Public Works Director Eric Duerksen told McPherson City Commissioners Tuesday the Hickory Street reconstruction project has been sent out for bids, which are due back on June 18th. Duerksen said pending contractor schedules, construction could start later this summer or in early fall.
KDOT has reviewed the office check set drawings for the Avenue A Phase 3 trail project, clearing the project to proceed. Public Works is working with KMU on right of way and easement matters, and this project should be out for bid in late fall early winter.
On other projects, survey work is done on the CCLIP project on West Kansas, and design work is underway, Design completion and advertising for bids is set for the summer of 2027. Temporary easement documents have been completed on the Tulip Street sewer and drainage project.
Board of Public Utilities General Manager Josh Bedel gave an update on the Countryside line conversion project. All poles have been replaced from Maxwell to the cul-de-sac on Myers, and they have about ten poles left to replace from Myers west to Grimes. As of now they plan to begin pulling conduit in July, after which conversion to the new lines will begin. Underground crews are also assisting, and they have a lot of underground services to convert before they can begin running conduit in that area.
The Ash Street waterline replacement project is currently between Seitz and Haight streets, where they will be for the next couple of weeks, with that project progressing well.
Bedel also said the peak season for non-residential BPU customers began Monday. The June through August period what BPU uses to set transmission capacity charges for the following year. Bedel said these customers can control those charges by limiting electric use between the hours of 1-7 PM if possible.
The Commission approved an addendum to the lease agreement it has with the McPherson Recreation Commission for maintenance of various properties. The addendum adds to the agreement the property located north of New Hope Church and east of the Grant Complex the city recently acquired. The agreement also covers the ball fields at Wall Park and the Rolf Park field located on North Mulberry across east from the McPherson County Fairgrounds.
Three event requests were approved by the McPherson City Commission Tuesday, including a Summer Takedown DJ show organized by Noah DJ Dossett to be held on the Plaza Saturday, July 18th from 8 until 9:45 PM. Also approved was the Chalk the Block event organized by The Grind Skate Shop Thursday, and a fundraiser event for Oxford Houses Saturday June 13th a Lakeside Park.
