The Shawnee County Commission convened on September 22, 2025, to address several key infrastructure projects, focusing on bridge maintenance and improvements to the treatment plant.

The meeting began with a discussion on the maintenance of a local bridge, which is entirely owned by Shawnee County. The proposal involves redecking and repainting the bridge, which is expected to extend its lifespan by another 50 years. The current decking material is concrete, and the project will require the bridge to be closed during construction. A motion was made to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design and construction engineering, which passed unanimously with a vote of 3 to 0.

Following the bridge discussion, the commission considered a contract with Burns McDonnell and CES Constructors for professional engineering services related to the treatment plant. This project aims to assess the plant's operational and structural conditions, prioritizing necessary improvements to meet Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) requirements. The assessment is expected to take 270 days and will result in a detailed list of projects needed for the plant's enhancement over the next 20 to 30 years. Funding for this project will come from a combination of a KDHE loan and user fees from the Sherwood District 2 fund. A motion to approve the contract was also passed unanimously, with a vote of 3 to 0.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the commission's commitment to maintaining and improving essential infrastructure within Shawnee County, ensuring long-term service and compliance with regulatory standards.