Commission honors city attorney for 40 years of service

City announces reception for retiring attorney

Staff recommends $54,900 contract for new cultural strategic plan

Report highlights economic impact of regional arts marketing

Arts director details public art policy success

Commission approves $256,000 for ambulance remount and equipment

Saline County Commission proposes moratorium on battery storage and data centers

County approves $1.15 million for asphalt maintenance

Ohio Street drainage project awarded to Malm Construction

Repairs moving forward for Country Club Road rail crossing

External funding from alcohol tax to cease in 2027

Saline County Senior Services reports progress on $934,000 renovation grant

Voter registration deadline set for pit bull ordinance special election

Commission honors city attorney for 40 years of service

SALINA, Kan. - The Salina City Commission unanimously approved a resolution recognizing City Attorney Greg Bengtson for four decades of service to the municipality. Bengtson, who has served in the role since Jan. 1, 1986, was commended for his navigation of complex legal issues and his commitment to lawful governance. Commissioners noted Bengtson's vital role in guiding the commission's decision-making processes over the years.

City announces reception for retiring attorney

SALINA, Kan. - Following the approval of a resolution honoring his service, the city commission announced a public reception for City Attorney Greg Bengtson. The event is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. at the Great Plains Conference Center inside the Tony's Pizza Event Center. The city presented Bengtson with a plaque and a copy of the resolution during the meeting to mark his upcoming departure.

Staff recommends $54,900 contract for new cultural strategic plan

SALINA, Kan. - Brad Anderson, executive director of Salina Arts & Humanities, presented a proposal to hire Keen Independent Research Inc. to conduct a new cultural assessment and strategic plan for the city. The proposed contract, valued at $54,901, aims to update the city's cultural roadmap, replacing the previous "Big Ideas" plan adopted in 2009. Anderson noted that the update is timely as the department celebrates its 60th anniversary and prepares for future community changes.

Report highlights economic impact of regional arts marketing

SALINA, Kan. - During a presentation on cultural planning, city staff reported significant economic engagement resulting from the 2009 cultural plan. Executive Director Brad Anderson revealed that 72 percent of ticket sales at the Stiefel Theatre and approximately 40 percent of sales at the Salina Community Theatre now originate from outside Saline County. These figures were cited as evidence of the success of the Cultural Arts Regional Marketing Program implemented following the previous strategic planning session.

Arts director details public art policy success

SALINA, Kan. - Staff reported that since the adoption of the 2009 cultural plan, more than 100 new works of art have been installed in public rights of way, parks and public buildings. Brad Anderson, executive director of Salina Arts & Humanities, highlighted that the updated public art policy has streamlined the process for private citizens to donate art to public spaces. He cited recent examples, including donations to the Magnolia Soccer Complex and Lakewood Park, as evidence of improved community engagement.

Commission approves $256,000 for ambulance remount and equipment

SALINA, Kan. - Commissioners authorized the expenditure of up to $255,900.44 for emergency medical equipment. The approval allows for an ambulance remount by Emergency Services Supply and the purchase of a new EMS cot from Stryker Medical. The item passed without discussion during the 5-0 vote on the consent agenda.

Saline County Commission proposes moratorium on battery storage and data centers

SALINA, Kan. — A Saline County commissioner proposed a moratorium on all battery energy storage systems and data centers within the county extending through the end of 2028. Citing concerns regarding public safety and water usage, the proposal suggested following the lead of Harvey and Sedgwick counties to allow the planning commission adequate time to research the industries. The Saline County Commission agreed to discuss the potential moratorium further at an upcoming retreat.

County approves $1.15 million for asphalt maintenance

SALINA, Kan. — The Saline County Commission voted 4-0 to award a bid to APAC-Kansas, Inc. for asphalt paving, milling and aggregate shoulder work totaling $1.15 million. The 2026 maintenance projects will cover Water Well Road from Ohio Street to the Smoky Hill River bridge, Mentor Road from Old Highway 81 to Ohio Street, and a section of Burma Road. County Engineer Justin Mader noted that funds will be drawn from the contractual asphalt budget and the special highway improvement fund.

Ohio Street drainage project awarded to Malm Construction

SALINA, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved a bid of $810,873 from Malm Construction Co. for improvements to Ohio Street. The project, spanning two miles from the bridge near Minor Street north to Water Well Road, involves replacing drainage pipes and elevating the roadway approximately 18 inches to reduce stormwater overtopping. Construction must be completed by Nov. 13, though Mader noted the contractor intends to begin work this spring.

Repairs moving forward for Country Club Road rail crossing

SALINA, Kan. — Repairs to the railroad crossing on Country Club Road are progressing, with Scoular Grain engaging a contractor to mill down the asphalt and repave the area between the tracks. While the railroad and grain company are funding the repairs, Saline County has agreed to assist by providing traffic control and road closures during the work.

External funding from alcohol tax to cease in 2027

SALINA, Kan. — County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes announced that 2026 will be the final year the county awards grants to community organizations from the special alcohol fund. Beginning in 2027, all proceeds from this fund will be directed to Community Corrections to offset anticipated state funding cuts of over $100,000. The change is intended to preserve counseling services provided by the department related to drug and alcohol abuse prevention.

Saline County Senior Services reports progress on $934,000 renovation grant

SALINA, Kan. — Senior Services Director Rosie Welter updated the commission on the status of a Community Development Block Grant for facility improvements. The $934,460 project, which requires a county match, includes a new parking lot, roof replacement and exterior lighting. Welter noted that additional grants are being pursued to cover unforeseen code requirements, such as mandatory landscaping and trash enclosures.

Voter registration deadline set for pit bull ordinance special election

SALINA, Kan. — The Saline County Clerk's Office announced that a special election regarding the repeal of the city of Salina's pit bull ordinance is scheduled for Feb. 24. The election applies only to residents within the incorporated city limits of Salina. Residents must be registered to vote by Jan. 26 to automatically receive a ballot by mail.

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