The Strong City Council met in regular session on May 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Those present were: Mayor Justin Garr; Council Members Lisa Vega, Antonio Ruiz, Kathleen Lane, Kendra Williams, Bud Burkhart; City Clerk Yvonne Kirk; Public Works Director Matt Markley; City Attorney Seth Meyer by phone; Guests Steve Long, Tyson Johnson and Donna Hardinger Justin called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Kathleen moved to approve minutes of April 14, 2026. Antonio seconded, motion carried 5-0.
Lisa moved to set the agenda with additions oft 8. d) Resolution 05-122026A and 9. j) Resolution 05122026B. Kendra seconded, motion carried 5-0.
Yvonne answered budget summary questions. Kathleen requested that a column be added to the budget summary to show remaining percent of budget.
Kathleen moved to approve Warrant Register No. 1862 and produce a transaction report that shows where the split transactions are pulling funds from. Lisa seconded, motion carried 5-0.
Tyson Johnson addressed the Council about the Motor Vehicle Nuisance Ordinance letter and Resolution he received. He is concerned that the city does not have checks and balances in place on how /who we decide to serve, that the ordinance is not legal, money spent on letters sent, the city should prioritize ditches and other ordinance violations happening in the city. His car is registered and insured. He drove it to the meeting.
Justin asked Seth if the recently revised ordinance for Motor Vehicle Nuisance was legal and enforceable. Seth said that it is. Seth instructed that if an attorney contacts the office, they should be told to contact Seth and let him know he Wilf be contacted.
Staff will begin to work on existing dog, cat and exotic animal ordinances.
The Chamber of Commerce message was given to the Council concerning Rodeo window painting. Lisa moved to decline painting windows. Kendra seconded, motion carried 5-0.
A Penny Policy was presented. Kendra moved to approve. Bud seconded, motion carried 5-0.
Lisa moved to approve Resolution No. 05-12-2026A Motor Vehicle Nuisance violation. Antonio seconded, motion carried 5-0.
Bud Burkhart volunteered to be the Strong City representative on the Chase County Chamber of Commerce Board. Yvonne will give him meeting dates and times.
Lisa moved to approve the purchase of Porta john’s for Rodeo weekend. 5 regular and 1 handicap. Kendra seconded, motion carried 5-0.
Bud asked that Council review the building permit ordinance and process. Kathleen suggested that ordinance 1393 should be revised. Section Ia. should have additions of roof and siding replacement added and bring to the next meeting.
Kathleen moved to ratify approval of building permit# 2026-02. Bud seconded, motion carried 5-0.
Kathleen moved to ratify approval of building permit# 2026-03. Antonio seconded, motion carried 4O. Bud abstained.
Kathleen moved to approve of the Siren Maintenance contract. Bud seconded, motion carried 5-0.
Kathleen moved to approve of the playground mulch quote for purchase. The load and cost will be split with USD 284. Lisa seconded, motion carried 5-0.
Lisa moved to approve sponsoring a Chase County Leader News Graduate ad for Jayden Evans and Madison Williams or, if already sponsored choose 2 other Strong City Seniors.
ting done. 2) PWWSD #26 raised water rates and is changing the minimum amount of water to purchase. Matt recommended that Strong City do the same. The rising cost of water and other inputs are draining the water fund. Lisa moved to increase water rates 2.74% to $11.25 per 1000 gallons of water. The increase will take effect for the bill produced at the end of June 2026 and due on 7-11-2026. Bud seconded, motion carried 5-0. 3) The Sewer maintenance crews were here cleaning lines the week of 4-20-26. The manhole at Carter St. has infiltration due to the mortar breaking. We are waiting on an estimate to have them come chip out the mortar and repair it. Matt recommends that this be repaired soon. 4) The Sheriff requested assistance with a structure inside city limits today. It is in violation of dangerous structure, health nuisance, grass and weeds. Scott Wiltse, County Sanitarium and the County Attorney will be contacted for opinions and best practices to move forward. Matt will secure the structures. Letters/Resolutions will be served. A Resolution for the Health Nuisance will be prepared for the next meeting as instructed by the Ordinance.
Meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.