Hoxie City Council Approves Park Improvements, Housing Support, and Summer Staffing

by Derek White

The Hoxie City Council convened for its regular monthly meeting on April 14, 2025, covering a wide range of community initiatives, upcoming events, and infrastructure updates. Mayor Dawn Elliott led the session with Commissioners Jim Erwin and Kevin Schoendaler in attendance.

Community Collaboration and Upcoming Events

Representatives from the Sheridan County Community Foundation (SCCF) updated the council on a fund matching initiative sponsored by the Hansen Foundation and pitched several community projects. One highlight was a request to make a summer obstacle course at the city walking park permanent. The course, originally organized by the local Health Clinic, will now be maintained by the SCCF, with interns scheduled to paint it in late May. The council gave full approval.

The Foundation also secured city support for a 5K Run and Family Fun Night set for June 11, 2025. The event, hosted by the Hospital/Physical Therapy Clinic, will include vendors and food trucks. City Superintendent Justin Armknecht was tasked with contacting KDOT for necessary street closures on Main Street.

Financial and Operational Updates

The council approved several financial items, including:

·       A trash exemption request at 2024 Royal #D.

·       A $1,000 allocation in the 2026 budget for the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center.

·       A waiver of the 2025 PILOT payment from the Hoxie Housing Authority.

·       A $39,563 bid from Roofmasters to replace the library roof.

·       A $3,942.35 repair bill from Heim Body Shop for a trash truck incident.

Personnel and Summer Planning

The council finalized several staffing decisions for the city pool:

·       Kane Epp was hired as assistant manager.

·       Macalee White will return as pool manager at $500 per week.

·       First-year lifeguards will earn $9.50 per hour, with a 50-cent hourly increase for each additional year of experience.

Infrastructure and Safety Priorities

City Attorney Harry Joe Pratt introduced a draft ordinance to convert 18th Street from one-way to two-way traffic in front of the hospital, pending completion of nearby projects. He also updated the council on a lease agreement for a pocket park north of First State Bank and explored procedures for enforcing property cleanup throughout town.

Armknecht discussed several infrastructure topics, including:

·       Delays in grant funding for new storm sirens until at least 2026.

·       A proposal for a permanent three-phase generator at the city wells due to a now-defunct southern power source.

·       Repairs needed at the James L. Johnson Memorial Park, where aging rubber surfacing will be evaluated for replacement, potentially with SCCF support.

The council chose not to accept a $49,330 paving bid from Weigel Construction for 18th Street, deciding instead to handle the project in-house.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned by unanimous vote. Hoxie city leaders continue to balance short-term improvements with long-range planning to support a thriving and safe community.