The regular meeting of the City of Cottonwood Falls was called to order at 6:00 pm, Monday, May 18 in the Municipal Meeting Room.
Those present at the meeting were Mayor Buddy Sisson, Council Members: Mike Hastings, Greg Campbell, Ryan Spinden, Nick Rogers, and Grant Edwards. Scott Gumfory, Utilities Supervisor, and Tina Andrews, city clerk.
Agenda Approval: Mike Hastings motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Nick Rogers, passed unanimously.
Previous Minutes Approval: Nick Rogers motioned to approve prior minutes, seconded by Mike Hastings, passed unanimously.
MAYOR REPORT: Special Event Request – Chase Co. Summer Recreation Program – Ron Albers, Director.
June 2, 2026 – June 26, 2026 – Use of the Community Building for their program.
It is to be explained that the Friday’s in June are not available due to prior rental scheduled for those dates. The council approved the event request by consensus and at no charge for the use of the Community Building, for the youth program.
Special Event Request – Old School Fireworks Sales – Old School Development Center – Lee Anne Coester June 29 – July 5, 2026 The council approved the event request by consensus.
• Side note: Jacob Welsh would like a security camera installed
he emailed this information when he returned the signed form. Steve Fillmore will inspect the location also. Lee Anne said she had reached out to Steve.
Special Event Request – Old Car Show – Old School Development Center – Lee Anne Coester June 6, 2026 The council discussed her request for waiving the fee for the vendors for their event. The council agreed to her request and approved the event request by consensus.
• Side note: Tina found Ordinance No. 893 (August 2006) – Page 5 -Section 7 - d) No license fee shall be required of: (3) any not for profit or charitable organization as determined by the governing body . (K.S.A. 12-1617) Building Permit: Danny & Kathy Mullins, 720 Elm Street, CWF, KS – Extension on garage.
Motion to approve permit was given by Ryan Spinden, seconded by Nick Rogers, motion carried.
A draft on Ordinance No. 1008 was discussed and the form for exceptions and exemptions. Tina will make the changes the council recommended and send them to them by email to review.
OTHER BUSINESS: Mayor Sisson explained the conversation with Connie Baumgardner on the planters. She has picked up
more plants and flowers recently;
the other plants were damaged by the hail. The email that was received from Connie explained why a planter that was in front of Lyon Co. Title was moved to the old Symphony Building patio.
A discussion on the banners designs that has been received from Grafix Shoppe. Buddy will reach out to Matt Miller to discuss an option on the banners. No action taken.
Ray McGeorge, Steering Committee Chair, will be having a meeting Wednesday, May 20, 2026 @ 6 pm at the Municipal Building. Council members will be attending if available.
OLD BUSINESS: Guest vacated RV Park as request by letter sent, vacated as May 13, 2026.
Fair building – Board meeting May 20, 2026. No action taken.
CITY CLERK: Tina discussed with the council the email sent to them about window art for the Municipal Building. The council recommended a design and have the windows say: 1) America’s 250th Anniversary – 1776- 2026 & 2) We Support Veterans.
Fraudulent charges were on a credit card, cancelled card, and a new card has been received. Chase Co.
Sherrif's Office, dumpster charge was discussed and council approved to send them a bill. Kansas Graphics was sent information for the new sign about the concessions. Sent invites for Ray McGeorge and have been helping with the posters that needed to be printed. Mailed Fireworks postcards. Community Build- ing information was discussed; the council wants to keep using the current contract.
Storm Shelters: Mike Hastigs mentioned his church, Faith Methodist has a storm shelter. Terri called USD
284 and confirmed that the Chase
County High School has a storm shelter, must enter at the northeast door. Old School Development Center has an old bomb shelter.
UTILITIES REPORT: Scott Gumfory reported on:
• Nate Passmore quoted the rock edging for the playground: 6”x 9” with cut ends $385 a ton, 300 linear feet, approximately 8.5 tons: 4 to 5 feet long, approximate cost would be $3,272.50. . Ends would cut / flush with each other & smoothed edging.
• Scott has contacted Marie with APAC about the quote on the city streets. After a discussion, Mayor Sisson would like more streets paved, Scott will contact them.
• Trash truck gate is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Mayor Sisson asked Scott to find a small used dump truck; Scott has been looking for another dump truck and is unable to find one where a CDL is not re quired. He will keep looking when his schedule slows down.
• Memorial Day - dumpsters will need to be dumped. Too many businesses would have dumpsters over-flowing oth erwise.
• They have been cutting and removing trees at the park. Scott asked about a pine tree that is partially dead, Mayor Sisson said to go ahead and remove it.
• Pool restrooms are still being worked on, he is having some diffi culties with a toilet.
Staff Policy & Relations: Street Alleys & Properties: Mayor Sisson discussed property that was mowed by the city. Grant confirmed that Allen mowed the property near his home. Ditches were mowed and the list was printed out, and it was then mowed.
Economics, Tax & Finance: Parks & Recreation: Mayor Sisson asked Tina if she could send Terry Porter a letter about North Park.
Sidewalks: Mike Hastings reported that camper & vehicle are still being parked on the public sidewalk. Tina will send another letter out, certified.
Economics, Taxation & Finance: Community Relations: Capital Improvements: APPROVAL OF: Payroll, Taxes, EFT’s, and Bills: Mike Hastings presented the bill payment checks, voided check, EFT's, QuickBooks payroll figures, and overtime. Federal, Medicare & Social Security, and State Withholdings, KPERS Mike Hastings motioned to approve, seconded by Nick Rogers. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion to adjourn by Mike Hastings, seconded by Nick Rogers, motion carried: Time 7:11 p.m.