City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of January 15, 2025 The Governing Body met at 10:00 am on this date for the Regular City Commission Meeting with the following members present and participating to wit: Mayor Allen, Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, Commissioner Caylor, Commissioner Crowley and Commissioner Skidmore. Mayor Allen called the meeting to order. Mayor Allen 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 None were received. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations and Public Hearings Proclamation—National Religious Freedom Day Mayor Pro Tem Clayton read a proclamation recognizing January 16, 2025, as National Religious Freedom Day, celebrating the fundamental right of religious freedom for all citizens. Jason Irvin and Kerry Jossie accepted the proclamation and expressed gratitude to the City for its commitment to protecting religious freedom. Proclamation—Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commissioner Crowley read a proclamation recognizing January 20, 2025, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Since 2002, the City of Ottawa has officially recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a City holiday. Recognition of Levi Harn and DJ Welsh for Completion of Certified Public Manager (CPM) Certification The Governing Body recognized Levi Harn, Utilities Superintendent - Water Reclamation, and DJ Welsh, Interim Director of Public Works, for their successful completion of the University of Kansas Public Management Center’s Certified Public Manager (CPM) program. Both individuals were commended for their dedication to professional growth and leadership development. Recognition of Brian Demoret and Josh Hinderliter for Completion of the Emerging Leaders Academy The Governing Body recognized Brian Demoret (Electric Production) and Josh Hinderliter (Streets) for their successful completion of the University of Kansas Public Management Center’s Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA). Both individuals were commended for their dedication to professional growth and their contributions to the City of Ottawa. Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Caylor. The agenda included the minutes from the January 8, 2025 Regular Meeting 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 January 15, 2025 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes January 15, 2025 Page 2 No declarations were made. Unfinished Business New Business Commission Board/Commission Assignments for 2025 The Governing Body discussed the Commission Board and Commission Assignments for 2025. Mayor Allen will join the Airport Advisory Board, Franklin County Development Council, and the Library Board. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton will join the Chamber of Commerce Board and continue on the Ottawa Main Street Board. Commissioner Crowley will join the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium Board. Commissioner Caylor will continue with the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency Board and Neighborhood Revitalization Program Review Committee. Commissioner Skidmore will join the Prairie Paws Animal Shelter Board. Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to approve these appointments for 2025. The motion was considered, and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the action duly approved. Request to Approve Service Agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company for Parallel Taxiway Reconstruction at Ottawa Municipal Airport City Manager Brian Silcott presented a request for approval to enter into a service agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company for professional consulting services related to bidding, construction administration, and project closeout for the Parallel Taxiway Reconstruction at Ottawa Municipal Airport. The agreement addresses critical infrastructure needs identified during inspections, including the complete reconstruction of the taxiway to address concrete strength deficiencies and ensure long- term operational safety. The project aligns with the 2017 Airport Master Plan and includes FAA grant funding with a 5% local match. The agreement totals $389,201 and includes a phased construction approach to maintain airport operations. Brad Waller, Alfred Benesch & Company, reviewed the project and answered questions from the Commission. Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company. The motion was considered, and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the action duly approved. City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott welcomed Rob Mlynar as the new General Manager and Head Golf Professional at Ottawa Golf Course. Manager Silcott highlighted two other significant leadership changes for the City organization. Silcott announced that Scott Snethen has been promoted to Director of Utilities, where he will provide strategic oversight for the city's water, wastewater, and electric operations, aiming to foster innovation and align with the city’s strategic goals. DJ Welsh has been appointed as the Interim Public Works Director, overseeing essential services such as street and stormwater management, parks, and cemetery operations, ensuring continuity and high service standards. Manager Silcott mentioned upcoming agenda items for the January 29, 2025, meeting including recognitions for Kansas Day and Black History Month, an award presentation, an electric utility rate review, and updates on fourth quarter reports and ongoing projects. Governing Body Comments January 15, 2025 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes January 15, 2025 Page 3 The City Commissioners and Mayor extended their heartfelt congratulations to the ELA and CPM recipients, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and invaluable contributions to the City. Announcements A. January 16, 2025 Chamber Annual Awards and Banquet - 5:15 pm, Ottawa University Schendel Conference Center B. January 22, 2025 City Commission Meeting - 4:00 pm, City Hall (CANCELED) C. January 22, 2025 League of Kansas Municipalities, Local Government day – 2:30 pm, The Beacon, Topeka D. January 29, 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 10:37 am. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk January 15, 2025 3