The north end of Industrial Road will have a short widening project after Emporia City Commission approval Wednesday night.
Commissioners approved a $221,000 bid from Burlington Construction to build a short traffic lane on Industrial south from 24th to the south Walmart parking lot entrance.
As part of the project, a new sidewalk will also be installed from 24th south past the Walmart lot.
City Engineer Jim Ubert says this follows work near the Emporia Pavilions development two years ago and will make life a bit easier for drivers on that stretch of Industrial.
Burlington had the low bid and also beat both a City Engineering estimate of $240,000 and the budgeted amount of $275,000. Work should begin by mid-August and be done by Halloween.
Separately, commissioners also approved a deed release for a rail spur at Norfolk Iron and Metal. The property was not originally transferred from the city to Norfolk when an incentive revenue bond package ended two years ago. The deed simply transfers the property as originally intended.
Commissioners also accepted a $90,000 grant from the WS and EC Jones Testamentary Trust for improvements at Eastside Memorial Park like a new basketball court, sidewalks and poured-in-place surfacing at the existing playground. Mayor Jon Geitz says this will be the latest major enhancement for the city park system.
The Eastside Community Group has worked for years on park improvements, including playgrounds and restrooms along with the current project list. The grant covers most of the remaining costs, but around $45,000 will be left to split between the city and Eastside Community Group. Details on that and the possible addition of an obelisk are developing.
As part of the consent agenda, commissioners approved Aug. 7 as the date for the public hearing on the 2020 budget.
The next City Commission meeting is at 10 am July 24 at White Auditorium City Conference Room 1AB.
