Council and school board work together to promote Goessel
Goessel City Council met Aug. 19 at the community room.
Superintendent John Fast attended the meeting to inform the council about declining enrollment at USD 411 over the past eight years. According to Fast, the situation is not a crisis but is serious. Fast encouraged the council to work with the school board on ways to promote growth in Goessel and in the school district. The board will set a date for the meeting and contact the council.
Fast also informed the council about a community pep rally set for 2:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by volleyball and football scrimmages, a hamburger fry, and bonfire.
The council discussed some possibilities for community growth and how the city can encourage developers to put utilities in on their lots for new houses. There aren't many lots in Goessel ready to be built on. The council suggested inviting John Voth to the next council meeting to discuss the options and his intentions for his lots.
Goessel Fire Chief Larry Jay explained the ISO rating standard insurance companies use to set rates according to the fire protection of a community. Fire departments are periodically audited to review the ISO rating. Jay will request an audit to see if the city can get a higher ISO rating which could lower some homeowners' insurance rates.
The council approved 4-1 Jay's request for the city and the fire board each to pay half of the cost for a flow test kit. The city's share would be approximately $225. The fire department needs to flow test hydrants and chart them and have trucks tested every year. Member James Wiens abstained due to conflict of interest.
Hank Yoder of Stutzman Refuse informed the council about the company's recycling option. The cost is $2 per resident if the entire town participated and they do not supply any type of cart or bags. The city can have a trial period without signing a long-term contract.
Public works director Arlen Goertzen will attend the Floodplain Managers conference in Topeka Sept. 8 and 9. The cost is $150 plus one night's lodging. Goertzen will get quotes for a snowplow for the new pickup. He also reported that the tires on the backhoe need to be replaced at a cost of $700-$800. The council agreed to replace the tires.
The council discussed ways to change the Kansas State Fair booth by using a portion of the backdrop Fern Bartel painted for the Sampler Festival. Council member Racquel Thiesen suggested printing a brochure to promote Goessel. Thiesen, Larry Schmidt, and Anita will work on the brochure.
The council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 197, regulating traffic within the corporate limits of the city of Goessel.
The council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 198, regulating public offenses within the corporate limits of the city.
In other business:
— The council scheduled a public hearing for the Emma Creek Drainage project at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 in the Civic Center Community Room.
— The council reviewed past due bills.
— The next step in the sewer project is to have the city attorney draw up a contract between the city and Floyd Nickel for the purchase of eight acres.
— City clerk Anita Goertzen reported that Jeff and Barb Unruh donated a piano for the community room and Merrill Branson tuned it. A plaque will be placed on the piano in recognition of the donation.
— Goertzen will send a letter to residents who are violating the city ordinance limiting residents to two dogs per residence. The residents in question have three dogs.
— The council approved Arlen Goertzen as National Flood Insurance Program official for Goessel.
