Staff writer
Peabody City Council members voted Monday to invoke a city ordinance that allows them to shorten the amount of time fireworks can be discharged during the July Fourth holiday.
The ordinance allows for discharge of fireworks from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily from July 1 through July 4. At the council’s discretion, the ordinance also allows the 10 p.m. deadline to be extended to midnight on July 4.
Since the Fourth falls on a Monday this year and many people need to be at work on Tuesday, council members voted to keep the deadline at 10 p.m. rather than extend it two hours as they have done in the past.
“Since the fireworks show at the park is over about that time, 10 p.m. should be a pretty good shut-off time for everyone,” said council member Janice Woodruff.
In other business:
- A public hearing was convened to make a final assessment of the nuisance property at 509 N. Locust. Despite some progress toward the cleanup of the property, council members noted the property had been on the nuisance list for four years with many extensions. They voted unanimously to have city employees abate the nuisance and bill the property owner for the expense.
- City Administrator Mac Manning presented a comparison of premiums and benefits between the city’s insurance carrier and the State of Kansas Health Insurance Program for Non-State Groups. After discussion, the council voted to move ahead with the process to enroll with the state program during the next open enrollment period.
- Public works director Darren Pickens told council that he, Manning, and Jim Ralston of APAC had driven Peabody streets and selected several additional spots for patching and paving. Excess money from the 2011 street repair fund will be used to complete the work while APAC still has its equipment in Peabody.
- During the public comment session, Anita Madsen asked for a review of billing for water service at some rental property she owns. Kenny Rogers was present to protest a citation he received for allegedly moving a barricade that closed a street near his home on South Locust. Mayor Larry Larsen arranged to meet with Madsen and Rogers to review the issues.
- The council approved the use of barricades on July 4 at Second and Locust streets and at 40th and Nighthawk roads.
- Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman explained the marketing tools available to communities and businesses through her office. She exhibited sample publications featuring advertising to promote Marion County.
- Council members went into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
- The annual review of the city’s audit by Dale Clark of Knudsen, Monroe, and Company will take place at the July 11 council meeting.
- Manning noted 20 letters had been issued for grass and weed violations. The deadline to comply with the city’s request is July 4. The city will begin mowing the lots that are not compliant on July 5. Costs will be assessed to the property owners.
The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 11 in the city building.