Menu
Bronson city officials look to stop park vandalism
Some local youth are begin blamed for vandalism at the Bronson City Park.
"We are having some issues with kids in the Park," City Maintenance Superintendent John Stokes aid. "They've hooked up hoses twice and have used our water and put it onto the slides."
Other infractions include a new hole in the north park fence, littering of food and trash, writing on park property, and damage to a shelter house.
"The new tables are marked up," Stokes said. "They didn't mess with the old ones. They got the new ones. And, finally, after three years, four years, they've finally written on the ceiling in the shelter house and have cut out a hole in the roof. Looks like a pocket knife slit.
"Most of it, so far, knock on wood, is material...that can be removed. The picnic table, some of it is black magic marker, I think. But as far as the (shelter house) ceiling, I think it can be taken care of," Stokes said. "It was such a nice shelter house."
The council agreed that action needs to be taken to prevent further damage from happening. Several members mentioned purchasing security cameras to be placed in the park.
"If we get them caught on camera, it's very simple," council member Charlotte Stewart said. "We'll prosecute them. If we don't prosecute, it's never going to stop."
"It (the vandalizing) got better when we prosecuted the last ones," Bronson City Clerk Ellen Harper said. "It's been such a long time since they've messed with (the park)."
New business prospect
The Chicken Shack, a restaurant in Bronson, has recently closed and is being considered as the location of a potential new business.
"Would the city be opposed to a cereal malt beverage license being issued to open up a bar and grill here in town?" asked Bronson resident Heather Doherty.
While the council has not yet officially decided due to lack of final details and information, some members can see the potential.
"Bronson needs the revenue," Stewart said.
"If we get one business, maybe another will follow." council member Geri Reeder said.
However, members also noted the Chicken Shack's importance to Bronson.
"I hate to see the Chicken Shack will no longer be the Chicken Shack," Harper said.
"My only concern I have is (that) Bronson is known for the Chicken Shack," Stokes said. "Now we won't have it. Now it won't be the Chicken Shack."
Utility penalty increase
Council members approved a resolution which will increase utilities penalties from 5 to 10 percent.
"This is a resolution establishing penalties and reconnect fees for unpaid utility bills in the city of Bronson, Kansas," Harper said. "This resolution shall take affect after the August usage (cycle). It would be for the September billing."
Response from housing grant standstill
Bronson City Council's application for a housing rehabilitation grant is on hold because the appraised values of the homes are not high enough for the state to supply partial funds. This was a major topic of conversation as all those present spoke in agreement about the application status.
"Why would they want to pay for a demo but not fix up a home?" Stokes asked. "People still want to live there."
"If a person is applying for a grant to improve their home..if they had the money to do it themselves, they wouldn't be applying for a grant," Stewart said.