Water Release, Housing and Road Agreements Highlight Tuesday's Russell City Council Meeting

The Russell City Council met Tuesday at City Hall and received an update on the water release from Cedar Bluff Reservoir.

Russell and Hays both requested a release several weeks ago from the Kansas Water Office due to decreasing water levels in each city's well fields, Big Creek and Smoky Hill River. A water release was granted and began on Monday, May 5 and is expected to reach Russell's well fields near Pfeifer by Monday, May 12, according to Russell Water Utility Director Randy Baker.

Council members reviewed and approved the Final Plate of the Flintwood Subdivision. Work on the senior housing development is expected to begin this summer. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held Thursday, May 22 at 10 AM one block south of south Main and Luray Streets.

The council also approved the preliminary engineering supplemental agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants and the Kansas Department of Transportation for the reconstruction of North Fossil Street from 13th to 15th Streets.

Also Tuesday, the council agreed to a commercial property lease with Aldo Sibi of Checkmate Aircraft Services to establish his business in a hangar at the Russell Airport that would focus on repair, maintenance and inspections of small aircraft.

Council members heard 2026 budget requests from Options, Russell Area Chamber of Commerce, Russell Main Street, Inc. and Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.

Mayor Jim Cross proposed some changes to the council meeting order of business - allow back-and-forth discussions between council members and the public during public comments portion of the meeting, and move executive sessions to the end before adjournment. No action was taken.

Mayor Cross also signed a proclamation for Russell's participation in National Police Week May 11-17.