By Lucky Kidd
LINDSBORG, Kan. — What was supposed to be a routine update on the city of Lindsborg’s fleet maintenance agreement with Enterprise turned into an almost hour-long discussion during last night’s Lindsborg City Council meeting.
The basic issue that was raised involved the adding of two vehicles to the 2024 vehicle acquisitions, one of which is a Fire Department Command Vehicle, while these purchases were discussed in capital improvement fund discussions, two members felt these purchases should have been brought to the council for separate approval as they are above the $5,000 limit for which specific approval is required.
It was noted in the discussion that the city has other expenses, such as electric power costs, that significantly exceed those that aren’t brought to the council for specific votes. While no vehicle purchases are planned for 2025, it was agreed after the discussion any future vehicle purchases under the Enterprise contract will be brought to the Council for approval.
The Council approved revisions to the fee schedule, including an increase in solid waste and electrical charges. Solid waste rates are going up 2.8 percent, reflecting an increase in charges it pays to the McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility. Information on a fuel surcharge in places was also provided as part of their contract with MAWSU. The electric rate adjustment reflects the last year of a five-year plan of scheduled increases approved by the council in 2021.
A payment of just over $8,600 was authorized for new playground equipment at Viking Valley in Swensson Park. Park Superintendent Noah Flores said this will involve a new swing system and mats to go under it, along with the replacement of a cable ladder. The replacements are due to age and condition, and they will modernize what is already there. The council also thanked Flores for the work he did to paint a new mural on the Viking-themed play area.
The Council approved a one-year $9,620 contract with Lamar Outdoor for billboards the Convention and Visitors Bureau rents, primarily along I-70. CVB Director Holly Lofton said they are dealing with a new company, and they were only willing to go with a one-year agreement rather than a three-year deal they had with the prior billboard owners.
The billboards will be smaller than in the past due to a substantial increase in the cost of the full-sized ones they have been using. Two of the billboards along I-70 were destroyed in storms last year, and one cannot be replaced due to federal regulations. The CVB owns the billboards along I-135 along with one on K-4 coming into Lindsborg from the north.
