The Wamego City Commission addressed the Contractor’s Licensing Code once again at their biweekly meeting Tuesday night. A large audience turned out for the meeting in anticipation of any decision the Commission may make regarding the ordinance. Because the issue was tabled from the last session, some of the same questions and suggestions were addressed at this meeting. Additionally, some misunderstandings were cleared up by City Building Official Mac Campbell.
A written document from landlord Eldon Dillingham stated that he thought the Licensing Code restricted him from performing any tasks on his property that involved construction, electrical or plumbing. According to Campbell, if there is no effect in a structural nature where a permit is not required, then the language of the ordinance does not apply. Commissioner Tom Beem made a motion to amend the ordinance to revert back to the old language. Commissioner Bob Morse seconded the motion. The motion failed by a vote of 3 to 2.
The City Commission also took care of some new business at Tuesday’s meeting. City Manager Merl Page introduced Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Megan Umscheid, who introduced the Chamber’s 2015 new look and Total Resource Campaign, which was adopted by both the Chamber and Convention and Tourism Boards. Umscheid suggested the City look into adopting the same logo as a branding of Wamego. Page said he sees value in uniformity and feels branding reinforces collaborative efforts within the City.
· In other business, the Commission voted 5 to 0 to rollover the City’s Skid Steer Loaders through KanEquip.
· Page shared the news the City’s Health Insurance coverage will increase an average of 6.25% for all 4 tiers, and that they budgeted a 15% increase.
· The Commission approved a change order in the amount of $10,665 for the West Highway 24 project, to relocate a storm drain which caused a problem earlier.
· Page reported the October sales tax showed a 1 percent increase for the City and a 3.4 percent increase for the County, compared to the same time last year.
· Page provided a handout showing the Children’s Train saw 9,723 riders in 2014, while operating for a total of 308 hours.
