McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson City Commission Tuesday approved an $18,780 expenditure for four controllers and ten pedestrian buttons for traffic signals. The controller purchase will allow the city to complete the replacement of signal controllers which was funded over two years. The pedestrian buttons are for replacement stock as the existing ones wear out.
The Commission approved up to $65,000 for the reconstruction of the 1100 block of North Elm, a project to be done by city crews that will involve two tree removals and four streetlight re-locations, and payment of up to $3,500 to Doug’s Digging for 200 tons of crushed concrete to finish up reconstruction of streets in the Sycamore area. The city usually has some available but doesn’t right now.
The Commission agreed to provide a resolution of the city’s support of Deerfield Estates South Phase II as it pertains to Twinland II’s application for KHRC grants. Mayor Tom Brown said the city is at the final stage of a pending application for low and moderate income housing grants, which he said will be very competitive. Whether there will be additional opportunities like this going forward is somewhat in doubt due to funding cuts for these programs approved during the 2025 legislative session, strongly pushed by a House member from Johnson County.
On another housing related matter, it approved payments to South Central Kansas Economic Development District for various required inspections and assessments related to four rehabilitation projects in a CDBG housing grant. That grant covers the $6,550 cost involved.
The Commission approved purchase of a fairway mower for Turkey Creek Golf Course. This will replace a mower it had planned to replace in 2024 because of an opportunity to replace two other mowers at a better price which were to be replaced this year. The mower purchase came to just over 61 thousand dollars from Kansas Golf and Turf in Park City and came in under budget.
Commissioners adopted four proclamations during Tuesday’s meeting including one in support of the VFW Auxiliary’s Buddy Poppy distribution, which takes place Friday during All Schools Day. These poppies are made by disabled veterans, who get paid to do this, and proceeds from the sales are used solely for the benefit of disabled and needy veterans, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans, The Commission also adopted proclamations for Foster Care Day, Water Safety Month, and Municipal Clerks’ Week.
Several personnel items were approved by McPherson City Commissioners Tuesday. Among them was the appointment of Ryan Rank to serve as temporary zoning administrator while Virgil Lyon remains on leave. The Commission also approved hiring of two new police officers and another round of seasonal hirings for Turkey Creek Golf Course, the Water Park, and for the Park Department. The Commission also approved the appointment of Bonnie Hoffman for the Park Board. Three event requests were also approved.
