CAPTION: Reno County Commissioner Daniel Friesen, right, talks to Interfaith Housing Inc.’s CEO Clint Nelson during a Aug. 28, 2024 meeting, with commissioners John Whitesel, left, Ron Hirst, Randy Parks and Don Bogner. CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY
Fifteen years ago, BlackBerry was still more popular than the iPhone, and the iPad had just hit the market. Technology has undergone massive evolution globally in the past decade and a half, and Reno County is not immune from these effects. Recognizing the rapid pace of technological change, Maintenance Director Harlen Depew spoke before the commission during Wednesday’s meeting requesting an upgrade for HVAC computer control systems in the county.
In 2008, an energy project involving most buildings in the county led to the subsequent installation of controls for new HVAC equipment at the Courthouse, Law Enforcement Center, and Health Department. However, those systems are now aging out, with controls failing and parts no longer available.
“We’ve kinda limped along with it for the last few years as it went obsolete,” Depew said. “It’s time we’re gonna have to do something about that to get that system updated to current technology.”
Commissioner John Whitesel expressed concern about the short lifespan of the systems and questioned whether an upgrade would be cost effective. Depew clarified that the upgrades would be for the computer systems that help operate HVAC equipment rather than the equipment itself, noting that “technology moves faster than mechanical evolution.” He also highlighted the energy efficiency and staff time savings as justifications for the cost.
The commission unanimously approved the request in a 4-0 vote, with the $55,000 funding coming from the Health Department capital outlay fund and the county Capital Improvement Program fund.
The commission also heard from Phil Nightingale with Salt City Racing, as he shared highlights of an exciting entertainment sphere in Hutchinson in hopes of making further partnerships with the county. From opening night in April to today, eight races have hit the Kansas State Fairgrounds for what Nightingale described as a “very successful year of racing.” The races, including a 100-lap United States Auto Club Race, have brought fans to the county, filling the grandstand with averages of 1,6000 spectators per event.
“There was not a hotel room available in Hutchinson. There was not a hotel room available in McPherson,” Nightingale said, referencing one of the larger race nights.
Salt City Racing, which receives support from the City of Hutchinson and hopes to commit to a five-year contract with the Kansas State Fairgrounds, is seeking further backing from the county commission.
“I don’t want to see this race track go away,” Nightingale said. “I think there’s a big group of people that don’t want that race track to go away.”
Salt City Racing’s final event of the year will be held on Oct. 5. It will be an open show featuring loose rules.
