Rick Hileman

The council discussed updates to ordinance 937 regarding shipping containers, focusing on permit requirements and enforcement timelines. Other business included an update on a new backhoe purchase, bids for a clubhouse door, and addressing community complaints regarding minibike usage. The council approved economic development grants for residential and commercial property revitalization, as well as an increased donation to the Chamber of Commerce. Further actions included hiring a maintenance position for the Western Plains Housing authority and receiving updates on police vehicle recalls and department programs. Additionally, the council reviewed IT upgrade requirements for city computers and addressed a personnel resignation.

Key discussions included tabling the decision on two backhoe bids pending full council attendance. The council approved a motion waiving the requirement for individual council approvals for grant expenditures related to the Ken Sidles Youth Training Facility. Support was also granted for a BUILD letter concerning county bridges. In Economic Development matters, the council approved a $5,000.00 Commercial Revitalization Grant for 114 S. Main, authorized the annual membership payment to WKREDA, and approved changes to the Heritage Townhomes banking accounts. Several board members were reappointed to the Economic Development board, and approval was given to waive individual meal reimbursement approvals for the board. The Chamber of Commerce budget increase request was tabled pending an Economic Development board vote; the council also agreed to allow city staff to assist with hanging new signage. The Police Chief reported issues with the department's heating unit and mentioned looking into funding for another vehicle and acquiring AEDs.

Key discussions included the approval of the updated Municipal Water Conservation Plan and the renewal of the Guardian Dental contract. Three resolutions were approved by the council: Resolution No. 2026-1 concerning Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Resolution No. 2026-2 designating the official city newspaper, and Resolution No. 2026-3 designating official depositories. Council members confirmed their designated department assignments. In department reports, the council approved extending the Growing Leaders contract while modifying the amount, received an update on the police department, decided to solicit bids for a new city backhoe due to the current one's unreliable status, and approved proceeding with repairs to the police car damaged in an accident, for which insurance has accepted full responsibility. The Treasurer inquired about council attendance at the KRWA conference.

The meeting included discussions on property acquisition from KDOT concerning land improvements along Highway 9, which the council approved. The Police Department provided updates on vehicle repairs and discussed the need to procure AED's and Stop The Bleed Kits for emergency preparedness, deciding to seek grant funding for these items. The Clerk presented a bid for 100 new key fobs for the Srader Building and requested an increase in the fee for lost fobs, both of which were approved. The Treasurer noted a scheduling conflict with the upcoming KRWA conference. Furthermore, the council evaluated three competitive bids for replacing the current JCB Backhoe and ultimately voted to purchase the CAT 416-07 from Foley Implement. A follow-up inquiry was initiated regarding a 2020 decision concerning a property owner intending to develop shipping containers into tiny homes or airbnbs.

The discussion focused primarily on Ordinance 937 concerning the use of railroad cars, shipping boxes, or containers within city limits for purposes other than their original manufacturing intent. Council members addressed the current situation where multiple shipping containers are present without clear time constraints, noting that some owners are utilizing them for temporary purposes such as remodels or due to disasters, while others have acquired them without prior inquiry. The council determined that the existing ordinance lacks clarity on time limits, leading to potential abuse. A key action point was established to draft proposed language to amend the ordinance, allowing for the application of temporary use permits, possibly with time limits up to 120 days, subject to council discretion, to manage these situations while balancing enforcement with practical needs like construction or moving assistance. The original ordinance dates back to March 2004.