Parsons city commissioners on Monday recognized 10 employees for service anniversaries and an 11 for a promotion.
City commissioners recognized Debbie Lamb for 50 years of service to the city. Lamb has announced that she will retire in March, and commissioners are searching for a replacement with the help of the League of Kansas Municipalities.
Other service anniversaries: Clifford Dill, water distribution supervisor, 45 years; Curt Janssen, lake supervisor, 35 years; Deborah Nash, city treasurer, 30 years; Marcus Burgess, sanitation driver, 25 years; Ross Albertini, city attorney, and Matthew Claibourn, battalion chief for the fire department, 20 years; Police Lt. Jason Ludwig, 15 years; Police Sgt. Brice Dickens and Adam Landon, water treatment plant operator, 10 years.
Commissioners also recognized along with Police Chief Robert Spinks Christian Smith, K-9 handler, for his promotion to sergeant.
In other matters, the commission: — Approved the consent docket, which included approving an agreement with Burns and McDonnell for helping the city prepare for an upcoming Kansas Department of Health and Environment stormwater audit. The cost will be $37,883.32 for conducting a mock inspection and offering other support. The city is being audited because last year’s audit was late and it didn’t meet all the requirements. Burns and McDonnell will get the city back in compliance with this year’s audit, commissioners heard.
— Approved an ordinance that increases sanitation rates for customers who use the city’s sanitation service. Curb and alley collection will increase from $16 to $18 a month; walkup service will increase $2 to $21 per month; outside city collection will increase $4 to $36 per month; polycarts will cost $2 per month in addition to the base rate; business service will increase $2 to $27 per month.
— Delayed a decision on purchasing property at 2020 N. 21st from Pat LaForge, formerly doing business as LaForge and Budd Construction. LaForge closed the business this year and wants to sell his buildings and related property to the city for $420,000. Albertini said he would prepare a contract and have it ready for the Dec. 30 commission meeting.
— Approved an ordinance allowing a short term (six months) medical exemption for parking on front lawns without a permanent surface as long as the occupant has a letter explaining the need from a medical provider.
