Commission approves water main extension
CITY COMMISSION
A plan to extend the water main in the South Development, and modifying a city ordinance that would allow golf carts and utility vehicles to drive on city streets, were some of the discussion and action items at the regular meeting of the city commission on Wednesday.
City manager Amy Lange presented a proposal for extending the water main in the South Development to the city commission.
When the flood control project was designed and constructed (2011-2016), several lots were graded
to ensure they were at or above the height of the 21st Street dam, and utilities were extended in
anticipation of future commercial development in the area. This area was dubbed “South Development.”
However, four tracts adjacent to US Highway 81/ Lincoln Street were not served with water. Pizza Hut is connected to the water main on the east side of US Highway 81/Lincoln Street. Taco John's ultimately connected to the former Shady Lake Motel’s service line after several unsuccessful attempts to bore under US Highway 81/ Lincoln Street. The three tracts between Taco John's and College Drive are not currently served.
Lange said that recent conversations with the owner of the tract immediately south of Taco John's revealed development of this tract is imminent; therefore, there is an urgent need to provide water to this site. She said that, based on experience with the Taco John's development, the city does not believe that boring under US Highway 81/ Lincoln Street would be successful. The solution is to extend an 8-inch water main from 21st Street to College Drive.
The current estimated cost of this water main extension is $240,170 and includes design and construction observation valued at $26,000. The property owner’s pro-rated share is estimated at $55,000. The remaining cost would be borne by the city, with a pro-rated portion to be recovered at the time Lots 1 and 2 are developed. The city’s share of funding would be $65,170 from the capital improvement plan (CIP) and $120,000 from the water fund.
The next steps include entering into a design contract with an engineering firm, completing the design
work, obtaining design review and approval from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE), bidding the work, and constructing the water main extension. This work may need to be done simultaneously with the private development construction on this site in order to meet the targeted business opening date.
After a brief discussion, the commission approved entering into a professional services agreement with Campbell & Johnson Engineering to begin design work on this project immediately.
In other action, the city commission voted to approve amending Ordinance No. 2022-3189 to allow the operation of work-site utility vehicles, golf carts, and micro-utility trucks on city streets.
The commission had requested that city staff consider updating this ordinance to allow golf carts on city streets for those who drive their golf carts from their homes to the golf course. Additionally, with the recent and significant increase in fuel prices, there is increased use of work-site utility vehicles, micro trucks, and golf carts on city streets.
The city commission reviewed a draft ordinance during a study session on July 6, 2022, and requested the addition of an annual registration requirement, including a $25 registration fee to cover administrative expenses and supplies.
During the registration process, the requirements of verification of vehicle ownership, insurance, and driver’s license will be verified, and a registration sticker and numbered orange flag will be issued with the expectation they will be affixed to the vehicle. Owners will be responsible to ensure their vehicle is properly equipped and insured to operate on the road per the ordinance.
The commission specifically excluded lawn mowers from this ordinance, choosing instead to rely on the standard traffic ordinance for enforcement of the use of lawn mowers on city streets.
During the information session, the city commission reviewed updates and bids on replacing the Christmas tree for the Broadway Plaza. The current 14-foot-tall tree, purchased in 2017, suffered significant damage during the windstorm last year.