Commission approves $21.7 million maximum price for wastewater plant expansion

City pivots to 15-year bonds for wastewater project after missing state funding

Aggieville TIF district reports robust financial health

Aggieville parking services operating at significant deficit

Commission supports converting garage spots to angled parking

Registration requirement may be dropped for Aggieville garage

Commission pauses $105,000 Aggieville trash study in favor of business survey

Moro Street redesign threatens parking, sparks business concern

Commission and public push for accelerated construction schedules

Morrison appointed to Law Board amid conflict of interest discussion

Commission approves purchase of used fire tanker

Fire district replaces vehicle totaled in winter storm

Construction progresses on new fire facility

Bids opened for University Park wastewater project

Commission debates driveway standards for emergency access

RCPD reports drop in crime, rise in traffic accidents

Extension office launches free tax prep program

Commission approves $21.7 million maximum price for wastewater plant expansion

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission received a guaranteed maximum price of $21.7 million from Crossland Heavy Contractors for the expansion of the Manhattan Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project aims to improve redundancy and reliability at the aging facility through upgrades to solids handling processes and the replacement of a sludge dredge. Although tariffs and equipment costs drove initial estimates higher during the design phase, the project team successfully reduced contingencies to reach the current figure, with formal contract approval expected in early February.

City pivots to 15-year bonds for wastewater project after missing state funding

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Following a denial for inclusion in the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund, city administration presented alternative financing plans for the wastewater treatment expansion using general obligation bonds. Assistant Director of Public Utilities Randy DeWitt informed the commission that federal earmarks had reduced available state funds, necessitating the shift in strategy. Commissioners expressed a preference for a 15-year bond term over a 20-year option to reduce interest payments, accepting a higher estimated annual debt service of $3 million beginning in 2029.

Aggieville TIF district reports robust financial health

MANHATTAN, Kan. — City staff reported that the Aggieville Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district is in strong financial standing, with $47 million committed or spent on public infrastructure projects to date. While the district’s base valuation has remained steady at $60 million, projected increment growth and sales tax revenue are expected to cover future debt service. Officials indicated the district is largely self-sustaining for public improvements and noted the potential for additional private development to further increase revenues.

Aggieville parking services operating at significant deficit

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Parking services in Aggieville and downtown are operating at a loss, with 2024 expenses totaling approximately $763,000 against only $35,000 in revenue. Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers explained that the city subsidizes the service to maintain safety, cleanliness, and security in the Aggieville Parking Garage, but noted that the removal of fees during certain hours has severely impacted income. The commission discussed potential adjustments to the fee structure and enforcement methods to balance the budget while keeping the district welcoming to visitors.

Commission supports converting garage spots to angled parking

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Addressing complaints about tight spaces in the Aggieville Parking Garage, the commission voiced support for converting 90-degree head-in stalls to 45-degree angled parking. The re-striping plan aims to improve ease of entry and exit but will result in the loss of approximately 60 to 80 parking spaces. Commissioners agreed the reduction was acceptable given the garage rarely reaches full capacity and directed staff to implement the changes soon rather than waiting for future construction projects.

Registration requirement may be dropped for Aggieville garage

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Commissioners and staff discussed eliminating the requirement for drivers to register their vehicles via the ParkMobile app during free parking hours in the Aggieville Parking Garage. Usage data indicated a significant increase in garage activity in June when restrictions were temporarily lifted, suggesting the app creates a barrier to entry. With business owners characterizing the app as "friction" for customers, the commission signaled a willingness to simplify the process to encourage greater utilization of the facility.

Commission pauses $105,000 Aggieville trash study in favor of business survey

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The commission declined to immediately advance a $105,000 contract for designing centralized trash compactors in Aggieville alleys, opting instead to first gauge business support. The proposed project seeks to replace individual dumpsters with five large compactors to improve alley sanitation and aesthetics. Commissioners directed staff to conduct a low-cost survey of district merchants to determine their willingness to participate in a consolidated system before committing funds to the design phase.

Moro Street redesign threatens parking, sparks business concern

MANHATTAN, Kan. — City staff presented design concepts for the reconstruction of Moro Street that could reduce parking availability to accommodate wider sidewalks and streetscape amenities. A fire code requirement for a 20-foot emergency drive lane limits the space available for both angled parking and pedestrian zones. During public comment, Aggieville business owners urged the commission to preserve parking, arguing that accessible stalls are critical for customer access and the economic viability of the district.

Commission and public push for accelerated construction schedules

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Citing "construction fatigue" in the Aggieville district, commissioners and local business owners urged the city to prioritize speed for the upcoming Moro Street project. Discussion focused on requiring contractors to work aggressively to minimize the duration of street closures, even if such measures increase costs. Business owners supported this approach during public comment, requesting that improvements be executed efficiently to limit economic disruption.

Morrison appointed to Law Board amid conflict of interest discussion

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The commission voted 5-0 to appoint Commissioner Jim Morrison to the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Board, filling the seat vacated by Commissioner John Matta. Prior to the vote, the commission discussed the competing fiduciary responsibilities of managing the city budget versus the law board budget, a structural tension often debated during such appointments. State Sen. Usha Reddi spoke during public comment to advocate for gender diversity on the board, while Morrison highlighted his 53 years of legal and law enforcement experience as qualifications for the position.

Commission approves purchase of used fire tanker

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Commission approved the purchase of a 2007 Ferrara Pumper Tanker for Riley County Fire District No. 1 at a cost not to exceed $225,000. Fire officials located the vehicle in Willis, Texas, noting that purchasing a new truck is currently cost-prohibitive. The "dual-purpose" truck will be stationed at a rural fire station on the east side of the county, Station 115, allowing the district to shuffle equipment and retire an older unit via auction.

Fire district replaces vehicle totaled in winter storm

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Commissioners approved the purchase of a 2026 Chevy Silverado 2500 for Deputy Chief Doug Russell to replace a vehicle totaled during a December ice storm. The new unit will be purchased from Murdock Manhattan for approximately $50,388. The cost will be offset by insurance proceeds and funds from the district's equipment budget.

Construction progresses on new fire facility

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The commission received an update on the new fire building, noting that paving is complete and concrete floors have been poured. Contractors have framed most of the interior walls, and the project remains on schedule. Officials estimate the construction could be completed by this time next year.

Bids opened for University Park wastewater project

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Commissioners unsealed bids for the University Park wastewater facility project, revealing a significant disparity between the lowest bid and the engineer's estimate. Bayer Construction submitted the apparent low bid of roughly $1.98 million, well below the engineer's estimate of $3.35 million. Other bids ranged from $3.2 million to $3.35 million, and the board referred the bids to staff for evaluation and recommendation before a final contract is awarded.

Commission debates driveway standards for emergency access

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Planning Director Amanda Webb and Emergency Management Director Russel Stukey presented a proposal to modify county driveway standards to ensure fire trucks and ambulances can safely access rural properties. While the commission agreed to allow emergency management staff to review new driveway permits, the board hesitated to apply these standards to existing driveways or extensions. Citing concerns over property rights and costs to homeowners, the commission directed staff to focus on education rather than regulation for existing infrastructure.

RCPD reports drop in crime, rise in traffic accidents

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Riley County Police Department Director Brian Peete presented year-end statistics showing a decrease in Part 1 crimes, including five-year lows for burglaries and auto thefts. However, Peete noted that traffic accidents were above the recent five-year average leading into 2026. He indicated that the department would prioritize traffic enforcement in the coming year to address the increase in preventable accidents.

Extension office launches free tax prep program

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County K-State Extension announced the return of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 21st year. The program offers free tax preparation for low-to-moderate-income households and military personnel. Appointments will be available at the Manhattan Public Library from Jan. 28 through April 15.

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