By NATE KING and OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

As Misty Livingston-Holmes, a 43-year-old resident of Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home and Trailer Park, prepared for her morning on Friday, Jan. 12, she lifted her faucet handle, and nothing happened.

Even though the water didn’t flow, a new cascade began. Months of inconsistent billing, water pressure and communication finally spilled over with residents reporting no clean running water for more than a week.

Livingston-Holmes moved to Sundowner West when she was eight years old. She said the water pressure was never impressive, but that turned out to be the beginning of the decline in the community’s water quality.

“It's happened more times than I can count,” Livingston-Holmes said. “We’ve never had good water pressure. It’s been decent, and decent is putting it loosely.”

Low water pressure soon turned into faucets pouring black, sludgy liquid intermittently, which Livingston-Holmes said often smelled of strong chemicals or sewage.&nbsp;

These issues were just the latest from years of mismanagement, with many residents reporting water contaminants from as early as the 1990s, but many remember when Sundowner West was a safe haven from the fast city life.

A handful of residents grew up in the community, including Livingston-Holmes, who recalled her childhood as one of joy, playfulness and exploration. Today, her children experience dry skin, stinky water and regular disruptions in routine.&nbsp;

One of the longest-standing residents, Galen Elliott and his wife, Bonnie Elliott, moved to Sundowner West Meadows in 1976, shortly after the owner, Frank Norton, opened mobile home lots on the Sundowner West Campgrounds.

According to Kerry Ingalsbe, another Sundowner West resident, Norton began developing the community after a tornado destroyed his other project twice — Sundowner East.&nbsp;

Norton then began developing Sundowner West and the land where Sundowner East once stood as a new development, Highland Meadows Hamlet, a multi-million dollar housing project.

Sundowner West began as a campground project, complete with a swimming pool, convenience store, pond and creek access, with almost 50 RV sites available to visitors.

Elliott said when he moved out there, he was one of the first homes on Rifle Road, with just a few others populating the neighborhood at the time.&nbsp;

“We could go down and fish whenever we wanted,” Elliott said. “The campground was right on the east side of the pond, they had a swimming pool up there. We’d go swimming up there whenever we wanted to, and right just north of where that swimming pool used to be was the clubhouse and a little store up there, so if you needed something, you didn’t have to run all the way to town.”

In 1989, Livingston-Holmes moved in and recalled when she would play with her cousins and other family living in the park, visiting the creek bed to catch turtles and other stream wildlife.

“It used to be fun out here,” Livingston-Holmes said. “I was telling my kids, ‘I feel so bad for you guys because when I lived out here, we had so much to do.’ we had a cool crick, we had a pool, the pond was so big you could put paddle boats out and fish.”

Kerry Ingalsbe moved to Sundowner West with his wife, Melina Ingalsbe, in 1993 and witnessed the park’s transformation from a peaceful community to one abandoned and wrought with strife.

While Sundowner West continued to gain residents, Norton continued both projects somewhat, leaving Sundowner West neglected by its owner.

“Sundowner East went from a mobile home park to lots with half a million to $1 million homes,” Kerry Ingalsbe said. “Once that development started, they forgot about us.”

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/06567217-4e0d-49be-9a97-b05ef4b7ec7d">Blacksmith Coffee continues conversation on small building signs in town</a>

As Norton got older, less was done to maintain the community’s infrastructure and amenities. The pool was removed, and the RV campground, restaurant and convenience store closed.&nbsp;

The following paragraphs have been updated to reflect new information provided by individuals previously involved with Sundowner West.

According to Todd Michaelis, sometime between 2017 and 2019, Monte Shadwick, a Saline County Commissioner, acquired the easement rights and Michaelis would assist Shadwick until he moved to Lawrence in 2019.

“I think they [Shadwick] purchased that for free money,” Kerry Ingalsbe said. “I think they thought they were going to get free money, collecting money from poor people.”

Shadwick left shortly after Michaelis, but before leaving, Shadwick hired Scott Kolling to oversee the pumps and water utility infrastructure.

“That was when a lot of the problems began, was two years ago when Scott took over,” Livingston-Holmes said.

In the summer of 2021, residents began to notice a change. Melina Ingelsbe said paying their water bill became a constant fight and headache, often ending in screaming matches.&nbsp;

“Our water got to be really bad, and we wouldn't get a bill for maybe eight months,” Melina Ingelsbe said. “Then he [Kolling] would send us a bill for hundreds of dollars and say, ‘If you don't pay me right now, I'm going to shut your water off.’”

Melina is not alone. Residents describe Kolling as explosive and a poor communicator when problems or issues arise.

Livingston-Holmes said she had a dispute with Kolling over a $599 water bill that arrived after months of little to no contact with Kolling. When she denied paying the bill, Kolling decided to take action, visiting Livingston-Holmes personally.&nbsp;

“I stood my ground,” Livingston-Holmes said. “He walked up my driveway, and he had a wrench in his hand because he was going to shut my meter off. He raised it like he was going to hit me.”

According to Livingston-Holmes, she said only a few words to Kolling after he raised the wrench above his head.

“I said [to him], ‘You better hope you get me on the first time,’” Livingston-Holmes said.

She wasn’t the only resident to have disputes with Kolling and his control of the water easement.&nbsp;

Peggy Young and her 10-year-old son moved to Sundowner West in May 2023, and before arriving at her new property, Young said she attempted to contact Kolling to set up billing and gather any relevant information about the property.

“He said, ‘Oh, no, just write a check and put it in the mailbox down the street.’ I said, ‘Okay, wait, I broke my leg. I cannot walk, and you want me to go down the street and write you a blank check?’ No, that's not how that works,” Young said.

Young, alongside other residents, claimed that Kolling is hardly on the property to assist when issues arise, leading to long response times and delayed action.

“Don't treat us like we're stupid because we're not,” Young said.

Many children live at Sundowner West, and with inconsistent water quality and pressure, many struggle to maintain a regular schedule alongside school or work activities. Young said her son is especially impacted since he lives with behavioral disabilities like autism, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557443/">ODD</a>, ADHD and <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder#:~:text=What%20is%20disruptive%20mood%20dysregulation,DMDD%20symptoms%20are%20severe.">DMDD</a>, which all require a strict schedule for normalcy.&nbsp;

The consistent disruptions in the young child’s schedule cause confusion and frustration between him and Young, leading to a stressful situation worsening for the family.

“Anything change-wise is terrible for him,” Young said. “Right now is awful because I'm trying to explain to him why we're going over to his stepdad's house to take a shower every day — and that's disrupting his schedule.”

Kerry Ingelsbe told Salina Post he knows why people have black water.&nbsp;

“You could go to any house out here and get one of the three-quarter inch pipes, and you'd have a pencil that you could fit inside of the gunk that's stored up on the sides of those pipes. I’ve seen it myself,” Kerry Ingalsbe said.

These disruptions continue to affect many residents in the neighborhood, with Livingston-Holmes recording about 15 children still without reliable water to use in everyday life, now 11 days since water pressure and quality dropped for the entire neighborhood.

In the days that followed, Livingston-Holmes said Kolling distributed water, but only to those who complained to him about their water, not to everyone impacted.&nbsp;

Joe Hay, Saline County Commissioner of District 5, who represents the residents of Sundowner West, said the county offered to provide some funding to fix the water system to Kolling, but the paperwork never returned to county staff.

“According to Philip Smith-Hanes, Scott was offered up to $50,000 In ARPA funds to address this,” Hay said. “It was out there for him to take it — he only would have had to get the estimates, get to work, get the work done and could have had a check, cut, bang, it's over with.”

“I’m not sure if $50,000 would have taken care of that whole system, but I think it would have made it to the point where people probably wouldn’t have had to put up with this right now.”

On Jan. 14, The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the Sundowner community. When KDHE issued the advisory, few homes in the community had running water to boil. This advisory left many residents feeling unheard and angry that something like this could happen and no one would be held responsible.

“My mind started racing — I asked myself, ‘How can I help? What can I do?’” Livingston-Holmes said. “This is not okay. I know as a family if DCF were to come into our homes and if we couldn't provide our children a necessity, like water, our children would get taken away. This business owner needs to be held accountable.”

Livingston-Holmes contacted the Saline County Sheriff’s Office first, who then reached out to County Emergency Management for help.&nbsp;

Emergency Management gave Kolling two hours to get temporary water to everyone, but according to county staff and the residents at Sundowner West, that didn't happen.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Jan. 16, county officials stepped in. Saline County Emergency Management and Salina Salvation Army delivered bottled water and sack lunches to the community. 

A seemingly small gesture that provided temporary relief but did not solve the overall problem — the need for clean running water.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Jan. 18, KDHE attempted to conduct tests on the water at Livingston-Holmes’ house but was unsuccessful.&nbsp;

“She said she couldn’t perform the tests because the chlorine was too strong — while she was here in my house, she told me that a threat had been received and she would have to leave,” Livingston-Holmes said.

Livingston-Holmes and others waited three additional days before the KDHE returned to the community on Monday to test.&nbsp;

“I had to shut my bathroom door because the chlorine smell was going all through my house,” Livingston-Holmes said.” Some days it smells like the chlorine and the strong bleach smell, and then there are some days where you smell a urine or poop smell.”

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_concannon_susan_1/">Rep. Susan Concannon</a>, Kansas State Representative of District 107 and former resident of Saline County, said she is aware of the situation.&nbsp;

"I am not involved in any water issues currently, so I've had to do a little background work to find out who to talk to and where to start," Concannon said.&nbsp;

Concannon only recently became Sundowner residents' elected official after the state legislature conducted redistricting in 2022.

"I made some calls this morning before my day got started. I do care about this. It sounds awful what these families are going through," Concannon said. "I hope that there is something that can be done but if nothing else, we certainly have people that need to know what happened."

Salina Post is currently supporting a water drive for the Sundowner community. Please bring cases or jugs of water to the Salina Post &nbsp;at 1825 S. Ohio St., Salina, KS 67401.

Sundowner residents remain with either low water pressure or no water for some families, even though many have reached out to Salina community representatives and partners on the issue for years.&nbsp;

On Monday, Jan. 22, KDHE successfully tested the water at Sundowner West, and Salina Post will update the story as that information becomes available.

Kolling has reported to residents and staff that he is continuing to work on improving the water situation at Sundowner.&nbsp;There has been little progress toward restoring reliable access to safe drinking water for all residents.

“Treat people the way you want to be treated,” Young said. “My mom always said, ‘It's gonna come back to bite you in the butt if you don't treat them right and one lie leads to another lie.”

Salina Post reached out to Kolling for comment on this story and did not receive an answer.

Salina Post contacted KDHE for comment on this story and did not receive an answer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706028731415.jpeg" alt="The tap trickles while fully open and smells strongly of chlorine at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park resident Misty Livingston-Holmes' house on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The tap trickles while fully open and smells strongly of chlorine at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park resident Misty Livingston-Holmes' house on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING and OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostAs Misty Livingston-Holmes, a 43-year-old resident of Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home and Trailer Park, prepared for her morning on Friday, Jan. 12, she lifted her faucet handle, and nothing happened.Even though the water didn’t flow, a new cascade began. Months of inconsistent billing, water pressure and communication finally spilled over with residents reporting no clean running water for more than a week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706028904444.jpeg" alt="Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park resident Misty Livingston-Holmes holds up a water bottle filled with water collected from on her property on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park resident Misty Livingston-Holmes holds up a water bottle filled with water collected from on her property on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Livingston-Holmes moved to Sundowner West when she was eight years old. She said the water pressure was never impressive, but that turned out to be the beginning of the decline in the community’s water quality.“It's happened more times than I can count,” Livingston-Holmes said. “We’ve never had good water pressure. It’s been decent, and decent is putting it loosely.”Low water pressure soon turned into faucets pouring black, sludgy liquid intermittently, which Livingston-Holmes said often smelled of strong chemicals or sewage.&nbsp;These issues were just the latest from years of mismanagement, with many residents reporting water contaminants from as early as the 1990s, but many remember when Sundowner West was a safe haven from the fast city life.A handful of residents grew up in the community, including Livingston-Holmes, who recalled her childhood as one of joy, playfulness and exploration. Today, her children experience dry skin, stinky water and regular disruptions in routine.&nbsp;<h2>Sundowner community’s early days</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706036981199.png" alt="Bonnie Elliott turns her kitchen water on only to see a trickle come out of the faucet. Photo by Nate King/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Bonnie Elliott turns her kitchen water on only to see a trickle come out of the faucet. Photo by Nate King/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the longest-standing residents, Galen Elliott and his wife, Bonnie Elliott, moved to Sundowner West Meadows in 1976, shortly after the owner, Frank Norton, opened mobile home lots on the Sundowner West Campgrounds.According to Kerry Ingalsbe, another Sundowner West resident, Norton began developing the community after a tornado destroyed his other project twice — Sundowner East.&nbsp;Norton then began developing Sundowner West and the land where Sundowner East once stood as a new development, Highland Meadows Hamlet, a multi-million dollar housing project.Sundowner West began as a campground project, complete with a swimming pool, convenience store, pond and creek access, with almost 50 RV sites available to visitors.Elliott said when he moved out there, he was one of the first homes on Rifle Road, with just a few others populating the neighborhood at the time.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706028676099.jpeg" alt="The intersection of Sundowner and Remington Roads at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The intersection of Sundowner and Remington Roads at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>“We could go down and fish whenever we wanted,” Elliott said. “The campground was right on the east side of the pond, they had a swimming pool up there. We’d go swimming up there whenever we wanted to, and right just north of where that swimming pool used to be was the clubhouse and a little store up there, so if you needed something, you didn’t have to run all the way to town.”In 1989, Livingston-Holmes moved in and recalled when she would play with her cousins and other family living in the park, visiting the creek bed to catch turtles and other stream wildlife.“It used to be fun out here,” Livingston-Holmes said. “I was telling my kids, ‘I feel so bad for you guys because when I lived out here, we had so much to do.’ we had a cool crick, we had a pool, the pond was so big you could put paddle boats out and fish.”Kerry Ingalsbe moved to Sundowner West with his wife, Melina Ingalsbe, in 1993 and witnessed the park’s transformation from a peaceful community to one abandoned and wrought with strife.While Sundowner West continued to gain residents, Norton continued both projects somewhat, leaving Sundowner West neglected by its owner.“Sundowner East went from a mobile home park to lots with half a million to $1 million homes,” Kerry Ingalsbe said. “Once that development started, they forgot about us.”READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/06567217-4e0d-49be-9a97-b05ef4b7ec7d">Blacksmith Coffee continues conversation on small building signs in town</a>As Norton got older, less was done to maintain the community’s infrastructure and amenities. The pool was removed, and the RV campground, restaurant and convenience store closed.&nbsp;The following paragraphs have been updated to reflect new information provided by individuals previously involved with Sundowner West.According to Todd Michaelis, sometime between 2017 and 2019, Monte Shadwick, a Saline County Commissioner, acquired the easement rights and Michaelis would assist Shadwick until he moved to Lawrence in 2019.“I think they [Shadwick] purchased that for free money,” Kerry Ingalsbe said. “I think they thought they were going to get free money, collecting money from poor people.”Shadwick left shortly after Michaelis, but before leaving, Shadwick hired Scott Kolling to oversee the pumps and water utility infrastructure.“That was when a lot of the problems began, was two years ago when Scott took over,” Livingston-Holmes said.<h2>Under new management</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706028638167.jpeg" alt="The well house and pump room at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The well house and pump room at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>In the summer of 2021, residents began to notice a change. Melina Ingelsbe said paying their water bill became a constant fight and headache, often ending in screaming matches.&nbsp;“Our water got to be really bad, and we wouldn't get a bill for maybe eight months,” Melina Ingelsbe said. “Then he [Kolling] would send us a bill for hundreds of dollars and say, ‘If you don't pay me right now, I'm going to shut your water off.’”Melina is not alone. Residents describe Kolling as explosive and a poor communicator when problems or issues arise.<div><div class="flourish-embed flourish-photo-slider" data-src="visualisation/16551555"><script src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/embed.js"></script></div></div>Livingston-Holmes said she had a dispute with Kolling over a $599 water bill that arrived after months of little to no contact with Kolling. When she denied paying the bill, Kolling decided to take action, visiting Livingston-Holmes personally.&nbsp;“I stood my ground,” Livingston-Holmes said. “He walked up my driveway, and he had a wrench in his hand because he was going to shut my meter off. He raised it like he was going to hit me.”According to Livingston-Holmes, she said only a few words to Kolling after he raised the wrench above his head.“I said [to him], ‘You better hope you get me on the first time,’” Livingston-Holmes said.She wasn’t the only resident to have disputes with Kolling and his control of the water easement.&nbsp;Peggy Young and her 10-year-old son moved to Sundowner West in May 2023, and before arriving at her new property, Young said she attempted to contact Kolling to set up billing and gather any relevant information about the property.“He said, ‘Oh, no, just write a check and put it in the mailbox down the street.’ I said, ‘Okay, wait, I broke my leg. I cannot walk, and you want me to go down the street and write you a blank check?’ No, that's not how that works,” Young said.Young, alongside other residents, claimed that Kolling is hardly on the property to assist when issues arise, leading to long response times and delayed action.“Don't treat us like we're stupid because we're not,” Young said.Many children live at Sundowner West, and with inconsistent water quality and pressure, many struggle to maintain a regular schedule alongside school or work activities. Young said her son is especially impacted since he lives with behavioral disabilities like autism, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557443/">ODD</a>, ADHD and <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder#:~:text=What%20is%20disruptive%20mood%20dysregulation,DMDD%20symptoms%20are%20severe.">DMDD</a>, which all require a strict schedule for normalcy.&nbsp;The consistent disruptions in the young child’s schedule cause confusion and frustration between him and Young, leading to a stressful situation worsening for the family.“Anything change-wise is terrible for him,” Young said. “Right now is awful because I'm trying to explain to him why we're going over to his stepdad's house to take a shower every day — and that's disrupting his schedule.”Kerry Ingelsbe told Salina Post he knows why people have black water.&nbsp;“You could go to any house out here and get one of the three-quarter inch pipes, and you'd have a pencil that you could fit inside of the gunk that's stored up on the sides of those pipes. I’ve seen it myself,” Kerry Ingalsbe said.These disruptions continue to affect many residents in the neighborhood, with Livingston-Holmes recording about 15 children still without reliable water to use in everyday life, now 11 days since water pressure and quality dropped for the entire neighborhood.In the days that followed, Livingston-Holmes said Kolling distributed water, but only to those who complained to him about their water, not to everyone impacted.&nbsp;Joe Hay, Saline County Commissioner of District 5, who represents the residents of Sundowner West, said the county offered to provide some funding to fix the water system to Kolling, but the paperwork never returned to county staff.“According to Philip Smith-Hanes, Scott was offered up to $50,000 In ARPA funds to address this,” Hay said. “It was out there for him to take it — he only would have had to get the estimates, get to work, get the work done and could have had a check, cut, bang, it's over with.”“I’m not sure if $50,000 would have taken care of that whole system, but I think it would have made it to the point where people probably wouldn’t have had to put up with this right now.”<h2>A community waiting for answers</h2>On Jan. 14, The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the Sundowner community. When KDHE issued the advisory, few homes in the community had running water to boil. This advisory left many residents feeling unheard and angry that something like this could happen and no one would be held responsible.“My mind started racing — I asked myself, ‘How can I help? What can I do?’” Livingston-Holmes said. “This is not okay. I know as a family if DCF were to come into our homes and if we couldn't provide our children a necessity, like water, our children would get taken away. This business owner needs to be held accountable.”Livingston-Holmes contacted the Saline County Sheriff’s Office first, who then reached out to County Emergency Management for help.&nbsp;Emergency Management gave Kolling two hours to get temporary water to everyone, but according to county staff and the residents at Sundowner West, that didn't happen.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706044149224.jpeg" alt="A Salina Salvation Army volunteer and Salvation Army Lt. Luke Hirsch prepare provisions for residents at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home and Trailer Park. Photo courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>A Salina Salvation Army volunteer and Salvation Army Lt. Luke Hirsch prepare provisions for residents at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home and Trailer Park. Photo courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, Jan. 16, county officials stepped in. Saline County Emergency Management and Salina Salvation Army delivered bottled water and sack lunches to the community. A seemingly small gesture that provided temporary relief but did not solve the overall problem — the need for clean running water.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Jan. 18, KDHE attempted to conduct tests on the water at Livingston-Holmes’ house but was unsuccessful.&nbsp;“She said she couldn’t perform the tests because the chlorine was too strong — while she was here in my house, she told me that a threat had been received and she would have to leave,” Livingston-Holmes said.Livingston-Holmes and others waited three additional days before the KDHE returned to the community on Monday to test.&nbsp;“I had to shut my bathroom door because the chlorine smell was going all through my house,” Livingston-Holmes said.” Some days it smells like the chlorine and the strong bleach smell, and then there are some days where you smell a urine or poop smell.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706028953147.jpeg" alt="The pressure read at only 10 psi for Misty Livingston-Holmes house at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The pressure read at only 10 psi for Misty Livingston-Holmes house at Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park on Wednesday, Jan. 17, near Hedville. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_concannon_susan_1/">Rep. Susan Concannon</a>, Kansas State Representative of District 107 and former resident of Saline County, said she is aware of the situation.&nbsp;"I am not involved in any water issues currently, so I've had to do a little background work to find out who to talk to and where to start," Concannon said.&nbsp;Concannon only recently became Sundowner residents' elected official after the state legislature conducted redistricting in 2022."I made some calls this morning before my day got started. I do care about this. It sounds awful what these families are going through," Concannon said. "I hope that there is something that can be done but if nothing else, we certainly have people that need to know what happened."Salina Post is currently supporting a water drive for the Sundowner community. Please bring cases or jugs of water to the Salina Post &nbsp;at 1825 S. Ohio St., Salina, KS 67401.Sundowner residents remain with either low water pressure or no water for some families, even though many have reached out to Salina community representatives and partners on the issue for years.&nbsp;On Monday, Jan. 22, KDHE successfully tested the water at Sundowner West, and Salina Post will update the story as that information becomes available.Kolling has reported to residents and staff that he is continuing to work on improving the water situation at Sundowner.&nbsp;There has been little progress toward restoring reliable access to safe drinking water for all residents.“Treat people the way you want to be treated,” Young said. “My mom always said, ‘It's gonna come back to bite you in the butt if you don't treat them right and one lie leads to another lie.”Salina Post reached out to Kolling for comment on this story and did not receive an answer.Salina Post contacted KDHE for comment on this story and did not receive an answer.

Years of neglect causes water crisis at Sundowner Mobile Home and Trailer Park

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Salina Police Department officers arrested a Salina man utilizing a police K-9 after he ran from the scene of a domestic disturbance.

At about 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, SPD officers arrived at a residence in the 900 block of East Republic Avenue to respond to a call about a domestic disturbance.

When officers arrived, they identified 30-year-old Salina resident Corey Born, who they recognized for multiple arrest warrants.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, Born was known to carry weapons and resist arrest.

"Upon arrival, officers observed Born and advised him he was under arrest for the warrants," Feldman said. "Born fled on foot and was pursued by officers — he then stopped in the street and turned around and indicated he had something."

Feldman said he then grabbed a knife from his waistband and pointed it toward SPD officers, so a K-9 was released to subdue Born.

The K-9 then grabbed onto Born's arm, causing him to drop the knife and allowing officers to arrest him after some resistance.

"Born continued to resist and not comply," Feldman said. "Officers took him to the ground, and he was taken into custody."

SPD officers had his injuries medically examined, but due to his clothing, Born had only superficial wounds.

Officers then booked Born into the Saline County Jail. They requested charges for two counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and one count of interference with a law enforcement officer.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c15e4d1d-90ea-4b39-a33a-4fb7dd7ea70b">The Sunset Sinners start 2024 'With a Bang!'</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706188346792.png" alt="Born, Corey Keith" />
 <figcaption>Born, Corey Keith</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSalina Police Department officers arrested a Salina man utilizing a police K-9 after he ran from the scene of a domestic disturbance.At about 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, SPD officers arrived at a residence in the 900 block of East Republic Avenue to respond to a call about a domestic disturbance.When officers arrived, they identified 30-year-old Salina resident Corey Born, who they recognized for multiple arrest warrants.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, Born was known to carry weapons and resist arrest."Upon arrival, officers observed Born and advised him he was under arrest for the warrants," Feldman said. "Born fled on foot and was pursued by officers — he then stopped in the street and turned around and indicated he had something."Feldman said he then grabbed a knife from his waistband and pointed it toward SPD officers, so a K-9 was released to subdue Born.The K-9 then grabbed onto Born's arm, causing him to drop the knife and allowing officers to arrest him after some resistance."Born continued to resist and not comply," Feldman said. "Officers took him to the ground, and he was taken into custody."SPD officers had his injuries medically examined, but due to his clothing, Born had only superficial wounds.Officers then booked Born into the Saline County Jail. They requested charges for two counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and one count of interference with a law enforcement officer.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c15e4d1d-90ea-4b39-a33a-4fb7dd7ea70b">The Sunset Sinners start 2024 'With a Bang!'</a>

SPD officers utilize K-9 to subdue resident with multiple warrants

In Salina, art and murals have become a critical focus for many residents and businesses — either through bringing tourism to town or using artwork as signage for small establishments.

For Blacksmith Coffee Drive-Thru, the city sign ordinances place the small coffee shop in the <a href="https://library.municode.com/ks/salina/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH42ZORE_ARTXSI">C-4 District</a> with only 60 square feet of signage capacity.&nbsp;

In a Facebook post from Blacksmith Coffee's landlord, Mike Sample, the business exceeds that by more than double due to its mural sign facing the street.

Molli Reilly, the manager at Blacksmith Coffee and daughter to the owners, John and Jill Esping from Lindsborg, said when they opened the drive-thru in Salina in April 2020, many customers had difficulty finding the location.

By June 2021, Reilly hired a local artist to paint some signage in large letters on the side of the building to attract new customers.

"It was huge — like night and day difference. People did not know we were here," Reilly said. "We had a sign on the street — a pole sign — but we'd have people come through all the time and be like, 'You guys don't have any signage. We didn't know you were here. You need to put signs up!'"

Reilly said before installing the mural, she did not understand the artwork would count as signage and only checked with Sample, the landlord, to okay the permanent change to the building.

This led to a citizen filing a complaint to the City of Salina, which then served a signage violation to Sample about Blacksmith Coffee.

In November 2023, Cozy Inn Hamburgers ran into a similar issue after beginning a signage mural on their small building, which led city staff to halt the artwork and evaluate sign ordinances.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/343e570a-c5e2-4f10-af08-9fc6537d086c">Cozy Inn Hamburgers 'sign' put on hold pending city approval</a>

The City of Salina then told the public that staff would not look for signage that violates the ordinance but instead wait for citizen complaints.

Blacksmith Coffee became the newest complaint in late December, with the city giving them until February 1 to alter the sign. Reilly said through conversations with staff — the city extended the deadline to look closer at what options the small building may have.

City of Salina Planner Dustin Herrs said city staff use Salina City Ordinances Chapter 42, Article X, Division 2 to regulate signage across town.

The ordinances cover multiple sections across town, and Blacksmith Coffee falls into the same commercial district as Cozy Inn Hamburgers.

Herrs explained that Salina's city ordinances on signage are similar to those of other cities comparable to Salina, and they aim to prevent "sign wars" between businesses.

"The thought process is you want to protect the aesthetic character of your community," Herrs said. "It comes down to what does the community want themselves to look like?"

Salina's city ordinances regarding signage are quantitative rather than qualitative, utilizing a mathematical formula to determine the maximum surface area of advertising allowed on or around a particular building.

The strict quantitative nature of the ordinances causes small buildings like Cozy Inn and Blacksmith to have a limited amount of signage space.&nbsp;

Lauren Driscoll, the City of Salina director of Community and Development Services, said due to that, city staff are utilizing outside expertise for future ordinance changes.

"We're trying to find that balance," Driscoll said. "When stuff gets contentious, it's nice to have a third party in the room."

Wendy Moeller, the principal and owner of <a href="https://www.compasspointplanning.com/who-we-are#:~:text=Moeller%2C%20FAICP-,Wendy%20E.,of%20Urban%20Planning%20in%201996.">Compass Point Planning</a>, plans to assist the city by providing expertise around Midwest sign ordinances and what they may need for updates.

In mid-February, Driscoll said Moeller will meet with community stakeholders and city staff to discuss sign ordinances and advertising.

City development staff plan to ask Moeller questions about niche, small restaurants and establishments like Cozy Inn and Blacksmith Coffee, finding the balance for small buildings and their advertising needs.

"If you were to allow that kind of sign, would you keep the scale — if it's on the parking lot... [we're] looking for those real measurable things to influence the decision-making process," Driscoll said. "Rather than a gut feeling of just loving something."

According to Driscoll, she and city staff have prioritized reviewing city ordinances related to signage this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705941927226.jpeg" alt="Blacksmith Coffee, a drive-thru coffee establishment, serves customers on Friday, Jan. 19, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Blacksmith Coffee, a drive-thru coffee establishment, serves customers on Friday, Jan. 19, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostIn Salina, art and murals have become a critical focus for many residents and businesses — either through bringing tourism to town or using artwork as signage for small establishments.For Blacksmith Coffee Drive-Thru, the city sign ordinances place the small coffee shop in the <a href="https://library.municode.com/ks/salina/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH42ZORE_ARTXSI">C-4 District</a> with only 60 square feet of signage capacity.&nbsp;In a Facebook post from Blacksmith Coffee's landlord, Mike Sample, the business exceeds that by more than double due to its mural sign facing the street.Molli Reilly, the manager at Blacksmith Coffee and daughter to the owners, John and Jill Esping from Lindsborg, said when they opened the drive-thru in Salina in April 2020, many customers had difficulty finding the location.By June 2021, Reilly hired a local artist to paint some signage in large letters on the side of the building to attract new customers."It was huge — like night and day difference. People did not know we were here," Reilly said. "We had a sign on the street — a pole sign — but we'd have people come through all the time and be like, 'You guys don't have any signage. We didn't know you were here. You need to put signs up!'"Reilly said before installing the mural, she did not understand the artwork would count as signage and only checked with Sample, the landlord, to okay the permanent change to the building.This led to a citizen filing a complaint to the City of Salina, which then served a signage violation to Sample about Blacksmith Coffee.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705942025426.jpeg" alt="Blacksmith Coffee's mural sign located on the west outside wall of the tiny establishment on Friday, Jan. 19, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Blacksmith Coffee's mural sign located on the west outside wall of the tiny establishment on Friday, Jan. 19, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>City of Salina signage ordinances</h2>In November 2023, Cozy Inn Hamburgers ran into a similar issue after beginning a signage mural on their small building, which led city staff to halt the artwork and evaluate sign ordinances.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/343e570a-c5e2-4f10-af08-9fc6537d086c">Cozy Inn Hamburgers 'sign' put on hold pending city approval</a>The City of Salina then told the public that staff would not look for signage that violates the ordinance but instead wait for citizen complaints.Blacksmith Coffee became the newest complaint in late December, with the city giving them until February 1 to alter the sign. Reilly said through conversations with staff — the city extended the deadline to look closer at what options the small building may have.City of Salina Planner Dustin Herrs said city staff use Salina City Ordinances Chapter 42, Article X, Division 2 to regulate signage across town.The ordinances cover multiple sections across town, and Blacksmith Coffee falls into the same commercial district as Cozy Inn Hamburgers.Herrs explained that Salina's city ordinances on signage are similar to those of other cities comparable to Salina, and they aim to prevent "sign wars" between businesses."The thought process is you want to protect the aesthetic character of your community," Herrs said. "It comes down to what does the community want themselves to look like?"Salina's city ordinances regarding signage are quantitative rather than qualitative, utilizing a mathematical formula to determine the maximum surface area of advertising allowed on or around a particular building.The strict quantitative nature of the ordinances causes small buildings like Cozy Inn and Blacksmith to have a limited amount of signage space.&nbsp;Lauren Driscoll, the City of Salina director of Community and Development Services, said due to that, city staff are utilizing outside expertise for future ordinance changes."We're trying to find that balance," Driscoll said. "When stuff gets contentious, it's nice to have a third party in the room."Wendy Moeller, the principal and owner of <a href="https://www.compasspointplanning.com/who-we-are#:~:text=Moeller%2C%20FAICP-,Wendy%20E.,of%20Urban%20Planning%20in%201996.">Compass Point Planning</a>, plans to assist the city by providing expertise around Midwest sign ordinances and what they may need for updates.In mid-February, Driscoll said Moeller will meet with community stakeholders and city staff to discuss sign ordinances and advertising.City development staff plan to ask Moeller questions about niche, small restaurants and establishments like Cozy Inn and Blacksmith Coffee, finding the balance for small buildings and their advertising needs."If you were to allow that kind of sign, would you keep the scale — if it's on the parking lot... [we're] looking for those real measurable things to influence the decision-making process," Driscoll said. "Rather than a gut feeling of just loving something."According to Driscoll, she and city staff have prioritized reviewing city ordinances related to signage this year.

Blacksmith Coffee continues conversation on small building signs in town

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Local Salina band, The Sunset Sinners, took to the road this year, with multiple live music festivals on the roster and a few new opportunities.

The four-piece music group also recently remastered two of their most popular songs, "Always Time For One More Beer" and "Friday Night," which were released last Friday.

"2024 has started off with a bang for us," said drummer Blake Blackim.

Outside of remastering a few of their hit songs, the band plans to develop new music this year at a well-known production site — Yellow Dog Studios.

The Sunset Sinners music is what the members call "whiskey barrel rock," a fusion of 70s and Southern Rock and Roll, with a mix of "Red Dirt Country."

Group members include Blackim on the drums, Tony Bowell as a guitarist and vocalist, Sean Herrington as a bass guitarist and vocalist, and Nick Schyler on lead guitar.

Two festivals they will perform at include the <a href="https://sunsetsolarbration.online/">Sunset Solarbration Festival</a> in Texarkana, Texas, in April and the Wild West Festival in Hays in July. Blackim said they also agreed to headline another unnamed festival later in the year.

Outside those live music settings, the band traveled to Texas this week to record new music at the well-known studio.

"We just got to Austin, where we'll be recording new Sinner tunes for upcoming singles and album at the famed Yellow Dog Studios that sits on a ranch in Wimberley, just outside of Austin," Blackim said. "We're excited as it's really the first time we've worked with a Grammy-winning producer to give us a fifth set of ears."

The group has worked with Grammy winners on their past music, but this will be the first time they work in-studio on new music.

Yellow Dog Studios has worked with famous, nationally-known artists like Garth Brooks and the rock group Green Day, among many others.

"We'll primarily work with Casey Johns and David Pearceful," Blackim said. "We're going in with at least four solid songs, and we'll see what happens. I'm sure the juices will flow, and we'll end up with more."

The Sunset Sinners will begin recording early Thursday morning and work until Saturday on their new material. 

"Some of our songs are written about people from back home — therefore, we thought it was best to get out of town to record them [the new songs]," Bowell said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134565275.jpeg" alt="The Sunset Sinners, a local Salina "whiskey-barrel rock" group. Image courtesy The Sunset Sinners" />
 <figcaption>The Sunset Sinners, a local Salina "whiskey-barrel rock" group. Image courtesy The Sunset Sinners</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostLocal Salina band, The Sunset Sinners, took to the road this year, with multiple live music festivals on the roster and a few new opportunities.The four-piece music group also recently remastered two of their most popular songs, "Always Time For One More Beer" and "Friday Night," which were released last Friday."2024 has started off with a bang for us," said drummer Blake Blackim.Outside of remastering a few of their hit songs, the band plans to develop new music this year at a well-known production site — Yellow Dog Studios.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134606797.jpeg" alt="Sunset Solarbration festival poster. Courtesy The Sunset Sinners" />
 <figcaption>Sunset Solarbration festival poster. Courtesy The Sunset Sinners</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sunset Sinners music is what the members call "whiskey barrel rock," a fusion of 70s and Southern Rock and Roll, with a mix of "Red Dirt Country."Group members include Blackim on the drums, Tony Bowell as a guitarist and vocalist, Sean Herrington as a bass guitarist and vocalist, and Nick Schyler on lead guitar.Two festivals they will perform at include the <a href="https://sunsetsolarbration.online/">Sunset Solarbration Festival</a> in Texarkana, Texas, in April and the Wild West Festival in Hays in July. Blackim said they also agreed to headline another unnamed festival later in the year.Outside those live music settings, the band traveled to Texas this week to record new music at the well-known studio."We just got to Austin, where we'll be recording new Sinner tunes for upcoming singles and album at the famed Yellow Dog Studios that sits on a ranch in Wimberley, just outside of Austin," Blackim said. "We're excited as it's really the first time we've worked with a Grammy-winning producer to give us a fifth set of ears."The group has worked with Grammy winners on their past music, but this will be the first time they work in-studio on new music.Yellow Dog Studios has worked with famous, nationally-known artists like Garth Brooks and the rock group Green Day, among many others.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134668965.jpeg" alt="David Pearceful, a producer at Yellow Dog Studios in Wimberley, Texas, views the soundboard during a recording session. Image courtesy The Sunset Sinners " />
 <figcaption>David Pearceful, a producer at Yellow Dog Studios in Wimberley, Texas, views the soundboard during a recording session. Image courtesy The Sunset Sinners </figcaption>
 </figure>"We'll primarily work with Casey Johns and David Pearceful," Blackim said. "We're going in with at least four solid songs, and we'll see what happens. I'm sure the juices will flow, and we'll end up with more."The Sunset Sinners will begin recording early Thursday morning and work until Saturday on their new material. "Some of our songs are written about people from back home — therefore, we thought it was best to get out of town to record them [the new songs]," Bowell said.

The Sunset Sinners start 2024 'With a Bang!'

Late Tuesday evening, a Salina resident reported to Salina Police Department officers that someone stole their blue 1992 Chevrolet 2500 extended cab pick-up truck.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, an unknown suspect, stole the truck from the owner's residence between 6:30 and 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

"The vehicle was not running, but keys were in the vehicle," Feldman said. 

The currently unrecovered vehicle bears a Kansas tag that reads 177SGV, and Feldman said the owner and officers valued the truck at $1,500.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e0ee04a8-5803-4eec-908e-39038b22d889">Recent vehicle thefts in Salina — SPD urges residents to lock cars when unattended</a>

Salina Post will update this story as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostLate Tuesday evening, a Salina resident reported to Salina Police Department officers that someone stole their blue 1992 Chevrolet 2500 extended cab pick-up truck.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, an unknown suspect, stole the truck from the owner's residence between 6:30 and 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23."The vehicle was not running, but keys were in the vehicle," Feldman said. The currently unrecovered vehicle bears a Kansas tag that reads 177SGV, and Feldman said the owner and officers valued the truck at $1,500.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e0ee04a8-5803-4eec-908e-39038b22d889">Recent vehicle thefts in Salina — SPD urges residents to lock cars when unattended</a>Salina Post will update this story as more information becomes available.

Salina resident reports truck stolen after leaving keys in the vehicle

Last week, a 30-foot pull-behind camper went missing from a storage unit in the 400 block of North Ohio Street. According to the Salina Police Department, the owner reported the incident yesterday.

SPD Capt. James Feldman said someone stole the 2021 Transcend Xplor 231 RK RV between 9 and 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17. 

"The camper was valued at $35,000 and taken from the unit by a white Ford F-250," Feldman said. "They [storage unit management] contacted the owner, a Salinan, who advised they did not take the camper from the unit."

Storage management staff contacted officers after they noticed the camper missing and talked to its owner. 

The RV has a Kansas tag that reads 567PKC. SPD officers are still investigating the theft.

Salina Post will update this story as more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573750784898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostLast week, a 30-foot pull-behind camper went missing from a storage unit in the 400 block of North Ohio Street. According to the Salina Police Department, the owner reported the incident yesterday.SPD Capt. James Feldman said someone stole the 2021 Transcend Xplor 231 RK RV between 9 and 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17. "The camper was valued at $35,000 and taken from the unit by a white Ford F-250," Feldman said. "They [storage unit management] contacted the owner, a Salinan, who advised they did not take the camper from the unit."Storage management staff contacted officers after they noticed the camper missing and talked to its owner. The RV has a Kansas tag that reads 567PKC. SPD officers are still investigating the theft.Salina Post will update this story as more information becomes available.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/06567217-4e0d-49be-9a97-b05ef4b7ec7d">Blacksmith Coffee continues conversation on small building signs in town</a>

SPD investigating theft of 30-foot RV from storage unit

Two proclamation requests, a public hearing, changes to The City of Salina personnel manual, and possible approval of an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company are among the items on this week's Salina City Commission agenda.&nbsp;

Study sessions and city commission meetings will take place in–person in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street, and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings also can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.

The meeting also can be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID:892 7598 4587 when prompted.

If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.

The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

-Commissioners are scheduled to consider two proclamation requests. The first will seek to recognize the month of January 2024, as Stalking Awareness Month. Mary Cookson, Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK) Victim Advocate, will read the proclamation.&nbsp; January is also National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Angela White, DVACK Sexual Assault Advocate, will read the second proclamation.

A public hearing for and approval of Resolution No. 24-8185, adopting the 2024-2029 Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, including the designation of Revitalization Areas.&nbsp;

What is a "Revitalization Area?"

In 1994, the Kansas Legislature passed a law allowing local communities to designate neighborhood revitalization areas within which certain incentives are created to encourage capital investment which otherwise might not occur in these areas of historic importance and are subject to physical deterioration and other economic challenges. The law also allows the designation of certain historical or significant individual structures to be eligible for incentives.

What land are we talking about?

Last year, the City Commission received a request from Agri-Center requesting an amendment to the City of Salina's Neighborhood Revitalization Plan boundary to incorporate their 5-acre site on West Old Highway 40 into NRA Area B along the North Broadway corridor and provided staff direction regarding preparing the plan amendments and presenting them to each of the other taxing entities within the community for their consideration and consent. 

Staff has completed drafting the map amendment and met with each of the taxing entities and secured their consent to the proposed boundary change. Consequently, it is now appropriate for the City Commission to hold the required public hearing as the final step in preparation for City Commission consideration of the updated 2024-
2029 Plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

- Approve Resolution No. 24-8184 appointing a member to the Salina Community Economic Development Organization

- Authorize the City Manager to execute a Pipeline Crossing Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) for Pipeline Crossing of Railroad Property at Mile Post 495.75

Background: An existing six inch cast iron water main running parallel to Ash Street broke at the railroad crossing between Chicago Street and College Avenue. The existing pipe was installed in 1916 and did not include a casing pipe. A casing pipe allows for the removal and replacement of the existing water line under the railroad crossing without causing harm to the tracks or the railroad right-of way.

The proposed new 12-inch casing pipe is 100 feet long and the new water main will be inserted in the casing pipe and connected to the existing water main on each side of the railroad crossing. The agreement grants the City the right to construct, maintain, and operate the pipeline. In addition, the agreement defines the terms, provisions, conditions, and insurance requirements when work is performed in the railroad right-of-way.

- Authorize the purchase of a Type 1 Osage Ambulance remount on a new 2024 Ford F550 4X4 chassis for $203,840.00 from Emergency Services Supply, the authorized Osage Ambulance sales vendor for Kansas

-Approve Resolution No. 24-8183 amending and updating the City of Salina Personnel Manual

-Approve Resolution No. 24-8186 amending and approving the City Commission Agenda General Order of Business and City Commission Meeting Public Participation Policy document.

-Announce the Mayor's appointment of City Commissioners to Citizen Boards and Commissions

Authorize City staff preparation of a Special Assessment Engineering Feasibility Report for internal improvements serving the Overlook Estates Addition and authorize staff to design, acquire needed easements, prepare cost estimates and an engineering feasibility report, and construct an off-site water line extension serving the Overlook Estates Addition.


Request for Executive Session - Property Acquisition

To see the full Salina City Commission agenda for Monday,&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=210014&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701016826196.jpeg" alt="Snow blankets the Salina City and Saline County building during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Snow blankets the Salina City and Saline County building during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTTwo proclamation requests, a public hearing, changes to The City of Salina personnel manual, and possible approval of an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company are among the items on this week's Salina City Commission agenda.&nbsp;<h2>About the meeting</h2>Study sessions and city commission meetings will take place in–person in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street, and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings also can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.The meeting also can be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID:892 7598 4587 when prompted.If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.Proclamations-Commissioners are scheduled to consider two proclamation requests. The first will seek to recognize the month of January 2024, as Stalking Awareness Month. Mary Cookson, Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK) Victim Advocate, will read the proclamation.&nbsp; January is also National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Angela White, DVACK Sexual Assault Advocate, will read the second proclamation.Public HearingA public hearing for and approval of Resolution No. 24-8185, adopting the 2024-2029 Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, including the designation of Revitalization Areas.&nbsp;What is a "Revitalization Area?" In 1994, the Kansas Legislature passed a law allowing local communities to designate neighborhood revitalization areas within which certain incentives are created to encourage capital investment which otherwise might not occur in these areas of historic importance and are subject to physical deterioration and other economic challenges. The law also allows the designation of certain historical or significant individual structures to be eligible for incentives.What land are we talking about?Last year, the City Commission received a request from Agri-Center requesting an amendment to the City of Salina's Neighborhood Revitalization Plan boundary to incorporate their 5-acre site on West Old Highway 40 into NRA Area B along the North Broadway corridor and provided staff direction regarding preparing the plan amendments and presenting them to each of the other taxing entities within the community for their consideration and consent. Staff has completed drafting the map amendment and met with each of the taxing entities and secured their consent to the proposed boundary change. Consequently, it is now appropriate for the City Commission to hold the required public hearing as the final step in preparation for City Commission consideration of the updated 2024-
2029 Plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Consent Agenda</h2>- Approve Resolution No. 24-8184 appointing a member to the Salina Community Economic Development Organization- Authorize the City Manager to execute a Pipeline Crossing Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) for Pipeline Crossing of Railroad Property at Mile Post 495.75Background: An existing six inch cast iron water main running parallel to Ash Street broke at the railroad crossing between Chicago Street and College Avenue. The existing pipe was installed in 1916 and did not include a casing pipe. A casing pipe allows for the removal and replacement of the existing water line under the railroad crossing without causing harm to the tracks or the railroad right-of way.
The proposed new 12-inch casing pipe is 100 feet long and the new water main will be inserted in the casing pipe and connected to the existing water main on each side of the railroad crossing. The agreement grants the City the right to construct, maintain, and operate the pipeline. In addition, the agreement defines the terms, provisions, conditions, and insurance requirements when work is performed in the railroad right-of-way.- Authorize the purchase of a Type 1 Osage Ambulance remount on a new 2024 Ford F550 4X4 chassis for $203,840.00 from Emergency Services Supply, the authorized Osage Ambulance sales vendor for Kansas<h2>Administration</h2>-Approve Resolution No. 24-8183 amending and updating the City of Salina Personnel Manual-Approve Resolution No. 24-8186 amending and approving the City Commission Agenda General Order of Business and City Commission Meeting Public Participation Policy document.-Announce the Mayor's appointment of City Commissioners to Citizen Boards and Commissions<h2>Development Business</h2>Authorize City staff preparation of a Special Assessment Engineering Feasibility Report for internal improvements serving the Overlook Estates Addition and authorize staff to design, acquire needed easements, prepare cost estimates and an engineering feasibility report, and construct an off-site water line extension serving the Overlook Estates Addition.
<h2>﻿﻿﻿Other Business/Citizens Forum</h2>Request for Executive Session - Property AcquisitionTo see the full Salina City Commission agenda for Monday,&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=210014&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salina City Commission Agenda Jan. 22

In the early morning hours on Saturday, a 24-year-old Salina resident crashed into the viaduct on the west side of North Broadway Avenue, and first responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

According to Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman, the driver, Thomas A. Brandt, continued straight instead of properly navigating the curve in the road.

Brandt then crashed into a frozen creek bed, where first responders found him inside his 2005 Ford Mustang.

"A witness saw him go off the roadway," Feldman said. "The case is still being investigated, but it is believed speed and alcohol are determining factors."

Feldman said Brandt was not wearing a seat belt and that road conditions did not contribute to the crash. The witness saw the incident occur around 2:15 a.m. and contacted SPD officers.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fa815297-f64c-4636-9ab9-53b5d4aac23f">Salina Central student named Gatorade Kansas Girls CC player of the year</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostIn the early morning hours on Saturday, a 24-year-old Salina resident crashed into the viaduct on the west side of North Broadway Avenue, and first responders pronounced him dead at the scene.According to Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman, the driver, Thomas A. Brandt, continued straight instead of properly navigating the curve in the road.Brandt then crashed into a frozen creek bed, where first responders found him inside his 2005 Ford Mustang."A witness saw him go off the roadway," Feldman said. "The case is still being investigated, but it is believed speed and alcohol are determining factors."Feldman said Brandt was not wearing a seat belt and that road conditions did not contribute to the crash. The witness saw the incident occur around 2:15 a.m. and contacted SPD officers.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fa815297-f64c-4636-9ab9-53b5d4aac23f">Salina Central student named Gatorade Kansas Girls CC player of the year</a>

Salina resident pronounced dead at scene after early morning crash on Saturday

A Salina man allegedly put a woman in a "chokehold" during an argument, according to Salina Police Department officers.

SPD Capt. James Feldman said on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 5:30 p.m., a resident called the department and reported a domestic disturbance in the 800 block of Smith Avenue.

"She had gotten into an argument with another resident, Adrian Golding, age 52," Feldman said. "During the argument, Golding put the female into a 'chokehold' before another resident was able to free the female from Golding's grasp."

The victim, a 42-year-old Salina woman, had minor injuries from the altercation but did not seek medical treatment at Salina Regional Health Center.

Feldman said officers arrested Golding and requested one charge of aggravated domestic battery.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e0ee04a8-5803-4eec-908e-39038b22d889">Recent vehicle thefts in Salina — SPD urges residents to lock cars when unattended</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705672311724.jpeg" alt="Golding, Adrian David" />
 <figcaption>Golding, Adrian David</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostA Salina man allegedly put a woman in a "chokehold" during an argument, according to Salina Police Department officers.SPD Capt. James Feldman said on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 5:30 p.m., a resident called the department and reported a domestic disturbance in the 800 block of Smith Avenue."She had gotten into an argument with another resident, Adrian Golding, age 52," Feldman said. "During the argument, Golding put the female into a 'chokehold' before another resident was able to free the female from Golding's grasp."The victim, a 42-year-old Salina woman, had minor injuries from the altercation but did not seek medical treatment at Salina Regional Health Center.Feldman said officers arrested Golding and requested one charge of aggravated domestic battery.READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e0ee04a8-5803-4eec-908e-39038b22d889">Recent vehicle thefts in Salina — SPD urges residents to lock cars when unattended</a>

Salina man allegedly puts victim into 'chokehold' during an argument

Salina Police Department officers recommend that residents not leave their vehicles unattended with keys inside due to a recent string of car thefts.

Between 7:25 and 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, a resident reported their vehicle as stolen in the 1000 block of Pershing Street after starting it to warm up.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, the vehicle is a gray 2008 Chrysler 300 valued at $5,000 with a Kansas tag that reads 425RSR.

"It was in [the resident's] driveway warming up with the key in it," Feldman said. "When the owner looked out, the vehicle was gone."

Feldman then urged residents that if they would like to warm up their cars in the morning before leaving home, they should do so while sitting in the car rather than leaving it unlocked.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/275c727f-a1e8-41fb-8eb5-b7f7101c45ad">SPD find and arrest suspect the same day as vehicle theft on Sunday</a>

Another vehicle theft occurred from AAMCO, a local repair shop in the 2200 block of Tulane Avenue, earlier this month. Feldman said the victim reported the incident on Wednesday this week.

The timeframe for when someone stole the red 2008 Dodge Dakota SXT truck was between Jan. 5 and Jan. 17, but Feldman said the theft likely occurred on Jan. 7.

"The truck was in the area to be repaired. The keys were not in it, so we don't know exactly how it was stolen," Feldman said. "We have no suspects, and it has not been recovered."

SPD officers valued the vehicle at $15,000, and the tags associated with the vehicle are Colorado tags that read AYJI58.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573750784898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostSalina Police Department officers recommend that residents not leave their vehicles unattended with keys inside due to a recent string of car thefts.Between 7:25 and 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, a resident reported their vehicle as stolen in the 1000 block of Pershing Street after starting it to warm up.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, the vehicle is a gray 2008 Chrysler 300 valued at $5,000 with a Kansas tag that reads 425RSR."It was in [the resident's] driveway warming up with the key in it," Feldman said. "When the owner looked out, the vehicle was gone."Feldman then urged residents that if they would like to warm up their cars in the morning before leaving home, they should do so while sitting in the car rather than leaving it unlocked.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/275c727f-a1e8-41fb-8eb5-b7f7101c45ad">SPD find and arrest suspect the same day as vehicle theft on Sunday</a>Another vehicle theft occurred from AAMCO, a local repair shop in the 2200 block of Tulane Avenue, earlier this month. Feldman said the victim reported the incident on Wednesday this week.The timeframe for when someone stole the red 2008 Dodge Dakota SXT truck was between Jan. 5 and Jan. 17, but Feldman said the theft likely occurred on Jan. 7."The truck was in the area to be repaired. The keys were not in it, so we don't know exactly how it was stolen," Feldman said. "We have no suspects, and it has not been recovered."SPD officers valued the vehicle at $15,000, and the tags associated with the vehicle are Colorado tags that read AYJI58.

Recent vehicle thefts in Salina — SPD urges residents to lock cars when unattended

A man called the Salina Police Department early Wednesday morning and reported a stab wound from a domestic disturbance. Officers only found a superficial scrape and an allegedly aggressive Salina resident when they arrived.

At 12:25 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, SPD officers arrived at the 300 block of West South Street for a report of a domestic dispute that involved a knife.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostA man called the Salina Police Department early Wednesday morning and reported a stab wound from a domestic disturbance. Officers only found a superficial scrape and an allegedly aggressive Salina resident when they arrived.At 12:25 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, SPD officers arrived at the 300 block of West South Street for a report of a domestic dispute that involved a knife.There, officers met with 26-year-old Kristofer Allen and looked for the stab wound Allen reported and only found a superficial mark. SPD Capt. James Feldman said officers then suspected that Allen was intoxicated, and he became aggressive toward officers."EMS arrived, he became aggressive toward EMS," Feldman said. "Officers ended up securing him because of his hostility toward both officers and EMS. His aggression continued where he went after officers."Feldman said while officers subdued Allen and placed him in a body wrap, he bit an officer. The group of first responders then transported Allen to the Salina Regional Health Center due to his alleged drunkenness.At the hospital, Allen remained hostile to officers and nursing staff. Feldman said he allegedly battered a nurse and a security officer while restrained in the body wrap.SPD officers took him to the Saline County Jail after he received treatment from hospital staff and requested charges for battery on a law enforcement officer, assault on a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement and two counts of battery for his actions at SRHC.Officers contacted the second person involved in the disturbance, a 24-year-old Salina woman, who had no injuries from the event.READ MORE:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a6485d40-bae8-438e-9071-77b62e9db38e">‘Changing the Culture’ provides platform for youth experience at 2024 MLK Day Celebration</a>