December 3, 2025
The Jetmore City Council met in regular session on December 3rd, 2025. Mayor Bill Goebel called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was answered by Councilmen Cole Buffo, Jeff Channell, John Neeley & Mike Thornburg. Also attending were Administrator Michael Ort, City Clerk Casey Dansel, Kenton Ubelaker, Ron White, City Attorney Clayton Kerbs & Isaiah Bradshaw.
Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing the November minutes & Appropriation Ordinance #2025-11. Councilman Buffo seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
City Attorney Clayton Kerbs swore in newly elected Council members Jeff Channell, Ron White & Kenton Ubelaker.
SHERIFF’S REPORT:
Sheriff Walker provided a written monthly report to the council. He was unable to attend due to county meeting the same night.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Isaiah Bradshaw provided the council with his monthly report. Several events including Winter Expo, Lions Club, Community Foundation of SWKS, Christmas on Main and trainings upcoming. Gave update on Pitch your Porch grant; $1000 has been dispersed so far. $7000 awarded for NXTUS Microgrants.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT:
Clayton introduced himself to the new council members and explained his duties. Clayton discussed dog case with council.
CITY CLERK REPORT:
Casey provided the council with the CMB licenses we have received so far. She spoke with Bootleggers and Jetmore Food Center and both have sent theirs to the state but have not received them back yet. Casey asked the council to consider allowing her to approve them once they come in if they should arrive this month.
BUSINESS ITEMS:
Councilman Neeley made a motion to elect Councilman Channell as the Council President. Councilman Buffo seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the 2026 CMB licenses for Firehouse 283, Dollar General & Quick Pick. Councilman Buffo seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Councilman Channell made motion for the 2026 CMB licenses for Bootleggers & Jetmore Food Center to be approved once they arrive. Councilman Buffo seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Councilman Neeley made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 691 establishing a one-cent special use retailer’s sales tax in the City of Jetmore to begin April 1, 2026 and lasting for a period of twenty years. Councilman Channell seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Councilman Buffo made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 692 establishing a half-cent general use retailer’s sales tax in the City of Jetmore to begin April 1, 2026 and lasting for a period of twenty years. Councilman Neeley seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Michael presented the council with the information he received from Don Osenbaugh regarding coming to Jetmore to provide training for the council. Council discussed the cost and would like to table the item to the next meeting and have Michael explore some other options.
Councilman Channell made a motion to recess into executive session including the mayor and city council for 20 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception, K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the city council chamber at 8:02p.m. Councilman Neeley seconded motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Channell made a motion to return to the open meeting. Councilman Buffo seconded the motion; vote unanimous. No action taken.
Councilman Channell made a motion to recess into executive session including the mayor, council, and the city administrator for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception, K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the city council chamber at 8:13p.m. Councilman Buffo seconded motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Channell made a motion to return to the open meeting. Councilman Buffo seconded the motion; vote unanimous. No action taken.
Councilman Channell made a motion to give the full time staff a $1000 Christmas bonus & the part time/seasonal staff a $400 Christmas bonus. Councilman Neeley seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:
*Mr. Ort presented his travel and training schedule and the staff anniversaries and birthdays for the month.
*Airport-Mr. Ort informed the mayor and council that he received a call at 1:26am on November 6 from
an air ambulance service letting him know that an airplane was trying to land at our airport to pick up a patient, and asking him to get someone to the airport to turn the runway lights on. He informed the gentleman that the runway lights are always on, but then drove to the airport to do what he could to rectify the situation. Upon arrival he found that many lights, primarily on the north end of the runway, were out. Fortunately, a helicopter crew was reached and was able to come for the patient that night. Michael called the national number and closed the airport until 7am that morning, then reached out to staff in the morning. At that time Michael directed Brian to stay in contact and that if he and the staff were not able to get it figured out, to let him know so that I could close the airport again for the nighttime hours. That day, though, the staff replaced all of the light bulbs that were out. To this day, all of those bulbs are still lit. They are being checked daily to make sure they stay on. Staff does still think that there is a problem with a neutral wire somewhere and that is still under investigation. Sadly, though, another issue has arisen. The lighting system that we have at the airport is severely outdated. Because of that, we are finding it very difficult to source replacement parts. Mr. Ort mentioned this to our airport engineers by email, and then had a Teams meeting with them to discuss. As a result of that conversation, one of the engineers has agreed to be at the January council meeting to meet with the governing body to go over some options, and to review the pavement project currently in the planning stages.
*Main St. Project-Mr. Ort told the council that he met with our engineer, Chad Lawson, and several members of the KDOT staff on Nov. 20 for what is called a Field Check here at the city office. The purpose of this step is to review the plans for the project on site, and to present an opportunity for KDOT personnel to make comments on the plans. The engineer then had an opportunity to respond to the questions, or to make adjustments/additions to the plans. All of this took place here at the office. Afterward, the group walked the project area to review it in light of the plan review that
took place prior. In all the meeting lasted about two hours and went well, and we remain on track to complete the project as planned, with construction taking place in spring/summer of 2027.
*Sewer System Grant-On Nov. 4 Michael received an email from Gina Pack which contained a request for project submissions for funding being offered by USDA for small systems experiencing difficulties in the sewer system. The original email from KDHE stated that this funding is specifically to assist communities of fewer than 10,000 population with “planning, developing, and securing financing” for systems to be able to address “infrastructure challenges and improve environmental and public health outcomes.” Michael responded to her email and let her know that we do have numerous wastewater lines in town that are very old and damaged (cracked pipes, voids, inflow & infiltration issues, etc.). On the 6th Ms. Pack received word from KDHE that these issues would qualify us for the funding under this program. At this point we are waiting for further word.
GOVERNING BODY COMMENTS:
Councilman Channell inquired about snow on the airport runway.
Councilman Buffo inquired about the airport lights and if they are on 24/7 or not.
Councilman Buffo inquired about a question regarding an open road/alley in the development at Cheyenne Hills.
Councilman Channell made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Ubelaker seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.