By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission Tuesday gave the OK to contract with RDG Planning and Design to update a 2020 housing study done for the city. Marty Shukert with RDG is currently updating a county-wide housing study for presentation at an upcoming Housing Conference. The study covers community specific needs such as incentives, housing gaps, attracting residents working here and living elsewhere, accommodations based on age needs, recommendations on approaches, policies and programs, and providing a resource for the community and various organizations.
The Commission also approved a just over $16,000 reimbursement request from the McPherson Housing Coalition connected with an Emergency Solutions Grant from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.
The Commissioners approved the hiring of a new City Clerk. Jennifer Bliss, who is an IIMC credentialed municipal clerk with ten years of experience, will begin her new role March 6th. Bliss lives in Goessel, and her husband works in McPherson, and as part of her hiring the Commission approved a waiver of residency requirements, Bliss indicated they at some point will look at moving to McPherson, but cost of housing is a factor.
Two McPherson Police officers have been promoted to the rank of sergeant. McPherson City Commissioners Tuesday approved the promotions of Tyler Watts and Jon Yates, both effective Tuesday. Both officers were formally presented their sergeant badges following approval, with family members on hand.
The Commission accepted the retirement resignation of Fire Chief TJ Wyssmann, effective Feb. 29, and accepted the resignation of a Parks custodian.
The second bill for repairs to a dump truck was approved. This bill was for repair of a snow plow attachment. While that was being fixed, a broken spring hangar was found, which was taken to another shop for that repair. Total cost for the repairs came to a little over $8,800.
The Commission approved a consulting agreement with Jared Curtis to provide GIS and other training to a newly higher engineering technician, which will involve about three hours a week and should be done in less than six months. Public Works Director Jeff Woodward reported continued wet conditions are still preventing work to be done on the two currently active projects.
Commissioners also approved the annual payment to Axon Enterprises for tasers purchased last year, and for the Fire Department approved an invoice from McPherson Quality Air for replacement of the fire station’s 75-gallon hot water heater that had developed a leak in the bottom of the tank with a tankless boiler.
