A contractor is now in place for a major waterline replacement project that could begin by mid-2024.
During their regular action meeting Wednesday morning, Emporia City Commissioners approved awarding a bid for the 24th Avenue and Prairie Street waterline replacement project to Apex Excavating for a total of more than $4.2 million. The project will replace an existing 20-inch water line from Emporia’s Water Treatment Plant east to 24th and south on Prairie to 12th.
City Manager Trey Cocking says the new water line is greatly needed with the existing infrastructure nearing 100 years old.
Additionally, Cocking says the new line will greatly reduce the frequency of waterline breaks in the area.
In separate, yet related action, commissioners also approved a supplemental agreement with BG Consultants for the project. Design work for the project is currently in progress with physical work, tentatively, set to begin in June.
Cocking says the project should take a year to complete, however, that schedule is dependent on weather conditions, supply chains and other upcoming projects.
In other business, commissioners opened a public hearing for the Lockwood Heights Reinvestment Housing Incentive District, formerly West 6th Avenue. The project involves constructing 24 single-family homes along West Sixth and west of Stratford.
The hearing simply “started the clock” for the project which will see consideration by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission next month. The RHID will come back to Emporia City Commissioners in late December for final action.
Additionally Wednesday, commissioners approved the annexation of property at 1100 South Highway 99 into the city limits. According to city Zoning Administrator Justin Givens there are no major plans for development in the area, however, given its proximity to the airport having the property within the city’s purview gives the city sole authority to make improvements in the area.
The city’s action Wednesday follows approval of the annexation by Lyon County Commissioners on September 28.
In separate action commissioners:
*Appointed Daniela Barron to the Emporia Human Relations Commission.
*Approved a name change for the Convention and Visitors Advisory Board to the Transient Guest Tax Advisory Board.
Following the action session, commissioners convened for their regular study meeting. The study meeting included conversations on the city’s “code of procedure,” as well as legislative policy, common consumption areas, adoption of the 2021 Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Code and the William Allen White Community Partnership.
The Emporia City Commission will next convene on Wednesday, November 1 at 11 am inside of the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
