Four ordinances regarding a proposed "Highway Commercial District" on east U.S. 160 were sent back to the Wellington Planning Commission for further discussion. One ordinance establishes the district which will run from Boundary Road to Broadway Road, another limits the types of businesses which can be established in the district, and another addresses landscaping. The fourth ordinance amends the City's sign ordinance.
The topic of debate is how wide the district should encompass. The Planning Commission is proposing a district that stretches from one mile south of U.S. 160 to 1/2 mile north of U.S. 160. Some City Council members have expressed a desire to widen the HCP further.
Businesses such as exotic dancing clubs, pawn shops, check cashing and payday loan businesses, and salvage yards will be prohibited from building in this district.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Council grants extra Christmas holiday
With Christmas falling on Thursday this year, the City Council passed a motion to give City Employees December 26th as a Christmas holiday as well. This will allow employees to enjoy a four day weekend at Christmas.
The City will now fall in line with holidays allowed by the State of Kansas and Sumner County.
Council Member Shimer voted against the extra day.
There was discussion on allowing January 2nd of next year as an extra New Years holiday, however that discussion was tabled until the next Council Meeting.
The City will now fall in line with holidays allowed by the State of Kansas and Sumner County.
Council Member Shimer voted against the extra day.
There was discussion on allowing January 2nd of next year as an extra New Years holiday, however that discussion was tabled until the next Council Meeting.
Motion to abandon "roundabout" fails
A motion to abandon the "roundabout" project at 15th & "A" street failed at the last City Council meeting. The issue arose when a vote was needed to separate the roundabout project and the east U.S. 160 resurfacing project which were tied together last year. Because of funding shortfalls at the State level, the U.S. 160 resurfacing project has been postponed until fiscal year 2011.
Council Member Richard Granger made the motion stating rising costs of materials as the setback. Originally estimated at $800,000, the price has risen 50% and is now estimated to be $1.2 million. The City's share will be 10% with the remainder paid for by a KLINK grant. The final cost will not be known until bids on the project are let next year.
Those voting in favor of abandoning the project were Council Members Valentine, Granger, Antonich, and Tracy. Those voting in favor of continuing the roundabout as planned were Council Members Craig, Shimer, Watson, and Buckman. With a 4-4 tie vote, the Mayor was allowed to cast the deciding vote. Mayor Stallbaumer voted "no" on killing the project. The roundabout will continue as scheduled.
Council Member Richard Granger made the motion stating rising costs of materials as the setback. Originally estimated at $800,000, the price has risen 50% and is now estimated to be $1.2 million. The City's share will be 10% with the remainder paid for by a KLINK grant. The final cost will not be known until bids on the project are let next year.
Those voting in favor of abandoning the project were Council Members Valentine, Granger, Antonich, and Tracy. Those voting in favor of continuing the roundabout as planned were Council Members Craig, Shimer, Watson, and Buckman. With a 4-4 tie vote, the Mayor was allowed to cast the deciding vote. Mayor Stallbaumer voted "no" on killing the project. The roundabout will continue as scheduled.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Salute our veterans!
Many times, Veterans Day celebrations tend to reflect on those Veterans who lost their life fighting for our country. While those veterans definitely deserve our upmost respect, Veterans Day should also be a time to celebrate those who served our nation and are still alive today.
According to the 2000 census, Wellington is blessed to have 887 military veterans walking our streets today. These residents served in the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force, and have endured times we cannot begin to perceive. Many of them were injured while serving, some were prisoners of war. But they all served our country, serving us, and protecting the very freedoms we enjoy. Without these Veterans, life as we know it would not exist.
When you see one of these veterans or meet them on the street, shake their hand and thank them for their dedication and selflessness. They truly deserve our honor and respect.
According to the 2000 census, Wellington is blessed to have 887 military veterans walking our streets today. These residents served in the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force, and have endured times we cannot begin to perceive. Many of them were injured while serving, some were prisoners of war. But they all served our country, serving us, and protecting the very freedoms we enjoy. Without these Veterans, life as we know it would not exist.
When you see one of these veterans or meet them on the street, shake their hand and thank them for their dedication and selflessness. They truly deserve our honor and respect.
Fire and EMS services extended
In late August, the City of Belle Plaine fell short on funding and was forced to relinquish its EMS license, ceasing to provide emergency medical services to it's citizens. They called upon Mulvane, Conway Springs, and Wellington to help cover their territory.
While I sympathize with their problems and want to be a good neighbor, I feel we can only offer help when our resources allow. Because of short staffing and Wellington EMS's already large response area, I voted against extending a helping hand to Belle Plaine.
Wellington already has more than it's fair share of terrority to cover. When the funeral homes could no longer provide ambulance services in the late 1960's, Wellington was forced to provide services to it's citizens. It inherited Oxford, Geuda Springs, and approximately 1/3 of rural Sumner County. Even though the Kansas Turnpike Authority pays no taxes and provides no subsidy for EMS services, Wellington is forced to provide service to 26 miles of the Kansas Turnpike. The department also makes numerous patient transfers to Wichita medical centers, many times a new transfer is scheduled before an ambulance already in Wichita can return to Wellington. Because of this large area and call load, all three Wellington ambulances can be out of the City at any given time. When all three ambulances are out of the station, our citizens are left with no EMS protection.
Wellington also has it's share of manpower shortages. The fire department has been staffed by fifteen firefighters since the late 1940's. Six additional personnel were hired when the City took over EMS services from the funeral homes, but budget cuts in the mid 1970's cut the staff back to fifteen. The same manpower that took care of fire protection for decades now had to provide both fire and EMS services. When off-duty personnel are not available for recall as needed, there are times when manpower shortages leave EMS protection slim.
It is vital that our citizens receive public safety services, the number one priority, and our service was formed to serve the citizens of Wellington first. While I sympathize with the City of Belle Plaine, we must take care of our own first.
While I sympathize with their problems and want to be a good neighbor, I feel we can only offer help when our resources allow. Because of short staffing and Wellington EMS's already large response area, I voted against extending a helping hand to Belle Plaine.
Wellington already has more than it's fair share of terrority to cover. When the funeral homes could no longer provide ambulance services in the late 1960's, Wellington was forced to provide services to it's citizens. It inherited Oxford, Geuda Springs, and approximately 1/3 of rural Sumner County. Even though the Kansas Turnpike Authority pays no taxes and provides no subsidy for EMS services, Wellington is forced to provide service to 26 miles of the Kansas Turnpike. The department also makes numerous patient transfers to Wichita medical centers, many times a new transfer is scheduled before an ambulance already in Wichita can return to Wellington. Because of this large area and call load, all three Wellington ambulances can be out of the City at any given time. When all three ambulances are out of the station, our citizens are left with no EMS protection.
Wellington also has it's share of manpower shortages. The fire department has been staffed by fifteen firefighters since the late 1940's. Six additional personnel were hired when the City took over EMS services from the funeral homes, but budget cuts in the mid 1970's cut the staff back to fifteen. The same manpower that took care of fire protection for decades now had to provide both fire and EMS services. When off-duty personnel are not available for recall as needed, there are times when manpower shortages leave EMS protection slim.
It is vital that our citizens receive public safety services, the number one priority, and our service was formed to serve the citizens of Wellington first. While I sympathize with the City of Belle Plaine, we must take care of our own first.
Webpage Changes
My webserver has changed and is offering a new webpage building software. It offers more features and is much easier to maintain and update, so I made the switch. I tried to keep the same format so you should notice much difference.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Century Park moves forward
At the October 7th Council Meeting, the City Council approved an expenditure of over $67,000 for the curbing and sidewalk in Century Park. Century Park, formerly known as "Lions Club Park", is located in the 300-500 blocks of North "G" Street.
The expenditure is paid thanks to the Wellington Lions Club and local resident Linda Stewart. The Lions Club has donated $15,000 towards materials, while Stewart has raised nearly $90,000 through donations. The City Street Department has prepared the parking lot base, while the contractor will pour the curbing and lay the sidewalk throughout the park. Once completed, the City Street Department will overlay the parking lot with asphalt. The only cost to the taxpayer is the in-kind work of the Street crews preparing the parking lot base and overlay.
Eventually, a veterans memorial will be placed in the center of the park. Donations are still being sought for that. Those wishing to contribute can contact Jack Potucek.
The expenditure is paid thanks to the Wellington Lions Club and local resident Linda Stewart. The Lions Club has donated $15,000 towards materials, while Stewart has raised nearly $90,000 through donations. The City Street Department has prepared the parking lot base, while the contractor will pour the curbing and lay the sidewalk throughout the park. Once completed, the City Street Department will overlay the parking lot with asphalt. The only cost to the taxpayer is the in-kind work of the Street crews preparing the parking lot base and overlay.
Eventually, a veterans memorial will be placed in the center of the park. Donations are still being sought for that. Those wishing to contribute can contact Jack Potucek.
Friday, October 3, 2008
The Process of Taxation: How It Really Works
I've added my report on "The Process of Taxation: How It Really Works" back to my website. It can be accessed by clicking on the link in the lower right hand corner of the home page.
Auditorium Information Updated
I've added a report to my website that briefly details the process of computing taxes as well as a chart and an explanation of the proposed taxes for both residential and commercial properties for the Auditorium Project.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Memorial Auditorium Information
Information about the Memorial Auditorium Project, including plans and information about the ballot, can be found on my website at www.johntracy.net or on the City of Wellington website at www.cityofwellington.net. It is vital that voters are informed on this important decision.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Auditorium project to go to the polls
At the continuation of the September 16th Council Meeting, the Council voted 5-3 in favor of putting the Memorial Auditorium project on the November ballot. Council members Valentine, Granger, and Antonich voted against the measure.
I was a strong proponent of putting this issue on the ballot and letting the citizens of Wellington decide the fate of the proposed project. At one time I felt the issue was close to passing by the City Council itself, and I felt the issue involved too much money and too much emotion for the Council to decide. Therefore, I felt it absolutely necessary that the public be allowed to vote on it.
As with any issue, it is important that the citizens now get informed about the plans and the cost of this project before November 4th. Watch for announcements of community meetings which will provide information.
As soon as I can, I will post information on my website pertaining to the plans and the expected costs related to this project.
I was a strong proponent of putting this issue on the ballot and letting the citizens of Wellington decide the fate of the proposed project. At one time I felt the issue was close to passing by the City Council itself, and I felt the issue involved too much money and too much emotion for the Council to decide. Therefore, I felt it absolutely necessary that the public be allowed to vote on it.
As with any issue, it is important that the citizens now get informed about the plans and the cost of this project before November 4th. Watch for announcements of community meetings which will provide information.
As soon as I can, I will post information on my website pertaining to the plans and the expected costs related to this project.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Class of 1957 Plans Community Trip
A neighbor of mine is planning a community/class trip to the Smoky Mountains in October. Presented by the Class of 1957, the trip includes a visit to "Dollywood" and the "Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Theater" among other sights. Seats are still open. For more information, contact Lena Sistrunk at 620-326-7001. The flyer can be seen at www.johntracy.net/scan.pdf.
Council "Recesses" Due to Auditorium Ballot
At the September 16th Council Meeting, a problem in the wording of the Memorial Auditorium renovation ballot caused the Council to "recess" until September 17th. The ballot, as presented, indicated that the Auditorium renovations would be paid with "Revenue Bonds" instead of "General Obligation Bonds". Revenue Bonds can only be used for improvements that collect revenue and make a profit such as water lines, water treatment plants, electric distribution equipment, etc. Because of the time frame in which the ballot wording must be submitted to the County Clerk to be included on the November 4th General Election, the council decided to "recess" until Wednesday, September 17th. This allows the Council to continue the September 16th Council Meeting until the Memorial Auditorium ballot is reviewed by the City's Bond Counsel and any necessary corrections made. Had the Council adjourned the Regular Meeting, a Special Council Meeting would have been called for, requiring due notice and notifications. Renovations to the Memorial Auditorium to create a "Recreational Facility/Community Facility" will be a decision made by the citizens, providing the Council sends the question to the polls on September 17th.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
"As I See It" - Shame on You, Kansas Government!
(For the record, State Representative Vince Wetta is excluded from my remarks. Representative Wetta worked hard to get Destination Tourist Resorts legalized, to get Sumner County included in the legislation, and rallied around what the PEOPLE wanted. Thank you Vince for doing your job.)
The State of Kansas admits that a casino built closest to the Wichita area will bring in the most money for the State. Why? Because they can draw more money from compulsive gamblers in Wichita than from Wellington. These Wichita gamblers will spend their lunch hour and after work hours putting existing Kansas dollars into the slot machine in hopes of striking it rich. These gamblers will not eat at Paula’s restaurant or visit Toby’s shows. They will not rent hotel rooms or spend money at neighboring businesses. They will only come to gamble…where’s the tourism in that?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact, that this type of gambling leads to increased unemployment when those employees are late returning to work and lose their jobs? Did Kansas not realize, or did they ignore the fact that putting the casino further away from Wichita would minimize these effects?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact that compulsive gambling leads to increased bankruptcy cases?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact that compulsive gambling leads to increased divorce rates, and other social problems?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact that this type of gambling is not good for our State; that re-circulating existing dollars does not increase the overall wealth of the State?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact, that everything they did to get a casino as close to Wichita as possible is now transparent to us voters, and that your false façade of legalizing gambling for the sake of “tourism” is now a joke?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact, that if the Sumner County voters had not approved of a “Destination Resort Casino”, the south-central gaming district wouldn’t have a casino at all?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact, that ignoring the will of the people only further deteriorates existing Government, and furthers our mistrust of Government?
Why did you not listen to THE PEOPLE? Why did you not listen to Sedgwick County voters who voted against a casino? Why did you not listen to the Mulvane voters who overwhelming elected Peter DeGraaf, a very vocal anti-casino icon, as their Republican Candidate for 81st District House of Representatives? Mr. DeGraaf received 51% of the vote while the other four candidates split the remaining 49%. Do you not care about those who voted for you and put you in the positions you serve?
SHAME ON YOU, KANSAS GOVERNMENT, for trying to put a casino as close to Wichita as possible (on the County line none-the-less) after Sedgwick County voted NO.
SHAME ON YOU, KANSAS GOVERNMENT, for extending the endorsement deadline so the City of Mulvane could endorse a casino where YOU wanted one, not where the PEOPLE WANTED ONE. The Board of Sumner County Commissioners did their job, acted as Government is supposed to, and listened to the voice of the people.
SHAME ON YOU, KANSAS GOVERNMENT, for trying to pull the wool over our eyes and legalizing gambling under the guise of tourism, when in fact all you want is MONEY, regardless of the social impact on the State.
SHAME ON YOU, KANSAS GOVERNMENT, for ignoring those people who enabled you to make money from casino gambling in the first place.
SHAME ON YOU, GOVERNOR SEBELIUS, whose term limit is up, who is not running for re-election, who is obviously through with the voters, and who told me last December that my concerns about the Lottery Commission’s extension of the deadline were unfounded. My concerns were very much founded, weren’t they Governor?
But, SHAME ON US, if we continue to let Government tell us what is best for us, what is in our best interest, and sit back with closed mouth and continue to support those who have not supported us.
Until then, SHAME ON YOU, Kansas Government.
The State of Kansas admits that a casino built closest to the Wichita area will bring in the most money for the State. Why? Because they can draw more money from compulsive gamblers in Wichita than from Wellington. These Wichita gamblers will spend their lunch hour and after work hours putting existing Kansas dollars into the slot machine in hopes of striking it rich. These gamblers will not eat at Paula’s restaurant or visit Toby’s shows. They will not rent hotel rooms or spend money at neighboring businesses. They will only come to gamble…where’s the tourism in that?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact, that this type of gambling leads to increased unemployment when those employees are late returning to work and lose their jobs? Did Kansas not realize, or did they ignore the fact that putting the casino further away from Wichita would minimize these effects?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact that compulsive gambling leads to increased bankruptcy cases?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact that compulsive gambling leads to increased divorce rates, and other social problems?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact that this type of gambling is not good for our State; that re-circulating existing dollars does not increase the overall wealth of the State?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact, that everything they did to get a casino as close to Wichita as possible is now transparent to us voters, and that your false façade of legalizing gambling for the sake of “tourism” is now a joke?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact, that if the Sumner County voters had not approved of a “Destination Resort Casino”, the south-central gaming district wouldn’t have a casino at all?
Did Kansas Government not realize, or did they ignore the fact, that ignoring the will of the people only further deteriorates existing Government, and furthers our mistrust of Government?
Why did you not listen to THE PEOPLE? Why did you not listen to Sedgwick County voters who voted against a casino? Why did you not listen to the Mulvane voters who overwhelming elected Peter DeGraaf, a very vocal anti-casino icon, as their Republican Candidate for 81st District House of Representatives? Mr. DeGraaf received 51% of the vote while the other four candidates split the remaining 49%. Do you not care about those who voted for you and put you in the positions you serve?
SHAME ON YOU, KANSAS GOVERNMENT, for trying to put a casino as close to Wichita as possible (on the County line none-the-less) after Sedgwick County voted NO.
SHAME ON YOU, KANSAS GOVERNMENT, for extending the endorsement deadline so the City of Mulvane could endorse a casino where YOU wanted one, not where the PEOPLE WANTED ONE. The Board of Sumner County Commissioners did their job, acted as Government is supposed to, and listened to the voice of the people.
SHAME ON YOU, KANSAS GOVERNMENT, for trying to pull the wool over our eyes and legalizing gambling under the guise of tourism, when in fact all you want is MONEY, regardless of the social impact on the State.
SHAME ON YOU, KANSAS GOVERNMENT, for ignoring those people who enabled you to make money from casino gambling in the first place.
SHAME ON YOU, GOVERNOR SEBELIUS, whose term limit is up, who is not running for re-election, who is obviously through with the voters, and who told me last December that my concerns about the Lottery Commission’s extension of the deadline were unfounded. My concerns were very much founded, weren’t they Governor?
But, SHAME ON US, if we continue to let Government tell us what is best for us, what is in our best interest, and sit back with closed mouth and continue to support those who have not supported us.
Until then, SHAME ON YOU, Kansas Government.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
2009 City Budget - My Views
The 2009 City Budget includes some good projects for the upcoming year. "B" Street will be resurfaced from 15th to Lincoln, new water lines will be installed along Lincoln Street east of Woodlawn preparing in advance for the resurfacing of that street in 2010, and much needed repairs should be made to Fair Street south of Lincoln.
We've also budgeted $100,000 for water line repair/replacement and $100,000 for sewer line repair/replacement.
However, there is still too much money budgeted for non-necessities.
In hard economic times, such as we are in now, I believe tax dollars should be spent on the basic necessities the citizens want and need; public safety, streets, water, electricity, and sewer. IF there is money left over without raising taxes, then funding for parks and recreation improvements can be planned. But only if there is money left over. People can survive without parks and recreation; they can't survive without security and the basic necessities such as food and water.
And we are in hard economic times. Just the other day I purchased a flat of meat, and I jokingly asked the clerk to make sure she demagnitized the package thoroughly as I did not want the alarm to go off as I went through the exit door. While I was making a joke, in reality there was nothing funny about rising food costs, especially for our elderly and those living on fixed incomes. Fuel costs are increasing as well adding an extra burden on our citizens who must commute to work. In fact, the cost of everything is on the rise.
During these times, it is important that we are good stewards with the tax money we collect. Obviously rising fuel costs affect City services because fire trucks, road graders, and sanitation trucks don't move without fuel in the fuel tank. Taxes must be collected to ensure the equipment stays on the move to provide services to the citizens.
Our employees also feel the pinch of the economy, and we should compensate them as well. They too, feel the rising costs of living. Yet while the cost of living has increased 11% over the last two years, City wages will increase
less than 6% in that same time frame. The City strives to hire the best employees to provide you services. We can buy top of the line fire trucks, police cars, dump trucks, and road graders all year long; none of that equipment moves without a qualified employee driving it. We make every effort and spend great sums of money training and preparing them to perform your services well. But if we do not provide them with an adequate wage on which to live, they will go elsewhere where they can earn more money. Why should we invest time and tax dollars in an employee only to lose them to a neighboring community or private industry? Are we in the business of spending tax money training employees to work for someone else?
These are the primary reasons I voted against the 2009 budget. I feel cuts could have been made in other areas to provide our employees with a decent wage increase, cover increasing fuel costs, and still provide you with the basic services you need without a great increase in taxes.
Once the approved budget book has been finalized, I will post it on my website for your review.
We've also budgeted $100,000 for water line repair/replacement and $100,000 for sewer line repair/replacement.
However, there is still too much money budgeted for non-necessities.
In hard economic times, such as we are in now, I believe tax dollars should be spent on the basic necessities the citizens want and need; public safety, streets, water, electricity, and sewer. IF there is money left over without raising taxes, then funding for parks and recreation improvements can be planned. But only if there is money left over. People can survive without parks and recreation; they can't survive without security and the basic necessities such as food and water.
And we are in hard economic times. Just the other day I purchased a flat of meat, and I jokingly asked the clerk to make sure she demagnitized the package thoroughly as I did not want the alarm to go off as I went through the exit door. While I was making a joke, in reality there was nothing funny about rising food costs, especially for our elderly and those living on fixed incomes. Fuel costs are increasing as well adding an extra burden on our citizens who must commute to work. In fact, the cost of everything is on the rise.
During these times, it is important that we are good stewards with the tax money we collect. Obviously rising fuel costs affect City services because fire trucks, road graders, and sanitation trucks don't move without fuel in the fuel tank. Taxes must be collected to ensure the equipment stays on the move to provide services to the citizens.
Our employees also feel the pinch of the economy, and we should compensate them as well. They too, feel the rising costs of living. Yet while the cost of living has increased 11% over the last two years, City wages will increase
less than 6% in that same time frame. The City strives to hire the best employees to provide you services. We can buy top of the line fire trucks, police cars, dump trucks, and road graders all year long; none of that equipment moves without a qualified employee driving it. We make every effort and spend great sums of money training and preparing them to perform your services well. But if we do not provide them with an adequate wage on which to live, they will go elsewhere where they can earn more money. Why should we invest time and tax dollars in an employee only to lose them to a neighboring community or private industry? Are we in the business of spending tax money training employees to work for someone else?
These are the primary reasons I voted against the 2009 budget. I feel cuts could have been made in other areas to provide our employees with a decent wage increase, cover increasing fuel costs, and still provide you with the basic services you need without a great increase in taxes.
Once the approved budget book has been finalized, I will post it on my website for your review.
City Tax Increase for 2009 - August 19, 2008
By a vote of 5-3 this evening, the Wellington Governing Body passed an Ordinance establishing the 2009 City Budget and increasing property tax revenues about 1/4 million dollars. The entire budget increase, including other taxes and utility revenues amounts to an increase of $3.5 million. Councilmembers Antonich, Granger, and myself voted against the budget; Councilmember Watson was absent due to illness.
Once again, the "mill levy" was discussed and attention was directed to the fact that the mill levy has not increased in six years. And once again I say, discussing the "mill levy" is a tactic used to lead the public to believe that there is no increase in taxes (See http://www.johntracy.net/taxation.pdf). The fact remains that although the "mill levy" will not/should not increase, the City will be budgeting and spending the increased tax dollars generated by higher property appraisals, and that in a nutshell, is raising taxes. Anytime a budget is increased from the previous year, a tax increase has been effected.
Once again, the "mill levy" was discussed and attention was directed to the fact that the mill levy has not increased in six years. And once again I say, discussing the "mill levy" is a tactic used to lead the public to believe that there is no increase in taxes (See http://www.johntracy.net/taxation.pdf). The fact remains that although the "mill levy" will not/should not increase, the City will be budgeting and spending the increased tax dollars generated by higher property appraisals, and that in a nutshell, is raising taxes. Anytime a budget is increased from the previous year, a tax increase has been effected.
2009 Budget Public Hearing
The Public Hearing on the 2009 Budget will be held this evening at the City Council Meeting. Anyone wishing to speak on the budget is encouraged to attend.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Waste Water Projects - Public Hearing
The second of two Public Hearings on the borrowing of funds for waste water infrastructure improvements is set for the Council Meeting of August 19th. The City is considering four projects; a new Waste Water Treatment Facility, the Beaver Creek Sewer Line, the Hargis Creek Relief Sewer, and the "H" Street Sanitary Sewer, a total of over $19 million. Funds through a KDHE "revolving loan fund" will be used to pay for the projects, with increased sewer rates funding the loan. A partial increase is planned for September, with a second increase planned for January 2008.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Roundabout Price Increases
As plans for the 15th & "A" Roundabout are progressing, the rising cost of materials now indicates the roundabout may cost as much as $1.2 million, up about 50% from original estimates of $800,000. While the City is steadfast in keeping the project a 90-10 split with KDOT, it still means the City's share of the cost will rise from $80,000 to $120,000. Construction is still scheduled to start in 2009.
Monday, July 21, 2008
F. W. Woolworth Lunch Menu
While there is no way to directly link this particular lunch menu with the F. W. Woolworth store in Wellington, it is a pretty safe bet that our downtown Woolworth's offered the same menu. I've added it to my Historic Photos webpage at http://www.johntracy.net/historic_photos.html. Enjoy the trip down Memory Lane.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Thanks to the United Country Theurer Team!
Hats off to the United Country Theurer Team who planted beautiful American flags over the community for the Independence Day weekend. For the third year in a row, associates and their family members of the Theurer Team have worked late into the night on July 3rd, placing the flags along roadways. It truly is a beautiful sight, inspires patriotism, and is a genuine display of community spirit. Thanks guys!
2009 Budget
City Staff and City Council have been working diligently on the 2009 Budget. The Council has thus far met three times to discuss and hash over the five-year Capital Improvement Plan and to give a preliminary nod for the 2009 Capital Outlay. The operational budget should be distributed to Council Members next week, then the Council will convene in a special worksession to review the various funds. As soon as I can get it posted, I will provide a preview of potential Capital Improvements and Capital Outlay items for the 2009 year.
New Blog
I've had trouble with the RSS Feed URL on my weblog converting to HTML so I can post a widget on my website. Because of this, I've started a new weblog and have corrected the problem (thanks Blogger!). Hopefully, it will now be easier to update my blog as well as display it on my webpage.
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