City approves Aggieville Moro Street contracts despite liability concerns

Commission seeks business input on Moro Street parking layout

Controversial planning board appointment passes in split vote

Commission approves slate of advisory board appointments

Next phase of Sunset Zoo expansion advances

Phase 2 of multimillion-dollar water transmission main approved

City approves Aggieville Moro Street contracts despite liability concerns

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission voted 4-1 to approve a $22,500 construction manager at risk agreement with BHS Construction and a $442,979 engineering agreement with Olsson Inc. for the Moro Street Improvement project. One commissioner voted against the measure, arguing that the standard $1 million liability insurance requirement in the city's template contract was inadequate to protect the 40 businesses in the downtown district in the event of an accident. Representatives from the company noted it holds a $15 million umbrella liability policy, which assuaged enough concern for the city commission to advance the design phase and keep the revitalization project on track.

Commission seeks business input on Moro Street parking layout

MANHATTAN, Kan. — During discussions on the Moro Street Improvement project, city commissioners debated the merits of locating angled parking on the north versus the south side of the street. Engineers indicated a decision is needed soon to finalize the street's inverted crown design and water drainage plan. While some commissioners weighed factors like sun exposure, ice melt and driver visibility, others cited public survey data to suggest prioritizing pedestrian amenities over parking spaces entirely. The city commission ultimately directed staff to poll Aggieville business owners for their preference before the project reaches the 35 percent design phase.

Controversial planning board appointment passes in split vote

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The appointment of a planning board appointee to the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board passed in a narrow 3-2 vote after being pulled from the consent agenda for separate consideration. Two commissioners who voted against the appointment expressed concerns that the appointee's vision for zoning did not align with the community and noted apprehensions from some neighborhoods regarding past zoning decisions. Despite the dissent, the remaining three city commissioners approved the appointment to the board.

Commission approves slate of advisory board appointments

MANHATTAN, Kan. — In addition to the contested planning board seat, the Manhattan City Commission unanimously approved four other appointments to local advisory boards. Two residents were appointed to the Historic Resources Board, another resident was appointed to the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board and another will serve on the Partner City Advisory Board. Mayor Susan E. Adamchak thanked the appointees for engaging with their community and volunteering their time.

Next phase of Sunset Zoo expansion advances

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission unanimously authorized the city to issue a request for qualifications and proposals for a construction manager at risk for the Sunset Zoo's Phase 2 expansion. The $8.25 million project, fully funded by the Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust, will feature a ring-tailed lemur exhibit, an interactive barnyard with agricultural animals and a "Trail of Americas" exhibit including a bobcat habitat. The selection process is expected to conclude with a recommendation to the city commission by early June, moving the zoo further along its four-phase master plan.

Phase 2 of multimillion-dollar water transmission main approved

MANHATTAN, Kan. — City commissioners unanimously approved a $63,984 professional services agreement with Bartlett & West for the design of the second phase of the crosstown water transmission main. The overall project, estimated to cost up to $25 million and take a decade to complete over 10 phases, aims to replace a 1971 water main and improve water delivery and system redundancy for the west side of Manhattan. Phase 2 will replace roughly 2,600 feet of 24-inch water line along Hudson Avenue between Kimball Avenue and Claflin Road, with construction expected in 2027.

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