City of Claflin, Kansas

06/12/2026

CITY OF CLAFLIN
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
June 8, 2026

The governing body of the City of Claflin met in regular session Monday, June 8, 2026, in the city building. Present was Mayor Dan Michaelis, Councilpersons: Robert Gunder, Dorian Hickel, Patricia Schmidt, and Doug Hubbard. Also present: City Clerk Lauren Kirmer, Public Officer Gary Vaughan, Sgt. Dave Paden, and Amy Paden.

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance by Mayor Dan Michaelis.

Hickel moved to approve the May 2026 regular meeting minutes. Schmidt seconded with all in favor.

Hubbard moved to approve the agenda with the amendment of tabling item pertaining to School Resource Officer to the July 2026 council meeting. Schmidt seconded, all in favor.

Schmidt moved to approve payment of the June 2026 bills. Hickel seconded, all in favor.

Vaughan introduced Claflin Police Department Sgt. Dave Paden to the council. Vaughan provided an update on recent department training conducted and equipment obtained.
300 E. Williamson property-Vaughan reported the property is under contract and council consensus was to forgive city issued liens for mowing abatements against the property.

Clerk provided an update on budget preparation. Tabled to July 2026 meeting.

Schmidt moved to approve the purchase of park mulch from Newton Rock and Mulch, not to exceed $3,420. Hubbard seconded with all in favor.

Council discussed street sealing for Park and A Streets. Item tabled until a quote is received.

Due to unexpected expenses, Hickel moved not to participate in the upcoming round of the Façade Improvement Grant. Schmidt seconded with all in favor.

Discussion occurred regarding signage, cameras, and challenges at the city tree pile with illegal dumping. Vaughan and Hayes will follow up on the corrections needed on the new signs which will be made by Mark’s Custom Signs. Clerk will follow up on status of the cameras. Hubbard moved to add the purchase of a second sign, one for each entrance of the tree pile. Gunder seconded with all in favor.

Council addressed recent mosquito complaints and would like a set schedule for mosquito spraying. Council would like spraying approximately three times a week to start immediately, weather permitting.

Gunder noted that the retaining wall at the park requires completion, with Michaelis indicating work will continue this week.

Hickel requested earlier receipt of Department Head reports with the council packet to address questions that arise.

The Council discussed the 5th to Main water project, confirming that all underground work is complete. A water well is down and will be pulled next week to inspect what caused the issue. Normal water operations are not affected by this. After inspection, an insurance claim will be made if applicable damage occurred.

Hickel received input from the council about organizing a free swim day on July 4th to mark the 250th year celebration. The council suggested pool hours from 1-5 p.m. and council consensus was to host the free swim day. Additionally, the council discussed maintaining the allowance for the discharge of fireworks on July 4th only, from 8 a.m. to midnight, as outlined in the ordinance.

Hubbard moved to adjourn the meeting with Schmidt seconding. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.

Recorded by Lauren Kirmer, city clerk
This summary of the minutes is subject to approval at the next council meeting.

06/12/2026

CLAFLIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHIEF CHRIS NIXON
May 2026 Police Report

05-02-2026- Officer responded to an alarm Central Plains High School, false admin notified.
05-04-2026- Officer responded to disturbance 700 blk of Albro, possession of ma*****na case completed and suspect NTA’d.
05-05-2026- Officer responded to 100 blk of C Street for a welfare check. Person of interest contacted, no issues.
05-08-2026- Officer responded to K4/MM 129, assist sheriff with debris in roadway.
05-08-2026- Officer responded to 300 blk of Park for an alarm, false, resident contacted.
05-09-2026- Officer responded to 100 blk E Park, assist EMS.
05-11-2026- Officer responded to to 100 blk C. Street, 911 open line, no issues.
05-13-2026- Officer contacted regarding suspicious activity 400 blk of Main, suspicious character case completed.
05-14-2026- Officer responded to 100 blk of 8th, check welfare, no issues.
05-15-2026- Officer stopped a vehicle in area 5th and Front for speeding, citation issued and passenger found in possession of ma*****na, NTA’d and released.
05-16-2026- Officer responded to 4th and Williamson, citizen assist.
05-18-2026- Officer responded to 100 blk of 9th, regarding lost or stolen property case. Case completed property recovered next day.
05-21-2026- Officer contacted regarding a hit and run accident, from 05-19-2026 at 700 blk Albro, all parties were contacted and NTA issued.
05-26-2026- Officer received report of dog complaint, 300 blk of 4th Street, follow up to continue.
05-30-2026- Officer responded to 200 blk of Main, assist EMS.

06/02/2026

05/27/2026

We are gearing up for Summer Reading Program! Come by the library to pick up your reading logs and sign up for our reading challenges to win prizes based on how much you read from June 1- July 31. Meet us at the library on Tuesdays for fun programing and crafts! If you miss us on Tuesday, still come by the library all that week to see if we have extra craft kits and keep the fun going all summer!

05/26/2026

Reminder: Memorial Day Decorations need to be picked up by June 1, 2026 at the cemetery. Thank you.

05/15/2026

Summer Lunch Program Schedule

05/15/2026

CLAFLIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHIEF CHRIS NIXON
April 2026 Police Report

04-01-2026- Officer responded to 100 blk Main for disturbance, suspect case completed.
04-03-2026- Officer responded to an alarm 700 W. Albro, contact with administration made. False alarm.
04-04-2026- Officer responded to motorcycle complaint Main and Hamilton, subject contacted, no issues.
04-07-2026- Officer responded to a disturbance with multiple callers in the 200 blk of Main Street, distressed subject contacted and transported to KU Med for assessment.
04-07-2026- Officer responded to 400 blk of Main for Criminal damage case, case completed.
04-11-2026- Officer responded to 200 block of A Street, ambulance assistance.
04-11-2026- Officer responded to found property at city park, items recovered and secured at station. Owner unknown.
04-11-2026- Officer responded to 300 E. Williamson, standby on condemned residence.
04-14-2026- Officer was contacted by citizen at the station, regarding harassing messages, issue resolved.
04-16-2026- Officer responded to 100 blk of Main, located man in distress, EMS responded and transported to CBH.
04-22-2026- Officer responded to complaint of dog at large 300 blk A street, no issues.
04-23-2026- Officer assisted Barton County Sheriff regarding juvenile on bike with no light on roadway NE 100 Rd and NE 130 Ave., biker not located.
04-23-2026- Officer was contacted by citizen at the station regarding lost or stolen property. Property was located.
04-29-2026- Officer responded to 100 blk E. Park, medical assist, not needed.
04-30-2026- Officer responded to a 911 hangup, 400 blk of Main, subject contacted, no issues.
April - Compliance officer responded to 500 blk of A Street, 300 blk of Williamson, 200 blk of Hamilton, regarding city code issues, resolved.

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05/15/2026

CITY OF CLAFLIN
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
May 11, 2026

The governing body of the City of Claflin met in regular session Monday, May 11, 2026, in the city building. Present was Mayor Dan Michaelis, Councilpersons: Robert Gunder, Dorian Hickel, Patricia Schmidt, and Doug Hubbard. Also present: City Attorney Robert Suelter, City Clerk Lauren Kirmer, Police Chief Chris Nixon, Public Officer Gary Vaughan, City Superintendent Richard Hayes, and Building Inspector Steve Hickel.

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance by Mayor Dan Michaelis.

Schmidt moved to approve the April 2026 regular meeting minutes. Hubbard seconded with all in favor.

Hubbard moved to approve the agenda with the removal of Park Mulch to be put on the agenda next month. Hickel seconded, all in favor.

Schmidt moved to approve payment of the May 2026 bills. Hickel seconded, all in favor.

Vaughan discussed that there has been interest in the 300 E. Williamson property and a certified letter was sent to the property owner regarding mowing the property-notice must be sent once a year before the city can abate the yard issues.

Nixon reported that all radios compliant with the upgrade have been acquired at no cost to the city; batteries will need to be purchased. Various training equipment has been donated to the department. Nixon reported on equipment received through the STEP grant, a recent training attended, and upcoming changes to the program. Council received the monthly police report.

Hayes reported that most of the month has included working at the pool and installing the water line that runs to Hidden Hills. Pool work will continue this week. The smaller diving board is cracked. Schmidt moved to replace the board, with a cost of up to $1500, Hickel seconded. All in favor. Council consensus was to re-hire the two summer employees from last year.

Steve Hickel reported that he is done with the pool concessions area and is addressing minor plumbing issues. He will assist with cleaning the baby pool.

Suelter explained Resolution No. 26-0511 deeming the structure at 107 W. Williamson dangerous and unsafe. Hubbard moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-0511 and Hickel seconded with all in favor. A hearing regarding the matter is scheduled for July 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the city building.

Michaelis appointed Troy Letourneau for another term and Dustin Daniels to replace Doug Hubbard on the zoning board. Schmidt moved to approve the appointments and Hubbard seconded with all in favor.

Council reviewed lifeguard applications. Council consensus was to hire 7 lifeguards and Tagen Davis as the assistant manager.

Discussion occurred regarding storm sirens and a previous bid. Council requested an updated bid. Council also requested checking the current sirens’ reach in relation to Hidden Hills.

Council discussed an inquiry regarding Claflin as a possible option for bicyclists to stop and stay in tents overnight. Council consensus was to allow tent camping in the city park for bikers passing through.

Hubbard moved to adjourn the meeting with Schmidt seconding. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.

Recorded by Lauren Kirmer, city clerk
This summary of the minutes is subject to approval at the next council meeting.

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05/08/2026

The Central Plains students deserve recognition for their efforts during community cleanup day on May 7th, successfully managing pool cleanup, park weeding, and restroom cleaning. Thank you!