The Emporia City Commission took action Wednesday evening to greenlight a major water system improvement project to benefit a southeast Emporia industrial area.
Greeley Excavating won the contract to install a 16-inch water line along Kansas Ave. from South Exchange to the industrial park and along Warren Way from Logan Ave. to South Ave. The bid was among nine submitted and came in at $995,567. City Commissioner Rob Gilligan says it will benefit expansion for Simmons Pet Foods and others into the future.
Greeley Excavating is also finishing up additional water plant work in northwest Emporia near the Pavilions and Hidden Vistas area.
Also approved during the meeting was a 10-year property tax abatement to Simmons for their $38 million expansion. Gilligan praised the effort as a good sign of real economic development in Emporia.
In other business, the Emporia City Commission approved bids for a new rear load packer body for solid waste, approved an ordinance for a beer garden for the summer Live in the Lot season, and approved emergency shelter grants for SOS and Plumb Place.
Additionally, city commissioners took action to reschedule the first action meeting for July from Wednesday, July 4 to Monday, July 2 due to city offices being closed for Independence Day.
During the public comment period, Emporia High students Payton Harmon and Cameron Weeks were both recognized by Mayor Danny Giefer for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Payton Harmon (left) and Mayor Giefer (right). Photo by Brandon Peoples/KVOE News.
Cameron Weeks (left) and Mayor Giefer. Photo by Brandon Peoples/KVOE News.
