The City Council approved the ordinance, 3-0, at Monday’s regular meeting.

Council member Jim Truesdell was absent, while Chris Donnelly abstained. Donnelly said after the meeting he did not vote because it was a conflict of interest. The local banker also is a builder himself.

The new regulations, which the city is implementing in an effort officials say better protects its residents and helps ensure quality work, will go into effect in the new year.

Longtime builders will be grandfathered in through recommendations from reputable sources.

Local builder Curtis Oroke has voiced opposition to the added regulations, which he say would hinder any real growth in the current economy.

“I think if you do this, I think you might be cutting your throat,” Oroke said.

He said the regulations put the city at a disadvantage in competing with Basehor, which is seeing considerably more building activity.

But Sean Reid, program manager with Johnson County Contractor Licensing, said Basehor has the same regulations that Tonganoxie now will have through the licensing organization.

Tonganoxie and Basehor are the only Leavenworth County cities that partner with Contractor Licensing. Lawrence also has a partnership, as do some other communities in the area. Eudora does not, Reid said.

Application fee is $100, while licensing certification is $225 annually. There also are continuing education requirements and people who are licensed receive various code literature as part of the fees, according to Reid.

Intersection work to start
in coming weeks

Traffic improvements at U.S. Highway 24-40 and Stone Creek Drive/South Park Drive are expected to start in the coming weeks.

Tonganoxie City Administrator Nathan McCommon said Monday construction was expected to start in October. He said the construction’s impact on traffic is expected to be minimal.

Assistant city administrator
leaving for Roeland Park

Jennifer Jones-Lacy, Tonganoxie assistant city administrator the last two years, has accepted a position in Roeland Park.

Tonganoxie Mayor Jason Ward commended Jones-Lacy for her work in the city, noting that Monday’s meeting would be her last as an employee.

“We asked a lot of you,” Ward said. “We asked you take a giant leap forward and we think you did that every time.”

Ward said Jones-Lacy was key in upgrading the city’s financial system and serving as a communications manager in updating the city’s website and social media. As part of her human resources work, she helped negotiate better benefits for employees, Ward noted.

“It’s nice to hear those kind words,” Jones-Lacy said. “I think Tonganoxie has a spectacular city council. You all are great to work with and very understanding and supportive and that means lot to staff.

“You have high standards, but you allow us the time we need to meet those standards. It’s been a great experience. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Council members echoed Ward’s comments, including Bill Peak, who especially appreciated her thorough and accurate council meeting minutes.

Jones-Lacy will be assistant city administrator and finance director for the city of Roeland Park.

Her final day working in Tonganoxie will be Oct. 2.

Council waives parade fee

The council waived the parade permit fee for the Tonganoxie High School Homecoming parade.

THS principal Jamie Carlisle had requested the waiver. The fee was $125, which is half of the regular fee.