City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of February 26, 2025 The Governing Body met at 4:00 p.m. on this date for the Regular City Commission Meeting, with the following members present and participating: Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, Commissioner Caylor, Commissioner Crowley and Commissioner Skidmore. Mayor Allen was absent. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton called the meeting to order. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton welcomed the audience and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Father Kenneth Clem from Sacred Heart 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 Skidmore. The agenda included the minutes from the February 17, 2025 Special Call Meeting, February 19, 2025 Regular Meeting, December 14, 2024 Ottawa Memorial Auditorium Advisor Board Meeting, January 30, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting, and the Regular Meeting agenda. The motion was put to a vote, and all present voted in favor. The Mayor Pro Tem declared the consent agenda duly approved. Declaration No declarations were made. Unfinished Business New Business Review of Electric Utilities Operation The Governing Body heard from Electric Production Superintendent Hunsaker who presented an overview of the city’s energy procurement strategy, highlighting key components of Ottawa’s power supply agreements and future planning considerations. Key discussion points included: • Current Energy Source: Ottawa’s portfolio includes a mix of renewable and conventional energy including the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA), Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA), and local generation capacity. • Grid Reliability & System Strengths: The City operates 18.0 MW of peaking generation capacity for emergency and cost-saving measures. • Future Power Needs: As Ottawa’s peak demand continues to grow a proposed 15 MG base power allocation from GRDA was recommended. Request for Approval of Resolution Adopting the Region J Kansas Multi-Hazard, Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan The Governing Body heard from Fire Chief Dillon who presented a resolution to adopt the Kansas Homeland Security Region J Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, ensuring the City remains eligible for FEMA disaster mitigation grants. Key elements of the plan: • Covers seven counties in Kansas, including Franklin County. • Identifies local hazard vulnerabilities and risk mitigation strategies. • Aligns Ottawa with federal disaster preparedness requirements under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Skidmore, to approve the Kansas Region J Hazard Mitigation Plan update and adopt the strategies outlined in the plan to enhance the region’s resilience to hazards. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor Pro Tem declared this resolution duly adopted, and this resolution was duly numbered Resolution No. 1972-25. City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott provided updates on employment opportunities, public works projects, police department activities, and utility operations. The City is currently hiring for multiple positions, including maintenance workers, police officers, and seasonal public works and golf course staff. Public Works crews patched 250 potholes over the past week. The Ottawa Police Department reported the success of the Ottawa Police Foundation Trivia Night on February 22 and highlighted staff participation in the Franklin County Crisis Intervention Training, which focused on community partnerships in crisis response. Several shifts also completed CPR, AED, and Stop the Bleed training in collaboration with the Ottawa Fire Department. The department has filled the Assistant Court Clerk position and conducted applicant testing for new police officers. The Electric Distribution Division completed transformer installations at Hidden Lakes and Lakeside Estates and repaired tennis court light controllers. Looking ahead, the March 5, 2025, meeting agenda will include the appointment of a KMEA Board Director, approval of the GRDA agreement, acceptance of public infrastructure improvements on 23rd Street, a review of the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium Strategic Plan, and a request for approval of a critical electrical repair at the auditorium. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Skidmore commended the Police Department for hosting a successful Trivia Night event. All funds raised during the event support programs through the Ottawa Police Foundation such as DARE Camp. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton added that the event was an enjoyable and well-received experience. Announcements A. March 5, 2025 City Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm, City Hall B. March 12, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall CANCELLED C. March 19, 2025 City Commission Meeting - 10:00 am, City Hall D. March 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 4:46 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk