Herington commission authorizes loan documents, approves engineering contracts and advances zoning changes

The Herington City Commission on an August meeting authorized the mayor to sign current and future documents for the wastewater treatment facility loan application, approved a supplemental engineering agreement for the project, advanced zoning amendments to the next sequential ordinance number and set a final budget workshop.

Commission business opened with staff announcing a community open house on the capital-improvement plan and sealed-bid openings scheduled for 08/19/2025. The public hearing on wastewater revolving loan applications was opened and closed with no public speakers; staff noted signed affidavits and meeting minutes will be included with the loan application to substantiate the hearing.

On the wastewater project, the commission authorized the mayor to sign all current, pending and future documents related to the loan application after staff summarized five required documents: the loan application itself, a certification of cost-effectiveness, a public-participation affidavit, minutes from the public hearing and a certification regarding lobbying. Staff said discussions with KDHE may allow loan funds to be available as early as fall, which could accelerate construction timelines.

The commission approved a supplemental engineering agreement for design, bidding and construction-related services with compensation estimated at about $42,800 for design/bidding/construction services and up to $19,320 for construction observation. Staff explained the construction-observation amount is an upper limit and additional work would be negotiated if required.

Commissioners also approved a preliminary engineering service agreement for a KDOT-funded Safe Routes to School project; staff said the project is fully funded and the city’s primary responsibility is any right-of-way acquisition.

On land use, the commission moved an ordinance amending zoning regulations (Articles 6, 7 and 8) to the next sequential order. The amendments would permit accessory structures in rear yards to be set back as close as 5 feet from the rear setback line in many residential zones, a change intended to reduce variance requests for small sheds and similar structures.

Budget planning continued with agreement to hold a fourth open workshop on August 19 (time settled at 4:00 p.m.) to review an 87‑mill levy scenario and department-level questions ahead of the September public hearing.

Motions to recess into executive session to discuss preliminary acquisition of real property and personnel matters were made and approved, with the governing body, city manager and city attorney listed to attend and the option to call Commissioner Robin Bell by phone.

Votes at a glance - Motion to add agenda item 8a (KDAB loan application): approved by voice/roll call; no nays recorded. - Motion authorizing the mayor to sign all wastewater loan application documents: approved; no nays recorded. - Motion approving the supplemental engineering agreement for the wastewater project (authorize mayor signature): approved by roll call; recorded responses were 'Aye.' - Motion approving preliminary engineering/design agreement for Safe Routes to School (authorize signatures): approved. - Motion authorizing zoning ordinance amendments in the next sequential order for Articles 6, 7 and 8: approved by roll call; recorded responses were 'Aye.' - Motion to schedule a final budget workshop for August 19 at 4:00 p.m.: approved. - Motions to recess into executive session for real property and personnel matters: approved.

Next steps: staff said it will finalize loan paperwork and submit the application, proceed with the engineering contract work, publish ordinance amendments in the next ordinance sequence and prepare department presentations for the August 19 budget workshop.