McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission Tuesday approved an ordinance and resolution related to the sale of $3,255,000 in general obligation bonds for street, sewer, and stormwater improvements for the Veranda West development and the irrigation improvements at Turkey Creek Golf Course. Financial Advisor David Arterberry from Stifel, Nicolas and Company reviewed the four bids opened Monday, and the low bid came from Country Club Bank in Kansas City at a true interest cost of just over 3.655 percent which Arteberry said he was pleasantly surprised with given the recent situations in financial markets A report was also presented on a recent bond rating report from S&P Global Ratings that retains the city’s AA minus bond rating with a stable status.
Commissioners received an update on the new Police substation at 218 East Kansas. Police Chief Mikel Golden said existing flooring from the building has been removed, along with drywall and drop ceilings, framing has been completed, and electrical and IT wiring is being installed this week. The building that previously housed the Kansas Department for Children and Families has been vacant for over five years with no utilities, and during a walk through they found a live termite nest that destroyed some old wood framing which has been replaced and the building sprayed.
An earlier roof inspection found it in fair condition but in last week’s storm the roof leaked into different areas, and closer examination found wood was soft and had a 4–6-inch dip in some sections and many loose shingles. Commissioners approved a new roof to be installed by Flory Roofing at a cost of just over $20,000, work on which can start immediately.
It also approved a bid from Treder Tree of Marquette to remove a dying pin oak tree and stump on the property, and a nearly $2,400 payment to Plan 4 Architecture for drafting, meetings, code analysis bidding and negotiation questions, and other services.
Crime Analyst Victoria Curtis briefed Commissioners on first quarter crime statistics. There were 166 reportable incidents during the quarter, down slightly from the same quarter of 2024. The composition of those calls did change, with an increase in drug and public order offenses with declines noted in property and violent crime. The drug crime increase was primarily due to two large drug busts. Theft cases are the most prevalent crime, followed by battery and domestic abuse cases. Curtis noted they have two DUI and driving while suspended cases tied to employees involved in the CHS turnaround which started as the quarter ended.
This data is being used to identify areas where patrol activity needs to be concentrated. An internal crime analysis program has been established, through which they can monitor trends and support investigations in a more strategic way, with officers receiving weekly hot spot maps showing areas of increased activity. All this demonstrates how a combination of data, enforcement and community involvement are all working together.
A landscaping project at the new pickleball courts in Challenger Park was approved. The proposal from Earthworks of Wichita for just over $41,000 will include a variety of vegetation along with designated spaces for picnic tables and benches. The McPherson Recreation Commission is providing half of the cost of the project. Commissioners also approved payment for the annual greens aerification at Turkey Creek Golf Course and additional seasonal hirings for the golf course and water park.
Commissioners approved an increased payment to Sunflower Ag Enterprises for spreading of biosolids from the wastewater treatment facility. In January, the Commission had approved a $6,000 payment, but due to freeze damage to equipment at the plant more biosolids had to be processed quickly thus the amount processed was more than expected, with the final cost coming to $7,154.
Public Works Director Jeff Woodward reported on ongoing projects including the Sycamore Street projects, with plans to close Cottonwood Street between Avenues A and B today, with construction wrapping up on Cottonwood south of Avenue B. Woodward also said Union Pacific will start the replacement of the Avenue A Crossing April 29th, with work through May 3rd.
Finance director Richard Miller gave a report on first quarter budget to actual expenditures, which at this point is by and large positive. Miller also reported on investment activity for the quarter, including maturity, renewal, and transfer of various funds. The City currently has $20.535 million in CD investments spread across four local financial institutions.
Commissioners approved a quote from Eagle Technologies for storage and support on their servers that is due for renewal in July and approved hiring of two finance interns for the summer.
It also approved a request to close Marlin Street in front of the Community Building Saturday evening for the McPherson High School prom and the related promenade, and a beer license for Pizza Ranch.
Proclamations were also presented for Fair Housing Month and Safe Digging Month, and a report was presented on last week’s Big Rural Brainstorm put on by the Kansas Sampler Foundation and held in McPherson.
