By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
A multi-generational center and library.
An activity center at Chisholm Trail Park.
A walking/bike trail along Garth Brooks Boulevard.
These are a few future capital improvement projects being considered by Yukon city officials.
Yukon City Manager Jim Crosby discussed a laundry list of completed, planned and future projects with City of Yukon department directors during a special Yukon City Council study session.
The group met Feb. 11 inside the community room of the Yukon Police Department, 100 S Ranchwood.
Seven possible future projects and their estimated funding allocations were featured in a Power Point presentation. Projects on the list are preliminary and each would require city council approval to move forward.
- Multi-generational center / library ($28 million)
With Yukon’s current recreation facilities needing continual repairs and upgrades, Crosby said a new multi-generational recreation center with a pool and public library could be built on land near Frisco Road and Highway 66. This area is expected to develop in coming years after the Frisco Road-I-40 interchange is built.
If the council approves a proposal, a bond issue would be required to fund the project.
“It would have to be a vote of the people,” the city manager said.
- Lingo property improvements ($1.5 million)
The City of Yukon this week was due to close on the $420,000 purchase of real estate at 24 N 4th (north side of Main Street) from Stan and Renee Lingo for future development. The property includes the former Yukon lumber yard and five adjacent parcels that have been cleared.
Funds have been set aside to tear down the building. City leaders will decide what to do the site, with several possibilities being discussed. More parking for Main Street events and businesses, and new facilities to house museums and social service agencies are among options.
- Garth Brooks Boulevard trail ($644,950)
An 80-20 matching funds federal grant would provide a multi-use walking/bicycle trail on the east side of Garth Brooks Boulevard in front of the middle school. The proposed grant would provide $515,960 and the city match would total $128,990.
- Activity center at Chisholm Trail Park ($500,000)
With Chisholm Trail Park hosting so many activities, this new facility has been proposed to host programs. The center could be rented out to outside groups.
- Wastewater treatment plant clarifier ($500,000)
A new clarifier is among possible upgrades for Yukon’s wastewater treatment plant. A proposed modification would increase the plant’s rated capacity from three million to five million gallons per day.
- Traffic signal coordination with left turn signals on Garth Brooks Boulevard ($250,000)
This proposal is designed to improve the traffic flow by improving the traffic signals on Garth Brooks Boulevard between N.W. 10th and Vandament.
- Taylor Park bridge ($45,231)
This new bridge has been proposed to provide improved access to the park’s new restroom.
MORE TO COME
And those are just seven possible capital improvement projects discussed at Tuesday’s special city council study session.
Other proposed future projects include:
- A new grant-funded splash pad water feature and playground equipment at Freedom Trail Park
- A City of Yukon dog park (location TBD)
- Senior citizen exercise equipment along city walking trails
- 11th Street paving from the river bridge north to Wilshire
- Widening Garth Brooks Boulevard from Vandament to N.W. 10th
- Road connecting Freedom Trail and Chisholm Trail parks
Topping a list of Yukon’s completed capital improvement projects highlighted during Tuesday’s presentation are:
- Frisco Road widening and repaving ($3.1 million)
- Various street repairs ($1.64 million)
- Vandament Avenue re-alignment ($1.55 million)
- Yukon Community Support Foundation/Public Works maintenance facility ($795,600)
- Taylor Park restroom ($537,494)
- Frisco Road water tower pavement improvement ($203,225)
- Chisholm Trail Park parking lot expansion ($157,473)
Other smaller projects finished were: Well field relocation for turnpike construction, State Highway 4 drainage repairs, Kingsgate storm sewer improvements, Freedom Trail Park/Mulvey Pond riprap repair, Taylor Park parking lot, fire station drain upgrade, and Kali lift station rehab.
All these projects were funded through revenue notes between 2017-19.
A new 2020 revenue note has been proposed with a total budgeted amount of $7 million (see chart).
Yukon’s city manager said bond funds must be spent on projects for which they are specified. For example, the City of Yukon cannot use bond funds designated for a road resurfacing project to purchase new equipment.
