By Lucky Kidd
LYONS, Kan. — Monday night was the changing of the guard for the Lyons City Council as three newly elected Council members Cecil Burdette, Rick Miller and Jim Cedeno took their seats and Alicia Hommon assumed the Mayor’s position.
Outgoing Mayor Dustin Schultz expressed thanks individually to each staff member present at the meeting, as well as to the Council itself. “I want to thank each one of you who have served on the Council, in whatever capacity and however long you’ve been here, because it took everybody to get these things accomplished, started or worked on,” Schultz said.
Schultz reviewed the many things that have happened during the past four years, ranging from the sharp gas price spike in February 2021 that cost the city some three million dollars to issues with the Wastewater Treatment Plant to street projects in the city and a new fleet management plan that allowed the city to upgrade its vehicle and equipment fleet.
Outgoing council members Doug Higgins, Fred Long and Leanna Payne also shared parting thoughts as they concluded their service. Payne was the senior member of the Council in point of service.
After taking the mayor’s seat, Hommon said in opening her term she wants to continue a legacy derived from her parents, to start with what they finished. “I think we have an opportunity here to do even better, so we can honor the service they provided us.”
Prior to City Clerk Gayla Horsch administering the oaths of office, the Council approved an amendment to the city’s personnel policy and guidelines that will permit members of the Volunteer Fire Department to serve on the Council, one of whom was elected in November.
With one change from what had been drafted by City Counselor Patrick Hoffman, the Council approved a revision that stated only the fire chief cannot serve on both the Fire Department and City Council. This allowed Rick Miller to take his seat on the council. Re-elected Council member Debra Metzger was also sworn in for a new term.
The Council approved payment of $7,537 to Eakin Enterprises of Larned for demolition of structures at 526 North Grand. Eakin submitted the low bid for the project, though some council members questioned the potential of additional costs and concerns about where debris from the property should be taken. In its vote the bid was approved on a not to exceed basis.
The Council approved on a 6-2 vote a nearly $5,800 purchase of cameras from INAlert of Ellinwood for the City Hall meeting room. These cameras would facilitate live streaming of Council meetings, addressing a desire of the Council to improve transparency.
This is a non-budgeted purchase, and Council members Debra Metzger and Cecil Burdette voted against the purchase. Metzger said she felt the city has other current issues that should have funding priority.
The Council deferred approval of a lease contract for the round top hangar at Lyons-Rice County airport, this at the request of Rice County Public Works Director Tom Robl who had concerns about certain provisions of the lease agreement. This item will be revisited at the next meeting Jan. 21.
