Goessel’s city council met on September 13 and heard Darin Neufeld of EBH (Evans-Bierly-Hutchison and Associates) explain several options for controlling the flow of water in the city.
Neufeld said, “In a perfect world,” the city would buy 80 acres, put in a berm and route the water around Goessel. He said a quarter-mile berm would cost $100,000. Given that this is not likely to happen, Neufeld said, “So we try to do mitigation tactics.” echo rotate_group(14);
Neufeld said the water “drainage” from the museum to Main Street is fine. But from the town hall to the south, the ditch must be “100% cleaned”. This includes five properties. He said a drainage easement would be the best option for the city to do the work. Another option would be to ask the five owners to clean up the ditch themselves.
Neufeld showed the council an image of Goessel from 1991 and compared it to an image of Goessel from 2022, noting the wide open space in the earlier image, which contrasts with many trees 31 years later. Neufeld also said the “box” (culvert) near the city building needs to be bigger.
He also mentioned an option that would involve the flow of water to the east of the city.
Turning their attention to another matter, the council discussed city park improvements with Neufeld. He talked about play equipment for various ages. Equipment for small children could cost between $20,000 and $40,000. Equipment for children ages six to 12 could cost $60,000 to $80,000. “Bedding” would be an additional cost. The tennis area needs to be reformed; which could cost $10,000.
Pickleball and basketball were also mentioned.
Neufeld talked about the city park building and mentioned that it could be used for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant bathrooms. The building would also have space for a storm shelter. This option could cost $80,000, in contrast to demolishing and constructing a new building at a possible cost of $150,000.
The council had also asked Neufeld about sidewalks for a walking path. He said the requirement for a walking path is six feet so that two wheelchairs can pass each other. However, if the city could use the “Safe Routes to School” money, sidewalks would have to be eight feet wide to accommodate bicycles, wheelchairs and strollers. Many of the city’s oldest sidewalks are four or five feet wide. Grants may be available to provide some of the funding for these projects.
In other matters, the council:
* Reviewed pickup deals and voted to buy a 2014 Ford F150 2WD with 82,000 miles for $16,479 from Luxury and Imports in Hutchinson. The council directed City Clerk Jennifer Bliss to call the business the next morning and make a deposit for collection. Council member Duane Adrian and Police Chief Anthony Voth were assigned to go to Hutchinson that weekend to get the pickup.
* held a special meeting on September 6 to interview candidates for the open board position.
* appointed Sam Griffin to the board at the September 13 meeting. He replaces Evan Esau, who is now the mayor. Esau had been the president of the council. Board member Amanda Voth will now serve as chair.
* I heard that the John Deere tractor, motor grader and backhoe in town are old and have problems. A bungee cord must be used to keep the tractor running. The council agreed to have someone look at the tractor for diagnostic tests.
* approved the purchase of a pump for $12,500. Esaú has reminded the town hall that if the town rains a lot, one pump will not be enough.
* heard that the city needs a replacement engine for the lift station.
* discussed the process for hiring a full-time police officer. Voth suggested offering Kansas police and fire benefits. He explained that KPF is part of KPERS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System).
