Wymore City Council approves code-enforcement plan, demolition schedule and police chief posting

The Wymore City Council on June 19, 2024 approved a package of routine and operational actions, including moving forward with a code-enforcement approach while the city searches for a police chief and confirming timelines for demolishing several dilapidated buildings.

Mayor Collin Meints and the four council members present — Councilpersons Neil VanBoening, Max Allen, Sue Sapp and Curt Oblinger — opened the meeting at 7 p.m. The council approved the minutes and the treasurer’s report unanimously, and approved claims and payroll. A separate vote approved check #28474 3-0 with Councilmember Curt Oblinger recorded as abstaining.

Attorney Andy Carothers reported that paperwork to release funds related to the Gambles property downtown is complete; Marlene was given until Sept. 1 to remove personal items and contractor Tieman is expected to begin demolition around Oct. 1. The Wehrbein house has already been torn down, and the McConnell house was scheduled for demolition the following week.

During public comment resident Gary Redden asked whether the city would sell lots where houses have been torn down. Carothers said most of those properties remain in the original owner’s name and would go to tax sale if taxes are not paid; he said he will provide Redden with a list of properties.

Bryan Davidson, chairman of the Police Department Advisory Committee, proposed temporarily assigning a city employee to perform code-enforcement duties while the city has no police chief. The duties described included identifying violations, sending nuisance notices and following up to ensure compliance; Davidson and Councilmembers said 5–10 notices per week is an effective pace. The council voted to authorize moving forward with a code enforcement officer and directed Tim to proceed with his team (motion carried 4-0).

Davidson also presented an updated police chief job posting that adds explicit expectations for management, modern policing practices, recruitment and community relations; council asked staff to clarify salary language and approved the posting as presented (motion carried 4-0).

The council approved a request from the Sam Wymore Day Committee to use a city truck to pull a parade float in the Homestead Days Parade in Beatrice (motion carried 4-0). The council also voted to extend the Blue Rivers Area Agency lease through Aug. 31, 2024 and directed staff to send notice; city staff said the fire department location is no longer workable for the agency but extended the lease to allow time for transition.

Attorney Carothers reported that a quick-claim deed has been prepared and sent to LincOne concerning the property at 719 N. 7th Street and the city is awaiting a response. Council members discussed insurance coverage for recent improvements at the Blue Springs Ball Diamond and directed Carothers to review the lease and propose necessary changes so the city is included for improvements made on city property.

Jacqueline Baker voiced opposition to opening F Street, citing that she owns both sides of the road and concerns about vehicles turning around on private property and missing utility poles. Darin Michaelis said opening 18th Street could increase water problems for his property. Mayor Meints said F Street would be the most cost-effective street to open, while Councilmember Curt Oblinger warned that closing F Street could create landlocked lots if certain lots were sold. The council voted to table F Street until the next meeting (motion carried 4-0).

Councilmember Neil VanBoening raised the idea of creating a council e-mail for communications with the mayor; Curt Oblinger opposed the idea, saying it would likely go unchecked. The council took no immediate action and will revisit the topic.

The meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Approve minutes (motion by Max Allen, second Sue Sapp) — carried 4-0. Approve treasurer’s report (motion by Max Allen, second Curt Oblinger) — carried 4-0. Approve claims and payroll except check #28474 (motion by Max Allen, second Sue Sapp) — carried 4-0. Approve check #28474 (motion by Max Allen, second Sue Sapp) — carried 3-0 (Curt Oblinger abstained). Authorize code enforcement approach (motion by Neil VanBoening, second Sue Sapp) — carried 4-0. Approve police chief posting (motion by Neil VanBoening, second Sue Sapp) — carried 4-0. Allow city truck in parade (motion by Neil VanBoening, second Sue Sapp) — carried 4-0. Extend Blue Rivers Area Agency lease to Aug. 31, 2024 (motion by Neil VanBoening, second Sue Sapp) — carried 4-0. Table action on opening F Street (motion by Sue Sapp, second Curt Oblinger) — carried 4-0.