The April 25, 2012 meeting of the Wellsville City Council dealt with two main issues: (1) the open meeting on the property at 418 Main Street and (2) the approval of the Mayoral appointees.

The Wellsville City Council heard evidence presented on the structure located at 418 Main Street. The council adopted a resolution to allow the owners of the property ninety days to address the concerns of the city and 120 days to commence work. I voted for this motion because ninety days is a reasonable amount of time to address the safety concerns and 120 days is enough time to commence work on the structure. The resolution passed unanimously. Contrary to media reports it has never been the position of the City Council to see the structure destroyed. The Council does recognize the historical significance of the building and no Councilman at the meeting expressed any interest in seeing the building demolished. We as a council simply want the building to be safe for all residents and visitors who come to our downtown and the council wanted to give the property owners a chance to contact the Kansas State Historical Society to find what could be done with the building. I have also mentioned in previous entries that I would like to see the building restored.

The Wellsville City Council voted unanimously to keep all appointed positions as they are currently. We did elect a new Council President, Jared Eggleston, and that motion passed by a 4-0-1 vote. I voted for all of the appointees and I also voted for Eggleston to serve as the Council President because there was no evidence presented as to why the current appointees are unfit to serve.

**Community Announcement**

I would like to congratulate all of the graduating Seniors of Wellsville High School. Your accomplishments speak for themselves and I wanted to wish each and every one of you the very best in your future endeavors.

The April 11, 2012 meeting of the Wellsville City Council dealt with five main issues: (1) a discussion on the Zoning books, (2) a discussion over summer help, (3) a purchase of a Freedom Lift, and (4) a discussion on the Sunflower Public Water Utility (SPWUA), and (5) a discussion over the prom walk.

Wes informed the City Council that our current Zoning regulations are from the 2003 books. Wes wanted to know if the City wants to upgrade to a more modern set of books. The Council did not vote on anything over the Zoning books and the consensus of the Council was to have Wes do more research and get back to the Council at a future meeting. I am open-minded on this issue and look forward to what Wes brings back to us.

City Superintendent Cross informed the Council that his summer help has been great. Cross requested that the city pay Cole Meyer $8.50 per hour and his brother $8.00 per hour. I voted for this motion because our city has benefited from their help. The Council voted unanimously to approve the pay raises for the Meyer brothers.

The Wellsville City Council voted unanimously to purchase a freedom lift for the city swimming pool. The American for Disabilities Act (ADA) requires this and the investment was $3,300. I voted for this because I think our city needs to meet all current regulations.

City Superintendent Cross said that he spoke with DeSoto regarding water rights. DeSoto has invested some $600,000 in the SPWUA. Mayor Lytle and the Council discussed how much to bid. The maximum amount that we felt comfortable bidding was $1 million. I supported this motion because this is the next step in the on-going water contract negotiations.

The Wellsville City Council discussed the liability concerns over the Prom drive downtown. The Council decided that for this year to keep the Prom walk as it is currently. However, we as a council plan to discuss future changes to the Prom walk at a future Council meeting. I do have some safety concerns with Prom walk as it is currently, but I also am supportive of the tradition of the Prom walk. I plan to support a balanced solution to this.

**Community Announcement**

I would like to congratulate Wellsville High School senior Derek Moore for being named Lawrence Journal World academic All-Star. Derek has maintained a 4.0 GPA and his story can be read here: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2012/apr/22/2012-academic-all-stars/

The March 28, 2012 meeting of the Wellsville City Council dealt with five main issues: (1) the presentation of the City’s comprehensive plan, (2) the appointment of Ron Samsel to the Zoning Appeals board, (3) the pool manager wants to open the pool earlier than usual this year, (4) an update on the Emergency Management Committee meetings, and (5) the purchase of a flat screen TV for City Hall.

City Engineer Mike Brungardt gave a brief synopsis of the City’s comprehensive plan. He informed the Council that there is still more work that needs to be done on it and that the Council would ultimately vote on it later on.

Mayor Bill Lytle sought Council approval to name Ron Samsel to the Zoning Appeals board. I voted for the nomination of Ron Samsel because the Zoning Appeals board is an essential board for the city. This motion passed unanimously.

Since the school year ends about a week earlier than normal, Pool Manager Mary Ann Chambers wants to open the pool early. Council consensus was to open as requested by Chambers as long as the pool is ready.

The Emergency Management Team has decided to meet at 4:30pm on the last Wednesday of every month. We have set City Hall as the primary Command Center. The Council discussed the possibility of having a City-wide storm shelter, but with that there are liability concerns for the city taking on such a responsibility. I would encourage all Wellsville residents to have a family plan in the event of an emergency and to practice that plan.

Councilman Eggleston provided the Council a proposal for a flat screen TV for audio-visual presentations. The Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the TV not to exceed $800. I voted for this motion because the use of the flat screen TV will make audio-visual presentations easier and more efficient. The purchase of this technology will move Wellsville closer to being a more modernized City. 

**Community Announcement**

I would like to congratulate Jesse LeMay for being named Honorable Mention for all-Area wrestling in the Lawrence Journal World.

I would also like to congratulate Jacob Brown, Shamus Kearney, and Nolan Rush for being named all-Area Honorable Mention for Basketball for the Lawrence Journal World.