By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson City Commissioners have approved a revised job description for the deputy fire chief position. This is part of a restructuring of the Fire Department organizational chart, which for this position involves a minor modification of job duties along with removal of an existing division chief of operations and training position.
A change order for Phase 4 of the Lakeside Park bank restoration project was approved. This change order, which results in a net increase in the contract price of $623.60, includes placing of a new headwall around an existing drainpipe and purchase of three additional Lock and Load panels for testing purposes, almost entirely offset by removal of a bid item for silt fencing for erosion control which will be done by other means.
The Commission approved payment for replacement of a traffic signal pole mast arm at Kansas and Maxwell that was damaged in a traffic accident in August 2023. Insurance is covering the cost for replacement.
Other public works items approved included renewal of the Engineering Department’s AutoCad license, and a payment for repairs to a sewer truck to address some body issues. An anti-freeze link also repaired was covered under warranty. A conditional job offer was approved for a Street Department operator in training who will start Monday.
Commissioners approved a change in veterinarian of record for the McPherson Animal Shelter from Dr. Paul Prose at McPherson Veterinary Clinic to Dr. Mark Handlin of Heartland Veterinary Clinic, effective Sept. 1, and changed the start date for a recently hired crossing guard to Aug. 5.
A reimbursement request from a 2022 Community Development Housing Grant was approved, covering payments to South Central Kansas Economic Development District for a number of testing services connected with four homes rehabilitated through the grant.
Commissioners approved event requests for McPherson Main Street’s Burnin Down Main cook-off Oct. 12, the Blake Reed Miracle Mile Oct. 19, and were updated on a change of plans for the First Responders Night to adjust vendor and emergency vehicle locations due to the parking lot east of the Water Park not being available due to a contractor using it for the bank restoration project.
