McPHERSON, Kan. — In an action full of irony due to its unplanned timing, McPherson City Commissioners approved purchase of a new inflatable boat for the Fire Department. The boat purchased from Rescue One Board, is to replace a boat purchased in 2018 that is at end of life. Rescue One’s bid of $4,180 plus shipping was the lowest of three bids submitted.
It approved the purchase of five AEDs for the police Department. The purchase is mostly funded by donations from CHS and Williams, and the AED’s will be placed at the animal shelter, Police Range, in a detective and patrol vehicle, and at the new substation.
Three change orders related to the Elm Street Drainage Project Euclid extension were approved. One change order from Alfred Benesch for additional design work to finish the project, the second for Kaw Valley Engineering for inspection services, and the third from Vogts-Parga for additional work to install a storm inlet in the alley between Main and Maple on the north side. Combined these charge orders add just over $27,500 to the project cost.
Commissioners approved payment to McPherson County of just over 14 thousand dollars for pavement marking done by county crews, and to Ace Tree Care for removal of two more trees and one stump on the North Elm reconstruction.
It also approved a $5,872 payment to Hedlund Electric for work at the Water Park and $3,055 to Kansas Golf and Turf for 24 golf carts used during the 2A State Golf Tournament at Turkey Creek Golf Course last month.
Hiring of two new McPherson Police officers was approved. Blake Nichols will join the department as a detective July 7, and Michael Adams will start that day as a police officer and school resource officer at McPherson Middle School.
The Commission accepted the resignation of payroll and benefits coordinator Heather Velasquez who is pursuing an opportunity closer to home and approved an employee termination in the street department after an unscheduled absence of three days, which is considered a voluntary resignation.
The Commission approved an annual agreement with Charlesworth Consulting to assist in evaluation of various aspects of their property and liability insurance renewals. The $9,270 cost is split between the city and Board of Public Utilities. The Commission also approved closing of the 400 block of East Hill for a private wedding and 4th of July party, and a time extension to 10 PM for the Party with a Purpose Saturday at the Lakeside Park Bandshell.
