Great Bend’s 2024 asphalt resurfacing project is ready to get underway and on Monday the City Council approved the bid from Venture Corporation for $938,900.
Assistant City Engineer Kitha Kadiyala said the project addresses approximately 13 blocks:
• 281 Bypass (from 10th St. to Main)
• 24th St. (from McCormick St. to 281 Bypass
• Harrison St. (from 10th to Broadway)
The intent of this project is to do full-depth repairs as needed and cap them with asphalt, prioritizing high-volume streets and some residential streets.
Venture Corp. submitted the only bid the City received for this project, she said.
Wastewater treatment
In other business, the council approved JCI’s quote of $170,772 for weirs, baffles and launder covers at the wastewater treatment plant. Public Works Director Jason Cauley said the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has recommended these improvements for the past three years.
He explained that weirs are a V-notched device that sits at the top of the clarifier to allow a small amount of water to cascade over them while holding back the suspended solids. Baffles are another layer to keep solids from entering into the channel. Launder covers are placed over the launder, which is a small channel that the water flows into after passing over the weirs. Launder covers help prevent the growth of algae in the launder.
“We attempted to get multiple bids,” Cauley said.
JCI had the only bid by the deadline although the City later received a few more that were significantly higher, he said. The City works with JCI frequently, he said. In answer to a question from a councilmember, Causley said, “KDHE has not given any other recommendations that I am aware of.”
Dangerous Building
The council conducted a public hearing on a dangerous building at 2521 12th St. Building Inspector Matt Schafer showed photos of this single-family dwelling owned by Thomas Pearson. It is vacant with no utilities. The roof has sections of asphalt shingles that are missing, exposing the structural sheeting to the elements. The broken glass in the windows is the biggest safety issue for the city, Schafer said, adding the owner has made progress on boarding up windows.
At the close of the hearing, the house was deemed a dangerous building. The owner has until Oct. 20 to remedy the issues or the city will be authorized to repair issues described at the hearing.
Takkion Lease Approved
The council also approved a new lease agreement with Takkion Operating LLC. They are taking over land that the city previously leased to WATCO. City Administrator Logan Burns said the lease is now for 14.6 acres at the airport for $365 per acre per month. “They’re going to be storing solar and wind components on the property,” Burns said.
