McPherson local news summary

City Locks in Price for $182,772 Interstate LED Signs

Commission Approves Funding for Police Substation Driveway and Acrylic Signage

Fire Department Spends $21,876 on New Radios

Eshelman Street Project Costs Increase by Nearly $28,000

City Waives Fee for 43rd Habitat for Humanity Home

City Locks in Price for $182,772 Interstate LED Signs

MCPHERSON - The commission approved a proposal from Lumineo Signs for two large LED signs to be placed on the existing brick structures at the interstate, locking in a price of $182,772.14. While no funds were transferred, the approval secures the current price against potential increases while the city finalizes zoning and land requirements, including island annexations tied to KDOT requirements. The city has received consent for island annexation from landowners north and south of the sign locations and is awaiting official surveys before the county can grant the annexation.

Commission Approves Funding for Police Substation Driveway and Acrylic Signage

MCPHERSON - The City Commission awarded a contract to Procon for $43,650 to replace the concrete driveway on the south side of the new police substation. The concrete was dug up to run power and other services to the building, and much of the existing concrete is crumbling. Police Chief Mikel Golden explained the new concrete is necessary to provide parking for officers. Procon, a company based out of the Newton/Hesston area, provided the lowest of five bids, which ranged as high as $89,750.

The commission also approved the purchase of exterior signage from AutoKing for an amount not to exceed $8,031.50. Although AutoKing’s bid was not the lowest—with another quote coming in at $4,850—the commission opted for their larger, acrylic letter option, which was deemed a better fit for the building compared to the lower bid’s metal sign with a sticker front. The approved amount was significantly less than other quotes, which reached as high as $15,611. Following the meeting, commissioners were invited to tour the nearly completed substation.

Fire Department Spends $21,876 on New Radios

MCPHERSON - The Fire Department will purchase four new mobile radios from Motorola Solutions through authorized dealer First Wireless for $21,876. The radios are needed for two new brush trucks that are expected to be delivered in late December or early January. Fire Chief Chad Mayberry explained that two radios are required per truck: one for dispatch and one for the event channel. The new APX 6500 radios are comparable to those currently used in the department’s fleet. The department is also seeking to fill paid call firefighter positions after a recent resignation brought their ranks down to five.

Eshelman Street Project Costs Increase by Nearly $28,000

MCPHERSON - Two change orders were unanimously approved for the Eshelman Street project, adding a combined $27,871 to the total cost. The first change order, for $3,856, adds a geogrid reinforcement layer under the base rock, an item that was required by city standards but not included in the original bid. A second, larger change order for $24,015 was approved to remove and replace the street’s approach onto Kansas Avenue. Officials noted that while they were working on the street, they might as well “fix it and fix it right” by repairing the cracked and broken concrete on the approach.

City Waives Fee for 43rd Habitat for Humanity Home

MCPHERSON - McPherson Area Habitat for Humanity received a waiver for its building permit fee for a new home to be constructed at 920 North Maple. Fred Bohnenblust, representing the organization, stated this will be the 43rd home built for a low-income family in McPherson County since 1992. This year’s build is notable as it is the first Habitat home within the city of McPherson to be constructed with an attached garage. The organization, which operates as a local nonprofit with heavy volunteer involvement, provides the homes to families with a 0% interest mortgage.

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