dangerous structures for demolition.

The regular session covered several municipal matters. The council approved the engagement letter for the 2025 water fund audit. Ordinance No. 602, proposing changes to the Standard Traffic Ordinance, was approved. Financial discussions included cashing out the water reserve CD to cover a KDHE loan payout and preparing a transfer from sewer reserve savings. City operations updates noted that the park and pool were winterized, and the lift station generator was repaired. The council approved the addition of two new members to the city fire department, contingent on paperwork completion. In old business, schematic number 3 for the new playground complex was approved. Additionally, the council discussed dangerous structures, initiated the process for one property, and decided to wait on a second property pending further owner contact. The council also held an executive session to discuss personnel matters, and requested job descriptions be provided in preparation for upcoming employee performance evaluations.

Key discussions during the session included future plans by Miltonvale Citizens for Progress to install Christmas lights downtown and in the park, which the Council approved. The Council addressed a tie in the official election results pending communication from the county level. Administrative actions included sending out tall grass violation notices, discussing procedural changes related to the U.S. Treasury discontinuing pennies, and approving Ordinance 602 concerning the Standard Traffic code. Financial activities involved cashing out the water reserve CD to pay off a loan and transferring sewer reserve savings. An off-premise CMB license application was approved, and the Mayor was designated as the interim agent for code enforcement. The Council also approved the Interlocal agreement and Ordinance No. 603 adopting the Neighborhood Revitalization plan for Cloud County, Kansas. Updates were provided on city employee activities, completion of the bandshell project, and personnel matters, including continued advertising for the Code Enforcement Officer position, approval of budgeted raises for 2026, Christmas bonuses, and changes to the city clerk's vacation and sick leave. Old business covered grant updates for ARPA and Dane Hansen, and approval of the final playground design after discussing bids and fencing options. The Council identified 502 1st as a dangerous structure and scheduled a hearing, while also initiating the condemnation process for 320 Starr. A sealed bid for the property at 615 3rd was opened and awarded to Shawn McKain.

The Miltonvale City Council meeting covered various topics, including discussions on a property demolition grant program, changes in the Kansas Open Records Act, and the installation of a new gym sign. The council addressed traffic code changes, guest Wi-Fi installation, and issues with Biery's trash service. Updates were provided on wastewater classes, ambulance inspections, and city maintenance. The council also discussed park improvements, dangerous structures, waterline work, and school district properties. They reviewed grant updates, park/playground updates, and dangerous structures. The council also discussed the demolition of a property and waterline work outside city limits. Additionally, the resignation of the Code Enforcement Officer was addressed, and the position was advertised.