Ark City local news summary

City commission approves bid for new Wilson Park pickleball courts

Zoning regulations relaxed for front yard carports following hail damage

Commission extends city manager’s contract through 2027

2026 fee schedule adopted; records requests to charge actual costs

Board discusses Buffalo Flats transmission line route

Commissioners voice concerns over eminent domain

City commission approves bid for new Wilson Park pickleball courts

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Commissioners voted unanimously to accept a bid from Multi Sports LLC to construct new pickleball courts at Wilson Park for an amount not to exceed $235,500. The project is contingent upon funding from a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and matching funds raised by the Legacy Foundation. City Manager Randy Frazer noted that the bid includes full lighting installation and the removal of the old concrete slab to ensure a proper base. Construction is expected to begin in the spring.

Zoning regulations relaxed for front yard carports following hail damage

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - In response to significant vehicle damage caused by a June hail storm, the commission approved an ordinance creating a special exception allowing front yard carports in neighborhoods without alley access. The change modifies Article 20 of the zoning regulations, permitting carports within the front setback provided they are open on three sides, have a paved driveway and match the home's aesthetics. Commissioner Charles Tweedy III expressed hesitation regarding the visual impact on neighborhoods but ultimately voted in favor of the measure, which passed unanimously.

Commission extends city manager’s contract through 2027

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - Following an executive session, the commission voted to approve an amendment to City Manager Randy Frazer’s employment agreement, extending his term through Dec. 31, 2027. The amendment includes a 3.84 percent annual base salary increase for 2026 and 2027 and increases the city's contribution to Frazer’s deferred compensation plan from 8 percent to 10 percent. The motion to approve the contract extension passed unanimously.

2026 fee schedule adopted; records requests to charge actual costs

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. - The commission adopted a resolution establishing the 2026 comprehensive fee schedule, which includes updated sewer rates forecasted through 2030 and changes to environmental services fees. A significant update involves Kansas Open Records Act requests; the city will now charge the "actual cost" for fulfilling requests, which includes employee hourly wages for extensive searches exceeding five hours. City Manager Randy Frazer stated this change aligns with updates to Kansas state statutes.

Board discusses Buffalo Flats transmission line route

WINFIELD, Kan. - The commission received an update regarding the routing study for the Buffalo Flats-Delaware 345-kilovolt transmission line project. The commission chair noted that constituents have expressed relief that the proposed line is currently not projected to pass through their specific section of the county. No official action was taken by the board regarding the project at this meeting.

Commissioners voice concerns over eminent domain

WINFIELD, Kan. - During the discussion of the transmission line project, board members expressed concern regarding reports of property rights violations. Commissioners discussed allegations that utility groups may be seizing complete properties rather than just securing easements, with claims of over $2 billion in liens filed in the region. The board advised residents to stay informed through local media channels regarding these developments.

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