City Commission

Study Session Minutes Ottawa, Kansas Minutes of October 23, 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 Caylor, Commissioner Graves and Commissioner Clayton. Mayor Crowley called the meeting to order. Public Comments Angie Malik, 1878 Jackson Road, Ottawa and Tiffany Wyatt, 1 SW High Dr, Ottawa requested the City of Ottawa consider a $5,000 contribution towards purchasing and installing a Safe Haven Baby Box at the fire station. Minutes to Review The Governing Body reviewed minutes from the October 16, 2023 Study Session. The Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item on the next Regular Meeting agenda on November 1, 2023. Request from Ottawa Community Partnership Inc. for Support of Legacy Square The Governing Body heard from Finance Director Melanie Landis and City Manager Brian Silcott, who discussed Legacy Square and the following: • Legacy Square was constructed in 2019, which involved multiple funding sources, including financial and in-kind support from the City including $10,000 commitment for community input and charettes, $75,000 toward construction cost of the restroom facilities, accessory costs of $56,616.75, alleyway improvements of $20,500, stormwater improvements of $90,000, and various in-kind support including dedication of a tobacco- free zone, support of grant applications, and playground installation. • OCPI is requesting participation of $475,526.47 to complete the Legacy campaign. • OCPI will transfer by deed to the City the properties of 125 S Walnut and 202 W. 1st Street, as well as the walkway connecting Legacy Square and Main Street, once the acquisition is complete • Additional fundraising by OCPI has begun and is targeted for completion by October 2024 • City funds available to fulfill this request are recommended from the balance of America Rescue Plan Act grant funds • Current cash balance of $1,388,319.50 and an uncommitted fund balance of $906,589.56 is adequate to cover the requested amount • City Commission requested staff reach out to the County to discuss a partnership for funding • 4.9 million dollars in improvements have been completed in the Legacy Square properties • The City’s investment of $475,526.47 would secure the park and green space worth $4 million and get a return of ten times the investment The Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item on the next Study Session agenda. Third Quarter Report Review The Governing Body reviewed the Third Quarter Financial and Activity reports with City Staff and community support organizations. City Manager's Comments October 23, 2023 City of Ottawa Study Session Minutes October 23, 2023 Page 2 City Manager Brian Silcott updated the Governing Body on current projects and City operations. Commissioner's Comments Commissioner Caylor informed the attendees that she and several staff members had recently participated in the KMEA annual conference, where they gained valuable insights into bipartisan infrastructure funding. Commissioner Clayton took the opportunity to remind the community about the upcoming Spook Parade this weekend and encouraged active participation in the festivities. He additionally requested more timely updates for the community on city events such as electrical outages. Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore expressed his eagerness to propose amendments to the chicken ordinance, with plans to discuss these changes at an upcoming meeting. He also urged the staff to identify potential funding sources for the Safe Haven Baby Box initiative. Mayor's Comments Mayor Crowley had no comment. Announcements A. October 30, 2023 Study Session – 4:00 pm, City Hall B. November 1, 2023 Regular Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 5:20 p.m. /s/ Melissa Reed_______________ Melissa Reed, City Clerk 2 October 23, 2023