Tonganoxie Mayor David Frese proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month during Monday’s regular City Council meeting.

The proclamation noted that during fiscal year 2024, 70,303 reports were made to child protective services in Kansas.

The First Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates for children also was represented during the proclamation, including executive director Kelly Williams. The local CASA organization for the First Judicial District covers Atchison and Leavenworth counties.

Local bank selected for financing of rooughly $1 million playground project

Financing has been approved for an updated playground at Chieftain Park.

Council members unanimously approved the low bid from First Security Bank, with Jennifer McCutchen absent and Jake Dale abstaining from discussion or any vote due to being employed by one of the bidders. He works for First Security Bank.

Baker Tilly, the city’s financial adviser, approved the lease purchase agreement for the roughly $1 million project.

First Security Bank submitted the lowest proposed interest rate with a single fixed rate of 2.95% to final maturity on March 1, 2031, along with a $1,999 origination fee.

First State Bank & Trust proposed a fixed rate of 3.99% with no origination fee and Community National Bank proposed a 5.40% rate with a $2,500 origination fee.

The city, Tognanoxie Recreation Commission and USD 464 approved an interlock agreement this past October for the project that Attorney General Kris Kobach approved this February. TRC and project design committee members recommended to the cit that Cunnighham Recreation/Gametime for the playground project and other improvements at the park. In early March, the city council approved conveyance of the property to the city and approval of a property management agreement that outlined roles and responsibilities of each agency.

The current playground was installed around 2000. Construction is expected to take place this winter.

Council discusses proposed ordinance for electronic bikes

Tonganoxie police Chief Greg Lawson fielded questions from council members about proposed Ordinance No. 1548, which addresses traffic regulations for electronic bikes, scooters, skateboards and motorcycles.

The council did not take any action Monday. Instead, members discussed nuances of the proposed ordinance and whether some regulations should be governed by age or a driver’s license or permit.

The council’s next regular meeting is April 20 at City Council Chambers, Third and Bury streets.

Kansas City Parade of Hearts to include Tonganoxie

Two sculptures in the Kansas City Parade of Hearts will be placed in downtown Tonganoxie. Temporary use permits for the special art were approved at Monday’s meeting for 304 Venue/Grounded Coffeehouse at Fourth and Green streets and Grit and Grind Sportshouse, 622 Fourth St. The new sports restaurant and bar, is expected to open in May. Grit and Grind is at the former Ryan’s Public House location.

Council Member Matthew Wilke, who is pastor at Tonganoxie United Methodist Church, abstained from discussion and any votes. The churc owns the 304 Venue building

Other local communities in the KC metro area participating in the Parade of Hearts are Basehor, Lawrence and De Soto.

Police getting new Tahoe to replace patrol vehicle

Tonganoxie police’s fleet will have an additional Chevrolet Tahoe. The 2026 model was approved for purchase from Roberts Chevrolet for $55,950. The request originally was approved this past summer during the budget development process. Roberts Chevrolet, Platte City, Missouri, is a cooperative provider of state contract pricing.

The council also approved outfitting of 2025 and 2026 Tahoes from Multiplicity in Louisburg for $6,322.

A 2018 Dodge Charger will be retired out of the fleet and will be sold on Purple Wave. Revenue from that sale will be put back in the police equipment fund to offset purchase and outfitting costs.

Municipal court judge, city attorney reappointed

Council members gave their consent for Mayor David Frese’s reppointments of Municipal Court Judge Kenneth Moore and City Attorney Anna Krstulic.

Both of their current terms conclude at the end of May.

Krstulic became city attorney in 2019, while Moore has been municipal judge for Tonganoxie since December 2021.

Moore replaced William Pray at that time. Pray died in November 2021.

Planning commission members get reappointments

Tonganoxie approved the reappointments of three Tonganoxie Planning Commission members at Monday’s meeting.

Mayor David Frese recommended the reappointments of Howard Brewington, Kirsten Moreland and Jamie Shurtz for three-year terms. Their current terms are set to expire May 31.

The other four commission members — Monica Gee, John Kirk, Patti Bitler and Amy Dale — will have their terms conclude in May 2027.

Tidal Waves lease approved

for water park

Tongie Tidal Waves once again will have a temporary use lease for Tonganoxie Water Park with Tidal Waves representative Gretchen Meitler.

The group has rented the water park during the summer season for practices and meets that will take place at various times from May 26-June 25.