City Commission
Regular MeetingOttawa, KS · March 13, 2023
Minutes
Study Session Minutes
Ottawa, Kansas
Minutes of March 13, 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, and Commissioner Clayton.
Commissioner Caylor and Commissioner Graves were absent. 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 March 1, 2023 Regular Meeting and March 1,
2023 Special Call Meeting. The Governing Body agreed to place these items on the next Regular
Meeting agenda on March 15, 2023.
Ordinance Establishing Golf Course Advisory Board
The Governing Body heard from City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt, who reviewed an ordinance
to establish a golf course advisory board and discussed the following:
• This advisory board will communicate with the Governing Body regarding the golf course
• Similar to the Airport Advisory Board
After some discussion, the Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this on the Study
Session agenda for March 20, 2023.
City Manager's Comments
City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt reported that we had received seven proposals for the
swimming pool RFP. A committee has been formed, and after interviews and review, the
committee will bring recommendations to the Governing Body.
Commissioner's Comments
None given.
Mayor's Comments
Mayor Crowley discussed the ordinance regarding allowing chickens in city limits. The Governing
Body agreed by consensus to further explore this item at a further study session.
2024 Budget Retreat
The Governing Body heard from Finance Director Melanie Landis, who reviewed the 2024 budget
process and calendar. The Governing Body discussed the process and provided feedback.
Announcements
Mayor Crowley made the following announcements:
• March 15, 2023 Regular Meeting, 10:00 am, City Hall
• March 16, 2023 Retirement Reception for City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt, 2:00 – 4:00
pm
• March 20, 2023 Study Session, 4:00 pm, City Hall
1
March 13, 2023
City of Ottawa
Study Session Minutes
March 13, 2023
Page 2
Adjournment
There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly
adjourned at 4:38 pm.
/s/ Melissa Reed
Melissa Reed, City Clerk
2
March 13, 2023
Agenda
OTTAWA CITY COMMISSION STUDY SESSION AGENDA
Monday, March 13, 2023 - 4:00 pm Ottawa City Hall - 101 S. Hickory
In accordance with Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA), the
Citizens may attend in person, VIA ZOOM or submit comments
meeting can be viewed live on Channel 23 and via Facebook Live
(300 words or less) for the City Commission. To submit your public
or listened to by dialing: 1-312-626-6799 and entering meeting
comment or to request the meeting Zoom link to give a public
ID 919 2144 9005#. To view on YouTube: https:// comment, email publiccomments@ottawaks.gov no later than
www.youtube.com/@ottawaksgov 2:00 pm on March 13, 2023; all emails must include your name and
If you need this information in another format or require a address.
reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting, contact the Participants who generate unwanted or distracting noises may be
City’s ADA Coordinator at 785-229-3621. Please provide advance muted by the meeting host. If this happens, unmute yourself when
notice of at least two (2) working days. TTY users please call 711. you wish to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Subject to the above restrictions, persons who wish to address the City Commission regarding items on the agenda
may do so as that agenda item is called. Persons who wish to address the City Commission regarding items not on
the agenda and that are under the jurisdiction of the City Commission, may do so at this time when called upon by
the Mayor. Comments on personnel matters and matters pending in court or with other outside tribunals are not
permitted. Speakers are limited to three minutes. Any presentation is for informational purposes only. The
Governing Body will take comments under advisement.
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE REGULAR CITY COMMISSION AGENDA
1. Minutes (Pp. 2 - 4)
A. March 1, 2023 Regular Meeting
B. March 1, 2023 Special Call Meeting
ITEMS FOR PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION *
1. Ordinance Establishing Golf Course Advisory Board - Richard U. Nienstedt (Pp. 5 - 6)
2. 2024 Budget Retreat - Melanie Landis
3. Comments by City Manager
4. Comments by City Commissioners
5. Comments by Mayor
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. March 15, 2023 Regular Meeting - 10:00 am, City Hall
2. March 16, 2023 Retirement Reception for City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt - 2:00-4:00 pm,
Commission Chambers at City Hall
3. March 20, 2023 Study Session - 4:00 pm, City Hall
ITEMS ALREADY PLACED
ADJOURN
*All presentation materials to be reviewed at study session (including PowerPoint) must be emailed
to presentations@ottawaks.gov and gmathews@ottawaks.gov by 10:00 am the Thursday prior to the meeting.
3.13.23 Agenda Pkt Page #1
Regular Meeting Minutes
City Hall
101 S Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas
Minutes of March 1, 2023
The Governing Body met at 7:00 pm this date for the Regular City Commission Meeting
with the following members present and participating to wit: Mayor Crowley, Mayor Pro
Tem Skidmore, Commissioner Graves, Commissioner Caylor and Commissioner
Clayton. Mayor Crowley called the meeting to order.
The Mayor welcomed the audience and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American
flag. Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore gave the invocation.
Consent Agenda
Commissioner Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Graves, to approve
this consent agenda to include minutes from the February 13, 2023 Study Session,
February 15, 2023 Regular Meeting; the following Board and Commission appointment:
Kansas Municipal Energy Agency – Commissioner Caylor; and this Regular Meeting
agenda. The motion was considered, and upon being put, all present voted aye. The
Mayor declared the consent agenda duly approved.
Public Comments
None offered at this time.
Declaration
None given.
Request for Approval of Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit at 916
South Walnut
The Governing Body heard from City Planner Jenna Hillyer, who reviewed an ordinance
granting a conditional use permit for 916 South Walnut St. The conditional use permit
would allow the construction of a duplex in an R-1 Low-Density Residential District. The
Planning Commission reviewed the request and held a public hearing. The Planning
Commission and staff recommend approval of the conditional use permit.
Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to approve
this ordinance. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye.
The Mayor declared this ordinance duly approved, and the ordinance was duly
numbered Ordinance No. 4110-23.
Request for Approval of Ordinance Rezoning at 634 North King
The Governing Body heard from City Planner Jenna Hillyer, who reviewed an ordinance
rezoning 634 North King from I-2 Heavy Industrial Use to Mixed Use/Residential
Commerical. Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner
Caylor, to approve this ordinance. The motion was considered and upon being put, all
present voted aye. The Mayor declared this ordinance duly approved, and the
ordinance was duly numbered Ordinance No. 4111-23.
3.13.23 Agenda Pkt Page #2
Request for Approval to Donate Historic Land Survey Equipment to the Franklin
County Historical Society
The Governing Body heard from Richard U. Nienstedt, City Manager, who reviewed a
request to donate historic land survey equipment to the Franklin County Historical
Society. Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Graves, to
approve this item. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted
aye. The Mayor declared this item duly approved.
City Manager’s Comments
City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt had no comments.
Commissioner’s Comments
Commissioner Caylor thanked City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt for his service to the
community and shared her appreciation for his hard work. Commissioner Clayton
commented on the positivity of the additional housing intiatives in the community.
Commissioner Skidmore stated that planets Venus and Jupiter are in the west sky and
visible.
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Crowley had no comments.
Announcements
Mayor Crowley made the following announcements:
March 2, 2023 Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet – 5:15 pm,
Ottawa University Schendel Conference Center
March 6, 2023 Study Session – 4:00 pm, City Hall
March 13, 2023 Study Session – 4:00 pm, City Hall
March 16, 2023 Retirement Reception for City Manager Richard U. Nienstedt
– 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, City Hall Commission Chambers
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, the Mayor
declared the meeting duly adjourned at 7:12 pm.
Melissa Reed, City Clerk
3.13.23 Agenda Pkt Page #3
Special Call Commission Meeting
Executive Session
Ottawa, Kansas
Minutes of March 1, 2023
The City Governing Body met in Special Session at 8:30 am this date with the following
members present and participating to wit: Mayor Crowley, Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore,
Commissioner Caylor, Commissioner Graves, and Commissioner Clayton. A quorum
was present.
Mayor Crowley called the meeting to order.
Executive Session
Recess
Commissioner Clayton made a motion at 9:00 am, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Skidmore, to recess into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel,
specifically to conduct interviews for the position of City Manager and to preserve the
privacy of the applicants to reconvene at 2:45 pm. The motion was considered and
upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting duly recessed.
Reconvene
Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Graves, to
reconvene into open session. The motion was considered and upon being put, all
present voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting duly reconvened at 2:45 pm.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, the Mayor
declared the meeting duly adjourned at 2:45 pm.
Melissa Reed, City Clerk
3.13.23 Agenda Pkt Page #4
Ordinance No. ________
AN ORDINANCE establishing a Golf Course Advisory Board for the City of Ottawa,
Kansas providing for the appointment and terms of the members thereof, and defining their
duties, amending and repealing any other ordinance relating to a Golf Course Advisory Board
previously established.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF OTTAWA,
KANSAS:
SECTION 1. There is hereby established in the City of Ottawa, Kansas, a Golf Course Advisory
Board to advise the City Manager and Governing Body on the efficient operation and maintenance of any
golf courses owned, operated, and/or managed by the City of Ottawa. In order to effectuate those
purposes, the Golf Advisory Board shall have the following duties:
A. Review the operation of the golf course, the status of maintenance of buildings and
improvements at the course, the possible constructing, maintaining, and/or operating of any
other golf courses within the territorial limits of the City of Ottawa.
B. Make recommendations for the continued and future development of the golf course and any
other course(s) which may be constructed, maintained, owned, or operated by the City of
Ottawa or contractual management agreements.
C. A continuing review of the financial aspects of the operation of the golf course and any other
course(s) which may be constructed, maintained, owned, or operated by the City of Ottawa.
D. Review the services provided to the public and patrons by existing personnel and make
recommendations on areas of improvement or enhancement.
E. Review plans for new services or expansion of existing services and recommendations thereon.
F. Advise the City Manager and Governing Body on any items affecting the operation and
maintenance of the golf course.
G. Recommend to the City Manager and Governing body measures that the Golf Advisory Board
feels necessary to carry out its objectives.
H. The Board shall meet with City staff and collaboratively create such rules and regulations for
the operation of the golf course as deemed necessary and prudent.
I. The City Manager and/or his/her designated agent will serve in an advisory capacity to the
Golf Advisory Board and will be present at all meetings of the Board.
SECTION 2: In carrying out the foregoing objectives, the Board shall observe the following methods
and procedures:
A. Submit any reports and recommendations in writing to the City Manager and Governing Body
of the City of Ottawa;
B. Understand and advocate the policy direction established for the golf course by the Governing
Body;
3.13.23 Agenda Pkt Page #5
C. When specifically directed by the Governing Body, make recommendations regarding changes
in rates or fees set by the City for the basic services provided by contracting agents or the City
at the golf course facilities;
D. Function as a clearinghouse or source of referral to hearing complaints and suggestions for
improvements by providing an open and friendly venue for public comment;
F. Consult with and obtain cooperation and coordinated effort on the part of all agencies, public
and private, which function as a golf course in the City.
SECTION 3. Said Board shall consist of seven (7) members who are representatives of the Golf
Course and other knowledgeable citizens. The membership of the Board shall have an active interest in
the Golf Course. The Mayor of the City of Ottawa or Mayor appointee shall be an ex-officio member of
the Board, and shall not be subject to term limitations in this section. The Governing Body shall appoint
all other members of the Board, and their term shall be for two (2) years, with no person to serve more
than two (2) consecutive terms. During the initial creation of the Board, the Governing Body may appoint
members for a staggered term so that after creation, the Board will have only a minority of the Board
subject to reappointment each year. Board members shall serve without pay.
SECTION 4. Within thirty (30) days after passage hereof and on an annual basis, the Board shall
meet and organize its membership, electing one of its members as Chairperson and one of its members as
Secretary. Thereafter said Board shall meet at least once each quarter as well as at the request of the
Governing Body or City Manager, or at the request of the majority of the members of said Board, with the
Board establishing its own operating procedures.
SECTION 5. The Golf Advisory Board shall recommend and make suggestions to the City Manager
and Governing Body regarding the continued growth of and public improvements to the golf course,
including the acquisition of additional property, construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of golf
course facilities, and institution of programs and procedures which will increase usage of said facilities. In
addition, the Board shall make recommendations and reports to the Governing Body on all matters within
a reasonable time after the Governing Body makes such request.
SECTION 6. The control and management of the golf course shall be under the jurisdiction of the
City Manager. All employees and officers deemed necessary to operate the Golf Couse shall be
appointed, employed, disciplined, supervised, and terminated in the same manner as other employees and
officers of the City of Ottawa.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS ______ DAY OF _________, 20_____.
________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
City Clerk
3.13.23 Agenda Pkt Page #6
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