City Commission
Regular MeetingOttawa, KS · April 17, 2024
Minutes
Regular Meeting Minutes
City Hall
Minutes of April 17, 2024
The Governing Body met at 10:00 am on this date for the Regular City Commission
Meeting with the following members present and participating to wit: Mayor Skidmore,
Commissioner Caylor, Commissioner Clayton and Commissioner Crowley. Mayor Pro
Tem Allen was absent. Mayor Skidmore called the meeting to order.
Mayor Skidmore welcomed the audience and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag. Pastor Terance Roberson gave the invocation.
Public Comments
No public comments were received.
Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings
Proclamation Recognizing May 2024 as Community Action Month
Commissioner Caylor read a proclamation recognizing May 2024 as Community Action
Month. This proclamation recognizes the 50-plus year history of promoting self-
sufficiency for those with limited income. Teresia Templeton, ECKAN, accepted the
proclamation and thanked the Governing Body for the recognition.
Recognition of the Electric Utility’s Achievement: Receiving the American Public
Power Association’s “Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) Platinum
Designation” reflecting a high level (90% to 99%) of proficiency in all essential
disciplines of reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement
City Manager Brian Silcott recognized the Electric Utility’s Achievement of Attaining the
American Public Power Association’s “Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) Platinum
Designation.” A platinum-level designation signifies excellence across all evaluated
areas and is awarded to utilities that meet between 90% to 99% of the RP3 program’s
criteria. The City of Ottawa first achieved the RPG3 Gold designation in 2017 (2017-
2021) and again in 2020 (2020-2023). This recognition is not just a mark of current
excellence, but also a foundation for future initiatives.
Consent Agenda
Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to
approve this consent agenda to include March 2024 Financial report, minutes from the
April 10, 2024 Regular Meeting and 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
Commissioner Crowley disclosed that he is a partner in the conditional use permit item
and therefore would abstain from voting on it.
Interviews for Open Seats on City Boards
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Regular Meeting Minutes
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The Governing Body continued interviews with the following citizens for two open seats
on the Airport Advisory Board: Doug McMullin and Jeff McManus. Eileen Spickler was
interviewed for an open seat on the Accessibility Advisory Board.
Unfinished Business
New Business
Ordinance Granting Conditional Use Permit Application to Allow for a Two-Family
Dwelling at 804 S. Locust
The Governing Body heard from Planner Zack Martin, who reviewed an ordinance
creating a conditional use permit at 804 S. Locust to allow the development of a two-
family dwelling on a vacant parcel. Mr. Martin reviewed the following items and
answered questions:
• Proposed dwelling would generate infill housing on a vacant lot as well as
increase the housing options within the City
• Planning Commission considered the permit, application, and staff findings at the
February 29, 2024 study session and on the March 13, 2024 Regular Meeting
and unanimously recommended approval of the conditional use permit
• Staff’s recommendation for approval is based on the proposed development’s
alignment with the City of Ottawa’s zoning regulations, Comprehensive Plan, and
community development objectives
• Proposed development is located on a .22 acre (approximately 9,402 sq ft) lot
currently zoned R1 (Low-Density Residential)
• Existing transportation, utility, and service facilities are deemed adequate to
support the proposed development, ensuring no undue burden on city resources
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 Skidmore aye, Commissioner Crowley abstained, Commissioner
Caylor aye, Commissioner Clayton aye. The Mayor declared this ordinance duly
approved, and the ordinance was duly numbered Ordinance No. 4134-24.
First Quarter Report Review
The Governing Body reviewed the First Quarter 2024 Activity reports with City Staff.
Capital Project Updates
The Governing Body heard from City Manager Brian Silcott, who provided an update on
current capital projects.
Review of 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program
The Governing Body heard from Finance Director Melanie Landis, who reviewed the
Capital Improvement Plan for 2025-2029 and discussed the following:
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a tool for communicating the anticipated
capital projects of the City for five years
• Any one project may be accelerated or delayed based on the need and financial
opportunities available
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• Citizen Request forms were made available, seeking input from the public on
projects that would benefit the community; four project requests were received
and reviewed
• Intended to communicate projects that are on the radar but does not dictate how
those projects may be funded
• Draft document presented is for an initial discussion
• Projects by departments were reviewed
The Capital Improvement Plan will be reviewed at an upcoming Regular Meeting.
City Manager’s Comments
City Manager Brian Silcott expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended the first
airport breakfast of the season. He also extended a special thanks to the electric crew
who diligently worked yesterday to repair wind damage.
Governing Body Comments
Commissioner Clayton commended the electric crew for achieving the RP3 designation.
Commissioner Caylor conveyed the community's enthusiasm for the upcoming splash
pad construction. Mayor Skidmore announced that discussions regarding interviews for
board positions would take place at the Regular Meeting scheduled for April 24, 2024.
Announcements
A. April 24, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall
B. May 1, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall
Adjournment
There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the
meeting duly adjourned at 12:37 pm.
/s/ Melissa Reed
Melissa Reed, City Clerk
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