City approves $6.5 million bond issue for infrastructure and parks

City to complete automated water meter upgrades to fix billing glitches

High school students secure approval for downtown dog park

Commission orders overhaul of municipal credit card policy amid spending concerns

Downtown building roof contract sparks local bidder debate

Fire department expedites new aerial truck delivery

Building services pushes for stricter enforcement on unpermitted construction

Commission explores draft ordinance to regulate shipping containers

City warns residents to trim vegetation blocking sidewalks and streets

City approves $6.5 million bond issue for infrastructure and parks

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A resolution was unanimously approved to issue $6.5 million in general obligation bonds to fund a slate of major community projects. According to city staff, the 10-year bond will not increase the city's current mill levy. The funds will be directed toward several high-priority projects, including safety improvements at the intersections of U.S. Highway 69 at Kansas Highway 126 and West 20th Street, replacing deteriorating asphalt with concrete at the airport's taxi lane and installing turf infields at a city park's baseball and softball fields to prevent weather-related tournament cancellations. The bond will also partially fund a highly anticipated new soccer complex.

City to complete automated water meter upgrades to fix billing glitches

PITTSBURG, Kan. — As part of the $6.5 million bond package, the city will allocate roughly $700,000 to purchase the hardware needed to finalize its advanced metering system. Public works officials reported that a software glitch during the transition from drive-by reading to tower-based reading caused approximately 3,000 water meters to temporarily disconnect from the billing system, resulting in residents receiving estimated sewer and water charges over the winter. The new funding will purchase roughly 3,000 transmitting boxes, allowing the city to accurately read all municipal meters remotely and eliminate estimated billing.

High school students secure approval for downtown dog park

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Students from a local high school career program successfully presented their final design for a proposed downtown dog park. Evolving from previous concepts that included food truck parking and community greenspaces, the final $23,000 design features shaded areas, small and large dog sections and donated gazebos. The student group has already raised $75,000, utilizing a portion of the funds to demolish the site's previous structure. Once constructed, the dog park will be transferred to the city parks department for long-term maintenance.

Commission orders overhaul of municipal credit card policy amid spending concerns

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A lengthy and pointed debate took place during the meeting regarding the use of municipal purchasing cards, or P-cards, by city employees. Concern was expressed over instances of missing receipts and what were characterized during the public session as questionable purchases — including pool supplies, excessive restaurant meals and diapers, which were cited as lacking clear documentation of legitimate municipal use. City Manager Daron Hall noted that unauthorized purchases have been identified and funds reimbursed, and he agreed to draft a stricter purchasing policy. The new policy, expected to be presented next month, will likely significantly reduce the current 92 active cards and require stricter department head approvals for food and beverage purchases.

Downtown building roof contract sparks local bidder debate

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A $127,064 contract to replace the completely collapsed roof at the city-owned 616 N. Broadway building was awarded to Ridgeline Roofing & Solar LLC of Joplin, Missouri, sparking a debate over the city's local purchasing preference policy. Questions were raised over why the bid did not go to a local roofing company, which submitted a bid approximately $9,700 higher. Staff explained that the price difference exceeded the city's 5% allowable local preference margin and that Ridgeline offered a 21-day construction timeline. The new roof is a vital step in stabilizing the historic downtown building so the Pittsburg Land Bank can eventually sell it to a private developer.

Fire department expedites new aerial truck delivery

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A contract modification was unanimously approved to speed up the delivery of a new aerial fire apparatus from Pierce Manufacturing Inc. Facing a three-and-a-half-year wait for a custom 107-foot quint truck, Fire Chief Jack Spencer negotiated to switch the order to a stock model of the same length, reducing the delivery time to just seven months. The change will cost the city an additional $6,837, but the department will also trade in an out-of-service 2008 truck for $65,000. The chief noted the stock truck will be slightly shorter and lighter, negating the need for a rear-steer feature while still meeting the department's operational needs.

Building services pushes for stricter enforcement on unpermitted construction

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The city's building inspections office issued a public plea for commission support in cracking down on contractors and property owners performing construction work without proper permits. Staff reported a significant problem with individuals actively evading the permitting process, noting that permits are fundamentally a matter of public safety. Officials emphasized that local permit fees are exceptionally low — often under $60 for projects under $10,000 — and turnaround times are fast. The department warned that they plan to take violators to court and prosecute those caught working outside the law.

Commission explores draft ordinance to regulate shipping containers

PITTSBURG, Kan. — City staff introduced a preliminary draft ordinance aimed at regulating the placement and use of shipping containers within city limits. Officials estimate there are currently 50 to 60 shipping containers situated on properties across the municipality. While no formal action was taken, staff requested that the commission review the draft and provide feedback on how heavily the structures should be regulated or whether they should be permitted at all. It was agreed that a formal public discussion would be held on the proposed regulations at a meeting next month.

City warns residents to trim vegetation blocking sidewalks and streets

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A recent public notice was highlighted warning property owners to immediately trim overgrown trees, hedges and shrubbery that obstruct sidewalks, streets and alleys. The notice serves as the city's official warning to residents that foliage must be maintained to ensure safe travel and clear lines of sight for pedestrians and vehicles, including city trash trucks. If property owners fail to clear the rights of way, city crews will perform the trimming themselves and assess the costs directly to the owner's property taxes.

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