City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of February 5, 2025 The Governing Body met at 7:00 p.m. on this date for the Regular City Commission Meeting, with the following members present and participating: Mayor Allen, Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, Commissioner Crowley, and Commissioner Skidmore. Commissioner Caylor joined at 7:07 pm. Mayor Allen called the meeting to order. Mayor Allen welcomed the audience and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Pastor Terrance Roberson, Bethany Chapel Baptist 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 Mayor Pro Tem Clayton. The agenda included the minutes from the January 29, 2025 Regular Meeting, minutes from November 18, 2024 Board of Zoning Appeals, 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 New Business Review of Strategic Documents for City Departments The Governing Body received a presentation from City Manager Brian Silcott on the City’s strategic and planning documents. • Airport Master Plan (2018-2038) – Guides long-term development and improvements at KOWI Airport. • Electric System Master Plan Report (2011) – Evaluates and plans for the electric grid infrastructure. • New Generation Opinion of Probable Cost (2014) – Estimates costs for new electric generation resources. • Electric System Planning Study (2015) – Assesses the current and future electric system needs. • Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) (2020, Res. 1825-20) – Establishes a strategic plan for electric generation and resource management. • Comprehensive Plan (2004-2024) – Long-term land use and development strategy for the city. A new plan is currently in progress for the years 2025-2035. • US-59 Corridor Plan & Proximity Park Traffic Study (2017) – Evaluates transportation and development impact in the corridor. • ADA Transition Plan (2019) – Ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). • K-68 Corridor Access Management Plan (2024) – Guides access control and infrastructure February 5, 2025 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes February 5, 2025 Page 2 planning along K-68. • Comprehensive Study (2023) – Assesses fire department operations, services, and resource needs. • Parks Master Plan (2015, Updated 2021) – Establishes goals and strategies for park system development. • Stormwater Management Plan (Effective 2019-2024) – Provides strategies for managing stormwater runoff related to development and KDHE’s community permit requirements. • Stormwater Master Plan (2007-2027, Adopted 2007) – Long-term stormwater planning and infrastructure investments. • Connecting Ottawa Transportation Plan (2014-2024, Res. 1624-14) – Addresses transportation, pedestrian, and bicycle infrastructure improvements. • Eastside Sewer Interceptor Assessment (2010-2013, Project Completed) – Evaluates sewer infrastructure. • Pump Station Evaluation (2017) – Assesses condition and efficiency of wastewater pump stations. • Economic Development Update Study (2012-2032) – Evaluates economic development needs concerning water and wastewater infrastructure. • Water Distribution System Study Update (2007) – Reviews and plans for water distribution improvements. • Treatment Plant & Raw Water Line Study (2013) – Analyzes treatment plant and water line infrastructure. • Frozen Meter Replacement Plan (2025) – Outlines a strategy for replacing frozen meters. • Major Water Main Break Communication Plan (2025) – Establishes protocols for responding to and communicating water main break incidents. • Kansas Region J Hazard Mitigation Plan (2024) – Provides a framework for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery through a coordinated emergency response among city departments and regional agencies. The plan is necessary to qualify for FEMA & Homeland Security funding. • City Emergency Operations Plan (In Development) – Provides specific action item steps for City departments to provide critical service to citizens in response to different emergency conditions. Fourth Quarter Report Review The Governing Body reviewed the Fourth Quarter 2024 Activity reports with City Staff. City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott introduced Finance Director Landis and Director of Golf Mlynar to present an overview of the transition of the Ottawa Golf Course from a private country club to a municipally managed facility. The presentation highlighted key milestones, including the termination of the previous lease, facility preparations, personnel hiring, and the course’s official opening on February 2, 2025. Accomplishments such as community engagement efforts, vendor relationships, and operational setup were discussed, alongside challenges like weather delays, irrigation storage issues, and the need for equipment acquisition. Membership and rate structures were reviewed, and a public survey with 174 responses to date was noted, providing insights into course improvement priorities and programming February 5, 2025 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes February 5, 2025 Page 3 interests. Upon conclusion of the golf course presentation, City Manager Silcott updated the City Commission on the Comprehensive Plan update and the Ottawa Mainstreet Association’s transformation strategy vision session facilitated by the national main street association, programmed events at the OMA listed below and the new employees joining the City, also listed below: Schedule events at the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium (OMA) February Events: • February 7, 2025 (7:30 PM) – The Best of Bon Jovi & Journey featuring Don Jovi’s Journey • February 15, 2025 (7:30 PM) – The Instamatics (Live Performance) March Events: • March 8, 2025 (7:30 PM) – Thunder Road: The Music of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band • March 22, 2025 – Elton Dan & The Rocket Band – Elton John Birthday Celebration • March 26, 2025 (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM) – 2025 Cultural Breakfast featuring Marko De Sa Faria, highlighting Serbia New City Team Members • Kael Lane – Electric Production Operator • Drew Murphy – Grounds Superintendent • Rylan Curtis – Firefighter/EMT • Trey Bones – Assistant Golf Professional • Brian Cooper – Firefighter/EMT Governing Body Comments Commissioner Crowley shared his appreciation for the opportunity to speak with middle school students about careers in the trades, particularly as an electrician. He thanked the school district and the Franklin County Development Council for organizing this event. Commissioner Skidmore reminded the community of two significant upcoming games, highlighting the highly anticipated KU vs. K-State matchup on Saturday and the Super Bowl on Sunday. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton reflected on his experience at career day. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton also spoke about attending Local Government Day at the Capitol, where he gained valuable insight into legislative discussions in Topeka. Mayor Allen acknowledged the questions she fielded from the community and gave a special shoutout to Scarlett for her active engagement. Announcements A. February 12, 2025 City Commission Meeting - 4:00 pm, City Hall B. February 19, 2025 City Commission Meeting - 10:00 am, City Hall C. February 26, 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 8:03 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk February 5, 2025 3