McPherson City Commission Sets Annexation Hearing, Hears Public Works Updates

The McPherson City Commission Tuesday set July 21^st for a public hearing on Jason Investment’s request to annex into the city the land south of Love’s to Avenue A between I-135 and 17^th Avenue. It also approved rezoning of three properties in southeast McPherson from single to two family residential to accommodate construction of duplex units Two of the properties involved are on Fisher and the other on South Grand.

A special use permit was allowed allowing part of the building located at 400 West 4^th, across from Memorial Hospital, to be leased for use as a church. In the zoning district in question, a church use requires a special use permit.

Commissioners approved a revised ordinance related to smoking lounge requirements. City Clerk Leah Kawagnguzi told Commissioners the correction reflects the current legal age to purchase or use tobacco products to age 21.

Public Works Director Erik Duerksen said final plans have been received for the Hickory Street project, for which bids will be opened June 18^th. This project and the 2026 mill and overlay projects are currently scheduled to begin in August.

Duerksen reported the grant application for Phase 3 of the Northview 10′ multi-use path project which will include a 5′ sidewalk along Maxwell from Northview to Darlow Drive, including pedestrian signals at Northview and Maxwell has been submitted. Progress is also being made on acquiring easements for the Tulip Street drainage and sewer projects.

Police Chief Mikel Golden gave a report on the department’s Peace Officer Day activities, and on the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police annual conference last week, during which their Chief’s Award was presented to the families and departments of the four Kansas law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2025. Over 500 people attended this year’s conference, which necessitated moving the event from Wichita, where it’s usually held, to the Kansas Star Casino near Mulvane. Chief Golden is this year’s KACP president.

Commissioners approved three event requests, including the Adult Silent Disco McPherson Main Street and the McPherson Public Library June 6^th, a Christian concert on the Square June 20^th and the Kansas Barn Sale which will e coming to the McPherson Community Building October 3^rd. It also approved the School Resource Officer and Crossing Guard agreements with McPherson USD 418. An executive session was held to discuss attorney client matters, with no action taken.