City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of September 4, 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. Pastor Drew Reding from Grace Community Fellowship gave the invocation. Public Comments None were received. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations and Public Hearings Proclamation for Direct Support Professionals Commissioner Caylor read a proclamation recognizing September 8-14, 2024 as Direct Support Professionals Week. Rebecca Alderman, Deputy Operating Officer from COF Training Services accepted the proclamation and thanked the City for their support. Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to approve the consent agenda, including minutes from the August 28, 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 No declarations were made. Unfinished Business New Business Public Hearing for Intent to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate and adoption of the 2025 Operating Budget It was explained that this public hearing had been scheduled to receive comments about the intent to levy property tax exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate and the proposed 2025 operating budget. After public comments have been received, it is recommended that the hearing be closed and, barring any amendments, the resolution and budget be adopted. Mayor Skidmore opened the public hearing at 7:10 pm. Finance Director Landis presented the highlights of the proposed budget and answered questions from the Governing Body. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:20 pm. September 4, 2024 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 4, 2024 Page 2 Request for Approval of Resolution to Levy Property Tax Rate Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate The Governing Body reviewed a resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate. Commissioner Caylor 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 duly numbered Resolution No. 1963-24. Consider Adoption of 2025 Operating Budget It was explained following multiple public discussions during regular meetings, as well as tonight’s presentation and comments during the public hearing, that adoption of the 2025 budget is recommended at an estimated mill rate equal to the 2024 rate of 44.844. Mayor Skidmore made a motion to adopt the budget minus the proposed communications position. Motion failed for a lack of a second. Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allen, to adopt the budget at the proposed rate of 44.844. The motion was considered and upon being put, failed by the following vote: Commissioner Caylor aye, Commissioner Crowley nay, Mayor Pro Tem Allen aye, Commissioner Clayton nay, and Mayor Skidmore nay. Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to adopt the 2025 budget with a mill rate of 44.644. The motion was considered and upon being put, passed by the following vote: Commissioner Caylor aye, Commissioner Crowley aye, Mayor Pro Tem Allen aye, Commissioner Clayton aye, Mayor Skidmore nay. The Mayor declared the 2025 Budget duly adopted with an estimated mill rate of 44.644. Consider Approval of Resolution Adopting the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program The Governing Body heard from Finance Director Landis, who reviewed the Capital Improvement Program for 2025-2029 and a resolution adopting the program. Commissioner Caylor 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 duly numbered Resolution No. 1964-24. Ordinance for Rezone at 1201 W. 15th Street The City Commission heard from City Planner Martin who presented an ordinance authorizing the rezoning of the property at 1201 West 15th Street from R-1 Low-Density Residential to R-3 High-Density Residential. This change is sought to allow for a Conditional Use Permit application to construct a nursing home/assisted-living facility on the site, as permitted under Section 6-301 of the adopted zoning ordinance. The rezoning request was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Planning Commission, with findings that the proposed use is consistent with the intent of the zoning regulations, and would align with the surrounding residential and institutional uses, including an existing nursing home facility to the south. The facility would provide additional housing opportunities for the community without negatively impacting the surrounding area. After discussion, Commissioner Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to approve this ordinance. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. September 4, 2024 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 4, 2024 Page 3 The Mayor declared this ordinance duly approved, and the ordinance was duly numbered Ordinance No. 4143-24. Ordinance Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Allow for a Nursing Home/Assisted Living Facility at 1201 W. 15th Street The City Commission heard from City Planner Martin who presented a request for a Conditional Use Permit at 1201 West 15th Street. The permit would allow for the construction of a nursing home/assisted living facility on the site. This request, initiated by Clint Arndt on behalf of the Rebecca E Blaue Trust and Sunflower Care Homes, was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission found that the proposed use is consistent with the city's zoning regulations, compatible with the surrounding residential and institutional uses, and would provide additional housing opportunities for the community without negatively impacting the area. The facility would include a residential building accommodating up to 16 residents, a storage building, a kid’s play area for staff daycare, and parking for visitors and staff. After discussion, Commissioner Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to approve this ordinance. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this ordinance duly approved, and the ordinance was duly numbered Ordinance No. 4144-24. City Manager’s Comments City Manager Silcott provided an overview of the tentative agenda items for the upcoming City Commission meeting and provided an update on upcoming events. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Clayton expressed gratitude to Sunflower Care Homes for their investment in the community and mentioned discussing the budget in detail prior to the evening's meeting. He also emphasized the need for volunteers for the Main Street cleanup efforts, noting that community members interested in helping can meet at Haley Park at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday. Commissioner Caylor reflected on Pastor Reding’s message about neighbors, recognizing Sunflower Care Homes as a returning neighbor and mourning the loss of Cathy Brown, a beloved community member who will be missed. She also spoke fondly of Gene Ramsey, who taught her valuable lessons and mentioned visiting Sonic in honor of Gene and Ann Ramsey after the budget season. Mayor Skidmore shared his enthusiasm for the budget, expressing his love for numbers and appreciation for the hard work involved. He commended the community for its progress and expressed excitement about the ongoing new construction projects and the energy they bring. Announcements A. September 5, 2024 League City Forum – 3:00 - 5:00 pm, Ottawa University B. September 11, 2024 City Commission Meeting - 4:00 pm, City Hall Executive Session Recess Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mayor Pro Tem Allen, to recess into executive session for a period of 30 minutes, resuming at 8:43 pm with City Attorney Blaine Finch, Finance Director Melanie Landis and City Manager Brian Silcott present for the September 4, 2024 3 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 4, 2024 Page 4 purpose of attorney/client consultation. The justification for the closed session is to engage in confidential and privileged communication with the board’s attorney by K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(12). The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting duly recessed. Reconvene Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to reconvene into open session. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the meeting duly reconvened at 8:43 p.m. Adjournment There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 8:43 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk September 4, 2024 4