Selfless leadership is the key to enhancing local economic development in the opinion of Lyon County Commission Chairman Rollie Martin.
Martin made the statement during a conversation on the recent Vision First economic development report which was delivered to and reviewed by Emporia City Commissioners and the various entities involved in the area’s economic development process last week. Based on their initial review of the report during their regular action meeting Thursday, commissioners, specifically Martin, felt the report could lead to greater efficiency and progress for the area, but to accomplish this all economic development entities will need to work in unison.
Also during Thursday’s conversations, Martin referred to a similar study conducted by Emporia State University under the leadership of then-President Michael Shonrock. Martin noted that the report ultimately went “nowhere” and he desires that the recent Vision First study does not suffer the same fate.
Martin also commented on the recommendation of an umbrella organization that would be responsible for overseeing the various economic development agencies and processes within the area. The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas was recommended as a viable option for that role and when asked if he thought the RDA would be the right choice, Martin stated it is possible but would require flexibility and adaptability.
The Vision First study was approved by the Emporia City Commission during its May 15 meeting with commissioners noting they are simply trying to gauge how economic development can be improved within the city. City commissioners were planning additional conversations on the study during their October 2 meeting, however, it appears those discussions will be pushed back two weeks to October 16 following a request by the RDA last Friday.
In other business Thursday, commissioners approved signing a letter of support for Resound Network’s application for a state Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment or BEAD grant. LCAT Director Shane Brunner also presented a revised, slightly more expensive quote of over $13,600 from Safety Vision to install security camera equipment on buses. State matching funds of $12,000 have already been awarded for this project.
According to Brunner, the adjustment was factoring in shipping and handling for the equipment. Facilities Director Robbie Weiss presented two items, one to add or replace door restrictors on seven elevator doors for a cost of $31,000 with the work being handled by MEI. The other item sought approval of design and administrative fees through BG Consultants for an IT generator at a cost of $15,000.
All items were approved unanimously. Commissioners also approved the closure of a portion of Road 45 at Road H. This action followed a brief public hearing and a visit to the segment of the road Wednesday.
Lyon County Commissioners will reconvene for their weekly meeting next Thursday at 9 am inside of the Lyon County Courthouse Commission Chambers.
