McPherson – Week of May 13 2025

McPherson Council Greenlights Key Step for Deerfield Estates South Senior Living

County Embarks on Major Digitization Project for Planning and Zoning Records

County Considers "Minimum Maintenance" for Township Roads, Weighs Pros and Cons

McPherson's Elm Street Drainage Upgrade Almost Complete, Officials Report

Public Works to Purchase New Tree Grapple for Efficiency

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1. McPherson Council Greenlights Key Step for Deerfield Estates South Senior Living

The McPherson City Council passed a resolution conditionally authorizing the issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for the Deerfield Estates South project. This move is intended to strengthen the developer's application for state funding from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) to construct affordable senior housing. City officials clarified that the resolution's approval was a necessary step for the KHRC application process and does not commit the city financially unless the project receives state funding. The potential for new affordable housing options for seniors is a key development for the community.

CITY OF MCPHERSON

2. County Embarks on Major Digitization Project for Planning and Zoning Records

The county is moving forward with a significant project to digitize planning and zoning folders and surveys, aiming to modernize record-keeping and improve accessibility. Two temporary, part-time positions have been approved to undertake this task at $14.79 per hour, each capped at 500 hours. Officials anticipate the project, which will also include digitizing blueprints and surveys from the courthouse, will be completed by mid-August. This initiative is designed to bring historical records up to date with current digital practices, as all new planning and zoning information is already handled digitally, and recent survey changes ensure new recordings are filed with the Register of Deeds.

MCPHERSON COUNTY

3. County Considers "Minimum Maintenance" for Township Roads, Weighs Pros and Cons

A proposal to designate several township roads as "minimum maintenance" generated considerable discussion regarding liability, impact on landowners, and the notification process. While no formal action was taken, as a resolution will be required at a future meeting, commissioners discussed the implications. State statute suggests that such a designation would alleviate the county and its employees from liability for damages arising from the roads' condition or maintenance. Concerns were raised about accessibility for farm equipment on some of these roads due to tree growth, and whether property owners are formally notified before such changes. It was noted that townships initiate these requests, and in cases of roads bordering multiple townships, agreements between the relevant township boards are made.

MCPHERSON COUNTY

4. McPherson's Elm Street Drainage Upgrade Almost Complete, Officials Report

An update on the Elm Street Drainage Project's Euclid extension revealed that the major work is nearing completion. Pavement marking was scheduled, and crews were addressing minor damage caused by snowplows. Officials highlighted that this project will be a significant improvement to the downtown drainage system, an important aspect for residents and businesses in the area.

CITY OF MCPHERSON

5. Public Works to Purchase New Tree Grapple for Efficiency

The Public Works department received approval to purchase a new tree grapple for its Cat loader at a cost of $17,986.89 from Double L Manufacturing. This equipment, described as a top request from workers, will be custom fabricated and is expected to significantly improve efficiency in stacking trees at the tree pit and loading trees and brush onto trucks during right-of-way maintenance. The eight-foot-wide grapple was chosen over other quotes due to its design and lower price for a comparable build to other models.

MCPHERSON COUNTY

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Sources

1. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1932486864166538
2. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
3. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video
4. https://www.facebook.com/CityOfMcPhersonLocalGovernment/videos/1932486864166538
5. https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/949/BOCC-Recent-Agendas-Minutes-and-Video