The Mankato City Council met Aug. 8, with Mayor Justin Schoonover and councilmen Sam Becker, Kevin Ost, Rodney Payne, Lyle Dauner and George Hennion present. Also present were Darrell Miller, city attorney, and Sharon McCormick, interim city clerk.
Visitors present were: Mr. and Mrs. William Harris; Jim Dooley and Kyra Lampe, Jewell County Economic Development; Sherry Partridge, Mankato City Library; Susan Abel, representing Jr. Clio Club; Don Jacobs, Jewell County Sheriff; Don Koester and Shelby Dennard.
Sheriff Don Jacobs requested an increase in the funds the city pays to the Jewell County Sheriff’s office for law enforcement. The council approved to increase the pay to $50,000 per year, commencing on Jan. 1, 2024.
The city council passed Ordinance No. 740 to vacate certain streets and alleys in Fairview Addition to the City of Mankato, as requested by William and Marianna Harris.
The council approved the building permit of William and Marianna Harris. They allowed the Harrises to install a septic system on their property in Fairview Addition in lieu of connecting to the city sewer, provided the Harrises obtain the proper permit from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Kyra Lampe advised the Jewell County Economic Development Committee intended to hold a function in downtown Mankato on Oct. 18. She requested permission to block off a portion of the streets in central downtown Mankato for the event. Discussion was had concerning the request and no action was taken pending additional information to be provided regarding the event. Lampe also requested the city pay funds that were previously committed but not paid to Jewell County Economic Development. The council approved to pay $7,200 for two past years that were overlooked.
Susan Abel appeared on behalf of Jr. Clio Club and presented a check in the amount of $1,496.30 from the club for installation of new lights at the Mankato Community Center. Ms. Abel also provided details concerning the manner in which the lights would be installed.
Don Koester presented a building permit for Mike Brandon at the Brandon residence at 727 N. West Street and recommended the building permit to be approved. It was approved unanimously.
Sherry Partridge presented the proposed budget for 2024 Mankato City Library. After discussion, the council approved the budget.
Nikki Harrison of the Kansas League of municipalities joined the meeting via Zoom for discussion concerning advertisement to fill the position of city administrator. Discussion was had and Nikki was directed to proceed with the advertisement.
Sharon McCormick, city clerk, addressed the difference being charged for a sewer fee between houses inside the city limits and houses outside the city limits. Following the discussion, a motion was made that an ordinance be prepared to increase the sewer fee for hookups outside the city limits to $30.29, which is the rate currently being charged to properties within the city limits. The motion passed and the city attorney was directed to prepare the ordinance for presentation at the September council meeting.
Discussion was had concerning the rezoning request of Wayne Gardner. After discussion, it was determined the Mr. Gardner should be asked to provide the council with additional information regarding the use of the property if the rezoning request was granted.
The council approved for the mayor to sign the engagement letter presented by Varney & Associates.
Committee appointments were discussed and the mayor appointed council members to the various committees.
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