Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell came before the Barton County Commission on Tuesday to seek economic development funds for his city’s subdivision improvements.
Mitchell met with council members last week during their study session and was back this week for their formal approval. The commission authorized up to $125,000 via a reimbursement program, meaning Hoisington must do the work before receiving the money. This project is expected to bring 12 new homes to northern Barton County.
The City of Hoisington previously purchased the Windgate Apartment property and, along with the demolition of certain structures, has readied the grounds for improvements. The economic development funding will help pay for the installation of gutters and a concrete street.
“With this expansion of Vine Street through the subdivision, it is believed that new construction could begin late this year or early next year,” according to the agenda.
Mitchell expressed thanks for the county’s help.
“As you know, housing is a major challenge in Barton County, and we think that some of you just need a little boost to get it going. Our city has been active the last couple of years dealing with some blighted properties. We acquired an old apartment complex, razed that complex and recently filed a plan to bring nine residential housing lots and extend utilities to other lots as part of this project.” The county’s support will help with the extension of Vine Street from Cheyenne Street to 15th Street.
The commissioners were enthusiastic about the development, with commissioner Shawn Hutchinson saying the county has now helped three cities, Hoisington, Ellinwood and Claflin, with projects that will create more housing.
Until this year, the council was a funding partner with Great Bend Economic Development, which expanded its mission in 2022 to support the broader Barton County region. As of Jan. 1, the commission discontinued its role with GBED, opting to look at eco-devo projects on an individual basis. Commissioner Chair Tricia Schlessiger alluded to that decision on Tuesday.
“I think this is exactly what we were looking at, projectwise, when we went this way with economic development dollars – to try something different, ... project by project. ... I’m excited for this project.”
New chairs at the Health Department
In other business, Public Health Director Karen Winkelman talked about a grant to replace 18 fabric chairs in the lobby and exam rooms. The commissioners approved the low bid of $14,998.62 from Commercial Concepts Furnishings in Missouri. Originally, the request was for $500 more to include delivery and set-up, but Winkelman pointed out that previous orders from the company resulted in items being delivered in boxes and her staff doing the actual set-up.
The old chairs are at least 15 years old, she said. “They are fabric and they are well-worn and they have served their purpose.”
This was described as a safety issue because the new chairs will be sturdy, easy to clean with a vinyl surface instead of fabric, and comfortable.
Winkelman noted that she went over the bids last week with the commissioners after the agenda meeting. While the county might have preferred using a local vendor, the federal grant requires awarding the contract to the low bidder.
Barton County Commission meeting at a glance
Here’s a brief look at Tuesday’s Barton County Commission meeting:
• A resolution was approved for a conditional land use permit on the southeast side of NW 50 Ave. and NW 30 Road, to allow Nex-Tech Wireless to build a 250-foot guyed communication tower on a tract of land owned by Farris Haying LLC. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said Nex-Tech has a “dead spot” in that area and Environmental Manager Judy Goreham said the tower is expected to improve the cellphone signal at the airport and fairgrounds.
• A Facade Improvement Grant was approved for All Weather Roofing and Exterior’s building at 2100 10th St. in Great Bend. Jennifer Lynn and Tyler Daily described the $15,601.73 project that involves installing siding, gutters, wraps, shutters and window replacements, as well as painting the building. The grant is for $8,500.
• Commissioners Tricia Schlessiger and Duane Reif were named the voting delegate and alternate, respectively, for meetings of the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool (KCAMP) and Kansas Workers Cooperative for Counties (KWORCC).
• A request from the City of Hoisington was approved, authorizing up to $125,000 via a reimbursement program for subdivision improvements that will allow 12 new houses to be built.
• The lowest bid, $14,998.62, from Commercial Concepts Furnishings in Missouri, was approved to replace lobby and exam room chairs at the Barton County Health Department. Public Health Director Karen Winkelman said her department was approved to use grant funding and then bids were solicited through September.
