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Shawnee council approves trail design contract, easements and multiple engineering agreements
Summary
The Shawnee City Council on June 8 approved an $88,368.50 design agreement for the Mariam–Shawnee trail (BG Consultants), authorized easement acquisitions for that trail, and approved engineering services/easement actions for the Mission Parkway maintenance project and a contract award for a neighborhood street improvement.
The Shawnee City Council approved a suite of infrastructure and right-of-way actions on June 8, advancing a multi-segment trail connection and several road and storm-water maintenance projects.
Trail design and easements: Kevin Manning, director of public works, briefed the council on a connectivity project first studied in 2016 to link downtown Shawnee to Campbell Park and to Turkey Creek Trail. He said the city received about $783,000 in federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) funding intended for construction in 2026 or 2027 and presented a design agreement with BG Consultants in the amount of $88,368.50 for conceptual design and public engagement. Council members stressed the importance of distinguishing a dedicated multi-use trail from a typical sidewalk and raised slope/grade and accessibility considerations for younger users and people with mobility limitations. After discussion, the council moved, seconded and approved the design contract and later authorized staff to begin easement acquisition; Manning noted staff may need to acquire small parcels across roughly 15 properties and that condemnation would be rare and require further council authorization.
Mission Parkway engineering and easements: The council approved an engineering services agreement with BHC LLC for a 2027 maintenance project on Mission Parkway (mill/overlay, storm water pipe replacement where needed) and adopted a resolution authorizing easement acquisitions if required. Manning said the project is 2026 design with 2027 construction and emphasized proactive communication with affected businesses. He confirmed evictions by condemnation are possible but unlikely and that property owners are compensated through appraisals and negotiated settlements.
Mcani Drive contract award: The council also awarded the Mcani Drive street improvement contract to Infrastructure Solutions LLC (low bidder), a project that will widen roadway sections, install curb and gutter, improve stormwater pipes, add street lighting and sidewalks, and begin construction in late July with the goal of completing most work by the end of the year.
Why it matters: The approvals advance federal-funded bicycle/pedestrian connectivity, preserve mobility infrastructure and fund routine road maintenance; easement authority will allow staff to secure needed property rights during design. Council emphasis on trail character and accessibility signals attention to project design beyond minimal sidewalk treatments.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with conceptual design and public engagement on the trail project, advance easement negotiations on both projects, and move Mcani Drive into construction preparation.
