McPHERSON, Kan. — A new Public Works Director and Code Enforcement Officer were hired by the McPherson City Commission Tuesday.
Eric Duerksen will assume the Public Works Director position vacated following the June 3 resignation of Jeff Woodward. Duerksen, currently a project manager for Hutton, brings 18 years of experience in the construction field including work in construction engineering and project management. Commissioners also approved the rehiring of Tim Hoesli as code enforcement officer. Pending completion of all pre-employment requirements, both will begin work for the city July 21.
Among other personnel items, it approved the hiring of a volunteer Animal Shelter Intern. This person, who is an applicant through Beyond Barriers, will be working 2-3 days a week for 2-4 hours a day. Her compensation is being covered by the state. Commissioners also approved a hiring for the Water Park and accepted the resignation of an operator in training at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
One hiring proposal that was on the original agenda for Tuesday’s meeting, that of a crime analyst for the Police Department, was taken off the agenda.
A nearly $17,000 bid for replacement of three overhead doors and openers at Fire Station 1 was approved. This involves south bay doors that were not replaced at the time other doors at the station were replaced in 2020 and 2021. The existing doors have multiple maintenance issues, including one of the openers becoming stuck and closing on top of a truck, and have some safety issues. The bid from Acme Dock Specialists of Wichita was the lowest of three received.
Commissioners approved expenditure of up to $10,700 for replacement sprinkler heads and related parts at Turkey Creek Golf Course. This involves a number of heads damaged during recent lightning strikes. While those heads were replaced from stock, this purchase is to replace stock and take advantage of current project pricing, which is less than half of what these items would normally cost.
The Commission approved a six-month extension of a consulting agreement with Thomas Stinemetze for planning and zoning services. This extends a contract entered into in late February at a rate of $60 an hour plus a $50 per month cell phone reimbursement. Commissioners approved a regular purchase of six totes of cationic polymer for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This polymer is used to break down the bond between sludge and water. The city purchases this polymer in lots of six totes to take advantage of quantity discounts.
Commissioners approved payment of the second half of 2025 workers compensation insurance, this cost split between the city, library, and the Board of Public Utilities, and an event request from Miracles Ministries for Praise in the Park events July 26, Aug.30 and Sept. 27 at the Lakeside Park Bandshell.
