Bronson City Council hears update on grant application

Bronson City Clerk Ellen Harper and a representative from the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission have been preparing an application for a Housing Rehabilitation Grant for the city of Bronson.

"We went around and took pictures of the houses that had submitted pre-applications," Harper said. "Which (SEK Regional Planning) had to do to put in the grant, and...look over what might need done on them."

A public hearing is required before the application is submitted, so a council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 10.

Requests for housing inspection proposals have been sent out and so far, a proposal from Wichita has been received.

Additionally, effective July 1, 2018, a Tax Lid Law will be implemented. With this law, budgets can only be increased so far without having to pass a resolution by the council. Under the Tax Lid Law, if the budget is surpassed, based on a set dollar amount, it must be voted on in the election.

Last year, Bronson's budget was increased to the amount possible without needing a resolution.

Resignation

During an executive session, Bronson Police Officer David Harper requested an executive session for non-elected personnel. After a five-minute session, the council voted unanimously to accept Harper's resignation. Mayor Alan Stuart, as well as other council members, expressed satisfaction with Harper's performance on the job.

"Like we said in there (executive session), Dave's done a good job," Stuart said.

Harper's resignation will not take effect for a 30-day period. His reason for resignation is retirement.

Cat problems

Also discussed was the abundance of unclaimed cats in Bronson. Actions are being taken to reduce the feline population, including live traps. Members also noted that the canine population is also growing and will need to be managed.