By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
*from meeting minutes provided by City Clerk, Christy Gibson
City of Greensburg officials met Tuesday, January 21, 2025 for their regular meeting at City Hall, called to order at 6 p.m. by Mayor Matt Christenson.
Discussion centered on airport grant applications, plans, and tax rates, as well as PACE solar project for the city. Council present were Mark Trummel, Nathan Charlton, and Wayne Keeton. Pam Reves and Haley Kern were absent. Administrator Stacy Barnes and City Clerk Christy Gibson were also present.
Barnes provided a proposed grant application for the Kansas Airport Improvement Grant Program. There is a total grant award cap of $1.6 million. The remainder of the $2.5 million estimate to install a concrete runway would be up to the City. As a cost-saving measure, Barnes and airport engineer Lochner have explored the option of an asphalt runway.
The lifespan of an asphalt runway is a minimum of 20 years, similar to that of concrete; however, it does require more frequent maintenance such as application of a rejuvenator every 3-5 years, crack sealing, and patching, Barnes said.
She would like to submit three applications for engineering, asphalt paving, and inspection administration.
Last year the city council voted to submitted a 15% cost share proposal, rather than the 10% minimum that is required. Barnes provided a breakdown of the project cost at both match possibilities. She and Lochner recently participated in a virtual meeting with KDOT’s new director, with hopes of receiving input on what would could make the city’s application more attractive to those reviewing applications.
Barnes has collected letters of support from Senator Moran and Representative Matt Hoffman. She is also seeking letters from Buffalo Nickel customers who have or have not utilized the current turf runway. She expects a letter from Midwest Custom Ag Aviation, who is currently leasing property at the airport and has plans to build a hangar.
Councilman Trummel asked if KDOT required the match amount be disclosed in the application. Barnes confirmed that to be the case. She noted that KDOT does not have a problem with an asphalt runway. Barnes said she has researched and found that most towns with populations under 5,000 have asphalt runways at their airports. The City of Greensburg already has the equipment to maintain asphalt and can add the runway to its regular maintenance schedule.
A phased approach with a concrete surface would not be beneficial to pilots. Charlton noted that Upland Inn has the same issue, having to pick-up guests at other airports or have guests land elsewhere and then rent a vehicle to drive in. Trummel the lodge south of Highway 54 is the same.
Trummel motioned to approve an application to KDOT for an asphalt surface and a 15% match. Keeton, looking at the nearly $100,000 difference between a 10% and 15% match, questioned if a 10% match might be a better decision for the short term. Conversation was had on the potential for more hangars being built if there was a solid surface runway available, which would generate more property tax revenue. Keeton agreed that if enough tax could be generated to replenish reserves faster the 15% match made sense; otherwise, he said there are other items those dollars could be used for in the short term.
Christenson did not disagree but said that the KDOT grants are very competitive and that the city has had many years of applications with no awards. He would like to see the city make the applications more attractive with a 15% match.
Barnes said that the state put more money “in the pot” this year, so there is more potential for an increase in awards given. Keeton asked if the property would receive a city tax (since the property is outside city limits). Barnes said that the city owns the property, so the tax bill would come to the city.
Keeton said he could more easily justify the greater upfront investment to constituents if structures at the airport brought in more tax dollars than promoting that the investment would bring more hunters to the area. Barnes said she would also be getting a letter of support from the hospital for the accessibility to additional air ambulance service. The hospital did not have data to submit regarding how often they have had to transport a patient by ground ambulance due to the inability to land a fixed wing ambulance.
Charlton said there have been several instances where a helicopter couldn’t land due to the wind and that the ambulance has had to drive patients to the Pratt or Dodge City airport to access a plane or drive on to Wichita by ground. He said there are now two fixed-wing ambulances stationed at the Dodge City airport that could potentially be available in Kiowa County if there were a solid surface runway.
Keeton seconded Trummel’s earlier motion, which the council present passed unanimously 3-0.
In other business, the council:
* noted that the City of Greensburg’s current electric rate seemed to be average, but on the lower end, of amongst KPP member cities after viewing the KPP Energy 2023 Financial report and the city’s 2024 Electric Billing Review presented by Barnes. This information was provided to Barnes at a KPP Energy Board she attended earlier in January. Barnes also included a report of 2024 KPP billings to the city for power purchased, noting that these were much better than in years past.
* heard that the city has again received an extremely generous donation from Charles Wise. Staff has placed those dollars in the Donation Fund. Council members were asked to provide their thoughts on how those funds should be used. Barnes noted that she was also open to conversation with residents.
* learned that bonds for the KPP PACE Solar Project have been issued and a contractor agreement signed December 30, to mark the project officially started in 2024. This allows for shelter for tax credits on the project. There will be a site visit next week to look at logistics for deliveries and the start of construction. KPP is waiting for final environmental approval at two sites before a groundbreaking is scheduled. The Greensburg site will begin receiving delivery of panels early this year, but construction will take place later in the year. Construction may also be done in phases so that the sites can work in tandem.
