City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall 101 S Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas Minutes of September 6, 2023 The Governing Body met at 7:00 pm on this date for the Regular City Commission Meeting with the following members present and participating to wit: Mayor Crowley, Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore, Commissioner Caylor, Commissioner Clayton, and Commissioner Graves. 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 Graves made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to approve this consent agenda to include minutes from July 10, 2023 Study Session, July 17, 2023 Study Session, July 19, 2023 Regular Meeting, July 24, 2023 Study Session, July 31, 2023 Study Session, August 2, 2023 Regular Meeting, August 7, 2023 Study Session, August 14, 2023 Study Session, August 21, 2023 Study Session; selection of Mayor Eric Crowley, Commissioner Sara Caylor and Commissioner Zach Clayton as Voting Delegates for the League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference in October and City Manager Brian Silcott as alternate 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. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing Ottawa High School Wall of Honor Inductees Mayor Caylor read a proclamation honoring 2023 Inductees: Al Keefer (1948), Mike Skidmore (1974), Derek Chappell (1983) and Ryan Henningsen (1997). Stella Tharp, Ottawa High School, accepted the proclamation and thanked the City for this recognition. Public Hearing for Intent to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate/2024 Operating Budget It was explained that this public hearing had been scheduled to receive comments about the intent to levy property tax exceeding the revenue neutral rate and the proposed 2024 operating budget. It was further explained that the published mill rate of 44.895 cannot be exceeded but may be reduced. After public comments have been received, it is recommended that the hearing be closed and, barring any amendments, the resolution and budget be adopted. Mayor Crowley opened the public hearing at 7:08 pm. 1 September 6, 2023 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 6, 2023 Page 2 Finance Director Melanie Landis presented the highlights of the proposed budget and answered questions from the Governing Body. Mike Shehan gave public comment and inquired about the process to address the valuation of his property. City Attorney Blaine Finch explained the process of property taxes in the State of Kansas. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:25 pm. Request for Approval of Resolution to Levy Property Tax Rate Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate The Governing Body reviewed a resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate. Commissioner Graves made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore, to adopt this resolution. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this resolution duly adopted and duly numbered Resolution No. 1942-23. Consider Adoption of the 2024 Operating Budget It was explained following public discussions and many weeks of study sessions, as well as tonight’s presentation and comments during the public hearing, that adoption of the 2024 budget is recommended. Commissioner Clayton made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore, to adopt the 2024 budget. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the 2024 Budget duly adopted. Consider Approval of Resolution Adopting the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program The Governing Body heard from Finance Director Melanie Landis, who reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan for 2024-2028 and a resolution adopting the plan. Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to adopt this resolution. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this resolution duly adopted and duly numbered Resolution No. 1943- 23. Request for Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Serving of Complimentary Alcoholic Liquor and Enhanced Cereal Malt Beverages During Ladies Night Out The Governing Body heard from City Clerk Melissa Reed, who explained that this resolution would allow the Chamber to apply with the State of Kansas to permit participating businesses downtown to offer alcoholic drinks to their guests during the event from 1:00–7:00 pm on September 29, 2023. Ms. Reed stated that this is an annual event, and around 500 people are expected to participate. Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Graves, to adopt this resolution. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this resolution duly adopted and duly numbered Resolution No. 1944-23. September 6, 2023 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 6, 2023 Page 3 City Manager’s Comments City Manager Brian Silcott stated that this budget puts the citizens first while minimizing the impact of assessed valuations and inflated prices. He said quarterly reports will be upcoming. Commissioner’s Comments The Governing Body thanked staff for their hard work on the budget and congratulated the honorees for the OHS Wall of Honor. Mayor’s Comments Mayor Crowley thanked everyone for their budget work and Mrs. Campbell’s class for attending the meeting. Announcements Mayor Crowley made the following announcements: 1. September 11, 2023 - September 11, 2001 Memorial Ceremony - 8:00 am, Fire Station 1 720 W. 2nd Street 2. September 11, 2023 - Study Session - 4:00 pm, City Hall 3. September 18, 2023 - Study Session - 4:00 pm, City Hall 4. September 20, 2023 - Regular Meeting - 10:00 am, City Hall Executive Session Recess Mayor Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to recess into executive session for a period of 20 minutes, resuming at 8:15 pm with City Attorney Blaine Finch, Finance Director Melanie Landis, and City Manager Brian Silcott present for the purpose of attorney/client consultation. The justification for the closed session is to engage in confidential and privileged communication with the board’s attorney by K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(12). The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting duly recessed. Reconvene Mayor Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, 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 8:15 pm. Recess Mayor Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to recess into executive session for a period of 15 minutes, resuming at 8:30 pm with City Attorney Blaine Finch, Finance Director Melanie Landis, and City Manager Brian Silcott present for the purpose of attorney/client consultation. The justification for the closed session is to engage in confidential and privileged communication with the board’s attorney by K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(12). The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting duly recessed. September 6, 2023 3 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 6, 2023 Page 4 Reconvene Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, 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 8:30 pm. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 8:30 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed___________________ Melissa Reed, City Clerk September 6, 2023 4