Discussions centered around a new downtown speaker system during the Emporia City Commission study session Wednesday morning.
Emporia Main Street made the announcement for plans to erect a new speaker system stretching through the downtown area during their annual public improvement auction last year. Main Street Director Casey Woods was present for the commission’s meeting Wednesday to discuss some logistics regarding the system.
Woods was not seeking any funds for the system, as it is funded through proceeds from Emporia Main Street’s public improvement auction and sponsorship from Lifetime Fitness the parent company of the Dirty Kanza. The system is being constructed by Audio Lite, an Emporia based audio company.
Woods says the great thing about Emporia is there is always something happening. He explains this provides numerous opportunities to utilize the new system throughout the year.
According to Woods, the current plan is to utilize city light posts to hang the system throughout downtown. The system will essentially be donated to the City of Emporia, however, Emporia Main Street will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the system.
At this time there is no specific date for when the system will be up and ready to go, however, Woods says they are hoping to have it tested and prepared before the Dirty Kanza.
In other business, commissioners were approached by a new local coalition seeking the commission’s support for the Stepping Up Initiative. The focus of the initiative is to help reduce the population of prison inmates with mental illness.
The coalition consists of local law enforcement, mental health services and healthcare providers. According to Crosswinds CEO Amanda Cunningham, one way they are looking to accomplish their mission is through the possible implementation of an additional responder to crisis situations.
This responder would be a trained mental health professional who could potentially aid law enforcement by helping diffuse a crisis situation. Potentially the diffusion of such situations could help to reduce the number of incarcerated individuals.
According to Cunningham, the coalition is in the process of gathering data to see if this course of action would be a practical option. The Lyon County Commission recently made a proclamation declaring their support for the initiative during their March 28 action session.
Also during the meeting commissioners held discussions regarding Funston Road, Exchange Street and Melrose Place. The Emporia City Commission will next meet Wednesday, April 17 at 7 pm inside the municipal courtroom at White Auditorium.
