Commissioners to Consider $86.4 Million Five-Year Capital Plan, Including East Magnolia Bridge
The Salina City Commission is scheduled to consider a five-year capital plan Monday that lists about $86.4 million in projects from 2027 through 2031, including an $8 million replacement of the East Magnolia bridge.
Resolution No. 26-8372 would adopt the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program, the city's schedule of major projects and the funding sources expected to pay for them. City staff recommend approval. The plan lists $25.5 million in projects for 2027, $22.4 million for 2028, $19.5 million for 2029, $7 million for 2030 and $12 million for 2031.
What Is Planned for 2027
The largest share of the 2027 program, $12.6 million, is listed as debt supported by property tax. It includes $8 million for construction of the East Magnolia bridge replacement and road improvements, $2.1 million to widen East Crawford from Markley to Holmes with a sidewalk and a hike and bike trail, $1.5 million for riverbank repairs at Bill Burke Park, and $1 million to design phases 2 and 3 of West Magnolia Road.
According to the plan, multiple storms in 2025 caused a log jam at Bill Burke that significantly damaged the riverbanks, and claims have been submitted to FEMA for reimbursement of that project.
The 2027 list also includes about $5 million in sales tax projects for streets, parks and trails, $150,000 in gas tax money for new wayfinding signs, and $7.75 million in enterprise fund projects. Those include $2.55 million to replace seven automated sanitation trucks, $600,000 each to design landfill Cell No. 6 and a separate construction and demolition waste cell, and $4 million for waterline replacement.
Later Years
The plan schedules $9.2 million in 2028 for construction of West Magnolia phases 2 and 3 and median gateway sign improvements, $2 million for a roundabout at Ohio and Schilling, and $5.4 million to build the construction and demolition cell. A roundabout at Ninth Street and Waterwell Road is scheduled for construction in 2029 at $5.32 million, and landfill Cell No. 6 construction is listed at $5.4 million the same year.
Waterline improvements of $4 million each are listed in 2027, 2029 and 2031. The plan states that about 228 miles of the city's water lines are cast iron more than 40 years old. Other later projects include East Cloud Street widening, East Iron improvements, gateway signs at city entrances and design work on West Crawford.
Bridge Drew Debate at Planning Commission
The Salina Planning Commission reviewed the plan Oct. 6 and voted 6-0 to adopt a resolution finding the 2027 projects consistent with the city's Comprehensive Plan. At the request of planning commissioners, the minutes of that discussion are attached to the commission packet.
According to the minutes, much of the discussion focused on the East Magnolia bridge. Public Works Director Ron Marsh said the bridge did not have a failing score in its inspection but was narrow and outdated, and that he hoped it had roughly 10 to 15 years of life left. City Engineer Rex Ritter said he believed the bridge scored a six on a 10-point scale, which is not a failing grade.
Planning Commissioner Alt raised concerns about spending a large amount on a bridge that was not in disrepair, and Chair Farber asked whether it might make sense to postpone the project a year. Commissioners Longbine and Pankratz said they supported it, with Longbine noting the bridge has no pedestrian access. Marsh said the project is in preliminary design and that a study session on it is planned before the City Commission's Nov. 9 meeting.
During that meeting, planning staff noted the bridge project was in design for 2027, not construction. The draft plan in the commission packet lists the $8 million as construction in 2027.
2027 Cash Purchases
The item also includes the 2027 Sub-CIP, the detailed list of larger cash-funded purchases, which staff presented for review and approval. It includes about $6.3 million for streets, traffic and sidewalks, about $2.5 million for vehicles and equipment, $2 million for water and wastewater system enhancements, about $1.1 million for buildings and facilities, $715,000 for parks maintenance and $100,000 for capital planning. Staff said any item over $50,000 will come back to the commission for approval after bids are received, and any debt issue will also require separate commission approval.
How to Attend or Watch
The Salina City Commission meets at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, in Room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash St. The meeting is also available on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587 and can be viewed on the City of Salina YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas.
Written comments can be sent to commissioners through the "Email City Commission" icon on the city's website, www.salina-ks.gov. The city asks that comments be sent by 5 p.m. the Sunday before the meeting. The full agenda and meeting packet are available at https://public.govinity.com/portal/salina-ks/meetings/772.
