According to Nuss, the Community Needs Assessment was conducted through Wichita State University for Riley County in 2013, and because there is some overlap, Pottawatomie County was included. The assessment surveyed 479 Pottawatomie County residents, with the majority of the respondents coming from Wamego. Wamego is the largest community in Pottawatomie County with a population of 4,372 (2010 census), and typically experiences a lower unemployment, poverty, crime and dropout rate than other counties in the State. Even though the survey showed that Pottawatomie County ranked high in quality of life issues, and is a good place to raise a family, there are still needs to be addressed. The complete assessment can be found at www.pottawatomiecountycommunityassessment.com.
In other business, Shad Hufnagel, the new Parks and Cemetery Supervisor was introduced to the Commissioners. Hufnagel replaces Morris Crisler, who is retiring effective June 23rd after 45 years with the City Park Department. Page wants to remind the public of Crisler’s reception on June 23rd from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in the Commission room at Wamego City Hall.
In other business, authorization was given to renew the drug testing contract with Utility Consultants for another year. Page said Utility Consultants provide pre-employment and random drug tests to staff, and the contract is year to year.
The Commission approved an ordinance to change the utility disconnection procedure to a specific date each month. Page said this will be a win/win for both the City and the customer, due to the change being the first Monday after the delinquent notice being sent. The utility service bill becomes delinquent on the 16th day of each month, if payment is not received, the disconnection would take place the first Monday of the following month. He said this gives the customer an additional 5 to 7 days to settle before disconnection.
Also, Page reminded the Commissioners of the Veteran’s Memorial statue unveiling on June 26th at the Columbian Theatre. The artists will be available at 4 p.m. with the unveiling at 5:30 p.m.