City Council Reviews Villa High Lake Progress, Approves Infrastructure and Administrative Actions
December 16, 2025
The Colby City Council met Tuesday, Dec. 16, at City Hall to conduct regular business and receive an extensive progress update on the ongoing Villa High Lake renovation project, while also approving several infrastructure, public safety, and administrative items.
The meeting opened with approval of the consent agenda, which included minutes from the November meeting, payroll and general ordinances, cereal malt beverage license renewals, mayoral appointments to several boards and commissions, and approval of a new home occupation permit.
The primary focus of the meeting came during old business, when Dave Spalsbury of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks presented a detailed progress report on the Villa High Lake renovation. Spalsbury, a fisheries biologist who has worked with the City of Colby for decades, outlined both the history of the lake and the scientific reasoning behind the renovation strategy.
Spalsbury explained that Villa High Lake, originally a borrow pit from Interstate 70 construction, had become heavily silted over time due to watershed runoff, urban development, and agricultural activity. Prior to renovation, the lake suffered from poor water quality, excessive algae growth, and an imbalance of fish species able to survive low oxygen conditions. The renovation removed significant sediment, deepened the basin, stabilized shorelines with rock and vegetation, and added underwater habitat structures to improve fish survival and water stability.
He also described the installation of a constructed wetland and a bottom-diffuser aeration system designed to reduce nutrient loading, improve oxygen levels, and prevent thermal stratification that previously contributed to fish kills. Spalsbury emphasized that these improvements have already led to measurable gains, including better water stability and the ability to sustain sport fish populations that were not viable before renovation.
Fish management efforts were also reviewed, including trout stockings for seasonal fishing, reduced catfish stocking to avoid overcrowding, and predator introductions to control overpopulated bluegill. Spalsbury noted that ongoing sampling and data collection will continue to guide future management decisions, with additional watershed buffer improvements recommended to further protect long-term water quality.
Under new business, council members approved setting a special meeting for Dec. 31 at 7:30 a.m. to close out year-end financial matters. The council also approved a $33,100 payment for a 10-year warranty extension on CAT Engine No. 9, which is the city’s oldest generator engine and currently undergoing warranty work.
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Additional approvals included a contract with Axon for two new in-car police cameras at an annual cost of $5,250.95 from 2026 through 2029, and a $28,000 estimate from Johnson Service Company for preventative repairs at the city’s wastewater treatment plant headworks. City staff explained the repair would extend the lifespan of existing concrete infrastructure and prevent far more costly damage in the future.
The council also approved Resolution 1238, confirming city boundaries for the year ending Dec. 31, 2025, and Resolution 1239, designating the Colby Free Press as the official city newspaper for 2026, as required by state statute. Resolution 1240, which waives Generally Accepted Accounting Principles reporting requirements, was approved as an annual procedural item.
Two ordinances were also adopted, setting compensation and terms for the city attorney and municipal judge and court clerk for 2026.
During closing comments, council members expressed appreciation for city staff, holiday decorations throughout Colby, and public safety efforts near school zones. The meeting concluded with holiday well wishes before adjournment.