Commissioners accept $628,000 grant for Wilson Park improvements

Splash pad construction set to begin Feb. 9

City approves $559,000 purchase of vacuum truck

Sewer line rehabilitation awarded to Nowak Construction

Fire department acquires new extrication tools

Grant to fund safety analysis of 8th Street and Skyline

Police officer nominated for state award

Commission explores moratorium to stall Evergy transmission line

Commission denies road vacation due to federal opposition

Health department leadership changes hands

Commissioners accept $628,000 grant for Wilson Park improvements

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Arkansas City City Commission authorized the acceptance of a $628,728 Community Development Block Grant to fund extensive playground improvements at Wilson Park. When combined with a recently awarded $50,000 V.J. Wilkins Memorial Foundation grant and city capital improvement funds, the total budget for the renovation is approximately $786,000. City officials indicated that a contractor must be awarded within the first year, but they anticipate construction could be completed as early as this summer.

Splash pad construction set to begin Feb. 9

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — City Manager Randy Frazer announced that equipment from Power Play, LLC was delivered to the site of the new city splash pad, with work scheduled to begin officially on Feb. 9. The start date had been delayed slightly due to snow and muddy ground conditions. Additionally, staff is currently rescheduling a pre-construction meeting for the new pickleball courts, with progress expected on both recreational amenities soon.

City approves $559,000 purchase of vacuum truck

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Commissioners voted to approve the purchase of a combination jet vacuum truck for an amount not to exceed $559,000 to address frequent mechanical issues with the Environmental Services Department's current 10-year-old vehicle. The new unit will be dedicated to the collections department, while the older vehicle will be retained for use by water line replacement crews.

Sewer line rehabilitation awarded to Nowak Construction

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — A resolution was passed awarding Nowak Construction Co. a contract to rehabilitate a collapsed 12-inch sewer line between Linden and Birch avenues for a cost not to exceed $178,996. The project will utilize back-reaming technology to repair dips and broken pipes across two blocks, a trenchless method recommended by staff to avoid conflicts with existing gas and communication lines in the alleyway.

Fire department acquires new extrication tools

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Commissioners authorized the Fire/EMS Department to purchase a new set of Genesis spreader and cutter tools, commonly known as the Jaws of Life, for $24,444. Capt. Tanner McClure informed the commission that the department currently operates with only one set of extrication tools, leaving them without a backup in the event of equipment failure or multi-vehicle accidents; the new equipment is currently available in Springfield, Missouri, allowing for immediate acquisition.

Grant to fund safety analysis of 8th Street and Skyline

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The commission passed a resolution authorizing a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, utilizing a $240,000 federal grant and $60,000 in local matching funds to analyze crash data and develop transportation safety strategies. City Manager Randy Frazer noted the study will specifically focus on the 8th Street and Skyline area to support anticipated housing growth.

Police officer nominated for state award

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Officer Haley Ladner was recognized during the meeting for her nomination as the Veterans of Kansas Officer of the Year. Representatives presented Ladner with a certificate of appreciation, noting that the award is intended to honor law enforcement officers whose performance distinguishes them in their duties.

Commission explores moratorium to stall Evergy transmission line

COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Cowley County Commission is investigating a moratorium to delay a proposed Evergy high-voltage transmission line slated to cross the county. The board discussed the measure this week, citing guidance from legal counsel and landowner concerns regarding property rights and potential tax exemptions. Commissioners directed staff to draft a resolution for the next meeting, with the intent of ensuring compliance with National Environmental Policy Act studies before development proceeds.

Commission denies road vacation due to federal opposition

COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — A request to vacate a portion of a rural township road was dismissed by the Cowley County Commission after the federal government formally opposed the closure. The county counselor advised the board that closing the road would hinder access to federal property. The commission voted unanimously to dismiss the request, with board members suggesting the private landowners install gates on their driveways instead of restricting public road access.

Health department leadership changes hands

COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — After more than a decade of service, City-Cowley County Health Department Administrator Tom Langer has retired, and the commission has appointed Allyson Henley as the new public health officer. Langer, who guided the community through the COVID-19 pandemic, announced his departure recently. Henley, a Southwestern College graduate and former epidemiologist for the department, was sworn in immediately following the commission's unanimous approval.

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