Gore, McCarty hired by City of Florence
Florence City Council members cast a unanimous vote Monday afternoon to hire an additional part-time police officer. Florence native Duane McCarty was approved to serve on the force with the provision that he successfully complete a six-month probationary period.
In an earlier special meeting, the council hired Darla Gore as city clerk to replace Ann Brenzikofer, who will retire in the fall.
Council members again discussed the issue of hiring a chief of police. They agreed to set up interviews with the six candidates who have applied for the job.
Councilman Randy Mills moved to accept the job description as presented with the addition of an "ethics code" to be added after review. The motion carried 4-0.
The council also gave tentative approval to the job description for the city clerk, pending the addition of duties as administrator of the web site contract and an "ethics code."
The council heard from Mayor John Lehman that an earlier report, that the Kansas Department of Transportation was planning to put a four-way stop at the U.S.-50/U.S.-77 intersection, was incorrect.
Lehman contacted the KDOT a second time and learned actually that no firm decision on the intersection has been made. He also was told that before any such change takes place, the KDOT is required to discuss the proposal with city and county officials.
Councilman Rick Turner questioned an increase of $500 in the cost of the trash bags the city provides for residents. He asked that the council be provided with information at the next meeting as to why the city provides the bags and whether the cost is included in the cost of trash pickup for the consumer.
Discussion about the ability of the Florence Fire Department to pay for a new fire truck ended with Fire Chief Travis Parmley agreeing to contact two additional lending institutions for information about a lease-purchase agreement.
Councilman Mills expressed concern about the size of the department's budget and the amount of debt it would be carrying until the truck is paid for.
"If you can't meet your obligation," said Mills, "the city is ultimately responsible and I'm not sure we want the responsibility."
Parmley agreed to return to a future meeting with additional budget information and funding plans.
The council also:
— reviewed Standards Board procedures with City Attorney Bob Brookens and changed the meeting time to precede city council meetings rather than follow them.
— rejected a request from Laura Rose of rural Burns to receive trash service from the city. Rose's request was denied because of the distance to her home.
— heard from Economic Development director Sarah Cope that the application for a Federal Home Loan Grant was denied. Cope has re-submitted the application for the next round of funding.
— heard from City Superintendent Stuart Funk that the city's chain saw is missing. The council directed city employees to be more vigilant about locking the shop and office area when they are not on the premises.
— unanimously approved a contract between the city and Rick Burcky for Burcky to maintain the city web site.
— agreed to begin Aug. 4, meeting at 6:30 p.m. rather than 4:30 p.m.
— entered into an executive session with the city attorney present. The session was for the purpose of discussing personnel, police matters, and privileged information. The council took no action upon its return to open session.
