Oakley City Council Recap – April 21, 2025: Community Support, Chickens, and City Improvements

by Derek White

The Oakley City Council gathered for a productive session on April 21, 2025, covering a wide range of community, infrastructure, and administrative topics. Mayor Shane Stephenson presided, with all five council members present and a number of community guests in attendance.

Investing in Youth and Community Events

Oakley’s commitment to youth innovation took center stage early in the meeting as the Oakley STEM Club requested sponsorship to attend the World KidWind competition in Phoenix this May. With three teams qualifying, the council enthusiastically approved a $1,000 donation from the Convention and Tourism Fund to help cover travel expenses.

That spirit of support continued with two additional community sponsorships:

• $1,000 to the VFW for the annual Run for the Wall event on May 18.

• $500 to the Northwest Kansas Foundation for Hope, which is hosting a cancer awareness golf tournament on April 26.

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City Services and Infrastructure Updates

Administrator Brock Sloan and staff shared several updates:

• Sewer cleaning has been completed by Mayer Specialty Services.

• Spring Cleanup Day is scheduled for Monday, May 5, with call-in open from April 28 to May 2.

• The city is working on drainage issues near South Freeman Avenue, including possible grading and culvert installation.

• Discussions are underway with AT&T about the status of a tower project, pending a survey.

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In facilities news, the council approved a $6,200 bid from Hughes Refrigeration to install a new air conditioning system at City Hall’s east building. This upgrade is necessary for licensing the building’s future use as an animal shelter.

Chicken Ordinance Passes, Fireworks Rules Tabled

The council voted 4-1 to approve Ordinance No. 1188, regulating the keeping of chickens within city limits. The new policy sets permit fees at $50 for new applicants and $25 for renewals. Council member Trevor Mader cast the lone dissenting vote.

Meanwhile, a preliminary ordinance on fireworks was reviewed and tabled for revisions before further action is taken.

Personnel Actions and Executive Sessions

The council held three executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel. As a result:

• One employee, hired in 2015, was moved to pay scale C-5.

• No further action was taken during the subsequent closed-door discussions.

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Council and Mayor Comments

Councilmember Mader raised the idea of installing a sidewalk across the railroad tracks at South Freeman Avenue. Administrator Sloan will reach out to Union Pacific Railroad to explore the process.

Mayor Stephenson requested the city begin the condemnation process for a property located at the southwest corner of West Third Street and Converse Avenue.

Wrapping Up

City Clerk Leann Hughes reminded council members that it's time to renew AirMedCare memberships. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:17 p.m., closing a meeting that showcased Oakley’s focus on community, safety, and forward planning.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2025.