City, university leaders discuss plans for growth

  Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Leaders from the City of Pittsburg and Pittsburg State University expressed optimism Monday about the future of the community during their semiannual leadership meeting at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.

The meetings, which are in their third year, focus on shared areas of responsibility including public safety, economic development and infrastructure.

“There’s no doubt that we work better when we work together,” said Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott. “We’re at a really nice moment in our history because we’re actively coordinating our efforts. Our partnership has never been stronger.”

Specific projects discussed included the potential need for a new crosswalk on Rouse Street, the improvements to Quincy Street and sharing of the city’s new law enforcement dispatch and records management system by PSU police.

“We (city and university) have a common goal of improving our community’s quality of life,” said Daron Hall, city manager. “You can see our progress when you drive or walk through town. It’s in the new restaurants, the improved roads and miles of hike/bike trails. Things are going well in Pittsburg and we’re thrilled to have a partner like Pittsburg State.”

In addition to shared areas of responsibility, members also discussed the creation of a more formalized board structure known as the Joint City-University Advisory Board (JCUAB).

“We’ve been operating with a fairly general set of guidelines thus far,” said Shawn Naccarato, director of government and community relations. “The value of this group is unquestionable and now it will have the structure it needs to ensure its permanence.”

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be drafted in the coming weeks for formal approval by city commissioners and members of the University President’s Council.