Commission authorizes pump replacement; manager reports grants and cyberattack review

Arkansas City commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter into a contract with FTC Equipment to replace two pumps at the Edna Davis lift station for an amount not to exceed $13,410, excluding shipping.

Environmental services staff told the commission one pump had been taken to a repair shop, which recommended replacement as the cheaper option, and that the pumps had been in place since the 1990s or early 2000s. "They essentially said you gotta buy a new pump, it'd be cheaper," the presenter said. The commission moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote.

In a separate city-manager update, the city announced it had been awarded a federal Safe Streets for All grant of $240,000 and a Building Kansas Fund grant of $57,000. The manager said the city will contribute a $3,000 local match to pair with the state funds, producing roughly $300,000 total to analyze traffic patterns and crashes and to examine traffic safety in areas including the north end of town.

The city manager also reported the review of a cyberattack on the water treatment plant is complete and, according to the manager, "there was no personal information compromised in that attack." City IT will proceed with server replacements and security upgrades to reduce the chance of future incidents.

Staff also noted plans to schedule a strategic planning retreat with commissioners and staff to set priorities for the coming year.