City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall 101 S Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas Minutes of October 4, 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. Pastor Tiger Pennington from First Baptist Church gave the invocation. Consent Agenda Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to approve this consent agenda to include minutes from September 18, 2023 Study Session, September 25, 2023 Study Session, and September 20, 2023 Regular Meeting 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 Commissioner Graves stated she will abstain from voting on item #14. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commissioner Graves read a proclamation recognizing October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It was explained that Domestic Violence Awareness Month focuses attention on victims of domestic violence and their children and promotes the support of shelters and community programs that serve them. Mayor Crowley thanked Willow Domestic Violence Center for their service to the community. Public Hearing to Consider Constitutional Abatement for Big Bear Enterprises (Hasty Awards) It was explained that this public hearing had been scheduled to receive comments about the constitutional abatement that would authorize the exemption of ad valorem taxes as outlined in the corresponding resolution. Mayor Crowley opened the public hearing at 7:04 pm. The Governing Body heard from Tyler Ellsworth, Kutak Rock LLP, who discussed the following: • City of Ottawa received an Economic Incentive Application from Hasty Awards requesting a sales tax exemption and tax abatement related to an expansion planned on their current operational structure located at 1015 E Enterprise • Adjacent property at 1016 E North St has been purchased and minor plat process has been completed 1 October 4, 2023 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes October 4, 2023 Page 2 • Requested incentives can be accomplished through an IRB and a Constitutional Tax Abatement • Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Business Research completed a fiscal impact study and the review committee has met to review the results • Fiscal impact demonstrated an acceptable Return on Investment for the City of Ottawa, Franklin County, and USD 290 • Benefit-cost ratio exceeds requirements outlined in the Economic Incentive Policy • 55% abatement for a ten year term on the expansion Steve Hasty, Hasty Awards, stated they are consolidating two other facilities and expect to hire sixteen new employees over the next five years. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:09 pm. Resolution of Intent to Issue Industrial Revenue Bonds It was explained that this resolution determines the intent to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds in the principle amount of approximately $3,000,000, to pay the cost of acquiring, improving and equipping a commercial facility (Hasty Awards). The IRB specifically allows a sales tax exemption on the materials and labor associated with the construction of the facility. 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. 1946-23. Resolution of Intent to Grant Exemption from Ad Valorem Taxes It was explained that this resolution grants the exemption of ad valorem property taxes for fifty-five percent (55%) of the assessed value of a facility used to manufacture articles of commerce located in the City and acquired, improved and equipped by Big Bear Enterprises, LLC and Hasty Awards Inc., all in accordance with Article 11, Section 13 of the Kansas Constitution. The resolution also authorizes a Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) Agreement between City and the Company. Commissioner Graves made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, 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. 1947-23. Request for Approval of Ordinance Amending Section 4-604 and 4-316 of October 4, 2023 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes October 4, 2023 Page 3 Municipal Code on Liquor Sales The Governing Body heard from City Attorney Blaine Finch, who presented a comprehensive review of an ordinance pertaining to expanding liquor sales on Sundays. The discussion included: • The Governing Body received valuable feedback from the public, with many expressing their desire for extended liquor sales hours on Sundays • Statutory alignment: The proposed ordinance has been carefully crafted to align seamlessly with the existing State statute, enabling the purchase of liquor and enhanced cereal malt beverages as early as 9:00 a.m. • Does not change drinking establishment serving times Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to approve this ordinance. The motion was considered and, upon being put, passed with the following vote: Mayor Crowley aye, Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore nay, Commissioner Graves abstained, Commissioner Caylor aye, Commissioner Clayton aye. The Mayor declared this ordinance duly approved, and the ordinance was duly numbered Ordinance No. 4122-23. City Manager’s Comments City Manager Brian Silcott stated staff is currently reviewing leases and will be discussing this with the Governing Body. City Attorney Blaine Finch also stated that OCPI, Legacy Square fundraising entity, will be making a presentation to the Governing Body on October 16, 2023, regarding a match opportunity for Legacy Square. Commissioner’s Comments Commissioner Caylor reminded the community of the importance of standing together to support victims of domestic violence. Mayor’s Comments Mayor Crowley had no comment. Announcements Mayor Crowley made the following announcements: 1. October 7-9, 2023 League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference, Wichita 2. October 9, 2023 Study Session - 4:00 pm, CANCELLED 3. October 10, 2023 Ottawa Memorial Auditorium Reopening - 5:00 pm, OMA 4. October 16, 2023 Study Session - 4:00 pm, City Hall 5. October 18, 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 15 minutes, resuming at 7:35 pm with City Attorney Blaine Finch 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 October 4, 2023 3 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes October 4, 2023 Page 4 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 7:35 pm. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 7:35 pm. _/s/ Melissa Reed_________________ Melissa Reed, City Clerk October 4, 2023 4