Following a strong 2022, newly elected Emporia Mayor Danny Giefer says the Emporia City Commission has high hopes for 2023.
During the annual state of the city speech Wednesday morning, former Mayor Becky Smith stated the 2022 calendar year had several highlights for the city.
Giefer says he believes 2022 has merely served as a launching pad for what is to come over the course of the next 12 months.
Additionally, Giefer believes newly appointed leadership both for the city and local entities will only help to spur further development across the community. While speaking with KVOE News Giefer also noted the city has several “exciting” announcements coming over the next 12 months, however, he would not divulge specific details.
The state of the city speech came as part of the commission’s annual business meeting which also saw the appointment of Giefer to his fourth term as city mayor and commissioner Susan Brinkman to her first term as Vie-Mayor. Commissioners also approved the surety bonds, the designation of financial institutions and the appointment of commissioners to various boards and committees.
During their regular action session commissioners also approved a bid award of just over $1.28 million to APAC Kansas Shears Division for improvements on Highland Street, easement acquisitions for paving improvements on Road F, the 2023 joint legislative statement, the pathways to a healthy community pledge and a golf course wide mower replacement.
During their regular study session commissioners reviewed a comparison of Kansas governing bodies. The purpose of the comparison was to give commissioners an understanding of governing body makeups from across the state.
The comparison follows a stated need for additional representation of Hispanic residents which comprises approximately 33 percent of the city’s population. Commissioners are currently discussing and reviewing ideas to increase Hispanic involvement within city leadership and plan to implement several initiatives in the coming year to that end.
A proposed expansion of banners throughout various portions of Emporia and an update from Empower House Ministries also saw discussions Wednesday.
The Emporia City Commission will next convene at 11 am on Wednesday, Jan. 18 inside of the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
