The Salina City Commission voted unanimously on Monday to approve a contract with Diehl Enterprises, Inc. for the removal of debris from the Smoky Hill River in Bill Burke Park.
The agreement, which caps expenditures at $452,351, follows the commission's previous authorization for the interim city manager to execute such an agreement. The contract aims to address the significant debris accumulation caused by recent flooding events.
Martha Tasker, Director of Utilities, presented the agreement details to the commission, explaining that the contract is structured for a four-week work period with a specific scope of labor and equipment.
"The contractor is placing the equipment pad, removing it and stockpiling it for the city, removing the debris, hauling the debris and sediment to the wastewater plant and then properly disposing or burning it," Tasker told commissioners.
The agreement specifies that Diehl Enterprises will provide six workers and various equipment for 40 hours per week during the four-week period. City staff will coordinate daily with the contractor and receive weekly progress reports.
According to the timeline presented, debris removal will occur between September 8 and October 6, 2025, with burning of the collected debris to be completed before December 31.
Tasker noted that the agreement primarily addresses the original debris pile from a June flooding event, not additional debris from two subsequent July storms. After the initial four-week period, the city will evaluate progress and determine whether to continue with Diehl Enterprises or pursue other options for any remaining work.
"No additional costs or time can occur without city commission approval," Tasker emphasized during her presentation.
Funding for the project will come from two sources: $47,000 from the city's contingency fund and the remainder from the general fund.
Multiple commissioners expressed concerns about the open-ended nature of the project, given the difficulty in determining the exact scope of the debris removal needed. Tasker assured the commission that aerial photographs would be used to document progress and compare the current situation with previous conditions.
The commission approved the agreement without amendments as recommended by city staff.
