The area emergency responders will be honored at a special picnic sponsored by Wamego’s First United
Methodist Church.
The Wamego City Commission granted the church’s request to use the park at Tuesday night’s regular
meeting.
Michael Tomson-DeGreeff, senior pastor, told the commission they were expecting 150 law
enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS personnel at the Sept. 27th event.
“We are planning for 400 all together,” he said. “I think it will be a very special day.”
Tomson-DeGreeff shared his story with the city commission on why he felt this day was so important.
“I have several family members in law enforcement,” he said. “One is in Salina, one in the midst of
Ferguson (Mo.). He talked about being in riot gear, being cussed at, etc. There are a lot of good people
getting a lot of bad press.”
He added he also found out about local volunteer firefighters who stay up all hours of the night
watching for bad weather.
“When I went to invite the police, EMTs, etc. they were all really excited and said it meant a lot to
them,” he said.
Tomson-DeGreeff also invited the commissioners to represent the city.
Library Cards
Peter Vopata issued library cards to the commissioners in honor of National Library Week.
“Since the kids getting back in school, I thought this was a good time to remind people that a library card
is a great tool and it’s completely free,” he said.
Bond Sales
The commission approved the sale of general obligation bonds totaling approximately $690,000 for
internal improvements to the North Ridge Unit 3 addition.
Bond Ordinance
The commission approved an ordinance allowing city officials to sign and execute documents to process
a bond issue for Roadrunner Properties. This is also the North Ridge area and the $7.5 million in bonds
will be for the addition of multi family complexes and a clubhouse.
Hearing Request
The commission approved a hearing request from Richie Chrest. He would like a small variance on a
non-utility easement. The hearing will be at the next commission meeting on Oct. 6.
Board Reappointments
The following were reappointed to their board position: Cliff Meyer, planning commission; Glen Evins
and Matt Totten, airport; Dennis Butler and Dave Karnowski, construction board of appeals. There is still
a contractor’s position open on the construction board of appeals.
Engineering Cost
The board approved, with some protest, an amount not to exceed $6,000 to help pay for a traffic
engineer report that is required by KDOT before signage can be posted. The Convention and Visitors
Bureau has $8,000 to $9,000 set aside for that part of the project cost.
City Manager Merl Page said the signs were part of the Vision Wamego and will “enhance the visitor
experience and add a visitor friendly element to the community.”
Story Courtesy of Beth Day with the Wamego Smoke Signal.
