May 19, 2013

Letters from Second Grade Classes

One of the highlights as mayor is talking with students of all ages. Over the past few months I met with a couple high school students writing papers covering the topic of Curfew Laws. These high school students were interested in the recent changes in the city ordinance regarding curfews, as it is a topic with a heightened level of importance to young adults in this age group.

I can always count on one particular second grade class to write letters. This past school year was no exception. Mrs. Phoebe McCormick’s second grade class has written to me six of the past seven years. This second grade class has written “Letters to the Mayor” in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The most recent letters from 2013 are also on-line for your enjoyment. This year, Ms Shannon Lutz's class got involved in writing me letters.

Each year, after receiving the letters I have visited the class and talked to the children, answering their questions… or at least attempting to answer them. This year was no different other than I had a much larger group, with three classes of Wheatland Elementary second grade students visiting with me. Please take a few moments and read the latest collection of letters.

Their pressing questions include queries as to what kinds of pets I have and how many, whether I have any kids and how old they are, and the list goes on. I encourage you to take time to read the letters and see the questions that have been on their minds these past few years. One of my favorite came from a student inquiring as to whether or not I knew George Washington! I explained that although I do look old, I am not quite old enough to have known our first president.

This class not only writes to me, they also send letters to our governor and the president of the United States. If you have some extra time and want something to bring a smile as you glimpse into the minds of these second graders, I urge you to take a moment and read these letters.

Michael McNown, Mayor

April 21, 2013

Council Welcomes New Member | Wetland Park Discussion

New Member Joins Council
During the April 16th meeting, the governing body said goodbye to outgoing council member Harry Gerling and welcomed the newly elected Ward 2 representative, Laurie Dove, to the Council. Council member Gerling has served the past four years as one of the two representatives for Ward 2. Earlier, council member Gerling chose to not seek re-election during the 2013 municipal election cycle. Laurie Dove, a newcomer to city government, sought the position and won the seat on the Council representing the residents in Ward 2. Council member Dove took the oath of office along with three current members who won their bid for re-election. Those other members were Lou Cicirello (Ward 1), Lionel (Jake) Jackson (Ward 3) and Al Hobson (Ward 4).

Wetland Park Discussion
During the meeting, Council discussed the idea of installing a trail, which might include a nature viewing platform of wood construction. Development of the park with the installation of a trail and platform has been a controversial issue. Residents in the area, opposed to the proposal, believe the construction of the walking trail, and encouraging the public to visit the area, will increase criminal activity in the area. Those who support the development of the park believe the added foot traffic will have the opposite impact on the area. As was explained to Council and those in attendance, the initial plans as to the length of the trail has been reduced twice in an effort to reach a elusive compromise to will address the concerns of the neighbors while at the same time provide the public improved access to this wooded area. A document presented to Council, and myself, provided the conditions under which the parcel of land was to be used to comply with the original intent of the owner. After several speakers both for and against the development of this city park voiced their opinions, Council voted 5-3 to delay further action until discussions with the original owner could be arranged to clear up any questions regarding the property.

Member Resigns
In a surprising turn of events, council member Kate Jackson announced during “Council Comments” this was her last meeting. In an e-mail dated Thursday, April 18th, council member Jackson officially resigned her seat on the Council explaining she and her husband Steve are moving out of state. As you may know, Mr. Jackson has served as a Commissioner on the Valley Center Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. Filling vacancies on the Council is by mayoral appointment with consent of the majority of Council.

Interested Ward 4 Residents Sought
To fill the vacancy left by council member Kate Jackson, I will be accepting resumes from Ward 4 residents interested in serving on the Council to fill the vacated seat. The person selected for appointment will serve the remainder of council member Jackson’s unexpired term, which continues to April 2015. If the appointed representative chooses, he/she will be able to seek election to the seat at that time.

Ward Four Boundaries
The interactive map of the Wards will give most an idea as to which Ward they reside. If you are on a boundary line, this map is not as precise as you may need. Below is the legal description of the boundaries of Ward 4, or you can also call City Hall to get assistance to determine in which Ward you reside.

Chapter 1.12 of the Code of the City of Valley Center, Kansas defines the boundaries of Valley Center's four Wards. Section 1.12.040 specifically defines the boundaries of Ward Four. It reads as follows: The boundaries of Ward Four shall be all of that portion of the City beginning at the centerline of the intersection of W 4th Street and N Meridian thence south to the east Burlington Northern Sante Fe Rail Road rightof-way; thence southeasterly along said right-of-way to the centerline of 61st Street N; thence west to the City Limits; thence northwesterly along the City Limits to an intersection with the south right-of-way line of W Ford Street; then west to the City Limits; thence northeasterly along the City Limits to the west Burlington Northern Sante Fe Rail Road right-of-way; thence southeasterly along said right-of-way to its intersection with the centerline of W 2nd Street; thence east to the centerline of the intersection of W 2nd Street and Birch Street; thence north to the centerline of the intersection of Birch Street and W 4th Street; thence east to the point of beginning.

Those who wish to be considered for the open position should submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). To be considered, these must be submitted by close of business Friday, May 3rd. If you wish to serve the community in this capacity, please e-mail, hand deliver, or mail your resume/CV to the following:

Hand Deliver
City of Valley Center
Attn: Mayor McNown
121 S Meridian
Valley Center, KS 67147

Postal Mail
City of Valley Center
Attn: Mayor McNown
P.O. Box 188
Valley Center, KS 67147

E-Mail
Michael McNown, Mayor
E-mailed resume/CV will be acknowledged. If you do not receive a verification of receipt within 12 hours, please contact City Hall to verify the document was received.

Michael McNown, Mayor