The Sabetha City Commission met at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at Sabetha City Hall. Present for the meeting were Mayor Cody Bletscher, Commissioners Norm Schmitt, Nick Aberle, Maridel Wittmer and Julie Burenheide, City Administrator Doug Allen, Assistant City Administrator Bill Shroyer, City Clerk Steve Compo, and Assistant City Attorney Luke Sunderland. Guests present were Jason Enneking, Logan Snyder, Sarah Snyder, Maggi Kaeb, Jason Kaeb, Paul Kaeb, Gina Keim, Bud Keim, John Baumgartner, Lori Baumgartner, David Eisenbise and Shari Eisenbise.

LifeWise Academy

M. Kaeb with the LifeWise Board addressed the commission to “clarify” their reasons for wanting to purchase the northern portion of the island just east of Bluejay Boulevard and west of the tennis courts.

“As a local LifeWise [Academy] board, we want to emphasize that LifeWise is a non-denominational, non-profit organization that is a mission for local students. We are asking that you would allow us to purchase the northern portion of the island on Bluejay Boulevard as designated on the map of the October 10th meeting for the purpose of constructing an attractive building for the LifeWise Academy classes.

“Upon approval of a purchase, we would like to privately negotiate a fair purchase price. Our interest in this property is prime location for the following reasons. One, we strongly believe that this area would provide the most convenient location to offer Bible-based character education classes to students at SES and in the future possibly students at SMS. Two, many studies show that possessing a three-fold balance of a healthy body, mind and spirit is advantageous to a productive and purposeful life. Offering LifeWise classes at this site — on Bluejay Boulevard — would compliment the education and recreational facilities that are already located in this vicinity. 

“Initially, we see this building benefiting our community members as well. We would be willing to rent out — with discretion — the use of our building to other organizations during times when LifeWise is not using it. Overall, we view this endeavor as a way to positively impact our youth through character-building instruction, which ultimately will be a great asset to our Sabetha Community. Thank you so much for allowing us to make this request on behalf of LifeWise and the youth in our community.”

Aberle made a motion to have Allen negotiate a price to see what they are offering. The motion failed due to the lack of a second.

Maintenance Shop Building

Allen said with the commissioners approval, the city would like to build the new city shop north of The Main Event, where the Nemaha County recycling trailers currently sit. According to Allen, the city already owns this land.

“We will probably hire someone to design a building, so we can bid it out,” Allen said.

“I think that is a good place and that is a good choice for the city,” Wittmer said.

“I think you’ve got one shot and to have a new building will be the best way to go, because you’re going to get it the way you need it,” Burenheide said.

Shroyer said the recycling trailers would then move to the empty lot on Oregon Street across from the Sabetha Fire Barn.

The commissioners unanimously approved building a new city shop.

Also at the meeting:

The commissioners approved the minutes from the Oct. 10 minutes.

Bletscher opened the nuisance hearings for two Sabetha residences. After no comment was given from the public, the commissioners approved Resolution No. 2022-22 for code violations at 319 N Ninth Street and 616 Dakota Street. See the Resolution on Page 10A.

The commissioners appointed Sunderland as the Assistant City Attorney.

The commissioners approved Mayor Bletscher’s signature on the Arbor Day Proclamation in order to become Tree City USA.

Allen said Josh Argabright is interested in purchasing the land just south of his building on 246th Road, which is straight south of Triple C. After discussion, the commissioners approved the Mayor’s signature on the purchase.

The commissioners will meet again at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at Sabetha City Hall.