HOISINGTON — Following a presentation by city staff, the Hoisington City Council approved a draft of the 2021 Neighborhood Revitalization Plan at Monday’s regular meeting. The current plan expires at the end of December. City staff will present the draft of the plan to three other economic development partners, including Hoisington USD 431, Barton County and Barton Community College. According to the draft, all of the corporate city limits of Hoisington will be considered in the primary target area.
The draft includes proposed capital improvement projects including:
Street Improvements
• Enhancements to K-4 between Main Street to Center Street.
• Second Street resurfacing between Green Street and Walnut Street.
Parks
• Continue improvements at Bicentennial Park
• Update equipment in Heritage Park
• Repair or renovate Swimming Pool
Public Buildings
• Repair or renovate bathhouse at swimming pool
• Add catering space and ADA lift at City Hall
Sewer and Water
• Add lift station to provide wastewater service to NW growth area
• Extend water lines to service NW growth area
The council approved hiring Water’s Edge Aquatic Design, a consultant from Lenexa, for $8,900 to create conceptual designs for a new and renovated city pool. The consultant will work with the five members of the pool advisory board and city staff in the design process that fits into the city’s budgetary parameters.
In other business, councilors approved 2020 maximum year-end transfers. The transfers establish a maximum, or lid, for year-end transfers in various funds. The transfers would continue to work toward fully funding the Quality of Life Endowment Fund, funding the pool enhancement project, the power plant engine project and other equipment needs and projects not included in the operating budget.
The council approved reconciliation of the machinery and equipment fund. City Manager Jonathan Mitchell said the purpose of the reconciliation is to assign every dollar to a specific project and stay balanced moving forward.
“As part of this effort, our staff found significant funds that were not earmarked for specific projects or initiatives,” said Mitchell. “The unaffiliated balance is proposed to be split between the pool and the endowment.” Council members approved the split of $401,239.28 with $200,619.64 going into the pool project and the endowment.
On other matters, the council approved holiday benefits for city staff, including staff being given all of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off. Council members also approved $25 Chambers Checks for all city staff members.
