City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of June 5, 2024 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 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. City Manager Brian Silcott gave the invocation. Public Comments None were given. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Promotion Swearing in Ceremony for New Fire Chief Shawn Dillon and Assistant Fire Chief Stuart Wolzen City Manager Brian Silcott remarked that Shawn Dillon was appointed Fire Chief on April 28, 2024, after serving as Interim Fire Chief since December 2023. Chief Dillon’s career began in 2006 as a Firefighter EMT-1 for the Ottawa Fire Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University and brings extensive experience and educational knowledge to his role. His leadership has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge emergency response strategies and enhancing the operational capabilities of the fire department. Chief Dillon stood before the Commission as his wife pinned on his badge. City Clerk Melissa Reed administered the oath of office for Fire Chief Shawn Dillon. City Manager Brian Silcott also commented that Stuart Wolzen was appointed Assistant Fire Chief on April 28, 2024, after serving as Captain and Fire Investigator since 2008. Assistant Chief Wolzen brings over two decades of experience in fire safety and emergency services. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University and an Associate Degree in Fire Service Administration from Garden City Community College. Assistant Chief Wolzen stood before the Commission as his wife pinned on his badge. City Clerk Melissa Reed administered the oath of office for Assistant Fire Chief Stuart Wolzen. Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to approve this consent agenda to include minutes from the May 29, 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. June 5, 2024 Unofficial Until Approved 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes June 5, 2024 Page 2 Declaration No declarations were made. Unfinished Business New Business Review of 2025 Operating Budget Community Service Fund The Governing Body heard from Finance Director Melanie Landis regarding the 2025 Community Service Fund budget. This fund financially supports community service/programming requests made annually by our Community Partners. Expenses are currently supported by annual transfers from the Water, Electric, Wastewater, and General Funds. Ms. Landis reviewed the following items: • Community Partner requested funding for 2025 is $296,467, a rise over the $178,455 awarded for 2024 • 2025 requests represent an increase of $118,012, equating to a 66.13% increase • Primary drivers are higher funding requests from existing partners and the introduction of new funding requests • To fund all the requests received in 2025 and keep an adequate fund balance, an additional $28,000 transfer would be required from each contributing fund or identification of a new funding source Prairie Paws Animal Shelter The 2025 request is $117,600 which is an increase of $55,200 over the awarded 2024 allocation of $62,400. The application cites the current funding level of $62,400 as adequate to continue normal operations; however, a proposal to fill a need for full-time animal control position raises the request by $55,200 to partially fund the position. Vanessa Cowie from Prairie Paws Animal Shelter answered questions from the Governing Body. Veteran’s Day The 2025 request of $1,000.00 is a continuation of this funding line. Funds were awarded in 2022 and 2023, but no distribution from the organization was requested. Derrick Larcom answered questions from the Governing Body. City Band The 2025 request is $5,215 which is an increase of $350 over the 2024 allocation of $4,865. The application cites the $350 increase will be used for a new banner in City Park. Murle Mordy answered questions from the Governing Body. Franklin County Development Council The 2025 request of $67,594 is a level funding request over the 2024 awarded allocation. The request is an even three-way split between Ottawa, Franklin County, and membership dues. The allocation amount for FCDC has had a total increase from 2014 to 2024 of a 12.65% increase or $7,593. Paul Bean answered questions from the Governing Body. June 5, 2024 Unofficial Until Approved 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes June 5, 2024 Page 3 Ottawa Main Street Association The 2025 request is $53,260 which is an increase of $21,260 over the awarded 2024 allocation of $32,000. The requested increase in funding will support the expansion of OMSA's administrative and operational capacity, enhancing its ability to develop programs, engage the community, and support downtown businesses effectively. Sara Stauffer and Wyndee Lee answered questions from the Governing Body, specifically stating that use of the funds will be to move the Director position from part-time to full- time. Ottawa Fireworks The 2025 request is for $4,000 which is a $500 increase over the 2024 allocation of $3,500. The cost of fireworks has increased by 16% over the previous year resulting in an increased request of both the City and County for an additional $500 each. The County has committed the additional $500 resulting in a 2025 contribution of $1,700. The Chataqua committee will work toward donations of $2,500-$3,000 to complete the funding for the 2025 fireworks show. Ryland Miller answered questions from the Governing Body. Elizabeth Layton Center The 2025 request is $22,798 which is an increase of $15,701 over the awarded 2024 allocation of $7,097. Leslie Bjork answered questions from the Governing Body, specifically stating the increase will be used for the lease of a vehicle for use in client transport. LifeCare Center The 2025 new request is $10,000 that will be used to support the following programs: 1) Parenting education; 2) Fatherhood specific education; 3) Community Christmas event for clients; and 4) items for client store. Ottawa Chamber of Commerce The 2025 new request is $15,000 to support three initiatives including: 1) Annual events such as Flea, Junk & Trunk, Ladies Night Out, and the Mayor’s Tree Lighting; 2) Ottawa tourism materials and promotion; and 3) Leadership Franklin County. Ryland Miller answered questions from the Governing Body. City Manager’s Comments City Manager Brian Silcott updated the Governing Body on upcoming events happening in the City of Ottawa and highlighted new employees. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Caylor congratulated Chief Dillon on being sworn in as the new Fire Chief. She praised Chief Dillon for his leadership and grace and publicly thanked him for his military service, noting that it will help make the fire department even stronger. Mayor Pro Tem Allen encouraged the community to attend the city band concerts. June 5, 2024 Unofficial Until Approved 3 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes June 5, 2024 Page 4 Mayor Skidmore thanked the Public Works Crew for their efforts in getting potholes filled and expressed gratitude for the quality of roads in Ottawa. Announcements A. June 12, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall B. June 19, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall Adjournment There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 8:56 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk June 5, 2024 Unofficial Until Approved 4