The Madison City Council approved a new island sign during their regular meeting on Monday, September 4.
During the discussion on the new proposed sign, with an estimate of $56,157 from Coffelt Sign Company out of Emporia, several council members expressed the need and the convenience of having the island sign upgraded. When Mayor Paul Dean asked the council if any community feedback had been given, several council members stated that they had only heard positive feedback on this project. “In my opinion, this would be a nice completion to all the work that has been done to the island,” council member Daryl May stated. Council member Jenn Boles had reservations in passing this purchase. “I completely agree that this sign will be good and that we can put out more information than what our current sign allows, it’s just a lot of money,” Boles stated. “I would like to vote for this, but we are going to spend this amount of money on this sign, and we are talking about $30,000 being spent on ball fields,” she continued. “Where my conflict is, is what are we going to do about fixing water lines? That to me has been such a big concern for the community. I am good to move forward with this, although we really need to start addressing water issues and making some fixes,” she concluded. The council further discussed ways to finance this project and address the water line issues in the community. The sign project was approved with a 5-0 vote, with an amended motion stating that financing of this project will be discussed at the next city council meeting.
During the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and Budget meeting, held prior to the regular business meeting, there were no public comments. The council voted to approve the budget and RNR for 2024 as published, with an increase above the RNR suggested by the county to 101.834. The council also approved Resolution 2306.
In open forum, Jason McClelland, as the representative for the Madison Alumni/Homecoming committee and Harry C’s, asked the city to request Evergy to install two 20 amp breakers for the upcoming homecoming event on September 22 and 23 being held downtown. He also requested the city provide additional trash cans and port-apotties. McClelland asked the council to approve a common consumption ordinance for the homecoming event. The council approved Resolution 2307 to allow common consumption on September 22 at 12 noon to September 23 at midnight for the alumni homecoming event being held downtown. This resolution outlines the area that includes part of 3rd Street and Main Street; and it will be blocked off for the event.
In other business, the council also approved Deputy Clerk Cassondra Jordan to attend the ABC training in Olathe.
After an executive session, that included council members Earl Murphy, Boles, Daryl May, Mayor Dean and Victoria Stewart, the council hired Alice Grimm as the new city clerk. The vote passed 3-0, with Jody Thomas and Bekah Selby-Leach abstaining due to a conflict of interest.
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