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Arkansas City commission: code adoptions, grant closeout and multiple contracts approved
Summary
The Arkansas City Commission on Nov. 4 adopted new building and traffic codes, closed out a $300,000 CDBG housing-rehab grant, and approved contracts for a trail extension and water-well upgrades while renewing employee benefit plans.
Arkansas City commissioners approved a package of ordinances, resolutions and contracts during their Nov. 4 meeting, including adoption of updated building codes, formal closeout of a community development block grant and acceptance of bids for parks and water system projects.
In a roll-call vote the commission adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code and the 2024 International Code Council family of codes; staff said the move updates local safety standards and ‘‘will also help us on the ISO rating for the insurance,’’ a staff presenter said. The change is scheduled for implementation Jan. 1, 2025; permits active before adoption will remain under the prior code, staff said.
On the grant front, the commission voted to close out Community Development Block Grant 22HRD-1, a reimbursement grant with a maximum award of $300,000 intended for housing rehabilitation. Megan Unruh, grant administrator with South Central Kansas Economic Development, told the commission the grant ‘‘allows up to $25,000 per property for necessary rehabilitation of structures for low to moderate income residents.’’ No members of the public spoke during the required hearing.
The commission accepted a bid for the Hike & Bike Trail Extension Phase 2 and agreed to accept federal KDOT funds while committing $296,000 in city matching funds. Staff described the route as starting at Parrish Park, following the Mill Canal, tying into the athletic facility and returning to the levee trail.
Separately, the commission approved a resolution to accept a Wildcat Construction Company bid to install a generator and platforms at water-supply well No. 16 for an amount not to exceed $637,300; staff said the generator will be able to run two wells and tie into other sites.
The body also adopted two ordinance packages by reference from the League of Kansas Municipalities: the 51st edition Standard Traffic Ordinance (2024) and the 40th edition Uniform Public Offense Code (2024). City staff noted a small number of amendments intended to remove certain non-driving infractions from license-penalty consequences and to reflect recent legislative changes affecting drug-possession immunity.
Motion and vote details: most routine items passed on voice vote. The code and ordinance adoptions were approved on roll-call votes with commissioners recorded as voting in favor; the grant closeout and capital project authorizations carried by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will implement the code-adoption timeline, complete contract documents for awarded bids and return to the commission with any required budget amendments for water-department expenses.
