Allegations surface of employee credit card abuse costing taxpayers $207,000

Approval given for $34,996 increase for contractor stormwater drainage project

City approves $49,300 digital audio upgrade for Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium

City to release mortgage on wellness center following loan repayment

City defends bidding and condemnation processes for dilapidated properties

Approval given for vacation of right-of-way for residential construction

Debate held over easing alcohol ordinance restrictions for bars and recreation venues

Pittsburg to celebrate 150th anniversary with community drone photo

Allegations surface of employee credit card abuse costing taxpayers $207,000

PITTSBURG, Kan. — At the close of Tuesday's city commission meeting in Pittsburg, a recent article in The Morning Sun that claimed there was no evidence of city credit card abuse was rebuked. Allegations surfaced that a city employee had allegedly abused city credit cards for months, potentially contributing to taxpayers being overcharged by an estimated $207,000 last year. While it was noted that 95 percent to 97 percent of employees follow purchasing policies properly, the allegedly fraudulent purchases had been unwittingly approved through the consent agenda's appropriation ordinance, prompting a deeper review of city expenses.

Approval given for $34,996 increase for contractor stormwater drainage project

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A $34,996.25 change order for a stormwater drainage improvement project was unanimously approved, raising the total contract to $334,996.25. Staff reported a 28-foot section of drainage pipe conflicted with an existing large water line. To resolve the issue, contractors will replace the round pipe with a square box design to provide enough clearance over the water line while still properly tying into the curb inlet.

City approves $49,300 digital audio upgrade for Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A $49,303.50 purchase of a new digital audio mixing console and related accessories for Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium was unanimously approved. The equipment will be purchased from Black Dog Productions of Joplin, Missouri, and funded through the auditorium's reserve account. The new console will replace an aging hybrid system from 2007, which will be kept on hand as an emergency backup.

City to release mortgage on wellness center following loan repayment

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Approval was unanimously given to release a third-position mortgage on the property at 1014 Mount Carmel Place, pending the final payoff of a 2013 economic development loan. The city originally approved $550,000 in loans to owners Brian and Gina Pinamonti to help expand their physical therapy practice into the Pinamonti Wellness Center. The release will be officially signed once the city receives the final repayment check.

City defends bidding and condemnation processes for dilapidated properties

PITTSBURG, Kan. — In response to public criticism regarding how demolition contracts are awarded, city officials stated sealed bids are only required for projects exceeding $20,000; smaller jobs require three quotes from local contractors. Staff also defended the city's condemnation process, noting structures requiring renovations exceeding 50 percent of their value face demolition orders. Officials said the city gives property owners a 30-day window to prove financial capability for renovations before moving forward with demolition.

Approval given for vacation of right-of-way for residential construction

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A request to vacate a right-of-way was unanimously approved, clearing the way for new single-family home construction. The unnamed applicant owns the surrounding vacant lots and plans to consolidate the parcels into a single property. As part of the agreement, the applicant will be required to extend the frontage road with asphalt or concrete to meet city specifications for fire and ambulance access.

Debate held over easing alcohol ordinance restrictions for bars and recreation venues

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A lengthy debate was held regarding the city's alcohol ordinance, discussing whether to level the playing field for traditional bars and newer recreational venues such as Main Street Axe Company and outdoor drink yards. Current ordinances provide exemptions for certain recreational venues and businesses with 60 percent food sales, allowing minors to be present on the premises. Revisions to the rules were discussed that focus on exterior access to non-bar restrooms, aiming to safely accommodate families while allowing long-standing establishments more opportunities to generate revenue.

Pittsburg to celebrate 150th anniversary with community drone photo

PITTSBURG, Kan. — As part of the city's ongoing sesquicentennial celebrations, Pittsburg will host a Founders Day community gathering on Wednesday, May 20, at 4 p.m. Residents are invited to the Gorilla Soccer Pitch across from the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts to form the number "150" for a commemorative drone photograph. City staff also encouraged residents to visit the Pittsburg 150 website to submit local events to the official anniversary calendar.

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