Garden City Commission Meeting
Week of March 3, 2026
Commission rejects proposal for Sunday alcohol sales
American Airlines retained for Essential Air Service
Airport enplanements and sales tax hit record highs
City advances Spruce Street stormwater detention pond project
City to purchase rented solid waste truck for $364,400
Highway 83 expansion project approaches Garden City
Commission rejects proposal for Sunday alcohol sales
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The Garden City Commission unanimously voted against preparing an ordinance that would have allowed the retail sale of liquor and cereal malt beverages on Sundays. While a city survey showed 55 percent of license holders and 76 percent of a local business group supported the expansion, the idea was ultimately rejected. A letter requesting more data on the potential public safety impacts was submitted on behalf of Mayor Tom Nguyen, who was absent. During the meeting, factors cited against the proposal included a desire to keep Sunday as a day of rest, concerns regarding public safety, and feedback from local store owners who prefer keeping the guaranteed day off for their staff.
American Airlines retained for Essential Air Service
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — American Airlines will continue providing commercial flights at Garden City Regional Airport after a recommendation was approved for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Essential Air Service contract. Operating under the American Eagle brand, the airline will utilize regional jets for a two-year term ending in 2026. The contract will cost the federal government approximately $5.89 million annually, resulting in no direct cost to the city.
Airport enplanements and sales tax hit record highs
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Garden City Regional Airport celebrated a record year for passenger enplanements, surpassing previous benchmarks such as the 27,856 enplanements recorded in 2023, according to a staff report presented Tuesday. In addition to the travel metrics, city sales tax revenues came in approximately 3.5 percent higher than the previous year's $956,229, marking what officials believe may be a record high near $989,000 for the month of February.
City advances Spruce Street stormwater detention pond project
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — A $69,826 task order was approved to design a new stormwater detention pond at a Spruce Street site. The city purchased the 1.79-acre property in February to alleviate chronic flooding that overwhelms the local stormwater system during heavy rains. Construction of the pond and new piping is estimated to cost $728,000, though officials noted that utilizing city staff for excavation and dirt work could significantly lower the final price tag.
City to purchase rented solid waste truck for $364,400
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — To ensure reliable commercial trash collection, the city will purchase a 2025 front-load solid waste truck from Premier Truck Sales and Rental Inc. for $364,400. The city has been renting the vehicle for $8,600 a month following the severe mechanical failure of two older trucks. By purchasing the slightly used rental vehicle, the city secured a $35,100 discount and avoided the 20-week wait time and $440,000 price tag associated with ordering a brand-new replacement.
Highway 83 expansion project approaches Garden City
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The upcoming reconstruction of U.S. Highway 83 from the Haskell County line up to Garden City was highlighted during recent municipal reports. While local advocates have long sought a fully divided highway, the upcoming Kansas Department of Transportation project will upgrade the corridor into a "Super Two" highway, featuring dedicated passing lanes designed to improve traffic flow and driver safety.
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