Junction City – Week of April 27 2025

Controversial Roundabout at Mcfarland and Eisenhower Approved on Split Vote

City Shifts Credit Card Fees Back to Users, Expects $1M Annual Savings

City Faces $6M+ Surplus; Manager Eyes Major Street Repairs

Police Department to Acquire $27,000 Drone Amid Discussion

Commission Approves Next Phase of Courthouse Restoration

Bonus: Backyard Chicken Debate Resurfaces During Public Comment

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1. Controversial Roundabout at Mcfarland and Eisenhower Approved on Split Vote

Despite vocal opposition from some residents citing cost, necessity, and potential traffic impedance, the City Commission approved the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of McFarland Road and Eisenhower Drive in a 3-2 vote. Supporters, including city staff and some residents, argued the roundabout would improve traffic flow and significantly enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for students attending the nearby school and families using the adjacent park. The project, recommended in a 2019 comprehensive plan, is largely funded by a $1.66 million Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) grant under the Carbon Reduction Program, with the city contributing approximately $332,000 from special highway and federal exchange funds. Opponents questioned the location's suitability compared to others and suggested alternative safety measures like crossing guards, while proponents highlighted the grant opportunity and long-term benefits.

City of JC

2. City Shifts Credit Card Fees Back to Users, Expects $1M Annual Savings

Junction City taxpayers will soon resume paying credit card processing fees for most city services, reversing a policy enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City Commission unanimously approved a new agreement with Invoice Cloud for payment processing. The previous arrangement, intended to encourage online payments for safety, resulted in the city absorbing nearly $1 million annually in processing fees as usage increased. Under the new contract, the standard 3% fee will generally be passed on to the user for services like utility payments and court fees, though smaller transactions like those at the pool or rec center may still have the fee covered by the city. City officials noted the previous vendor contract allowed fee increases without notice, and the switch aims to restore fiscal responsibility while still offering convenient payment options like ACH bank transfers and cash, which remain free.

City of JC

3. City Faces $6M+ Surplus; Manager Eyes Major Street Repairs

Following public comment questioning the city's large financial surplus and its relation to property taxes, City Manager Kim Zimmerman outlined potential major investments in city infrastructure. Zimmerman presented a list of five priority street projects totaling over $10.6 million, including a $1.3 million interim fix for Grant Avenue (a frequent complaint ) and a nearly $7 million reconstruction of Jackson Street. While emphasizing no decisions were made, Zimmerman noted the city's reserves currently exceed the internally recommended $5 million level, even before accounting for recent carryover. She suggested these funds, alongside dedicated KDOT funding, could also tackle projects like the Trooper Drive bridge repair and smaller but visible improvements like street line painting. The discussion highlighted a focus shift towards addressing existing infrastructure needs before pursuing outward growth.

City of JC

4. Police Department to Acquire $27,000 Drone Amid Discussion

The Junction City Police Department received unanimous approval to purchase a Skydio X10 quadcopter drone for $26,863, plus an annual $1,270 software and storage cost. Funded initially by carryover funds, the drone features infrared and night vision capabilities and is intended for various uses including searching for missing persons, crime scene and accident investigation, critical incident management, and crowd observation during large events. The Commission discussed the drone's cost, necessity, potential privacy implications, and staffing requirements, noting that existing officers would be trained as pilots. Police officials emphasized the drone's potential to enhance officer safety, provide critical situational awareness, and potentially reduce response times and personnel needed in situations like missing person searches. The chosen model is American-made, complying with anticipated state legislation limiting purchases from certain foreign manufacturers.

City of JC

5. Commission Approves Next Phase of Courthouse Restoration

Commissioners approved moving forward with the second phase of the courthouse tuckpointing and repair project. Citing cost savings by avoiding remobilization, the commission voted to waive the standard purchasing policy and awarded the contract for the $298,680 project (including an alternative for retaining wall repairs) to Innovative Masonry Restoration, the same contractor currently completing phase one. The work includes repointing mortar joints and recaulking windows, aiming to preserve the building's structure for years to come.

Geary County

6. Bonus: Backyard Chicken Debate Resurfaces During Public Comment

The ongoing community discussion about allowing backyard chickens within Junction City limits continued during the meeting's public comment period. A local chicken advocate presented arguments in favor, addressing common concerns such as potential abandonment by transient military families (suggesting chickens are more likely processed for food than abandoned pets ), noise (stating hens are quieter than dogs), pest control benefits, educational opportunities for children, and minimal impact on grocery store egg sales. She referenced Emporia's ordinance and low participation rate (20-25 permits, her numbers) and offered to help draft potential regulations. Commissioner Richard Pinaire reiterated his support, questioning why Junction City hasn't adopted policies similar to other communities. The Commission took no action, but the comments indicate continued citizen interest in revisiting the current prohibition.

City of JC

An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed City Manager as Allen Dinkel, not Kim Zimmerman

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Sources

1. https://junctioncityks.portal.civicclerk.com/event/450/media
2. https://junctioncityks.portal.civicclerk.com/event/450/media
3. https://junctioncityks.portal.civicclerk.com/event/450/media
4. https://junctioncityks.portal.civicclerk.com/event/450/media
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OAnCxE9Cn4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsaeCyCQPcY
6. https://junctioncityks.portal.civicclerk.com/event/450/media