Fireworks and sanitary sewer matters highlighted the Emporia City Commission study meeting Wednesday.
Commissioners discussed whether to increase the sanitary sewer connection fee from $100 to $200 in light of ongoing construction on the Americus Road sewer line replacement project. City Manager Trey Cocking says there are a couple things under consideration.
The current construction helps the move of Evergy’s regional service headquarters from downtown Emporia and will likely benefit other businesses moving west. A decision on a new fee structure may come at next week’s action meeting.
On fireworks, commissioners are tentatively planning to approve the annual fireworks show for July 3. Commissioners also discussed the current sales and discharge policy, which includes legal sales June 27-July 5 and legal discharge between 10 am and 10 pm except for July 3-4, which involves legal discharge from 10 am to 11 pm but made no move towards any changes. Also, lead pyrotechnician Bernie Toso, who has been handling the fireworks show for years, also announced plans to retire from those duties when his fireworks license expires in 2024. Toso would like another group or individual to take over those duties.
In the action meeting that preceded the study session, commissioners approved the formation of a grant committee to handle COVID-19 relief funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. This will create the Emporia Major Economic Development Program with a total pool of $750,000.
