Wellington local news summary
Week of January 10 2025
City sets timeline to fill council vacancy
Councilman calls for incentives to reverse population decline
Special work session scheduled for March
Council debates more aggressive policy for blighted properties
Council authorizes radio equipment purchase to fix public safety 'dead spots'
Casino revenue distributed to county treasurer
Commission approves rural EMS agreement with Mulvane
New county health officer appointed
Residents raise safety concerns over battery storage proposal
City sets timeline to fill council vacancy
WELLINGTON, Kan. — City Manager Jeff Porter outlined the procedure for filling the current vacancy on the city council. The city has published a notice of the vacancy and will accept applications from interested residents until Jan. 15. The council is scheduled to review the applications on Jan. 20, with a final appointment expected to be made during the Feb. 3 council meeting.
Councilman calls for incentives to reverse population decline
WELLINGTON, Kan. — Councilman Tim Hay proposed a strategic initiative to address Wellington's population decline, suggesting the city create incentive packages for home builders and buyers. Hay recommended organizing a collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce, Sumner County Economic Development and the Recreation Commission to brainstorm "outside the box" ideas to attract new residents. He warned that continued population loss would eventually negatively impact the school district and city services.
Special work session scheduled for March
WELLINGTON, Kan. — The council voted to schedule a special work session for March 25 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss economic development and housing strategies. The session was scheduled in response to Councilman Tim Hay's request to address population trends. The meeting will be held later in the spring to accommodate the appointment of a new council member and various scheduling conflicts among current officials.
Council debates more aggressive policy for blighted properties
WELLINGTON, Kan. — Following a report on a nuisance property on North B Street, one council member urged the city to adopt a more aggressive policy for cleaning up blighted homes when the court system causes delays. The council member suggested that if property owners ignore legal notices for 90 days, city crews should be authorized to enter the property to perform the cleanup rather than letting the issue languish in court for years. Staff noted that using city crews for such cleanups would deplete the city's demolition fund, potentially reducing the number of dangerous structures the city can remove annually.
Council authorizes radio equipment purchase to fix public safety 'dead spots'
WELLINGTON, Kan. — The city council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of 800-megahertz radio equipment from First Wireless of Wichita for $31,634.80. Police Chief Tracy Heath requested the purchase to install a bi-directional antenna at the public safety facility, noting that the department's transition to the 800-megahertz frequency created dangerous "dead spots" within their own building. Heath told the council that officers currently have to run outside the facility to hear dispatch calls, describing the situation as a critical officer safety issue.
Casino revenue distributed to county treasurer
SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. - County Treasurer Jennifer Helpingstine reported the receipt of $145,795.87 in revenue distributed from the Kansas Star Casino for the month of December. This distribution is part of the ongoing revenue-sharing agreement associated with the casino's operations within the county.
Commission approves rural EMS agreement with Mulvane
SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. - The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement with the city of Mulvane for emergency medical services (EMS). Gordon Fell, Mulvane public safety director, presented the agreement, which covers the northeast rural portion of Sumner County. Fell noted current trends in calls and transports, and the commission signed the agreement after confirming there were no financial changes from the current arrangement.
New county health officer appointed
SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. - Health Department Director Kelly Lacey introduced Sarah Pond as the newly appointed county health officer to the commission. The appointment fills a key role in the department's administration of public health services.
Residents raise safety concerns over battery storage proposal
SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. - Ahead of a Dec. 30 public hearing on Zoning Case No. 12PC-25, several residents utilized public comment sessions on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 to voice opposition to a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS). Paul and Martha Nash, along with Lorie McCullough, cited a recent battery fire in Warwick, New York, caused by ground water infiltration, as a primary safety concern. Nick LaPlant also read a prepared letter opposing the zoning case.
Editors note: this meeting happened December 22, BEFORE the commissions rejection of the battery storage facility permit, on December 30, covered below.
Greg Loving
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