Hoxie City Council March Recap 3/10: Insurance Renewals, Summer Plans, and Street Updates

by Derek White

The Hoxie City Council met on March 10, 2025, to tackle a variety of topics ranging from insurance renewals and summer event planning to equipment repairs and ongoing street concerns.

Insurance and Software Decisions

City Clerk Janet Bainter presented two insurance proposals for approval. The Council unanimously accepted a $97,854 proposal from EMC Insurance for property, liability, and vehicle coverage, and an $11,759 proposal from ICI Insurance for workers’ compensation.

Bainter also shared that the city’s current software provider, gWorks, is transitioning to a cloud-based system. Given rising costs and ongoing issues, she received the green light to begin researching alternatives.

Summer Hiring and Community Events

Preparations for summer are underway, with plans to advertise for lifeguards for the 2025 pool season. Council also approved the Hoxie Hotrodders’ request to host their annual Rod Run on June 21. The event will include a car show on Sheridan Avenue (from Main to 15th Street), free swimming, a bounce house at the tennis court, and nerf gun wars at the swimming pool park.

Street and Maintenance Updates

City Attorney Harry Joe Pratt informed the council that work has not yet started on the long-awaited hospital parking lot project along 18th Street. He’ll draft an ordinance to convert the road to a two-way street once work begins.

Chief of Police Paul Wisinger discussed several properties in need of cleanup. He will compile a list, and the city clerk will send letters to property owners. He also addressed complaints about a deteriorating Main Street building, and Pratt will consult the League of Kansas Municipalities for possible action. The council also discussed selling a surplus bulletproof vest for $500.

Repairs and Infrastructure Work

City Superintendent Justin Armknecht reported that the city’s Ford truck recently needed a head gasket replacement, which was completed by 5H Repairs. The trash truck requires new tires, and quotes will be sought from Great Western Tire. A water main leak at 16th and Royal consumed an entire day of repairs earlier this month.

As part of preparations for the Highway 23 closure, the city secured a temporary compost dump site at Walnut Avenue and Road 10E, thanks to Wes Bainter. The city will manage yard waste removal as needed, and residents will be notified about the new location.

Final Notes

Discussion also took place about replacing the hail-damaged awning canvas at the city office. Armknecht will gather estimates from Colby Canvas.

The meeting wrapped up with a motion to adjourn, closing out a productive evening of planning and problem-solving for Hoxie.

Stay tuned for more updates as summer approaches and infrastructure projects move forward.