Sunset Zoo initiates a new agreement with Kansas State University, and new water meters are on the way for Manhattan after the Manhattan City Commission meeting on Tuesday night at city hall.
The commission passed an initiative to allow the Kansas State University Veterinary Outreach, incorporated, to improve the Zoo’s veterinary facilities. The old facility was around 30 years old, and the expanded partnership would allow renovation for the interior and exterior of the building. Sunset Zoo Director Scott Shoemaker says the agreement would enhance the zoo’s capability by allowing animals to be housed overnight in the zoo itself, and give a better experience for visiting Kansas State students to operate in a modern facility.
Sunset Zoo is entering a veterinary service agreement which will standardize the cost of specialized veterinary services with Kansas State specialists to a fixed 3 % increase per year for 15 years.
The Commission also passed an Ordinance for a loan with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for water meter replacement and modernization. Director of Public works Dale L. Houdeshell says currently the meters in the city are becoming obsolete, and the new project would provide efficiencies in the long run that would lead to savings and positive cash flow for the city.
Both measures passed with a 4 to 0 vote. Commissioner Jim Sherow was absent due to being in Washington D.C. after winning a presidential essay contest, and personally attending the event.
