City of Gardner Utility Advisory Committee Meeting 07/02/2026

The City of Gardner Utility Advisory Committee met on July 2, 2026, to discuss several key utility-related procurement and policy matters. The committee approved a recommendation to the City Council to award a $20.8 million progressive design-build contract for phase two construction and final design of the Hillsdale Water Treatment Plant intake structure project (CIP project number WWA 2203) to the joint venture of Burns & McDonnell and CAS Constructors LLC. This project aims to replace and upgrade the existing intake infrastructure to increase water capacity and improve reliability and safety. Additionally, the committee recommended approval of a contract modification to the power purchase agreement with the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency to secure an additional 7 megawatts of firm capacity power, aiming to stabilize wholesale power costs. The committee also approved proposed text amendments to the city's schedule of fees and electric service standards to shift development project fees to actual costs with an 80% upfront billing and true-up process, addressing rising material and labor costs. Lastly, the committee authorized a $15,000 rate study to explore implementing a three-part electric rate structure (fixed monthly charge, demand charge, and energy charge) to better align costs with usage and demand, improve revenue stability, and provide customers with clearer billing information. The study results will be presented for further consideration before any rate changes are implemented.