Council reminds residents of burn-site restrictions

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN CYNTHIA GOERZEN
Goessel City Council member Larry Lindeman reported at the Sept. 16 meeting that he had noticed trash bags full of grass clippings at the city’s burn site.

Residents are reminded that although grass clippings are allowed at the burn site, they must be removed from the bags. Bags are not allowed at the burn site.

In order to comply with state regulations, burn site users must follow the guidelines.

Mayor Peggy Jay told the council that John Fast, Goessel school superintendent, asked her if the council would be willing to join the school board for a meal and joint meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

The school board would provide a meal at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting to follow. The school would like the city’s ideas and help in attracting families with school children to Goessel since enrollment numbers have been dropping.

The council discussed the Voth Addition on the northwest side of town. Public works director Arlen Goertzen estimated it would cost $40,000 to $50,000 to install the utilities-water, sewer, and fire hydrants-in those two blocks.

The cost would be paid by the developer.

The council discussed water bills that have not been paid. This month’s list included 23 residences and one business. City clerk Anita Goertzen said bills are received on the 11th of each month, and payment is due by the 20th.

Water is shut off if the bill is not paid by that date. It was pointed out that some residents are on the delinquent list month after month. The suggestion was made that those who have trouble remembering to pay could set up an automatic payment plan.

The council discussed recent legislation passed by the state regarding landowner liability for renters’ unpaid bills. The matter will be discussed again at a later meeting.

The council was told Goessel’s assessed valuation increased for 2005. The mill levy will remain the same as the 2004 mill levy, but the ad valorem tax will increase. To authorize the increased, the council passed Ordinance No. 196.

In other business, the council:

— appointed Deb Schrag to the library board. Goertzen reported that Schrag has already been contacted and has agreed to serve in this capacity.

— discussed cats and kittens in the Krause addition, at one residence in particular.

“They’re running wild,” Goertzen said. Neighbors have complained.

Goertzen reviewed the ordinance and informed the council that the cats all need rabies shots. She was told to send a letter to the resident.

— told Goertzen to solicit bids for a new computer since she is having problems with the current on.

— heard that the sewer project “is moving along,” according to Goertzen. She said the surveying has been done, and the city is now waiting for a legal description. Negotiations have been completed for purchasing the land.

— discussed how cellphone reception in Goessel can be improved. A petition must be signed and sent to the phone company. Goertzen plans to put up a petition at the Mi-Kansas Co-op.

— discussed the difficulty of getting volunteers to staff the state fair booth. The council also discussed the cost. Rental of booth space is $750, with total cost of a booth estimated at $1,000.

Goertzen said the building will be under construction next year, and booth space will probably be more expensive after that. Since benefits to the city of Goessel are inconclusive, the council will likely not have a booth at the fair next year.

— authorized Arlen Goertzen to purchase two new tires for the backhoe.

— discussed but did not make a decision about purchasing a snow plow for the city’s truck.

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