City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of May 29, 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. Pastor Dakota Smith with Ottawa Bible Church gave the invocation. Public Comments Betty Birzer and Dr. Ryan Cobbs, Superintendent of Ottawa USD 290, submitted a letter of support for the Sister Cities agenda item. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to approve this consent agenda to include minutes from the May 22, 2024 Regular Meeting, Advisory Board Minutes from Ottawa Memorial Auditorium, Ottawa Municipal Airport and Planning Commission 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 No declarations were made. Unfinished Business New Business Kansas Independent College Finance Authority Revenue Anticipation Notes The Governing Body heard from City Manager Brian Silcott, who requested that the highest elected official sign the Kansas Independent College Finance Authority Revenue Anticipation Notes certificate for 2024. Mr. Silcott stated that the notes are an obligation of Ottawa University, which has participated for several years, the City is not responsible for the notes and answered questions from the Governing Body. Commissioner Caylor made a motion to authorize the Mayor to execute the Certificate of Approval for the issuance of $6,000,000 in Series 2024 Revenue Anticipation Notes, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allen, and upon being put to a vote, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the item approved. Review of Monthly Reports Submitted by Partner Agencies The Governing Body engaged in a comprehensive review of the April 2024 monthly financial and activity reports submitted by community partner agencies. May 29, 2024 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes May 29, 2024 Page 2 Establishing a Sister Cities Program The Governing Body heard from Franklin County Development Council Executive Director Paul Bean, who provided an overview of the Sister Cities International Program and discussed potential options for the City of Ottawa. After the discussion, the Governing Body decided to take this opportunity under advisement. Land Use Agreement for 2706 Kingman Road The Governing Body heard from City Attorney Blaine Finch who reviewed a land use agreement for the city-owned property located at 2706 Kingman Road. The City of Ottawa acquired this property in 2023, inheriting a seasonal tenant, JC Freedom Enterprises LLC, doing business as Pyro Papas Fireworks. The agreement is for JC Freedom Enterprises to use the designated land area for the storage of materials and the retail sale of consumer class "C" fireworks from June 15 to July 10, 2024, for a fee of $1,500. Commissioner Crowley made a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute the land use agreement for the city owned property at 2706 Kingman Road between the City of Ottawa and the tenant JC Freedom Enterprises, LLC to use the designated land area for the storage of materials and the retail sales of consumer class “C” fireworks, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, and upon being put to a vote, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the item approved. Review of 2025 Operating Budget Water Fund The Governing Body heard from Finance Director Melanie Landis regarding the 2025 proposed Water Fund budget. Operations and capital improvements are funded through the collection of monthly user fees for services. Ms. Landis reviewed the following items: • Discussed essential aspects of the water utility, including water production, reliable service, and sustainability • The rate structure, adopted on January 18, 2023, via Resolution 1927-23, supports operations and capital improvements through monthly user fees. • Revenue and expenditure trends were thoroughly examined to provide context for the proposed budgetary allocations. • 2025 Proposed Water Utility Production Budget: Includes $180,000 for dredging of the North Sludge Pond. • 2025 Proposed Water Utility Distribution Budget: Includes $150,000 for the replacement of the 12" water main on 19th Street from Elm Street to Twyman Street, $15,000 for a salt spreader for snow removal. • Recent infrastructure improvements include the installation of a new 500,000- gallon elevated storage tank, funded by the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant, and updates to two pump stations using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. • The Water Production division signed a contract with Professional Engineering Consultants, P.A. (PEC) to perform a Water Treatment Facility Evaluation, with preliminary reports sent for review as of May 15, 2024. • Fund Balance, Revenue, and Expenditure Summary: The projected fund balance for the water utility remains below the targeted 20% fund balance, with plans to gradually increase it. • Budget Highlights: The revised 2024 budget includes additional funds for the compensation study and water main replacement on Elm Street. The proposed May 29, 2024 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes May 29, 2024 Page 3 2025 budget addresses operational needs, infrastructure improvements, and necessary maintenance while maintaining financial stability. Ms. Landis presented highlights from the revised 2024 budget, 2025 proposed budget, and 2026 projected budget, offering a comprehensive overview of the fund. The Water CIP features key allocations, including various water main replacements and maintenance projects aimed at ensuring reliable water service and infrastructure sustainability. City Manager’s Comments City Manager Brian Silcott updated the Governing Body on current projects. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Clayton conveyed gratitude for the community's solidarity in assisting neighbors during the recent storm cleanup. Furthermore, he expressed his interest in exploring the feasibility of allowing fireworks sales within city limits next year, recognizing the potential for generating sales tax revenue. Mayor Skidmore enthusiastically acknowledged the successful turnout at the splash pad and the abundant positive feedback received from the community. He extended heartfelt thanks to all those involved in bringing the project to fruition. Announcements A. June 5, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall B. June 12, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall Adjournment There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 5:02 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk May 29, 2024 3