City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of December 11, 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 Timothy Roth from Faith Lutheran Church gave the invocation. Public Comments Public comments were received during the items below. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations and Public Hearings Presentation of KMU Power Plant Operator Certificate to John Thompson John Littleton from KMU presented the Power Plant Operator Certificate to John Thompson in recognition of his completion of KMU’s Power Plant Operations Academy. John completed approximately 240 hours of instructional contact time over two years, demonstrating his dedication to advancing his skills in power plant operations. Consent Agenda Mayor Pro Tem Allen moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Clayton. The agenda included 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 Ordinance Regulating Camping and Storage of Personal Property in Public Space and Right of Way City Manager Silcott presented an ordinance aimed at regulating camping and the storage of personal property in public spaces and rights-of-way within the City of Ottawa. This ordinance is designed to protect public infrastructure, maintain community aesthetics, and support economic development by ensuring public spaces remain accessible and safe for all residents and visitors. The ordinance prohibits camping in designated public areas such as parks, public infrastructure, and within commercial and industrial zones. Additionally, it restricts the storage of personal property in these areas, allowing city officials to issue 24-hour pre-removal notices. Public comment was received by Julie Riggins, 1171 Rock Creek Road, in opposition to the proposed ordinance and recommended collaborating to work on improvements. After discussion, the Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item for further discussion at the December 18, 2024 Regular Meeting. December 11, 2024 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 Page 2 New Business Ordinance for Hasty Award IRB’s Tyler Ellsworth of Kutak Rock, presented an ordinance authorizing the issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for the Hasty Awards expansion project. The IRBs, not to exceed $2,100,000, will finance a 21,500 sq. ft. expansion to the existing facility, including new production assembly areas, digital imaging capabilities, and on-site warehousing storage. The expansion eliminates the need for multiple locations and is expected to create 15 new jobs over the next five years with an average salary of $45,000. The project aligns with the City’s economic development objectives and has been endorsed by the Incentive Review Committee. Commissioner Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, 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. 4152-24. Ordinance for Hasty Award Constitutional Abatement Tyler Ellsworth of Kutak Rock, LLP, presented an ordinance granting a 55% ad valorem tax exemption for Hasty Awards under a Constitutional Tax Abatement. The exemption applies to the 21,500 sq. ft. expansion of the facility and is effective for a term of 10 years starting in 2025. The abatement is contingent on compliance with the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, which requires timely and full payments. The expansion will create 15 new jobs with average salaries of $45,000 and aligns with the City’s economic development policy, as supported by the Incentive Review Committee. Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allen, 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. 4153-24. City Hall Commission Room Construction Firm Selection Director Sommer presented the selection of a construction services provider for the City Hall Commission Room Modernization Project. Following a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on November 20, 2024, and a pre-bid meeting on December 2, 2024, the chosen firm will implement the modernization design developed by Goldberg Group Architects. This project aims to create a welcoming and functional space for public meetings and discussions, aligning with the City’s commitment to improving public facilities. Four bids were received for the project. City staff recommends accepting Loyd Builders bid for this project due to their construction timeline of 8 weeks, competitive pricing, and work that can align with QCP standards. Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allen, to select Loyd Builders to provide construction services for the City Hall Commission Room Modernization Project and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with the selected firm. The motion was considered and upon being put was denied by the following vote: Commissioner Clayton aye, Commissioner Caylor aye, Commissioner Crowley nay, Mayor Pro Tem Allen and Mayor Skidmore, aye. The Mayor declared the action duly approved. Applications for 2025 Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses City Clerk Reed presented the 2025 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) license applications for consideration. These include renewals for licenses permitting sales for both consumption on the December 11, 2024 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 Page 3 premises and sales in original, unopened containers not for on-premises consumption. All applications were reviewed and approved by the Police Department and City Attorney, with no grounds for denial. Upon approval, a report and fees will be submitted to the Kansas Department of Revenue to finalize licensing. Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Clayton, to approve the 2025 Cereal Malt Beverage licenses. The motion was considered, and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the action duly approved. Request for approval of temporary building rental for Ottawa Golf Course Director Landis presented a request for approval to rent a temporary building for the Ottawa Golf Course as part of preparations for transitioning the course's management to the City on December 30, 2024. The temporary building, approximately 24’ x 56’, will provide office spaces, a commons area, and ADA-accessible restrooms. It will serve as a check-in and concessions area until plans for a permanent clubhouse are finalized. The annual rental cost is $29,900, with a one-time setup charge of $12,583, and utilities will be extended to the site by City crews. The City Attorney will review all lease documents prior to execution. Commissioner Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to direct staff to proceed with the rental of a temporary building for the Ottawa Golf Course. The motion was considered, and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the action duly approved. Comments by Mayor Michael Skidmore and Plaque Presentation Mayor Skidmore spoke of his term as Mayor and thanked the community for their support. City Commission Nominations and Election of Mayor for the 2025 Term Mayor Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to nominate Emily Allen as Mayor for the 2025 term. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the nomination duly approved. Mayor’s Oath of Office City Clerk Melissa Reed administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Allen. Comments by Newly-Appointed Mayor Mayor Allen reviewed the past and hopes the City will continue that growth. She is looking forward to working with the Governing Body. City Commission Nomination and Election of Mayor Pro Tem for the 2025 Term Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to nominate Zach Clayton as Mayor Pro Tem for the 2025 term. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the nomination duly approved. Mayor Pro Tem’s Oath of Office City Clerk Melissa Reed administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Pro Tem Clayton. Comments by Newly-Appointed Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Pro Tem Clayton expressed gratitude to his fellow commissioners, acknowledging each December 11, 2024 3 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 Page 4 member's diverse strengths. City Manager 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 Commissioner Skidmore congratulated the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. He also thanked the City Attorney for all his help over the last few years. Commissioner Caylor congratulated the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem and expressed excitement about their growth as leaders. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton thanked everyone and congratulated the Mayor. Mayor Allen congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Clayton and thanked everyone for their support. Announcements A. December 18, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall B. December 25, 2024 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, Cancelled (City Hall Closed) C. January 1, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, Cancelled (City Hall Closed) D. January 8, 2025 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 5:20 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk December 11, 2024 4