Russell City Council Approves New Design for South Water Tower

The Russell City Council met Tuesday and approved a new design and paint for Russell's south water tower.

At the direction of the Council, City staff recently organized a water tower design contest to create a new design for the south water tower. The painting of the tower is part of a scheduled maintenance program, of which a design or logo is included. Several designs were submitted, with one being of most interest to the Council. The presented design was submitted by Scott Nuss. As advertised, the winning designer will receive $250 in Chamber Bucks and design attribution noted on the City website. Sandblasting and painting of the south water tower will begin in the coming weeks and is included in the annual maintenance agreement.

The water tower will be painted white with "Welcome to Russell Home of the Broncos" painted on the tank, accompanied by the Russell High School Champion mascot logo.

Also Tuesday, following a hearing, the Council adopted the 2022 budget.

City Manager Jon Quinday...

Although the budget is below the revenue neutral rate and the City portion of property taxes are being lowered, the Council also held a revenue neutral rate hearing and adopted a resolution to protect the City if final valuations come in lower than estimates.

The Council also approved 10-year capital improvement and equipment reserve fund plans.

Also, City staff applied for and received $116,229 in Community Development Block Grant funding for the estimated $232,457 Bickerdyke, Water Tower and Fossil Creek Parks improvement project. The cost estimate included park equipment, ground cover and grant administration. Following public hearings, design and solicitation of bids, all following strict CDBG guidelines, bids were opened on August 31. Staff reviewed the bids and recommended to award the low bid to Playscapes Structures in the amount of $218,474.68 contingent upon approval by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The Council approved the bid. The project is scheduled to be completed by April 30, 2022.