City Commission
Regular MeetingOttawa, KS · November 13, 2024
Minutes
Regular Meeting Minutes
City Hall
Minutes of November 13, 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, 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 Dakota Smith from Ottawa Bible Church gave the invocation.
Public Comments
None were received.
Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations and Public Hearings
Consent Agenda
Commissioner Crowley moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner
Clayton. The agenda included the minutes from the November 6, 2024 Regular Meeting, the
Service Line Warranty Notice, and the Regular Meeting agenda. The motion was put to a vote,
and all present voted in favor. The Mayor declared the consent agenda duly approved.
Declaration
No declarations were made.
Unfinished Business
Resolution Setting Public Hearing for Fairway Vista Reinvestment Housing Incentive
District (RHID)
Tyler Ellsworth of Kutak Rock, LLP, presented a resolution for the Governing Body’s
consideration, which would set a public hearing regarding the Fairway Vista RHID Development
Plan and the creation of this RHID district. The resolution sets a public hearing date of
December 18, 2024, at 10:00 am, during which the City Commission will hear public comments
and consider adopting the RHID Development Plan for this district. The proposed Fairway Vista
RHID aims to encourage the construction of 14 rental townhomes across seven lots with existing
infrastructure. The housing plan aligns with Ottawa’s Residential Demand Analysis, identifying
a significant need for affordable, quality rental units to address local housing shortages.
Commissioner Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to approve the
resolution setting a public hearing for the RHID Development Plan and district creation. The
motion was considered, and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the
resolution duly approved and numbered 1967-24.
New Business
Interview for City of Ottawa Accessibility Advisory Board
The Governing Body interviewed Kelsie Kosko, an Ottawa resident interested in serving on the
City’s Accessibility Advisory Board.
November 13, 2024
1
City of Ottawa
Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2024
Page 2
KDOT Urban Area Boundary Resolution
Director Neece presented a resolution from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to
approve updates to the Urban Area Boundary (UAB) in Ottawa, which were prompted by the
2020 Census. The resolution and corresponding map, developed in consultation with Franklin
County and reviewed by the City Engineer, outline areas classified as “urban” to guide future
infrastructure, highway, and transportation planning. This resolution serves as an essential
update, reflecting Ottawa’s growth patterns and setting a foundation for planning future
transportation projects in coordination with KDOT.
The Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item on the November 20, 2024 Regular
Meeting.
KDOT Urban Functional Classification System Resolution
Director Neece also presented a separate resolution to approve the Functional Classification
System for Ottawa’s urban area. This classification system categorizes streets within Ottawa’s
urban boundaries, providing a framework for determining which streets receive priority in terms
of upgrades, maintenance, and funding. The classifications influence future project eligibility and
allow Ottawa to access additional resources for street improvements.
The Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item on the November 20, 2024 Regular
Meeting.
Backwash Motor and Pump Replacement
Assistant Director Snethen requested authorization to fund the replacement of a backwash motor
and pump at the water treatment facility, which are essential to maintaining effective and
efficient water treatment operations. The existing equipment is aging and has led to inconsistent
performance. Replacement of this equipment is anticipated to improve water reliability, lower
operational costs, and reduce the risk of future disruptions in water service to the Ottawa
community.
Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to approve funding
for the backwash motor and pump replacement. The motion was considered, and upon being put,
all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the item approved.
Utility Payment Kiosk Update
Assistant Finance Director McCurdy provided an update on the utility payment kiosk, describing
recent complications with the system. This kiosk allowed residents to make secure, convenient
utility payments outside regular business hours. After discussion, the Governing Body agreed by
consensus to explore kiosk options for inside the building with an option to access from outside.
Golf Course Transition Plan Update & Communication Plan to Members
Director Landis presented an update on the transition plan for the Ottawa Golf Course, along
with a communication strategy for keeping members and patrons informed. The Ottawa Golf
Course will change management on December 30, 2024. Current members will receive a mailed
or emailed letter with information about the transition and a survey will be available on the city
November 13, 2024
2
City of Ottawa
Regular Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2024
Page 3
website to collect feedback and ideas from members and patrons. The City is working with the
current management to target a smooth transition for members and patrons.
City Manager’s Comments
City Manager Silcott provided an overview of the tentative agenda items for the upcoming City
Commission meeting and events happening in the community.
Governing Body Comments
Mayor Skidmore commented that the Veteran’s Day parade was a great event. He also shared
that Prairie Paws Animal Shelter is holding a raffle, with the winner receiving the honor of
lighting the Holiday Lights at the upcoming Mayor's Christmas Tree Ceremony.
Interview for City of Ottawa Accessibility Advisory Board
Mayor Skidmore made a motion to appoint Kelsie Kosko to the Ottawa Accessibility Advisory
Board. The motion failed for a lack of a second.
Announcements
A. November 20, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall
B. November 27, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall
C. November 28-29 2024 Thanksgiving Holiday (City Hall Closed)
Adjournment
There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly
adjourned at 5:19 pm.
/s/ Melissa Reed
Melissa Reed, City Clerk
November 13, 2024
3
Get email alerts for Ottawa
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.