Gardner City — The Economic and Community Development Committee voted April 4 to keep on its agenda a report on the Mackay Park project after staff reported work is stalled while awaiting Verizon to complete communications "double pulls."

Director Stevens told the committee the department is blocked until Verizon finishes the identified work. "The only update I have is both the representative from Time Bond, the project engineer Alexander Bagnant, had called Verizon. I had also called Verizon because we are waiting for them to finish up the work on the double pulls," Stevens said. "Until that's able to get completed, my hands are kind of tied with what else I can do aside from call them and just reiterate that this work is needed so that other work can continue."

Committee members urged staff to put follow-up requests in writing so there is a public record and recommended obtaining contact information for a Verizon representative. A committee member suggested that a written email to Verizon would create a record to track responses; Stevens agreed to do so and said he would try to capture the contact information and follow up to produce a record for future meetings.

Motion and disposition: A motion to keep item 11454 (report on the investigation of the Mackay Park project) on the Economic and Community Development agenda was made by Council President Tyrone and seconded by Councilor Keith; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: The Mackay Park project cannot proceed while the city awaits completion of telecommunications work by an outside utility vendor, which in turn prevents encumbrance and continuation of other project tasks. The delay affects project scheduling and encumbrance of funds tied to subsequent work.

Next steps: Staff will follow up with Verizon by phone and email, attempt to capture a specific contact, and report back at a future committee meeting. The committee kept item 11454 on the calendar for ongoing updates.