May 11, 2026

Summary

The Council covered a wide range of topics at this meeting, with much of the discussion centered on the ongoing water system expansion and the upcoming connection of the new water system fed by the water tower. Council also heard about a new citizen-led emergency preparedness effort, discussed a possible transient guest tax, considered whether to research the city taking over POA water and sewer services, and approved a pay raise for a staff member. Routine reports from the clerk, building inspector, codes enforcement, and public safety were also given.

Key items

• Minutes: The April 27, 2026 meeting minutes were approved (motion and second).
• Mayor’s report: Updates on emergency preparedness/storm shelter coordination, the water field (fill) station being fully operational and passing chlorine tests, ongoing resident adjustments to the new water setup, and the lagoon expansion expected to enter construction within about 30 days.
• Town hall: Scheduled for Saturday. Council agreed to move it from the POA location to City Hall (due to streaming limitations) and set the time at noon.
• Clerk’s report: Total income reported as $217,661.37; vouchers of $312,496.80 (higher due to April insurance) were approved. Water payout #13 for $710,897.84 (rural water, BG, and Headinger) was also approved. A change order/correction was deferred to the next meeting.
• Building inspector: 15 inspections in April, mostly evenings. Noted a KDHE requirement (confirmed) that septic holding tanks must be at least 25 ft from a public waterline (10 ft from a personal line). Council directed that an ordinance change be placed on the next agenda.
• Codes enforcement: Multiple certified letters and two citations issued for May court; campers on building lots (allowed May 1–Sept 30) and permit issues were addressed. Officer is studying for a certification test.
• Public safety: Police report accepted. Dog kennel construction awaiting more gravel before pouring concrete. Council praised the department’s humorous Facebook posts.
• Water system connection: Engineer explained that Headinger plans to connect the new system to the existing system on Rosemary as early as Thursday (pending two passing 24-hour disinfection tests). At that point the old water plant and existing fill station must be shut off (a USDA/KDHE requirement). Residents were warned to expect possible sediment/cloudiness, sputtering faucets, and higher/varying water pressure (up to ~100 PSI near the lake) as the tower comes online gradually.
• Fill station: A potential engineering study (~$2,500 initial, with possible $50,000+ construction) was discussed to keep the existing fill station usable, but no decision was made. Concerns raised about USDA funding conditions and cost given limited remaining use.
• Fire hydrants: Existing smaller lines (e.g., North Lynn Valley Drive area) will not get connected hydrants under the current project; retrofitting could cost around $250,000+ and use most of the project contingency. Left for possible consideration later.
• Lagoon expansion: Awaiting USDA approval before S&S Dirt Works begins; construction to be contained near the highway. The barn on the property is to be removed. Council expressed support for a formal groundbreaking event.
• Water fill station billing: Council decided to keep current options (credit card and prepaid) for now and not implement monthly billing at this time. Discussed a possible prepaid minimum (~$20). Confirmed a late fee already exists (matching sewer). Reconnect fees and disconnect procedures still need to be worked out.
• Commercial water meters: Approved a motion setting commercial meter connection fees at three times the residential price for meters under one inch, and five times for meters one inch or larger.
• Emergency preparedness committee: Jade Ward presented a new citizen-led, post-disaster response committee she is starting (working with the fire chief). Plans include an “emergency household registry” (kept private, accessible to first responders) and recruiting volunteers for specific roles. She reminded residents to display 911 addresses (reflective green signs available at City Hall).
• Storm shelter staffing: Council discussed the need for citizen volunteers to staff the POA clubhouse storm shelter, since firefighters/police cannot continue doing so. To be worked out with the POA.
• Transient guest tax: The Mayor raised the possibility of enacting the tax ahead of the FIFA World Cup and Dance Festopia. Extensive discussion followed about scope, whether the campground/cabins would qualify, business licensing, and fairness to property owners renting cabins. A resident cited state definitions questioning whether the POA facilities qualify. No action was taken; the item appears to have been left without adoption pending further research.
• City takeover of POA water/sewer: Council gave the Mayor permission to research (at no cost) the feasibility of the city taking over water/sewer hauling, including checking the Racine contract’s “bulk water” restriction with the attorney. Concerns raised about truck DOT compliance, CDLs, testing, and staffing costs. No commitment made.
• Planning & Zoning / comprehensive plan: P&Z met last week; no action taken. Discussion of updating the 2007 comprehensive plan. The Mayor expressed reluctance to spend budgeted consultant money (~$30,000) and clarified that P&Z cannot spend funds without governing body approval. Concerns raised about P&Z membership numbers, terms, reappointments, and recruiting volunteers.
• Community Care dumpsters: Council informally agreed to allow Lisa Coke’s volunteer group to place lockable roll-off dumpsters (proposed near the burn pile area) periodically. No formal vote required.
• Memorial Day: Annual ceremony announced for Saturday the 23rd at 10:00, including a flag retirement ceremony; residents encouraged to bring worn flags and children.
• Staff raise: Approved a $1.50/hour raise for Lisa Becraft (from $15.20 to $16.70), effective immediately.
• Executive session: Council entered a 15-minute executive session for attorney-client privilege and one personnel matter; no action was taken afterward.

Follow-ups

• Ordinance change for septic holding tank setbacks (25 ft from public waterline) to be placed on the next agenda.
• Change order/correction on the water payout deferred to the next meeting.
• Water system connection to occur as early as Thursday, pending passing disinfection tests; residents to receive notices about sediment and pressure changes.
• Possible engineering study on the existing fill station left for future consideration (decision between city and POA).
• Fire hydrant connections for existing lines to be revisited later depending on project contingency funds.
• Fill station billing, reconnect fees, and disconnect procedures to be developed further.
• Commercial meter multiplier details and water rates still to be finalized.
• Mayor to research POA water/sewer takeover feasibility and consult the attorney (and Racine) on the bulk water contract question.
• P&Z ordinance (membership, terms, appointments) to be reviewed.
• Camera installation at the water tower/fill station to be arranged by staff.
• Transient guest tax research to continue; resident Terry Barnhart to contact the Kansas Department of Revenue for clarification.
• Coordination with Mike Page/POA on fill station hose clearance and possibly removing the end coupling; Council suggested demonstrating proper use to POA drivers.
• Future town halls proposed to be held quarterly.