Peyton Kessler

Key discussions included the swearing in of newly elected and reelected Council members. The Council approved an ordinance to levy condemnation assessments (Ordinance No. 1532) for property demolition charges, assigning it number 1532. The consent agenda covered the approval of regular and special meeting minutes, accounts payables, payroll checks, utility deposit refunds, and two appointments. In old business, updates were given on a health nuisance property requiring demolition. New business involved approving a quote not to exceed $2,400 for cleaning out the water lagoon. The Council authorized Midwest Engineering to begin the bidding process for the new lagoon at the water plant. Brandy Scott was elected as Council President (4-1 vote). Discussions regarding Mediacom franchise maintenance issues led to considering non-renewal options. An executive session was held for attorney-client privilege concerning the transfer station. The Council adopted a resolution to waive GAAP requirements for financial reporting, opting for Cash Basis Laws compliance, and approved the 2024 utility write-offs. The Council decided to await a response from Higher Calling Security before making a decision on enhanced Office 365 email security. Police Chief Bond reported on December statistics, the arrival of new patrol units, and requested permission to sell two old patrol vehicles, pending Attorney Nodine's review of property sale policy. Superintendent Jurgensen announced a Verizon representative visit in February and mentioned a new 90/10 match grant opportunity for airport runway maintenance. The Clerk reported on the transition to new financial software, expecting the utility side to go live by the end of January.

Key discussions during the meeting involved legislative actions concerning city ordinances. The Council approved an ordinance to levy mowing fees via property taxes, assigning it Ordinance No. 1529. Furthermore, the Council addressed a request from the previous meeting regarding ducks within city limits by accepting two amended zoning ordinances (Ordinance Nos. 1530 and 1531). Under old business, an update was provided on a nuisance property at 523 Pennsylvania, for which condemnation demolition bids were opened, with B-3 Construction awarded the contract. New business included approving 2026 CMB licenses for several businesses and adopting the proposed 2026 Holiday Resolution. Utility rate review determined that refuse rates would be revisited in three months due to potential changes in trash hauling contracts. A $2,500 data conversion cost for new court software was approved, and a contract with Higher Calling for unlimited services was accepted despite one opposing vote. Various departmental reports detailed police statistics, including significant grant and donation funding totaling approximately $34,488 for 2025, such as funding for new rifles, a K-9 scent wall, and facility upgrades.

The council meeting included a recognition of service for Trevor Blankinship. Discussions covered the possibility of allowing ducks within city limits, leading to a request for an amended ordinance. An ordinance regarding mowing fees assessment was signed. Updates were provided on nuisance properties, including discussions on condemnation processes and resolutions for property cleanup. The purchase of two police vehicles was approved, and an updated ordinance addressing hunting in city limits was signed. A bid for new doors on the Parks building was accepted. GFL's potential rate increase for trash was mentioned, and upcoming evaluations for Department Heads were scheduled.

The council meeting addressed concerns about ditch maintenance and potential flooding issues raised by a resident. A condemnation public hearing was held for a property on Pennsylvania St, resulting in a resolution for the Mayor to sign. The council discussed and approved an ordinance for mowing fees assessment. Updates were provided on nuisance properties, including progress on addressing violations. The Knights of Columbus' request to hold their annual boot block was approved. The council reviewed and approved an updated records policy and records destroy list. An updated municipal agreement with the State of Kansas Set off program was approved. The council discussed and approved the purchase of GIS software from SAM for water utility mapping. A decision was made to proceed with Jayhawk Software for the new Court software. The Fire Department reported being awarded the State Farm Good Neighbor grant. The Police Chief provided updates on department activities, including calls for service, traffic stops, and arrests, as well as the status of the range and equipment. The need to replace department vehicles was discussed, and quotes were reviewed.

The council addressed several key items, including a resolution for the Revenue Neutral Rate and the approval of the 2026 budget with amendments to reduce the mil levy. An ordinance regarding mowing fees assessment was signed, and a new records request form was accepted. The council discussed nuisance updates for several properties and approved a resolution for one. A request from the Booster Club was reviewed, and a list of records for destruction was approved. The purchase of a dumpster for the C&D dump was approved. An executive session was held for land acquisition. Reports were given by the Chief of Police and City Superintendent, and a query was raised about the demolition of houses by B-3 Construction. A question about the basketball court in Crain Park was also raised.