Sharon Springs City Council - July 2025

August 13, 2025

The Sharon Springs City Council met in regular session Monday, July 7, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Those present were Mayor Verlan Wagoner and Council Members: President of the Council Jay Sharp, Steve Paul, Tim Elder, AB Smith, Dennis Mote, City Attorney Allan Hurlburt, City Clerk Angie Van Allen, Deputy Clerk Allison Mitchell, City Foreman Donald Henderson, Don Rivera, Gerald Rains, Skyler Rains, Lissa Sexson, Lynn Kirkham, Dalton Richards, Kyle Siebert, Stephanie Heier, Wendy and Jevon Benisch.  

Mayor Wagoner called the regular meeting for Monday, July 7, 2025 to order at 5:30 p.m.  

Don Rivera, Development Director from Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center shared information about the mission of WKCAC and expanded on services that are available to children and their families in our area affected by child abuse. He presented a request in the amount of $3,000.00 for the 2026 year for continued support.  Mr. Elder made a motion to approve the request of $3,000.00 for the 2026 year.  Mr. Paul seconded the motion, motion approved.  

At 5:45 pm the meeting is opened up for the hearing on the alley vacate petitioned by Skyler Rains.  Meeting resumes.

Ms. Sexson gave an update to council on the passing of the NRP (Neighborhood Revitalization Plan).   The Attorney General has received the paperwork.  She informed council that applications are now being accepted at the local County Appraiser’s office.  She states she is aware some builders have started to apply.  Ms. Sexson also gave updates on the RHID, SRTS and the Build Kansas Grant.   

A building permit submitted by Lynn Kirkham was reviewed. Council asked Mr. Kirkham which direction the garage door will face as that might be a concern for the adjoining neighbor.  Mr. Kirkham states the garage door will face the west.  Mr. Elder made a motion to approve the building permit as presented.  Mr. Mote seconded the motion, motion approved.  Dalton Richards expressed concern of access to his garage and the exact location of his adjoining property line in relation to the lot with the house purchased next to Mr. Kirkham. The council recommended that the parties have a professional survey conducted to clearly establish the property boundaries.     

Stephanie Heier from Mapes & Miller LLP discussed with council a current draft of the budget, a proposed date for a budget hearing and her recommendations regarding either the intent to exceed or not to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the upcoming year.  Mr. Paul made a motion to not exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.  Mr. Sharp seconded the motion, motion approved.  Mr. Mote made a motion to set the budget hearing for the City of Sharon Springs to be heard at 5:30 p.m. on September 2, 2025 at City Hall.  Mr. Elder seconded the motion, motion approved.  

Gerald Rains approached the council regarding water utilities at the Sharon Springs Golf Course.  Mr. Mote made a motion to waive the 20 % rural utility charge for the Golf Course.  Mr. Elder seconded the motion.  3 in favor, 2 opposed (Paul, Smith).   

Kyle Siebert approached the council regarding the usage of side-by-sides and golf carts in city limits.  The council had some discussion regarding the licensing and other details.  City Attorney Hurlburt will research what other municipalities are requiring.  

Jevon Benisch addressed a concern about his property most recently surveyed.  The council is aware Mr. Benisch has addressed the same concerns with County Commissioners Larson, Gailey and Walker concerning the ownership of the road west of his house.  Secondly, Mr. Benisch made aware a challenge about a waiver with the City and Mr. and Mrs. Justin Haislip and how that waiver is not in place with the current owners regarding the city’s need for utility access during events such as power outages and offered suggestions on how to grant that access with minimal disruption or damage to his property.  

Bed Tax requests were presented to Council.  Mr. Sharp made a motion to approve the request from The Strand Theater in the amount approved by the Bed Tax Committee  which is $100.00 per month for the months of June-December of 2025, pending provided receipts.  The Bed Tax Committee is requesting the Strand Theater to reapply in January of 2026 for the upcoming year.   Mr. Paul seconded the motion, motion approved.  Mr. Smith made a motion to approve the request from the Wallace County Fairboard in the amount of $650.00 for fireworks for the Saturday of the fair.  Mr. Mote seconded the motion, motion approved.  Mr. Mote made a motion to approve the request from the Wallace County Fairboard in the amount of $800.00 for advertising for the fair.  Mr. Smith seconded the motion, motion approved.  Mr. Sharp made a motion to approve the request from the Wallace County Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $1,000.00 for fireworks for the 4th of July display for the community.   Mr. Smith seconded the motion, motion approved.

Resolution 2025-03 was presented to council approving the letter of endorsement for the Wallace County Safe Routes to School Plan. Mr. Paul moved to approve the resolution as presented.  Mr. Elder seconded the motion, motion approved.  

Mr. Elder moved to approve the regular meeting minutes of June 3, 2025.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Paul, motion approved.

Mr. Sharp moved to approve the special council meeting minutes of June 25, 2025.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Paul, motion approved.

Mr. Mote moved to accept payroll and vouchers as presented:  manual checks-#31910-#31931, and #31933; voided check #31932; payroll checks-#31934-#31951; voucher checks -#31952-#31976 and ACH #733 and #734.  Mr. Paul seconded the motion, motion approved.   

Requisitions were presented to Council.  Mr. Elder made a motion to approve the requisition from Goodland Glass as presented.  Mr. Sharp seconded the motion, motion approved.  Mr. Smith made a motion to approve the additional requisitions as presented.  Mr. Paul seconded the motion, motion approved.  

Council closes the alley vacate hearing for Mr. Skyler Rains by motion of Mr. Elder to approve Ordinance #562.  Mr. Sharp seconds the motion, motion approved.

City Superintendent Report: City Foreman Donald Henderson updated council on various projects (Water Workshop will be attended by employees Johnny Unruh and Samuel Rodriguez this month, Electric Conference in September, water courier issue, sewer manhole, potential equipment for sale, broken poles, and street repair).  

City Attorney Report: Mr. Hurlburt informed council that he will most likely have a proposed ordinance by September regarding electric scooters within city limits.   

Council Member Reports: At 8:10 pm Mr. Sharp requested a 5-minute executive session with the Council for non-elected personnel.  Mr. Smith seconded the motion, motion approved. Clerk Van Allen, Deputy Clerk Mitchell were dismissed. At 8:15 pm Clerk Van Allen and Deputy Clerk Mitchell were invited back into the meeting.  Motion was made by Mr. Smith to hire Lissa Sexson as a contract grant writer.  She will be paid monthly at the rate discussed.  Mr. Elder seconded the motion, motion approved.  Mr. Smith made a motion to pay Lissa Sexson for administrative work regarding the Housing Infrastructure Grant at the rate discussed.  Mr. Elder seconded the motion, motion approved.  

City Clerk Report: City Clerk inquired of council about making suggestions to the current personnel policy.                      

** UPCOMING REMINDERS:

Next Regular Meeting ~ August 4, 2025 ~ 5:30 p.m.

Water usage report for the water wells was included in the council packets.

Mr. Elder moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m.; Mr. Paul, seconded the motion, motion approved.

                

Verlan Wagoner, Mayor

Angie Van Allen, City Clerk