Most of those attending Thursday night’s information forum on the Kelly & Ohio roundabout project were critical of city leaders for not having a pre-information meeting or vote on the item.
Mayor Kristey Williams told the group that the public seldom attends council meetings where taxes or utility rates are increased and she had no idea the roundabout would become such a talking point.
“No public vote was required on this type of improvement project,” she said.
The mayor began the meeting by saying she was initially against the roundabout concept, but changed her mind when she reviewed research about fewer delays and accidents at the intersection.
Following a work session review of options to the intersection, the City Council endorsed the roundabout concept on a 5-1 in June and Williams did not have to vote.
City Engineer Martin Goedecke highlighted the timeline which brought the city to this point. Augusta applied to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for grant monies to assist with alignment of Kelly & Ohio in 2008. The city was notified early in 2009 the application for the 90/10 grant up to $525,000 was approved.The council acted to accept the money on the condition it would pay costs associated with utility relocations and right-of-way acquisitions.
Engineering plans will be submitted to KDOT in October of this year.The city will begin its part of the agreement in February of 2011 and the project could be let for bid next spring.
Estimated cost of the work is more than $1 million. In anticipation of the project, city officials have set aside capital improvement funds for its share. No new taxes or General Fund monies will be used.
Goedecke estimated construction time could take from three to six months.
Because Augusta has chosen a roundabout route, it now qualifies for up to $800,000 from KDOT.
Questioning the need and cost for the intersection of project last night were Lorraine Scott, Bea Hart, Tim Chappell, Charles Winter, Charles Hannah, Charles Barber, Greg Boucher, Ken Brinkman, Judy Dryden, and Randy Johnson.
City Council members Tom Leffler, Mike Rawlings and Ron Reavis sat in on the meeting along with the group of 40 local residents.
Mayor Williams sat on a panel with Goedecke, KDOT traffic engineer Cheryl Hendrixon, Safety Chief Tyler Brewer, and City Manager Bill Keefer.
Augusta, Kan. —
