MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council approved a $643,000 project to replace and expand the Sports Arena’s main gym floor Tuesday, while advancing water service proposals for two neighborhoods and discussing changes to public records procedures.
Council members voted 4-0 to approve the arena project, which includes a new wood floor, additional floor space and improvements to electrical and data connections beneath the court.
Parks and Facilities Director Justin Combs said the existing floor, installed in 2016, has developed recurring cracks despite repairs. He said its construction is poorly suited to the weight and heavy use it receives.
The project will extend the floor 10 feet on both the north and south ends, giving volleyball players more room to serve during state tournaments.
Hutchinson Community College will contribute $221,500 under a cost-sharing agreement also approved 4-0. The city will pay $421,500 using remaining proceeds from the previous Sports Arena sales tax.
Construction is planned after the final graduation in spring 2027, with completion expected by early August.
Council members also unanimously authorized state revolving fund loan applications for water service extensions to Foothills Estates and Lakeview Hills.
The proposed Foothills Estates project would install approximately 10,000 feet of water main at an estimated cost of $3.2 million. Potential loan forgiveness could reduce that amount by about $1.1 million.
The Lakeview Hills proposal calls for approximately 2,600 feet of water main at an estimated cost of $850,000, with potential loan forgiveness of $340,000.
Neither project can proceed without approval of a special assessment district. Staff said petitions must meet a 51% approval threshold.
Once a district is approved, all properties within it would pay assessments, including those whose owners continue using wells. Residents connecting to city water would also pay separately for service lines between their homes and the mains.
Foothills residents described declining well pressure, water quality concerns and expensive appliance replacements.
Staff will obtain financing details before formal petitions circulate and the proposals return to council. Construction and water service remain several years away.
Council members also directed staff to develop proposed changes to the city’s public records ordinance, fees and procedures.
Information Technology Director Todd Davis said departments handle requests inconsistently, making requests and charges difficult to track. He proposed a centralized management system estimated to cost about $14,000 annually.
City code currently lists charges of $12 per hour for staff time and 25 cents per photocopy.
Council Member Stacy Goss questioned higher fees already being charged and warned that increased costs could burden people seeking public information. She also called for reviewing possible refunds and previously denied requests.
Staff will develop proposals and seek legal review. Council members supported holding a public hearing when the changes return. No new fee schedule or software purchase was approved.