During Monday’s regular city commission meeting, commissioners approved new fire protection contracts between the Chanute Fire Department and local townships.
Commissioners heard from Fire Chief Jeff Mitchell, and representatives from both Big Creek and Tioga townships were present to ask questions.
Since 2018, the annual fire service fees to each township have increased by 2.5% annually. “This annual 2.5% increase is essential to keep pace with the rising expenses of providing reliable fire protection. The costs of personnel, training, protective equipment, apparatus maintenance, fuel, and replacement of essential gear continue to grow each year. Likewise, the price of materials and supplies required to maintain safe and effective operations has steadily increased,” Mayor Jacob LaRue read from the agenda packet. “ By maintaining this modest annual adjustment, the townships and the City can ensure that fire service remains sustainable, that equipment is kept up to standard, and that the necessary staffing and resources are available to protect lives and property.”
The 2026 cost of fire service to the township totals $99,901; $55,534, Tioga; $23,012, Big Creek; and $21,355 for Canville.
In advance of this meeting, each township was provided with a notice outlining the new annual agreement.
Trustee Tara Dillow, representing Big Creek, noted that their township sits on the border of Chanute Fire Department jurisdiction. She said that many years ago, there was a devastating fire, where slow response times were a factor.
“What is being implemented now to help protect the properties of those that live the furthest distance from town?” Dillow asked.
Mitchell said her question was valid and explained that in recent years they’ve expanded the number of vehicles available to assist the townships. Mitchell said there were previously only two vehicles, which has increased to five. Mitchell said as far as response time, they respond to calls as soon as they come in. He also said he’d like to look into records concerning the fire and response to the event Dillow mentioned. Mitchell also said that their response time to anywhere within their jurisdiction is typically 15 minutes or less.
Dillow asked if there was a specific report that identified how many calls are answered in each township, but Mitchell said that due to new reporting software, he does not have access to that data at this time, but said he should be able to get such a report in the future.
Tioga Township Treasurer Brady Taylor requested minor language changes to the agreement, which commissioners agreed to review.
In another discussion, commissioners reviewed a 2006 ordinance that allows individuals to drive golf carts and utility vehicles on certain city streets. Currently, these vehicles do not need to be tagged, but they do have to be inspected and registered with the city, according to Police Chief Christopher Pefley.
Pefley noted that the ordinance only allows these vehicles to be driven during daylight hours, but one of the biggest issues he sees is individuals driving these vehicles after dark.
Pefley said there are also issues when the vehicle is tagged in another state. Some commissioners stated that they have seen or heard reports of unlicensed or underage drivers, which is also against the ordinance.
All drivers of such vehicles must have a valid Kansas license and insurance, and must display a slow-moving vehicle sign. These vehicles cannot operate on the following roads except to cross: North Lincoln, Santa Fe Avenue, 39 Highway, Cherry Street, 14th Street, and 35th Street. Updates to this ordinance are expected to be heard in a future meeting.
In other business, commissioners voted to purchase the lot adjacent to the Armory near Santa Fe Park for $40,000. An ordinance was approved to vacate streets that were platted but never constructed: Malcolm Street from East 19th Street to East 21st Street; 20th Street from Malcolm Avenue to South Katy Avenue; and Malcolm Avenue and Ashby Avenue from 20th Street to 21st Street.
An ordinance that allows Chanute’s electric retail customers to install solar panels and generate electricity for their own use and resale has been amended to increase the percentage cap from 1% to 4%.
Lastly, the city’s current baseload contract for 5 megawatts of energy from Evergy expires at the end of the year, so new contracts were approved as recommended by city staff. Effective Jan. 1, 2026. One contract for 5 megawatts for three years at $43.50 per megawatt hour and a oneyear contract for 10 megawatts at $40 per megawatt hour were approved.
The next Chanute City Commission meeting will be Monday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Memorial Building. Meetings are also live streamed from the city’s Facebook page. Agendas, documents, and videos of previous meetings can be viewed at chanute.org.
