Council members approved five items that will be submitted to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for grants to improve trails in the city. THE CONTRACT for Robert Johnson, who was hired as the new city attorney for the city of Iola, was approved by council members.
Assistant City Administrator Corey Schinstock will submit a resolution of support, local funding statement, civil rights compliance form, affirmative action policy and an equal employment opportunity policy in order to meet the requirements of the grant request. The deadline for the items is Nov. 30.
The project, a new trail that will begin at the existing Prairie Spirit Trail, will cost $313,375. The city is requesting $250,700 in grant funds from the state, the remaining $62,675 will be paid by the city.
Beck Nilges, an Iola resident that borders the Prairie Spirit Trail, said in a public comment that the existing trails have not posed any problems for her and have had a positive influence.
The contract will be based on the amount of hours worked for the city. The council discussed Johnson’s involvement in the city council meetings, agreeing that he should be required to attend only if the agenda calls for his presence.
Under proposal bids for the 2012 audit for the city, council members also approved the Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips firm to handle the audit procedures.
Carl Slaugh, Iola city administrator, said bids for the Environmental Protection Agency’s required high water service pump were much higher than the city anticipated.
He said the selected bid was $90,000 for a new pump, significantly higher than the $40,000 estimated price. The bid was rejected by the city, and will be reopened for new agencies in December. Slaugh said the city has time to find more appropriate prices. The EPA deadline is for June 2013.
A public hearing for 2012 budget amendments is Dec. 20 in the New Community Building.
City seeks trail funding
