The City of Chanute proclaimed that next week will be National Business Women’s Week during a recent commission meeting.
Mayor Jacob LaRue read the proclamation, which noted that working women constitute 76,852,000 of the nation’s working force; almost 57.4% of the country’s workers are women, and that women-owned businesses account for 28% of all U.S. businesses.
The event is sponsored annually by the Chanute Business and Professional Women, who aim to promote equality for all women and to help create better conditions for local working women through the study of social, educational, economic, and political problems, according to the proclamation. Chanute BPW has promoted women in the local community and across the state of Kansas since 1927. The week will run from Oct. 19 through Oct. 25.
“I urge all citizens in Chanute, all civic and fraternal groups, all educational associations, all news media, and other community organizations to join this salute to women. Encourage and promote the celebration of the achievements of all women as they contribute daily to our economic, civic, and cultural purposes,” LaRue said.
A public hearing was held regarding submitting an application to the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund. This loan would finance modifications and improvements to the City’s wastewater and collection system. The loan would cover the total cost of the project and would not exceed $30,000,000. Revenue from the wastewater utility will repay the loan.
Commissioners approved a motion to apply for the loan. Exact financing options will be brought to the commission in a future meeting.
In public comments, Library Director Jeana Lawrence presented a check of $1,500 to the City of Chanute to go toward the HVAC project. In his report, City Manager Todd Newman gave an update on the project.
“We are about 30-45 days out from completion of the HVAC system,” Newman said.
The system is expected to be operational by the beginning of November.
In other city business, commissioners voted to approve a request to hold the annual Spook parade Oct. 28. The parade route will start at Grant Street, running east on Main Street to the alley east of the Main Street Pavilion. Grant Street, south of Main, will also be blocked off for gathering ahead of the parade and for awards.
Other Halloween-related closures include: South Highland, from 4th Street to 10th Street, 4-11 p.m. Oct. 31; South Steuben, between 1st Street and 2nd Street, 4-10 p.m., Oct. 31; and the 200 block of West Elm from Steuben going east to the alley, 4:30-10 p.m., Oct. 31.
Commissioners also voted to approve clarifying language changes in the fire protection contracts with Big Creek, Canville, and Tioga townships.
Changes to the ordinance regulating golf carts and utility vehicles on city roadways were again discussed. Previously, such vehicles were only allowed on certain city roadways during daylight hours. Commissioners have agreed that utility vehicles can operate on all streets as long as they have the appropriate headlights, tail lights, and reflectors in accordance with Article 17 of Chapter 8 of the Kansas statutes.
Vehicles have to be inspected and registered with the city and display a slow-moving vehicle sign.
All drivers of such vehicles must have a valid Kansas license and insurance. Such vehicles can not operate on the following roads except to cross: North Lincoln, Santa Fe Avenue, 39 Highway, Cherry Street, 14th Street, and 35th Street.
This change will be brought back to the commission for a vote in a future meeting.
Commissioners decided with a coin flip to appoint DJ Dangerfield to a four-year term on the Chanute Housing Authority Board.
A two-year extension to B&L Lawn and Landscape and Roscoe’s Lawn Care’s current maintenance contracts for the 2026-2027 mowing season was approved.
The next Chanute City Commission meeting will be Monday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Memorial Building. Meetings are also livestreamed from the city’s Facebook page. Agendas, documents, and videos of previous meetings can be viewed at chanute.org.
