Emporia City Commissioners held back-to-back meetings Wednesday morning.
As part of an adjourned action session from last Wednesday, commissioners approved a mitigation strategy plan from FEMA. The plan will entitle the city to receive funding for hazard mitigation efforts in the future.
This is a standard document renewed every five years by all cities within Lyon County and provides access to grants and funding to repair damages or assist with efforts following a large scale disaster. City Commissioner Rob Gilligan says while the document does not entitle the city to immediate funds, it is an important document to have in place as the future is always unpredictable.
As previously mentioned, all cities within Lyon County are required to adopt a similar resolution. However, those resolutions will differ from city to city as the list of hazards affecting each community tend to differ based on location.
Ahead of this action during the commission’s regular study session, Emporia Public Library Director Robin Newell says the library will again be extending its services at the end of next month. According to Newell, the library will be permitting residents to enter the facility for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She explains that a maximum of 30 people will be permitted to enter the facility for 30 minutes at a time. Access to computers will be permitted for individuals 16 and older and restrooms will be available for public use.
Newell says the time they have selected will follow the installation of new technology and the return of furloughed staff over the next six weeks. Newell says they’re excited to have local residents back inside the building.
When asked if she feels the move will help bring a sense of normalcy back to the library Newell declined to comment.
Emporia Mayor Danny Giefer says this is an exciting development for the community and a step in the right direction.
In other business Wednesday, commissioners continued discussions on park improvements, reviewed the city’s solid waste management plan, potential map amendments for the Neighborhood Revitalization Project and discussed the construction of a parking lot at C of E Drive for SOS’s relocation efforts.
The Emporia City Commission will reconvene next Wednesday at 7 pm inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
