The Madison City Council meets bimonthly on the first and third Mondays of the month. The following report was generated from the official minutes of the May 20 meeting, which were approved at a recent meeting.
The Madison City Council met for their regular meeting on May 20 at 7 p.m. with the approval of the agenda, May 4 meeting minutes and accounts payable. In Open Forum, resident Amanda James appeared before the council regarding her building permit application, presenting a signed approval form from two of her three neighbors. The council accepted the documentation. James also inquired about keeping chickens within city limits and was advised to follow existing city ordinances governing poultry.
Resident Bob Kimberlin raised questions regarding building regulations and development restrictions. Discussion centered on restrictive covenants, zoning, and building permits. City officials explained that certain restrictions originated with a development company rather than the city. Officials noted that Madison currently lacks zoning regulations and does not have an inspector available to enforce standard building code requirements.
Garry Sporing addressed the council regarding a high water bill received by Tonia Villareal. Sporing reported that approximately 19,000 gallons of water usage had been recorded during the summer of 2024, despite no leaks being found. He presented photographs of the water meter, questioning whether accurate readings had been taken.
After discussion, the council agreed to monitor the meter readings for 90 days and review the situation before determining whether any billing adjustments are warranted. Council members instructed staff to photograph the meter during future readings and advised the customer to continue paying the minimum amount due during the review period.
Bradley and Jennifer Cummings spoke with the council regarding complaints filed about conditions on their property. City Attorney Paul Dean reviewed photographs connected to the complaints. The council agreed to obtain updated photographs of the property before the matter proceeds to court.
Dominic Branstetter also addressed the council regarding code violation notices and an upcoming court appearance. He provided current registration documentation for vehicles located on his property and discussed concerns over repeated citations involving a blue truck. Branstetter also requested clarification regarding an old planter in his yard. The council indicated the planter would be acceptable as long as it contains flowers or plants and is moved farther from the street. Officials advised Branstetter to contact the prosecutor regarding his June 5 court appearance.
Deputy Clerk Amie May presented daily log sheets requested by the council and provided information regarding a reimbursement request from former resident Pam Stubbs involving an extra trash polycart. The council indicated the matter would be discussed further when Stubbs appears before the council.
The council also approved a fireworks permit for Chubby’s Foods and signed a building permit for a chicken coop at 717 S. 4th Street.
City Clerk Alice Grimm discussed the deteriorated house at 419 N. 6th Street, noting asbestos concerns and recommending demolition if cost-sharing arrangements can be reached with the other property owner involved. The council agreed to proceed under those conditions.
Grimm also requested authorization to have Megawatt Electric inspect city wiring. The council approved the request.
The council reviewed a proposal from Mayer for work along Main Street and Sherman Street. After discussion, the council approved the project at a cost of $17,986.
Councilman Tony Fankhauser reported progress on several public works projects. Concrete work at a drainage ditch is nearing completion and will soon be ready for unbound gravel installation. He also reported that electrical upgrades have been completed in preparation for Madison Days festivities.
At Madison City Lake, officials addressed concerns from the campground host regarding recurring washouts. Fankhauser said repairs have already been made twice and additional gravel will be added as needed. It was also reported that new docks have been completed and are receiving positive feedback. The council requested the Freund Plumbing install newly purchased toilets and inspect restroom systems to ensure proper operation.
The council also discussed mowing responsibilities around town.
The council entered executive session three separate times to conduct employee performance reviews under Kansas Open Meetings Act provisions concerning non-elected personnel. The sessions lasted a total of 25 minutes. No action was taken following any of the executive sessions.
Fankhauser reported that city officials recently met with the grant consultant, who informed them that Madison qualifies as a disadvantaged community. As a result, grant applications are moving forward for transmission line improvements and wastewater infrastructure projects. Officials also discussed the possibility of including water plant improvements within future grant requests.
Grimm noted that hiring a professional grant writer may improve the city’s chances of securing funding, as many grant applications are initially denied.
The next meeting of the Madison City Council will be held on June 15 at 7 p.m.
