Commission approves first phase of new zoo exhibits

City rushes to reallocate federal funds to avoid penalty

Federal grant money shifted to park playgrounds

Fifth and Leavenworth infrastructure project delayed

Intersection delays impact high-rise fire safety compliance

Sunflower Summer program extended for families

City attorney departs Manhattan

Commission approves first phase of new zoo exhibits

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan taxpayers will not foot the bill for the initial design of the new Sunset Zoo Lemur and Americas Exhibits, thanks to a funding agreement approved Tuesday by the City Commission. The commission unanimously awarded a $10,000 pre-construction contract to McCown Gordon Construction and a $561,442 professional services agreement to Anderson Knight Architects for the first phase of the project. Parks and Recreation Director Aaron Stewart noted this initial phase will advance the project's design from 30 percent to 70 percent completion and establish a guaranteed maximum price for future construction. The Sunset Zoo Trust pledged to cover the entire $571,442 cost for Phase 1 and intends to fully fund the estimated $7.5 million to $8 million total project cost.

City rushes to reallocate federal funds to avoid penalty

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan officials are rapidly reallocating Community Development Block Grant funds after receiving a warning from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Community Development Director Stephanie Peterson told commissioners the city is holding $1.65 million in CDBG carryover — well above the federal limit of 1.5 times the city's annual $515,000 allocation. To avoid losing future federal funding, the city must draw down approximately $1 million and submit it to HUD by April 1, 2027.

Federal grant money shifted to park playgrounds

MANHATTAN, Kan. — To meet looming federal spending deadlines, the city will redirect a large portion of its Community Development Block Grant carryover funds toward upgrading playground equipment at two local parks: Douglass Park and Goodnow Park. City officials estimate the playground upgrades will cost approximately $750,000. The funds had originally been earmarked for a downtown infrastructure project, but officials opted to flip the project order to ensure the federal dollars are spent before the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's April 2027 deadline.

Fifth and Leavenworth infrastructure project delayed

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A planned intersection and waterline project at Fifth and Leavenworth streets has faced significant delays due to an expanding scope of work. Originally conceived as a small infrastructure update, the project has grown to include extensive storm sewer work and the addition of a new bus stop. City staff reported that while bid documents are currently under review, the delays forced the city to reallocate the federal grant money originally intended to fund the public portion of the project.

Intersection delays impact high-rise fire safety compliance

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Delays at the Fifth and Leavenworth intersection are holding up a critical fire safety upgrade for Apartment Towers. City Commissioner John Matta, who serves on the Manhattan Housing Authority board, expressed concern Tuesday that the stalled city waterline project is directly impacting the building's ability to install a newly required sprinkler system. Apartment Towers is required to have the sprinkler system fully installed and operational by the end of 2028.

Sunflower Summer program extended for families

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The statewide Sunflower Summer program has been extended for an additional week, giving Manhattan families more time to access free local attractions before the school year begins. Commissioners announced Tuesday that the program allows one adult and their children to receive free entry to 14 local attractions in Manhattan, including the Sunset Zoo and the Flint Hills Discovery Center. The program is an initiative of Kansas Tourism.

City attorney departs Manhattan

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan is navigating a transition following the announced departure of longtime City Attorney Katharine Jackson. Commissioners formally noted the exit during Tuesday's meeting, thanking Jackson for years of service to the city. Mayor Susan E. Adamchak indicated that an interim legal staff member will step in to provide legal guidance to the commission over the next several months while the city recruits a permanent replacement.

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