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Council to change ordinance interpretation
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HOISINGTON — At its meeting last Monday, by consensus, the Hoisington City Council agreed to leave the junked vehicle on private property ordinance as written.

However, there will be a change in its interpretation. In the past, inoperable vehicles could be stored under a tarp or under a tarp in a carport. This will no longer be allowed.

The ordinance states that inoperable vehicles must be enclosed in a garage or other building, and the ordinance will be interpreted as written.

City Manager Jonathan Mitchell gave a history of the city’s website originally provided by Kansas Library Association. He said that the time has come for the city to obtain its own site. It was consensus of the council to obtain proposals for website set-up and annual maintenance fees.

The council also reviewed utility billing and administration. The city is considering replacing the city’s refundable deposit with a non-refundable service connection fee. In addition, the policy would be changed to allow only two extensions per calendar year. The current reconnection fee would be replaced by a tiered system with the first time account shut-off cost of $35. The second time shut-off cost would be $70, and the third and subsequent cost would be $100.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center Manager Curtis Wolf reported to the city council the accomplishments of the past two years. In 2010, KWEC had 23,553 visitors. They hosted 29 schools. They also held the 1st annual second grade education day for USD 428 hosted by the Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms. The education day will be expanded throughout the county for 2011.

They have continued to develop their live animal display and plan to install a butterfly garden this year.

The city decided to wait for Local Union 304 to present their negotiation requests for those city employees who are members of the union.

Mayor Williamson signed a proclamation proclaiming February 18, 2011 as the Hoisington Superior Essex Communications Plant SHARP Day. This proclamation will be presented to the Essex Safety Committee.