The Chanute City Commission discussed the state of several projects in the community during its recent meeting.
City Manager Todd Newman discussed the state of ongoing city projects in his report. The HVAC project in the depot building has begun. According to Newman, the project is anticipated to be completed in October.
Newman said trash trucks delivered new carts to Hillside, Sunset and Westview neighborhoods the week of March 17. The next cart delivery is expected next week, near Osa Martin. Work on the Santa Fe Park drainage ditch is underway. Newman said drainage tile had collapsed, and has temporarily closed part of the walking and biking trail.
Demolition at the water plant is moving along, Newman said. In April, quarterly updates will be provided by Daniel Coltrane of Midwest Engineering. According to Newman, Coltrane is expected to have a final draft of the wastewater plant project by June 1.
“I do expect the commission to have this project finalized during the 2026 budget sessions with debt issuance completed by the end of 2025,” Newman said.
In other business, the commissioners voted to approve a $10 increase to the capital expense surcharge on monthly water utility bills. In three years, this will increase by another $5, according to Newman. These funds will pay for the debt incurred from rebuilding the water plant.
“It’s nice to finally get this accomplished,” Newman said.
Newman said completed projects include the window replacement at 112 W. Main, the Clubhouse roofing project, and activating fiber pons 10 and 12. Construction has begun on the Osa Martin lane development, with a drainage pipe being laid this week. Newman said the project deadline is July 1.
In other acts, Major Jacob LaRue proclaimed the week of April 6-12 as National Library Week. Chanute Public Library Director Jeana Lawrence and Adult Services and Outreach Librarian Chanelle Gontarz were also present.
“During this week, I encourage all residents to visit their library, explore its resources, and celebrate all the ways the library draws us together as a community,” LaRue said in the proclamation.
Lawrence said the library serves people of all ages, including members of the community who are homebound. She also thanked the commission for their assistance on the HVAC project.
Commissioners voted to approve a lease renewal agreement with the Chanute Historical Society. The lease will last for five years, from April 1 of this year, through March 31, 2030. After this, the lease will renew annually unless either party provides a 60-day notice.
The next Chanute City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 14, in the Memorial Building.
