McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission Tuesday approved a resolution for a temporary note to purchase a new ladder truck for the Fire Department. This replaces a 2009 unit that is nearing the end of its life under NFPA standards.
The 100-foot aerial platform truck from Pierce Manufacturing has a price of just under $2.6 million and is being acquired through a purchasing cooperative in Texas. $500,000 of the price is being paid for out of equipment reserve funds. The remaining cost is to be funded over four years, financed through Peoples Bank and Trust with an interest rate of 3.85 percent, the lowest of three quotes received.
The Commission approved a master service agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants for on-call water resource services, including floodplain and stormwater related consulting. The agreement sets out hourly rates and a provision to use separate work orders when projects exceed four hours of labor. Commissioners approved replacement of two skid steers for the Street Department under a two-year lease agreement through Bobcat Salina, which it has utilized since 2019. All attachments the city has for skid steers are for Bobcat units.
The Commission also approved the labor and equipment rates for Public Works, with a few minor changes for this year. Public Works Director Eric Duerksen also reported on openings they have including a wastewater operator, and assistant crew leader, and operator positions.
A financial analyst position for the city of McPherson’s Finance Department was authorized. This position fits current needs of the department, with funding for it to come from a not filled housing and neighborhood development position. Commissioners approved a consulting agreement with Courtney Delaney to assist the Finance Department while it is involved in multiple tasks including a purchase order module implementation, dashboard training and other projects.
Commissioners approved a service agreement with PowerDMS by NeoGov for a performance module, cost for this year $8,210 and $10,420 for 2027.
Multiple event requests were approved, including three for All Schools Day. One of those involves the bulk of events including the parade, carnival, May Fete and the fireworks display. The second request involves the Friday night events May 8th at Wall Park, and the third is for a beer garden that will be provided by Cord Nestor’s Whiskey Wagon.
The McPherson Public Library had two events approved; a summer reading program (kickoff May 15) at the Library and Memorial Park, and a Dino Dash June 6 at Wall Park with Empower Fitness. Also approved was a Praise in the Park event on April 25 at Lakeside Park.
Commissioners took part in the promotion and pining of Michael Ottensmeier to detective. Ottensmeier has been in law enforcement for some three decades with extensive experience in this position. Brittany Robbins was also introduced as a new temporary evidence technician and Officer Ian Bartlett was recognized for his graduation last Friday from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center near Yoder. He now begins 14 weeks of field training within the department.
Commissioners accepted a $1,000 request from the Michael D. Olson Trust, which will benefit the McPherson Animal Shelter.
Commissioners authorized a payment of just under $109,000 for start-up and annual operation costs for the McPherson Water Park, the latter includes such things as concessions, office supplies, contracted services, drug testing for seasonal staff and other things to start the year off.
The Commission approved purchase of a new Greens Roller and Trailer for Turkey Creek Golf Course, which it uses to maintain smooth and consistent putting surfaces. This nearly $30,000 purchase replaces a 2008 unit that is no longer reliable. An application was also authorized to the Kansas Department of Revenue for permanent licensing as a drinking establishment in place of temporary event licensing.
