Commission approves Booth Creek Wagyu development

Aggieville consolidated trash plan moves forward

Aggieville trash initiative targets grease and pests

City funds RCPD jail reintegration coordinator

RCPD ends mental health co-responder program

City authorizes design to fix dangerous 12th and Bluemont intersection

Commission approves Booth Creek Wagyu development

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission unanimously approved a rezoning request Tuesday to allow a new Booth Creek Wagyu headquarters at 520 McCall Road. The planned unit development will feature a meat processing facility alongside a steakhouse, meat market and retail space. Dave Dreiling, owner of Booth Creek Wagyu, told commissioners the facility is designed to process up to 40 head of Wagyu cattle per day, though it will initially handle just 20 per week during its phased startup. The newly approved facility is expected to be a significant economic driver for Manhattan, representing a $10 million to $12 million investment. Dreiling told the commission the operation currently employs 50 people but plans to create up to 80 new jobs within the next two years. The expansion is also seeking state economic development tax credits based on job creation and capital investment. Before approving the facility, city officials and developers addressed concerns regarding smell, flies, wastewater, and traffic. Public utilities director Randy DeWitt outlined strict pretreatment requirements for the facility to prevent contaminants like blood and fat from entering the city's sewer system. Dreiling noted that blood and animal byproducts will be hauled away by a rendering company, and he stated the U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected plant will maintain what he called a zero tolerance policy for flies. The addition of a meat processing facility on McCall Road also raised concerns Tuesday about cattle truck traffic and manure on city streets. Dreiling estimated the facility will receive one truckload of cattle a day, noting the animals will be taken off feed the night before to reduce waste. Public works director Brian Johnson noted that under the city's existing stormwater abatement program, the city would bill the company for street sweeping if manure were to become a problem.

Aggieville consolidated trash plan moves forward

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A $105,000 design-build contract for a consolidated trash service in the Aggieville Business District was unanimously approved Tuesday. The city will work with Olsson Inc., BHS Construction and Howie's Trash and Recycling to design locations for shared trash compactors. A recent survey of Aggieville business owners revealed broad support for the concept, though respondents cited concerns about the distance employees would need to carry trash and potential cleanliness issues around the shared equipment.

Aggieville trash initiative targets grease and pests

MANHATTAN, Kan. — In addition to shared trash compactors, the Aggieville consolidated trash plan aims to address rogue grease spills and pest problems in the district's alleys. City staff discussed implementing a polyvinyl chloride-based grease collection system where trucks can pump grease directly from buildings, eliminating the need for outdoor grease bins. Attendees at Tuesday's meeting noted the plan could significantly reduce the presence of raccoons and crows that currently scavenge through the area's loose trash.

City funds RCPD jail reintegration coordinator

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission approved a $98,160 grant agreement with the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency to fund a jail reintegration coordinator for 2027. The position, funded through the city's special alcohol fund, is designed to reduce recidivism among inmates with substance abuse issues. Riley County Police Department Deputy Director Erin Freidline reported the coordinator helps inmates connect with community partners, secure sober living arrangements and pursue General Educational Development credentials and trade skills.

RCPD ends mental health co-responder program

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Police Department will not request funding for its mental health co-responder program in 2027, RCPD Deputy Director Erin Freidline announced Tuesday. Freidline explained the Pawnee Mental Health Services mobile crisis unit, established in response to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, has effectively filled the community's need. The mobile unit provides 24/7 coverage, offsetting the need for the department's dedicated co-responder.

City authorizes design to fix dangerous 12th and Bluemont intersection

MANHATTAN, Kan. — An intersection that has seen 27 accidents and seven injuries since 2021 will undergo a safety redesign following a unanimous vote Tuesday. The Manhattan City Commission approved a $147,460 professional services agreement with Olsson Inc. to design pedestrian signal and sidewalk improvements at 12th Street and Bluemont Avenue. Public works director Brian Johnson said the intersection, heavily trafficked by pedestrians traveling to Aggieville, may receive High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk signals or a full traffic light to reduce vehicle-pedestrian collisions.

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