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Council approves application for Johnson County stormwater grant to fix City Lake dam
Summary
Staff requested and the council approved an application to Johnson County’s Stormwater Management Program to fund half of an estimated $1.2 million City Lake dam improvement; motion carried 5‑0.
The council voted to authorize staff to apply for a Stormwater Management Program (SMP) grant from Johnson County to fund improvements to the City Lake Dam and surrounding Veterans Park. Staff estimated the project cost at roughly $1.2 million and said the county program could cover 50% of the cost, leaving a local match of about $600,000.
City Engineer Allison Abel said the dam—constructed in the 1950s—requires upgrades to meet current Kansas Department of Agriculture standards, including additional freeboard; the recommended approach is to construct a concrete barrier along the dam and to perform other measures identified during a professional inspection. Abel told the council the city engaged a consultant for the dam inspection and that repairs were identified in the consultant’s presentation at an earlier meeting.
Funding approach: Abel said the city’s newly created stormwater utility fund projects about $800,000 of annual revenue and staff believes there will be capacity to provide the local match. The council and staff discussed the project alongside other stormwater priorities; one councilmember urged caution on prioritizing the dam work ahead of a sidewalk/street project on South Street, while others supported pursuing the grant first because of the grant opportunity.
Motion and vote: The council approved the motion to file the SMP grant application for City Lake Dam improvements. Vote: motion carried 5‑0.
Why it matters: Staff said compliance with state dam safety standards is required and that failing to address the issues could create regulatory or liability exposure. The decision to seek grant funding limits the immediate local cost exposure while allowing the city to advance a design and, if awarded, enter a funded agreement with Johnson County.
Next steps: If selected for grant funding, staff will return with a grant agreement and scope of work and will coordinate timing and budget for the local match.
