HOISINGTON — The Hoisington City Council heard at its Wednesday night about the new expansion at the Hoisington Public Library from Library Director Pat Brown and board member Judy Ray.
The library is in the process of adding a meeting room to the south side of the library. The proposal is for a 780-square-foot room. Progress has already been made in the construction process, and concrete footings have been poured.
The project will be paid for through the Enola Logan funds, and there will be no debt. There will be a private meeting room and storage with the entrance to the room through the library.
Brown reported the brick that was used by the library for the original building is still being made, so the addition will match in brick color.
"It will be a real asset to the town and library," said Ray.
One tree had to be removed but will be replanted with the help of the mayor.
At length, the council discussed parking on East Seventh Street by Hoisington High School, but tabled the discussion, as well as discussion on blighted properties in Hoisington. Each council member will come up with or will come up with a list of properties that need improvement.
City Manager Jonathan Mitchell presented ideas to help residents improve energy efficiency in their homes. One possibility is Partnership with Efficiency Kansas which allows for loans to make the property more efficient with the help of an energy audit.
Another idea was with the Kansas weatherization program which provides income-qualified assistance.
In other business, the council discussed the name of the Scout House. Since the Scouts no longer meet there, they discussed changing the name to the Friendship House. The council is also considering expanding the usage of the building to residents for personal events such as family reunions. Mitchell will check on laws regarding use of the kitchen.
Fifteen to 20 trees will be purchased for planting near the new hotel to replace the 12 that were removed when building began. The hotel is scheduled to be completed in March 2011.
Also, Mitchell updated the council on the progress of upgrades to the water treatment plant. The council learned that an additional $20,783 has been added to the cost due to omissions in the engineering plans. The council wanted a letter sent to the engineering firm informing them of its displeasure with having to find additional funding.
The city has interviews scheduled for a new EMS director, and passed the monthly appropriation ordinance.
