Garden City local news summary
Week of December 20 2025
Commission approves $2.68 million for east side pedestrian improvements
Commission enforces sidewalk requirement for new gym, waives parking rules
Request to waive sidewalk installation on Fulton Street denied
City agrees to maintain private detention pond as green space
Urban growth area expanded along Highway 156
Police department to remain at county facility through 2026
Purchase agreement secures additional power supply for 2026
Airport hits travel milestone with 30,000 enplanements
Commissioner Ortiz attends final meeting
Oversight committees established for major jail and LEC projects
Funds approved for attorney's office renovations
Commissioners table attorney's request for new vehicle
Urban growth area expanded to anticipate development
Housing market braces for influx from Tyson plant closure
EMS switches software following system failures
Commission approves $2.68 million for east side pedestrian improvements
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - The city commission awarded a $2,688,147 contract to Lee Construction for the East Side Pedestrian Improvements project. The initiative involves sidewalk and pathway extensions designed to connect the Talley Trail to the U.S. 83/50 bypass, Jenny Barker Road and the Kansas Avenue trail. The project is partially funded by a $1.5 million Kansas Department of Transportation Cost Share grant and is expected to take approximately seven months to complete once construction begins next spring.
Commission enforces sidewalk requirement for new gym, waives parking rules
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - In a split decision regarding a proposed physical fitness facility at 102 N. 11th St., the commission voted to enforce city codes requiring the installation of sidewalks but granted a waiver for minimum parking requirements. The property owner argued that the cost of installing sidewalks was a hardship and that the existing site layout could not accommodate the code-mandated 60 to 85 parking stalls. Commissioners emphasized the importance of connectivity and the city's comprehensive plan in denying the sidewalk waiver, though they agreed the proposed 41 parking stalls were sufficient for the business.
Request to waive sidewalk installation on Fulton Street denied
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - Commissioners unanimously denied a request to waive sidewalk installation requirements for a property redevelopment at 701 E. Fulton St. The property owners, intending to build a garage for Mission Auto Glass, cited costs as the primary reason for the waiver request. City staff recommended denial, noting that granting the waiver would interrupt progress toward a complete sidewalk network in the neighborhood and conflict with the city's comprehensive plan regarding pedestrian safety and connectivity.
City agrees to maintain private detention pond as green space
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - Commissioners voted to assume maintenance responsibilities for a stormwater detention pond in the Chapel Heights subdivision following a request from the subdivision's developer. While the area, identified as "Tract 1," was originally designated for developer maintenance in the subdivision agreement, the developer argued the space serves as recreational green space for the neighborhood. The city will take over mowing duties, though the developer remains responsible for the stormwater functionality of the site.
Urban growth area expanded along Highway 156
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - To accommodate anticipated development, the commission adopted a joint resolution with the Finney County Board of Commissioners to expand the immediate urban growth area. The adjustment extends boundaries along Kansas Highway 156 and East Kansas Avenue, placing new developments under city planning and inspection codes rather than county regulations. The move is part of an annual review of growth boundaries established in an interlocal agreement between the city and county.
Police department to remain at county facility through 2026
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - The commission approved an amendment to the occupancy agreement with Finney County, allowing the Garden City Police Department to remain in the existing Law Enforcement Center through Dec. 31, 2026. This one-year extension provides time for the city to complete the remodel of a new police facility at 1210 Fleming St. Police Chief Courtney Prewitt indicated that the department anticipates moving into the new location within the next 10 to 12 months.
Purchase agreement secures additional power supply for 2026
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - The commission authorized an amendment to a power purchase agreement with the Grand River Dam Authority to secure an additional 6,000 kilowatts of capacity, bringing the total purchase to 15,000 kilowatts. The agreement, facilitated by the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency, will take effect in May 2026. Public Works Director Mike Muirhead noted the additional capacity will increase the electric department's wholesale budget by approximately $1.3 million annually but requires no new transmission infrastructure.
Airport hits travel milestone with 30,000 enplanements
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - City Manager Matt Allen announced that the Garden City Regional Airport has surpassed 30,000 enplanements for the year. This metric impacts the level of federal funding the airport receives. Allen noted the milestone was reached before the end of the year, with heavy holiday travel in December likely to push the final numbers higher.
Commissioner Ortiz attends final meeting
GARDEN CITY, Kan. - Commissioner Manny Ortiz participated in his final meeting as a member of the commission Tuesday, concluding a six-year tenure. During commission reports, Ortiz thanked city staff for their work and encouraged the incoming commissioners to continue asking tough questions and collaborating. Ortiz did not seek re-election, and new members will be seated in January.
Oversight committees established for major jail and LEC projects
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — Commission Chairman Lon Pishny established two ad hoc committees to supervise the construction of the county's new jail and Law Enforcement Center (LEC), projects estimated to cost $55 million and $30 million, respectively. Finney County Sheriff Kevin Bascue was appointed to chair the committee overseeing the jail construction, while Commissioner Duane Drees will chair the committee for the LEC. Pishny designated the two men as vice chairs of each other's committees to ensure continuity, noting that they will select community members and staff to assist in supervising these significant capital improvements.
Funds approved for attorney's office renovations
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners approved a request to replace carpeting and cubicles in the County Attorney's Office. Deputy County Attorney Nick Kleysteuber explained that the building, constructed in 2000, has not seen significant upgrades in 25 years and that the current workspace configuration hampers productivity. The commission accepted a bid from J&M Paint & Decorating Center for the carpet, which was approximately $12,000 lower than a competing bid, and a bid from Jamco for new cubicles. The upgrades were already appropriated in the 2025 budget.
Commissioners table attorney's request for new vehicle
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Finney County Commission voted to table a request from the County Attorney's Office to purchase a new SUV, citing concerns over cost and purchasing policies. Deputy County Attorney Nick Kleysteuber presented bids for a 2025 Ford Expedition and a 2026 Chevy Tahoe to replace a shared 2017 Suburban, noting that the current vehicle is often unavailable due to use by the Sheriff's Office. However, one commissioner questioned the necessity of a large SUV, suggesting a smaller model would save tax dollars while still accommodating passengers. Commission Chairman Lon Pishny tabled the item, directing the department to seek local bids for a smaller vehicle.
Urban growth area expanded to anticipate development
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners approved a joint resolution with Garden City to expand the Immediate Urban Growth Area, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The amendment extends the boundary to include properties northeasterly of the city limits along Highway 156 and East Kansas Avenue. Staff indicated the move is a response to recent annexation activity and interest in housing and commercial development identified by the Finney County Economic Development Corp. The resolution ensures that future construction in this corridor meets consistent city subdivision design and regulations.
Housing market braces for influx from Tyson plant closure
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — Finney County Economic Development Corp. President Lona DuVall reported that the county is preparing for potential new residents following the closure of the Tyson Foods plant in Lexington, Nebraska. Local officials are working with Tyson to identify housing solutions for employees transferring to the Finney County facility from Lexington, as well as potential transfers from the Amarillo, Texas, plant. Additionally, the report highlighted progress on several housing developments, including the completion of phase one at Country Acres and the ongoing construction of apartments on Palace Drive.
EMS switches software following system failures
FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — The commission authorized a contract with First Due software for Finney County Emergency Medical Services, moving away from the Active 911 system. EMS Director Kenny Smith reported that the current system had become increasingly unreliable, citing repeated failures in message delivery that left crews without timely information. The new system, which is already used by the Garden City Fire Department, offers real-time unit tracking and improved mapping.
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