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1. What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas and is dangerous because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu.

These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

2. Where does carbon monoxide come from?

CO gas can come from several sources including gas-fired appliances, charcoal  grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces, and motor vehicles.

3. What is at risk?

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

4. What actions do I take if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not. If no one is feeling ill do the following:

1. Silence the alarm
2. Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace)
3. Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows
4. Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup

If illness is a factor:

1. Evacuate all occupants immediately.
2. Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.
3. Dial 911 and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.
4. Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.
5. Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO

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1. Why are older people at risk?

Older Americans are at risk for a number of reasons including:

• They may be less able to take the quick action necessary in a fire emergency.
• They may be on medication that affects their ability to make quick decisions.
• Many older people live alone and when accidents happen others may not be around to help.

2. What fire hazards affect older people?

The following fire hazards may affect older people:

• Cooking accidents are the leading cause of fire related injuries for older Americans. The kitchen is one of the most active and potentially dangerous rooms in the home.
• The unsafe use of smoking materials is the leading cause of fire deaths among older Americans.
• Heating equipment is responsible for a big share of fires in seniors' homes. Extra caution should be used with alternate heaters such as wood stoves or electric space heaters.
• Faulty wiring is another major cause of fires affecting the elderly. Older homes can have serious wiring problems, ranging from old appliances with bad wiring to overloaded sockets.

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1. Why use a smoke detector?

Most fires occur at night when people are sleeping. A smoke detector can alert you when there is a fire, in time to save your life. Smoke detectors work by sensing rising smoke from a fire and sounding an alarm.

2. Where should I install my detector?

Smoke rises, so the best place to install a detector is on the ceiling or high on an inside wall, just below the ceiling.

In a Multi-level home, a detector is needed on each level. If you normally sleep with your doors closed it is a good idea to have a detector inside each bedroom as well as in the hallway.

3. What type should I buy?

You may consider purchasing one of the following types of smoke detectors:

• Photoelectric: uses a photoelectric bulb that sends forth a beam of light. When smoke enters, light from the beam is reflected from smoke particles into a photocell and the alarm is triggered.
• Ionization: Chamber contains a small, safe radiation chamber source that produces electrically charged air molecules called ions. When smoke enters the chamber, it causes a change in the flow of ions, triggering the alarm.

Both are equally effective and neither require that you be familiar with its inner workings. As long as you buy a detector that is tested by a major testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), you can be assured it has met certain testing requirements.

4. How are detectors powered?

Detectors can be powered two ways:

Batteries: These are the easiest to install. They require no outlets or wiring connection, however, batteries must be replaced twice a year. We recommend you change them in the spring and in the fall when you change your clocks. All UL listed battery operated detectors are required to sound a trouble signal when a replacement is needed. The signal usually lasts 7 days, so it's advised to check the efficiency of the detector following extended periods away.

Household current: Detectors can be powered with household current two ways. They can be plugged into any wall socket or can be wired permanently into your home's electrical system. Some may also have a battery backup

5. How can I best care for my detector?

Dirt, extreme changes in temperature and cooking exhaust can cause a false alarm or malfunction of the detector. To prevent false alarms, locate the detector away from air vents, air conditioners and fans. Keep the grill work free of dirt by occasional vacuuming and dusting.

Don't paint the cover of a smoke detector as this may clog the grill work. Test your detector every month, or more often if necessary to make sure it's working. This is usually done with the test button, if provided.

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1. Who can I talk to about my case?

Concerns about the actions of a police officer should be taken up with the Chief of Police, 316-584-2349. However, he will not comment on the validity of a ticket/charge nor will he take legal action on your behalf (such as voiding the ticket).

The Court Clerk will be happy to explain the court’s rules and procedures, and give other general information that you may need. She cannot give advice nor discuss particulars of the case with persons not directly involved.

Questions about plea bargains, reduction of charges, sentencing alternatives should be taken up with the City Prosecutor at the time of hearing. You may be required to set the matter for court so the prosecutor will speak with you.

2. Can I speak with the Judge before my court date?

No. It is unethical for the Judge to hear only one side of a case or without the other side being present. You can speak to the Judge at the time of your arraignment hearing.

3. Can I speak with the City Prosecutor before my court date?

It is better that you come before the Court and request to speak with the Prosecutor at that time. He is an attorney who works in the Wichita area and generally does not have the court records with him. If you feel it is imperative that you speak with the Prosecutor, please contact the Court Clerk first and see if she is able to help you. If not, she will obtain your phone number and have the Prosecutor contact you.

4. Can I pay my ticket before coming to Court?

In some instances you may be able to pay your ticket before coming to court; however, it depends upon the ticket you have received. Most traffic infraction can be paid prior to court. If the officer issuing your ticket has written the fine and cost amount on the back of your ticket, then you may pay prior to court.

Payments are received in the form of check, cash or money order, and credit cards are also now accepted at an additional cost of $3.95 per transaction. The mailing address is located on the back of the ticket.

5. Can I obtain an extension for first appearance or payment?

By court rules, a defendant can request an extension of his first appearance from the Court Clerk; however, this is dependent upon the type of ticket you have received. On some misdemeanor charges, the court prefers not to continue. On infraction charges, an extension must be requested to the Court Clerk before 3 p.m. on the date of appearance and can be extended to the next court date.

Further extensions or continuances may be granted depending on the necessity for such extension, but must be agreed upon by the City Prosecutor and/or approved by the Judge. If you are scheduled on the Pay or Appear docket and cannot make payment, you are required to come before the Court to request additional time to pay. Under extenuating circumstances, the Court may allow an extension of your appearance, but you must contact the Court Clerk prior to court so that approval from the Judge can be obtained.

6. Can I pay my fine in installment payments?

At the time you are sentenced, the Judge and Clerk can set up installment payments. These payments are also set on the Pay or Appear docket. As long as payments are made according to the Pay or Appear agreement, then you will not be required to appear in Court.

If you fail to pay as agreed and also fail to appear in Court, a warrant can be issued for your arrest. If there is a problem with making the agreed upon payment and/or not being able to appear, contact the Court Clerk prior to your scheduled court date.

7. What are administrative fees and court costs and why must I pay them?

If a defendant receives a traffic infraction or minor in possession of tobacco products and then defendant fails to appear at first appearance and has not requested a continuance, the Judge will assess an administrative (or fail to appear) fee of $25 for failure to appear.

In addition to your fine, the state and local governments also assess court costs. The Clearwater Municipal Court assesses court costs of $65 in all cases involving traffic infractions, tobacco charges, curfew violations, nuisance, animal and loud sound violations. In all cases that are not infractions and are considered to be misdemeanors, which include serious traffic violations, the court assesses court costs of $130.

The Municipal Court does not retain the entire amount. $20.50 of that amount is paid to the State of Kansas for Law Enforcement Training and Municipal Judges Training as required by state law.

8. Do I need an attorney?

Whether or not you need an attorney is your choice. Each defendant has the right to representation by an attorney. The City has a City Prosecutor who is the legal counsel for the City of Clearwater. Some traffic and misdemeanor cases carry a jail sentence and if convicted, the defendant can be sentenced to jail.

If a defendant wishes to represent him/herself and the charge is a jail able offense, the Judge will require the defendant to sign a Waiver of Counsel. Furthermore, before a defendant is allowed to speak with the prosecutor regarding his/her charges and if the offense is jail-able, a Waiver of Counsel must also be signed.

9. Can I have a court-appointed attorney?

Before a defendant is eligible for a court-appointed attorney, he/she must meet certain requirements including:

• The charge must be a jail-able offense.
• A defendant must be without financial means to retain and attorney. He/She will be required to complete an Affidavit of Indigence sworn before the court verifying his/her financial situation.

The Judge will then make a decision based on the information contained in the Affidavit as to whether or not a defendant is indigent. At that time, the Judge will then appoint an attorney to represent the defendant and the defendant is provided information to contact his/her attorney at the time of appointment.

The Court will further furnish the attorney with all pertinent records relating to the defendant’s charges. This attorney is not free. The attorneys are appointed to represent the defendant at a reduced charge and the defendant is responsible for repayment to the City for these charges.

10. What happens if I miss a court date?

Should you miss a court date without obtaining an extension of your first appearance, then the Judge can either issue a bench warrant for your arrest (depending upon the type of charge), or charge an additional administrative fee of $25 to your costs and order that a letter be forwarded to you advising of your failure to appear. This entirely depends upon the charge and is at the Judge’s discretion.

In addition, if you miss your first appearance court date, a Notice of Failure to Comply will be forwarded to you automatically setting your appearance on the next court date. You will have 30 days to comply by either contacting the Court Clerk to reset your case on the docket, or forwarding payment as indicated on the letter to the Court if your charge is an infraction. If you fail to do either, then notification will be sent to the State of Kansas, Driver Control Bureau requesting suspension of your driver’s license.

If a defendant is under a bond, the bond will be forfeited and a bench warrant will be issued. Failure to appear for trial or sentencing will also result in an immediate warrant being issued.

11. Do you offer diversions on traffic tickets?

The Clearwater Municipal Court does not normally offer diversion on traffic tickets. Although, it is possible that at the time of a defendant’s appearance before the Court, if they request to speak to the City Prosecutor about their charges, these charges can be reduced to a lesser charge.

This is entirely at the prosecutor’s discretion and the fine for said reduction will usually be higher than that of the original charge. These reduced charges sometimes are considered a non-moving violation and do not go against your driving record.

12. How do I get my driver’s license reinstated after the Court has it suspended?

Before the Clearwater Municipal Court can request for reinstatement of your driver’s license, all other fines, costs and fees due to the City of Clearwater must be paid first, along with the mandatory reinstatement fee. The reinstatement fees are $59 for each charge against you, along with a $22 surcharge, both of which are assessed by the State of Kansas. For example, if you have a speeding ticket and failure to use turn signal, then the fee would be $81 each, or a total of $162.

Upon payment of all amounts due, the Clerk will forward to the State of Kansas, (via electronic transmission) an Order Withdrawing Suspension. The Court forwards the reinstatement fee to the State. It takes approximately five to seven days for the State to complete the suspension withdrawal. Should you drive while your license is suspended, you can be arrested and taken to jail.

13. Can my spouse come to court for me?

No. The person who received the ticket or charge must appear before the court. His/her spouse cannot speak for the defendant. Your spouse may come with you to court; however, they cannot appear for you.

14. When I come to court on my first appearance, do I need to provide evidence or witnesses?

No. The date indicated on your ticket or notice to appear is for your first appearance. If you request a trial, you will be given a later date for your trial. Then on the date of your trial you can present your evidence and/or witnesses.

If you do have witnesses that you want to be present, please furnish their names, addresses and phone numbers to the Court Clerk so that proper subpoenas can be issued.

15. What do I wear to court?

Please dress appropriately. Do not wear halter, crop or tank tops, or cut-off shorts to court. Baseball caps and other hats should be removed. Please dress to show respect.

Food is not allowed into the court. Turn off all cell phones. Should your phone go off during court, it could be confiscated by the Bailiff and then returned at the end of the court session.

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1. Where do I get a building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit?

Residential permits may be obtained at Clearwater City Hall. Commercial permits must be initially submitted to Sedgwick County Department of Code Enforcement before obtaining a permit from Clearwater City Hall.

2. Is a building permit required for a storage shed?

Yes, but sheds of less than 400 square feet do not require a building permit. Sheds cannot be placed over easements and can only be located in the side or rear yard of a house but it shall not be nearer than the main building to any side lot line. Sheds located in rear yards shall not be located any closer to the rear lot line of the property than six feet.

3. Do detached garages require a building permit?

Yes, garages over 400 square feet must have a building permit. No lot can be covered more than 30% of the gross lot area by accessory structures. Garages cannot be placed over easements and can only be located in the side or rear yard of a house but it shall not be nearer than the main building to any side lot line. If vehicular access to a garage is perpendicular to the alley line, a setback of at least ten (10) feet from the alley line shall be required.

4. Do I need a permit to build a deck?

Porches and decks less than 36 inches in height do not require a building permit; this means that decks more than 36 inches off the ground or a patio cover needs a permit. Porches, decks and covers in the front yard exceeding the face of the farthest part of the house towards the street requires a variance to install.

5. I want to put a fence around my backyard. Do I need a permit?

Standard fencing of the backyard does not require a permit. Backyard fencing cannot exceed 6 feet in height without a variance. Fences may be placed on the property line.

City Hall suggests obtaining a survey of the property before installing any fence to ensure that the fence is on the property. Fences at the rear of each lot may be placed upon the City's easement with the understanding that should the City or any utility company need access to the easement, the fence will be removed and any re-installation will be at the expense of the homeowner.

6. I want to do some exterior remodeling, for what do I need a permit?

Roofing and siding of homes requires a building permit as does adding new windows, enlarging window openings and window replacement. Painting and replacement of rotten wood does not require a permit.

7. What are the permit requirements for interior remodeling?

A building permit is only required when portions of the interior structure are to be removed. Any electrical work requiring access to the breaker panel or the running of a new service line (outlet) will require an electrical permit. A new bathroom installation will require a plumbing permit. Replacement of furnaces, heaters, air conditioning units and hot water tanks require a permit as well.

8. Who may get a building permit?

A homeowner is allowed to pull their own Building Permit and perform their own work as long as they are the owner and occupant of a single-family residence. 

To be the owner and occupant of a single-family residence is determined where you have your taxes mailed.  A landlord or renter cannot pull their own permit. You meet both requirements to qualify for the exemption – owner and full-time occupant. 

A licensed contractor must pull building permits if the owner is not the occupant of the single-family residence the permit is being pulled for.

 The holder of the permit is responsible for all the work.