Staff writer
Peabody City Council member Tom Schmidt reported to other council members Monday that a recent meeting with Police Chief Bruce Burke and recreation commission President Greg Jones ended in agreement on a set of rules for use of a new volleyball pit at the corner of Locust and Second streets.
Lack of rules had left residents with homes adjacent to the recreation area unhappy with noise and car lights shining into their homes late at night.
At the meeting, six rules were established for use of the court:
- No alcohol.
- No hanging on equipment.
- No court use after dark.
- Leave the sand in the pit.
- Use trash receptacles.
- No parking closer than 15 feet from the perimeter.
Burke or his officers can address violations of these rules with ordinances already on the books such as curfew violations, public intoxication, littering, etc.
The city and the recreation commission will split the cost of a sign to list the new regulations.
The council also scheduled a work session for the budget at 6 p.m. July 19 at the fire station. The public may attend.
In other business:
- Health and Safety Officer Tammy Whiteside, presented a list of nuisance properties and properties with mowing violations. She said she was holding off on sending letters for mowing violations so that people could catch up after heavy rains.
- The council approved a resolution for a hearing about a nuisance at 803 N. Chestnut.
- Schmidt requested a report July 26 from Public Works Director Darren Pickens, about repairs to a chlorinator at the swimming pool. It is being operated manually now.
- Peabody Main Street Association and Economic Development Director Shane Marler offered to familiarize them with funding for development of the former Baker buildings. A meeting will be scheduled.
- Marler will attend Kansas Main Street quarterly training in Coffeyville this month. Thursday he will be in Topeka to meet with the Baker developer and consultant.
- Pixius Internet Service was in Peabody to introduce its product to the community. Marler said the firm was pleased with the response from rural residents.
- Marler told the council he was pleased with the number of hits the city website received during the day July Fourth as people checked in to get the latest update on scheduling because of the rain. He said the site was a good tool for that kind of situation.
- The council tabled a decision on whether to allow 15-year olds to work as lifeguards at the pool until July 26, when manager Beth Peter is present. City Administrator Mac Manning said there was nothing in city or state labor regulations to prohibit them from working as lifeguards. However, council members indicated they would like some restrictions.
- Schmidt asked Manning to address the 2006 universal building codes with the Peabody Planning and Zoning Commission so the codes could become a part of the city’s minimum maintenance standards.
- Manning reported that city hall still was having humidity problems. Heating and air conditioning workers have checked it but were unable to find the cause. The problem is affecting the efficiency of the copy machine.