The Salina City Commission voted 5-0 on Monday to approve a $65,466 contract with Precision Electric for lighting installation at the Temple parking lot, despite questions from commissioners and citizens about funding improvements to a privately-owned property.
City Engineer Jim Kowach presented the proposal, which exceeds the city manager's purchasing authority of $50,000, necessitating commission approval. He noted that the commission had previously approved repairs and upgrades to the Temple parking lot on April 14, including asphalt mill and overlay, curb and gutter replacement, sidewalk improvements, and entrance widening. Lighting was subsequently approved on June 23.
"The manager of the Temple was anxious to try to get the improvements in this year, just to preserve the parking lot, but also just to get it in place," Kowach explained.
The city approached Precision Electric, which had previously completed work for both the Temple and city parking lots, to provide a quote and recommendations. According to Kowach, this expedited approach was chosen to complete the project this year rather than going through multiple bidding processes.
During public comments, citizens questioned why the city did not seek competitive bids for the lighting project and expressed concerns about taxpayer money being spent on a private property.
"Did we not submit for bids on this lighting? And why not?" asked Tony Johnson. "We got enough money, we just throw it around now. We don't even try to save money anymore."
Another resident, questioned, "Is this not a private business, the Temple? Why are we putting lighting and doing their parking lot if it's a private business? Are we going to start doing every private business downtown's parking lots and lighting?"
Commissioner Davis raised a concern about political signage at the Temple, noting, "I have issue that I want to support your mission there, but the building is increasingly occupied by people pushing an agenda."
Mary Landes, representing the Temple, responded that they welcome everyone and that the parking lot serves as a public space during downtown events. Landes also agreed to address the political signs in the windows.
City staff clarified that the funding is coming from STAR bonds collected downtown that must be spent downtown, specifically from $463,000 previously set aside for parking at the fieldhouse that was not used.
"I was a little concerned about doing this because of it being a private building," explained Commissioner Hoppock. "The only reason I approved this and was okay with it is that the Temple is currently going through a $1 million fundraising to try and improve that property."
Commissioner Davis added, "Even if this was coming out of a fund other than the STAR bond money, it would not be setting a precedent. I can't think of any organization that has a big event downtown that doesn't count on that parking lot being available."
The project is expected to be constructed in conjunction with the Temple asphalt paving and curb project this fall, with bids for the asphalt work to be opened on August 7.
