Commission approves $456,869 municipal insurance renewal

City restructures financing for $2.9 million water treatment project

Unexpected solids result in $13,440 additional charge for water tank cleaning

Commission funds $31,000 safety upgrade for wastewater plant elevator

City to replace 31-year-old bucket truck with $134,900 purchase

City authorizes $22,727 purchase of heavy-duty mower

Steering committee begins future planning for Northwest Community Center

City grants alcohol exemption for Tacolalah festival amid liability discussion

May 2 proclaimed as Cinco de Mayo celebration day ahead of Tacolalah festival

Commission approves $456,869 municipal insurance renewal

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - The city's municipal insurance program was unanimously approved for renewal at a cost of $456,869. The policy, which runs from April 1, 2026, to April 1, 2027, marks a premium increase from last year's $418,812 cost. City staff attributed the hike largely to the insurance provider increasing the replacement value of city properties, including City Hall. Despite the cost increase, the city received a $41,191 rebate from its 2025 policy year, a customary refund when the city keeps its insurance claims low.

City restructures financing for $2.9 million water treatment project

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - City officials announced a restructured financing plan for the ongoing green sand filter water project after initial construction bids came in at $2.9 million, significantly exceeding original estimates. Following a financial capacity review by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the city will receive approximately $2.2 million in principal forgiveness, covering roughly 76 percent of the project's cost. The city will finance the remaining $722,045 through a 20-year loan at a 2.48 percent interest rate, creating an estimated annual debt service of $46,000.

Unexpected solids result in $13,440 additional charge for water tank cleaning

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - A change order of $13,440 to a commercial diving contractor was approved, bringing the total invoice for recent water tank cleaning services to $32,364. The extra cost was incurred after commercial divers encountered a higher-than-expected volume of solids accumulated at the bottom of the city's charge tank, necessitating significant additional cleaning time. To prevent similar surcharges in the future, the Environmental Services Department plans to place the raw water tank on a more frequent cleaning schedule.

Commission funds $31,000 safety upgrade for wastewater plant elevator

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - A $31,000 proposal from an elevator contractor to rehabilitate the wet well elevator at the city's wastewater treatment plant was unanimously approved. The four-story elevator requires structural and mechanical improvements to fully comply with current American Society of Mechanical Engineers safety standards. Staff emphasized that utilizing certified specialists for the comprehensive rehabilitation is a necessary investment in workplace safety and employee protection.

City to replace 31-year-old bucket truck with $134,900 purchase

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - The Public Services Department will receive a 2019 Altec bucket truck following the unanimous approval of a purchase agreement not to exceed $134,900. The pre-owned truck will replace a 31-year-old vehicle and features a 10-foot reach advantage, a material handler with a jib and winch and a two-person bucket. City staff noted the purchase came in under budget and includes rigorous safety and frame certifications from the manufacturer before delivery.

City authorizes $22,727 purchase of heavy-duty mower

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - A new 2026 heavy-duty 72-inch-deck diesel mower will soon join the Environmental Services Department fleet following the approval of a $22,727.20 bid from a mower dealer. The mower replaces a six-year-old Kubota model, which the city plans to sell via an online equipment auction site to maximize its remaining resale value. The heavy-duty equipment will be used to maintain large municipal zones, including the well fields, the wastewater plant and the grounds surrounding city water towers.

Steering committee begins future planning for Northwest Community Center

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Planning is officially underway for the future of the Northwest Community Center, with a newly formed steering committee completing its kickoff meeting last week. The city is collaborating with Wichita State University's Public Policy and Management Center to facilitate public comment and gather data on desired uses for the facility. The committee plans to hold a large-scale community outreach event in mid-June to collect citizen feedback before submitting formal recommendations.

City grants alcohol exemption for Tacolalah festival amid liability discussion

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - An ordinance allowing the sale and consumption of alcohol at Wilson Park for the annual Tacolalah festival on May 2, 2026, was unanimously approved. While the exemption is a routine annual item, a resident raised concerns about the city's liability in the event of an alcohol-related accident on public property. In response, city officials confirmed the catering vendor licensed to provide alcohol for the event holds its own liquor permissions and bears primary responsibility, but staff were directed to explore requiring separate, standalone liability policies for future third-party events hosted on city grounds.

May 2 proclaimed as Cinco de Mayo celebration day ahead of Tacolalah festival

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Mayor Tad Stover formally proclaimed May 2, 2026, as Arkansas City's official Cinco de Mayo celebration day to coincide with the upcoming Tacolalah festival, encouraging citizens to participate in community festivities. The proclamation highlighted the history of the holiday and recognized the annual event at Wilson Park. The festival, organized by the Equal Opportunity and Accessibility Advisory Board in cooperation with local sponsors, will feature regional food, music and cultural displays.

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