At Tuesday night’s meeting, the City Commission approved an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for reconstruction of the I-135 and 36th Street interchange.
The interchange was originally scheduled for reconstruction in 2014 as part of KDOT’s T-Works program but was postponed until the bridge needed to be replaced or industrial growth necessitated expansion. Now, GAF Materials is planning a facility in Newton in the next 3-5 years, and the bridge is ready for replacement.
The project will include a new three-lane bridge with shoulders, guardrail, a sidewalk on the north side of the bridge, updated lighting, improved drainage, highway signing, new pavement and pavement markings. Construction will be phased so that construction of the new bridge and ramps will be completed before the existing structure is removed.
As part of the agreement, the City will pay for the sidewalk and some aesthetic improvements to the bridge, including lighting and stone-like stamping of the pier columns. The City’s share is about $319,000 of the total $20 million-$25 million project.
The bid letting will be scheduled for early next year with construction to follow.
More information about the project is available at the KDOT website.
City Manager Kelly McElroy provided an update on the search for a new city manager. Following McElroy’s resignation in July, the position was advertised for several weeks, and the City received many highly qualified applicants. A preliminary review committee made up of the Mayor, Vice Mayor, several senior City staff, and two community representatives narrowed the applicants to a small group that most closely fit the desired experience and qualifications.
A written questionnaire was sent to this smaller group, and the committee met again to narrow down the group to four finalists. These four will be interviewed in person during the last week of October. The candidates will interview with three groups: the City Commission, City department heads, and a citizens group. After the interviews, the Commission will determine whether a second interview is needed or they are ready to make an offer for employment.
A contract will then be negotiated with the selected candidate and be approved at an upcoming City Commission meeting, and a formal announcement will be made about the individual and their anticipated start date.
- Approved a request from Newton Lions Club to close Main Street on Oct. 31 for the Halloween Walk.
- Approved a request from Newton Lions Club to close Main Street on Dec. 7 for the Parade of Lights.
- Proclaimed Oct. 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week.
- Updated the City’s alcohol ordinance to be consistent with State law; to add the Newton Public Library, City parks, and the Rodeo Grounds as locations that are eligible for temporary alcohol permits; and to add the option of implementing Common Consumption Areas in the future.
- Extended the expiration date of K&O Railroad’s option to purchase property in the Kansas Logistics Park.
- De-annexed about four acres of property in the 900 block of North Meridian.
For more information, please contact Communications Director Erin McDaniel at 316-284-6055 or emcdaniel@newtonkansas.com.
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