ELLINWOOD — The application deadline of May 13 will be coming quickly for the Ellinwood City Council as they move forward on submitting the final grant application to the Kansas Department of Transportation for a proposed downtown sidewalk improvement program.
“In the next three weeks, things will be running pretty fast,” noted Paul Stoner, a Neodesha project engineer for EBH, who has been retained by the council to assist with grant application and project scope.
City staff were notified that the concept application as a first phase of applying for KDOT’s transportation alternatives cost share grant had been approved and Ellinwood was among 61 other applicants who were all seeking funding for projects in the current cycle. Stoner noted that the program was “extremely competitive.”
“In a typical year, KDOT awards about 15 projects,” he said. Award notification should be around the end of July, Stoner noted.
The 80/20 cost share would cover most of the construction cost. However, design, right-of-way, utilities and added amenities such as trees, planters or irrigation would be the city’s responsibility.
Stoner shared some preliminary design plans with the council, as well as discussed project scope questions such as ADA requirements, decorative light poles, planters and trees.
He explained that having a comprehensive design plan would earn points toward a successful grant award, as well as having a council resolution of support and proof of funds to cover the required matching funds. Letters of support from the public, community organizations or businesses will add to the city’s chance of success.
A special meeting has been scheduled for 5 p.m. April 26 to adopt a resolution of support, as well as hear public input on the project application.
Ellinwood Chamber announcement
Jordan Waite, Ellinwood Chamber executive director, made the following announcement at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ellinwood City Council:
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we could not secure a carnival for this year’s After Harvest Festival. We know this will be frustrating for the community and those who travel to come to AHF each year. The Carnival we have used in the past bought another carnival business and chose to take on that businesses tour dates for business revenue purposes.
“If you know of a carnival outfit that may be able to fill in for our usual outfit this year, please share their information with our Chamber Director. Otherwise, we are open to some family friendly ideas to replace the carnival this year.
“Our search for a carnival for 2023 will start now to prevent this issue from happening again.”
Ellinwood City Council meeting at a glance
Here is a quick look at what the Ellinwood City Council did Tuesday night:
• Approved Mayor Irlan Fullbright’s appointment of Stephen Tilitson to the position vacated by Jon Prescott’s appointment to the Barton County Commission in February.
• After learning that the city’s KDOT concept application for a downtown sidewalk program had been approved, moved forward to submit the formal application with a May 13 deadline. Paul Stoner, with EBH engineering firm, explained items not covered in the grant’s 80/20 cost share award, along with suggested details to the project’s scope.
• Discussed with owner Chris McCord drawings for sidewalk/tunnel improvements needed at the Wolf Hotel. A KDOT cost share program opening in September was discussed as a source for grant funding for the project, with a preliminary cost estimated at $270,000.
• Heard a presentation from Jordan Waite, Ellinwood Chamber director, on plans for the 2022 After Harvest Festival including a request for use of city facilities.
• Approved spending up to $5,000 with an additional $1,000 for insurance for the city’s annual fireworks display, with a tentative date set as Sunday, July 3 and rain date of Monday, July 4.
• Discussed a request from USD 355 to make improvements to the ball fields at Worman Field and the south field at the South Main complex. The district is sponsoring the project and will be responsible for all work and costs.
• Approved the bid of $9,533.34 for Lamunyon Dry Out and Foundation Repair, Clay Center, to clean and treat the Worman Field restroom/concession building for mold confirmed by inspection.
• Approved the purchase of a Super Z gasoline-powered mower with electronic fuel injection and 72-inch desk from Countryside Motors in Wellington at a cost of $13,748.82 for the city’s fleet.
• Discussed the latest drawing of the proposed plat for the city’s 10th Street extension project.
• Discussed the possibility of an additional $15,000-$20,000 expense to finish repairs to Well No. 5. With additional repairs, the well is expected to be online within the next six weeks.
• Discussed council member attendance at the 2023 budget planning meeting hosted by Barton County officials at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 25 and the Great Bend Events Center, 31110 10th St., Great Bend. Invitation to the meeting was extended to all taxing district officials within Barton County.
• Approved the purchase of a Power Pro EMS stretcher cot listing for $18,000 less KRAF grant match contribution and trade-in, for a cost to the city of $2,600. Brittany Bailey, Ellinwood EMS director, also discussed with the council the need for a power load system for the ambulance at an estimated cost of $20,0000.
• Held a 20-minute executive session on property acquisition.
