Resident urges mosquito treatment and clearer construction hours after drainage work; city staff outlines causes and timeline

At the Sept. 23 public forum, resident Bob Darnell said standing water and remaining Johnsongrass behind his property at 1618 East Lancaster Drive are causing mosquito problems and asked whether the city could place mosquito “pucks” in the pooled areas. He also complained that barricades at a Park Avenue bridge remain in place even when work crews are not visible.

“Is there anything that could be done, maybe like the city going there and put those mosquito pucks in that pool of water?” Darnell asked.

City staff responded that recent heavy rains have slowed the grading work and that contractors have dammed sections of the drainage channel to keep work areas dry; staff said crews are addressing waterline lowerings at crossings and that the overall project is long and is anticipated to continue into late this year or early next year.

Staff said some barricaded crossings cannot be opened because work has moved into structural elements and public safety would be a concern if traffic were allowed through unfinished crossings. Regarding mosquitoes, staff said public works does have insect‑control dunks available and that the Sedgwick County Health Department also distributes free dunks to residents; staff offered to place dunks in the standing water.

Darnell also said a contractor did not remove Johnson grass near his fence as promised; staff acknowledged the concern and said wet conditions have limited grading and vegetation removal.

Council did not take formal action; staff advised that they have provided dunks in other areas where mosquito problems occurred and will follow up with the resident.