Council said there are no funds to help with helping Cowley College build a dormitory on the Sumner Campus
by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — The Wellington City Council gave an answer to a question that may or may not have been specifically asked of it.
The council said “no” to helping out with funding for a dormitory at Cowley College – Sumner Campus in Wellington.
Two weeks earlier, Cowley College officials made a presentation at the Dec. 2 city meeting about building a 17-room dormitory on the campus in order to promote growth at the new college (see story here). In order to build these dorm rooms, it could cost around $1.9 million.
Wellington City Manager Shane Shields brought up the subject again at the Dec. 15 meeting — at the final regular meeting for 2020.
“There was no discussion after that meeting, or any direction that was given,” Shields inquired. “Is there any desire or options for the staff to research or consider assistance?”
The answer? No.
“It would be nice to have dormitories out there, but at this time, look at what we have had to cut out of our budget,” said Guy Leitch, Wellington city council member. “For them to come in here and ask us for assistance is pretty unrealistic.”
The other council members echoed his sentiment. The only debate was whether or not the question was even asked. Councilmember Robert Hamilton said he got the indication that Cowley officials were simply making a presentation, not necessarily asking for money. He said this would be an excellent opportunity for a private party to invest and city could be proactive in work with that individual/group.
Wellington council member Jennifer Heersche said she is a huge proponent of the project but the money just isn’t there in the city coffers. She said she would be for the city helping the Cowley group out with seeking grants and other economic development incentives to make the project a reality.
In other news:
•The airport fund was amended to pay for expenditures incurred from hail damage from the 2019 spring storm.
•In order to make some necessary electric distribution upgrades at TECT Aerospace, two transformers needed to be replaced. The council approved Border States Electric in Wichita for $57,958.35 for the purchase.
•The council approved an amendment to the lease agreement with Ascension Via Christi Hospital which outlines specific inspection and mainenance procedures so the emergency room will still be an Institutional Group I-2 occupancy facility by the Kansas State Fire Marshall. The amendment also will clarify the responsibility of the maintenance of the entryway, restrooms, etc. between the city and Ascension. Shields said Ascension is still planning on opening the emergency room at the end of January as has been the original plan.
•The council approved accepting a $200,017 bid from McCullough Excavation Inc. to make sanitary sewer and waterline improvements for the proposed BNSF yard office, east of Wellington.
•Council member Joe Soria asked about the current status of the VNA project. Shields said he has spoken with Greg Northrup, President, and CEO of Verbio North America, and he said they are waiting on the new Biden administration’s current energy policies before committing to the project in Wellington. Shields also said that the IRBs that were designated for the project, are set to expire in August of 2021.
