Shawnee council approves Evergy easement, chapel change order; authorizes park and facilities bids

The City of Shawnee City Council on Feb. 24 approved a series of construction and infrastructure items, including an easement for Evergy to serve a new police canine kennel, a final change order for the Shawnee Town 1929 chapel and authorization to bid renovations to Garrett Park and the city facilities/IT building.

The council unanimously approved an easement allowing Evergy to provide electrical service to a new canine kennel at the police department. The council also approved a final change order for the Shawnee Town 1929 chapel on a 7–1 vote; city staff said the chapel’s ribbon-cutting and grand opening will be held Saturday, April 12.

Parks and Recreation Director Tanya Lehi presented final plans for a $3,800,000 renovation of Garrett Park funded through the Parks and Pipes sales tax. The project, which the council approved unanimously and authorized staff to bid, will make the park fully ADA-compliant and add new facilities, including two dedicated pickleball courts and a play structure designed for children ages 2–5. City staff estimated substantial completion tentatively by December of this year.

Deputy City Manager Colin Duffy presented final plans for renovations to the facilities and IT building at Johnson Drive and Canaan Street. The council voted unanimously to authorize staff to put the project out to bid.

Votes at a glance: 1) Easement for Evergy to provide power to police canine kennel unit — approved, unanimous. 2) Final change order for Shawnee Town 1929 chapel — approved 7–1; ribbon-cutting set for April 12. 3) Final plans for Garrett Park renovations (estimated cost $3,800,000, Parks and Pipes sales tax) — approved unanimously; staff authorized to bid. 4) Renovations to facilities and IT building at Johnson Drive and Canaan Street — authorization to bid approved unanimously.

No mover/second or roll-call vote by member name was recorded in the meeting summary for these items.