LYONS, Kan. — The Lyons City Council at Monday’s meeting approved a number of requests by the Lyons Chamber of Commerce connected with the Cinco De Mayo Celebration to be held Sunday, May 4. Among them is authorization to hold activities in Workman Park, street closures for a parade, and waiver of solicitors and peddler’s permit fees for the event.
The Council approved a peddler fee and permit waiver for Boomfest July 4, along with a fireworks display permit and closure of Douglas Street that evening. Also approved was use of some loud booms the morning of June 14 for Boomfest fundraiser golf tournament at the Lyons Public golf Course.
The Council authorized payment to Kore Services for replacement of natural gas meters with new ones having auto-read capacity. The Council had earlier authorized a $100,000 expenditure for this, and this approval covers the remaining meters along with implementation of the automated system.
The Council approved payments to Rice County for work that has been done on the four place hangar project and apron improvements at Lyons Rice County Airport, including the city’s share of the projects and FAA grant reimbursement for the hangar project and Kansas Airport. Also at the airport the Council approved a lease agreement with Alpha Ag Air for an outdoor pad space, with an annual rent of $2,500.
The Council approved Mayor Alicia Hommon’s appointment of Nick Wapelhorst to the Fire Department, and reappointment of Robert Wedel to the Lyons Housing Authority Board. It also approved the appointment back to the Fire Department of John Mehl, who stepped down from it after being elected to the City Council. A recent change in city ordinances allows a City Council member to also serve on the Fire Department. A proclamation was also made for Arbor Day.
In his report to the Council Houtman told the Council he will bring forward in May a recommendation to increase fees at the Cemetery, which he said are substantially lower than charged by other area cemeteries. He also provided an update on utility rates, which will also need to see revisions to keep those funds solvent.
Houtman also reviewed plans being developed to provide for a dog pound after Lyons Veterinary Clinic discontinues offering those services June 30. In the works is a plan that would also involve the cities of Nickerson and Sterling and perhaps others, to construct a dog pound on the Wastewater Treatment Plant site south of Lyons.
Assistant City Administrator and Community Development Director Tanner Faust told the Council city crews have demolished two dilapidated structures on West Main, and work is proceeding to finish up the salt shaker project. He also reported on a Waste Tire Grant the city received from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment which will be used for playground surfacing and other projects in local parks.
The Council also recognized Parks and Grounds Superintendent Matt Detmer as Employee of the Month for March. Detmer, in addition to overseeing those areas, also helps out in other areas as needed such as a recent patching of an alley which the city received a thank you note on.
