City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of July 10, 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. Reverend Bob Colerick from First Christian Church gave the invocation. Public Comments Linda and Bud Bishop, residents at 204 E. Wilson, have raised concerns about dogs running loose in the area and the problems this is causing. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Consent Agenda Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to approve this consent agenda to include minutes from the June 26, 2024 Regular Meeting, minutes from the Advisory Boards 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 None. New Business Interview for Ottawa Memorial Advisory Board The Governing Body conducted interviews with the following citizens for two open seats on the Ottawa Memorial Advisory Board: Nicole Smith and Keith Shrimpton. Presentation from the Ercoupe Convention at Ottawa Municipal Airport The City Commission received a report from Jim Reeder, Fixed Base Operator on the 2024 Ercoupe Owners Club (EOC) National Convention held at the Ottawa Municipal Airport (KOWI) from June 14-16, 2024. Despite severe weather in parts of the country, the event had significant attendance with 20 planes and 60 participants from 21 states. Attendees utilized 40 hotel rooms and consumed 720 meals over three days. Key activities included tours, luncheons, and dinners, with support from local businesses and organizations. The event was successful, providing economic benefits to the community and receiving positive feedback from attendees. Airport Master Plan Design Request for Qualifications July 10, 2024 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 Page 2 The Governing Body heard from City Manager Brian Silcott regarding the recommendation to select Alfred Benesch & Company as the consultant for the Ottawa Municipal Airport improvement projects. The City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on March 25, 2024, for projects including the reconstruction of the parallel taxiway, the construction of new T-hangars and taxi lanes, and the construction of a maintenance hangar. Alfred Benesch & Company was the sole respondent. Despite being the only submission, a thorough review confirmed their qualifications, extensive experience with similar projects, and knowledge of FAA regulations. Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor to conditionally approve the selection of Alfred Benesch & Company as the consultant for the Ottawa Municipal Airport improvement projects and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with the selected firm. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the selection of Alfred Benesch & Company duly approved. Review of 2025 Operating Budget The Governing Body heard from Finance Director Melanie Landis who discussed the 2025 Budget, covering the budgeted funds that affect the mill levy portion of the annual budget. Franklin County Emergency Communications Budget Franklin County's Emergency Communications budget impacts the City’s General Fund with a shared 50% of the total cost for the 911 dispatch budget and the City receives a refund of 50% of the remaining funds annually after the audit is complete. The presented 2025 Emergency Communications budget remains largely unchanged from 2024 with the exception of increases to personnel and benefit costs. The impact to the City’s 2025 budget is an increased expense of $47,503, or 8.11%. Ottawa Memorial Auditorium Fund The Ottawa Memorial Auditorium (OMA) was established in 1921 as a memorial to World War I soldiers. OMA hosts diverse live performances, special programming, and serves as a premier venue for private events and educational initiatives. Revenue is generated through various sources including rentals, ticket sales, sponsorships, concessions, and bar sales. The 2025 proposed budget highlights include investments in facility upgrades such as air compressor replacements and basement lobby bathroom renovations, reflecting OMA's ongoing commitment to maintaining a vibrant cultural and educational hub for the community. Ottawa Library Fund Terry Chartier, Executive Director of the Ottawa Library, presented the 2025 budget emphasizing fiscal responsibility and community engagement. Priorities include maintaining partnerships, seeking grants, and leveraging volunteer support. To meet accreditation standards, the budget ensures sufficient funds for staffing and materials, with a commitment to maintaining or increasing the mill levy. Capital improvements encompass new building plans and addressing maintenance needs. The budget, approved by the Ottawa Library Board of Trustees, reflects a strategic approach to July 10, 2024 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 Page 3 sustaining library services and fostering community involvement through educational programs and cultural events. The proposed budget includes an estimated level mill rate for 2025. Debt Service Fund The Debt Services Fund (005) manages the City's general obligation bond payments, ensuring sufficient funding through property taxes and transfers from other funds. This enables the City to finance capital projects when cash isn't readily available, distributing costs over the projects' useful life. Debt issuance is carefully planned to align with conservative revenue projections and ensure benefits outweigh costs, including interest. The 2025 budget includes principal and interest payments totaling $3,380,520, supported by transfers, property taxes, and other revenues. Key highlights include the final payment of GO Bond 2009 in 2024, with no GO Bond issuances maturing in 2025, and final payments for GO Bond 2017-A and 2018-B anticipated in 2026. General Fund The General Fund is supported by many revenue sources including ad valorem tax, sales tax, franchise fees, service and sales revenue, motor vehicle taxes, and transfers from utility funds. Expenditures provide law enforcement, fire services, parks and trails, street maintenance, administration, and facility maintenance and repairs. Among the items included in the proposed 2025 budget are new positions, staffing changes for fire response, redirecting revenue sources to bolster funding for street maintenance, increased funds for the Airport taxiway reconstruction grant match, city website upgrade, facility improvements, and funding for vehicle and equipment replacement. The 2025 budget proposes a level mill rate. Proposed Mill Rate The proposed and recommended mill rate for 2024, supporting the 2025 budget, is equal to the 2023 mill rate of 44.844. The City Commission will continue their review of the proposed mill rate at the July 17th meeting. Discussion on Open Seats for Ottawa Memorial Advisory Board After discussion, Commission Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley to appoint Nicole Smith and Keith Shrimpton to the Ottawa Memorial Advisory Board. The motion was considered and upon being put, all presented voted aye. The Mayor declared these appointments duly approved. City Manager’s Comments City Manager Brian Silcott updated the Governing Body on upcoming events in the City of Ottawa and highlighted new employees. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Caylor and Commissioner Clayton expressed their gratitude to Finance Director Melanie Landis and her team for their thorough budget presentations. Mayor Skidmore addressed the community's ban on discharging fireworks and proposed a future discussion to explore options for residents. July 10, 2024 3 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 Page 4 Announcements A. July 17, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall B. July 24, 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 5:31 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk July 10, 2024 4