Atwood City Council Tackles Housing, Law Enforcement Collaboration, and Library Support in May Meeting

by Derek White

The Atwood City Council met in regular session on May 15, 2025, with several key community developments on the agenda. Mayor Janet Stice presided over the meeting, where city officials, department heads, and guests discussed progress on housing, infrastructure, and public services.

Librarian Grace Kastens opened the evening with a presentation of the proposed 2026 library budget and a recap of the library’s 2024 accomplishments. The Atwood Public Library hosted 185 programs with over 1,400 attendees last year. Kastens also highlighted recent repairs to the library building and distributed materials on the broader impact of Kansas libraries. Mayor Stice and the council praised her efforts and the library’s value to the community.

In housing updates, Brian Clark of Two Homes LLC reported progress on the Moderate-Income Housing (MIH) project. Contractors are being secured to accelerate the timeline, with construction set to begin in the next month to six weeks. One home is planned for South 7th Street, now that a key easement has been acquired. David Blau of Miller & Associates also informed the council that a platting public hearing will take place before the June meeting.

The council unanimously approved a $104,595.55 payment to BSB Construction for work completed on the ARPA-funded water infrastructure project.

Department heads gave their regular reports. City Clerk Dana Philpott shared updates from a recent budget seminar and outlined grant discussions with the Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission. Chief of Police Brian Withington noted 14 reports during the previous period, including one custodial arrest and multiple traffic stops. Superintendent Rick Kramer reported on city maintenance activities and pool preparation for the summer season.

A detailed discussion was held on the working relationship between the Atwood Police Department and the Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office. Councilman Mark Vrbas is spearheading efforts to reestablish collaboration, noting gaps in services being paid for by the city. Chief Withington emphasized the issue is not cooperation, but rather ensuring the city receives adequate return on taxpayer investment. The council reviewed a 2004 agreement and discussed the need for an updated contract that clearly defines roles and financial terms.

In other updates, Councilwoman Diana Tongish confirmed the Atwood swimming pool will open May 24, and summer rec movies will run Thursdays at 2 p.m. from June 5 through July 3. Fundraising movie nights will follow in July, and the theater board is also looking into ADA-compliant hearing equipment.

Mayor Stice concluded the meeting with a reminder that the filing deadline for city council candidates is June 2, with three positions up for election in November.

The next meeting is expected to include the housing platting public hearing and further discussion on law enforcement service agreements.