Pittsburg City Commission Meeting Recap – Jan. 28, 2020

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

Public Input:

• Mark Chambers from the First United Methodist Church gave an invocation.
• Ken Brock expressed his gratitude for the South Rouse Street Widening Project and Trail Project, and praised city commissioners and staff for their efforts to improve the community.
• Roe Parsons from McCune, KS raised concerns about Block22.

Commissioners voted to approve the following items under the Consent Agenda:

• Approval of the January 14, 2020, Pittsburg City Commission Meeting minutes.
• Approval of the Appropriation Ordinance for the period ending January 28, 2020, subject to the release of HUD expenditures when funds are received.

The following items were removed from the Consent Agenda and discussed individually:

• Commissioners tabled the appointment to the Sustainability Advisory Committee and extended the application deadline so that city staff could advertise the board opening.
• Commissioners voted to appoint David Moore to a first three-year term as a member of the Airport Advisory Committee.

The following actions were taken under the Commission Agenda:

• ANNEXATION REQUEST – Commissioners approved the request submitted by Eric Bradshaw and Dr. Jacqueline Youtsos to have their property, located on East 530th Avenue, annexed into the City of Pittsburg. Their property is the future site of the ReNu Medical & Spa facility.
• ORDINANCE NO. G-1308 – Commissioners voted to adopt Ordinance No. G-1308, increasing the number of members of the Human Relations Commission from seven to nine members.
• HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS – Commissioners voted to confirm the appointment of Heather Docherty, Michelle Ducre, Amber Hames, Carol Hammerbacher, Chad McCubbin, Dan Rodabaugh, Xavier Sheehy, Walter Simpson, and Ali Smith to the Human Relations Commission.
• AGREEMENT – EAST QUINCY STREET RECONSTRUCTION – Commissioners voted to enter into an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for the reconstruction of East Quincy Street from Joplin Street to Rouse Street into a three-lane roadway with curb and gutter, an enclosed storm sewer and sidewalks on each side. The project is anticipated to begin in 2022. The City was awarded a $3.5 million cost-sharing grant from KDOT for the project. The total project cost is estimated to be roughly $7 million.
• EQUIPMENT LEASING – BOBCAT COMPACT EXCAVATOR – Commissioners voted to approve the financing of a Bobcat Compact Excavator with attachments for use by the Pittsburg Public Utilities Stormwater Division at a total contract price of $64,884.98.
• EQUIPMENT LEASING – BOBCAT SKID-STEER LOADER – Commissioners voted to approve the financing of a Bobcat Skid-Steer Loader with performance and comfort packages and attachments for use by the Pittsburg Public Utilities Street Division at a total contract price of $54,650.10.

The following topics were discussed under Non-Agenda:

• Mayor Dawn McNay said city commissioners had received a letter complaining about dog feces around the PSU campus. Commissioners discussed if university officials could help address the issue. Parks & Recreation Director Kim Vogel told commissioners that pet waste bag receptacles will be added at several parks and near the trails to provide better access for those walking their dogs.
• RESOLUTION NO. 1230 – Commissioners passed a resolution of support for and approval of a family housing development at approximately 1700 E. 4th St. in Pittsburg, urging the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) to award low income housing tax credits to Red-Wood Development, Inc. to enable construction of 48 apartment units at said address.
• Commissioner Munsell asked to discuss the City’s local bid preference of 3% at the next commission meeting.
• Commissioner Munsell also stated that he received calls from residents asking if the City was involved in the recent demolition of the buildings on the Mission Clay property. City Manager Daron Hall said the City was not involved in the demolition of the Mission Clay structures. The City was awarded a grant from the EPA to conduct environmental testing on the site a couple of years ago, but the property owners have not allowed the City access to the property to complete the testing.

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 attend.

To learn more about the Pittsburg city government, city commissioners, or to view meeting agendas and minutes, visit pittks.org/city-government/city-commission.

City commission meetings are broadcast live every second and fourth Tuesday on the City’s local government access channel (Cox channel 6) and on YouTube. To subscribe to the City’s YouTube channel, go to www.pittks.org/youtube.

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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.