McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission Tuesday approved agreements with the Kansas Department of Transportation related to phase 3 of the Avenue A ten-foot sidewalk project from Clubhouse Drive to Centennial Drive.
KDOT provided a nearly $850,000 grant for this project, which will cover up to 80 percent of costs on the project, with the city responsible for the remainder along with right of way, utility relocation and other costs.
Commissioners approved change orders on the design contracts for the expansion of the four bay maintenance building at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and a grit removal system project with Earles Engineering and Inspection with a combined cost reduction of just under $5,000 along with a $959 reduction on a sewer capacity study by Alfred Benesch and Company based on items not needed.
Commissioners approved purchase of a total of four thousand rounds of duty ammunition for the police department, half 9mm ammo for their sidearms and half for their long weapons. Total cost comes to just under $3,000. A payment was also approved to Midway Motors for assorted engine work and other maintenance on a police vehicle.
Commissioners were also told work is now underway on replacing drainpipes in front of the entrances of the new North Main fire station.
The McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau board has approved 15 visitor attraction grants for 2025. The largest grants, of $3,000 each, were awarded to the McPherson Parks Department for infrastructure upgrades for the Lights in the Heartland Christmas display in Lakeside Park, and to McPherson County All Schools Day. Grants were also awarded for a variety of sports, downtown and other events that bring people from out of town to McPherson during the year. All of these grants are funded through a transient guest tax on hotel rooms in McPherson
Commissioners approved use of the Plaza downtown April 6 for a performance by Robbie and the J-Dog’s Big Debut, featuring what is described as instrumental music that is loosely jazz based. It also approved items connected with the Friday evening events of All Schools Day which will include a concert by Kansas native and American Idol Contestant Makayla Brownlee and Artifact, including fireworks and three food trucks along with a beer garden operated by local mobile bar business Whiskey Wagon. The approval also extends the noise ordinance the night of May 9, past 11 p.m.
Multiple personnel items were approved, including hiring an animal shelter technician and reserve police officer. In other personnel matters, the Commission approved hiring a park facilities maintenance worker to fill a position open due to a retirement, and seasonal employees for McPherson Water Park and Turkey Creek Golf Course.
In the Public Works Department, Commissioners approved a contract with Thomas Stinemetze for planning and zoning services and designated Tyler Mermis as temporary planning, zoning, floodplain and subdivision administrator and Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals secretary while Virgil Lyon is on leave.
