Emporia City Commissioners had a lengthy schedule Wednesday.
Commissioners began the morning with an action session during which time the commission approved an agreement with Emporia Main Street for the new downtown sound system. Per the agreement, Mainstreet will make a $45,000 donation to the city of Emporia who will in turn purchase the system.
While ownership of the system will go to the city, maintenance and upkeep will be the sole responsibility of Mainstreet. The equipment will be hung on city light poles throughout the downtown area in a way which will not interfere with any other use of said light poles.
According to city commissioner Rob Gilligan, despite heavy rainfall the past few weeks the plan is to still have the system up and going by the Dirty Kanza next weekend.
Gilligan adds once the system is up and running weather will not be a concern as the system is designed for being outdoors in all weather conditions. Also per the agreement, the city commission and city manager will have the authority to shut down the system if they feel it is being used in an inappropriate manner.
Also during the action session commissioners approved an ordinance for the 2019 Live in the Lot Season beer gardens. A proclamation declaring May 26th – June 2nd as “Walk, Run and Bike Week” in Emporia and a resolution establishing the term of office of newly elected city commissioners were also approved.
Two executive sessions also took place.
Following their action session commissioners moved into discussions regarding the 2020 census. The discussions were brief and centered on forming a complete count committee which will be charged with promoting the census throughout the community.
The committee will consist of local organizations and advocates according to Gilligan. He adds, it is vital to have as many residents as possible involved in the count as census numbers directly affect the amount of federal dollars given to the community.
According to Gilligan, the commission seems in favor of allocating funds to help support the work of the committee, however, nothing is set in stone as of yet. Further discussions on the census project will take place at a later date.
Following the adjournment of their meetings commissioners reconvened at Peter Pan Park for the ribbon cutting of the new splash pad. The Emporia City Commission will hold a study session next Wednesday inside city conference room 1AB at White Auditorium.
