COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — At its Nov. 26 meeting the Coffeyville City Commission appointed Ronnie Aiken to the Coffeyville Public Library Board of Trustees, approved a temporary cereal malt beverage license for Granny Jay’s and completed the first reading of an ordinance to implement a voter-approved transportation sales tax.

City Clerk Melissa Carter said the five-member library board had one unfilled vacancy for a term expiring April 30, 2026, and that two applications were received: Ronnie Aiken and Janelle Bixler. The commission heard brief remarks from both applicants; Aiken described decades of library use and said he wanted to “give back” after being a lifelong patron. Vice Mayor Faulkner moved to appoint Ronnie Aiken; Commissioner Edwards seconded. The commission recorded unanimous approval.

Carter also recommended approval of a 2024 cereal malt beverage (CMB) license for Granny Jay’s restaurant at 111 W. Ninth after the fire department inspection and background checks were completed; the license covers the remainder of 2024 and staff will process a 2025 renewal application for the commission’s December meeting. The commission approved the license unanimously.

On larger policy, Carter explained that voters approved continuing a half-cent citywide sales tax for general transportation in November. Ordinance S-24-07, authorizing levy and implementation steps, requires two readings and publication; the commission approved the ordinance’s first reading and directed staff to publish and upload required documentation to the Kansas Department of Revenue. Carter said the tax will begin April 1, 2025 and run for 10 years after commencement as described in the ordinance language presented.

Commissioners also discussed community matters in the manager’s report, including ongoing coordination with Bartlett (a local plant) to accept some wastewater trucked to city facilities on a temporary basis while Bartlett refines its on-site processes. City Manager Ben Brubaker said loads will be tested and staff will monitor oils and grease levels before accepting loads to avoid harm to the city system.

The commission set a work session for Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. to review an electric-rate study; staff said any future rate or fee changes would be brought back for public meetings. The meeting recessed for a 10-minute executive session on preliminary discussion of real-property acquisition and reconvened with no action taken.