Small Town News

Alma City Council signs on to Downtown Streetscape project

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Last Tuesday evening, Alma City Council members listened to a pitch from BG Consultant Engineer Brian Kingsley for a Kansas Department of Transportation Enhancement Program. Kingsley told the council that the KDOT program offers funding for historic preservation, downtown streetscape landscaping projects and pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

Kingsley continued by focusing on the particular project he and his firm had been invited to the council meeting to discuss - the downtown streetscape improvement project.

Kingsley told the council that KDOT would reimburse up to 80% of the construction cost of a project. He added that applications for current projects are due December 30, 2009 for 2011 and 2012 funding.

Kingsley shared information that a typical streetscape project would average $325,000 per block with the city's portion being $90,900 and KDOT's portion being $260,400. Typically the city's portion could be financed by way of a 10-year bond at approximately 4% interest with an annual installment from the city of $11,050.

A streetscape project could include enhanced intersections, flower planters, decorative trash receptacles, new sidewalks and curbs and

Improved lighting facilities. Kingsley added that, since the city has already addressed their downtown lighting issue, it would not need to be considered. He continued by sharing cost estimates, and pictures of enhancements his firm has engineered in Eudora, Hiawatha and

Onaga. Kingsley continued by telling the council his firm could offer their services at two levels of participation in obtaining approval of the KDOT participation. Their fees, determined by their level of participation, would amount to a lump sum fee of either $2500 or $5000.

"We have a good relationship with KDOT in getting our projects out on time without issues. We really have had good luck recently moving projects forward for acceptance," said Kingsley.

He added that due to the December application deadline, it is important to proceed as soon as possible.

"We would want to hold a public meeting as soon as we can to present a model concept so the community is not in shock when they hear what you plan to do," added Kingsley.

The council briefly discussed several areas of sidewalk in two blocks in downtown Alma that have hollow areas underneath where basement shops were located in the early 1900s. Kingsley said he was unaware of that situation but expressed excitement about incorporating those issues into an enhancement program. He added that the uniqueness of that type of a situation could make acceptance for funding by KDOT more attractive.

Mayor Maurice Baker questioned whether information could be put together by the December deadline. He added that the council already has plenty of irons in the fire.

Kingsley assured the council that his firm could meet those deadlines.

City Clerk Sharon White added that the enhancement project will improve the downtown business district appearance, and that potential businesses considering locating in Alma would be more apt to move here if the city shows it is aggressive.

Council member Dan Deiter said it may sound like a good project, but added that the council needs to consider their available funds, and the number of projects the city already has underway.

"I'd like to discuss this more. We need to get the public involved. I don't want to rain on your parade because some of you guys are sold on it. I know Sharon is," said Deiter.

Council member Paul Gronquist said he liked the idea, and that he would like to be progressive and attract new businesses.

"It could be a minimal investment for the whole project," said Gronquist.

"I guess the time to do it is when reimbursement money is available," added Mayor Baker.

Mayor Baker and council member Gary Lesline both added that they didn't think it necessary to make a decision tonight. "Yes, you do! You have to decide if you want to or not," added White.

She continued by reminding the council that with the December deadline looming over them that, if the council wishes to proceed they need to authorize BG Consultants to move forward.

"I don't like to be rushed. We've got a lot of things going on, and I don't like to be under the gun," added Deiter.

Council member Pam Bales reminded her fellow council members that the $5,000 fee could come from the 1% sales tax that is intended to be used for street and sidewalk improvements.

"I think it would be good for us to get going," added Bales. Mayor Baker asked Kingsley what the chances are that the city finances the plan and then not be granted the participating funding.

"I believe you will be very competitive. Our firm can put you in a good position. I can't tell you that 100% of our applications are funded," said Kingsley.

He continued by saying that 70% to 80% of their projects are funded, but that no one knows what the new transportation bill will be.

"I'd like to go ahead and see what happens - see what the public wants and go from there," added Lesline.

"We know we have a problem with our curbs that have to be addressed eventually. I have a few reservations like Dan, but we have a challenge that has to be addressed in a timely manner," said Mayor Baker.

"I'm excited about the concept, and the improvement that could be made (to the curb) on the west side of the street," added Bales.

Gronquist move to proceed with the $5,000 contract with BG Consultants. The council voted 3 - 1 in favor of the motion with Deiter voting no.

BG Consultants Engineer Tom Bennett also briefly addressed the council about funding for the portion of Highway 99 within the city limits of Alma. Bennett told the council that funding for the highway typically involves 75% participation from the state and 25% from the city. Bennett suggested that the project be divided into three sections so that state participation does not exceed the $260,000 maximum allowed by KDOT.

He added that initially his firm was looking at the section from the north city limits, to the blinking light at 6lh and Missouri, and one block south of the blinking light.

City Superintendent Jon Bolinder told the council that this section of the highway was badly in need of repair.

The council asked Bennett to proceed with his firm's study and application process.

In other business, Wabaunsee County Economic Development Director Abby Dechant advised the council that a group of individuals that participate in Renaissance Festival activities wish to hold a festival on the fair grounds in Alma. Dechant told the council she is working with the fair board and Mill Creek Cowboys to organize the event.

She added that there may be a large number of people wishing to camp at the facility.

"I just wanted to give you the heads up on the project," added Dechant.

Superintendent Bolinder told the council he planned to purchase a concrete saw, updated them on the purchase of a dump truck, and gave an update on the construction of the new wastewater treatment plant. He also shared several bids for a new lawnmower and requested approval to purchase a Dixie Chopper from Miller Ranch Equipment.



Copyright 2009 The Wabaunsee County Signal-Enterprise, Alma, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 The Wabaunsee County Signal-Enterprise Alma, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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