The Fall River City Council meets monthly on the second Monday at 7 p.m. The following article was created using the official minutes of the May 13 Fall River City Council meeting, which were approved during their June 17 meeting.
Mayor Brendan Coulter called the May 13 meeting to order at 7 p.m. Council members present included: James Cude, Lori McCaffree, Dave Vance and Sue York. Other city officers present included: Treasurer Cathy Ivey, Fire Chief John Schouten and City Attorney Alleen VanBebber (via Zoom).
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, resident Terry Williams inquired as to why he was paying access fees for a building that was only used for storage. Mayor Coulter explained that if a house is uninhabitable, residents aren’t charged an access fee; however, they are required to tear the house down. Coulter also noted that when a house is sold, the unpaid water bill is turned over to the county to be added to property taxes. Council member Vance also noted that he has a building he pays the access fee on, even though he doesn’t have active water service. Mayor Coulter reported when the lines were put in, the access was put in.
Resident Dora Everly requested to know how much was in the checking account, with Mayor Coulter stating that would be answered during the monthly treasurer’s report. (To request a copy of the treasurer’s report or official minutes from a governing entity, a Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) request could be filed in writing with that specific office.)
Other visitors included Haskell Fogle, who reported he has been getting complaints about the price of gas at the pumps, but there hasn’t been any vandalism in the last couple of months; Danny Williams, who inquired about a pit bull ordinance; and Ron Billings, who reported that animals were coming on his property and trying to get to his rabbits. Regarding the ordinance, council member Cude referenced the ordinance for nuisance animals, but noted that a specific pit bull ordinance wasn’t in place for the City of Fall River. Regarding the at-large animals, Mayor Coulter stated that if there is an issue with animals, residents would need to file a complaint with the city office. Discussion was then held regarding a previous complaint filed. It was noted that city officials spoke with the owners and requested they contain it.
In the absence of Joe Simon, Treasurer Ivey provided an update on the streets. She noted he had worked on the road next to the park, the bank road and on Laurel and Cliff West, as well as the roads on the east side. It was shared there is a hole in the pavement next to the bank. Discussion was held regarding the alley area to be graveled behind 324 Traders Avenue. Councilman Cude also inquired about two other locations. The council approved to order more AB gravel.
Water manager Schouten reported the city had their water inspection and everything went alright.
The council held a 10-minute executive session with Attorney VanBebber, for attorney/ client matters. After returning to open session, it was shared that Council member Jones had resigned from her position as president, but would remain on the council. The council appointed Cude to fill the president role.
The May 13 meeting minutes were approved as presented.
During the treasurer’s report, Treasurer Ivey reported the Opioid account had no activity, the utility account only had the interest for the month and that everything was reconciled. The report was approved as presented. The council also approved to pay the bills as presented.
Regarding the budget, Treasurer Ivey highlighted a couple of places the council needed to watch on the budget. The council needs to look at whether they want to turn in an intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR). The RNR discussion was tabled to the next meeting.
Council member York reported they are planning a swim party sometime in July.
It was shared that a class reunion and the Hughes Reunion were held at the Community Building in May.
The council held a 15-minute executive session. (Editor’s note: a subject or justification was not listed in the official minutes.)
In old business, Attorney VanBebber reported the City received notice that Kroger has settled in the opioid settlement. The council approved to opt-in for the Kroger settlement.
In new business, the council approved Resolution 2024-2, regarding the Memorandum of Understanding with Greenwood County, as presented.
The council also met on July 8. Their next scheduled meeting is Monday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m., at the community building.
