GARNETT, Kan. — An amendment to a peddlers ordinance passed June 10th was adopted by the Garnett City Commission Tuesday. At the time the ordinance was adopted, there was some question about how it would apply to charitable organizations such as scout groups.
Prior to the vote Commissioner Jody Cole raised a concern about youth being involved in door to door sales, which many national organizations now discourage. “We have schools still doing that,” Cole said, noting that this recommendation has been in place for ten years or so. She added, “I would encourage schools to make sure their kids are hearing that because they do it to keep kids safe.”
Cole also added that they shouldn’t go knocking on doors of people they don’t know.
Many of these organizations do offer online purchase and donation opportunities.
The Commission approved a real estate easement purchase agreement and two surface and overhead avigation agreements connected with a project to add an instrument landing system at the airport.
How public comment periods are done during Commission meetings was discussed. Currently the Commission has those periods both at the start and end of their meetings, and City Manager Travis Wilson provided the Commission with information on how other cities handle it, including a policy from the city of Derby, which City Attorney Terry Solander noted there could be some Constitutional issues related to how it is set out.
In the past the Commission has bounced back and forth between one and two public comment periods, listed as Citizens to be Heard on their agendas. This will be discussed more at future meetings. Wilson also gave updates on water treatment plant plans and Saturday’s LibertyFest.
The Commission approved an ordinance that amended language in the office-institution district of the city’s zoning regulations to permit single and two family homes within that zoning district. Approval was also given for the $13,239.02 purchase of security cameras for the Police Department from INA Alert. This also includes a five year ownership plan. This is based on state contract pricing. The Commission will consider a proposal for similar cameras at the Santa Fe Depot at their July 8th meeting.
