Over the past several years, the city of McPherson has been working through its strategic plan to improve coordination across departments. As part of this City Commissioners have begun the transition of supervision of department heads from the Commission to the City Administrator.
This is being done in a phased approach within the city’s existing structure, The Public Lands and Facilities Department and Convention and Visitors Bureau will move first, with others to transition in a timeline Commissioners will determine,
An organizational chart presented during the meeting will have six department heads reporting directly to City Administrator Austin Regehr. Regehr also presented an update on progress with this year’s Strategic Plan.
The Commission approved purchase of an additional mosquito sprayer to go with the two it already has. The Grizzly sprayer purchased from Van Diest Supply for $22,854 plus shipping will enable the city to more adequately and timely keep pace with spraying demand, including increased requests from CHS and the Conway plants.
This is a budgeted purchase this year, but the cost is higher than expected and Public Lands and Facilities Director Wayne Burns said the department’s equipment fund is strong enough to cover the balance. An addendum to lease agreements with the McPherson Recreation Commission was approved reflecting recently acquired land in Unit 1 of Eagle’s Wings Estates, which is the property behind New Hope Church and east of the Grant Complex.
Two change orders on the 1st Street concrete patching project were approved. One change order for just over $29,000 on the completed project reflects additional patching materials and curb and gutter needed to complete the project. The other change order was a deduct of just under $4,900 reflecting actual quantities of joint sealant used.
Public Works Director Erik Duerksen said the only thing remaining to be done is striping. Duerksen also reported just a few punch list items remain on the Northview Trail project, plans are being finalized on the Hickory Street project, and easement work is proceeding on the Tulip Street sewer and drainage projects.
A police intern job description was approved. Police Chief Mikel Golden said they will have an intern coming from the University of Kansas, which is covering all of the costs involved for that intern. Commissioners approved new agreements effective May 1st with City Attorney Ann Elliott, Assistant City Attorney David Harger, City Prosecutor Brian Bina and Municipal Judge Gary Price.
Four event requests were approved, including Canton-Galva High School’s Junior/Senior Prom Saturday May 2nd at the McPherson Community Building. Also approved was the McPherson Social Outreach League’s family-friendly Pride Event June 13th at Wall Park, a date change for the earlier approved Mac-Town Race Day Event which will now be Saturday, May 2nd, and a date change for The Ark’s Thriftfest which will now be Saturday, September 12th along Sutherland Street from Main to Ash.
In addition to the Arbor Day proclamation Commissioners presented proclamations for Public Service Recognition Week May 3-9 and for National Library Week this week.
