City Manager Allen Dinkel
Each week when I take time to write this weekly report, I try to identify a topic I will focus on. This report is part of a larger report that we call the 5/15. This report not only includes what I write but reports from the various Department Heads. If you want to be on the e-mail list for the total report just let me know at [email protected]. My column appears in the Junction City Union and at times on JC Post. I appreciate both for allowing me to get the word out about what is happening in the City.
I clearly understand that when I write something, it does reflect my point of view with that being formed from years of experience and knowledge of the operation of a City along with State laws and local ordinances and codes. Even though I try not to get to opiniated, I do know at times others will have a different point of view.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the development of the City back 15 to 20 years ago. One reader had a different opinion that I had. While we both agree that the City ended up in a desperate financial situation and yes it did change the management of the City, we have varying opinions on how it all occurred. I have always said that no one ever deliberately made adverse decisions, the reader takes the opinion that decisions were deliberately were made to personal gain of some and to damage the City and the taxpayers. Of course, it is easy to look back and play “Monday Morning Quarterback” and frankly we both may be right. Even though he gives examples of those who were opposed to what occurred, I am sure there were others who felt the right things were being done as this City had a desire to grow.
The reader feels with what has occurred in the past, that no future growth should be attempted. I, however, continue to take the attitude that there always is a need for change as other communities will look at opportunities to grow while another community remains stagnant. I will agree that we have to make sure that as a community we do not make the same mistakes as had been made. We always need to be careful that when a decision is made, that it is done with the utmost research and prudence, and we never want to be the one who put the City in a bad position. As my youngest daughter Macey says, we never want to be known as “That Guy”. Yes, mistakes will be made as at some point that is just going to happen. The goal, however, is to keep those to a minimum.
Last week, I wrote about driving to work and how I take different routes to see what is occurring in the City. A reader brought to my attention that I needed to drive down his street. Of course, the next day I did and yes I agree with him about his concern. Now this street is less traveled than others in town, but it is “his” street. I often say that the most important street to anyone is “the one they live on”. I get it. Speaking of street maintenance, we are getting a few calls about the mill and overlay in an area of town. Yes, we you will be inconvenienced, but part of process to get work done.
Another reader last week reached out to me about the Interstate 70 project, and they heard it will take 2 years. Yes, I understand that it will take that long, but it is a major project that is under the auspices of the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).There will be inconveniences, but we all were complaining about how rough the Interstate was east of Junction City near Grandview Plaza. Speaking of KDOT projects, work is still being done on the Bridge on East 6th Street. Hopefully by next spring that project will be completed.
Last week I received a note from a property owner regarding improvements adjacent to the property he owns. While the decision had already been made to add this to a project that is underway, I did remark to this person, that he wants the City to cut taxes, but he wanted this project. Of course, we are often told to cut costs, but add more services and improvements. Really tough to do.
The underground fiber optic project is continuing and yes, we do get calls at the office about the work and when a water line is hit. I have been told by another contractor that what is occurring here was exactly what occurs in any City where a fiber optic system is being installed. It appears that at least one other company will be making underground improvements in their system as well. The City cannot limit a company from having a franchise agreement for this type of service. I did have discussions with Kansas Gas Service as the fiber will be near a major natural gas line here in Junction City. This gas line provides natural gas to eastern Kansas and precautions have to be taken.
So, thanks for reading this report. Yes, we will not always agree, and that is probably good. This keeps us in check and reminds us that there are those that are paying attention and reminds us to think twice.