Anderson Avenue project cost increases by $266,000

City considers full summer closure of Anderson Avenue

Aging infrastructure cited as critical issue

Stonehaven subdivision approved for Southwest Quadrant

Commissioners debate transparency of 'special assessment' costs

City to fund water main oversizing for system redundancy

Sewer lift station generator approved

Commission tables purchase of autonomous mowers

Commission approves operations plan for transfer station during repairs

County joins interlocal agreement for U.S. 24 corridor study

Safety concerns raised over traffic signal removal on K-13

Community meeting set for Keats sewer project

Commissioners debate discussion of police budget with city

County attorney highlights sexual assault convictions

Anderson Avenue project cost increases by $266,000

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Commissioners approved a $266,214 increase to the Anderson Avenue construction contract to replace 14 additional storm sewer inlets. Public Works Director Brian Johnson explained that during pavement removal, crews discovered that inlets dating back to the 1970s were structurally compromised and crumbled once the surrounding concrete was removed. The change order brings the total contract amount with Bayer Construction to $10.49 million.

City considers full summer closure of Anderson Avenue

MANHATTAN, Kan. – City officials announced they are evaluating a full closure of Anderson Avenue starting as early as May to expedite ongoing construction. While the current plan involves phased lane shifts, staff indicated that closing the road while school traffic is low could significantly shorten the project timeline and reduce costs. A formal proposal may be presented to the commission in the spring.

Aging infrastructure cited as critical issue

MANHATTAN, Kan. – During a review of the Anderson Avenue project, Public Works Director Brian Johnson highlighted the deteriorating state of the utilities beneath the roadway, citing water mains installed in the 1930s and pavement dating to the 1950s. Johnson noted that the corridor suffers from multiple water main breaks annually, necessitating the current comprehensive overhaul which is expected to last until the fall of 2027.

Stonehaven subdivision approved for Southwest Quadrant

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The commission approved petitions for Unit 3 of the Stonehaven addition, located near Miller Parkway and Amherst. The development is set to include townhomes and larger residential lots. The approval authorizes the creation of benefit districts to fund the installation of streets, water lines and sewer facilities for the new neighborhood.

Commissioners debate transparency of 'special assessment' costs

MANHATTAN, Kan. – During the approval of a new subdivision, commissioners engaged in a policy debate regarding special assessments—infrastructure costs passed directly to homebuyers. Commissioners expressed concern that buyers often purchase homes unaware that they will inherit tens of thousands of dollars in infrastructure debt. City administration countered that the financing tool is essential for keeping local builders competitive against large, out-of-state developers.

City to fund water main oversizing for system redundancy

MANHATTAN, Kan. – As part of the Stonehaven utility approval, the city agreed to pay approximately $412,000—roughly 43% of the water petition cost—to oversize the water mains. The project will upgrade standard 8-inch distribution pipes to 16-inch transmission mains, facilitating a future connection between the Miller Ranch Tower and the Stag Hill booster station to improve water system redundancy.

Sewer lift station generator approved

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The commission authorized a sanitary sewer petition for the Stonehaven development that includes the installation of a backup generator for a lift station. The city will contribute approximately $60,000 from the sewer fund, representing about 10% of the project cost, to ensure the station can continue pumping sewage to the East Miller Ranch interceptor during power outages.

Commission tables purchase of autonomous mowers

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The city commission voted unanimously to table the purchase of four new autonomous mowers valued at $67,500. A commissioner requested the item be removed from the consent agenda to request a more comprehensive presentation regarding the Parks and Recreation Department's total mowing fleet, usage data and existing outsourcing contracts. The item is rescheduled for the Feb. 3 legislative meeting.

Commission approves operations plan for transfer station during repairs

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Commissioners voted unanimously to keep the Riley County transfer station open during upcoming floor and chute repairs scheduled to begin in March. Public Works Assistant Director Evan McMillan presented two operational options: closing the facility entirely, which would force haulers to use neighboring counties, or operating a temporary transfer site on the premises. The commission selected the option that separates commercial and residential dumping to manage traffic flow, despite an estimated cost between $40,000 and $60,000 for temporary equipment compared to the $35,000 overhead cost of closing. The board agreed the service continuity justified the potential break-even or slight cost increase to accommodate spring cleanup demands.

County joins interlocal agreement for U.S. 24 corridor study

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The commission approved an interlocal cooperative agreement to formalize participation in the U.S. 24 Corridor Management Study. County Counselor Jacob Hansen presented the agreement, which obligates Riley County to contribute $115,833 toward the project and includes a provision that if project costs unexpectedly reach $1 million, the expense would be split equally by thirds between the participating entities. Hansen noted this is likely the final administrative step to lock in the long-discussed study involving the Kansas Department of Transportation and local municipalities to improve the corridor.

Safety concerns raised over traffic signal removal on K-13

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Safety issues regarding the intersection of Marlatt Avenue and K-13 were discussed following the removal of temporary traffic signals by the Kansas Department of Transportation. Reports indicated that at least one serious accident has occurred since the lights were removed, though KDOT engineers have indicated they believe traffic volumes will stabilize and drop now that the project is open, justifying the return to pre-project conditions. The commission indicated that further discussions and potential traffic studies may be necessary in the coming year if safety issues persist.

Community meeting set for Keats sewer project

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A community meeting regarding the Keats sewer infrastructure project is scheduled for Feb. 12, with a planning meeting set for Feb. 3 to finalize details. The county is currently waiting for final approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to put the project out for bid, a process that has been slowed by federal staffing shortages. The project involves significant infrastructure updates for the unincorporated community, and flyers are being distributed to inform residents of the upcoming informational session.

Commissioners debate discussion of police budget with city

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Tension arose regarding the agenda for an upcoming joint city-county meeting, specifically regarding a request by the city of Manhattan to discuss the Riley County Police Department budget. Questions were raised during the meeting about the necessity of the discussion, with commissioners noting that the RCPD budget is determined by the Law Board, not the city or county directly. While the commission acknowledged the city's desire to discuss the budget since it consumes a large portion of their funds, there was hesitation regarding the legal standing of such a discussion, with suggestions to seek an opinion on its constitutionality.

County attorney highlights sexual assault convictions

MANHATTAN, Kan. – During his departmental update, County Attorney Barry Wilkerson reflected on a heavy caseload of trials over the past year, specifically highlighting the conviction of Clark Petersen. Wilkerson noted the three-week trial involved a significant number of victims and has led to potential new legislation. Wilkerson stated the shame should be on the offender rather than the victim, commending those who have come forward to support others in subsequent sexual assault cases, and anticipated a busy year ahead with several violent crime and homicide trials expected.

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