Budget talks continue

City Council Members continue deliberating the 2011 Budget. A review of the Capital Improvement Plan and the Capital Outlay purchases has been conducted but not finalized. The line item budget will be delivered later this week and further work sessions conducted in the future. Stay tuned to announcements on budget work session dates and time as they are open to the public.

15th Street construction begins

As you've probably noticed, the resurfacing project for 15th Street from "A" to "G" Street has begun. Traffic will be narrowed to two lanes in many areas during the construction. Pay attention to speed restrictions while workers are resurfacing the highway. The project is part of a KDOT KLINK grant which the City applied for and received. Originally the project was to continue south on "G" Street to 11th, but bids were higher than expected and the project had to be scaled back. For more information on this and other projects, visit the City's website at http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=37.291672,-97.396374&spn=0.111712,0.154324&z=13&msid=103410109000520367028.0004755a1c2bb17740c1f.

Neighborhood Meeting announced

My next Neighborhood Meeting will be on August 16th, 6:30p.m., at the Best of the Orient restaurant, 114 E. Lincoln.

Budget work session

The Council will be having a budget worksession next Monday, January 26th, 6:30p.m. at City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

Easements for Roundabout

The Council, by a vote of 5-3, approved two of the needed easement to progress with the Roundabout project at 15th & A. More easements that are needed are still being worked on. Those voting against the easements were Antonich, Tracy, and Valentine.

Fair Street action

After engineering estimates of the Fair Street project were received, it was determined that the City had enough funds to complete the drainage work and resurface Fair Street below the BNSF Bridge, but funds were lacking to repair the street area north of the bridge. City Manager Gus Collins found a low interest (less than four percent) loan which, if taken, would entitle the City to a $50,000 grant which would be enough funds to finish the street repairs need. The Council unanimously approved, at their meeting tonight, to submit their intent to apply for the loan. The City is still waiting on BNSF's approval of the engineering plans so bid letting can begin.

Charter Ordinance passes

The Council, in a Special Meeting, voted tonight 8-1 in favor of a Charter Ordinance that will reorganize City Government. Key points of the ordinance, which will be phased in over the next three years include: 1) changing the City from 4 Wards to 3Districts, 2) reducing the Governing Body from 8 Council Members + 1 Mayor to 6 Council Members + 1 Mayor, 3) increasing terms from two years to four years, 4) establishing term limits of 2 terms in one office, and 5) eliminating primary elections. The most vital aspect of the Ordinance is that the City will begin the process of redistricting to ensure equal population in each district to ensure equal and fair representation. Current Wards are greatly out of balance in population.
Changes to the Governing Body and elections will result in a savings of taxpayers dollars. As an example, in February 2008 a primary election was held for City Council. The election was because one Ward out of four had too many candidates and the General Election ballot had to be narrowed down to two candidates. It was the only election held in Sumner County and only 78 voters turned out at the polls. The cost of that election was $5200 taxpayer dollars.
This is not an isolated incident. This has repeated itself many times over the years. And because of two year staggered terms, there is a City election held every year. The election this past April was the only election held in Sumner County. Two of the four Wards were unopposed. A little over 300 people turned out at the polls, and again, the election cost over $5000.
By eliminating primaries, and by extending terms to four years, the City will only need to have an election every two years which will coincide with School Board elections and will be paid for out of the County Election Fund and not be the sole burden of Wellington taxpayers.
If future Council Members continue to redistrict every ten years after the census is completed, the citizens of Wellington will be ensured equal and fair representation in the future.

Don't forget Special City Council Meeting

Mark your calendars. The City Council will meet in special session, Tuesday, July 13th at 6:30p.m. to discuss and vote on a Charter Ordinance that will change Wellington's Government. More information about the changes, visit the City's website at http://cityofwellington.net/images/content/files/council/council_restructure.pdf. Come to the Council meeting Tuesday night and voice your opinion!

Neighborhood Meetings postponed

Monthly Neighborhood Meetings will be postponed until another meeting area can be found. Stay tuned for updates.

Special Council Meeting

There will be a special Council Meeting to discuss and vote on the Charter Ordinance which will revamp Wellington's Government. The meeting will be held at City Hall, Tuesday July 13th, 6:30p.m. For more information on the proposed changes, visit the City's website at www.cityofwellington.net.

Water rate ordinance tabled

The City Council tabled the ordinance which would increase water rates for further study.

Council works on CIP

The Council has been reviewing requests for the five year Capital Improvement Plan in preparation for the 2011 budget work sessions. The results of each Council member's input will be tabulated before discussions are held to finalize the CIP.

Council to vote on water rate increases

The City Council will vote on an Ordinance, Tuesday evening, that will raise water rates 15 percent. The increase is needed, according to information provided, to reduce losses in the Water Division of the Utility Fund.

Independence Day flags

Once again, the Theurer Team pulled through and worked hard, putting the American flag all over town for Independence Day. They were out working at 10:00p.m. last night. Hats off to all who worked tirelessly to add beauty to our community this July 4th. I salute you!