November 28, 2014
Baldwin City government
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Baldwin City adds wind energy to electrical power portfolio
Like many forward-looking investors, the Baldwin City Council diversified one city portfolio last week to give it less exposure to a particular sector of the market.
Baldwin City approves housing start incentives for another year
The Baldwin City Council agreed Monday to extend for another year incentives meant to spur new housing development in the community despite little evidence they are effective and a so-so recommendation from city staff.
Waterline, depot projects on tap for 2016 in Baldwin City
As far as big public local construction projects are concerned, 2016, and probably 2017, look to be years of digging in Baldwin City.
Baldwin City Council updated on utility initiatives
About 20 Baldwin City homeowners can expect to get letters from the city in January informing them their power could be shut off if they don’t replace outdated or dangerous electrical meters or fix faulty exterior electrical wiring.
Baldwin City Council to interview city administrator candidates Friday, Saturday
Although they yet haven’t reviewed any information on any of the candidates, Baldwin City Council members could make a decision this weekend about who to hire for city administrator.
Baldwin City Council agenda for Nov. 16, 2015
Meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Baldwin City Public Library
Baldwin City to start update of comprehensive plan next year
The Baldwin City Planning Commission and City Council will with an update of the city’s comprehensive plan. Interim City Administrator Brad Smith said $20,000 was earmarked in the city 2016 budget for the update.
Baldwin City mayor appoints citzens' committee to help with city administrator search
Baldwin City Mayor Marilyn Pearse has appointed a citizens' committee to help with the selection of a new city administrator.
Baldwin City Council approves bond sale for sewer upgrades
On Monday, the Baldwin City Council took final actions needed to issue $3.175 million in bonds for improvements to the city’s wastewater system.
Council support Baldwin City Recreation Commission's push for community center
The Baldwin City Council gave unanimous support Monday for a drive to fund and build a community center in the city. Baldwin City Recreation Commission Board President Ginny Honomichl brought a request to the council for support the BCRC’s exploration of options to build and finance a community center. The BCRC board was ready to start a push for a community center and would take the same request for support to the Baldwin school board at its Nov. 16 meeting, she said.
Baldwin City Council agenda, Oct. 19, 2015
Baldwin City Council to consider Kwik Shop development plan for lot to west on Monday. Meeting starts at 7 p.m. at Baldwin City Public Library.
Baldwin City sales taxes performing well
Although common sense tells Brad Smith that an event the size of the Maple Leaf Festival ought to produce a noticeable bump in the city’s sales tax collections, he has been unable to document that assumption.
Baldwin City to ask KDOT to upgrade crosswalk signal
After more consideration, Baldwin City will ask the Kansas Department of Transportation to upgrade the caution light at the U.S. Highway 56/Eighth Street crosswalk.
Survey provides insights for support of proposed Baldwin City government building projects
Baldwin City residents are evenly split in their support for a city building plan that would include four proposed capital improvement projects discussed extensively in the past year, a survey of registered voters conducted this summer found.
Baldwin City Council Agenda, Oct. 5, 2015
Presentation of results from citizen's survey on proposed capital improvement projects on agenda
Baldwin City Council names Smith interim city administrator
On Monday, the Baldwin City Council approved the appointment of Brad Smith to the position as interim city administrator as the council looks for a replacement of the departed Chris Lowe.
Baldwin City's 1st assistant public works director looks forward to diverse workload
His boss says Baldwin City choose a good time to hire the city’s first assistant public works director. It was announced at the Sept. 8 Baldwin City Council meeting that Dave Flipse was hired to the newly created position. City public works director Bill Winegar said the hire came at a welcome time.
Baldwin City Council authorizes nearly $3.3 million in sewer bonds
The Baldwin City Council voted 5-0 Tuesday to authorize issuing $3.275 million in bonds for improvements to the city’s sewer utility.
Baldwin City Administrator search process outlined
Mayor Marilyn Pearse told the Baldwin City Council on Tuesday she hoped to bring at the council’s Sept. 21 meeting a recommendation for a consultant to help with the search for a new city administrator.
Baldwin City Council approves $175,000 sewer line extension for industrial park
In what was a mulligan on a do-over, the Baldwin City Council voted 5-0 Monday to construct a sewer to the industrial park for an estimated $175,000. If the sewer line project sounds familiar, it’s because the same sewer line was to be part of a proposed voluntary annexation the council considered last month.
Baldwin City Council agenda, Aug. 17
Meeting to start at 7 p.m. in Baldwin City Public Library. On agenda, staff request council asked to support extension of sewer line to business park at cost of $175,000.
Baldwin City to seek KDHE loan for old-town water line upgrades
The Baldwin City Council approved action Aug. 3 that should lead to better water service for old-town customers. The council authorized city staff to make final application for a revolving loan program the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is offering for water system improvements. City Administrator Chris Lowe said the revolving loan offered the city an attractive funding option for a long-planned water system upgrade in the city’s older neighborhoods.
Baldwin City Council approves 2016 budget
Despite pleas from two residents, the Baldwin City Council unanimously approved on Monday a 2016 budget that includes a 4.57 mill levy increase.
Baldwin City Council agenda for Aug. 3
Meeting starts at 7 p.m. Monday at the Baldwin City Public Library
Baldwin City Council publishes proposed 2016 budget with 4.57 mill levy increase
The Baldwin City Council has reached consensus on a proposed 2016 budget that includes a 4.57 mill levy increase. The city’s 2016 mill levy in the proposed budget, which is published in today’s issue of the Baldwin City Signal, is 42.304 mills. That compares to 37.623 mill in the current 2015 budget and a 34.127 mill levy for 2014.
Baldwin City Council approves contract to construct trail to BESIC
The Baldwin City Council awarded Monday a contract to Killough Construction of Ottawa to construct a mixed-use trail from 11th Street to existing sidewalk at the Baldwin Elementary School Intermediate Center.
Baldwin City Council asked to develop trust in wake of annexation's withdrawl
In the wake of the withdrawal of a voluntary annexation request, the Baldwin City Council was urged to develop trust in each other and staff and demonstrate a pro-business attitude.
Baldwin City Council agenda, July 20
Meeting starts at 7 p.m. Monday at the Baldwin City Public Library
Baldwin City to seek KDOT funding for Eisenhower Street/US 56 intersection improvements
Just weeks before work is to start on one intersection along the city’s U.S. Highway 56 corridor, the Baldwin City Council on Monday took a step toward improving another. The council approved contracting BG Consultants for $500 to make application for Kansas Department of Transportation corridor management access construction funds to improve the Eisenhower Street/U.S. Highway 56 intersection.
Annexation of east Baldwin City tract tabled for two weeks
After a robust exchange between a former and sitting council members that invoked last year’s Wal-Mart Inc. debate, the Baldwin City Council voted 4-1 to table for two weeks final action on an annexation of property north of U.S. Highway 56 and west of the business park.
Baldwin City water rate study continues as Lawrence looks to hike rates
Baldwin City residents aware of where the city’s tap water comes from probably paid more than casual interest to the Lawrence City Commission's early 2016 budget discussions. That’s because during a budget workshop last month the Lawrence City Commission was presented a proposal to raise that city’s water rates in 2016 and 2017.
Baldwin City Council gives first nod to voluntary annexation
The Baldwin City Council approved Monday the first reading of a voluntary annexation on a tract of property on the city’s northeast side.
Baldwin City Council told new sidewalk to BESIC to be completed by Aug. 1
Baldwin City Councilwoman Christi Darnell announced Monday the Kansas Department of Transportation has approved the city’s use of right of way along U.S. Highway 56 for a long planned sidewalk extension.
Baldwin City Council to tour, discuss facilities
It wasn’t on Monday’s Baldwin City Council agenda, but facilities and the city’s capital improvement plan were on the minds of one council member and a resident in attendance.
Baldwin City Council agenda, June 1, 2015
Continuation of electrical rate discount to be considered when council meets at 7 p.m. tonight at Baldwin City Public Library
Baldwin City Council awards contract for U.S. 56/High Street realignment
Four years after the city first took action on the project and a year after it was slated to be completed, the Baldwin City Council on Monday approved a contract for the realignment of the U.S. Highway 56/High Street intersection. The project with eliminate the current sharp angle at which High Street meets the highway.
Council OKs mayor's appointments to Baldwin City boards
The Baldwin City Council appointed May 4 members of city government's various boards. Below are the citizens appointed.
Newly elected Baldwin City Council members to be sworn in Monday
Three newly elected members will be sworn in to the Baldwin City Council at Monday’s meeting. The new members, Steve Bauer, Tony Brown and David Simmons, received the most votes among the seven candidates running for three open seats in the April 7 general election.
Late price change rolled back as Baldwin City purchases KCP&L service area
A late hiccup in the city’s planned purchase of the right to provide service to the Baldwin City business park and four homes has been resolved, and the sale is going ahead as planned.
Baldwin City Council approves first reading of proposed sewer rate increases
The Baldwin City Council took action Monday on two measures that have been on its radar for some time. The council approved 5-0 the first reading of sewer rate increases, which were recommended in from a rate stud
Baldwin City to work with owners of unsafe electrical meters
The Baldwin City Electrical Department is asking property owners to replace outdated or unsafe electrical metering cans, fix dangerous exterior wiring or face a cut-off of service. Lead linesman Chris Croucher told the Baldwin City Council on Monday the electrical department has identified four customers whose buildings still have outdated 30-amp meter cans, which can be overloaded fire hazards in homes using 200 amps of electricity.
Baldwin City council hears updates on quality-of-life projects
As it starts work on its 2016 capital improvement plan, the Baldwin City Council heard updates Monday on two long-discussed quality-of-life projects, the Mary Swan Theater at the Lumberyard Arts Center and a community center.
Proposed Baldwin City littering ordinance draws criticism
The Baldwin City Council approved Monday the first reading of an ordinance that makes it a municipal offense to litter. The ordinance defines littering as disposing of trash on public property and as transporting loose materials that can blow from a vehicle or truck.
Valuation notices sent out to Douglas County property owners
Baldwin City officials are hoping to see a reversal of a recent trend with the Douglas County Appraiser’s Office mailing 2015 change in valuations notices March 1 to county property owners. Specifically, city officials want to see the city’s overall property evaluation increase and put an end to five years of stagnation or decline that began with the start of the recession in 2008.
Council renames park to reflect Baldwin City history
One of Baldwin City’s most popular parks was given a new name for the second time in a month. On Monday, the Baldwin City Council approved renaming the park at 11th and High streets from West Park to Women’s Bridge Park.
Baldwin City purchasing right to provide electrical service to industrial park
With assurances from city staff that it was a sound business decision, the Baldwin City Council approved an agreement Monday to purchase the right to provide electrical service to the industrial park from Kansas City Power & Light.
Popular downtown venue newest Baldwin City park
A popular downtown gathering place is now officially a city park. Baldwin City Administrator Chris Lowe said the city purchased the empty lot west of the Baldwin City Post Office in the 700 block of High Street from Baldwin State Bank for $75,000.
Baldwin City Council agenda, Feb. 2, 2015
Baldwin City Council meets at 7 p.m. tonight in the community room of the Baldwin City Library
Baldwin City Council votes 2-1 to install mixed-use trail to BESIC
The Baldwin City Council voted 2-1 Tuesday to construct an 8- or 10-foot mixed-use trail along U.S. Highway 56 from 11th Street to the Baldwin Elementary School Intermediate Center.
Baldwin City administrator's year-end report touts city's 2014 accomplishments
Baldwin City Administrator Chris Lowe shared a 2014 year-end report Monday with the Baldwin City Council filled with positives he said was a result of council's leadership, the city cooperation with its partners and dedication of city staff. In a departure from past years, the report was more than a final accounting of the city’s year-end fund balances and highlighted the achievements of the city as a whole and its departments. It
Baldwin City Council approves three-fold housing incentive plan
The Baldwin City Council approved a three-fold incentive plan Monday meant to stimulate residential housing in the city. The past three years, the council annually has approved reducing development fees charged on new single-family homes by 50 percent to $3,185. The program approved Monday continued that through 2015 but added elements Collin Biesler, city community development director, proposed after researching incentives offered in neighboring cities.
Wayfarer signs to point visitors to Baldwin City destinations
Visitors soon will be better able to find and make their way around Baldwin City thanks to strategically placed wayfarer signs. At its Dec. 15 meeting, the Baldwin City Council approved a $14,221 contract with Mike Langrehr of Design Specialties to craft 20 wayfarer signs.
Baldwin City Council agenda, Dec. 15
Meeting starts at 7 p.m. tonight at the Baldwin City Public Library, 800 Seventh St.
Housing-start stimulus grant approved for Baldwin City
Baldwin City will soon receive a $200,000 housing-start stimulus should a grant be made available as approved. Dave Hill, chairman of the Baldwin City Economic Development, said the Kansas Housing Authority Corporation has approved a $400,000 grant for Baldwin City and Wellsville with each community eligible to receive $200,000.
Baldwin City to ask Douglas County to help with BESIC sidewalk project
The city will ask Douglas County to contribute to the cost of installing a mixed-use trail from 11th Street to Baldwin Elementary School Intermediate Center. The Baldwin City Council set aside $125,000 in the 2015 budget for the design and construction of about 2,000 feet of sidewalk that will link the BESIC campus to the new sidewalk constructed last year as part of U.S. Highway 56 improvements.
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