To accommodate the planned expansion of a local business, the Great Bend City Council Monday night approved a rezoning for Kevin Arnberger. He purchased real estate located just south of the city at Second and MacArthur streets and in the three-mile zoning radius of Great Bend.

Arnberger wishes to construct a building on the site to house his fire protection business, Pryor Automatic Fire Sprinkler Inc., said City Attorney Bob Suelter. “He’s got a growing business there.”

The Planning Commission has met and recommended approval of the rezoning from A (agriculture) to C (commercial), Suelter said. Notice was sent pursuant to the statutes and published in the Great Bend Tribune. Additionally, a public hearing was conducted by the Planning Commission and there were no other parties wishing to address the issue.

Suelter said Arnberger currently rents, but due to the growth he is in need of more space and a larger building. Arnberger indicated that he was going to build a 75x75-foot structre on the property. 

He will use approximately 4.1 acres of the real estate and the remainder of the real estate will continue to be used for agricultural purposes, Suelter said. 

Currently, he employs 10 people and hopes to expand employment to 20 over the next few years. Pryor services customers all over Kansas.

“It will be a great addition,” Councilwoman Jolene Biggs said.