Steve Archer was named City Manager at the city meeting last week. I don't think anyone was surprised, and it seemed pretty unanimous.
He is the logical choice, having been here several years. He has been director of administration for several years, and taking over as the CM is not too different.
My only complaint was with how it was handled early on. I've talked with the commissioners about it and we just don't agree. They didn't do anything illegal. I just thought they gave the appearance of not being open about it, and they feel they were.
But as Charles said, maybe we should be more concerned with the destination than how we got here. I'll give the city credit for listening to my objection.
Last night's meeting was very long. It was made long by the Bert Wilson dog and pony show.
Wilson, an attorney, was representing a client who had been cited for having a junky yard. When you get a citation you may request a hearing, which is what happened.
This was land owned by the Frazee's on Kansas Ave., and a house on C. Street.
There was a long debate over what "and more" means. The citation noted abandoned cars, trash, limbs "and more." He said his client did not clean up the area because it said "and more" and because they didn't know what "and more" means, they didn't know what to clean up. He argued that it was not his clients responsibility to call up the city and and find out what "and more" means.
Wilson went on about how there is no state law requiring that wood be stacked in a yard. The city presented pictures of a pile of wood that had other stuff in it, and Wilson argued that it was firewood and there is no law requiring that it look nice. It looked like a pile of junk to most people, but ... the debate went on. One man's pile of junk is another man's supply of firewood.
It went on for nearly 2 hours.
There was a picture of 6 cars that appeared to be junked, but Wilson argued that all of them would start, and therefore they were not abandoned. He noted that the owner had only one battery and could take it to each vehicle to use when he wanted to drive one of them. One had a broken windshield and Wilson argued that while the state statute says one's view may not be blocked, there is no specific requirement that there actually be glass in a windshield.
The city gave them two more weeks to "show progress" with getting things cleaned up.
Mayor Mell Kuhn voted against giving them even more time. He offered to help clean up the property. It is very near, maybe next to, his business property on Kansas Ave.
Kuhn recently had his property rezoned. The property owners could avoid some of their issues by having their property rezoned as well.
Some have questioned Kuhn's rezoning. (From business to light industrial) I was at the meeting and I don't recall the exact specifics, but I don't remember there being anything unusual about it. There was something about whether it had been zoned properly in the first place.
But Kuhn has put himself in an interesting situation. He is fighting the downtown building owners, as well as other property owners on cleaning up their property.
His own property is on Kansas Ave. , a major street in the city that a lot of people use.
So he will have added pressure in that his own property is on "display" as it were.
He seems pretty serious about cleaning the town up.
If that were to become his "issue," that might be a good thing for the city.
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Does Kuhn withdraw from the vote when it has to do with his own business? He should not have a say when it comes to things that will benefit himself.
But then, the Lowe's would have affected him I guess.
He does withdraw when it affects his business.
He might have actually benefited from a Lowe's. Having one closer by would have saved on gas.
WHAT? You mean he doesn't buy his supplies at Woods and Midwest? How disgraceful...
Although, I guess he does have a budget to consider.
I need to drive by the plumbing business on Kansas to take another look. I remember this place being quite the eye sore not too long ago. Has it been cleaned up?
So are the commission meetings open to the public so anyone can go and listen and where are they held?
City meetings are open to the public.
City commission, first and third monday and tuesday
Worksession, 5:30 p.m. Monday
Regular meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday
At city hall. The work session is held in a smaller room, but they move into the larger room if there are enough people.
ALso, all city board meetings are open.
T
Speaking of businesses, has anyone been to Walgreens? I went there for the first time yesterday and left in less in ten minutes. Other than the sale items, I was stunned on how high their prices were!
Other than the sale items, I was stunned on how high their prices were!
>>
Yup, and their inventory isn't very impressive.
Walgreens ive been to in other cities had a lot more things and lot more variety.
As it stands now, looks like Graves doesn't have anything to worry about.
I'm just surprised at the store hours.
Kuhn does buy his supplies at Woods, Midwest, Fastenal,Bryant Hardware,Ace, Sherwin Williams, O'Reillys, and as much local as he can. Why do you all worry so much about what he does? I can assure you, if you were as honest, hard working, and cared about Ark. City as much as he does, you would be alot better off!!
Well if the Lowe's was here, then it would be local too!!!!
Well said. ;)
Have you ever heard of a business charging you a monthly fee of 25.00 per month, if you are making payments on a bill. Kuhn does.
No, Kuhn does not, YOU are not paying your bill!! If you are making payments, and by the way MOST companies don't let you make payments, they do not charge a finance charge.Does Dillons let you make payments? Does the City let you make payments? Does walmart let you make payments?? Does Stage,Graves,Bryants?? NO NO No. I have used Kuhn Plumbing for years, they have always had the best price, they show up, and work 24/7. They have to pay for your material before it is used on YOUR job. So, you're damn right they charge finance charges, but ONLY when customers don't pay there bill.
Hello Mr. Kuhn! Nice to see you stopping by.
Its too bad you would call a business and ask them to come out and provide a service for you and then say, by the way I can't pay you, can I make payments?? Bet you did'nt tell them that when you called them.
Mr. Kuhn would'nt step this low. From what I heard none of the commissioners even read this. Guess there is one PM!!
Most contractors dont let you make payments.
He doesn't do all that much for individual customers, i dont believe.
I thought most of his work was for businesses?
Good job, all very well said! We should be protecting our local businesses
Patrick does at times.
The others say they dont.
Some of them ... are almost too strong in their denials that they read it.
Are they protesting too much :) ?
I doubt it, I think they have enough to do without adding to their stress level
sometimes you have to make payments and i am glad mel let us do this otherwise i could have never been able to get the work done , and if you dont like the service charge , pay in full , i cannot do that so i am just thankful we have that option , for the record i did tell them i could NOT pay in full and they offered they payment option , before the work was started
I guess thats just another feather in our mayors cap, we are lucky there is a business that will allow you to make pymts.
Yeah, he is such an upstanding guy. Just ask Walgreens!
doesn't anyone want to talk about the dog and pony show?
He is an upstanding guy! Why would you say other wise? We are lucky to have Mr. Kuhn. I can remember back to alot of the other mayor's, they sure did'nt get much done. But you seem to know so much about him, why are'nt you our mayor??? Why aren't you on the commission? People that have to write ugly things, have big problems. Can't find anything good to say? that's sad!
Yes, Please lets talk about the dog & pony show!!
the dog and pony show was definitely worth the price of admission. ok it was free, but still, it was entertaining.
if you get the chance you should watch the rebroadcast of the meeting on the cable channel.
as per Kuhn.
I hear him getting trashed a lot, on here and other places. I really think he is a decent guy.
He isn't too polished and maybe that's why he gets criticized.
But I really think he is sincere.
and he is serious about making people clean up their junk
Well said James!! I agree he does seem serious, and does seem to really care about what happens to Ark. City. I think if we all sit back and just relax a little, good things are coming our way.
JJ, I watched the "Dog and Pony"
and yes "some commissioners" aren't to polished. Looked like Mr. Wilson was going to get "badged" before it was all over. Folks realy should watch the re-broadcast at 8 pm this evening, hopefully there won't be a gap after 1 hour 23 minutes, leaving you wondering if you'll get the rest.
All I know is that Kuhn took it upon himself to insult the people interested in making Lowe's a reality, and made us all look like a bunch of backwoods hicks in the process.
i happen to like mell as a person , so what he is not polished , he is not your puppet, he never said he would be , and the people who voted for him knew that , but just because you ask questions or disagree with someone does not make what you say ugly , its freedom of speech / opinion
Holy crap!
Someone please explain why Archer's salary will be $90,500, and he will get a $450 a month car allowance, when Russell was only getting $78,000 with all his training?
Is it just so the Commissioners can thumb their nose at Russell and say "nanny nanny boo boo"?
Tell me this... if Archer is worth so much more, why did they pick Russell over him last time? Let's see, get passed up for a job, and then get it 18 months later for 20k more a year?
I'm really hoping Archer isn't just a sock puppet for these three amigos, but something smells, and I think it's all that extra money!!
I think everything smells like roses! I happen to also like Mell. Is he polished? I don't know, I did'nt know that was a requirement for the job.I think he is doing a terrific job, and would like to thank him for wanting to clean up AC. We all know it sure needs it, and no one seems to have done it before him. Actually, it seems he is doing alot of good things. Too bad there are'nt more people wanting what's best for AC. Why don't we give him a hand, I bet we could all make a huge difference!
It sure is curious that this man is getting $20,000.00 more than our last CM. Is it because he is going to be a yes man for the "A GROUP". It is ashame the people of Ark Gity are paying more wages than need be if the "A,s had ran off a good man.
As for the meeting last night did anyone notice how Dottie was all over Kuhn's shoulder telling him what to say and how to do things. I thought "SHE IS THE X MAYOR" If he is so capable why is DOTTIE hanging over him like he is under her spell????????????
It is too bad the people who can put a stop to all of this mess isn't stepping up to the plate.
Well Mell isn't polished. It isn't a prerequisite and it doesnt make him bad at all. It was just an observation.
If you will recall. When Russell was hired, they gave Archer a big raise.
He was being paid nearly what Doug was already.
I think Dotty is just trying to keep Mell on track. It is a bit distracting at times.
He has been on the job long enough to have things under contorl. I know the last the mayor before Dottie didn't lean over her shoulder every minte and the one before that didn't lean over his shoulder.
As for the CM money why does he get more money than Russell did for the same job? $ 12,500. is almost the money I make and that to me is alot of money by anyones standers.
Kuhn being polished or unpolish has nothing to do with weither or not he is up to the job of running this town on his own. That is what he was elected for as we all know.He has been there for 3 plus years now and HE DOESN"T HAVE A CLUE YET as to how to run a comissions meeting yet. I think we need to quit making excuses for him. He is I thought a big boy now.
Actually, Kuhn does charge a high interest rate on those payments. Even though he does not always tell you that when he offers the payment plan. My mother found out the hard way, and decided to just pay him off.
We have commented many times about the puppet show where dottie tels mel how to do everything over his shoulder. Since you are obviously such a good friend of Kuhn's, maybe you should tell him how letting her guide him through every step of the commission meetings makes him look like an idiot. He should know how to do it himself by now.
It looks like Howdy Doody Time!
Kuhn hasn't been there for 3+ years! Get your facts straight before you start griping!
Sorry !!!1 You are right. It has only been14 months but who do you know that would put up with someone who could not do his or her job in 30 to 90 days.
"Does the City let you make payments? Does walmart let you make payments?? Does Stage,Graves,Bryants?? NO NO No"
Lowes gives you a credit card and any purchase over $299 is interest free for one year, during specials they have about 4 or 5 times a year.
No one wants to hang their accounts receivable out in the wind to get blown away. The fact that Mell is willing to let people get service who couldn't normally afford it says a lot about his character. You can sure bet he'd rather have the full payment up front. If you aren't going to do that, then you'd better plan on paying a penalty for using his money. It is no different than any other financial services. You always have to pay a fee for using someone else's money. If you aren't smart enough to realize you won't be able to get a free ride at his expense you probably shouldn't own a home in the first place.
As for leading the commission meetings without Dotty's help I'm sure that would work out just fine. She is probably just trying to be helpful.
I would be interested on the reasoning of Mr Archer's compensation. Why would someone be paid $20k more, plus a car allowance, for the same job? Gee, didn't look like there was much competition for the job, so it wasn't like thay had to actually whoo someone here to take the job. I am not saying I am unhappy Mr Archer got the job; it sounds like he is qualified for the job. I know the guy will have a tough job, but does it require him to have a salary that it at least twice, if not three times, the median salary of the average Ark City resident, plus a car allowance? I know the new CM will have to travel occasionaly for his job; why not just pay him for mileage? Let me ask this; did he receive a car allowance before they hired him as CM? $90k, plus $450/month; that's almost $96k a year, plus whatever benefits he will get for being a city employee (health?, life ins?, 401k? I don't know). Overall, he could easily be making a $105-110k compensation package per year. Being a tax payer of the city, I do care on how the city, county, schools spend my money. I would just like a justification of why Mr Archer is worth $20k more that Mr. Russell. That works out to be about $10 more per hour on a 40 hr work week (probably less, as they probably spend 50 hours at work or more).
want answers to the 20k --> call any commissioner and ask the question. now that you've brought it up as a concern the appropriate thing to do is to get your answer by asking. I do wonder why you beat James to the punch on this though. seems like an obvious question
If you want answers to such questions, you WILL have to contact a commissioner directly. They (all five) have come to an agreement not to post on these blogs anymore. Their reasoning is this: If a commissioner posts then the rest of the commissioners should stay away (unconfirmed but possibly covered under Kansas Open Meeting Act).
To James Jordan. People tend to talk most about what they don't know. For a reporter you should research before you speak. This is why I don't subscribe to your rag. Kuhn Mechanical is one of my biggest accounts. Bryant Hardware serves Mel on a daily basis. Most the time numerous times a day. And how does he purchase these products? Through the credit I provide which I also provide to the AC Traveler. A service this blog says I do not provide. I see Mel in Midwest (Not for a secret meeting) almost daily and have seen his men in Wood's Lumber buying merchendise for the new meat market. While we replace the city manager why don't we find a new editor for the paper so we get our facts straight. Good job. Keep up the great work. Go back to writing lies for Winfield. They are closer to Lowes.
Love,
Zach Bryant
Did I miss something?
Zach, does he pay his account in full each month or make payments as most business often do. Do you charge them an large finance charge for your generosity?
Zach, do not confuse these posts with James' comments. They are not his opinion and/or did not come out of his mouth.
Wow Zach, you just lost a customer. So much anger.
I would be interested to know if Bryant's charegs Kuhn a $25/month service charge as well.
Well?
$25/month is an excessive interest charge.
Zach
you need some green tea dude.
i was the one taking up for Mell.
james
Zach, thank you for clearing things up. It appears someone posting as "anonymous" gave inacurate information. Never a good thing! However, it was not James. This might be his blog page, but he is not responsible for the opinions/postings of those who are coming here.
How do we even know that it was Zach that posted that blog? It could have been anybody. Just a thought. I have used Bryant hardware for many years and most of those I HAD to use credit, I was raising kids w/o help and they bailed me out of some tough situations. So, YES they do have credit there for those they know will pay them back. As did Musson auto parts, (who went out of business shortly after the big box auto stores came to town). Mussons kept my old vehicles on the road so I could get back and forth to work to make the money to pay those bills. Big box stores are great, but it is the home town stores that have gotten me through some tough times.
It was Zach.
He also called the paper and the owners etc.
I was surprised that he was so mad.
Much worse things have been said, then he gets mad over who offers credit and who doesn't ?
Graves also lets people have a charge account, I don't see them in here having temper tantrums.
That is no way to conduct yourself young man.
I don't blame Zach for being mad. There are a lot of untrue things that get spilled on here. I am not surprised to see people on here still complaining about Lowes. Get over it. It was a business that was proven not to be able to be here unless we paid for them to be. That is obvious now that they are not proceeding months after the decision. Those of you that wanted Lowes here for quality of life and too keep young people around should be camped out in Walgreens Fri and Sat night looking at the walls for entertainment right? O I forgot we did not pay for them to come here so it can't be fun right?
Zach Bryant- This is a blog, And these are the comments from people of Ark city.. You know, possibly customers that you may have or wait, May have just lost! You want respect? Try showing it, All you had to do was correct the mis-information- No one is out to get your store, Someone just had some bad info. But attacking James and our opinions is only going to start a war that you wont win. Your a business owner and you should act like one, Not some high school little kid. You want to conduct a business that goes around twisting arms and strong hold people then go on ahead, There's a Lowe's in Ponca City and I'll be more than happy to drive the distance... James, I hope that you post this, These business people have been running this town for too long and as a homeowner in this town, I'm standing up and saying enough! They want to whine about keeping it "local" but this is how we get treated? We aren't allowed to voice opinions.. Get over yourself!
June 20, 2008 11:33 AM, You made no sense whatsoever. We weren't going to pay Lowes to come here. That is the same old tired excuse that all of you people have for saying that the council did the right thing by not even looking at the next step, and it is absolute BS.
We are not as stupid as you hoped we were when you voted to squash something without even seeing the full deal. Only an idiot says yay or nay to something before hearing all the facts.
And Zach, take a valium or something. jeez.
Facts? The facts were already there. The study was done. The study said specifically that this area could not support a large box store the size of lowes. Why go on with it? You have no clue what they were doing in front of the council and what the developer was wanting if you think we were not going to pay for it. If they were just going to open the place without our help, why were they there? You tell me. Walgreens did not have to go to the council to get approval. They were needing the zones change to take advantage of a old law. One they tried to go to Winfield before us and blow by them, but winfield had it already set up to block that sort of thing. Speaking of that the developer would not even discuss that when asked directly. He did every thing but deny it. I believe this paper dug into the facts with the Winfield City council and got the truth that Mel knew was there. Mel got a hard time for badgering that guy, but would you even want to work with someone acting shady like that anyway? Lowes can come with my blessing and everyone else, as long as they do not get our help. Non retail industry wants to come and has a decent number of jobs to offer? Hell yeah I will help them out.
Non retail industry wants to come and has a decent number of jobs to offer? Hell yeah I will help them out.
June 20, 2008 3:55 PM
AMEN TO THAT! I'll just add one thing... please offer some decent wages.
i have called steve archer on several occasions and all i have ever got in reply is ask someone else or i dont know/i dont care and i just dont see how well qualified he is he seemed rather dim witted to me and relied on others to do his work for him. when asked about him dotty just gushed over him, maybe you could interview her and have her elaborate for us. i think he was groomed and placed in the position and if you think that is far fetched then watch and see who gets his job a good prediction would be gary baugher because he appears to be being groomed by steve-he is also the only department head i have heard about who goes on expensive trips out of town and out of state even and wouldnt be suprised if we are paying his college tab for the postion also, perhaps james could ask or go look into that. so, lets watch and see if this becomes the truth shall we? and if so, maybe that will prove to the citizens what is going on at city hall, you have been fore warned this time of something going on that you do not see...
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