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Bonner Springs council authorizes part-time animal control attendant, updates pay plan and adopts noise ordinance
Summary
The Bonner Springs City Council on Feb. 24 approved a part-time animal control attendant position to support the full-time ACO, adopted a pay-plan amendment that adds a level for that job and reclassifies a systems/network role, and passed a noise ordinance that exempts normal business operations.
The Bonner Springs City Council voted Feb. 24 to authorize a part-time animal control attendant in the police department, amend the city pay plan to accommodate the new position and a reclassification, and adopt a local noise ordinance that exempts routine noise from licensed businesses.
Chief of Police Billy Knapp told the council the part-time position is meant to support full-time Animal Control Officer Kendra Anthony and address workload identified in a public-safety management study. "We are very blessed to have our full time animal control officer, Kendra Anthony, who does an amazing job," Knapp said, and he recommended adding an attendant to assist with shelter duties, rehoming and owner contacts.
Council member Shannon moved to authorize the police department to add a part-time animal control employee; Council member Long seconded. The council discussed whether the job could become full time in the future and confirmed the city has not yet posted or hired anyone for the role. Shannon praised Kendra Anthony's work, and residents and other council members supported the change as a reallocation of funds to meet operational needs. The motion passed by recorded voice vote.
Interim City Manager Amber Fogan said the pay-plan ordinance before the council creates a level‑1 pay grade for the new part-time attendant and updates the classification and pay level for the systems and network administrator based on a consultant review. "We added a level 1 pay grade to our pay plan for that position," Fogan said, adding consultants recommended moving the systems/network administrator from level 55 to level 65 because of duties and requirements. Council members voted to adopt the ordinance.
On a separate item, Chief Knapp presented a draft noise ordinance that the council had discussed at a Feb. 10 workshop. Knapp described one substantive revision — exception number five — which clarifies that noise generated by operators or employees of licensed businesses during normal operations is not a violation, in order to avoid penalizing routine business activity. Council members raised enforcement questions and cited logistics‑center truck backing noises as a recurring community complaint, asking how the exception would apply; Knapp said enforcement will focus on unusual or prolonged patterns rather than normal short bursts of activity. The council adopted the noise ordinance after discussion.
Votes at a glance - Motion to authorize one part-time animal control attendant (mover: Council member Shannon; second: Council member Long): approved (roll call). - Ordinance to adopt amended pay plan (adds level 1 and reclassifies systems/network administrator): adopted (roll call). - Ordinance establishing regulations concerning excessive noise with exception for normal business operations: adopted (roll call).
The council moved through reports and council items before adjourning. The new animal control position will be posted as directed by staff; no hire was reported at the meeting.
