Garage fires determined arson, Martin purchases old police station for new business

Two juveniles to be charged

 

August 18, 2021



About 3:15 p.m., Monday, Aug. 9, the first fire was set on a garage in Kiowa, Kansas. That was the same day as the August meeting of Kiowa's City Council at 7.

During staff reports at the meeting the fire was mentioned and assured by officials it was under investigation. After the meeting the fire re-lit around 10:05 p.m., according to Kiowa Police Chief Travis Peterson.

Chief Peterson said the unattached garage that burned was located at 610 Drumm Street and owned by Randy Lohmann. The other unattached garage that ignited was located at 611 Miller St., owned by a real estate company RTS Properties LLC. The chief said hunters stayed there during hunting season. That garage had “extensive damage,” according to Peterson. Kansas Gas Service owned an above-ground gas system. “It destroyed everything above ground,” Peterson said.

The chief said the Kansas State Fire Marshal investigated at the scene with him. “It was determined arson.” Peterson said the investigation is over and that “charges are to be filed against two juvenile suspects.”

The August meeting of Kiowa's City Council had a variety of action. Mayor Bill Watson called the meeting to order with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. All members were present including: B.J. Duvall, Brian Hill, Jason Thayer, Janet Robison and Tom Wells. Also seated at the council table was City Administrator Sam Demel, City Attorney Brandon Ritcha and City Clerk Cady Tucker.

Although Tucker's resignation was not on the agenda, she was hired that same Monday night by the South Barber School Board as a Spanish and Art teacher. Demel said they seek a replacement for the city clerk position. Tucker is helping out as needed before school starts Thursday, Aug. 19.

Martin's New Business

During the meeting Kiowa woman Gabreail Martin said she recently met with Demel. “I'd like to put in an offer to purchase the old police station as is with no contingency, no inspections and cash payment for $3500. It's full of termites, has mold – you know it's in bad shape.” She said wants the building for her business and plans to clean, paint and remodel it.

Martin's business is SheaDeeLea's and she'll use the building as her office and showroom. They remodel, paint, etc. She's currently buying houses, remodeling and selling them. Her sister Jessica Barrett is her partner. Her daughter Kathleen, a 2019 South Barber High School graduate, is currently at Emporia State. When she's finished, Kathleen is coming back to be design consultant for the business. Martin said she's done business from Woodward to Pratt and beyond.

The council told Martin they had received another offer. They said they would make a decision in executive session. After a 15 minute executive session, council voted to accept Martin's offer.

Waterline Replacement Project Update

In BG Consultant's report to the council, they said the waterline replacement transmission line is 28 percent complete along Tri-City Road north of Hazelton. The waterline replacement project in town is 42 percent complete. Because they could never get the Lambert land easement along Tri-City, Demel said they bored underneath the road and went to the other side to get what they needed. This cost the city $14,000, he said.

The council authorized the water project contractor's payment request of $354,585.87. They are working on change orders.

As the waterline replacement continues, city superintendent John Duvall said if there is enough room between the light poles and the curb on the south side of Main Street that would keep them from tearing up the street and blocking traffic. “We're not sure at this point,” he said.

Police Vehicle and More Kiowa Council Action

The city wanted to trade in a truck. Bryan Chevrolet of Kiowa had a local truck, a 2009 Chevy 3/4 ton with 90,000 miles. Bryan was asking $16,990. The city was trading in a 2007 Chevy ½ ton, a city truck with 76,000 miles and lots of problems. Bryan gave the city $4000 for the trade-in. So the purchase price was $12,990 for the truck that can be used in by all city departments.

Demel reminded the council that back in 2019 the city raised the electric rate by $2 per customer to pay for an electrical upgrade. The council agreed to adjust a resolution so that $2 can be removed.

The administrator said a cell tower company approached the city and wanted to change the lease. The city currently receives $608 per month for the tower.

He explained that with the merger of Sprint and AT&T, lots of towers are being vacated by companies so the rental value of those towers is dropping a lot. So they are asking Kiowa to negotiate a lower monthly lease payment to $400-something. Kiowa is in the first year of five year lease. They are scheduled to go up another 15 percent in four years from the $608.

Looking at the two options, the crossover or breakeven point is July 31, 2037. Option two becomes more beneficial to the city. Watson ask with changing technology will the tower even exist by then?

Ritcha advised council the cell tower company could abandon the tower like the TV cable company did several years ago. Wells mentioned GPS satellites and said if they (the company) are going to walk away they take care of that tower. The council tabled the issue.

City drainage to the south end of town continues to be a problem. The water needs to be slowed down and discussion was that the culvert needs to be wider not taller. The council wants to have numbers put together and they believe the city crews can do the work.

Another 15-minute executive session was held to discuss the swimming pool staff. Upon return to open session the council voted to make necessary adjustments as recommended by the city administrator regarding the swimming pool staff.

Staff Reports and Comments

Fire Chief Bill Duvall said he's buying 600 foot of more cable. He's anxious to see his budget and the council assured him he could next week.

City Superintendent John Duvall said they are two years behind on sewer cleaning. A tree needs to come down at the park.

Chief Peterson would like to purchase a drone for $6400 that has infrared camera and would be used for surveillance. He'll get more information.

The elementary school flashing light was hit by a semi hauling hay. The owner reportedly said they would take care of the cost.

Demel said he anticipates about $70,000 more Covid money. He would like to use the funds for the new electrical meters.

The council discussed making improvements to the community building – at least a facelift before Labor Day. A few groups are working with the city to help pay for a structural study of the community building before any major work is done on it.

There were no public comments. The council attempted to have a special meeting this past Monday night to further discuss and review the proposed budget. However, they had no quorum but could still discuss with no action taken. The council planned a meeting for this Wednesday evening at 6 p.m., to discuss the budget and some other items.

 

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