CLAFLIN — These are the unapproved City of Claflin Council meeting minutes from Aug. 11. The article has been shorted for length.
Public Officer Gary Vaughan addressed that mange has been found amongst feral cats in town, which poses a concern as it can cause scabies in humans. Vaughan reported that a citizen was recently bit by a feral cat which resulted in the citizen having to undergo the rabies protocol of shots. Trapping has occurred and at least 13 cats have been sent to farms and those found with mange disposed of. Vaughan recommended that a public service announcement be made to remind citizens not to feed feral cats and to vaccinate pets for rabies and to keep them inside at night. Vaughan addressed the foxes in town and communicated that there is not much that can be done to remove the foxes.
Contacted K&O Railroad regarding cleaning up the tall grass behind the fire department.
107 W. Williamson — property owners are trying to get the property demolished but lack resources at this time. They will continue to mow the property.
300 E. Williamson — there is a possible contract pending on the property and foundation/structural issues will be addressed with new property owner. The city has mowed and cleaned up the property three times, charging the property owner $450 each time to abate the public nuisance.
City Superintendent Richard Hayes reported on which streets to include in the contract with the county for street sealing: Williamson St. from 6th St. to C Street, all of Fourth St., and all of Park St.
Pool closes August 17th and there have been few issues with the pool this summer.
Summer maintenance help ends this week, and they have done a good job with mowing, painting, concrete, and various other tasks.
Boiler at the community center building will be inspected soon to ensure that it is operating correctly this winter.
Mel Waite provided an update for 2026 Budget preparation. Per budget study session, the mill levy was reduced to reach 65 as decided on by the governing body. Changes to reach that number included: removing $5,000 from pool maintenance, reducing mower replacement to $15,000, and $10,000 was left in the budget for façade improvement should council decide to participate in 2026. Transfer changes were as follows: 2025: General Fund to Capital Improvement $22,000 to $15,836, General Fund to Equipment Reserve $22,000 to $12,000
2026 Transfers: General Fund to Capital Improvement $22,000 to $12,000 and General Fund to Equipment Reserve $22,000 to $12,000. The 2025 Refuse budget will need to be amended due to the change in contract and rates after the 2025 budget finalization. The Notice of 2025 Budget Amendment, 2026 Budget Hearing, and Notice to Exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate will need published at least ten days prior to the hearing. Waite reported that the process on September 8th, 2025 at 7 p.m. will be as follows: Amend 2025 Budget, Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing, then the 2026 Budget Hearing. No council action.
Barton County officials and commissioners attended the meeting. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson presented the Claflin Main Street Corridor Façade Improvement Grant project which includes improvements to Bailey’s Food Bin, Squeegy’s, Quilting by Vickie, and Cheyenne Bottoms Armory. Barton County will match funds contributed by the city toward these projects and is prepared to match the city’s contribution to FIG in 2026 as well. Business owner Troy Bailey expressed appreciation that these funds will greatly benefit his ability to make these improvements to his business. Vickie Oeser discussed that these four businesses are the first to be seen when entering Main Street. Michaelis moved to contribute $16,101.73 to the Main St. Corridor project. Daniels seconded, all in favor.
A contract with Barton County was presented to have the county seal Williamson St. from 6th St. to C Street, all of Fourth St., and all of Park St. with costs not to exceed $7,500 plus the cost of oil. Corey Liebl made a motion to approve the contract, Michaelis seconded with all in favor.
City Attorney Robert Suelter presented Resolution No. 25-0811 for a 0.25% Quality of Life sales tax with a 10-year sunset to be placed on the November 4, 2025, general election ballot. If passed, it would take effect in April 2026. The funds would be utilized for parks, pool, and other quality of life improvements for the community. Daniels moved to adopt Resolution No. 25-0811, Hickel seconded with all in favor.
Mayor Michael Urban presented a grant award from Golden Belt Community Foundation with funds provided by the CPI Great Bend and Barton County Donor Advised Fund for $3,000 which will support upgrading drinking fountains in the Claflin City Park.
Urban is in contact with the city’s insurance representative regarding cutting down on insurance costs.
Urban discussed the goal of implementing emergency management plans including new warning siren, stand-by generators for designated centers, cots, etc. Quotes are being gathered and discussed the benefits of having remote access to the sirens. Hutchinson inquired about the county funded grant process for the sewer project and Urban acknowledged that the team from Hometown Grants has been great to work with.
Recorded by Lauren Kirmer, city clerk. This summary of the minutes is subject to approval at the next council meeting.
