Great Bend City Administrator Logan Burns said there has been a delay in pouring the concrete at the dragstrip west of town. Concrete paving contractor Emery Sapp is doing a sample test on the proposed mix design, or the specific proportions of cement, water and aggregates.
Emory Sapp plans to set up the concrete batch plant in the next seven to 10 days, but the process of installing reinforcement materials is going to take another three to four weeks, Burns said.
"So right now, it is looking like December to actually do any paving, but we’re hoping that we can avoid some of that cold weather. That way we don’t have to do any blankets.”
This was part of Burns’s regular update on what is happening within the City organization. Also noted:
• The open burn started Monday at the compost site after discussions last Friday on the wind conditions.
The hope is that winds will carry the smoke out to where it doesn’t linger in the city. The plan is for burning to continue this week, but the city will monitor conditions and adjust the schedule as necessary.
• The city’s pool committee met last Thursday, and engineering consultant JEO provided two more concepts that fit within the $9 million budget agreed on in a recent work session. The concepts would maintain the 11,000 square feet of pool surface. One more concert will be shared on Nov. 20. A proposal will come to the council at the Dec. 15 meeting for final approval.
• This week, the city plans to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for anyone wanting to start a daycare service at the Front Door community center. RFPs will be due in December and then a recommendation will be made for the council’s final approval of whoever that tenant may be.
• The city granted permission for the co-op to use the end of the return track at the Expo Complex for grain storage, as they are at capacity. They plan to have everything cleaned up by January.
• Congratulations were extended to Laurie Bard in the Public Works Department for being chosen by the employees of the city as Employee of the month for November.
“Laurie’s been here for 45 years, and we’re very thankful for her knowledge and her dedication, for all that she does for the city,” Burns said.
• Upcoming events at Great Bend High School’s football team playing Bishop Carroll this Friday at 7 p.m.; downtown open houses on Saturday, Nov. 8; and the Crest Theater's 75th anniversary celebration on Sunday. As his report was made on a Monday, he added that Tuesday was election day, “so get out and vote.”
Funds approved for Shop with a Cop
In action items Monday, the council approved a request from Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark to use $4,000 from the Municipal Court Diversion Funds to help the GBPD and Great Bend Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 23 offer Shop with a Cop again this year.
The council also approved covering the payroll ending Oct. 11 for $568,277.57 as well as the claims warrant register covering bills to date.
