City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall 101 S Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas Minutes of December 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. Pastor Drew Reding from Grace Community Fellowship Church gave the invocation. Consent Agenda Commissioner Graves made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore, to approve this consent agenda to include minutes from the November 13, 2023 Study Session, November 15, 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. Conduct a Public Hearing for the Purpose of Hearing and Considering Objections of Taxpayers Related to the Proposed Use of Funds This public hearing was called to consider amending the 2023 Budget for the following funds: Library, Proximity Park-Special Sales Tax Fund, and Golf Course Fund. The Governing Body heard from Finance Director Melanie Landis, who stated that these 2023 Budget amendments are necessary for the following funds: • Library • Proximity Park – Special Sales Tax Fund • Golf Course Fund • Mayor Crowley opened this public hearing at 7:04 pm. There were no further comments offered during the public hearing. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:04 pm. Acceptance of 2023 Budget Amendments Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to accept the 2023 Budget Amending the Library, Proximity Park-Special Sales Tax, and Golf Course Fund. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the amendments duly approved. 1 December 6, 2023 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes December 6, 2023 Page 2 Addition of Twenty-Two Residential and Two Commercial Properties to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program The Governing Body heard from Lucas Neece, Director of Neighborhood Services, who reviewed the twenty-two residential structures and two commercial properties to add to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program: • Neighborhood Revitalization Program Review Committee recommends all twenty-two residential structures and two commercial properties be included in the NRP • The City of Ottawa's portion on the residential projects of the tax rebate amount per year for years one through five is $12,522.47 and $8,414.70 a year for years six through ten • The difference is because the rehabilitation projects only benefit from a five-year rebate, while new residential benefit from a ten-year rebate • Residential rebate from the City of Ottawa for this group of projects is expected to total $104,685.85 over ten years • Commercial total over ten years is $29,907.15 Residential new address (95% for ten Residential Remodel (95% for five years) years) 714 S. Funston St. (For Sale) 311 S. Sycamore St. (Homeowner Occupied) 716 S. Funston St. (For Sale) 834 S. Burrough St. (Homeowner Occupied) 716 S. Pecan St. (For Sale) 1230 S. Willow St. (Homeowner Occupied) 718 S. Funston St. (For Sale) 507 S. Beech St. (Homeowner Occupied) 735 S. Funston St. (For Sale) 1004 E. 7th St. (For Sale) 739 S. Cherry St. (For Sale) 710 E. 10th St. (For Sale) 741 S. Cherry St. (For Sale) 916 S. Main St. (For Rent) 947 S. Locust St. (For Sale) 920 S. Main St. (For Rent) 830 S. Elm St. (For Rent) 215 E. Red Jacket St. (Undecided 413 E. 2nd St. (Undecided) 836 E. 7th St. (Undecided) 1004 S. Walnut St. (Undecided) 410 S. Cherry St. (Undecided) Commercial 113 S. Main St. 932 N. Locust St. Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayon, to approve the recommendation to add eleven properties to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. Commission Clayton abstained from 410 S. Cherry St. Mayor Crowley abstained from 716 S. Pecan St. The Mayor declared these duly approved. December 6, 2023 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes December 6, 2023 Page 3 Recognition of Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies The Governing Body heard from Police Chief Adam Weingartner, who presented the department’s 3rd award for CALEA Accreditation. Chief Weingartner answered questions and presented the following information: • November 11, 2023, the department was awarded Law Enforcement Accreditation – 3rd Award by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies • Initial accreditation in November 2015 and 2nd accreditation award in 2019 • CALEA reviews approximately 25% of department policies and procedures each year for four years • Less than 5% of law enforcement agencies in the US are CALEA accredited • Accreditation helps agencies adhere to what is considered “best practices” and updates policy standards regularly to ensure agencies are meeting the requirements of modern policing City Manager’s Comments City Manager Brian Silcott updated to the Governing Body on upcoming study session agenda items. Commissioner’s Comments Commissioner Caylor expressed gratitude to the seniors in attendance at the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Skidmore noted the noteworthy rise in the number of applicants for open positions within the city staff. Mayor’s Comments Mayor Crowley extended appreciation to Fire Chief Tim Matthias for his unwavering dedication and service to the City of Ottawa. The Mayor also conveyed well wishes for a fulfilling retirement. Announcements Mayor Crowley made the following announcements: 1. December 11, 2023 Study Session - 4:00 pm, City Hall 2. December 18, 2023 Study Session – 4:00 pm, City Hall 3. December 20, 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 7:35 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk December 6, 2023 3