Oakley City Council Recap – April 7, 2025

OAKLEY — The Oakley City Council convened for its regular meeting on April 7, 2025, at the City Office, with Mayor Shane Stephenson presiding. Council members Steve Badger, Leasa Huddle, and Russ Kahle were in attendance. Cheryl Stewart and Trevor Mader were absent.

Financial Business and Department Updates

The council unanimously approved several payment registers covering both 2024 and 2025 expenditures totaling over $288,000. A clarification was made regarding the EMC Insurance Renewal, noting that the previously approved amount included workers' compensation already paid directly to KMIT.

Repairs to the 2023 Freightliner Refuse Truck exceeded the initial estimate by $1,418.10, bringing the total to $12,418.10. The council approved the additional expense unanimously, with Administrator Brock Sloan agreeing to contact the manufacturer regarding the issue.

Personnel and Payroll

Payroll reports for March were approved, totaling more than $135,000 for nearly 5,060 staff hours. The council also approved a two-step pay increase for a city employee on their upcoming anniversary.

Community Support and Sponsorships

The council allocated several community donations:

• $8,000 in the 2026 budget for the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.

• $1,500 to the Tri-County Cruisers for their June 13–14 downtown event.

• $1,000 to Main Street Arts Council for a local production of Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.

• $500 to the Logan County Healthcare Foundation’s Drive for Health Golf Tournament.

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Compensation and Hiring

The council passed Resolution 2025-02 to update Oakley Fire Department compensation rates, raising pay for duties other than response calls. To attract seasonal workers, council members raised starting pay for untrained summer help in the Street and Parks Departments to $16/hour, with annual step increases for returning employees.

The pool staff wage scale was also increased:

• Office/Concession staff: $9.75/hour

• Lifeguards: $12/hour

• Assistant Manager: $15/hour

• Pool Manager: $16/hour

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Infrastructure and Equipment

The council approved $25,958.00 for a grinder rebuild at the city’s wastewater lift station. A $1,090 bid from Mader Construction was accepted for installing a standby generator at the Police Station.

Ordinance and Policy Discussions

Council members requested the drafting of an ordinance to allow chickens within city limits, using Goodland’s ordinance as a model. The permit fee would be $25 annually. The council also reviewed and approved new signage and language for the city pool dress code, requiring appropriate swimwear for all patrons.

Administrative Notes

Administrator Sloan announced that Rod Huffman was recently honored at the KRWA Conference as Wastewater Specialist of the Year. He also reminded residents about upcoming events:

• Spring Cleanup: May 5 (call-in begins April 28)

• Community Shred Day: May 17

Councilman Badger raised concerns about drainage issues on South Freeman Avenue and recommended that letters be sent to local businesses to gather feedback before the street project concludes.

The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m. The next regular session will continue addressing city improvements and preparations for the busy summer season.