Proclamations, plant upgrades and providing the community with an economic development update, provoked thoughtful discussion during Manhattan’s City Commission Meeting on Tuesday evening.
Mayor Karen McCulloh delivered proclamations for the 60th anniversary dedication of Peace Memorial Auditorium and The Crisis Center, declaring the month of October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city of Manhattan.
Approval of a charter ordinance that will increase stormwater rates by three-percent, drove a large portion of the meeting. Findings of phase 1 of a recently completed cost of services study were presented by Director of Public Works, Robert Ott – leading to discussion among commissioners and project officials. The study revealed that the stormwater fund is fiscally sound but will soon be below recommended levels.
Keeping a hydraulic theme, focus shifted to a project discussion for improvement at the water treatment plant. The discussion included project background, objectives and financing. The primary focus of the project is to clearwell water storage capacity, based on daily production capacity – with a second objective being to replace or upgrade the low-service pump station.
Growth in and around Manhattan in recent years has elevated the priority of the project.
Rounding out the evening, commissioners were presented with an economic development update. The report revealed loan amounts, compliance percentage and employment rates – showcasing 15 full-time positions that have been created by the opening of Tallgrass Brewing Company.
