Gary Norris appointed to fill city commission vacancy

Controversial $2.16 million water main replacement contract approved

City manager defends water quality following EPA testing

Independent report prompts overhaul of Salina Animal Shelter

City purchases property for landfill soil needs

Theatre Salina receives $410,000 in downtown TIF funds for expansion

Rezoning paves way for potential Motel 6 apartment conversion

Gary Norris appointed to fill city commission vacancy

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina City Commission appointed former USD 305 Superintendent Gary Norris on Aug. 24 to fill a vacancy created by the July 24 resignation of former Commissioner and Vice Mayor Jerry Ivey II. Using Robert's Rules of Order, the commission voted 3-1 to appoint Norris over two other nominees, Haley Helzer and Brian Weisel. Vice Mayor Trent W. Davis M.D., Commissioner Greg Lenkiewicz, and Mayor Michael L. Hoppock voted in favor of Norris, while Commissioner Doug Rempp cast the lone dissenting vote. Norris, whose unexpired term will run through January 2028, is scheduled to be formally seated at the Sept. 14 meeting.

Controversial $2.16 million water main replacement contract approved

SALINA, Kan. — The commission approved a $2.16 million contract with Diehl Enterprises Inc. for water main replacements in a 2-1 vote, with Mayor Michael L. Hoppock recusing himself and Commissioner Doug Rempp casting the dissenting vote. The award followed a debate during which commissioners questioned the low bidder's experience with water main infrastructure replacement. City staff defended the vetting process, and company president Staton Diehl addressed the commission to outline his team's capabilities, citing recent and ongoing water line projects in Salina, Magnolia Hills, Abilene, and Concordia.

City manager defends water quality following EPA testing

SALINA, Kan. — Recent water tests conducted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency showed no bacteria or elevated heavy metals in Salina's water, according to an update from City Manager Jacob Wood. Addressing community concerns over Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Wood stated the city does not treat for the naturally occurring minerals, as the EPA considers TDS an aesthetic issue rather than a health risk. Wood acknowledged intermittent issues with rust from aging pipes but maintained the municipal water supply is strictly regulated and safe to drink.

Independent report prompts overhaul of Salina Animal Shelter

SALINA, Kan. — City Manager Jacob Wood announced the city is seeking a third-party management company for the Salina Animal Shelter following an independent evaluation by consultant Tim Crum of Animal Shelter Services, LLC, who reported that the facility's problems were "serious, systemic, and touched nearly every operational domain". Wood confirmed the shelter is currently operating at minimal capacity, accepting emergency intakes only and functioning without an in-house veterinarian following recent staff turnover. The official update preceded extensive public comment from citizens demanding accountability from city leadership regarding the shelter's documented health, safety, and operational deficiencies.

City purchases property for landfill soil needs

SALINA, Kan. — The city will purchase a 160-acre tract of land adjacent to the Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill for $725,000 to secure dirt for daily cover and liner construction. The 4-0 vote authorizes the purchase from the Harold E. Swanson Trust using solid waste reserve funds. While the negotiated price of approximately $4,531 per acre is slightly above the appraised value, Public Works Director Ron Marsh noted the property will conservatively provide 1.5 million cubic yards of material, ultimately saving the city money compared to hauling dirt from outside sources.

Theatre Salina receives $410,000 in downtown TIF funds for expansion

SALINA, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved an upfront payment of $410,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to aid a $4.7 million expansion of Theatre Salina. The commission amended the master development agreement with Salina 2020 to allow the funds — typically reserved for new businesses and paid out over time — to be used for the existing theater's educational and technical storage expansion. Proponents noted the theater's significant economic impact on downtown restaurants and hotels, and city officials stated the upfront payment will save the TIF fund from paying interest.

Rezoning paves way for potential Motel 6 apartment conversion

SALINA, Kan. — A 3.96-acre tract on West Diamond Drive currently housing a Motel 6 was unanimously rezoned from C7 Highway Commercial to C5 Service Commercial. The change makes the property eligible for a future conditional use permit to convert the existing motel into a 66-unit residential apartment complex featuring studio and one-bedroom units. Any future apartment conversion will require further planning commission approval.

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