Pittsburg City Commission Meeting Recap – April 28, 2020

PITTSBURG, KS – The following actions were taken at the Pittsburg City Commission meeting held on April 28, 2020:

Commissioners approved the following items under the consent agenda:

• The April 14, 2020, City Commission Meeting minutes.
• Adoption of Resolution No. 1233, authorizing the offering for sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes Series 2020-1, of the City of Pittsburg, Kansas, and authorization for the Mayor to sign the Resolution on behalf of the City.
• Staff recommendation to adopt Tax and Securities Compliance Procedures.
• The reappointment of Joe Hart to a second term as a member of the Pittsburg Public Library Board of Trustees effective May 1, 2020.
• The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) recommendation to support the PSU Kelce College of Business Economic Research Proposal at an investment level of $25,000.
• The Appropriation Ordinance for the period ending April 28, 2020, subject to the release of HUD expenditures when funds are received.

The following items were removed from the consent agenda for further discussion:

• Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 1232 providing for the improvement of East Quincy Street from the east approach of Joplin Street to the east approach of Rouse Street. The project includes upgrading the existing railroad crossing to facilitate a future quiet zone. The right-of-way acquisition on either side of Quincy Street and the proximity of the new sidewalks to the cemetery will be determined during the engineering design process.
• Commissioners approved staff recommendation to enter into an Engineering Services Agreement with TranSystems in an amount not to exceed $465,000, in which TranSystems will design and create bid documents for the reconstruction of Quincy Street. The cost is under the City’s original estimate of $500,000. Construction is expected to begin after the 2022 spring semester and finish before the fall semester of 2023, approximately 15 – 16 months. TranSystems will help facilitate one public meeting to answer questions about the project. Cameron Alden said this public meeting would be followed by additional one-on-one meetings with stakeholders.

Main agenda:

• SILVERBACK LIFT STATION – This agenda item was removed for consideration until final plans and specifications are provided.
• CONFERENCE/CONVENTION SPACE FEASIBILITY STUDY – HUNDEN STRATEGIC PARTNERS – Commissioners approved the recommendation of the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) to enter into an agreement with Hunden Strategic Partners for a feasibility study regarding a formal conference/convention space in Pittsburg, with cost of the study to be split between the City of Pittsburg and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Potential locations being explored include the property near Hampton Inn Hotel and Kansas Crossing Casino, and property near existing hotels on North Broadway Street. Economic Development Director Blake Benson said an investor is eagerly awaiting the results of this data.
• INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT – CITY OF FRONTENAC – Commissioners discussed the agreement with Frontenac that was approved by the Frontenac City Council at their recent council meeting. Discussion included a breakdown of costs to the City of Pittsburg for safety improvements, school bus drop-off and pick-up logistics, and liability insurance. Commissioners unanimously approved the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Frontenac, Kansas, for the installation of traffic control devices and a paved road for access on Wild Red Road merging into Atkinson Avenue. Following the approval of this agreement, the pending lawsuit with the City of Frontenac will be dismissed.

Non-Agenda Reports & Requests:

• Cameron Alden informed the commission that KDOT will hold a preconstruction meeting on Wednesday, May 6, to discuss the Fourth Street Bridge reconstruction project.
• WATCO will replace the railroad tracks north of 20th and Rouse Street starting the week of May 12 – 18. This section of North Rouse Street will be closed during construction. A sign board will be set up on May 8 to notify motorists.
• Daron Hall gave an update on the Crawford County work session to discuss the county’s four-phase reopening plan. The county’s plan would go into effect once the governor’s statewide stay-home order is lifted.
• Mayor Dawn McNay expressed the City’s condolences to the Bicknell family for the passing of Rita Bicknell.

City Commission Meetings:

The Pittsburg City Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm, inside the Beard-Shanks Law Enforcement Center courtroom. Members of the public are encouraged to watch these meetings remotely on the City’s local government access channels (Cox channel 6 and Craw-Kan channel 406) and on YouTube. To subscribe to the City’s YouTube channel, go to www.pittks.org/youtube. To learn more about the Pittsburg city government, city commissioners, or to view meeting agendas and minutes, visit pittks.org/city-government/city-commission.

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The mission of the City of Pittsburg is to provide exceptional services, facilities and activities with integrity, professionalism, excellent customer service and a commitment to economic vitality.