MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County commissioners will consider engineering agreements for the McNew Road and Mills Avenue improvements and a replacement water truck when they meet Wednesday, morning.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room at the Reno County Courthouse, 206 W. First Ave.
Two agreements with JEO Consulting Group are on the consent agenda as county officials work to divide the three-mile road improvement project into two projects. County Administrator Randy Partington said in agenda materials that separating the work would help accelerate improvements to the first mile of McNew Road, from U.S. 50 south to Morgan Avenue, which Evergy is paying for.
The proposed amendment for that segment adds $244,800 for design, construction administration and construction observation, bringing the agreement’s total to $271,300.
A separate $45,000 agreement would cover final plans for the remaining two miles: McNew Road between Morgan Avenue and Mills Avenue, and Mills Avenue between K-96 and McNew Road. Agenda materials indicate additional costs are expected to be addressed through the road maintenance agreement with Evergy.
Public Works Director Logan McCurry is requesting approval to purchase a used water truck with a 2,000-gallon tank for $62,100, including transportation from V&T Truck Center in Longview, Texas. The request also would allow purchase of a similar vehicle at a total cost not exceeding $70,000.
The truck would replace a 1999 Freightliner with a 4,000-gallon tank that was totaled after being rear-ended while parked May 11. Public Works determined a smaller tank would meet its needs.
Travelers paid the county $51,341.11 after the deductible for the loss. The replacement would be purchased through the Road and Bridge Special Machinery Fund.
Other agenda items include setting the canvass for the Nov. 3 general election. County Clerk Jenna Fager recommends 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the courthouse annex conference room.