Commission approves $3.2 million liner for wastewater lagoons

City approves $580,000 to stabilize wastewater plant soil

Commission reluctantly approves payment for emergency wastewater repairs

Payment tabled for damaged wastewater cover materials

Design costs rise for Red Demon Drive and U.S. 50 improvements

Fire department completes air pack upgrades

New brush truck authorized to replace manual transmission unit

Fire Station 1 set for $200,000 in renovations

Police department to update fleet with five new vehicles

Commission to explore regulations on vehicle camping

Board approves permit extension for Mako Wind Energy

Planning and zoning resolutions passed for housing and auto sales

Commission approves $3.2 million liner for wastewater lagoons

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city commission approved a change order of more than $3.2 million for the installation of high-density polyethylene liners in the anaerobic and aerobic lagoons at the South Wastewater Treatment Plant. Director of Engineering Services Ray Slattery described the addition as a "belt and suspenders" measure recommended following a seepage study to prevent future ground failures. The commission also approved a separate $24,535 change order to relocate sump pumps and air relief lines to prevent clogging caused by grease and solids. Slattery noted the city hopes to receive reimbursement for the liner costs through the Inflation Reduction Act.

City approves $580,000 to stabilize wastewater plant soil

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Commissioners approved a $579,705 change order with GSI Engineering to repair voids and improve ground stability around the wastewater treatment plant's anaerobic and aerobic lagoons. The original plan to use gravity-fed fill material proved insufficient due to collapsed tunnels in the soil, necessitating a switch to a more expensive pressure grouting method. Director of Engineering Services Ray Slattery stated that despite this increase, the city is still projecting overall savings on fill materials due to a separate contract with a concrete provider.

Commission reluctantly approves payment for emergency wastewater repairs

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Despite expressions of frustration regarding the ongoing costs of the wastewater treatment plant failure, the commission voted 5-0 to approve a $260,442 invoice from Utility Contractors, Inc. (UCI). The payment covers work performed outside the original scope, including securing the site immediately after the July 2024 failure, pumping out lagoons and providing temporary infrastructure to service industrial clients. While commissioners questioned paying the general contractor for cleanup related to a project failure, legal counsel and staff advised that the work was necessary and performed as requested.

Payment tabled for damaged wastewater cover materials

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Commissioners voted unanimously to table a $207,471 invoice from Utility Contractors, Inc. (UCI) for replacement materials for an anaerobic floating cover. The materials, which had been stored on-site during project delays, deteriorated due to sun and weather exposure. Commissioners expressed frustration over the request, with one commissioner calling the spoilage a "serious oversight" by the contractor. Staff was directed to discuss the matter further with the contractor before the commission reconsiders the payment.

Design costs rise for Red Demon Drive and U.S. 50 improvements

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The commission approved a supplemental contract with TranSystems in the amount of $297,221 for the final design of the Red Demon Drive and U.S. 50 intersection improvements. The additional funding brings the total design cost to nearly $1.28 million. City Engineer Tanner Rutschman attributed the cost increase to the complexity of splitting the project into Kansas Department of Transportation and non-KDOT portions. Rutschman noted that while there have been significant delays, the firm has committed to completing the design by late summer to meet KDOT funding deadlines.

Fire department completes air pack upgrades

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The commission authorized the final phase of a three-year plan to update the fire department's self-contained breathing apparatus equipment. The $134,543 purchase includes 12 air packs, 24 bottles and tracking technology. Fire Chief Bradley Hines stated this purchase will replace the remaining older units, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The commission recommended the department budget for spare packs in future years to avoid falling behind on replacements.

New brush truck authorized to replace manual transmission unit

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The fire department was authorized to purchase a new brush truck from Hays Fire and Rescue for $258,871. Fire Chief Bradley Hines explained that the current 2001 model has a manual transmission, which has proven difficult for some firefighters to operate safely during high-stress fire responses in rough terrain. Although the bid came in slightly over the line-item budget, the cost will be covered by savings from a previous compressor purchase.

Fire Station 1 set for $200,000 in renovations

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The commission approved using $200,000 from the capital budget for improvements to Fire Station 1. The phased project will include replacing failing windows and exterior doors, painting and constructing a new female bunk room. Fire Chief Bradley Hines noted that the bunk room would allow for future female firefighters or provide flexible sleeping quarters for officers.

Police department to update fleet with five new vehicles

DODGE CITY, Kan. — The Dodge City Police Department received approval to purchase four 2026 Dodge Durangos and one Toyota RAV4 to replace aging patrol units. The total cost for the five vehicles is $200,449. Director of Administration Ryan Reed noted that the Durangos will be purchased from Lopp Motors and the RAV4 from Lewis Toyota. Outfitting for the vehicles will be bid separately.

Commission to explore regulations on vehicle camping

DODGE CITY, Kan. — A commissioner requested that city staff research potential zoning regulations or ordinances regarding people living or camping in vehicles on city streets. The commissioner expressed concern about the lack of facilities for individuals living in cars for extended periods and suggested looking at permit systems used by other communities that require access to sanitation. Staff will investigate the issue and present findings at a future meeting.

Board approves permit extension for Mako Wind Energy

FORD COUNTY, Kan. — The Ford County Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2026-06, granting a conditional use permit extension for the Mako Wind Energy project. County Attorney Glen Kerbs presented the resolution to the board, noting that the extension allows the wind energy initiative to continue operations in compliance with the county's zoning regulations.

Planning and zoning resolutions passed for housing and auto sales

FORD COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners adopted two resolutions presented by Planning and Zoning Director Melissa Drake to facilitate new development and business land use. The board approved Resolution 2026-07 regarding the Sol Estates Plat and Resolution 2026-08 for Jim Bailes and Quality Auto Sales. Both measures passed on unanimous votes.

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