Council approves draft interlocal agreement with Recreation Commission for Chieftain Park renovation

The Tonganoxie City Council unanimously approved a draft interlocal agreement with the Tonganoxie Recreation Commission to support a major renovation of Chieftain Park, including playground replacement and related park improvements.

Staff explained the agreement is one step in a multi-layered project. The council approval would be followed by Rec Commission and school-district approvals as applicable, and then the agreement would be forwarded to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, which has 90 days to deny, approve or take no action (in which case it is considered approved after 90 days). Procurement, lease-purchase financing to fund the equipment and installation, and an operating lease clarifying roles were identified as outstanding items that must be finalized before contracts for equipment procurement are executed.

Staff noted the Rec Commission proposed a five-year repayment schedule and a maximum budget of $1 million for the project; staff cautioned that catalog prices vary widely and that design/procurement approach (design-build versus separate design and equipment contracts) is still under consideration. Brad Echols, director of the Tonganoxie Recreation Commission, attended and discussed potential supplier relationships and timing. Council members asked about accessibility for children with disabilities and timing; staff and the Rec Commission said an install in a winter season is being considered to minimize impacts on peak park use, with install durations dependent on weather and scope.

A motion to adopt the resolution authorizing approval of the draft interlocal agreement passed unanimously. Staff will continue work on procurement approach, lease-purchase financing, and a final operating lease before equipment contracts are executed.