HUMBOLDT — Humboldt will improve one park and create another. FOR NEOSHO River Park, Humboldt’s newest outdoor venue, the Westar Green Team, a volunteer group, proposed a shelter house. The structure will be erected at the south end of the park along a nature trail and will give a clear view of the river’s dam and its historic Marsh arch bridge. The shelter will be erected April 27. IN OTHER NEWS:
Council members agreed Tuesday night to have a pond cleaned and deepened on a four-acre tract given the city by Excel Corporation after it constructed senior housing along Franklin Street at the north edge of town. The result will be a new park.
The plan is for the park to be a fishing destination, with help of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, said City Administrator Larry Tucker. The state agency will stock the pond and provide $1,000 annually for upkeep and maintenance provided the city also puts at least $750 into the project each year. Tucker said the city’s share could come from in-kind support.
Tucker suggested the park be called Franklin Street Park.
Brush will be removed but trees marking the park’s boundaries will be left. The pond will have various depths with a maximum of 10 to 15 feet. Two small fishing piers may be added.
“This area has some excellent potential for creating a great local fishing opportunity for the public,” said Justin Morrison, a KWPT fisheries biologist.
Also, a large stone sign, about four-by-five feet, will be put up to identify the park.
“Plans also are in the works to raise money for a restroom,” Tucker said.
A small stone amphitheater, a gift of Joe and Jane Works of B&W Trailer Hitches, is a central feature of the park, nestled on the west bank of the Neosho.
— Keith Nickell, who started work at 6 a.m. today, was introduced as new water plant superintendent.
— Central Plains Lifts, Arkansas City, was given a three-year contract to inspect the elevator in City Hall for $953 each year. Central Plains also promised to respond quickly if a problem arose. The elevator is not used often, Tucker said, but is an important and necessary feature for people to have access to basement meeting rooms.
— Signed an agreement with Embridge pipeline company, which includes up to $65,000 to repair the half-mile portion of K-224 for which Humboldt is responsible. The money would be used to repair any damage caused by delivery of large-diameter pipes to a storage yard just north of town. Tucker said Embridge was unsure when pipe would begin to arrive. The yard will be active for about a year.
— Rick Murphy, Stark, reported portions of the City Hall roof needed repairs. Several leaks have cropped up after rain or snow storms. Tucker said he was awaiting word from the city’s insurance company before preparing a proposal for council members to consider. Murphy, former Humboldt resident, came with local recommendations. Another company will be contacted to offer a proposal when the time comes, on recommendation of Councilman Dan Julich.
— Citywide cleanup will be April 19 north of Bridge Street and April 20 south of Bridge.
— A public discussion of a motel for Humboldt occurred last week with a consultant from Manhattan, who will return with a recommendation.
— An animal clinic will be April 6. Residents may register pets and have them vaccinated for rabies.
— Dedication ceremonies for the refurbished downtown bandstand will be at 2 p.m. April 20 with a concert by the Humboldt schools band.
Humboldt will have fishing park
