McPherson County Commission to Address Infrastructure Improvements, Technology Upgrades at Monday Meeting

Bridge engineering services and courthouse maintenance highlight facility management priorities

The McPherson County Commission will consider significant infrastructure investments Monday while addressing personnel matters and facility improvements at their Public Works location.

Major Bridge Engineering Project

Public Works Director David Bohnenblust and Project Manager Elizabeth Hopp will seek approval for engineering services related to Bridge on Pueblo Road. This represents a substantial infrastructure investment requiring professional engineering analysis and design work.

The commission will also receive updates on the "Safe Roads for All" grant, a federal initiative supporting transportation safety improvements in rural communities. This grant could provide significant funding for county road and bridge safety enhancements.

Courthouse Facility Improvements

Maintenance Supervisor Joshua Pimentel will present courthouse cleaning bids as the county evaluates contracted custodial services. This discussion reflects ongoing efforts to maintain county facilities efficiently while managing operational costs.

Matt Roots from Fuqua Manufacturing Business Development will present turf options for the McPherson County Building at 200 N. Maple Street, indicating landscaping improvements to enhance the facility's appearance and functionality.

Technology Infrastructure Advancement

IT Coordinator Jeff Butler will request authorization to establish an Apple Developer Account, enabling the county to develop custom applications for mobile devices used by county departments. This technology initiative could improve field operations and internal communication systems.

The move toward in-house app development reflects modernization efforts as counties increasingly rely on mobile technology for inspections, reporting, and field operations.

Personnel and Administrative Matters

Several department heads will address staffing needs:

County Appraiser Stacy Hubbard will discuss non-elected personnel matters, potentially addressing assessment department staffing during the busy property valuation season.

Captain Blevins from Corrections will request approval to purchase a replacement kitchen range/oven for the jail facility, addressing essential food service equipment needs for the detention center.

Planning and Development

Planning/Zoning/Environment Administrator Jon Kinsey will request approval to waive an application fee, likely supporting development projects that benefit county interests or meet specific criteria for fee reduction.

Environmental Compliance

The agenda includes discussion of a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) letter requesting inspection access to county property at 1177 West Woodside Street. This indicates potential environmental monitoring or compliance requirements for county-owned facilities.

Routine County Business

Commissioners will handle standard administrative functions including:

• Agenda and minutes approval
• Check, claims, and payroll authorization
• Property tax assessment additions and abatements
• General correspondence review

Public input is scheduled for 9 a.m., providing residents opportunity to address commissioners on matters not specifically listed on the agenda.

The 9 a.m. meeting continues at the Public Works facility at 1115 W. Avenue A, where commissioners have operated since relocating from the county building earlier this year.

Monday's agenda demonstrates McPherson County's focus on infrastructure investment through the bridge engineering project and federal grant opportunities, while addressing immediate facility needs including courthouse cleaning and jail equipment replacement.

The Apple Developer Account request represents forward-thinking technology adoption that could improve county operations efficiency and service delivery. The turf discussion and KDHE compliance matter show attention to both facility aesthetics and environmental responsibilities.

These items collectively reflect comprehensive county management addressing infrastructure, technology, personnel, and regulatory compliance needs across multiple departments and facilities.