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Tonganoxie OKs lease‑purchase financing for Chieftain Park; approves leases, vehicle purchase and appointments
Summary
Council approved ordinance 1549 to authorize a lease‑purchase financing for Chieftain Park at an advertised low bid of 2.95% (First Security Bank), approved a temporary water‑park lease, vehicle purchase and several reappointments and resolutions.
The Tonganoxie City Council approved several financing and administrative measures on April 6, including ordinance 1549 to enable lease‑purchase financing for improvements at Chieftain Park.
Staff said bids were solicited and evaluated; the lowest interest rate returned was 2.95% from First Security Bank on a five‑year lease‑purchase schedule. Staff noted the closing is scheduled for April 22 and that the agreement will allow the Recreation Commission to make payments while the city holds the financing conduit; an early repayment option is available after three years. Finance staff estimated the interest cost in the highest interest year at roughly $26,000.
Council voted to approve the ordinance so the city can enter related contracts, including a contract with Game Time (doing business as Cunningham Recreation) once contract documents are finalized. Brad Eckles of the Tonganoxie Recreation Commission was present and staff noted the interlocal agreement governing roles and responsibilities.
Council also approved: a temporary facility lease for the Tongi Tidal Waves swim team for the 2026 season (staff confirmed lifeguard staffing and no prior issues); purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe not to exceed $55,950.50 and outfitting work (two vehicles) not to exceed $6,322.89 with sale of a 2018 Dodge Charger on Purple Wave to follow; and reappointments of Kenneth Moore as municipal court judge and Anna Kerstolich as city attorney. Two temporary license agreements permitting Parade‑of‑Hearts public art installations (resolutions 042601 and 042602) were also approved, subject to ADA clearance and property owner consent.
Why it matters: The financing action enables a near‑term capital improvement at a public park and sets the contractual path for equipment and construction. The vehicle purchase and reappointments are routine administrative items but affect public safety operations and city legal continuity.
Procedure and next steps: With the ordinance approved, staff said the city would finalize bond/lease documents and, if contracts are ready, execute the construction contract at the next regular meeting and proceed toward the April 22 closing.
