Emporia City Commissioners could approve a significant increase in water tap fees come next week.
During their recent study session Wednesday, commissioners discussed a proposed increase that would see the one-time fee rise from $126 to $1,100 which, according to City Treasurer Janet Harouff, is the physical cost of installation for the city. The cost would also be entirely incurred by either a home’s developer or the homeowner.
Harouff says the increase is needed due to a steady rise in the cost of materials over the past several years.
Emporia Mayor Rob Gilligan stated he was not in favor of the increase as he feels it would deter future housing development in the community.
Harouff says she understands the concern, however, Emporia has the lowest fees in comparison to other similar-sized communities in the state. She adds, the proposed increase would still keep Emporia low on that list.
The increase will be up for approval during the commission’s upcoming action session next Wednesday.
In other business, commissioners received a presentation from Bird Scooters on the potential of bringing electric scooters to the community for public use. To access the scooter’s residents would simply download the Bird app and register.
During the meeting Commissioner Susan Brinkman stated there is a significant need for more cost-free public transportation in the community. Brinkman feels this would be a tremendous step in helping address that issue.
City Attorney Christina Montgomery did discuss certain state and city laws that would prohibit the use of scooters on certain roadways and sidewalks. Montgomery was given directions to begin looking into possible solutions for those issues.
The topic will be revisited during the commission’s first study session in May.
Discussion matters were not the only point of business for commissioners Wednesday as several items saw action as commissioners concluded its action session adjourned from last week. During that time, commissioners approved a minor plat for the proposed travel plaza near the south roundabout connecting US Highway 50 to Interstate 35 and the Kansas Turnpike in Emporia.
The plat will allow for utility connectivity between Overlander and the travel plaza.
Commissioners also approved three items related to improvements at the Emporia Municipal Airport. Items included approval of a KDOT Grant for a project to extend the airport’s runway to 51 feet. Bids for the runway 1-19 Edge Lighting System, Guidance Signs, Primary Wind Cone and PAPIs Replacement Project and a construction services contract with HW Lochner for said work not to exceed $74,500 also gained approval.
The Emporia City Commission will reconvene for an action session next Wednesday at 1:30 pm inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
