Goessel city council met on July 14 and reviewed the survey the city had conducted about wind turbines. While many of the respondents do favor other forms of alternative energy, the overwhelming majority do not favor wind turbines. The survey asked about a buffer around the city, and most of the respondents would like a 10-mile buffer. Mayor Evan Esau said he has sent a letter to the other cities in the county to ask their opinion about wind turbines and a buffer.
Council member Amanda Voth said the next county planning and zoning meeting is scheduled for Aug. 22. Community members are encouraged to attend that meeting and speak out about wind turbines.
Turning their attention to another matter, council member Ariel Krause told the council about a book launch event that is planned for Aug. 1 at Bethesda Home. The book is about Randolph (Randy) Woelk, a 1939 Goessel High School graduate who was called the Galloping Goose by sports writers. Aug. 4 has been designated Galloping Goose Day.
Brian Stucky told the council that Woelk was an outstanding athlete who won the KU Relays in the high school division. He said all sizes of schools competed in the event. Stucky said Woelk broke the record that had been held by Glen Cunningham. A bronze plaque commemorating Woelk’s accomplishment has been installed on the concession stand at the high school.
* discussed riding in the Threshing Days parade, which is coming up on Aug. 3.
* talked about a fence between the parking lot at the city building and a private property. A portion of the fence had been taken down, and the parking lot has been used as a driveway to the private property. Council members agreed that the fence should be put back up.
* noted that some houses in town do not have house numbers on them. Most that do not are rental houses. The council stressed that house numbers are important, especially in emergency situations. Home owners are encouraged to install house numbers that can be read easily from the street.
* heard from Brian Stucky about the need to put some of the lights in the community room on a different light switch. It would be easier for power point presentations. He noted the “wonderful” meeting room and that people from outside the community commend the city for the space.
* spent a considerable amount of time talking about re-keying all the locks on city buildings, wells, generator and water tower. Various kinds of lock systems were discussed.
* talked about the city’s security cameras.
* talked about a tree that had been removed to increase water flow in the creek that runs through the city and reduce the chance of flooding. The tree was half on private property and half on city property. The tree removal cost $2,300. The city will pay half the cost.
* heard that public works director Paxton Van Rossun is getting the road grader fixed in Moundridge.
* heard that Krause was looking into getting the mosquito fogger checked.
* heard that a water leak at Bethesda Home had been fixed.
* heard from Anthony Voth’s police report that he had dealt with nuisance properties and animals at large.
* briefly talked about a pickle ball court at the city park.
* briefly talked about paving for the city building.
* listened to Mike King of Hesston, who is running for a state legislature position.
* briefly talked about a charter ordinance to switch to publishing budget and other ordinances on the city’s web site instead of using a newspaper for such notices.
