City commissioners approved the hiring of a firm to help produce a new strategic plan for the City of Atchison during this Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting. Shockey Consulting was the unanimous recommendation by City staff out of 12 that submitted proposals. Shockey is based out of Lenexa and has done strategic plans for many cities throughout the Kansas/Missouri area, including large and small cities like Bonner Springs, Merriam, Lenexa, Emporia, Edgerton, Columbus, Gardner, Holton and Great Bend.
The commissioners also authorized the concrete portion of the 2020 Streets project, allowing the contractor, Bottorff Construction, to begin work this fall to expedite the beginning of the asphalt portion that will be done in the spring. There is a long list of streets being considered in the project, with cost ultimately deciding how many will be improved in the $1.25 million project.
Employee benefits renewal for 2020 was also approved by the commissioners, with health insurance premiums raising 3.7 percent and dental premiums going up by 8 percent. Commissioners authorized the City to cover the premium increases so staff will have the same coverage and costs as 2019. The estimated increase will cost the City just over $30,000. With the City saving 18 percent thanks to an insurance switch after 2018, commissioners had budgeted for a potential large increase this year – and were pleasantly surprised that the 2020 renewal came in more than $100,000 under budget.
Commissioners also appointed Abigail Perdue to serve a 3-year term on the Planning Commission, with the term to expire in July 2022.
Following the meeting the City adjourned to a workshop, where staff and commissioners discussed special events support and fees, and a strategy for River Road. The River Road workshop was timely as there were a number of interested parties who spoke during public forum about the road’s condition.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 4.
For more information contact Director of Administrative Services Joe Warren at (913) 367-5500 or joew@cityofatchison.com.