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Saturday, June 13, 2015

Construction Progress Reported

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

Zan Murray, Garden City engineer said that the construction of the parking area at 150 South has been slowed because of the rain in May.  The project was projected to cost $500,000 but the actual cost will be $545,000.  The curb and gutters will be completed by next Tuesday.  Councilmember Bruce Warner asked about procedures for change orders.  Murray said that the contractors have guidelines.  The city has to approve all changes.  Murray and Riley Argyle have worked closely with the contractor and mayor. The extra cost will come out of the roads budget.
Murray said there is a local gas tax that can be adopted by cities for local roads to manage future roads.  The League of Cities and Towns got this through the last legislature. Bruce Warner said the citizens might be more interested in being taxed for roads if they knew what  local roads would be improved. “Should we ask citizens for input?” he asked.
 Murray replied that other areas are doing it by county rather than cities, but it might be a good idea for Garden City to do it locally for its road plans.  He will do a survey on what it would bring in and what it would pay for.  There is also an option for a transportation tax.
The transportation tax is a different tax which is more flexible and could fund bus service, senior transportation and other transportation issues and may be better than a gas tax.  The local shuttle will start in July. 
Murray also reported that  the Shundahai tank purchase is moving ahead.  The city has sent out letters to agencies to get approval. They will also need an archeologist to check on any historical artifacts that might be found as they do new construction.  Murray wants  to start immediately so that the project will be completed by September. 
The water share transfer with Swan Creek is slowly progressing.  They have pin pointed a well area and the application for transfer will be a joint one with the city

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