Shawnee County commissioners approve park land exchange, vouchers and routine contracts

The Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 29 approved a second-reading resolution to exchange land around Central Park's track and football field with Boswell Park and signed off on multiple routine contracts and payments, all by unanimous 3–0 voice votes.

The board approved resolution R2026007, authorizing the exchange of the Central Park track and football field parcel for Boswell Park property. Ashley Beegart of the county counselor's office said the measure was published as required by state statute and was ready for action. "This is the 2nd reading for this matter," Beegart said. Commissioners characterized the swap as a good neighborhood fit, saying residents of College Hill had supported the Boswell Park improvements.

In other business the board approved vouchers totaling $3,035,208.59. County staff highlighted allocations in the voucher report that included $569,055.50 to social service agencies, $861,387.93 to Bedes Construction for progress payments on a Northwest 46 road project paid from the 0.5-cent retailer sales tax, and $123,900 for progress work on a 911 console project paid from ARPA/SLFRF interest funds. "We have vouchers this morning that total 3,035,208 dollars and 59 cents," staff reported.

The board also approved a package of routine renewals and contracts. That included: - Tax-exemption renewals for economic development (10 items reviewed by the counselor's office); staff noted some exemptions are nearing the end of their terms (for example, this is listed as year 10 for Big Heart pet brands and year 9 for Mars). - Resolution R2026015, issuing a 2026 cereal malt beverage license to a gas strip store at 550 Southeast Croco Road in Topeka; the counselor's office said the township was notified and background checks were completed. - Contract C2026025 to purchase four Ruckus network switches for $43,512.87 using CIP funds. Mark Price of information technology said several switches were reaching end-of-life and the county is reallocating CIP funds because the city's 12th Street project had already placed conduit that the county can use. "We do have availability of a conduit down 12th Street," Price said, adding the purchase preserves the county's ability to expand connectivity as needed. - Contract C2026022, a renewal with the City of Topeka to provide an inmate work crew and supervisor for 2026; Brian Cole of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections described the arrangement as a reimbursed partnership in which the city covers staff and inmate compensation costs. "It has been a very good partnership," Cole said. - Contract C2026026, a Compliance 1 price-list addendum that implements the first rate increases since 2003: a $0.20 per-member-per-month increase for random-selection drug testing; a $1 increase (from $55 to $56) for the five-panel specimen drug test, evidential breath alcohol test and saliva test; and a $2 increase (from $88 to $90) for hair testing, according to Angela Lewis, director of administrative services.

All motions reported in the transcript were seconded and approved by voice vote with the board recording "motion carries 3 0" for each item where a tally was given. The board opened public comment but recorded no members of the public speaking. Angela Lewis thanked facilities and public works for snow removal and reminded listeners of seasonal hiring for parks and recreation.

The meeting concluded without an executive session. Chair closed the meeting after determining there was no need for a closed session.