The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2025 #25: 4-16-25
VOLUME 2025 APRIL 16 NUMBER 27
President Greg McCune welcomed everyone this morning, gave an inspiring morning reflection that was followed the Flag Salute. Morning Reflection: Golfer, Rory McIlroy just won the Master’s Tournament but had to overcome two double bogies to do so. He said, “I had to remind myself that I was playing well and couldn’t let two bad holes dictate the narratives of 16 good ones. I learned from my mistakes and had to remind myself not to push too hard, too early and just stay really, patient. I feel like that patience was rewarded. I backed up the belief that I have in myself and the belief that I’m as resilient as anyone else out there.”
ACHES & PAINS: Be kind always and remember to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy each day!
PROGRAM: Mike Fincham introduced our speaker, Jared Tremblay. Jared is back with us this morning; he is the Transportation Planning Manager for Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Jared joined the MPO in July 2016. His knowledge and passion for cycling along with his extensive experience with mapping and data analysis have been instrumental in increasing MPO’s capacity to serve its jurisdictions. Jared’s commitment to improving active transportation was recognized by the Governor’s Council on Fitness by designating him the 2021 Kansas Health Champion. Today Jared will speak on Electric Vehicle (EV)Readiness, Safety Performance Measures, Mobility Measures and US-24 Corridor Study Update & Big Blue River 2nd Connection Cost-Benefit Analysis Study.
Charging Infrastructure: Various charging infrastructures are available to charge EVs, it depends on the intended use and available infrastructure. Level II takes 2 to 8 hours for charging, day to day driving and typically can be charged at home, overnight. Level III, Direct Current-Fast Charger, takes 10 to 40 minutes, on-route charging for making longer trips. Like everything, you have to be smart about charging, trying to avoid peak charging times that will cost more. Charge overnight, at home. You also should map out where you will be able to find charging stations along the way.
Maintenance: On average, EVs have 30% lower overall maintenance costs than gas vehicles, for example, Gas vehicles have roughly 1400 components where EVs have roughly 200. Tires do cost about 30% more for EVs because they are made of special materials, they also must be replaced more often than standard gas vehicle tires. Overall maintenance would still be less than the standard gas vehicle.
Power Capacity: This is a major concern – will too many EVs overload the power grid? Early stages of grid planning for EV demand state that utilities have incorporated EVs into long-term grid strategies, with some municipalities offering limited charging support, though no comprehensive plans are in place yet. Future infrastructure and grid upgrades under consideration are that utilities are exploring demand-response programs and grid enhancements. However, focus group members on this group did not foresee any future challenges in meeting the generation and transmission demand from future EV adoption. Continued evaluation and investment in local energy distribution will be required to meet requirements of specific site electric vehicle support equipment (EVSE) installations.
New energy demands related to EV growth are expected to be modest compared to EVERGY generation growth. EV load demands of ~45Mwh/day by 2030 are modest compared to plans to grow generation by 360MW over the next 10 years. Especially considering 80% of the charging will occur overnight when demand is low.
Safety Performance Measures: Why is this data tracked? Use data to find problems, then use funding to fix the problems: data driven. In 2024, 42514 vehicle fatalities in the US, 117 per day/80% of MHK’s population. Kansas, in 2024 had 347 vehicle fatalities which was the lowest number ever recorded, going back to 1947.
Mobility Performance Measures: Interstate Travel Time Reliability Measure is on target. Non-interstate travel time reliability measure is on target. Interstate freight reliability measure is off target, due to all the construction.
US-24 Corridor Study and Update:
Update existing corridor study: Reassess existing plans based on growth/needs; update key project options/designs as needed. Flush Rd intersection, US-24 Blue River Bridges and Urbanization (4-lanes/6-lanes)
Extend Corridor Study: Manhattan to US-77 (Riley), Intersection safety, capacity design options, ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) and Pedestrian Connections.
Cost Benefit Analysis: 2nd Connection options between MHK and Blue Township, Costs, Pros and cons (travel times, traffic impacts etc.) and Environmental & Hydrological impacts. The GOAL is to move the region past speculation, to focus on actual costs of realistic routes, so we can have a more productive and factual conversation going forward. What can we afford, what can we live with and what are the trade-offs??
There was so much information covered this morning, if anyone would like to see his power point, please reach out to Jared at tremblay@flinthillsmpo.org and I am sure he’d be happy to share.
CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPCOMING EVENTS:
The board approved $500.00 given to MHS Robotics Club who will be heading to Houston for Nationals!
On Saturday, April 19, there is a softball tournament at Optimist Park, help is needed for field maintenance and parking, please sign up or let Jim Franke know if you are available.
Grow Green is April 22nd!
May 6th is our Social at the KSU Baseball game. For tailgating, meat and water will be provided, please bring a side. Go online to get your ticket to the game if you are interested. (Details below)
Marketing Campaign is on Facebook and there have been Radio Ads. Look and Sound great, be sure to share on Facebook.
Please send Greg McCune a photo if you would like it to be posted in the directory.
Thanks to all able to help with Optimist Park work/clean-up day.
GUESTS: No additional guests this morning.
Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed
SAVE THE DATE: May 6th: Optimist Social at the KSU Baseball game
APRIL 23: NOON MEETING: Ed Klimek: Topic: “Interpersonal Skills Essay Contest Awards Presentation”
APRIL 30: MORNING MEETING: Program: Youth of the Month Presentations: Bluemont & Flint Hills Christian Elementary
Our Spring Social is quickly approaching, and we wanted to get some details out. Please share with other members who may not have or check their emails!
What: KSU Baseball Tailgate
When: Tuesday, May 6th at 4:00pm – 5:45pm
Where: parking lot to the North of Tointon Stadium
Details: We’ll be set up in the parking lot by 4pm and RC McGraws will be catering brats/dogs and water will be provided. This is a come and go event, and you do NOT have to stick around for the game. MOC will not be providing tickets. These can be purchased from KSU for about $13 a piece. This is open to members and their family/guests. Please RSVP via the SignUp Genius and sign up for a side (chips, fruit, veggies, dessert).
What to Bring: Lawn chairs, beverages (BYOB), tickets. Feel free to drop items off at MOC tailgate prior to parking.
There are a few final pieces we need help with. Please email or text Ashley at ashley@curains.com or 785-249-8188 if you can help in any of these areas:
Three people to help set up at 3:00 pm day of
Three people to help break down at 5:45 pm
2-3 more canopies – we can pick these up the weekend or day prior to the event!
If there is a potential for bad weather the day of the event we will communicate changes by 1p.
Please reach out to Ashley Urban with any questions.
See you all then and there!
