City moves forward with Aggieville Moro Street project despite liability debate
Commissioners split 4-1 on design contracts, stall parking layout pending business owner feedback
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission approved a combined $465,479 in design and pre-construction agreements for the Moro Street Improvement project Tuesday, despite concerns over construction liability in the dense Aggieville business district.
The commission voted 4-1 to approve a $22,500 construction manager at risk agreement with BHS Construction and a $442,979 engineering contract with Olsson Inc. The lone dissenting vote came over concerns that the city's standard $1 million liability insurance requirement is inadequate to protect the roughly 40 businesses in the area if a construction accident occurs. Representatives for BHS Construction noted the company holds a $15 million umbrella liability policy, which satisfied the remaining commissioners and was sufficient to advance the revitalization project.
While the design contracts were approved, the commission delayed a final decision on the street's parking layout. Engineers told commissioners that a decision on whether to place angled parking on the north or south side of the street is necessary to finalize the inverted crown design and drainage plans.
After debate over sun exposure, ice melt and driver visibility — alongside public survey data favoring pedestrian amenities over parking — commissioners directed city staff to poll Aggieville business owners on their preferences. That feedback will be collected before the project reaches the 35% design phase.
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