City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of March 27, 2024 The Governing Body met at 4:00 pm on this date for the Regular City Commission Meeting with the following members present and participating to wit: Mayor Skidmore, Mayor Pro Tem Allen, Commissioner Caylor, Commissioner Clayton and Commissioner Crowley. Mayor Skidmore called the meeting to order. Mayor Skidmore welcomed the audience and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and gave the invocation. Public Comments No public comments were received. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Recognition of City Clerk Reed for Earning a Certified Municipal Clerk Designation Melanie Landis, Director of Finance, recognized Melissa Reed for her achievement of earning her Certified Municipal Clerk designation. Ms. Reed thanked the Governing Body for their support. Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to approve this consent agenda to include the Regular Meeting agenda. The motion was considered, and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the consent agenda duly approved. Declaration No declaration was made. Unfinished Business Continued Discussion of Flood Insurance Recommendation for 2024 Human Resources Director Michelle Stegman continued the discussion on the 2024 flood insurance recommendations to the Governing Body and discussed the following: • Review initiated during 2024 budget preparation to assess flood coverage for City buildings due to rising premiums and evaluate necessity given the certified river levee and potential risk • City has had flood coverage since 2012, with FEMA changing flood zone designations; covered buildings are in Zone X with varying flood hazard levels • Qualification for FEMA assistance without flood insurance outlined, including opportunities and current programs available • Current flood details provided, including NFIP and excess flood policies, limitations, deductibles, and replacement cost values • Current deductibles and potential discount rates for higher deductibles were discussed March 27, 2024 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes March 27, 2024 Page 2 • Discussed the option for budgeted expenses for flood insurance placedin a reserve fund for future expenses related to flooding if coverage were cancelled • The Governing Body requested a survey of other surrounding communities with levee systems to ascertain their flood insurance status • Additionally, the Governing Body requested an exploration of options for discontinuing coverage at nonessential buildings. After deliberation, the Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item on the next Regular Meeting agenda. New Business Review of Monthly Reports Submitted by Partner Agencies The Governing Body engaged in a comprehensive review of the February 2024 monthly financial and activity reports submitted by community partner agencies. Resolution Approving a Final Plat and Accepting the Dedication of all Easements and Right-of-Ways Within the Former Fairway Vista Addition, Northeast Village Replat City Planner Zack Martin presented a resolution approving a final plat and accepting the dedication of all easements and rights of way within the former Fairway Vista Addition Northeast Village replat. The discussion included the following points: • Pinnacle Construction, Inc. has applied for a final plat permit for the property at 1426 E Wilson Street to allow for the development of the parcel into 40 single- family townhome dwellings • Staff has reviewed the application in accordance with the City’s adopted zoning and subdivision regulations and has found that the proposed use would be appropriate and would meet the requirements of the subdivision code • Staff finds the proposed use is consistent with that of the future land use plan as well as the current zoning and surrounding uses • Ottawa Planning Commission recommends approval Commissioner Crowley 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 this resolution was duly numbered Resolution No. 1957-24. Appointment to Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) Board The Governing Body heard from Melissa Reed, City Clerk who discussed the appointment of David Hunsaker to the KMEA Board of Directors 2 position and the following: • Governing Body biennially selects KMEA Board of Directors 1 and 2 • October 18, 2023 the Governing Body approved the appointment of David Hunsaker to fill the vacancy left by Dennis Tharp’s retirement with the term expiring on April 30, 2024 • Staff is recommending the appointment of David Hunsaker to the Director 2 position. March 27, 2024 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes March 27, 2024 Page 3 Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allen to appoint David Hunskaer to the Director 2 position. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this appointment approved. Comprehensive Fire Department Study The Governing Body heard from Michael Iacona, Center for Public Safety Management who discussed the operational and administrative analysis of the Ottawa Fire Department and the following: • Following the receipt of two bids the Ottawa City Commission authorized the Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) to conduct an operational and administrative analysis of the Ottawa Fire Department • Comprehensive evaluation report encompasses a detailed review of OFD’s operation, its collaboration with Franklin County EMS, and its staffing, deployment practices, as well as the analysis of fire stations and fire apparatus • Key observations include OFD’s effective management of its workload with limited resources, relying significantly on off-duty personnel recall, volunteer workforce and mutual aid partners • Report presents twenty-nine recommendations across various areas, including administrative support, staffing levels, deployment practices, fire station and fleet management, fire risk analysis, accreditation, response protocols, performance measurement, fire prevention and code enforcement, education and training, emergency management, and communications center support • Recommendations are grounded in best practices from leading fire service organizations and aim to enhance OFD’s operational and administrative capacity to meet current and future demands effectively City Manager’s Comments City Manager Brian Silcott provided department updates during his comments. Governing Body Comments Mayor Skidmore expressed his appreciation for the diligent efforts of the Fire Department in response to the recent fire on South Ash. Additionally, he inquired about homes listed for condemnation and requested a thorough review of these properties. Announcements A. April 3, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall B. April 10, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 5:42 p.m. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk March 27, 2024 3