A packed Manhattan city commission meeting at city hall was given a whirlwind tour of the future plans of Kansas State University, and an overarching theme of cooperation from K-State president Kirk Schulz on Tuesday night.
Schulz laid out a vision of new construction, and continued cooperation with value added to both the community and the university. Some of the projects highlighted were a new business management facility, and an emphasis on continued controlled growth.
The commissioner showed appreciation for the plan to maximize integrated planning in the future. Commissioner Rich Jankovich said it was important for the university and city to move forward show consistency as both institutions work on their comprehensive plans.
Schulz said partnership between the city and the university will help with recruitment of top faculty and staff as Kansas State University continues to strive to become a top research institution.
The Manhattan library expansion was given its first legs as initial funding for administration, and several contracts received the go ahead nod during the meeting. Commissioner Wynn Butler wanted to make sure his views on the matter were heard, and reiterated his belief that an expansion is not needed at this time. However, Butler voted to approve of the agenda item with the stipulation that the project would be under review when completed to ensure impact on property taxes was kept under control.
An initial look at a new sign for Radina’s Bakehouse was approved by the commission. The sign is proposed to be built onto the building located at the northwest corner of South 3rd Street. The sign will be lit by perimeter bulbs, and occupy 35 square feet.
Finally discussion on possible new floodplain regulations took place, and focused on compensatory storage. The proposal stated any development over one acre would be required to provide compensatory storage. If fill is over .1 foot mark then 1.2 times the volume must be compensated for if displaced along a stream. If the fill is in a low lying area then one times the volume is required. The commission approved of the city staff’s direction, and then adjourned for the night.
A work session is scheduled for next Tuesday at city hall.
