Tracy will not seek another term

In the Spring of 2010, I was part of a committee that recommended changes to restructure City Government. These recommendations resulted in the passage of Charter Ordinance 25 in the Sumner of 2010. There are many changes as a result of this, however one major change is the addition of term limits: elected City Officials will be limited to two 4 year terms at any one time. Even though term limi...ts will not go into effect until 2013, I feel it is my duty to comply with the "intent" of CO25, and since this is my eighth year on the City Council, I will not be seeking another term in April.

The reason I am making this announcement is to give others time to seriously considering running for the open seat in 3rd Ward. There are both pros and cons to being a City Councilmember, however I believe the pros far outweigh the cons. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve for the last 8 years. Did I accomplish everything I sought? Definitely not...I lost more battles than I won. But some of the battles I won made some much needed changes in the way City Government serves you. And you can make changes too...you just have to try.

I ask that if you've ever been remotely interested in serving as a City Councilmember, if you are genuinly concerned about the future of our community, or if you have ideas that will make Wellington a better place in which to live, I urge you to consider running for office. I've posted an article from the Wellington Daily News on my Facebook page that details the filing requirements as well as the filing deadline.

So am I done with politics? Time will tell. Probably after a break, I would consider running for public office again because it truly has been a rewarding experience...if I would be lucky enough to get elected again. So please...we need good people at the helm. It is difficult finding candidates...of my four terms, two were unopposed. Throw your name in the hat, and see what you can accomplish!

Employees receive awards

Hats off and thanks to the many employees who received service awards at last nights Council meeting. Sponsored in part by the League of Kansas Municipalities, around 20 employees received service awards for 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service to the citizens of Wellington. Thank you for your continued dedication!

Sidewalk grant received; City approves contract

The City has received a $250,000 "Safe Routes to Schools" grant, and the Council approved the City/State contract last night. Grant funds will be used to replace certain sidewalks in neighborhoods near schools where children most frequently walk.

Roundabout construction nearing the end

All concrete work for the roundabout project is completed, and workers continue to finish the dirtwork, signage, and pavement markings. The project is expected to be complete within the next two or three weeks.

Council approved development plat

The City Council approved a plat for a proposed retail business development this evening, to be located just south of McDonalds and west of Walmart. The plat calls for construction of a building that will house up to five businesses; one 4200 square foot business with up to four additional 1200 square foot businesses. Design plans are expected to be finalized within 45 days and the developer hopes to begin construction before years end.

Issue on ephedrine goes to the ballot

The Council voted 7-1 this evening to put the issue of ephedrine to a public vote. A valid and certified petition had been presented to the City Council, forcing an Ordinance which would have made certain cold medications a "prescription" drug. By State Statute, the Council either had to pass the Ordinance, or put the issue to a vote. The special election must be held within 90 days and the date will be determined by the County Election Officer. Stay tuned for more information...the actual wording on the ballot will be made public in advance so you can study the issue prior to voting.

Sunday "consumption" of CMB passes

The City Council passed an Ordinance this evening that will allow the "consumption" of cereal malt beverages in certain establishments, on Sundays.

The law allows for Sunday sales of...
1. "on-premise" sale and consumption (carry out from retail sales at convenience or grocery stores is not allowed)
2. hours of sale are limited to Noon to 8p.m.
3. the business must have at least 30% of their revenue come from the sale of food

Primarily, those establishments affected by the Ordinance are restaurants that serve beer as part of their beverage menu. Other establishments may be allowed providing they meet the food sale requirement.

The law applies only to the sale of cereal malt beverage (3.2% alcohol or less). Alcoholic beverages are controlled by the State and by State Statutes.

Petition determined to be valid

A petition filed with the Wellington City Clerk requesting passage of an Ordinance pertaining to the sale of certain cold medicines in Wellington has been determined to be valid. The petition contained the required amount of signatures, and signatures were verified to be those of registered voters.

The City Council now has 20 days upon which to take action; pass an Ordinance that makes certain over-the-counter cold medicines prescription-only drugs, or put the issue to a vote of the citizens. If a referendum is chosen, it must be held within 90days, therefore a special election will be required. A special elections costs between $4,000-$5,000. Because of the petition, the Council cannot vote "against" the Ordinance; the Ordinance must be adopted, or the issue put up for vote.

Let me know your opinion on this important issue. Email me at bjtracy@sbcglobal.net.

Petition on cold medicines submitted

The City has received a petition to pass an Ordinance making certain over-the-counter cold medicines prescription drugs. The petition has been sent to the County Election Officer to certify the signatures.

If the signatures are valid, the City Council has 90 days in which to pass an Ordinance, or put the issue to the vote of the citizens. A special election costs about $5,000.

New Klink Project approved

The City Council, at tonights meeting, approved another KLINK Project which will provide for resurfacing 15th Street from Washington to the west side of the roundabout, and 16th Street from the east side of the roundabout to Woodlawn. The project will be done in conjunction with the final stage of the roundabout so then entire route, from Washington to Woodlawn, will be new and smooth. Anyone who has tried to turn into any of the businesses along 16th Street knows how "wavy" the ride is....the new overlay of asphalt will correct those ruts.

Final stage of Roundabout to be started

The final stage of the Roundabout is scheduled to be started the week of September 19th. When this occurs, there will be no westbound traffic allowed. Vehicles can travel from west to east on US160, and from north to west on US81. All eastbound traffic will be routed to Harvey, then to Woodlawn, then back to 16th St. Pay attention to the news media and to detour signs when the final stage begins.

Fair Street nears completion

The Fair Street project is very near completion. The 1st Street Bridge has been replaced, lowering of the roadway at 1st and Fair is done, and new curb and gutter, concrete pavement, and asphalt installed. New drainage storm sewers have been buried and a small "Spillway" to allow water to drain from under the bridge has been poured. There is a little cleanup to do and the bridge should be reopened!

Population down, but not as bad as estimated

The U.S. Census reports Wellington's population has dropped around 300 in the last ten years; but that is not as bad as what had been estimated. The U.S. Census "estimates" population each year, that estimated being adopted by the State as "official". The 2009 population of Wellington was estimated to be around 7,700, about a 10% decline, however 2010 census statistics indicate the population to actually be 8,172. While still a decline, it's certainly good news that it wasn't as bad as estimated. Now to work on gaining some of that population back........

City partners with Efficiency Kansas

The City of Wellington has partnered with "Efficiency Kansas", a program which offers low cost loans for the purpose of making energy efficient improvement to your home. The loan, provided through the State, is paid back through your utility bill. For more information, visit the City's website at www.cityofwellington.net and click on the "Efficiency Kansas" logo.

City Council to consider concealed-carry

The City of Wellington will be seeking an Attorney General's Opinion as to whether or not Councilmembers with "concealed carry permits" are allowed to take weapons with them to City Hall. City Attorney Mike Brown will be working on a letter explaining the request for interpretation of the State's concealed carry statute.

Projects continue

The Roundabout and Fair Street renovations continue, and "B" Street is expected to be completed by tomorrow. To keep abreast of all ongoing and pending projects, visit the City's website at www.cityofwellington.net.

2012 Budget being discussed

Budget discussions for the year 2012 are underway with the Council reviewing the Capital Improvement Plan and Capital Outlay this evening. While the budget process is far from over, I've posted a preview of the 2012 Capital Improvement Plan on my website at www.johntracy.net. I'll add more information as it becomes available. A Public Hearing will be held for public comment on the proposed budget sometime in August before the final budget is adopted.

Fair Street project

AT&T will begin relocating affected telephones next week on the Fair Street project. The contractor has begun to mobilize equipment and if all goes as planned, dirt will turn around the first week in June!

City initiates new Customer Service tool

The City has established a new Customer Service tool on their website. You can view frequently asked questions, comment or make a request, or ask your own question. Check it out at www.cityofwellington.net/customerservicecenter.html .

Choose SRMC

Everything is hurting is our current economy...even our hospital. SRMC is facing large deficits due to cutbacks in Medicare and Medicaid, bad debt on patient medical bills, and because citizens are choosing to use Wichita and other area hospitals instead. While certain instances can't be helped, choosing a medical facility in Wichita has the same affect on our hospital and shopping in Wichita has on our retail businesses. Local money leaves town.
Support you local hospital. It offers many great services and has a friendly, hometown staff. Check our a new flyer promoting their services at www.johntracy.net/files/Choices.pdf.

Safe Routes to Schools needs support

The "Safe Routes to Schools" program is a grant program that helps build needed sidewalks in areas traveled by children walking to school. Wellington has applied for this grant in the past, but funds are limited and competition is great. We have already completed the required study, and now are applying for the actual funding. Letters of support will help. If you would like to support Wellington is getting "safe routes to schools", contact City Hall or send letters of support to Larry Mangan, City Engineer.

Fair Street project begins next week

A pre-construction meeting will be held this week and if plans come in place, the Fair Street project will begin next week. I do not know what detours will be required as the entire scope of the project includes not only Fair Street, but the First Street bridge just east of Cherry as well. While construction will be an inconvenience, the finished project should be a welcome relief to those who have to travel Fair Street on a regular basis.

New Council Members sworn in

1st Ward Council Member Kim Woodrow and 2nd Ward Council Member Dana Anderson were sworn in at last night Council meeting and begin their two year terms on the Council. Also sworn in were Mayor Roger Stallbaumer who is starting a four year term, and 3rd Ward Council Member Larry Shimer and 4th Ward Council Member Terry Nunemaker, both to two year terms. The Mayoral seat is the first to see the transition to four year terms that were passed by Charter Ordinance last summer.

A big thanks to Council Members Cindy Antonich and Jim Valentine for their dedication and service to the citizens of Wellington. Both served two terms on the Council from 2007 to date, and logged many hours at Regular Meetings, Worksessions, Budget Meetings, and Committee Meetings. Thanks again guys.

Sumner County unemployment continues to drop

According to Sumner County Economic Development, the unemployment rate for March was just 7.9%, the first time it's been below 8% in well over a year. While Sumner County is no longer in the top five counties for unemployment, it's rate is still higher than the 7.1% State average. Here's hoping the decline continues.

Interested in serving on a City Board?

The City of Wellington has many appointed Boards and Authorities that oversee City owned facilities or make recommendations on the operations of City owned facilities. If you are interested in serving, get an application from the cityofwellington.net website at cityofwellington.net/images/content/files/council/application_boardcommissioncurrent.pdf.

Fair Street bid accepted

The Council unanimously approved the bid for the Fair Street renovations at tonights Council meeting. Work should begin this spring/summer.

Council approves letter requesting Railroad Quiet Zone

The Council voted this evening to submit a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration requesting implementation of a "Quiet Zone" along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. If approved by the FRA, raised medians will be built at each railroad crossing which would prohibit vehicles from driving around railroad crossing arms. This safety measure would then allow trains to pass through Wellington without sounding their horns at railroad crossing. The first proposal was to implement a Quiet Zone and in addition, close the "G" Street crossing. Burlington Northern Santa Fe will pay $50,000 for each crossing closed, the money of which would be used to offset the cost of the raised medians. That proposal failed by a vote of 5-2, with Valentine, Weber, Antonich, Shimer, and Tracy voting against. The second proposal was to implement Quiet Zones, leaving the "G" Street crossing open. That proposal passed by a vote of 4-3 with Brand, Shimer, Tracy, and Nunemaker voting in favor. Council Member Mortimer abstained from both votes as she owns property in the affected area.
The Quiet Zone will only affect the BNSF Railroad, and still must be approved by the Federal Railroad Administration. The Union Pacific Railroad will continue as normal without a "Quiet Zone".
If passed, train engineers may still sound the horn in an emergency situation.

For more information on Quiet Zones, go to http://www.fra.dot.gov/rpd/freight/1318.shtml

Council Meeting postponed

Due to the weather, tonights City Council meeting has been postponed until next week. Stay safe and stay warm!

City to address Quiet Zones; considers closure of "G" Street crossing

The City Council will vote Tuesday evening on whether or not to submit an application to the Federal Railroad Administration to establish "Quiet Zones" along the BNSF Railroad crossings in Wellington. As a part of the project which will allow Quiet Zones, raised medians must be constructed in the middle of the street at each of the crossings, medians which would prevent a motorist from driving around a railroad crossing gate. The cost of these medians is over $60,000, and the City wants to lessen the burden by closing the "G" Street railroad crossing. BNSF will pay $50,000 for each crossing closed which would be applied to the cost of the raised medians.

As always, I invite your comments on this issue.

Mayor/Council seats open

The Mayors seat, in additon to four Council seats are open for the April elections. The terms of Jim Valentine (Ward 1), Cindy Antonich (Ward 2), Larry Shimer (Ward 3), and Terry Nunemaker (Ward 4) expire. The deadline for filing for election is January 25th at noon. Forms are available on the City of Wellington website at http://cityofwellington.net/citycouncil.htmland are filed with the City Clerk. The filing fee is $10.00.
The Mayors term, in accordance with the recently changed form of City Government, will be for a four year term.