Florence City Council looks at city ordinances
"People have said to us they want us to clean up the town," said Councilman Randy Mills at the Monday night meeting of Florence City Council.
"If we don't enforce our own regulations, it won't happen."
Mills's comments came during a preliminary review of various ordinances and codes.
Mills said many ordinances have not been enforced in some time.
"For instance," said Mills, "there is a resolution from 1975 that provides for sidewalk repair. We can use the same resolution and require that repairs be made."
Other ordinances need review because fines are no longer adequate or because the wording is antiquated or confusing.
Mills acknowledged the council would have to be willing to "take the heat" from members of the community who are not used to having rules enforced.
Codes and penalties exist for untagged and inoperable vehicles, animals running at-large, grass and weeds growing unchecked, unauthorized burning, alcohol consumption at public events, and salvage collection within the city limits.
After discussion, Eric King and council members Bryan Harper and Dan Ludwig were appointed to research the wording of the ordinance prohibiting consumption of alcohol to see if changes are necessary.
Mills will review the ordinance about animals running at-large and research noise ordinances in other communities.
King will review penalties for growing marijuana and make sure the city is in compliance with state regulations.
Revisions and suggestions will be given at the Dec. 20 meeting.
Florence Standards Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. the same evening to decide if the city is willing to enforce its own resolutions and ordinances. The standards board's recommendations also will be presented to the council.
Mills also noted that he found several resolutions going back to 1982 that called for the closure of several alleys. He recommended the city research the closures and get them marked on a city map so the public knows the status of each alley.
Council members agreed to offer single burial lots for sale at Highland Cemetery in a designated area on the southeast side. Mills will have a regulation in writing for approval at the next meeting.
Mills announced that a recent meeting with Straub Eaton engineers, Chris Cox of South Central Kansas Economic Development District, U.S. Filter representatives, and Florence city attorney Marilyn Wilder resulted in an agreement among all parties to resolve problems at the city water plant.
Mills said problems still exist, but at least now the city has people willing to work toward a solution.
In other business the council:
— heard from fire chief Tony Leeds that beginning in January he will be required to file his reports electronically rather than on paper. Leeds will investigate acquisition of a computer for that purpose.
— approved an expenditure for meals and travel for Eric King to attend a free police training class Saturday to Monday in Topeka. King also presented a certificate of appreciation to Joe Heath for help he has given the department.
— agreed not to allow deductions for people who choose not to use a portion of city utilities. City clerk Darla Gore asked for the decision regarding a customer who requested water hook-up, but no sewer or trash service. The city will charge its basic fee whether service is used or not.
— agreed to hire A&E Analytical Laboratory at an annual fee of $1,260 to test sewer samples as required by the state. The laboratory also will perform fourth quarter tests for 2004 at a separate charge. Council also heard it is time to test water for copper and lead content for KDHE.
— agreed to hire Hach Co. to calibrate the chlorinator and turbidity meter at the water plant. Hach will charge $1,136 annually for its service. The motion passed three to one with council member Randy Mills opposed.
— tabled until the next meeting a decision to hire a new auditing firm and a job description for city superintendent.
— will await a meeting with Joe Palic of Kansas Department of Transportation to find out about plans for alternate routes during repair of U.S.-77. Randy Dallke, Marion County commissioner-elect, and Marion-Florence superintendent of schools Lee Leiker will be invited to the meeting.
— heard dirt work has been done at the clear well and Wray Roofing will be in Florence Thursday and Friday, weather permitting, to seal the clear well deck.
— approved cereal malt beverage licenses for Junction Saloon and Johnson's.
— heard the ambulance department has taken ambulance #2 out of commission and is trying to sell it. Ambulance director Judy Creamer told council members the department's certificate of deposit will be up for renewal Dec. 19. Rather than reinvest the money in a long term CD, it will be deposited in the city's money market fund and earmarked for the ambulance department.
— heard that a snowflake decoration hanging from a light pole on Main Street was damaged when a semi was parked under it. City police will make the area a "no truck parking" zone until the snowflakes are taken down.
— approved ordinance 769 to charge for the fire department's services at a traffic accident.
