Zachary Mathies

Key discussions during the meeting included announcements regarding upcoming community events like Trunk or Treat and a Fire Department chili cookout. Following the approval of the consent agenda, which covered previous minutes and financial reports, there was a discussion regarding stop signs at 6th and Lincoln, and recognition was given to a retiring newspaper reporter. City officers reported on departmental activities. Public Works addressed the hiring of a new superintendent, road patching progress, and the extension of gas service to a new customer on Hedgelane, which was approved despite a recent policy change against adding new transport line customers. The Fire Chief reported an increase in calls. The Police Chief provided statistics for traffic stops, citations, and calls for service, noting the withdrawal of a Community Development Officer candidate due to childcare concerns, the donation of equipment, and plans for officer training and weapon upgrades. The council approved sending an officer to Taser Training and authorized the purchase of new 9mm Glock handguns. Discussions regarding the City Hall and Community Building remodel and plans for a 1% Sales Tax question for November 2026 ballot concerning master plans for stormwater and streets also occurred. Bids for the Sewer Lift Station Improvement Project were reviewed, and the contract was awarded to Fat Boy Electric. The Mayor was excused due to illness, and the Council President presided over the remainder. Several items, including mobile food truck regulations, camping regulations, park and pool regulations draft, and covenant drafts, were tabled. An executive session was held regarding non-elected personnel matters and consultation with the city attorney concerning water contracts.

During this special meeting, the council addressed personnel matters. Key actions included the removal of Connie Gore from the position of City Treasurer/Utility Clerk and Municipal Court Clerk, effective October 2, 2025. Subsequently, Lesli George-Mitzner was appointed as the interim City Treasurer/Utility Clerk, and Jodi Wade was appointed as the Interim Municipal Court Clerk, both effective October 2, 2025. The council also moved to approve advertising for the permanent positions of City Treasurer/Utility Clerk and Municipal Court Clerk.

The meeting included discussions regarding community events such as the successful Trick or Treat event and the upcoming Thanksgiving Community Dinner, for which a $500 contribution was approved. The Council also approved the Consent Agenda, which covered minutes from the previous meeting and a 2026 license renewal. City Officers provided several reports: the Police Chief presented 2025 totals and recent activity, noting the installation and operation of the ALPR system, and confirmed the Animal Kennel inspection passed with minor concern regarding rust. Public Works reported completion of maintenance improvements at the Water Plant. The Fire Chief reported on the successful Halloween event and the finalization of the New Fire station project. The City Clerk provided updates on applications for City Treasurer/Court Clerk, installation of new computer towers, and scheduling a review session for cemetery software. The Council also discussed adjusting the Christmas holiday schedule and reviewed correspondence regarding necessary water supply resolutions from the MRWAD concerning potential Data Centers. Special projects discussions included updates on the Sewer Rehabilitation Project, Water Treatment Plant Improvements, and planning for a 1% Sales Tax question for the 2026 ballot regarding Stormwater and Street Improvement Master Plans. Several items, including Mobile Food Truck Regulations and Camping Regulations, were tabled. The governing body held multiple executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel matters and financial data related to rural water district supply contracts. Finally, unfinished policy reviews included the Draft Company Vehicle Use Policy and various articles related to business regulations, beverages, and parking.

The meeting included comments from the Mayor regarding the upcoming "Christmas On Broadway" event. The Consent Agenda was approved, which included the minutes from the previous council meeting. Police Chief Mathies reported on 2025 year-to-date statistics and recent activity, and the Council approved Purchase Order No. 25PD02 for the purchase of two speed display radar signs using Special Highway Reserve funds. Administrative Policy No. 34 regarding the Merit Stipend Policy was tabled for review of job description details. The Public Works Director provided updates on the SCADA system security certification, potential repurposing of an old generator, and preparation for winter weather. The Fire Chief noted the completion of warranty items for the new fire station. The City Clerk reported on progress with the Chronicle Cemetery program, announced KORA/KOMA training, and requested closure of City Hall for staff training on new software. A motion was passed to add the new City Treasurer as an authorized signatory on city bank accounts and safety deposit boxes. Discussions were held regarding sewer lift station bids, where an executive session was held for attorney consultation, and regarding KDOT CCLIP funding status. Master plans for stormwater and streets were discussed, noting plans for Townhall meetings. City facility improvement concepts were reviewed. The City of Linn Valley water connection project remains on schedule. Council Committees reported on storing power poles for future use. New Business included tabling regulations for mobile food trucks, camping, and park and pool drafts. Multiple executive sessions were held to conduct employee reviews for the Public Works Department, City Hall staff, the Police Department, and Department Heads. Finally, Resolution No. 485 approving Administrative Policy #34 Employee Merit Stipend was approved after modifications were made to the calculation language.

Key discussions included Mayor comments regarding community Thanksgiving meals and the upcoming Christmas On Broadway event. The council approved the consent agenda, which covered the previous meeting's minutes, budget and treasurer reports for October 2025, and a CMB license renewal. Police Chief Mathies reported year-to-date statistics and provided an update on hiring for the Community Development position, Taser Instructor training, and the purchase and proposed sale of Glock firearms, which was approved by motion. The council also discussed a demonstration of the Operator XR training tool and approved a motion to pay the Interim Court Clerk a stipend equivalent to the Court Clerk until the position is filled. Further discussion occurred regarding radar speed signs, favoring movable units. An Employee Merit Stipend program structure was presented for future preparation. Public Works reported on installing Christmas decorations and coordinating locates due to Evergy pole replacements. The Assistant Fire Chief reported the ISO rating was pending. The City Clerk reported on discussions from the KMGA conference and the completion of interviews for the Treasurer/Court Clerk role, leading to the appointment of Alexandria Hadley. Special projects included updates on the Sewer Rehabilitation Project bid review, checking on KDOT CCLIP funds, and approving final invoices for Water Treatment Plant Improvements. The council plans to establish Townhall meetings regarding the 1% Sales Tax for a November 2026 ballot concerning the Stormwater Master Plan/Street Improvement Master Plan. The Mayor stated support for immediately beginning live streaming council meetings. Committee reports included a request to close City Hall in January 2026 for financial software training and coordinating KORA/KOMA training. Unfinished business items regarding Mobile Food Truck Regulations, Camping Regulations, and U.S. Minerals dust concerns were tabled. New business involved approving declarations of Covenants, Conditions, Easements, and Restrictions for properties at 402 S. Broadway and modifications to Attachment "A" for 602 N. 5th Street.