What's Happening Around Maize

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

National Take-Back Day is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

Residents can dispose of their expired and/or unused prescription medication at Maize City Hall, 10100 W Grady Ave on Saturday, April 28th from 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

Celebrate Arbor Day

Arbor Day will be celebrated by the Maize Park and Tree Board and local Boy and Girl Scouts on Sunday, April 29th at 2:00pm at the Maize Community Building. All in the community are welcome to partake in the free activities. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information.

Arbor Day Foundation Names Maize Tree City USA

Maize was named a 2017 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Maize achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

"Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand," said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

Mowing Season Reminder

As the property owner/occupant, it is your responsibility to mow and maintain the ditches and utility easements, as well as your front, side, and back lawns.

Blowing your grass clippings into a storm water drain is Illegal. Maize storm water drains flow into federally protected bodies of fresh water. Never blow or sweep yard waste or trash into storm drains as it can result in a federal fine. Sweep your grass clipping and reuse as compost, mulch or dispose in a trash bin.

If you have questions please contact Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Greep at 316-722-7561.

Public Tornado Shelters

Public Tornado Shelters are located in the basement of the Community Building at 401 S. Khedive (enter via the east lower/basement enrance) and City Hall, 10100 W Grady Ave. (enter via the storm shelter entrance on the front side of the building near the flag poles).

The shelters will be unlocked by the Maize Police Department when a Tornado Watch is issued for Sedgwick County or when forecasts predict a significant severe weather threat effecting the city of Maize.

City of Maize Updates

City Administrator Richard LaMunyon

From the City Administrator - April 2018:

What is the process for replacing the Mayor & a City Councilmember?

With the sudden and unexpected death of our long-time respected and honored Mayor Clair Donnelly, an opening on the Maize governing body occurred. Some people have inquired as to the process involved in filling his position. The City Council is comprised of five Councilmembers and a Mayor. Each qualified candidate is elected to serve a four-year term. Within the City Council one member is elected to serve as “Council President.” The President fulfills the Mayor’s duties when the Mayor is unavailable to do so. In our situation, the State law reads in part: “the president of the council shall become mayor until the next regular city election and the vacancy created in the office of the council member becoming mayor shall be filled by the governing body of the city. Thereupon the council shall elect from its membership a new president of the council”.
Mayor Donna Clasen
By this law, the Council President Donna Clasen became our Mayor. Donna is a longtime member of the City Council and has served as Council President for over fourteen years. She has been instrumental in defining the positive policies that have led to the success our city has achieved. She has also served as a member of the Maize Board of Education and as a member of the Maize Planning Commission.
Council Member Jennifer Herington
Mayor Clasen recommended Jennifer Herington to fill her open position on the Council. The Council members unanimously approved the recommendation. Jennifer is a graduate of Wichita State University. While attending college she worked with several law offices. For the past ten years she has served as the Credentialing and Contract Specialist for KU Wichita Medical Practice Association. She is a member of the Kansas Association of Medical Staff Services. She has been a member of the Maize Park and Tree Board for six years and was serving as President at the time of this appointment. She has also been a member of the Maize Planning Commission for the past five years. When Jennifer is not busy with her three boys and family, she enjoys gardening, reading and painting.
Council President Pat Stivers

At the March Council meeting, Councilmember Pat Stivers was unanimously elected by the Council to serve as Council President. Pat is beginning his third term with the Governing body and served for six years on the Maize Planning commission prior to that.
Despite the tragic circumstances, it was a smooth transition within the governing body. Mayor Donna, Pat and Jennifer will serve their terms through the 2021 calendar year.
City Operations
A brief update on some City Operations include:
- The new 119^th Street water main project will begin construction this month. Completion will take about four months.
- The new Wastewater Plant expansion is now operational. The original plant area is under renovation to be completed later in the year.
- The bid selection process is underway for two grants received. One will provide a city-wide sidewalk/walkability study. The other is for future plans of the Academy Arts district in our city.
- The current budget is within projected limits and development plans for the 2019 budget are beginning.
- The infrastructure construction for the new Cypress Point Addition housing development along 37^th street is well underway.
- The Industrial Park development continues to expand.
- City Park expansion plans are under consideration.

Good things are happening in Maize.

Richard LaMunyon
City Administrator