Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City manager updates: water/wastewater permitting, new wells and towers, hike‑bike trail delay
Summary
City manager briefed the commission on several infrastructure items, including planning for phosphorus limits in the next wastewater permit cycle, progress on new water-supply towers and wells, a generator backorder delaying full system installation, and a June 2 start date for the hike‑bike trail.
City manager provided a multi‑topic operational update to the Arkansas City Commission, touching on airport economic development outreach, upcoming community events, and several infrastructure projects.
On water and wastewater, staff said the city is beginning planning for the next permit cycle with an emphasis on phosphorus limits and early preparation for potential nitrogen requirements. Staff said prior plant renovations completed a few years ago will need reassessment for treatment strategy: the city will evaluate whether adding mechanical treatment for phosphorus would be less expensive over time than chemical treatment and operations. The city has a meeting scheduled in Topeka on June 18 with Tom Stiles (who is retiring) to seek guidance before regulatory staff turnover.
On supply projects, staff reported two new towers are erected for a supply well project; pumps and related equipment are expected to be installed before the generator delivery, which was reported as back‑ordered and not due until October or November. Staff said the wells will require testing and that adequate river flow will be necessary for accurate testing. Geotechnical borings were performed to about 40 feet to inform tower base design.
On capital projects and scheduling, the manager said the hike‑bike trial contractor start date was pushed back and the new start date is June 2; the contract includes a liquidated damages clause. A ribbon cutting for wayfinding signs was scheduled for June 5. A budget workshop will be held June 6 at the water treatment plant with the city auditor scheduled to meet with commissioners at 11 a.m.
The manager also noted the city reviews inflation indexes and bond market reports (Piper Sandler) in budget planning; year‑to‑date CPI was reported at about 1.54 percent in the transcript and prior years’ CPI values were summarized.
Commissioners asked about traffic signal timing and synchronization at local intersections; staff said it will coordinate with police and traffic engineers and may present recommendations to remove some signals where they are no longer needed.
