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John “Jack” Helin
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TAB 5
The Chieftain (Bonner Springs, KS)
September 9, 2004
Bonner Officials Still Wait for Word on Flood Relief
Author: Clark Corbin
As of Wednesday morning, Bonner Springs residents and city officials were still waiting to get
the word on whether they will receive federal funding to help assist with the flood cleanup.
City Manager John Helin said city officials met with representatives from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration last week. The
discussions centered around detailing the damage and about acquiring low-interest loans to help
the residents repay damages suffered at approximately 50 city residences and businesses. Helin
said if the assistance comes, city representatives will notify eligible residents as soon as he
receives the word.
In a statement released Tuesday, Helin said city employees made lots of headway in the cleanup
process since the waters receded Aug. 27. During that time, city employees have collected eight
dump truck loads of debris form area creeks, collected 10 dump truck loads of debris from
curbside pickups the city offered, replaced 100 tons of rock for the alleyway at South Park,
inspected 50 homes and business, emptied 18 dumpster loads and distributed flyers describing
flood recovery plans. Helin said crews will work this week to clear remaining clogs in stream
beds. The eight dumpsters located throughout the city will remain in place until Monday.
"I think a lot of people have a good handle on things," Helin said. "But the people with the worst
damage are still dealing with it."
Mayor Clausie Smith he is pleased with how the relief effort has gone and how emergency
services crews conducted themselves the night of the flood. "The city has done a magnificent
job," he said. "The staff that was working during the high point of the flood deserves credit."
Smith and Helin both said city employees are continuing work that was already in place to
address storm drainage and runoff issues. Helin said the new project manager's position includes
the duties of addressing policies related to the issue and assessing the comprehensive storm water
issues within the city.
Smith also said residents should not be alarmed that they haven't received information about
relief funding. "(Those agencies) have a lot of irons on the fire right now between the hurricane,
tornadoes and the issues here in our county," he said.
Helin also said if residents or business owners do hire outside help to assist with cleanup tasks
that they should check with the city codes department at 667-1719 to make sure the crew is
licensed and has pulled a permit. "Sometimes, unfortunately, people will come in to take
advantage of a bad situation," Helin said. "The biggest thing is checking the license.”
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