Lisa Leach

The council reviewed and selected recipients for the 2026 City of Parker / Heritage Park scholarship applications. Additionally, the members engaged in a discussion regarding the need to revise requirements for future scholarship programs.

The Council meeting addressed various municipal operations and projects. Key discussions included public concerns regarding property drainage, a proposal for a camera system at the lake, and a community pride initiative. Department reports covered updates on law enforcement, maintenance, and waste management. Old business involved scheduling an ordinance workshop and taking steps to solicit bids for a stormwater drainage survey. New business included authorizing the purchase of mosquito fogging solution, initiating the drafting of an ordinance for jake brakes, and tabling discussions on police department hours and scholarships. In an executive session, the Council decided to relieve the current Code Enforcement Official and authorized the re-advertisement for the position.

The council addressed various public concerns, including drainage issues, damage to sewer lines caused by internet line installation, and the use of jake brakes by trucks entering the city. Department reports covered maintenance requests for lake fencing and a suspension seat for a mower, as well as preparations for the City-Wide Cleanup. Additionally, the council scheduled a workshop for ordinances and enforcement, approved a donation to the local After Prom event, and discussed potential surveillance and legal measures to address ongoing property damage at the city lake.

The Council reviewed and accepted a bid from H & S Roofing for community building and city hall repairs. Official appointments for the 2026 calendar year were approved, including roles for the City Clerk, City Treasurer, and legal counsel. The Council also renewed the annual contract for water and sewer services with Page Enterprises. Discussions took place regarding the management of campers within city limits and the Kansas Collateral Pool, and a future workshop for ordinance review was scheduled.

The meeting covered several department reports, including updates on a light pole issue in the library parking lot and lighting upgrade estimates for the Community Building. The City Clerk reported that the City of Parker received three 'Best of the Best 2025' awards. The Council approved up to $300 for installing emergency lights in the Community Building, with one member abstaining. In Old Business, no action was taken regarding preferred bids for Community Building and City Hall Repairs, deferring the decision until new members are seated. New Business included approving $250 Christmas bonuses for most employees and a $125 bonus for the Police Chief based on length of employment, and approving the CMB license renewal for One Stop for 2026. A plaque was presented to a Council Member in recognition of 18 years of service.