Come November, there will be at least one new face on the Emporia City Commission as a longtime member of the board announced Wednesday that they will not seek another term in office.
Commissioner Susan Brinkman made the announcement after the commission’s regular action meeting Wednesday morning.
Brinkman, who is currently in her second term on the commission, served two terms as a member of the USD 253 Board of Education before being elected to the city position. She says after 14 years of public service, it is time to step aside and make room for “fresh blood” and new ideas.
Brinkman’s seat is one of three up for election this year, with the list also including the seats held by Jamie Sauder and Tyler Curtis. Neither Curtis nor Sauder have announced their intentions for the coming election.
Separately, on Wednesday, Mayor Erren Harter also took time to acknowledge the situation involving the Tyson Foods closure announced back in December. Following the latest Rapid Response meeting, Harter says things are trending in the right direction as it pertains to the 800 workers either already displaced or set to be as Tyson continues its phased closure.
Exact numbers weren’t available, but Harter stated the “majority” of individuals who were affected by the closure have found alternate employment opportunities. City Manager Trey Cocking, who has also been involved in the discussions, says this is a very positive development in what has been a highly sensitive situation within the community.
Brinkman believes much of the credit for the recent positive developments goes to the various agencies and organizations that rapidly responded to the situation and collaborated to help provide information and resources to displaced workers in recent months.
Cocking tells KVOE News plans are currently in development for another job fair sometime in April. An exact date is pending.
Before these updates, commissioners approved the annexation of property at 1002 Trusler Road into the city on Wednesday. The annexation will allow land owners to conduct a lot split, an action not currently allowed under county zoning ordinances, according to City Zoning Specialist Justin Givens.
Plans are to develop new housing on the approximately 11-acre tract. Separately, commissioners also approved an agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for a safety study of Emporia’s rail crossings. The study will take course over 18 months to two years with BNSF covering the lion’s share of a $601,000 cost.
Commissioners also approved an HDR professional services agreement for the study and a contract with HW Lochner for a taxiway construction project at the Emporia Municipal Airport. South Central Sealing and Paving LLC of Wichita was awarded the 2025 hazardous sidewalk project for just over $51,000.
During their regular study session, commissioners discussed the future of the Carnegie Library building, disc golf, and court costs and fees, reviewed the city’s winter storm response, and discussed possible decreases for fees related to chicken or fowl pens and domestic animals. April 2 was also set as the date for the city and county’s first joint meeting of the year.
The Emporia City Commission will reconvene for its regular action and study meetings Wednesday, March 19, at 11 am.
