A bill passed by the Kansas Legislature this year will make significant changes in drainage regulations. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey explained to McPherson County Commissioners Monday anytime there is a modification of a stream or channel, this now has to be approved by the Chief Engineer of the Division of Water Resources before the project can proceed.
It essentially means if a culvert was being replaced by one of equal size, and that structure is even out for one day, this would trigger a review requirement, fees for which have also been substantially increased. Kinsey also noted there are other environmental rules that he said could potentially take as long as 45 days to get required permitting. It was pointed out this would also apply in situations where a structure was damaged by flooding.
State Representative Mike King of Hesston, who was at the meeting, noted it was his understanding this bill was only to apply to 176 “high-risk” dams statewide. Kinsey, Public Works Director David Bohnenblust and Register of Deeds Laurie Wiziarde told Commissioners there has not been a lot of direction on how this is all supposed to work.
Public Works Director Dave Bohnenblust presented to Commissioners the TEAP study for the two intersections along Old Highway 81 on the west and south edges of Moundridge. The study has its chief recommendation making the intersections at Arrowhead Road and 22nd Avenue, or Christian Avenue in Moundridge, four way stops.
The study by Kirkham Michael noted that Arrowhead Road actually carries more traffic than Old 81. This would also include warning lights which currently are in place on Arrowhead. The study has been sent to the city of Moundridge for their review.
Commissioners also authorized the hiring of a temporary part time maintenance workers for the summer, to fill a vacant position that had been part time in the past. This person will be primarily involved with mowing. It also approved end of introductory raises for two maintenance workers.
Bohnenblust also gave an update on signage work, including some work requested by Battle Hill Township in the area of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and assisting with sign work on the Sunset View Subdivision west of McPherson and sidewalks and related signs in the city of Windom.
McPherson County Commissioners approved three purchases for the McPherson County Building at Monday’s meeting. One is design-build for a storage worktable in the Register of Deeds Vault, which will cost $10,350. The other is five concrete planter boxes, two for the main entrance on Maple Street and three along the walkway on the east side of the building. Commissioners also approved an $8,000 purchase of an additional switch for the building, which would go with the existing switches it now has. This would allow networking work to proceed. Commissioner David O’Dell reported the renovation project is now 98 percent complete, including the inspection and testing of the fire alarm and sprinkler systems by the McPherson Fire Department
Commissioners approved three purchases for the McPherson County Building, including design-build for a storage worktable in the Register of Deeds Vault, which will cost 10,350 dollars. Also approved were five concrete planter boxes, two for the main entrance on Maple Street and three along the walkway on the east side of the building.
Commissioners approved an $8,000 purchase of an additional switch for the building, which would go with the existing switches it now has. This would allow networking work to proceed. Commissioner David O’Dell reported the renovation project is now 98 percent complete, including the inspection and testing of the fire alarm and sprinkler systems by the McPherson Fire Department
Sheriff Jerry Montagne told Commissioners the population count of the McPherson County Jail is back up to 59 as of that time, up from last week and one below maximum capacity. There are eight females in the jail census and four being held for municipal courts, with two juveniles held in out of county detention. The number of arrests last week were down to 20. Commissioners also approved a personnel change order for the end of introductory period for a detective in the office.
