Junction City – Week of May 10 2025
Tattoo Parlor Approved; Jail Contracts Debate; EV Future; New Police Trucks; YMCA Floor Funding
Controversial Tattoo Parlor Approved for Downtown Despite Opposition; Commission Overrules BZA in Split Vote
Jail Food and Medical Contracts Spark Debate
Region Preparing for Electric Vehicle Future, Potential for I-70 Charging Hub in Junction City
Police Department to Acquire New Trucks; Purchase Exceeds Budget but Will Be Offset by Vehicle Auction
City Commission Approves Conditional Funding for YMCA Basketball Floor After Debate
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Controversial Tattoo Parlor Approved for Downtown Despite Opposition; Commission Overrules BZA in Split Vote
In a contentious decision, the City Commission voted 4-1 to approve a special use permit for a new tattoo parlor in the former Hickory Inn BBQ building, overturning a previous denial by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The BZA had rejected the application following significant opposition from the neighboring Next Step Dance Studio, whose representatives and parents voiced concerns about the tattoo parlor's proximity to their youth-focused business. Clint Francis, representing the applicants, argued that the business would not cause issues, noting other permissible uses in the zone (like bars or gun shops) could be more obtrusive, and that other tattoo parlors operate downtown without incident. Several commissioners discussed the precedent of existing tattoo businesses and the professionalism of the applicants. The approval came despite a planning commission member later stating that the vote was biased and that many patrons of the dance studio might not return.
City of JC
Jail Food and Medical Contracts Spark Debate
The Geary County Sheriff's Office presented proposals for new food and medical service contracts for the county jail, prompting considerable discussion among commissioners, though no final approval on these contracts was given. The Sheriff Nate Boeckman recommended Summit Food Service for food services, citing better quality and a lower bid of approximately $403,135, compared to the current provider's bid of $426,174. A significant hurdle emerged: the preferred vendor might be unable to retain the current, experienced kitchen manager due to a non-compete clause with the existing contractor. Commissioners expressed concern over losing the manager and past dissatisfaction with the current food provider's quality, which had previously led the juvenile detention center to cease using their services.
For medical services, the Sheriff advocated for Advanced Correctional Healthcare + mental heath add-on, which offered more comprehensive coverage, including 50 hours of weekly onsite nursing (with an RN during the week and LPN on weekends), 10 hours of mental health services, and electronic medical records, at a proposed cost of $308,035. This option was presented as a better value and a way to mitigate litigation risks compared to the current, more basic "Option One," which costs $247,000 but lacks dedicated mental health services and electronic records. A key advantage highlighted was the potential to retain the jail's current experienced LPN, who is soon to become an RN. No formal action was taken on 5 May and the Sheriff stated he would work with the county counselor to finalize contract details before seeking formal approval.
Geary County
Region Preparing for Electric Vehicle Future, Potential for I-70 Charging Hub in Junction City
Junction City and the surrounding Flint Hills region are actively planning for the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), as detailed in a presentation by Jared Tremblay of the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization. The EV Readiness plan, which is not a mandate but a preparedness guide, outlined the current state of EV adoption, charging infrastructure, and future needs. Key discussion points included the different levels of chargers, the significantly lower maintenance costs for EVs compared to gas vehicles (though tires are more expensive and wear faster), and current EV sales trends locally versus nationally and internationally. Importantly, the presentation highlighted that while overall grid capacity is not seen as an issue for the region by Evergy, investment in local transmission and distribution will be necessary. Federal legislation mandates DC fast chargers every 50 miles on alternative fuel corridors like I-70, positioning Junction City as a prime candidate for such an installation between existing chargers in Abilene and potentially Alma.
City of JC
Police Department to Acquire New Trucks; Purchase Exceeds Budget but Will Be Offset by Vehicle Auction
The Junction City Police Department received approval to purchase three new Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks at a total cost of $203,196.68. This expenditure is approximately $18,196 over the amount initially budgeted for vehicle replacement. Police officials explained the choice of Silverados was due to severe mechanical issues and poor performance with their current Dodge Durango patrol vehicles and the continued unavailability of police package Chevrolet Tahoes. The new trucks, two for patrol and one for administrative use (including the Chief of Police), have proven reliable in their existing fleet. The department plans to cover the budget shortfall by auctioning off seven older vehicles being removed from service, with anticipated proceeds expected to meet or exceed the difference.
City of JC
City Commission Approves Conditional Funding for YMCA Basketball Floor After Debate
The Junction City YMCA's request for $15,000 to help fund a new basketball floor sparked considerable debate among city commissioners regarding the use of public funds for a private entity's facilities. While acknowledging the YMCA's extensive community services, including providing over 53,000 meals to youth last year, several commissioners expressed reservations. Concerns included setting a precedent for other organizations, the city already maintaining its own basketball courts, and the request falling outside the regular budget cycle. Ultimately, the commission approved a motion to provide $7,500, contingent upon Geary County matching that amount. The discussion highlighted the careful balance the commission seeks between supporting valuable community organizations and managing taxpayer resources.
City of JC
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