Florence council will hold work session
Florence City Council Monday night heard from city superintendent Jeff Wagner and acting police chief Erik King that unauthorized dumping around the city is becoming a problem.
A Dumpster near the former city building and one at Moses Shane Park on U.S.-50 often are filled by people who live in rural areas, but dispose of their trash in city Dumpsters.
"This is a problem that is just getting worse," said Wagner.
He and King requested a work meeting with council members to discuss the issue and find a solution.
A meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at the city building.
An announcement of a more positive nature was made by Mayor Sue Klassen who told council members and others in attendance the Labor Day barbecue cook-off has been officially sanctioned by the state.
Klassen said Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius will sign a proclamation to announce the official designation.
"We get to use that in our advertising," said Klassen. "That ought to help get the word out about Florence and Labor Day."
In other business the council:
— heard a report from Leonard Ellis about planting day held March 25 at the tree farm. Ellis said 1,900 trees were planted. Kansas Forestry Service took back 100 seedlings and refunded $241 to the tree farm fund. About 40 people from all over the state participated.
— also heard from Ellis about some improvements to concrete structures near the tree farm. A deck and handrail have been added to one of the structures.
— heard a request from Ellis to allow Florence citizens to vote on proposed zoning changes. No action was taken.
— approved a cereal malt beverage license for Wilbur's Market.
— discussed a problem with cattle getting through the fence at City Springs. Council ordered repairs made to the fence.
— heard from city superintendent Jeff Wagner the chlorinator at the water plant failed March 26. Staff members from Hillsboro water plant spent a day helping get the plant back on line. Wagner said he has reports ready to turn in to Kansas Department of Health and Environment about the incident. He noted KDHE might require official notification of the incident be sent to Florence residents.
— also heard from Wagner that he learned at Kansas Rural Water Association convention there may be additional reports the city should send the state. He said Marcia Carpenter, KDHE Bureau of Water, will be in Florence next week for an on-site visit to review those issues.
— approved the purchase of Office Pro software for Florence police department computer.
— heard there will be a work day May 6 for people who have a community service commitment to fulfill. Police chief King asked council and community members to contact him if they have work to be done.
— entered a 20-minute executive session with city economic development chairman Sarah Cope for the purpose of discussing acquisition of property. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
— heard from councilman Ed Robinson there might be asphalt left over after roundabout paving projects from time to time. Robinson asked and was granted permission to purchase those left-over amounts to patch city streets.
