Gardner, Kansas Development News
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07/20/2026 - City Council - Video
Published: Jul 20, 2026
City Secures Additional 7 MW of Firm Electric Power
The council adopted Resolution 2196, authorizing the execution of a contract modification to the Power Purchase Agreement with the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) through the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA). This modification secures an additional 7 megawatts (MW) of firm electric power, increasing the city's total firm capacity to 11.5 MW, along with securing the necessary transmission line capacity. This action supports the city's growing energy needs [cite: 2133-2171].
218-Lot Single-Family Subdivision Approved; RP2 Zoning Addresses Lot Size Requirements
The council approved a rezoning request from RUR (County Rural Residential District) to RP2 (Planned Two Family Residential District) for a 218-lot single-family subdivision on 81 acres located at the intersection of 167th Street and Kil Creek Road. Staff clarified that despite the RP2 zoning, the development will consist solely of detached single-family homes, not duplexes, to address potential confusion from neighboring property owners. The preliminary development plan aligns with the city's comprehensive plan for low-density residential use. The plan includes street extensions, a proposed traffic circle at Madison and Kil Creek, and storm water detention areas. Three deviation requests were approved, related to driveway width, hardscape percentage, and sidewalk connections. The subdivision will be phased over three stages. Residents from the adjacent Quail Meadows subdivision requested and received a condition for a 10-foot tree preservation easement along the east property line [cite: 1036-1355]. Concerns were raised by a council member regarding the affordability of the lots and the potential impact on the developer's ability to complete infrastructure improvements, especially if development phases are delayed. Staff noted that while the city would ultimately be responsible for infrastructure if developers cannot complete it, the preliminary plat stage focuses on adherence to zoning codes and acquisition of right-of-way, not the developer's financial pro-forma [cite: 1380-1591]. The final platting and construction of infrastructure will occur in phases, with the city contributing through excise tax payments and potentially other road funds [cite: 1513-1571]. A temporary signalization plan for the intersection of 167th and Kill Creek is being considered to manage traffic before final road improvements can be completed [cite: 1745-1758].
City Approves Additional Funds for Traffic Engineering and Authorizes Multi-Million Dollar Bond Issuance
The council authorized an addendum with HDR Engineering, Inc. for on-call traffic design services. Councilman McNair questioned the need for additional funds, noting that $40,000 had already been authorized in January and was anticipated to be exceeded. Kellan explained that this was an additional cap to cover potential further needs throughout the year due to ongoing development. The initial $40,000 was largely spent on reviewing roundabouts for development near 167th and Kill Creek. The discussion also touched upon traffic studies and the eventual configuration of the intersection at 167th and Kill Creek, with concerns raised about the timeline for a permanent solution before the new elementary school opens. Staff clarified that the current item was for additional on-call services, not the final design of the intersection, and that the preliminary plat for a new subdivision already accounts for acquiring additional right-of-way for potential future improvements, including a traffic circle. The addendum is for $30,000, bringing the total to $70,000 for the year [cite: 701-961].\n\nThe council also approved the issuance and delivery of several financial instruments related to various city projects: Series 2026A taxable general obligation bonds for $5,950,000, Series 2026B tax-exempt general obligation bonds for $1,005,000, and Series 2026C general obligation temporary notes for $940,000. These funds are intended for permanent financing of the gas turbine unit 2 project, the Lonear Prairie Special Benefit District, and temporary financing for the Hilltop Ridge Madison Street benefit district. The city received a Standard & Poor's rating of AA- [cite: 2184-2258].
Resident Voices Concerns Over Fireworks Ordinance and Semi-Truck Navigation Issues
A resident, Ty Bingaman, addressed the council regarding concerns about the city's fireworks ordinance. He described the ordinance, which allows fireworks from the third to the fifth of July, as resulting in a "war zone" experience in his neighborhood, with excessive noise, extended hours beyond the permitted times, and debris landing on his property and vehicles. Bingaman, who has PTSD from his military service, found the noise and smoke overwhelming and suggested a complete ban on fireworks or a significant reduction in the duration and hours they are allowed. He cited St. Louis as an example of a city with stricter regulations [cite: 33-99].\nAnother resident, Kevin Wright, representing New Life Community Church, requested the installation of signage on 188th Street at Viven Road to warn semi-truck drivers that it is a dead-end or no-through street. Wright stated that for the past two and a half years, semi-trucks have been frequently turning into the church's parking lot to turn around, causing significant damage to the property. He estimated the damage costs to be approaching $50,000, with difficulties in obtaining restitution from trucking companies. He believes signage would serve as a deterrent and reduce these incidents [cite: 105-148].
City Approves $20.8M Contract for Critical Raw Water Intake Upgrade
The council recommended awarding a progressive design-build contract for Phase 2 of the Hillsdale Intake Structure Project to the joint venture Burns McDonald CIS Constructors for $20,838,810. The project addresses the critical need to replace the city's sole raw water intake, built in the late 1990s, which has exceeded its life expectancy and is no longer reliable. The existing intake has experienced over 20 pump repairs since 2018, has failing outdoor equipment, a silted-in lower intake screen, and safety hazards like a steep gravel road for access and leaking chemical tanks. The new structure will improve reliability, safety, and increase water withdrawal capacity from 6 million gallons per day (MGD) to 9 MGD, with the potential to expand to 13.5 MGD, aligning with projected community growth. The project cost includes $415,000 in owner-controlled allowances for market volatility, special inspections, telemetry systems, dewatering, and water quality protection. Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2027 and be completed by late 2028, with the existing intake remaining operational during construction [cite: 1708-2039].
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07/20/2026 - City Council - Video
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