Work continues around Great Bend’s new Splash Pad on the north side of Veterans Memorial Park, where a ribbon cutting is set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 17.
“This has been an exciting project,” Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns told the Great Bend City Council when it met Monday. Staff recently installed irrigation and 800 yards of sod but the free water feature is ready.
Department heads reported on staffing, parks, a solar regulations meeting and more at Monday’s meeting. Here is a summary:
Fire Chief Brent Smith
Chief Smith introduced the newest firefighter and reported that the training facility’s “burn building” is getting a second floor. Training will start on May 18.
Police Chief Steve Haulmark
There are four positions open at the GBPD but they conducted new-hire testing on April 25 and now one prospective employee is going through the background check.
The police were involved in Project Clean Sweep last weekend, collecting nine bags of trash. “We focused on Brit Spaugh and Heizer parks,” he said. “We’re continuing to do good things; we’ve been focusing a lot on parks and common areas unless we have a specific project, which we’ve identified a couple.”
Police recently executed two search warrants in relation to a missing female and her child who were believed to be in possible danger. That investigation was ongoing but an individual with a previous felony conviction was arrested for being in possession of a firearm.
“This morning (May 6), our tactical team did some training in various places in Great Bend, including Fire Station Two.” Since the team started about a year ago, they’ve been doing a lot of in-house training. “They will be going through formal basic SWAT training in the near future, but it’s good to have those folks should we need them for something.”
Officer Nick Reed was in Nacogdoches, Texas, for K-9 training. He was scheduled to return Wednesday.
Public Works Director Jason Cauley
Cauley began his report by saying the Automated Meter Infrastructure project is nearing completion.
Cauley said he has also looked into the water leak on 10th Street in front of Aaron’s Rent to Own and a plumber will fix the problem soon.
As for street repairs, he said 70 feet of curb and guttering on Russell Parkway will be fixed starting this week.
With warmer weather, it will soon be time to begin mosquito fogging – probably around Memorial Day.
Public Lands Director Scott Keeler
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) championship tournament was in Great Bend last weekend and there were positive comments on the facility, Keeler reported.
This Saturday, May 11, will feature the Cinco de Mayo Festival in Jack Kilby Square and the Paws & Claws Car Show/Golden Belt Humane Society fundraiser in Brit Spaugh Park (north of the water park).
The Wetlands Waterpark at Great Bend is fully staffed for the summer and the pool will open on Saturday, May 25 (Memorial Weekend), weather permitting.
Keeler also reported on the Splash Pad open house.
Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns
There will be a planning commission meeting on solar regulations at 7 p.m. on May 28 at City Hall, 1217 Willams St.
At the Sports Complex, staff are working on the playground installation. “We’re looking to set poles this week and put some sod around it and installing netting on that,” he said, adding the playground should be ready in time for a big tournament coming up.
City Administrator Brandon Anderson
The City Administrator said the City Council should plan on a budget work session following the regular meeting on May 20.
He noted that offices will be moving back into the Barton County Courthouse next week and the courthouse ribbon cutting/tours will be May 31.
The Agriculture and Transportation Complex at Barton Community College will have a July 17 ribbon cutting.
Anderson also mentioned the KCAC tournament, noting the championship softball game went for 12 innings.
Finally, he reminded everyone of the councilmembers whose terms are expiring. They are Lindsey Krom-Craven, Ward 1, Kevyn Soupiset, Ward 2, Davis Jimenez, Ward 3, and Tina Mingenback, Ward 4. The deadline to file for office is noon on June 3.
