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Buhler Community Foundation Wednesday, 28 December 2011 22:53
The Buhler Community Foundation Continues to GROW The Buhler Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Hutchinson Community Foundation, was recently awarded a matching grant from the Kansas Health Foundation through its GROW (Giving Resources to Our World) Healthy Kansas initiative. Please check out the article that appeared in the Hutchinson News. Thank you so much to all who support the Buhler Community Foundation! If you are interested in making a donation to the Buhler Community Foundation, please click here. Last Updated (Wednesday, 28 December 2011 23:13) Buhler Wellness CenterTuesday, 29 November 2011 16:05
Work off that turkey and pie with us! Buhler Wellness Center classes have officially started. Click here for membership information and schedules. Stop by and check it out! Last Updated (Tuesday, 29 November 2011 16:27) Sidewalk Replacement ProgramWednesday, 25 May 2011 20:12 |  Written by Harley Marshall
Buhler Resident Information: Sidewalk Audit (shows sidewalks needing repair) 7-23-11 Vogt-Parga Contstruction won the bulk pricing bid for the city. Any city resident may opt into this pricing: Vogts-Parga Construction - 316-284-2801 Potential Contractors Information: In addition, the following KDOT requirements shall be followed *contractor must also have a valid $1M liability insurance policy on file with the City of Buhler named as an additional insured. Last Updated (Saturday, 23 July 2011 15:27) State JournalismWednesday, 18 May 2011 17:38 | Written by Caleb Stewart
The Kansas Scholastic Press Association State Contest was held in Lawrence on May 7. 95 Kansas high school students proved their journalism talents in 20 categories. Winners were chosen out of more than 1,000 entries. Students qualified for the contest by placing at one of the six Regional contests held in February. “Qualifying for State was exciting, especially because it was my second year. I was very proud of my hard work,” Brittany Allen, so., said. Representing Buhler High in the 4A division were: Seniors Renae Meitler and Mehul Vankar; Juniors Courtney Carlton and Caleb Stewart; Sophomores Brandy Allen, Brittany Allen and Nikki Bontrager; and Freshman Olivia Garcia. Only six placings are given in each category at State, and Buhler students brought home one of the six in Theme Development and Graphics. The team of Courtney Carlton and Brandy Allen received Honorable Mention. “It was really cool to see that our hard work paid off at the state level,” Carlton said. In publications judging, the Mangonel yearbook was recognized for receiving a 1st place All-Kansas Award that was granted earlier this year. CITY COUNCIL NOTES, MARCH 29, 2011Tuesday, 19 April 2011 12:16 | Written by Don Ratzloff, Daniel Friesen
CITY OF BUHLER COUNCIL NOTES MARCH 29, 2011
Traci Isaacson of 104 E Curtis requested consideration for the no parking signs on the 100 block of East Curtis. She noted that the restriction of parking from 7:30 – 8:30 am were a major inconvenience for her family. The parking restriction was originally requested by residents a result of student parking. The Council requested a poling of the neighborhood to find out if a change would pose a problem for them. Chris Miller of Miller and Associates reported that he led a tour group through the new Water Treatment Plant to view and explain the current progress on the project Monday, March 28. He then showed the Council members a video clip of Buhler’s water well #3. There were several areas of concern including a small hole through the casing and debris on the screens. Chris recommended that the well be cleaned as part of the rejuvenation. Additional costs amount to $16,744.34 which includes a new pump, 70 feet of column pipe, carbon line shaft, CCT inspection, 5’ SS line shaft, Bronze spider gears, and Sonar Jet, Acid and Sodium Hypo cleaning. He also proposed a plaque at the Water Treatment Plant naming community members involved in the process. Councilmember Neufeldt was commended on work in choosing colors for the Water Treatment Plant. Payment request #2 was presented from Utility Contractors, Inc. for work completed and materials through February 28, 2011. City Clerk Merrill Peterson presented a letter from KDHE Division of Environment to Les Teter noting that they were “pleased to note that the City of Buhler is in full compliance with the 503 Sludge Regulations for the past year”. They further commented that they “appreciate the fact the forms were completed correctly and promptly returned to KDHE”. A controlled burn has occurred at the City burn site south of Buhler. A thank you has been received from the 2011 Reno County Water Festival participants. A letter was received from the Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community requesting a letter in support of a Community Service Tax Credit regarding their planned remodeling project for two wings of the facility. Mayor Friesen will submit a letter of support as agreed by the Council. Mr. Peterson also reported on the recent CCMFOA conference he attended in Wichita. He particularly noted the networking with other City Clerks along with the pertinent topics presented, some of which were legislative review, KPERS, and transportation programs available for street projects using a revolving loan fund which would carry a lower financing charge. March sales tax was down just slightly at less than ½ percent. He also noted that the deadline had passed for signup for Buhler Recreation summer programs. He received notification that the City Library has received Ad Valorem taxation exemption from the Court of Tax Appeals for the additional space now occupied by the library. Mr. Peterson also brought to the Council’s attention a letter he received from Dave Schroeder commending Police Chief Tracy’s assistance during a recent accident. Police Chief Tracy reported that 190.9 gallons of fuel were consumed and 1964 miles were logged on the Police vehicles. He made note of the need to replace the oldest Police car. Preliminary costs would be approximately $22,000 from a dealer in Wichita specializing in police vehicles and using the state discount for a new Dodge Charger with a 6 cylinder engine, equipped for police service. At the request of the Council, he will check further regarding trade in value and other dealers although they may not be able to honor the State of Kansas contract and equip the vehicle appropriately. A question arose regarding the source of funding for the vehicle. City Clerk Peterson noted that this cost would come from the capital equipment reserve fund and had been anticipated in the budgeting process. Chief Tracy also reported on law enforcement activities for the past month which are logged into the police records. Superintendent James Perry reported that the annual sewer line cleanout maintenance had been completed on a specific area of Buhler and that a portion of this section videoed per contract. The crew has replaced a water meter for a residence, repaired park bathrooms and run the street sweeper whenever possible. He stated that it works best if the streets are wet when the sweeper is in operation. Hydrant flushing is coming up from April 4 through 8 per schedule. He is concerned that due to having only one of the wells in service at present, pressure may be an issue so he will make a final decision based in part on weather conditions and anticipated resident water usage. He also reported that the sidewalk audit is in progress. A letter was received from the Kansas Bureau of Environmental Field Services stating that they had done an inspection at the burn site and we were in compliance with the Kansas Open Burning Regulations and approval. The letter reiterated that we can only burn tree, brush and clean lumber at the burn site. Mayor Friesen brought up the issue of drug and alcohol testing and background checks for new employees. The city policy states that any employee may be subject to testing at any time the Council requests it to be done. He would like to see it become a prerequisite for all newly hired employees. There is a considerable price attached to testing and policy would need to be adopted to carry out the change. It was suggested to do “ten panel” testing. Further investigating will be done before any hard and fast requirements are initiated. Sources for background checks will also be checked into. Mayor Friesen also reported on a mock tornado emergency scenario that was conducted in Buhler in conjunction with the Fire Department, Public Works Department, Police Department and Reno County Emergency Management. It was noted the Police Department, Fire Department, and Reno County Emergency Preparedness duties are initiated during and immediately after an event but that most of the Public Works Department and City Administration duties and responsibilities come into play after the event. Mayor Friesen specifically thanked Deputy Fire Chief Doug Hanen and his hard work in the design and coordination of the scenario drill. The Personnel Committee informed the Council that the person chosen for the vacant Public Works position had declined their invitation. They instructed Superintendent Perry to contact the second choice to fill the position offering him an employment offer pending Council approval. Mr. Justin Mourn accepted the position and a start date was set for May 1, 2011. Mayor Friesen conveyed his desire to have a member of the City Council visit board meetings at least quarterly citing the boards’ feelings of being abandoned by the City Council. He suggested Councilmember Bryan visit the Library Board, Councilmember Goertzen visit the Recreation Board, and Councilmember Schmidt visit the Zoning Board. He and Councilmember Neufeldt will cover the Board of Economic Development. A request in the form of an agreement was received from the KDHE to obtain groundwater samples in several areas of Buhler using direct push technology to identify potential areas of carbon tetrachloride contamination. The areas of concern do not affect the city’s public water supply which is obtained east of town but does raise concerns for private wells within the city limits. The city should have more information in the coming months. Discussion on the property adjacent to Buhler Road between South Street (69th) and Dutch Avenue (82nd) regarding these properties were the first impression of motorists passing through Buhler. Of concern was the property at 4th and Buhler Road. It is currently zoned as MH-1 which allows a mobile home to be located on the property if it meets the required setbacks and usage. Zoning Administrator Peterson stated that the new owner purchased the property with the specific intent to move a mobile home onto the site and is in the process of obtaining the zoning permit. The owner has been in contact frequently to make sure everything is appropriate. When requirements appear to be met he will issue the permit per regulations.
Reported by Don Ratzloff, Deputy City Clerk and Daniel Friesen, Mayor.
Questions, Concerns, Comments? Contact the City Staff or Mayor any time:
City Office 219 N Main 620-543-2253
Mayor Daniel P. Friesen
Last Updated (Tuesday, 19 April 2011 12:18) A Talented DisplayMonday, 18 April 2011 17:16 | Written by Renae Meitler
The annual talent show was held at Buhler High School on April 8. Admission was $1 per student and the money was for a good cause. The talent show was a fundraiser put on by StuCo to purchase another new picnic table, so more seniors at the high school could eat lunch outside on nice days. The students put on a show filled with singing and dancing. Lauren Dunning, so., Sadie Jones, so., Candace Miller, so., Brielle Warner, fr., and Connor Washburn, fr., performed a dance together and Warner and Washburn each did solo dances as well. Among the talent was Matt Brubaker, sr., who composed an original song for the fourth year. “I finished writing that song that day. I used to get really nervous but I knew that a lot of my friends were in the audience, so I just went up there and had a good time with it,” Brubaker said. Overall, the rest of the student body enjoyed the performances. “The singing and dancing was pretty good,” Heather Cape, jr., said. The talent show raised a total of $380.Keeping up with excellenceThursday, 10 March 2011 15:14 | Written by Caleb Stewart
Several BHS students, along with almost 1,000 others from 23 different schools, competed in the Pratt Academic Olympics held on the campus of Pratt Community College. Buhler had 39 placings in 27 different categories which earned them 1st place in division one. Among the students to place was Vickie Dukart, so., who earned 1st in Ag Business and 1st in Animal Science. “It was really exciting to get 1st at Pratt,” Dukart said. I was not expecting to do well at all. There were a lot of schools that had been practicing for weeks. I feel very fortuante to have placed in two subjects. I’m excited my hard work and studying paid off. Another 1st place finisher was Antonia Androski, jr., who placed in English III. “We got to our testing room about ten minutes late, so I was really surprised that I did so well. I learned most of what I knew on the test from Ms. Darnell,” Androski said. CITY COUNCIL NOTES, FEB. 22, 2011Monday, 28 February 2011 20:04 | Written by Don Ratzloff, Daniel Friesen
Greg Werner of Miller and Associates updated the Council with the progress at the Water Treatment Plant. Colors have been picked for the Water Treatment Plant. The contractor is close to being on schedule with masonry work having started on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. A change order covering a generator and electrical upgrades for one of the well houses along with pulling the motor and column piping inspection and reinstallation at both wells for a total of $69,179.00 was reviewed. An option to change the fuel source to propane would cost $3,300.00 but increase the generator from 80 KW to 100 KW and keep the city from having to handle significant amounts of diesel fuel. Utility Contractors submitted their certification and application for their first request for payment which has been reviewed and approved by Miller and Associates for work already completed – payment was approved.
The Council reviewed the revised nuisance ordinance containing several changes including: Section 4 – change in format of complaints, inquiry and inspection; Section 6 – determination at complaint hearing; Section 12 – clarification of application to commercial property by removing possible conflicts of the city’s zoning regulations. City Clerk Merrill Peterson reported that a pressure control froze at the Water Tower due to the primary and backup heaters both failing at the same time during our recent hard freeze. It will cost approximately $2,000.00 to replace the control. It will most likely be covered by insurance, less the deductible. The onsite financial audit was completed the first week of February and reports will be forthcoming. He also noted that it is already time to start thinking about any major expenses for Budget Year 2012 and asked for input from the Council. Deputy City Clerk Don Ratzloff notified the Council of an upcoming Municipal Court Clerks’ Conference to be held on Friday, April 1 in Topeka, KS that he plans to attend. Mileage and lodging will be paid by the Kansas Supreme Court Judicial System. He also stated that work on the annual Buhler Bulletin which is given to all new residents and mailed to existing residents annually is in its last stages, waiting for one article. He asked the Council to review and proof the Bulletin for errors and omissions. Several comments and questions were addressed. Mayor Friesen commended Mr. Ratzloff on a well written project. Superintendent James Perry reported that a water leak was found at the Waste Water Treatment Plant and would be remedied this week. There was also a collapse of bricks in a manhole on South Street causing a major problem at the Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, flooding their basement with raw sewage this past weekend. The problem was brought to the attention of City Attorney Stan Juhnke and Sid Arpin, Engineer with BG Consultants who was the overseer of the South Street/3rd Avenue Court Project. It was evident that the problem was the result of sub-standard workmanship on the manhole during construction. Mr. Arpin will proceed to remedy the situation. Superintendent Perry stated that, subject to weather, the bathrooms at the Wheatland Park will be unlocked for the season by the end of this week. Councilmember Neufeldt noted that the tile he anticipated using to improve and modernize these bathrooms was no longer available, so he would find another suitable material. He noted that some of the fixtures would need to be replaced as well. Superintendent Perry also addressed the sign in the Becker Park. He obtained a cost estimate from Gregory Inc. to produce a vinyl surface to be applied after the City Crew preps the sign. It was suggested that the project be coordinated with the Beautification Committee for a possible redesign of the sign. It was noted that the sign was a result of the 1988 Centennial Committee. He also noted that in the process of digging a recent grave at the West Cemetery, a stone had to be moved in order to get the backhoe positioned to dig the grave. He would like to investigate the possibility of a more compact unit to alleviate this problem from recurring. Mayor Friesen commended the city maintenance crew on their hard work removing snowfall on the streets this past month. Mayor Friesen stated that as Tornado Season approaches, he has scheduled a meeting with the Fire Chief, Police Chief, and City Superintendent to review the Disaster Emergency Preparedness Response Plan for the community. Mayor Friesen also noted that he had been at the USD 313 School Board Meeting on Monday regarding a community garden project on school district property called CAS or Community Agriculture Site. He invited project members David Buckley and Allan Engle to apprise the Council of their idea. The project location is proposed on the old Hebron Church property owned by the school district. Mr. Buckley shared their vision for Buhler and asked for ideas in response to see what could be worked out for the betterment of the community. They currently have a site at 95th and Tobacco Road and are interested in offering a similar project to be located in the Hebron Annex to the west and south of the building. He explained that it would involve students from the Buhler School System and volunteers from the community. Their site at 95th & Tobacco Road has grown considerably. It is designed to put math and science to a practical application, giving students responsibilities to plant, nurture, cultivate, and measure the produce they planted. Upon harvesting, student groups were given the opportunity to process their produce for sale to parents, friends and through a farmers’ market. A concern was raised that the parking area west of the Hebron building was frequently used for visitors to the cemetery. According to Mr. Buckley, the CAS project does not designate specific spots for local individuals to use for personal gardening. The representatives sought approval by the council for the project, and although the Mayor noted it did not appear approval was needed, the council provided a consensus of support for the project. The Council asked Philip Neufeld to bring this issue to the Buhler Beautification Committee with the support of the Council and encourage the project to be open to community input. Mayor Friesen also brought up the issue of the possibility of a community garden or a croquet court to be located on the vacant lot at 120 S. Wall. He indicated the Rupp Family may be willing to allow a community garden to be developed on that location. No further action or discussion followed regarding this issue. The Personnel Committee narrowed the applicants to four candidates for the position of a Full Time Public Works Position recently vacated by Nathan Spencer. After interviewing the four candidates, they made a recommendation for the position which was approved by the Council. A 2011 Buhler - Reno County Jail Housing Contract was reviewed by the Council. The major change was an increase in the per diem rate from $35 to $40. The contract has been reviewed by City Attorney, Stan Juhnke. A discussion took place regarding truck egress onto Main Street at 1st Street. Deep ruts are being made across City owned property and mud is being pulled out onto the street with damage having occurred to a meter lid at 101 S Main. Contact will be made with Mid-Kansas Coop to work out a solution.
Reported by Don Ratzloff, Deputy City Clerk and Daniel Friesen, Mayor.
Questions, Concerns, Comments? Contact the City Staff or Mayor any time: City Office 219 N Main 620-543-2253
Mayor Daniel P. Friesen
NEW BOOK DETAILS BUHLER HIGH FOOTBALL HISTORYSunday, 20 February 2011 11:54 | Written by Hillsboro Free Press
Touchdowns & Tackles: A History of Buhler Football, 1916-2010, written by former Buhler High assistant coach Steve Miller, is on sale at http://www.buhlerschools.org/orderfootballbook or at the USD 313 administrative office, Buhler High School or Sport Shack, in Hutchinson. The hardback book packs into 232 pages photos, stories, interviews, statistics, records and much more about each season over the past 95 years. It is complete with team pictures and information about important games and interesting and often humorous anecdotes. Included at the end of the book are top-ten records, awards and stats. Miller was an assistant football coach at Buhler High during the first four years of Coach Steve Warner’s tenure. Warner and his staff have resurrected Buhler football and taken it to one of the premier programs in the state. Miller had a long career in academics as a teacher, coach, assistant principal at Buhler High and in human resources before becoming vice president of administrative services at Wesley Towers. Both of his sons played football at Buher. Miller told KWBW radio that he spent five years researching and writing the book, putting in four to five thousands hours. Expenses publishing Touchdowns & Tackles were paid by donations. Sales proceeds will benefit Buhler High School through the USD 313 Education Foundation. Touchdowns & Tackles is published by Hillsboro Free Press and can also be ordered at hillbororfreepress.com.
CITY COUNCIL NOTES JAN. 27, 2011Monday, 14 February 2011 20:14 | Written by Don Ratzloff, Daniel Friesen
JANUARY 25, 2011 Greg Werner of Miller and Associates updated the Council with the progress at the water treatment plant. The clearwell base has been poured which is 30-36” thick and the crew will probably start forming the walls next week. He presented the Council with several options for mortar color to go along with the previously selected exterior wall surfaces. The Council will also need to select interior colors, countertop colors and cabinets in the near future. The countertop will need to be of an acid resistant substance to withstand future years of testing to be done at the facility. To date the project is $160 thousand under budget which will allow for some electrical upgrading, computer control upgrading, and well head upgrading. He indicated that Miller and Associates would be responsible for assuring compliance with the Bacon/Davis employment regulations. Completion is still set for June 30, 2011. Considerable time and discussion evolved regarding handicap parking and ramping on the 100 block of North Main Street. A study was done by Police Chief Tracy and Superintendent Perry to determine the best solution to the problem. In order to meet ADA requirements, a ramp would not be feasible in the middle of the block without major street restructuring and Handicap Parking would take out two additional spaces of already cramped parking. Miller and Associates will be contacted to see what long range plans can be implemented to alleviate this situation and provide a Master Plan for Downtown Buhler development. A suggestion was made to investigate temporary ramping. No further action was taken. Superintendent Perry reported that a water break was located and repaired at Third Ave Court and Buhler Road. The crack sealing done last fall seems to be holding up well. He noted that multiple cracks are appearing on the streets that will need attention. It was brought to his attention that the sign in the Becker Park was showing indications of deterioration. It will be reported to the Beautification Committee. Red clay has been ordered by the School for the ball diamonds in the Wheatland Park for application this spring. The crew is in the process of major tree cleanup at the Landfill site. Police Chief Tracy reported that 201 gallons of fuel were consumed and 2021 miles logged on the Police vehicles. He reported on numerous citations issued and assists given to citizens. A log of activities is kept at the Police Office. City Clerk Merrill Peterson reported that the filing deadline had passed on Tuesday, January 25 at noon for the three positions on the Council slated for election on April 5, 2011. There are six candidates registered: incumbents Jake Schmidt and Philip Neufeldt – new candidates Chris Ledbetter, Chris Shain, Mike Yutzy, and David Zook. George, Bowerman & Noel, PA will start the annual audit on Monday, January 31. The annual Treasurer’s Report has been appropriately filed. The Council encouraged City Clerk Peterson to attend the annual Spring Conference of the City Clerks Municipal Finance Officers Association on March 16 through 18. Deputy City Clerk Don Ratzloff stated he had started working on the annual Buhler Bulletin which is given to all new residents and mailed to existing residents annually. It will be prepared in a format more easily uploaded to the Buhler website/ Buhler E-News. The Citywide Cleanup has been scheduled for May 7, 2011 and the City Wide Garage Sales will take place on May 21. Mayor Friesen reported that Doug Hanen has resigned his post as Chief of Reno/Harvey County Fire District #2 and that Royce Regier was assuming the role of fire chief. Hanen will remain on the department as the Assistant Fire Chief. The Council recessed into executive session to discuss a confidential personnel matter and a business matter. Mayor Friesen recommended appointing Melissa Sullivan to a term expiring in 2015 on the Buhler Recreation Commission. Mayor Friesen announced the resignation of City Maintenance employee Nathan Spencer. He has been hired by the Buhler Sunshine Home. It was noted that Superintendent James Perry is certified as a Class 2 Water Operator so the City will not be at risk or in violation. An ad has been placed in the Hutchinson News giving an application deadline of February 14 for applications to be received. The Personnel Committee will meet on February 15 at 5:30 pm to review applications and conduct interviews on February 21, 2011. A question was raised about business signage in and around Buhler. It was noted that the county has relinquished responsibilities for signage on connecting roadways within city limits which brought up a question of accessibility to those locations. Any signage on right of way property within the City Limits would need to be processed through the Zoning/Planning Commission and be reviewed by the Public Safety Officer to make sure it does not hinder the view for traffic. |
