City Commission

Study Session Minutes Ottawa, Kansas Minutes of February 27, 2023 The Governing Body met at 4:00 pm this date at City Hall with the following members present and participating to wit: Mayor Crowley, Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore, Commissioner Graves, Commissioner Clayton and Commissioner Caylor. A quorum was present. Mayor Crowley called the meeting to order. Public Comments None given. Minutes to Review The Governing Body reviewed minutes from the February 13, 2023 Study Session and February 15, 2023 Regular Meeting. The Governing Body agreed to place these items on the next Regular Meeting agenda on March 1, 2023. Monthly Financial & Activity Reports—January 2023 The Governing Body reviewed the January Monthly Financial and Activity reports with City Staff and community support organizations. Request to Rezone Property at 634 N. King Street The Governing Body heard from City Planner Jenna Hillyer, who reviewed an ordinance rezoning 634 N. King Street from I-2 Heavy Industrial to Mixed Use / Residential Commercial. It was explained that this rezone would allow the applicant to restore the historic building and repurpose the current brick office space into residential space and the former factory area into a garage. The Planning Commission reviewed the request and recommended approval unanimously. Ms. Hillyer answered questions from the Governing Body and provided the following information: • The structure is dilapidated and not contributing to the neighborhood in its current state or use • Under the current I-2 zoning, the applicant would not be permitted to use the building for residential purposes • The subject site is a .77-acre tract on the west side of King Street at its intersection with W. Massasoit Street • The site contains a 14,500 sq ft. (approximate) warehouse building, formerly Warner Fence Manufacturing, built in 1911 • Staff and the Planning Commission find that the proposed restoration of this building and its future uses will add value to the neighborhood and pave the way for creative reuses of existing structures • Notice was sent to surrounding property owners, and no public comments were received at the hearing The Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item on the next Regular Meeting agenda on March 1, 2023. Ordinance Granting Conditional Use Permit for 916 S. Walnut 1 February 27, 2023 City of Ottawa Study Session Minutes February 27, 2023 Page 2 The Governing Body heard from City Planner JennaHillyer, who reviewed the ordinance, and a request from the owner who would like to build a duplex at 916 S. Walnut. Ms. Hillyer answered questions from the Governing Body and provided the following information: • Allowed by conditional use in the Zoning Regulations • The property is currently vacant on undeveloped ground • A public hearing was held with one public comment being submitted expressing concern for the potential for increased stormwater runoff to their property, which the developer acknowledged and addressed during the public hearing • Planning Commission and Staff recommend approval The Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item on the next Regular Meeting agenda on March 1, 2023. Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) Director-1 Appointment The Governing Body heard from Director of Utilities Dennis Tharp, who stated the KMEA Director 1 position is due to be appointed, and staff recommends reappointing Commissioner Sara Caylor. The Governing Body agreed to place this item on the next Regular Meeting agenda. City Manager's Comments City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt discussed an option for using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for delinquent utility accounts. Finance Director Melanie Landis stated that a few accounts had past due balances due to the closeout of the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program. Staff is requesting $4,872 in ARPA funds to bring these accounts to current status as of the end of December. After discussion, staff will prepare and present information at the next Study Session meeting. Mr. Nienstedt discussed with the Governing Body a donation of historic land survey equipment to the Franklin County Historical Society. These items are from the City’s prior engineering department. The Governing Body agreed to place this item on the next Regular Meeting agenda. City Attorney Blaine Finch updated the Governing Body on the sale of City owned property in the North Industrial Park to Big Bear Enterprises. The City Manager negotiated a sale price of $24,000 with closing this week. Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore, to confirm the land sale and authorize the Mayor to sign closing documents. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this item duly approved. Commissioner's Comments None were offered at this time. Mayor's Comments Mayor Crowley discussed a budget retreat following a study session. After discussion, the Governing Body agreed by consensus to schedule the retreat following the March 13, 2023 study session. Executive Session Recess 2 February 27, 2023 City of Ottawa Study Session Minutes February 27, 2023 Page 3 Mayor Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to recess into executive session with City Attorney Blaine Finch, Finance Director Melanie Landis, and City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt present to discuss a matter of attorney-client privilege for the purpose of conducting confidential communication with the board’s attorney for a period of 25 minutes, resuming at 5:13 pm. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting duly recessed. Reconvene Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to reconvene into an open session. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting duly reconvened at 5:13 pm. Adjournment There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 5:13 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk 3 February 27, 2023