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| Procedural Misstep Hampers Hearings |
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| News - Linn County News | |||
| Written by Charlene Sims | |||
| Wednesday, 09 December 2009 08:00 | |||
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LA CYGNE — Public budget hearings were on the agenda last week, but the La Cygne City Council apparently failed to follow the correct procedure to close the hearings during its regular meeting Wednesday. Meanwhile, the council approved routine changes to the city’s gas utility and sewer budgets during the hearings. The procedural oversight drew the criticism of Joe Turpen, a resident and member of La Cygne Housing Authority board. Near the end of the meeting, Turpen notified the council that it had conducted an illegal meeting because it had not properly closed a budget hearing before going back into its regular meeting. However, upon further examination by council members, it was determined that the council had not adjourned out of its regular meeting to hold the hearings. To further complicate the issue, the legal notifications set the hearing dates during today’s regular council session instead of during last week’s session. Actions taken on the budget at the Dec. 2 meeting are considered void, and the council plans to hold the hearings again this week. In other business, the council last Wednesday: Heard from Mayor Keith Smith that the open house for city employees and volunteers will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today. Heard from Smith that there have been two wrapping parties for children’s gifts. Donations are still coming in, he said, and more are welcome. Received a report from Police Chief James Dean on the Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). Grant funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation will cover overtime costs related to the program. Received an updated from Public Works employee Jerome Moore, who said cemetery work was coming along well. Heard from Fire Chief Dan Nasalroad, who reported that two new firefighters, Scott Friend and Alan Robertson, had been hired with a 90-day probationary period. Nasalroad also reported that the new tanker truck is still being built and he will inspect it in two weeks. Labette and First Option banks have both been asked about financing information for the truck. Heard reports regarding the ditch on Sixth Street by the Post Office and the project at Fifth and Grandview. Council Member Terry Weitman said a good job had been done on Sixth Street. Mayor Smith reported that the Grandview project was much improved. Heard Councilman Jerry Boone’s request that the small parking area at Bittiker Park be rocked because it is getting muddy. Heard Jodi Wade report that the swimming pool project is moving along fine. Wade reported that there will be one more test by Terracon Consultants before the base of the pool is laid. Heard from Linda Meisel that the La Cygne Fiesta will be moved to the first weekend in June. Approved a $4,425 bid from Fred Noel Construction for repairs on a culvert at Sixth and Vine. Approved sending City Clerk Gary Mahon to the Boundary and Annexation Survey Workshop in Kansas City on Jan. 13.
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