Atchison City Commissioners unanimously approved the rezoning of 102 E. Atchison St., a restaurant for many years under many different names, finally bringing it into conformance during Monday’s regular meeting.
The building originally known as Purcell’s Landing, and hosting restaurants such as Flyers and Chuck and Hank’s River Shack in more recent years, the property along the Missouri River had always been zoned Residential (R-1). That zoning kept restaurant owners from applying for a state liquor license among other things. But Monday’s action reclassified the property as Riverfront Business (RFB), a zone that had never been used but had existed on the books for these types of businesses.
“I think it’s absolutely necessary,” Mayor Abby Bartlett, who had been selected to lead the city earlier in the meeting, said before the commissioners approved the measure.
The rezone was one of many actions taken by the commissioners, who set five properties for demolition, while giving two more extensions until Aug. 1, 2021 to bring up to code or face demolition themselves. Commissioners also approved the land purchase for a new airport runway – which will be reimbursed by private donations and future grant funds. Commissioners also approved the Property and Casualty, Cyber Liability, Workers Comp and Airport Operator’s Liability insurance policies for 2021.
Commissioners also approved a 1.3% cost of living raise for City of Atchison employees and gave City Manager Becky Berger authority to use budgeted money for year-end supplemental pay for city staff.
Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont also reported that the city had earned a grant for the entire Main Street Corridor project and the commissioners approved a design assistance contract with BG Consultants as part of that project.
Following the meeting, Public Works Director Clinton McNemee presented a workshop to commissioners about the River Road stabilization issues and potential efforts as the heavy rains in July have caused some massive shifting of soils and ground, effecting the road and the walking trail along the riverfront.
The next regular city commission meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21.