During Monday evening’s city commission meeting, several employees were presented with Service Awards to recognize their many years of dedication to the City of Parsons.
Those recognized for 10 years of service were: Equipment Maintenance Supervisor Christopher Blevins; Firefighter Devon Bohrer; Community Development Director Laura Moore; and Wastewater Treatment Supervisor Steven Walker.
Those recognized for 15 years of service were: Foreman Jason Edwards; Water Treatment Plant Operator Lowell Geisler; and Police Sergeant Waylon Kepley.
Lieutenant Detective Sherri McGuire was recognized for 20 years of service, and Sanitation Driver Darrin Hamilton was recognized for 30 years of service.
In other business, the Economic Development Department sought permission to execute an engineering contract with B&G Consultants. This contract will cover the first eight lots in the Kay Lane extension portion of the Queen’s Road Subdivision. The costs are not to exceed $25,000.
Proposed fees for services in this contract include: $6,080 for the final plat and pinning lot corners; $13,350 for developing construction plans and the project manual; and $4,125 for additional storm sewer improvements. These include installing inlets, storm sewer piping, and a ditch for storm water. These proposed costs amount to $23,555.
A payment in the amount of $15,488.09 to Olsson Associates for work completed through Nov. 17 was approved, funded by the Kansas Water Office Technical Assistance grant funds. The original agreement was approved in May of this year to provide a feasibility study for a potential backup raw water supply.
The Lake Advisory Board requested $17,362 be released from the Restricted Lake account to pay for a new shelter house. A contract has been signed with Bates Welding and Fencing LLC to install a 30-foot by 30-foot steel shelter house on an existing concrete slab near the main boat ramp at Parsons Lake.
“I’m really happy to see that happening — the ongoing maintenance and reinvesting in that,” Commissioner Tom Shaw said. “Because that lake really is, — you know,— besides being a vital water source, it’s really a nice recreational area.”
Shaw said the area may be underappreciated. “It’s really night to see the Lake Board is at work on this and making an investment in that place,” Shaw said.
Commissioner Leland Crooks noted that Lake Parsons is one of his brother’s favorite spots to camp.
Shaw said the area was a great place to watch the sun rise. These measures were all approved within the consent agenda.
During staff comments, City Manager Jeff Cantrell noted that city crews managed ice and snow control throughout the city. Cantrell said crews conserved salt by spotting bridges and intersections.
He noted that the 59 South project was still underway, with utility work continuing in the right of way.
The next Parsons City Commission meeting will take place on Monday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall, 112 S. 17th St., Parsons. All meetings and work sessions are uploaded to the City of Parsons, Kansas Channel on vimeo.com.
Lieutenant Detective Sherri McGuire, right, is presented wih a 20year Service Award by Mayor Verlyn Bollinger, left. Courtesy Photo
