Ark City local news summary

City to hire Chuukese interpreter for municipal court amid debate

City approves over $62,000 for emergency water pump repairs

Fire/EMS department to purchase new life-saving CPR device

Fire station remodel project moves into bidding phase

East pressure zone water project faces easement hurdle with state

Pickleball court project nears key milestone

Commission to study countywide road management system

Nearly $40,000 approved for front-end loader repair

City to hire Chuukese interpreter for municipal court amid debate

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Following public discussion, the commission authorized a contract to provide Chuukese language interpretation services for the Arkansas City Municipal Court. The city will pay a contracted interpreter $50 per hour plus mileage to assist individuals who appear in court. During public comment, a resident questioned the size of the local population requiring the service. In response, a local school district employee stated there is a high and growing need for interpreters for Chuukese and other languages. Officials noted that providing an interpreter is a due process requirement, and the service would also be available to the police department.

City approves over $62,000 for emergency water pump repairs

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - The commission approved an emergency expenditure of up to $62,966.81 to rebuild critical pumps at the city’s water treatment facility. The action was prompted by the failure of a high-service pump due to a bearing malfunction and excessive wear on its bronze impeller. The contract with Cogent Companies includes rebuilding all four of the facility’s high-service pumps and replacing the bronze components with more durable stainless steel impellers to help mitigate chlorine-related corrosion. Officials stated the comprehensive repair work is expected to be completed within six months.

Fire/EMS department to purchase new life-saving CPR device

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - The Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department will purchase an AutoPulse NXT resuscitation system after the commission approved the $23,508.70 expenditure. According to Fire/EMS Chief Stuart Cassaboom, the automated CPR device is more effective than manual compressions and increases safety for paramedics performing resuscitation in the back of a moving ambulance. The purchase completes the department’s goal of equipping every front-line ambulance with one of the systems.

Fire station remodel project moves into bidding phase

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - The project to remodel the city’s fire station is moving forward, City Manager Randy Frazer announced Tuesday. Frazer reported that city officials have met with three different construction firms to review preliminary plans and discuss the city’s needs. The firms are expected to submit their proposals by Nov. 10, at which point the city will have a clearer estimate of the project's final cost and timeline.

East pressure zone water project faces easement hurdle with state

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - A major infrastructure project to improve water pressure on the city’s east side has encountered a potential delay, officials reported Tuesday. The city must resolve an easement issue along U.S. 77 with the Kansas Department of Transportation, which may require a redesign of the project plans. The multi-faceted project, which includes a new water tower and distribution system, still requires state regulatory approval and local rezoning for the tower site. Officials now estimate a completion date in late 2026.

Pickleball court project nears key milestone

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - The city is set to receive construction bids for new pickleball courts Nov. 12, City Manager Randy Frazer said. The project is a partnership with a local pickleball advocacy group, which Frazer noted is close to meeting its goal for raising matching funds. The construction timeline will depend on the schedule of the selected contractor.

Commission to study countywide road management system

WINFIELD, Kan. - The Cowley County Commission directed staff Tuesday to seek proposals for a study on consolidating all road maintenance under a single, countywide system. County Administrator Lucas Goff recommended hiring an independent firm to assess the operational and financial impact of adopting a “County Unit System.” Goff said the external review would provide commissioners with the necessary data to decide whether to move forward with a resolution to change the current road management structure.

Nearly $40,000 approved for front-end loader repair

WINFIELD, Kan. - Commissioners approved spending up to $39,951.75 to repair a 21-year-old front-end loader used at a county road district shop in Winfield. Public Works Superintendent Jon Jordan informed the commission that the loader was purchased new in 2004 and that two of the three companies solicited for the project declined to submit a bid. The repair was approved unanimously, 2-0, with Commissioner Alan Groom absent.

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