McPHERSON, Kan. — The City of McPherson is looking for a new code enforcement officer. City Commissioners have accepted the resignation of Tyler Mermis, effective April 25. Mermis has also been serving as interim zoning administration, and Commissioners authorized the start of the hiring process for his replacement. Commissioners accepted bids for three street projects including a $493,000 bid from Kansas Paving for a mill and overlay project on 1st Street, the lowest of three bids. Also accepted was a $160,000 bid from APAC Kansas for mill and overlay in the Sycamore area, the lowest of three bids all of which Public Works Director Jeff Woodward said were under the engineer’s estimate.
Also accepted was a bid not to exceed $410,000 from Vogts-Parga for reconstruction of Myers Street. It’s not to exceed because in the event the city has crushed concrete available the cost will be less, which Woodward said was not likely. Six bids were accepted, all but one of which came in under estimates.
Commissioners approved an annual purchase of engineered wood fiber used for safety surfacing on local park playgrounds. Next Generation Recreation had the lowest of three bids received at just over $9,000. The Commission approved purchase of a $5,160 payment to Strawn Construction for dirt used on construction of new tee boxes and enhancement of others, The dirt comes from a housing development Strawn is constructing on Maxwell.
Also approved was a quote from Wildcat Painting of Wichita for refurbishing of Splash Pad water risers and bucket components at the Water Park, Wildcat had the lowest of four bids at just over $14,000.
A $155,000 contract was approved with Alfred Benesch and Company to complete a master plan for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The scope and fee proposal still has to be reviewed by the City Attorney. Related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Commission approved the $3,500 purchase including shipping of a dissolved Oxygen In-basin Analyzer. There are four of these, one in each of their SBR units, and they have a life span of 2-4 years. One is kept in stock for replacement purposes.
It also approved a supplemental agreement with KDOT setting out the current labor and equipment charges for maintenance of the traffic signals at the northbound ramps of the I-135/US 56 interchange.
The Commission approved two event requests. One is for a Glow in the Dark Nerf War Revolution church will be holding Thursday evening from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. as a beginning activity for a youth lock-in night. The other is for Miracles Ministries Party with a Purpose Saturday, April 26 from 3-9 p.m., also at Lakeside Park.
Commissioners during the meeting approved hiring of an animal control officer and numerous seasonal hirings for the Water Park, including lifeguards, concession and admission personnel and support staff. Two executive sessions on personnel matters were also held with no action from either.
