Shawnee council approves vehicle, safety-barrier purchases and authorizes Midland Drive project for bid

Shawnee — The Shawnee City Council on Dec. 8 approved several procurement and project actions, including the purchase of vehicles and safety equipment and authorizing a major street improvement project to go out for bid.

The council unanimously approved the purchase of three new vehicles for the community development department at a cost not to exceed $141,000. To improve public safety at city events, staff recommended purchasing portable barriers from Meridian; the city has applied for a Kwik Trip grant to help fund public safety initiatives, and the council approved the barrier purchase on an 8–0 vote.

Public Works Director Kevin Manning reviewed the final design for the Midland Drive improvement project between Mission Parkway and Elm Ridge Road and asked the council to put the project out for bid. Manning said utility relocation is currently underway into 2026 and that the city's construction portion is slated to begin in March and run through the remainder of 2026. The council authorized staff to bid the project unanimously.

The meeting recap did not include names of motion makers or detailed procurement contract numbers; the city’s procurement office and archived agenda packet hold the official documents.