City Commission
Regular MeetingOttawa, KS · November 1, 2023
Minutes
Regular Meeting Minutes
City Hall
101 S Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas
Minutes of November 1, 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 October 16, 2023 Study Session, and
October 18, 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
None declared.
Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing November as Native American
Heritage Month
Commissioner Graves read a proclamation recognizing November 2023 as Native
American Heritage Month. It was explained that this proclamation honors and
celebrates the contributions of Native Americans to the nation’s social, cultural and
political history. Anastasia Dixon-Stwyer and Donald Anderson, from Ottawa University,
accepted the proclamation and thanked the Governing Body for this recognition.
Fire Department Pathway Project
Chief Tim Matthias and Fire Captain Jared Shinkle elaborated on the Ottawa Fire
Department's pivotal role in spearheading the Fire Science Pathways program for
Ottawa High School students. This initiative offers a golden opportunity for young,
aspiring minds to delve deeper into the captivating world of Fire Science. Chief Matthias
highlighted the program and shed light on its essential components and areas of
concentration.
Capital Improvement Plan Projects
The Governing Body received the comprehensive report for the 2023 and 2024 Capital
Improvement Projects. The key takeaways from the discussion were as follows:
• The 2023 Capital Improvement Program was officially adopted on December 21,
2022, while the 2024 Capital Improvement Program received its adoption on
September 6, 2023, marking significant milestones in our community's
development.
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November 1, 2023
City of Ottawa
Regular Meeting Minutes
November 1, 2023
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• A detailed examination of the list of funded projects for both 2023 and 2024 was
conducted, signifying the diligent planning and allocation of resources towards
these essential initiatives.
City Manager’s Comments
City Manager Brian Silcott provided an update on the Memorandum of Understanding
for Ottawa Community Partnership Inc. which is being created. The Neighborhood
Revitalization Program will have two rounds of applications, a presentation, and
discussion of program. The Fire Department Comprehensive Plan presentation will be
in November and December. The Employee Compensation Study will tentatively be
presented at the December 4, 2023 Study Session.
Commissioner’s Comments
Commissioner Caylor celebrated two of her godsons, firefighters in North Dallas, and
expressed appreciation for all our fire department does. Commissioner Clayton stated it
was a successful Halloween.
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Crowley had no comment.
Announcements
Mayor Crowley made the following announcements:
1. November 6, 2023 Study Session - 4:00 pm, City Hall
2. November 13, 2023 Study Session – 4:00 pm, City Hall
3. November 15, 2023 Regular Meeting - 10:00 am, City Hall (Service Award
Presentation)
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, the Mayor
declared the meeting duly adjourned at 7:41 pm.
_/s/ Melissa Reed__________________
Melissa Reed, City Clerk
November 1, 2023 2
Agenda
OTTAWA CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - 7:00 pm Ottawa City Hall - 101 S. Hickory
In accordance with Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA), the Citizens may in person, via Zoom or submit comments (300
meeting can be viewed live on Channel 23 and via Facebook Live words or less) for the City Commission to be read during public
or listened to by dialing: 1-312-626-6799 and entering meeting comment or during discussion on an agenda item.
ID 979 6273 3505#. To view on YouTube: https:// To submit your comment or request the meeting Zoom link to
www.youtube.com/@ottawaksgov give a public comment, email publiccomments@ottawaks.gov
If you need this information in another format or require a no later than 4:00 pm on November 1, 2023; all emails must
reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting, contact the include your name and address. Participants who generate
City’s ADA Coordinator at 785-229-3621. Please provide advance unwanted or distracting noises may be muted by the meeting
notice of at least two (2) working days. TTY users please call 711. host. If this happens, unmute yourself when you wish to speak.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL ____ Crowley ____ Skidmore ____ Graves ____ Caylor ____ Clayton
III. WELCOME
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
V. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes (Pp. 3 - 9)
1. October 16, 2023 Study Session
2. October 18, 2023 Regular Meeting
B. Agenda Approval
Motion: __________ Second: __________ Vote: __________
VII. REGULAR AGENDA *
A. 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 information purposes only. The Governing Body will take comments under advisement.
B. Declaration
At this time, I’d like to give the Commissioners a chance to declare any conflict or communication they’ve
had that might influence their ability to consider today’s issues impartially.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month (P. 10)
Comments: This proclamation honors and celebrates the contributions of Native Americans to the nation’s
social, cultural and political history . Anastasia Dixon-Stwyer and Donald Anderson, Ottawa University will
accept the proclamation.
B. Review of Fire Department Pathway Project - Fire Chief Matthias/ Fire Captain Shinkle (Pp. 11 - 18)
Comments: Ottawa Fire Department leads the Fire Science Pathways class for Ottawa High School students
interested in learning more about a career in Fire Science.
USD 290 Website: https://www.usd290.org/o/ohs/page/pathway-emergency-and-fire
-management. Ottawa Fire Department Website: https://www.ottawaks.gov/fire
*All presentation materials to be reviewed at this meeting (including PowerPoint) must be emailed to presentations@ottawaks.gov and gmathews@ottawaks.gov at
least the day prior to the meeting.
C. Review of Capital Improvement Plan Projects - City Manager (Pp. 19 - 22)
Comments: Receive the report for the 2023 and 2024 Capital Improvement Projects
XI. Comments by City Manager
XII. Comments by City Commissioners
XIII. Comments by Mayor
XIV. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. November 6, 2023 Study Session - 4:00 pm, City Hall
B. November 13, 2023 Study Session - 4:00 pm, City Hall
C. November 15, 2023 Regular Meeting - 10:00 am, City Hall (Service Awards Presented)
XV. ADJOURN
*All presentation materials to be reviewed at this meeting (including PowerPoint) must be emailed to presentations@ottawaks.gov and gmathews@ottawaks.gov at
least the day prior to the meeting.
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