O'Dell resigns from city council
In a surprise move near the end of the Florence City Council meeting Monday afternoon, Barbara O'Dell resigned from the council effective at the meeting's end. O'Dell's written statement was read by Mayor Jeanie Meirowsky. No reason for the resignation was given in the statement.
O'Dell was appointed in July 1999 to fill the second ward position and has served continuously since. Since her seat is not one of those up for election this spring, the council can appoint a replacement. No action was taken Monday in that regard.
Fire Chief Reilly Reid presented the council with information on a 1984 fire truck being offered for bids by the Newton Fire Department. The minimum opening bid is $30,000.
Reid noted that with an $8,000 a year fire department budget and no chance to carry over funds from year to year, the purchase could not be made from his department's funds. He also said that the "new" Florence fire truck is 30 years old.
After discussion about how to finance such an expense, Reid agreed to return to the next council meeting with information on lease-purchase options and loan interest rates.
In other business, the council
— heard from Rick Burcky about a proposed city web site and approved funding $400 a year to develop and maintain the site.
— approved a burn permit for Jim Steele on his property along U.S.-50. The permit is contingent on the approval of the fire chief.
— heard from Steele that he is planning to install a car wash on the property.
— gave the police chief and one city officer permission to attend a conference on narcotics in Wichita March 24-27.
— gave the city superintendent permission to attend a free seminar in Newton about water meter systems, as well as the 2003 Kansas Rural Water Exhibit March 24 and 26 in Wichita. Approval also was given for the purchase of two new radio batteries.
— agreed to send an official letter of support to the state to accompany a request by Johnson's General Store for more efficient lighting at the U.S.-50 exit in front of the business.
The next meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in the city building.
