By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON Kan. — McPherson City Commissioners Tuesday approved installation of stop signs on Curtis Street, Genesis Street and Stearman to address increased traffic issues in that neighborhood. Initially only one stop sign was requested but two are being placed to better address traffic as development continues in that area.
Approval was given to pay Duke’s Root Control for treatment of around 20,000 linear feet of eight-inch sewer line and two thousand linear feet of ten-inch line, a maintenance item the city has used in the past. It also approved an additional cost on a floor belt on a biosolids transport truck for the Wastewater Treatment Plant to cover some small parts not included in the original quote.
Two change orders were approved on the Euclid extension of the Elm Street Drainage project; to cover correction on a concrete box top to make it work and for relocation of traffic signal conduit and wiring so it will not interfere with new construction. Public Works Director Jeff Woodward said removals were completed last week in the Main and Euclid intersection, and in 2-3 weeks he may have a better idea as to when this intersection will reopen.
Commissioners approved purchase through Reach Solutions a new SonicWall network security/firewall. The cost for the upgrade, including two years of security services, for just over seven thousand dollars. While Reach, which has taken over IT services for the city as of Tuesday, has recommended an additional $2,769 purchase of a three-year advanced security management package the commission opted not to pursue this right now.
The Commission approved an extension of the timeline for development of retail and restaurant space on land adjoining the Candlewood Suites at I-135 and US 56. This extends completion dates for one of the two pads to June 1, 2027, for one pad and to June 1, 2028, on the other.
Commissioners approved a travel request for Convention and Visitors Bureau director Joni Reigner to attend the annual conference of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas in Olathe later this month, and hiring of two bartenders for the Community Building. These are on-call positions which are paid for by renters of the building utilizing their services.
The contract with Renner Sports for the new Pickleball Courts in Challenger Park was closed out. While the project was funded at up to $447,000. The final cost came to about $392,000 as the city was able to provide some subgrade material and didn’t use all of the contingency line item.
Hiring of a temporary evidence technician for the Police Department was approved, to start Oct. 28, 2024, pending completion of pre-employment requirements. This is an approximately ten hour per week position that assists the evidence technician in maintaining records and evidence, some of which has to be retained for an extended period of time. Commissioners also accepted the resignation of a reserve police officer who has accepted a position with Saline County Emergency Management.
During the meeting, Commissioners also approved a resolution of support for the McPherson County Community Foundation’s reverse scholarship fund project, a proclamation for Manufacturing Day Friday, the 2025 Wellness Program for city employees, and payment to Pearson Golf Construction for work done so far on the Turkey Creek Golf Course.