LARNED, Kan. — The Larned City Council Monday approved a 25-year extension of its current electric power contract with Grand River Dam Authority through which it obtains two megawatts of electricity which it has the option to reduce to 1.5 megawatts from October through April. This will extend an agreement that expires May 1, 2026 and involves a group of Kansas cities through the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency.
The Council accepted the low bid from L&S Electric of Salina for replacement of the Larned/Pawnee County Airport runway, new runway and taxiway lighting systems, wind cone and beacon replacement, and construction of an electrical vault, L&S’s $517,000 bid came in 32 percent under engineer’s estimates, which will save the city over $13,000 on its share of the mostly FAA funded project.
The Council accepted an $11,500 bid from H&H Roofing for modification of a door opening and new door at the Fire Station to allow moving of an existing brush truck to make space for a new fire engine arriving soon.
The Council tabled action on a proposal to purchase a ladder truck from the City of Great Bend, which has purchased a replacement scheduled to be received in August, 2026. If the truck is purchased, price proposed $65,000, the city would have to spend either side of $120,000 for a place to store it.
It also heard a proposal to replace the existing Police body and car cameras to replace units that are no longer supported, which will be considered at budget time this summer.
A budgeted purchase of a small asphalt planer or milling machine that can be used with an existing Bobcat the city of Larned owns was approved. The city rented a planer from White Star Equipment last year,, and the rent will be applied to the purchase price with a net balance of just over $20,000.
The Council approved Planning Commission recommended changes to zoning regulations, including changes to fencing requirements including prohibiting barbed wire fences in the city limits. It also added shipping containers in the office commercial and central business districts as a conditional use, accessory building changes, and setting a $150 fee for appealing zoning administrator decisions to the Board of Zoning appeals.
The Larned City Council Monday approved the purchase of a lot at 1401 Broadway for $12,000. This was an added item to the agenda, which it reviewed in an executive session prior to taking action.
The Council also reviewed the city’s existing chicken regulations in the wake of increased interest in people raising them. Larned’s ordinances include a requirement they be at least 50 feet from any dwelling including that of the owners, limits the number of chickens to ten, and prohibits the keeping of roosters.
