[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6520972,"mediaKeyId","5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626","parentId",5115904,"title","Council approves Girl Scout’s pet donation box project for Lions Park dog area","audioSeconds",358,"startMs",759000,"endMs",1117000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626&start=759&end=1117","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626/thumbnail_759000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6520972/Valley-Center/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Council-approves-Girl-Scouts-pet-donation-box-project-for-Lions-Park-dog-area","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520972-e59651f2cdb29aac89a371010c847e5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773718620&Signature=R-hPRPZS6Pv6LK5~BuJMNasawv1mx1gdbubHvugeNidWEeA0WorTHquPi3pfTygO8bonRzDPVA82HCQ0RbgFUlT2dF5N4gm2naDyIvBfLSSvO5nvcXiX-T6ShNkj8Uc8uPZeOF96SFdcZ8dMunGjRthw72d1lrqi3VN8lSYkAPuR-8V-G-UNMDaEWtq5K2XemLyzPLXMABDRy7w6ka~fbqEDZLPPKXqHFgUoGfwl8m2ecgiN6hn1B5Xf065wcYoy1nQqZvyNQA0odXHlIxly3xmpFghJbLqCdWI8gQPHUWB7vydFPCNollUVVqqsN7igNlf9hv0~wjkaW1-glMV-Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Valley Center, KS","date","2025-06-26T21:03:19Z","article","The Valley Center City Council approved a Girl Scout project to install a pet-donation box at the Lions Park dog park and accepted the project as presented by the scout.

Why it matters: The donation box—intended for pet supplies—will provide a community resource to help pet owners who struggle to provide basic needs for their animals.

Project details
McKenna (identified in the meeting as a Girl Scout junior from troop 40021) described her Bronze Award project and said the donation box—named the “Furry Friends donation box”—will operate similarly to the town’s food-donation boxes. Her troop will hold an initial supply drive to stock the box. She asked the council for permission to install the box at Lions Park; staff said they would assist with installation.

Council response and vote
Council members praised the scout’s presentation. One council member said, \"You did a fabulous job, and I wish you well, and I think this is gonna do really, really well over there by the dog parks.\" A motion to approve placement of the pet donation box at Lions Park dog park passed by voice vote.

Ending
Staff will coordinate installation and the scout’s troop will run a donation drive to stock the box.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting 7/1/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Valley Center Girl Scout received council approval to place a pet donation box at the Lions Park dog park as part of her Bronze Award project; the council praised the student and authorized installation with city staff support.","taxTitle","Valley Center, Sedgwick County, Kansas","taxId",61696,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520976,"Council reviews 2026 budget first draft; staff highlights valuation spike and outreach options",1214,3739000,4953000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626&start=3739&end=4953","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626/thumbnail_3739000.jpg","/articles/6520976/Valley-Center/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Council-reviews-2026-budget-first-draft-staff-highlights-valuation-spike-and-outreach-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520976-e77ac21682ea368e745d8b82233b585e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773718620&Signature=ZtOIBUqcX1EWmVQMcGvHBKYmFd~ap8sFEO1w-iG9uGZOTMBp5Gbv1GTn6pjz7xCPi9IUQiemqlAbbhkkBj7B-cTPYKN58W6uaDLAHJjzsGIXF1vmi50rhfqnp1KuS-Smg885PhkeUwP5g0jfqQPIApfO8CLDiP2Ptnmd1aIgWCiPM8DgJRjwjts2JweKE8cwdU35jrazEA1Ieh~gKy-mieT~aZ6-GQ4b5wj0UFc1jk~ojsDX3HvTLTPsQxN9O~CTDQbyIW8Okd3onrxd2~sNB1B8wUpALi3wmmzENDKz3WKNBI0FQr5rf9PRdD7hcuFsbbKtPhzcQaG92zytkt5Lbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented the first draft of Valley Center’s 2026 budget, highlighting a significant assessed valuation increase and discussing options for public engagement on the budget and possible mill-levy adjustments.

Why it matters: The assessed valuation change determines property-tax capacity and can lead to changes in the mill levy that affect homeowners and city revenues.

Valuation and budget drivers
Staff reported a historic valuation increase from the county of 15.172 percent and presented an estimated FY2026 assessed valuation figure cited in the packet as “87,000,000, $761,650.” Staff described that roughly $4.2 million of the increase reflected new construction and that the county’s August 15 valuation date drives what is captured in the roll.

Staff emphasized that most spending growth is from wages and benefits: \"Our staff are a large expense,\" the presenter said, calling out recent operational demands such as storm cleanup. Officials noted the city may be able to propose a 1.2 proposed decrease to the mill levy (presented as a possible decrease), depending on final numbers.

Public outreach and survey debate
Council members discussed whether the city should deploy a public budget survey. Staff and one council member cautioned that a formal, well-sampled survey can be costly for a small community and that response rates for prior surveys varied. One council member said a quick 5- to 10-question online survey could be done if council provides questions; another suggested waiting until FY2027 when staff could better prepare and budget for advanced survey software.

Next steps
Staff identified a public hearing on Sept. 2 as part of the budget calendar and said designating a council budget committee is an option for more public engagement. The city will continue refining the budget and present further budget hearings according to the calendar.

Ending
Council did not take an immediate vote on the mill levy; staff will return with refined figures as county valuations and departmental inputs are finalized.","City staff presented the Valley Center 2026 budget first draft, reporting a large assessed valuation increase and discussing options for public outreach and possible mill levy adjustments; council members debated the cost-effectiveness of a formal public survey.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520981,"Council approves Harvest Place change order and awards Phase 1 construction contract",452,1402000,1854000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626&start=1402&end=1854","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626/thumbnail_1402000.jpg","/articles/6520981/Valley-Center/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Council-approves-Harvest-Place-change-order-and-awards-Phase-1-construction-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520981-40b40cec1a16ad578ca8a9f367968d3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773718620&Signature=k4ZNMtJzExSAykvKjclTxwLRTXhCj1IrC6YrS9S01YRVIEjCCywPqxPGXnncTK7rg4PaL48nHPx9elEhQU6x3bZU9llgRVQT7VmUN2Z3cGKDCP3dj1NO~rotZidbVTBE1R6HHV5tPyaO0fdnT2i-VvZ~7FWrm9NgzIeUoH~MrE6iBTYrdwX05GZRuaGCy6G5B9E0sETB3~lJpocUkHhSht6N7UxFr9k~ieapCnPocKLX4e3IKyQlDCl7rFE02ZOGSIv3fZB1rCThdeokwjPDrVR1EuZrkYcULCFbLzUqLTPLX1gnDWt9GpivvAFw1d7aD3jdonYEyErZWn1ksQqWDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Valley Center City Council approved a grading change order and awarded the Phase 1 construction contract for the Harvest Place development after an SEH representative described unanticipated grading and drainage adjustments.

Why it matters: The change order addresses topsoil management, a north-ditch cut to provide temporary drainage around a pipeline easement and cleanup requested by city staff. The Phase 1 contract award begins the construction that will establish roads, utilities and paving in the development.

What staff said
Samantha Grieve of SEH presented Change Order No. 2 from East Construction, saying it incorporated three items: additional topsoil placement on a lot north of the aquatic center, a north-ditch cut for temporary drainage because of recent rainfall and a cleanup of the berm north of the aquatic center at the city’s request.

She explained the pipeline easement owner will not allow more than five feet of fill over the pipe, which affected grading: \"Even though our grading plan was reviewed and approved before originally, they actually stopped us on-site,\" she said, adding that future commercial-lot developers will need to develop their own drainage plans at building time.

Change order and contract
The council authorized Change Order No. 2 in an amount not to exceed $13,535 and authorized the mayor or city administrator to sign. The council then approved awarding the construction contract for Harvest Place Phase 1 to Mize Construction in an amount not to exceed $2,631,984.49 and authorized the mayor or city administrator to sign.

Council discussion
Council members asked how the city would track responsibility for drainage on lots that will later be privately developed; staff clarified the affected area was a commercial lot rather than a residential lot and said developers and future property owners will be responsible for future drainage solutions as part of their improvements.

Ending
With change order approval and contract award, grading adjustments and construction work can proceed. Staff and the developer will manage the fill, drainage and cleanup tasks described in Change Order No. 2 as construction advances.
","Council approved Change Order No. 2 for Harvest Place grading for $13,535 and awarded the Harvest Place Phase 1 construction contract to Mize Construction for up to $2,631,984.49, after staff and the project engineer described grading, topsoil management and drainage constraints.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520985,"Council accepts public dedications for High Point East Estates amid local concerns",273,490000,763000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626&start=490&end=763","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626/thumbnail_490000.jpg","/articles/6520985/Valley-Center/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Council-accepts-public-dedications-for-High-Point-East-Estates-amid-local-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520985-2eef96d3d87b8f7a4d8b0405839b25a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773718620&Signature=jqFAWkVJO6~X7~LZiNIKO27Ii9~sC7INQ1HlGAvDckPvFiBXc5WOSLD9djXsTAWwN82T~Q2qsOD74W2ilnuy4WsGdVXAtZbB7lYsPi1YamlbjM6NBwkqUumL1VUUjEpRyFYQspBM8j5XuOi5RtfsREpIOOxtvya-so5bZwHZvSZJTPETZtvkzlRuvYehmdnMspGZpKLkxTRa~LRvIC4ai6FmDoPDyt9CgsKH51H~rrgjzxLvczACpbYdMdustEudtxe42~fDn9KoJrt2ADs3b3Xz82-8prk16rTJQm~nyOTSoF5As0BGP4ly8sgzFyBGXm3QvC2iZxorUUV6SxuxHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Valley Center City Council voted to accept public right-of-way dedications and utility easements for the High Point East Estates final plat after staff recommended approval and the city attorney advised on the statutory requirements for refusing dedications.

Why it matters: Accepting the dedications clears legal and physical paths for roads and utilities for the subdivision and places easements in the public interest. If the council had declined the dedications it would have needed to state a reason on the record and affected future property access, utility installation and potential land acquisitions.

What the council considered
City staff told the council the dedications would convey road right-of-way that currently cuts across a corner of the property and would accept a 10-foot utility easement along the west side of certain lots and the south side of another lot to permit future public utility access (water, electric, communications). Staff noted the area is not currently served with city water, but the easements would allow future service without additional land purchase.

City attorney guidance
The city attorney reminded council members that state statute requires a council that refuses public dedications to state a reason in the record. \"You just can't say no to the proposed public reservations,\" the attorney said, noting a refusal requires a stated rationale so the platter can correct the issue.

Concerns raised
Council member Robert said he was concerned the approved lot layout—already approved by planning and zoning—would create a dangerous corner for the neighbor to the east and would complicate access. \"It is gonna be an issue for the current neighbor that is to the east of it,\" he said, describing the corner as narrow and potentially hazardous.

Council member Gina announced she would vote against acceptance, saying she represents constituents in the area who are strongly opposed. \"Since I am going to vote against this, I will tell you that's I am voting against this because I represent the constituents in this area, and I know that they are very much against it,\" she said before the council voted.

Vote and outcome
Council member Robert moved to accept the public dedication for the High Point East Estates subdivision; a second was recorded and the motion passed on a voice vote despite Gina’s announced no vote.

Ending
With the council’s acceptance, the dedications become part of the final plat record and will ease future utility extension work; staff recommended acceptance and noted possible implications if the council had refused the dedications.
","Valley Center City Council voted to accept public right-of-way and utility easements for the High Point East Estates subdivision after staff recommended acceptance and after one council member announced a dissenting vote representing neighborhood opposition.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520990,"Council approves library appointments, contracts, resolutions and annexation readings",0,338000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626&start=338&end=338","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115904-4aca52e930dd85dd7a43351a3bc64626/thumbnail_338000.jpg","/articles/6520990/Valley-Center/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Council-approves-library-appointments-contracts-resolutions-and-annexation-readings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520990-4e6e683dda108602d504910756236639/orig.mp4?Expires=1773718620&Signature=X7Q8Jr5YNkFnTmG6rDP3eJdfD6LptDHVV4f6Bkv5PbKuV5V2uopndVw-5XvrC9y~Pgw8ljaifwC3svjZKW5rjSYYiiEYF3ZtEAyGtCD9CfIVzicJPgLZdnThWmlN-ZWsOv3fa4te1~mMfMF-92r48~f0FTtsjazarL3bxTTAu7pqzKjmqtqHqP0xwL8zBKpdqYdVU-3M2Uol9tfp4O-z4HbOp-QfCyjg4D-i63ppHsARPVEaQEI5dyJ-YF~zweHCuB6jrzqwWQHTPhebTrG~LIPyH1XaxtPZazn~GhEapjUYocjFcSQZcRGz~nQKocXYmlbyeyF3B3ZTZhZonkmSlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Valley Center City Council on an evening agenda approved multiple appointments, contracts and resolutions related to city services and subdivisions.

The council unanimously approved appointments to the library board, accepted low bids and service contracts, and adopted a set of resolutions authorizing construction financing for improvements in the Arbor/Harbor Valley Phase 2 subdivision. Council members also approved first readings of two annexation ordinances for two adjacent tracts west-northwest of town.

Why it matters: The items passed Tuesday clear the way for several development and maintenance projects that affect construction activity, utility planning and budgeting in Valley Center.

Key actions and outcomes
- Appointments: The council appointed Karen Hunsinger (through April 2027), Marco Vindez (through April 2029) and Christian Cartwright (through April 2029) to the library board. Motion carried.
- PBS/EBS funding: The council approved $3,000 in funding for PBS/EBS programming (motion language in the packet alternately referred to EBS and PBS). Motion carried.
- Custodial services: The council awarded a three-year custodial-services contract (with up to three one-year renewal options) to Jen Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting franchisees as the low bidder. The motion recorded an annual contract amount of $61,620 and authorized the mayor or city administrator to sign. Motion carried. (Packet materials earlier listed a slightly different bid figure; council motion recorded $61,620.)
- Arbor/Harbor Valley Phase 2: The council approved three resolutions authorizing construction financing for drainage, paving and water improvements in the Arbor/Harbor Valley Phase 2 subdivision, recorded in the meeting as resolutions 7805-25 (drainage), 786-25 (paving) and 787-25 (water). Motions carried.
- Professional services: The council approved a professional services agreement with SEH for Arbor Valley Phase 2 design and construction services in an amount not to exceed $95,100 and authorized signature by the mayor or city administrator. Motion carried.
- Annexations (first reading): The council approved first readings of two ordinances to annex roughly 30.494 acres (ordinance 1427-25) and 30.453 acres (ordinance 1428-25) on the northwest side of town along Interurban. Motions carried.
- Consent agenda and adjournment: The consent agenda was approved and the meeting was adjourned following the final motions.

Details and context
Several passed items were routine steps needed to move ongoing development projects forward: the Arbor/Harbor Valley resolutions will fund drainage, paving and water main work that connects new lots to utilities installed in Phase 1. The SEH agreement will fund engineering and design ahead of fall bidding. The annexations are first readings for two separate tracts; staff presented them as independent requests by property owners.

Quotes
“Motion carried,” the mayor announced repeatedly as the council approved motions for these items.

Ending
Most votes were recorded as voice motions with “motion carried” and without roll-call tallies. Items cleared at this meeting set up engineering, bidding and construction work for later this year.","Valley Center City Council approved a package of routine and development-related actions including library board appointments, service contracts, infrastructure resolutions for Arbor/Harbor Valley Phase 2, first-reading annexations and several procurement items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves Girl Scout’s pet donation box project for Lions Park dog area

Council reviews 2026 budget first draft; staff highlights valuation spike and outreach options

Council approves Harvest Place change order and awards Phase 1 construction contract

Council accepts public dedications for High Point East Estates amid local concerns

Council approves library appointments, contracts, resolutions and annexation readings