City Council Approves Roadwork, Airport and Park Improvements
by Derek White
NOvember 5, 2025
The Colby City Council addressed a wide slate of infrastructure and community development projects during its regular meeting on Monday, November 4, approving several bids and discussing new guidelines for park signage.
Mayor Lee Leiker called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with all members present. The consent agenda was approved without discussion before the council moved into new business.
Airport Taxi Lane Project Finalized
The council approved a $2,438.28 change order from Weigel Concrete for the performance bond on the taxi lane extension at Shalz Field Airport. Despite the addition, City Manager Ron Alexander noted that Weigel’s bid remained roughly $10,000 under competing proposals. Council also approved the final pay request of $124,354.28, with 90 percent of the project funded through a Kansas Department of Transportation grant. Alexander said the project “is done and looks good,” commending the contractor for improving drainage along the new pavement.
College Drive Resurfacing Approved
Councilmembers next approved a $329,460 resurfacing project for College Drive from Range Avenue to Country Club Drive, to be completed by Bettis Asphalt. Alexander said the stretch has become a heavily used corridor with new developments at Colby Community College, the Event Center, and the hospital. The city will use existing 2025 street funds along with finance project sales tax and special highway funds to cover the cost. “Now’s a good time to do that whole stretch rather than just patching holes,” Alexander said, noting the work will likely take place next year.
Young Memorial Park Sign Standards Set
Council reviewed proposed signage for Casey Quagliano Field at Young Memorial Park, where a donor-funded sign recognizing the Casey Quagliano will be installed above the left-field fence. Renderings initially called for a 45-foot-wide sign, sparking discussion about future size standards for other city fields. After debate, the council approved a motion limiting such signs to no more than half the length of the field’s baseline and a maximum height of four feet. Alexander said this guideline “will help maintain consistency as future naming requests come in.” The sign will be privately funded and maintained by the Casey Quagliano Foundation.
City to Sell Old Irrigation Equipment
The council approved a quote from Western Sprinkler to remove and purchase old irrigation equipment and wells on city-owned dryland property for a $2,500 credit. The company will remove the pumps, concrete pads, and cap the wells prior to the property’s sale.
Transformer Purchase for Tesla Chargers
A $38,595 purchase was approved for a new transformer from Midwest Transformers to support Tesla vehicle charging stations planned near the Dillons grocery store. Electric Utility Director Brad Davis explained that the remanufactured transformer will provide a more reliable power source for the high-load chargers, with Tesla covering the equipment costs. Installation is expected early in 2026.
Project Updates
Alexander reported that the city received confirmation of a $400,000 KDOT grant toward the next segment of South Range Street improvements, which will extend from the existing overlay north to Highway 24. Alexander also discussed the Police department’s upcoming vehicle bids and the extended timeline for new units to arrive and be fitted for service.
Before adjourning, council members praised the turnout for the annual downtown “Boo on the Bricks” event, which drew roughly 700 children for Halloween festivities.
The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for November 18 at Colby City Hall.