By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON, Kan. — A raise is on the way for McPherson City Employees. As part of a large number of personnel related items City Commissioners Tuesday approved a seven percent across the board wage adjustment to be effective Monday, May 13. Four employees will be getting additional raises to bring their salaries in line with comparable cities.
Several hirings were approved, among those are three new firefighter/EMTs who will be coming on Board May 27th. Approval was also given for hiring of additional seasonal staff at Turkey Creek Golf Course, and hiring of a temporary engineering technician to handle inspection services. It usually contracts out but the two firms it uses for these services do not have any inspectors available right now. Commissioners accepted the resignation of a temporary equipment operator and authorized the start of the hiring process for an assistant Municipal Court clerk to fill a vacancy created by a job transfer.
The Commission approved some concrete work around the new Police Range training building. The pad for that building was poured by the Street Department, and a concrete walking wrap, Cuts were made at the time that went under the seal of the building causing water to flow into it. Refined Coatings will be cutting out that two feet of concrete off and then extend metal over the concrete to eliminate any water getting in to re-validate the warranty on the building. Cost of that work is $4,625 which will be funded through asset forfeiture funds which can be used for training related expenditures such as this.
Commissioners heard a report on additional work being done around the new pickleball courts in Challenger park. Staff added to the project on street diagonal parking along Elm Street on the west side of the park, which will not affect the total cost of the project which was approved in 2023 with work being performed this year. Commissioners also approved a $1,603 payment to Ratzlaff Brothers Concrete for replacement of sidewalks along Euclid Street in Lakeside Park that were taken out during Phase Three of the wall project.
The Commission approved a request to exchange federal funds for state money from the Kansas Department of Transportation. This program is based on 90 cents of state money for each dollar of federal allocations, and while the money coming to the city is less it allows more flexibility in spending those funds without the normal federal red take. Plans are to use this money on the first project to be done by Public Works this year, probably the Euclid extension of Elm Street drainage improvements. Commissioners also approved purchase of new tires for a Public Works vehicle from Galva Tire and Auto for $707 including mounting and balancing.
The McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau’s van is getting wrapped. Commissioners approved a $2,278 expenditure with Auto King LLC of McPherson to do the wrap, which will feature pictures of many local attractions and events.
Commissioners also authorized use of the Community Building by McPherson High School’s debate and forensics team for a Forensics showcase Thursday evening at 7 and a banquet Thursday May 16th. The debaters won another state title in January and took 2nd in the State Speech and Drama Championships Saturday.
