By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON, Kan. — Two more payments related to the new North Main Fire Station were approved by McPherson City Commissioners Tuesday. One is a $22,500 payment to Hutton Construction for design costs for the new station, and the other a $11,255 payment to Garber Surveying Service for work on the preliminary and final plats for the station site. Commissioners also approved payments to two firms for purchase of wildland personal protective equipment almost entirely funded through a $15,000 Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant awarded last fall.
An exception to permit a five-foot-wide sidewalk along a cul-de-sac in the Deerfield Estates development was approved. This involves removing a “green strip” between the back of the curb and sidewalk to allow for a proper slope on the driveways of five lots in the development. This exception is one the Commission is able to make at its own discretion.
A change order on the construction of a new four bay maintenance building at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was approved. This change order added protective bollards to the outside of each overhead door and to add eight skylights to the building which the city had originally been told could not be added due to the type of roofing system used, but they are available now. Total cost of the changes comes to $14,689.60.
Commissioners approved a $300,000 agreement with Prairie Landworks Inc. for installation of new concrete block retaining walls and grading along the pond edge in the area of the Hole 1 tee box and the Hole 9 green. Part of this project will include replacing an existing dilapidated railroad tie retaining wall. PLI’s bid was the lowest of two received from four firms from which bids were solicited.
Commissioners agreed to contract with Omega Project to provide turf maintenance services on designated park and non-park properties during September and October. The Parks and Public Lands Department has been running with a limited staff after most of their seasonal and temporary help completed their scheduled employment which combined with recent wet weather has put a strain on the remaining staff.
Omega Project will on an as needed basis provide services along the ten-foot sidewalk from Wall Park east to Avenue A and Centennial, and around waterways and sidewalks in Lakeside and Wall Parks, at a cost not to exceed $6,500.
A change in the job description for the office coordinator in the Public Works Department was approved. The change and a corresponding pay adjustment were made due to the multitude of additional responsibilities this person has taken on since starting in the position.
As part of Fidelity Days, Commissioners agreed to allow the McPherson Community Building to host two free days of pickleball play this Friday and next Monday from 8 AM to 3 PM. They had an opening in their schedule, and with a regular group playing during those two days, they felt it would be a good opportunity for those who might have a day off or want to play pickleball on their day off at no charge. Participants will need to sign their waiver form in order to participate.
Commissioners also approved a payment to David Dupy Medical Consulting to provide medical director services and protocol creation for the Fire Department as required by the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services, a block party along Northglen September 24th and a related street closing, and payment of McPherson Chamber of Commerce membership dues.
