McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson City Commissioners Tuesday approved the first part of payments for physicals for Fire Department members. Fire Chief Chad Mayberry said these physicals are an OSHA requirement that is done annually. Due to the timing of then, the city will get two billings for this, the first of just for just over $8,900 covering lab work and testing.
Commissioners also approved transfer of a mower from the Park Department to the Fire Department. This mower which had been used at the cemetery was provided to the Fire Department this year for personnel at Station 2 to mow their property. The Fire Department will transfer $5,000 to the Park Department for the mower.
A change order on the Maxwell Street mill and overlay project was approved. The change order of $154,700 reflects actual quantities used and additional pavement patching that was needed on the project.
Public Works Director Eric Duerksen provided updates on current projects including progress on the 10-foot sidewalk project on Northview Road where crews made their first concrete pour last week. On the Myers Street reconstruction crews last week had to re-do sidewalks through driveways in the 1000 block as they were poured at four feet rather than the five feet in the plans, work which should be complete by the end of the week. In the 1100 block of North Elm, smoothing out of dirt behind the curb for grass seeding was delayed last week due to wet conditions.
Commissioners approved a waiver of rental fees at the Community Building for a Kansas League of Municipalities event. LKM will hold their City Forum June 4-5 in Citizens Hall. Commissioners also approved event request for a McPherson College sponsored cornhole tournament that will be a fundraiser for local first responders Sunday, Nov. 9 from 4-7 PM in Linnea Park and for a “thrift fest” The Ark is having next March 14, which will involve closing the west half of the 100 block of East Sutherland to allow for additional vendors at the event.
A human resources intern was hired at Tuesday’s meeting. In February, the commission approved an internship position for the Administration Department, which was used for their finance team. Leftover funds from the initial $19,600 allocated will be used to have an HR intern,
City Administrator Austin Regehr told Commissioners they already had interest from one of their finance interns in returning next year, which he said was an encouraging since the program is succeeding in attracting new talent and sparking student interest in careers in local government. Commissioners also approved a conditional job offer to Ella Schrag for the HR intern position.
