Commission reviews public comment policies

Commissioners push for financial transparency on road funds

Commission cuts ties with Grandview Plaza over animal control dispute

City authorizes lawsuit against local vendor over undelivered police vehicle

Fire department to purchase new CPR devices

Resolution passed to pursue $25 million grant for Grant Avenue

City identifies four intersections for new traffic controls

Freeman Field receives $4 million for runway rehabilitation

Commission reviews public comment policies

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Commission discussed potential changes to the public comment format during a recent meeting, following a presentation on practices in other Kansas municipalities. While the city attorney advised maintaining the current procedures, commissioners reached a consensus to extend the availability of the public sign-up sheet and expressed support for allowing citizens to address specific agenda items as they arise rather than waiting until the end of the meeting. Staff was directed to draft ordinance changes to formalize these procedural adjustments, though no formal motion was made.

Commissioners push for financial transparency on road funds

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — A city commissioner requested a detailed presentation from the finance department regarding fund balances for road improvements, citing frustration over previous inconsistencies in reported available funds. The commissioner noted instances where the commission was informed money was unavailable, only to later discover otherwise, and called for a review of the city's bidding process and Request for Proposal (RFP) requirements.

Commission cuts ties with Grandview Plaza over animal control dispute

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Commission voted unanimously to approve interlocal service agreements for animal shelter services with Geary County and Milford but effectively ceased services for Grandview Plaza after officials there refused to sign a renewed agreement. City staff reported that the new agreement raised fees from $80 to $100 per animal to cover inflation and operational costs, and that Grandview Plaza declined to pay for the care of sick or injured cats, prompting the commission to halt animal intake from the municipality until a resolution is reached.

City authorizes lawsuit against local vendor over undelivered police vehicle

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously passed a special ordinance authorizing City Manager Kim Zimmerman to initiate litigation against a local vehicle service company to recover taxpayer funds paid nearly two years ago for a Dodge Durango that was never delivered. Zimmerman stated that while the city continues to use the company for minor technical repairs due to a lack of local alternatives, legal action is now necessary to recoup the funds for the missing police vehicle.

Fire department to purchase new CPR devices

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The commission authorized the Junction City Fire Department to purchase two Zoll AutoPulse NXT devices for $57,049.78 to replace aging medical equipment. Fire Chief Jason Lankas informed the commission that the new automated CPR devices can perform compressions on patients as young as 8 years old, offering a significant capability upgrade over the previous models which were limited to adults.

Resolution passed to pursue $25 million grant for Grant Avenue

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The commission adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to administer a federal grant application for the Grant Avenue Road Project, targeting up to $25 million for major roadway improvements. Officials noted that right-of-way acquisitions and roundabout planning have delayed the project by approximately a year, and commissioners clarified that while the city manager may handle the application process, any future expenditure of awarded funds will require commission approval.

City identifies four intersections for new traffic controls

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — City Manager Kim Zimmerman announced that a comprehensive traffic study utilizing accident data from 2022 to the present has identified four uncontrolled intersections requiring safety improvements. Zimmerman stated that the police department is collaborating with Public Works Director Ray Ibarra to implement appropriate control measures at these locations to reduce accident rates.

Freeman Field receives $4 million for runway rehabilitation

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran announced that Junction City has secured approximately $4.04 million in federal funding to rehabilitate the runway at Freeman Field. The grant will address the poor condition of the current 3,500-foot runway by funding a full-depth reclamation, which involves pulverizing the existing surface to lay a new concrete top, as well as realigning a taxiway to create a safer 90-degree angle.

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