Lindsborg – Week of June 22 2025
Bond Surplus Redirected; Future Stormwater Projects; Paving Quality Legal Action?; New Gas Franchise; Mosquito Control
Council Redirects Bond Surplus to Fund Street and City Hall Repairs Amid Debate
Council Voices Urgency on Moving Forward with Future Stormwater Projects
City Exploring Legal Options Over Quality of Recent Paving Projects
Lindsborg Approves New 20-Year Gas Franchise, Expands Fee to More Customers
Council Approves Funds for Mosquito Control
1. Council Redirects Bond Surplus to Fund Street and City Hall Repairs Amid Debate
The Lindsborg City Council has approved using surplus funds from the Garfield Drainage Project for other city needs, but not before a lengthy debate on the financial implications. The council voted to reallocate the money to fund a mill and overlay for Union and Green Streets and to replace the HVAC system at City Hall. The decision followed a detailed discussion about alternative options, including paying down the original bond debt early. A council member noted they had received a call from a resident who was concerned about using storm-water bond funds for non-storm-water projects, especially when other drainage work in the city is not yet complete. The council ultimately passed four separate resolutions to designate the streets as main trafficways and authorize the use of the bond proceeds for the street and HVAC improvements.
2. Council Voices Urgency on Moving Forward with Future Stormwater Projects
Following a debate on the use of storm-water bond funds, council members expressed a desire to see the next phase of the city’s storm-water mitigation plan brought forward for a vote. The discussion arose after a council member mentioned a citizen’s concern about reallocating a surplus from one drainage project while other storm-water issues remain unaddressed. Council members agreed it was time to review and act on the next steps, which include projects on the north end of Cow Creek and the diversion channel.
3. City Exploring Legal Options Over Quality of Recent Paving Projects
In response to public complaints, a city official confirmed that Lindsborg is actively looking into its options regarding the quality of work on two recent paving projects. During the “other business” portion of the meeting, a council member raised the issue, stating that comments from the public on the matter have continued. A city staff member responded, “We understand there’s an issue… and right now we’re exploring our options under the direction of our city attorney.” No further details on the specific projects or issues were provided.
4. Lindsborg Approves New 20-Year Gas Franchise, Expands Fee to More Customers
The City Council approved a new 20-year franchise agreement with Kansas Gas Service that will now require all customers within city limits to pay a 3% franchise fee. The previous agreement exempted "transport customers"—typically large businesses that purchase natural gas from a third-party marketer but use Kansas Gas pipelines for delivery. The change is intended to "level the playing field" so that all entities using the gas infrastructure contribute to the franchise fee. City staff reported that there are currently five transport customers who will be affected by the change. The inclusion of these customers is expected to increase the city's annual franchise fee revenue by approximately $3,400.
5. Council Approves Funds for Mosquito Control
The city will purchase a 55-gallon drum of Biomist for $5,434 to control the local mosquito population. The Street Department alternates its control substance every couple of years to prevent mosquitoes from developing an immunity. A 55-gallon drum will provide enough material for about eight sprayings, which typically covers an entire season. In response to a question about safety, a city representative assured the council that the product is not harmful to humans or pets and that spraying is conducted in the evening when pollinators like bees and butterflies are no longer active.
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Sources
- https://www.facebook.com/LindsborgCity/videos/1869892660528534
- https://www.facebook.com/LindsborgCity/videos/1869892660528534
- https://www.facebook.com/LindsborgCity/videos/1869892660528534
- https://www.facebook.com/LindsborgCity/videos/1869892660528534
- https://www.facebook.com/LindsborgCity/videos/1869892660528534
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Contact: greg@loql.ai
