By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON, Kan. — On Tuesday McPherson City Commission awarded bids for rehabilitation of two homes funded through a 2022 Community Development Block Grant. The bids for 1022 South Chestnut and 901 South Walnut were both awarded to New Windows for America at a total combined cost of $38,850. Under grant requirements, on rental units the landlords are required to provide 25 percent matching funds. The Commission also approved waiver of building permit fees and sales tax exemptions for the two projects.
Multiple software and online related purchases were approved, including payments to Civic Plus for annual website hosting and maintenance, including the SeeClickFix system; to ArchiveSocial LLC for an annual subscription for the program the city uses to archive and track the city’s social media accounts to assure compliance with the Kansas Open Records Act, cost of which is divided between the Police and Fire Departments and the Convention and Visitors Bureau; and purchase of brand feature options and unique caller ID’s within the Civic Ready software.
The Commission also approved purchase of security camera systems, computer networking, and door access controls for the new North Main Fire Station through Reach Security. This was one of the things not included in the construction contract with Hutton.
Updates were given on several projects. On the Turkey Creek Golf Course irrigation project the new irrigation on the Hole 5 green was tested, with over three thousand feet of HDPE pipe in place along with over three thousand feet of wire. No work is being done this week on the project due to multiple tournaments taking place.
On the Lakeside Park bank restoration project a change order for just over nine thousand dollars was approved covering an additional fourth course and replacement of additional pipe and related other work. The contractor was able to get back to work last week with good progress made. On the Euclid Street Sewer Extension, work is nearly complete from the tie-in to Main Street, progressed on the inlet added to the alley, and preparations are underway to put pavement back on phases 1A and 1B.
Work is also proceeding on the grit removal system at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and grading of lots in the east part of the Deerfield Estates South development, with work on detention pond and trickle channels continuing.
An ordinance making changes in the base period for sewer service charges was approved. This change replaces outdated language and reflects the way that is now calculated, which is based on water usage during the months of January, February, March and December.
Commissioners approved payments to Green Thumb Lawn and Landscaping to abate nuisances at 818 North Maple including removal of junk and cutting of weeds in the alley of the residence and mowing, weed eating, tree trimming and trash and debris removal at 1337 North Terrace, combined cost of $1900, most of which is for the North Terrace property, which will be billed to the respective property owner.
Resignations of a police officer, and Turkey Creek Golf Course assistant were accepted, and Commissioners authorized the start of the hiring process to replace both. A conditional job offer for an operator in training at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was also approved.
Commissioners approved a payment to Galva Tire and Auto for replacement of the front tires on Engine 1 that are below recommended depth. It had the low quote of two obtained.
Commissioners adopted a proclamation for Emergency Preparedness Month and agreed to waive Community Building rental fees for the McPherson Optimist Club’s Halloween Carnival Oct. 24.
