Alva Review-Courier -

New City of Kiowa Administrator Ty Piper sat at the table for his first city council meeting at the April 8 gathering after starting his new role April 1.

Councilmember Tom Wells has missed numerous council meetings due to an accident/fall he took in early February that caused multiple health complications. He continues to be in rehab at Wichita. He was strong enough to join the meeting via phone. Mayor Bill Watson opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Other councilmembers attending were B.J. Duvall, Brian Hill and Jason Thayer. Janet Robison was absent. City Attorney Brandon Ritcha and City Clerk Cady Tucker were also seated at the table.

Before the regular meeting, the council held a brief zoning hearing regarding a zoning variance for Trent and Abby Humphrey. This is on a tract of land on Block 50, City of Kiowa, Barber County, Kansas, described as follows: Kiowa Original City, Block 50, lots 5 through 10. It's the lot where the old hospital stood along Drumm Street. The Humphreys reportedly plan to put in a pickle ball court and also construct a building.

Mayor Watson explained that a variance would allow the Humphreys to build a secondary storage building without a primary residence onsite. Citizen Pat Myers asked how this would affect neighbors’ adjoining property. Ritcha reported that it would not affect their property. During the regular council meeting, the council approved the variance.

Solar Panel Power Presentation

Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) rep Tyson McGreer made a solar panel power presentation to the council. The point is to find the most affordable energy for the community – and a source of energy that alleviates peak time. He said that “solar is hot right now.” Wind is still around but he said the thought in the industry is “solar is a better opportunity and a better value.”

He explained the difference between a PPA versus community solar. A solar PPA is a type of arrangement in which the property owner allows a company to install a solar system on the property. Instead of leasing or purchasing the system, the owner only pays for the power they use.

He said communities can see tax credits ranging from 40 to 70 percent. Kiowa would be in the range of one megawatt, which is $2.2 to $2.8M and takes from one to seven acres. He said there are many variables, such as geo-tech “what does your dirt look like?” There are also many financing options, such as a city can borrow and do it themselves, go through KMEA, and others.

McGreer said there are numerous ways to qualify, such as the number of free and reduced lunches at the school – and much more. He told the council if they are interested in pursuing solar energy KMEA is happy to help. He reminded them that KMEA makes no money on this and said they are just a pass-through.

The council tabled this issue as the renewal date is not until June 1.

More City of Kiowa Business, Tree Board

Resident Bev Miller spoke on behalf of Kiowa's tree board. She said because of the drought, the tree board is planting no new trees this year, so they request no funds from the city. Miller said she'll continue to plant and maintain the decorative planters on the sidewalk in front of businesses in Kiowa's downtown.

Miller requested that Mayor Watson sign the proclamation declaring April 26, 2024, as Arbor Day in Kiowa, which he did.

Piper told the council he received the Blue Cross Blue Shieldinsurance rates for 2024-2025. Those figures show that rates will increase 13.52 percent for the next year. The council tabled the matter.

Tucker presented for council review the invoice for repairs to the south bulk water station. They made no changes. The council approved Visa authorization for Piper to charge on the City of Kiowa Visa account.

The Cowbell Cyber Security policy was renewed. This is an add-on policy to the city’s liability policy.

Tucker reported that Allen Nichols from KDHE emailed that he would like the SCADA system fully operational before he comes for inspection. Bill Duvall reported that the telemetry system should be completed by the end of the week. They had to install an additional repeater on Cedar Hills Tower.

BG Consultants were supposed to have a final walk-through meeting with the city regarding the major waterline replacement project on April 3. That had not yet happened.

Chicken Rotisserie Through Economic Development

As Barber County Economic Director Julie Lyon updated the council on some of what she's been doing. She's ordered a chicken rotisserie for Hometown Market. One was delayed indefinitely so she canceled and reordered.

Lyon applied for a grant from the Circle Charitable Trust. She said Barber County Development received a $25,000 grant for Main Street improvements to downtown buildings and it will be distributed throughout the county. She'll attend an infrastructure forum to apply for a sizable grant.

During staff reports, Fire Chief Bill Duvall said they are looking for another tanker. They've been busy training on the fire trucks for driving and operations. He said Well 2 on the old line has a water leak and needs to be repaired. Police Chief Travis Peterson said he has a girl who is interested in an internship as Kiowa's animal control officer. The internship is a requirement for veterinary school. Ritcha will send a contract to Piper. City Superintendent James Duvall was absent but submitted his report.

At the end of the meeting, the council held two executive sessions. One was for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. The other session was to discuss matters of attorney/client privilege. No action was taken upon return to open session other than to adjourn.