The Wamego City Commission approved a resolution and several ordinances. At Tuesday’s meeting, City Manager Merl Page revisited an issue from the last meeting, by introducing a resolution to issue Revenue Bonds for Roadrunner Properties. Page said once all the documents are received, the new Revenue Bond issue is not to exceed $7.5 million dollars, which will refinance the remaining portion of the outstanding $6 million dollar debt on the 5 existing apartment buildings in the North Ridge addition. The additional proceeds will be used to build 2 additional facilities plus a clubhouse. City Attorney Jake Pugh reviewed the document stating it was very straight forward. A motion was made to adopt the resolution and passed by a vote of 5 to 0.
In other business, the Commission approved the required annual ordinances based on the changes made by the Legislature. By a vote of 5 to 0, the Standard Traffic Code, and the Uniform Public Offense Code were adopted. They also adopted the City’s Standard Electric Connection ordinance raising the minimum standard connection fee for new service from $800 to $1200. Page said the City staff has been working on this since the Automated Meter Reading Systems has gone online. He added this is simply the City’s way of recouping the cost of installation.
The Wamego City Commission got an update on the planned Veteran’s Memorial. Page said American Legion Post 172 Commander Gary McCloud met with the City staff last week to work out details of the proposed project, and noted it was a good viable project in the works.
McCloud said that $247,000 has been raised, with $217,000 of that in cash and $30,000 being contractor contributions and materials. He said the project needs another $13,000 to finish. McCloud added he mapped out the layout of the memorial, and where the bronze will be placed, which will give visitors the exact size of the memorial itself. The plan is to begin construction on October 15th with completion around April or May 2016.
And the Wamego City Commission approved several activities at Tuesday’s meeting. Page said the City has been an active participant since the inception of the Flint Hills Leadership Program by being a government sponsor. He asked for approval to participate this year with a donation of $500 to fund programs. He said there have been a number of graduates from the area, and each participant has to pay tuition. Approval was given by a vote of 5 to 0.
In other business, the Commission approved a Pooch Plunge on September 13th at the Wamego City Pool. This is a fun activity for both pet and their parents. The pool is closed to the public a week prior to the event and no chemicals are added to the water. The Recreation Department also requested adding a bounce house this year. Approval was given by a vote of 5 to 0.
The Commission also accepted the resignation of Rob Campanella from the Library Board due to scheduling conflicts. A letter of thank you will be sent to Campanella.
Also, the August Sales tax numbers reflect a 1.3% increase for the City and a 1.6% percent increase for the County comparing the same 8 month period to last year.
