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Russell council approves $485,500 PEC design work for R‑9 waterline and hears water‑source update
Summary
At its April 1 meeting the Russell City Council approved a $485,500 PEC work order for design of the R-9 waterline, received an update on water source status and conservation, and approved routine items including a $15,351.41 roof‑repair bid; public comment included promotion of the downtown Wicked Fest.
The Russell City Council on April 1 approved a $485,500 work order with PEC for design of the R‑9 waterline and received an update on the city’s water sources and conservation planning.
Water Utility Director Randy Baker briefed the council on current water‑production status and noted ongoing planning for long‑term supply; City Manager Kayla Schneider said the city is considering a possible release from Cedar Bluff as part of that planning. City Attorney Ken Cole participated in the R‑9 project update, which the council discussed before taking the design vote.
Councilmember Dustin Madden moved to approve the PEC R‑9 waterline design work order in the amount of $485,500; Councilmember Blaine Stoppel seconded and the motion carried. The work order was presented as the next step to advance design and permitting for the R‑9 project; the meeting packet identified PEC as the engineering firm on the work order.
The council also approved the consent agenda, which included the March 18 minutes, contractor licenses, and a Russell Housing appointment, on a unanimous motion by Madden and seconded by Stoppel. Separately, Councilmember Madden moved and Councilmember Caleigh Befort seconded acceptance of Joiner Construction’s bid for repairs to park shelter and bathroom roofs in the amount of $15,351.41; that motion carried.
City Manager Schneider and Public Works Director Chadd Stevenson discussed a proposed commercial lease of the airport maintenance building for an aircraft restoration and maintenance business; no formal action on the lease was recorded in the transcript. A proposed real‑estate contract with Flintwood, LLC was on the agenda but the council took no action on that item.
During the second public‑comment period, Marilyn Joyal and Chris Sipe of the Russell County Leadership Class promoted Wicked Fest, an upcoming downtown event. Property owner Tyler Allison of 737 E Oakdale Ave read a prepared statement describing the history and timeline of structures on his property; the council did not take action in response during the meeting.
The council recessed into an executive session on a non‑elected personnel matter under KSA 75‑4319(b)(1); the meeting resumed at 6:25 p.m. with no action announced. City officials closed the meeting with reminders about a 0.75% sales‑tax increase that began April 1, 2025, and a community cleanup scheduled April 5, 2025. Councilmember Michelle Wagner Schneider moved to adjourn at 6:32 p.m.; the motion was seconded and carried.
