Downtown antique store secures contractor to avert demolition

Former residents cite health struggles in fight to save dilapidated home

Commission approves $273,000 resurfacing project for West Madison Avenue

City purchases new directional drill to expedite water line replacements

Progress continues on key city water infrastructure initiatives

New fire station design enters final stages

Public survey guides design for upcoming park playground replacements

In other business

Downtown antique store secures contractor to avert demolition

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The owners of a downtown antique store at 219 N. Summit St. pleaded their case to the commission to save their downtown building after its front wall began separating last year. During a public hearing, owners Dennis and Mylissa Call explained the financial and emotional toll of the structural damage but confirmed a viable bid had recently been secured from a licensed contractor to stabilize and repair the facade this fall. Principal planner Josh White expressed confidence in the proposed repair plan, and the city commission agreed to allow the timeline to extend past the initial 90-day window as long as certified engineering and steady progress are demonstrated.

Former residents cite health struggles in fight to save dilapidated home

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Former Arkansas City residents John and Betty Penrose addressed the commission regarding their deteriorating property at 701 N. B St., which suffers from extensive roof, foundation and interior damage. One of the Penroses cited serious health issues and limited finances as reasons for the home's decline, adding that they believed previous contractors had failed to properly repair the roof. While the resident expressed a desire to sell the home to a willing buyer, city officials noted that any new buyer would inherit the same strict 90-day repair mandate, prompting the city commission to instruct staff to closely monitor and guide any potential property transfer.

Commission approves $273,000 resurfacing project for West Madison Avenue

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — A major resurfacing project on U.S. 166, also known as West Madison Avenue, will soon commence following the city commission's unanimous approval of a $273,070.20 bid from Pearson Construction LLC. The project will involve a mill and overlay of the roadway from the Arkansas River Bridge to Eighth Street. The city will only pay 10 percent of the total cost — approximately $27,307 — thanks to a Kansas Department of Transportation City Connecting Link Improvement Program grant. Officials expect the construction to be completed quickly, likely taking no more than a few weeks once work begins.

City purchases new directional drill to expedite water line replacements

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — To kickstart the city's water line replacement program, the city commission approved the purchase of a horizontal directional drill package for an amount not to exceed $204,769.18. Environmental Services Department staff explained that the new equipment will drastically expand the department's capabilities, allowing crews to install new water service lines and mains beneath existing pavement, driveways and landscaping without the need for open-cut excavation. The trenchless technology is expected to save the city significant time and money by reducing surface disruption and restoration costs in residential areas.

Progress continues on key city water infrastructure initiatives

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The city is advancing several major water infrastructure projects, including the final design stages for the East Pressure Zone. Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) engineers are currently completing geotechnical drilling and survey work to secure the final needed easements before submitting the design to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for approval. Additionally, a new well and supply study has commenced with test drilling to identify viable well sites, while the city recently held a kickoff meeting for a new green sand filter project, though the necessary filtration vessel is expected to take over a year to arrive.

New fire station design enters final stages

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The city is moving closer to securing pricing for a new fire station following a recent design meeting with project engineers from Integrated Consulting Engineers and MKEC Engineering. According to an update from City Manager Randy Frazer, the interior and exterior layouts for the new facility are now largely finalized. Two potential sites are currently under consideration for the new station: one at East Poplar Street and J Street near the U.S. 77 bypass, and another in the 700 block of East Kansas Avenue. Upcoming meetings will focus on detailing the building's electrical and mechanical requirements. Once the final engineering specifications are completed in late June, the city will be positioned to receive accurate construction cost estimates.

Public survey guides design for upcoming park playground replacements

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — City officials announced the results of a recent public survey regarding new playground equipment at Wilson Park, which garnered 160 responses from residents. According to the data, 40 percent of respondents preferred an adventure challenge course, 36 percent favored a balanced play concept with traditional equipment and 23 percent liked a community-inspired theme, with the remaining 1 percent attributed to rounding. The city has forwarded the feedback to project architect LK Architecture to finalize designs, with the goal of putting the project out for bids soon and completing park construction by the end of October.

In other business

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — In other procedural purchasing matters, the city commission approved $382,634 for Environmental Services heavy equipment fleet purchases and $226,026.53 for a new refuse truck.

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