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Kaplan council adopts multiple ordinances, ratifies personnel actions and orders demolitions
Summary
At its September meeting the Kaplan council condemned two dangerous properties (one ordered demolished, one given 60 days for removal), adopted two ordinances (DWI amendment to preserve city court jurisdiction and an excavation permitting ordinance), ratified a sexual-harassment policy, and approved retirements and hires including a new public works director at $36,480/year.
The Kaplan City Council approved a slate of actions at its September meeting, including condemnations, ordinances, policy ratification and personnel moves.
Condemnations and demolitions: After hearing staff descriptions and noting no property representative present, the council voted to condemn the house at 211 Desatel Capital and ordered demolition. For 513 North Louisiana the owner asked for 45–60 days to remove a trailer; the council granted 60 days for removal and demolition.
Ordinances and hearings: Council adopted ordinance 09‑25A amending local ordinance 58‑162 to exclude a 2025 state amendment that would have raised fine thresholds and shifted some DWI cases to district court; city legal staff said the change preserves city-court jurisdiction for DWI cases. Council also adopted ordinance 09‑25B to require permits (no fee) for any excavation or boring within city limits so the city can track who is working underground. The council introduced ordinance 10‑25‑A (domestic poultry rules) and set a public hearing for Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.
Policies and personnel: Council ratified a sexual harassment policy for posting to the city website; accepted the retirement of Johnny Joseph as public works director/street commissioner; and ratified hiring Claude Huntsberry as public works director/street commissioner at a salary of $36,480 per year and Terrence Jones as operator one effective Aug. 28, 2025.
Procedural notes: All motions recorded in the transcript were called, seconded and the council stated "motion carries." Where numeric details were discussed (salaries, deadlines), the transcript text is reflected exactly and missing numeric specifics are marked "not specified" where the record did not include them.
