Update: for more information, follow this link–
Orange cones in Manhattan have gotten to be old the past several weeks, and that subject was examined in detail at Monday’s intergovernmental meeting. Assistant City Manager Kiel Mangus told the group about one project that’s received a lot of attention–North Manhattan Avenue. Mangus also mentioned projects at Westwood and Sunset, 17th and Anderson, and the Denison Corridor.
K-State’s Jackie Hartman talked about the variety of projects on campus, admitting when someone gets onto campus they may need to leave with a different route and even walking around campus is tricky right now. One suggestion was to link K-State projects on the city website and that link with information about construction in the city of Manhattan and at Kansas State University apparently will be acted on. Both Mangus and Hartman seemed receptive to the idea of such a link.Mangus admits summer times are difficult in the Manhattan area when it comes to construction. He says the city has to jam several projects together in the few summer months. Mangus told intergovernmental leaders there were times this summer they’ve found themselves low on detour signage and orange cones due to the multitude of ongoing projects.
And his week is an important one for national legislation dealing with a possible internet sales tax, according to Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce President Lyle Butler who says he was pleased with the reception he had from intergovernmental leaders Monday with his plea to contact Congressional leaders on the matter.
Butler adds the issue has a direct impact not only on local businesses, but on local governments when it comes to sales tax collection. Congress is going into recess the first week of August, so hopes are to get the bill on internet taxes introduced this week.
Butler also told the group the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce is starting something new, at least in this area…an inter-city visit is planned with Columbia, Missouri. And while this is new to Manhattan, the inter-city effort has been going on for 50 years involving cities of all sizes.
Butler describes the visit as an idea generator, adding it helps learn what other people do well but also from their mistakes so you don’t repeat what they’ve done.
Riley County Commission Chairman Ron Wells spoke at the intergovernmental luncheon, indicating he’d like to see the Wildcat Creek basin area be returned to its normal flood range. Wells commented on the City of Manhattan applying for federal grants that could amount to $25 million concerning flooding at Wildcat Creek.
While he said current plans indicate remediation of properties near the creek’s flood range, he has a different take and he says a loss or reduction in property taxes could result and would have negative effects.
The intergovernmental meeting includes representatives from USD 383, City of Manhattan, Riley County, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, and Fort Riley.
