The Emporia City Commission held their annual business meeting on top of their regularly scheduled action session Wednesday evening.
An application is now in the works for the state water revolving fund through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment thanks to unanimous approval by commissioners during their action session. The state water revolving fund is a state fund which allows cities to borrow funds at a discounted interest rate for improvements to water systems.
The city is applying for a loan just over $9 million which City Manager Mark McAnarney says will fully finance several upcoming infrastructure projects.
The city will be responsible for paying back the loan over a 20 year period. McAnaraney says in current terms the interest rate would be right about 2.4 to 2.5 percent.
The city plans to submit the application by the end of January.
Also during the action session commissioners approved a resolution of intent for the ongoing Citizen’s National Bank and Preston Plaza and Lofts project. In addition, commissioners also approved a request for a conditional use permit for a water tower at 1320 Warren Way and an amendment to the sewer water rate ordinance to include 12-inch meter pricing. Former Mayor Danny Giefer then delivered the state of the city address to close out the session.
At the conclusion of the action session, the commission moved directly into their annual business meeting. The main item was the election of a new Mayor and Vice-Mayor for the city of Emporia for 2019.
Former Vice-Mayor Jon Geitz was unanimously voted to succeed former Mayor Giefer. Giefer will now serve as the Vice-Mayor of Emporia for 2019.
After the meeting concluded Mayor Geitz Geitz took a moment to share his thoughts on 2018 and what he believes should be major focuses moving forward. Geitz tells KVOE News one of those items is increased preventative maintenance on city infrastructure.
Geitz also says while he believes the commission is heavily involved in the community, he believes there could be more emphasis placed on community relations.
In other business, the commission appointed their representatives to local boards and committees, approved surety bonds through Cincinnati Insurance Company the city manager, City Clerk and City Treasurer and designated financial institutions.
The City Commission will next meet Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 10 am inside city conference room 1AB at White Auditorium.
