A new sanitary sewer extension and the vacation of a right-of-way were two items on the agenda at the regular meeting of the city commission on Wednesday, October 7. Mayor Ashley Hutchinson attended the meeting via Zoom.
The meeting began with a proclamation that makes October 2026, the Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Concordia.
In the action item portion of the meeting, commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Smoky Hill, LLC, to construct Project SS-2026-Industrial Park, a sanitary sewer main
extension project, for the amount of $190,693.20.
This project was necessity to provide a new sanitary sewer main to Lots 12, 13, and 14 in the Concordia Industrial Park, which are being developed by Sunflower Electric Power Corporation through a development agreement with the City.
Plans and specifications were designed by Campbell & Johnson, P.A.; a public bid letting was set for September 21, 2026, and invitations were sent out to contractors to submit proposals for the sanitary sewer main extension project.
Nine companies requested plans and specifications for review. Four companies submitted proposals for the project: Hood Heating, Air and Electric from Concordia, Nowak Construction Co. from Goddard, Smoky Hill, LLC from Salina, and J&K Contracting, Inc. from Junction City.
A public bid opening was held, and Smoky Hill, LLC, was read as the low bidder. Their bid is 17% lower than Campbell & Johnson, P.A.’s engineer’s estimate and 13% lower than the next highest proposal.
Smoky Hill, LLC, has completed numerous other projects successfully for the City, including the recent Highway 81 pavement replacement near the viaduct, a recent public water main extension south of the Cloud County Sheriff’s Office, and the downtown alley reconstruction project north of 6th Street.
In their next item of business, the commission unanimously approved Ordinance 2026-3248 that vacates a portion of the 10th Street right-of-way.
The vacation affects a portion of the 10th Street right-of-way, which currently serves as the Dairy Queen entrance from U.S. Highway 81. Sunflower Stores, LLC, the owner of the property, has requested the vacation in connection with plans to redevelop the Dairy Queen property.
The proposed redevelopment would use the two adjoining lots owned by Sunflower Stores, LLC: the lot on which the existing Dairy Queen building is located, and the adjacent lot to the north.
The Planning Commission considered the request at its public hearing on September 22, 2026, and recommended approval by a vote of 6–1.
In its final action of the evening, commissioners approved the appointment of Janet Pearson to the Frank Carlson Library board of trustees. Her term will run from November 1, 2026, to April 30, 2030.
Interim City Manager Glenn Rodden reported to commissioners that three candidates will be interviewed for the Chief of Police position beginning October 20. Current Chief Brent Gering is retiring on November 6.
The City's Fire/EMS Chief John Christensen reported to commissioners that his department's annual pancake feed hosted over 100 people and generated about $1800 in donations. A raffle was also held that raised $1000. After expenses, the proceeds will be used to help pay for the department's replacement of its Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment.
Via Zoom, Mayor Ashley Hutchinson reported that the City currently has nine applicants for the city manager position. Profiles will be prepared for the commissioners to review within the next few weeks. Mayor Hutchinson stated that by early November, the City will interview a final list of candidates.
With no further items on the agenda, the meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
