Russell City Council Approves Work Order for Main Street Revitalization Project
The Russell City Council met Tuesday and approved a work order from Professional Engineering Consultants for the Main Street Revitalization Project.
According to City staff, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, the US Congress made funding available for grants for the Economic Development Initiative for the purposes and in the amounts specified for Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed Spending. The Department of Housing and Urban Development administers these Community Project Funding awards.
The City of Russell was granted a significant opportunity for community development and was awarded a substantial sum of $13.5 million for the reconstruction of Main Street, Wichita Avenue to 9th Street and one block east and west of Main Street throughout the downtown business district. This reconstruction project, beyond its economic potential, will also address safety concerns for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, making the downtown area safer and more accessible.
City staff has worked through the grant agreement and environmental review processes, ensuring all necessary steps have been taken. The Final Authorization to Utilize Grant Funds was issued on April 10, marking a significant milestone in the project. With this formal authorization, the City is now allowed to enter into agreements and to draw down funds necessary for this project. The City anticipates the design and engineering of this project will take up to one year, with construction timeline estimates currently at three to four years, demonstrating the commitment to a thorough and well-planned project.
City staff has worked with Professional Engineering Consultants to develop a work order for the survey, design concept, engineering design and bidding services associated with the reconstruction of Main Street.
Also Tuesday, the Council approved an ordinance amending City code regarding animal impoundment and boarding fees.
In March, the Council approved a new contract with Town and Country Animal Hospital for animal impound and veterinary services. The new contract increased the City's fee for boarding an animal from $8 to $13.50 daily.
According to City staff, if an animal is owned before being impounded, it only has to be held until the owner retrieves it from the impound and meets the ordinance's requirements. If an animal is not owned or unclaimed by the owner, it must be held, per Kansas statute, three business days before being available for adoption.
City staff recommended and the Council approved changing the current impoundment fee from $30 to $40 and the current daily boarding fee from $15 to $20 per day.
Also Tuesday, the Council approved a bid from Yutzy Roofing for $20,328 for roof restoration of the Street Department's westside metal building.
(Information courtesy City of Russell.)