City commissioners approved the repair of one of Atchison’s most problematic brick streets, addressed 2020 utility rates and authorized the 2020 water main replacement plan during Monday’s regular meeting – the final meeting of 2019.
The 1000 block of Atchison Street will have about $74,000 worth of work done, as the problem areas on that block will see brick removed, groundwork repairs, a concrete base set, and then brick replacement.
The utility rates will see modest increases as commissioners followed the 2020 budget – which was approved in August. City residential water customers will see a 75-cent base charge increase per meter, bringing that cost to $32.37/month for a 5/8-inch meter and $49.86 for a 3/4-inch meter. Meanwhile commercial and industrial users will see a 3% increase in water rates. All customers will also see a 1% increase in wastewater rates and a 2.5% increase in CSO fees in 2020.
Commissioners voted to move forward with the water main replacement program presented by Utilities Manager Mike Stec. Stec’s plan will now move to the design phase, with future work on the mains still to be presented during future meetings.
In other action, Blaine Asay and Luke Jesnowski were each appointed to 3-year terms on the Airport Advisory Board. Sheryl Swendson presented the Housing Authority annual update – along with a check for more than $23,000 for the authority’s payment in lieu of taxes.
The Atchison Art Association presented a concept for a sculpture that would potentially be placed on the corner of Kansas Ave. and Sixth Street, in place of the current City Hall sign and lion sculpture currently in that spot. No action was formally taken on the sculpture.
Commissioners approved the city’s property and casualty insurance contract with BRIT and the workers compensation plan contract with KMIT – each agency held the city’s 2019 contracts.
Commissioners authorized the 2020 employee pay plan, which didn’t have many major changes other than the creation of a Deputy Fire Chief position.
Director of Administrative Services Joe Warren and Building Inspector Phil Burke led a discussion on building codes, with the possibility that the commission will see ordinances at a future meeting updating the base family of building code documents.
Commissioners also approved a number of occupational licenses and cereal malt beverage licenses, the 2020 on-call plumbing bid (from Tate Plumbing) and a memorandum of understanding agreement for Skate High with Hope on the possible future construction of a skate park.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 6, 2020.
For more information contact Director of Administrative Services Joe Warren at (913) 367-5500 or joew@cityofatchison.com.