Arkansas City Commission approves pay changes, grant agreements, infrastructure work and temporary alcohol permits

Arkansas City commissioners approved a package of ordinances and resolutions covering personnel changes for Environmental Services, engineering representation for a water treatment project, a KDOT bridge grant agreement, temporary alcohol-permit measures for downtown events, a Community Development Block Grant application for parks improvements and several equipment and construction actions.

The measures were presented across multiple agenda items and were adopted by roll call or voice votes following staff presentations and brief discussion. The measures include an ordinance adopting a budgeted pay plan for Environmental Services positions effective May 17, 2025; a resolution engaging Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) as the city’s owner’s representative for a green sand filter improvement project; a KDOT Local Bridge Improvement Program agreement to replace the F Street Bridge; approval of temporary licensed-premises extensions tied to downtown events; certification to apply for Kansas Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds for parks and recreation upgrades; a change order on a Well 16 project; authorization to purchase a fire pump and gearbox for Engine 51; and acceptance of a quote for a Knox master key control system.

The pay-plan ordinance adds a three-level line replacement maintenance worker classification (1–3) and distribution/collection lead roles for Environmental Services. Staff said two positions will be funded in 2025 from the vacancy created by the assistant environmental services superintendent; other positions will be added to personnel budgets beginning in 2026.

On the water-treatment project, staff said the city received a revolving loan with partial forgiveness from KH and E for a green sand filter. Burns and Mac will serve as design-build engineer for the project; PEC will serve as the city’s representative to review pay requests and manage project paperwork. PEC’s contract was authorized for an amount not to exceed $117,650; the city will pay that amount from the water treatment facility capital improvement budget rather than the loan proceeds.

Commissioners also approved an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for participation in the Kansas Local…