HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council gave approval to a public hearing date to deal with another round of run-down, or dangerous properties, in the city. The owners of the 13 properties will get a chance to address their property and advise on what they are doing to improve the land.

That public hearing is set for Oct. 15 and includes 11 residential dwellings and two commercial properties.

The council also approved the low bid from Ward Davis Builders of Hutchinson for the restroom renovation at Fun Valley at a cost of $149,760. The work includes a complete renovation of the restrooms and flooring. The project is expected to begin in September and be finished in time for the start of the college softball season in February.

The council approved the Byrne JAG grant for the police department. The $22,000 will be used to purchase rifles for the department. Chief Jeff Hooper would like to have every patrol vehicle equipped with rifles.

Hooper says he is committed to getting every one of his officers rifle certified. Additionally, the department has set up its new vehicle fleet with a rifle mount in every car.