October 1, 2025
The Jetmore City Council met in regular session on October 1st, 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, Charles Leet, & Mike Thornburg. John Neeley arrived at 7:03 p.m. Also attending were City Administrator Michael Ort, City Clerk Casey Dansel, City Attorney Clayton Kerbs, Sheriff Jared Walker, Sidni Durler, Stacey Briggs, Chris Klein, Mike Schraeder, Isaiah Bradshaw & students from the HCHS Government class.
Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing the September minutes & Appropriation Ordinance #2025-09. Councilman Buffo seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
SHERIFF’S REPORT:
Sheriff Walker provided his monthly report to the council. Reported update on dog complaint that was received regarding dogs at a residence. He reported the owner has 13 dogs and SO informed them they need to obtain a kennel license per the ordinance. Sheriff Walker informed the council that 2 commissioners had come along with him regarding questions on the reduction of the Sheriffs budget. Council clarified that the reduction would be in 2027, not 2026. Councilman Leet questioned commissioners on what the City of Hanston pays towards the budget. Councilman Channell questioned commissioners on the amount of money that the county saved in moving 911 dispatch to Ford County. They will get that number from the county clerk and report back.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT:
ED Director Bradshaw presented the following report: Hanston received the TOWNS grant. First dispersal received. Applied for Patterson funding for USD227, recipients announced in October. New business included, Sunflower Trails-Trail Talk, Met with Senior Center about improvements they need, NXTUS Cohort Culmination Week in October, Research & extension needs doors, AC/Heat, Makerspace summit, KS Housing Conference end of October and working on revamping the local website.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT:
City Court will be held October 21st.
BUSINESS ITEMS:
Sidni Durler & Stacey Briggs from HCHC presented a request for a variance for the new addition to the O’Shea Clinic. Councilman Channell made a motion to approve the variance. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote unanimous.
Administrator Ort asked the council if they’d like to revise the electric installation policy, per previous conversations with the council. Councilman Channell made a motion to recess into executive session 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 7:45. Councilman Neeley seconded motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Channell made a motion to return to the open meeting. Councilman Leet seconded the motion; vote unanimous. No further action was taken.
Council discussed the current Wednesday noon siren Ford County is sounding. Some council members reported having received complaints about the long siren every Wednesday. Councilman Leet made a motion to have Ford County sound the long test siren once a month instead of once a week. Councilman Thornburg seconded the motion; vote 4-1 with Councilman Channell opposing. Administrator Ort will send a letter to Ford County requesting this be changed.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:
*Mr. Ort presented his travel and training schedule and the staff anniversaries and birthdays for the month.
*K-156 Project-Mr. Ort updated the mayor and council on the progress of the water and electric projects being done for the K-156 widening project. The water project preconstruction meeting took place on 9/25 and is scheduled to begin next Monday and take approximately four weeks. For the electric project, steel poles for the remaining three projects east of town were received on Sept. 16. Installation is not yet scheduled with KMEA linemen.
*Well 15 Project-Nash Well Service completed the work of drilling the new test well earlier this month. Afterward, test pumping showed that the well would not produce, so other alternatives are being studied to present at a later date.
*Airport-Tyler from B&H visited on the 22nd of September and got a look at the runway. The quote to seal cracks that he submitted was for $151,000. This estimate was forwarded to our engineers and to Ray at KDOT-Air. The geotechnical report is still being waited for and they will work the crack sealing project into the overall project planning.
Councilman Channel made a motion to enter into another executive session to include Administrator Ort for 15 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 8:21. Councilman Neeley seconded motion; vote unanimous. Councilman Thornburg made a motion to return to the open meeting. Councilman Channell seconded the motion; vote unanimous. No action was taken.
GOVERNING BODY COMMENTS:
Council discussed the street by Judy’s & the car wash. The hole is back and needs fixed again.
Councilman Neeley questioned if the city had any ordinance on removal of dead trees as he has seen a lot of dead trees around. Council also discussed that there are several properties around that need cleaned up. Casey will have code enforcement officer send letters if needed.
Council discussed the upcoming vote for the sales tax questions in the November election. Councilman Thornburg recommended a half-page ad be placed in the newspaper each week in October to get the information out. A Facebook post will follow.
Councilman Leet made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Channell seconded the motion; vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.