The Wamego City Commission heard updates on the Flint Hills Regional Council at Tuesday’s meeting. Council Director Gary Stith reminded the Commission that Commissioner Vic Enns has been the City’s representative to the FHRC board and Enns is retiring, so the City needs to come up with a replacement for him. Stith gave an overview of FHRC and what their mission is since being organized six years ago. The Commission did not make a replacement decision, but will be doing so by year end.
In other business, the Commission was updated from the Ad Hoc Pool Committee representative Jeff Wick on the City’s plan to expand the City Pool and Aquatic Center. A motion was made to authorize the City to begin contract negotiations with Aquatic Design Consultants from Louisburg, KS, and passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
In addition, the Commission authorized the public hearing on the annual budget amendment to authorize the transfer of funds to take care of year-end expenditures.
The Wamego City Commission approved a hearing request from Bluestem Electric. City Manager Merl Page said Bluestem was planning to construct a new facility at the east end of the Industrial Park,and there is a small strip of land that is not owned by the City that would require annexation. The hearing request is to vacate Right of Way and approve a Service Territory Agreement. The Commission authorized the City to publish the hearing, which will take place at the December 6th meeting.
In other business, the Commission approved the bank services proposal, which is done every two years, with Kaw Valley Bank coming in with the most favorable proposal of 90-day T-Bill rate plus 25 basis points (.25%) for fiscal year 2017-18. A vote of 4 to 0 approved the proposal.
In addition, the Commission approved the Dog Pound Building Agreement with two additions the to the draft agreement approved by City Attorney Jake Pugh. The more permanent building is required to be built to City Code, and if the operating agreement with the Caring Hearts Humane Society is ever vacated, the building will become the City’s property.
Page also wanted to remind the public of the War Memorial Dedication ceremony, Sunday, November 20th at 1 p.m.
