Members of the Emporia city commission breezed through a light agenda Wednesday, approving bids for two projects and approving three resolutions. Commissioners also authorized Mayor Jeff Longbine to sign a proclamation declaring June as Zoo Month in Emporia.
The first bid approved was for $17,810 to PEC of Wichita to prepare a nutrient study for the Emporia Wastewater Treatment Plant. The study is a requirement under the Kansas Water Pollution Control Permit and Authorization to Discharge under the National Discharge Elimination System. The city received the permit in April, 2008 with a stipulation that studies be conducted to assess the ability of the plant to meet effluent nutrient goals. The studies will evaluate the costs associated with meeting each of the three nutrient level goals as they have been identified.
Commissioners also approved a bid of $43,374 to Shown-Carter Construction for a water main project that will extend and loop the existing water main across Merchant Street near 18th Avenue to improve water service and provide fire protection to the Villa apartments being built at the location of the old University Inn.
Commissioners then approved a resolution approving a recent draft of the city’s five-year capital improvement plan. The commission has gone over several drafts of the CIP, which includes all of the capital projects, equipment and vehicles the city anticipates needing over the next five years. Items included in the 2010 portion of the CIP will be considered when commissioners plan the budget for the 2010 fiscal year.
A resolution approving changes to the Economic Development Loan Policy was passed after review by the commission and the Regional Development Association. The loans are issued to promote economic development and provide money for each job created by the business receiving the loan.
Two changes were made to the loan policy — one change sets the floor of the loan’s interest at 4 percent; the other change is to limit the cumulative amount of loans to no more than $200,000.
Commissioners also passed a debt-collection policy affecting the collection of water, sewer and solid waste charges; ambulance charges; roll-off charges and miscellaneous accounts receivable.
According to the policy, accounts that are more than 60 days overdue will be referred to the city attorney for further collection efforts. Accounts may be referred to the state of Kansas Set-off program.
After the regular meeting, commissioners held a short study session to discuss a master agreement with the Emporia Recreation Commission.
The agreement will be meant to specify who will be responsible for operating and maintaining the city’s recreational facilities, including the numerous ball fields throughout the city and operations at the Lee Beran Recreation Center. The agreement, which officials hope will be completed this summer, is necessary before the ERC goes to the school board to request an additional two mills for operational and maintenance costs.