City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of March 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 No public comments were received. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations and Public Hearings None. Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Caylor. The agenda included the minutes from the March 19, 2025 Regular 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 None. Unfinished Business None. New Business Update on Golf Course Activities The Governing Body heard from Rob Mlynar, General Manager and Head Golf Professional, who presented a report on golf course operations following the City's transition to direct management of the Ottawa Golf Course on December 30, 2024. The following key points were discussed: • City staff have focused on establishing efficient operations and providing quality service to patrons. • Key accomplishments since the reopening include: o Program development for upcoming seasons, including: o Summer junior golf camp o Senior, ladies, and men’s leagues o Hosting practice sessions for local high school and college teams • Operational upgrades such as: o Installation of new flags o Replacement of cups o Routine mowing of greens • Completion of a controlled burn in coordination with the Fire Department • Tree maintenance in partnership with the Parks Division March 26, 2025 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes March 26, 2025 Page 2 • Installation of a new fuel tank to support maintenance equipment • Issuance of a building permit for the temporary clubhouse, with delivery expected in early April • Equipment deliveries are expected in the coming weeks to further enhance course maintenance • Challenges currently being addressed include: o Limited water storage for irrigation due to pond drainage delays and silt accumulation. City Engineering is exploring potential solutions to improve pond storage and reduce silt inflow. o Golf cart availability during peak use days and for tournament play. o Required irrigation system repairs to ensure reliable coverage during warmer months. • Quarter 1 activity statistics through March 20, 2025, included: o 800 total rounds of play:  500 from Great Life membership users  300 from daily fee players o 420 cart rentals:  88 for 18-hole play  332 for 9-hole play o Limited merchandise offerings, with expansion planned in the coming months • Annual golf passes and private cart storage options are available for the 2025 season beginning April 1. Consideration of Consent to Sublease Agreement between Dodson International Parts, Inc. and Dodson Investment Inc. for Hangar Facilities at Ottawa Municipal Airport The Governing Body heard from City Manager Brian Silcott, who presented a request for the City Commission to authorize the City Attorney and City Manager to provide written documentation of consent to a sublease agreement between Dodson International Parts, Inc. (DIPI) and Dodson Investment Inc. (DII) for hangar facilities at Ottawa Municipal Airport (OWI). The following key points were discussed: • The primary lease agreement with DIPI was approved on October 16, 2024, and governs operations at OWI, including the development of Hangar 3. • DIPI, a wholly owned subsidiary of DII, seeks to sublease the premises to its parent company as a condition required by the financing institution to secure construction funding. • The proposed sublease: o Maintains all obligations under the original lease. o Aligns with the terms of the primary lease and complies with Article 19 of the lease, which governs assignments and subleases. o Has been reviewed and approved as to form by City Attorney Blaine Finch, ensuring compliance with local and state legal standards. o Is essential for meeting title insurance requirements from the lender, as detailed in a letter dated March 19, 2025. Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to authorize the City Attorney and City Manager to provide written documentation of the City Commission’s consent to the sublease agreement between Dodson International Parts, Inc. and Dodson Investment Inc., in accordance with the material terms presented. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor Pro Tem declared this item duly approved. March 26, 2025 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes March 26, 2025 Page 3 Request for Authorization to Proceed with 2025 Tornado Siren Upgrades The Governing Body heard from City Manager Brian Silcott, who presented a request to approve funding for tornado siren system upgrades to ensure reliable emergency notification throughout the community. The following key points were discussed: • The City of Ottawa had previously budgeted $80,000 in 2024 and $80,000 in 2025 for tornado siren upgrades. However, the 2024 upgrades were deferred, making it essential to proceed in 2025. • The project cost is now estimated at $122,926.35 due to: o Required cellular network setup and subscription fees. o Equipment cost increases associated with new cellular board technology. o Installation and system integration services. • The project will modernize five tornado sirens and partially upgrade three others, enhancing system-wide functionality. • The upgraded system will feature: o Dual activation capabilities using both RF (radio frequency) and cellular backup. o Integration with Franklin County’s emergency management system. o Real-time remote monitoring of siren status and health. • Emergency Management Director Tom Winter is pursuing grants to support similar upgrades countywide. Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Skidmore, to approve the funding for the 2025 Tornado Siren upgrades and authorize City Manager Silcott to proceed with the purchase and implementation of the upgrades. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor Pro Tem declared this item duly approved. City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott provided updates on departmental operations and community engagement. Between March 12 and March 21, 2025, the Public Works Streets Division completed ditch and driveway tube replacements in the 900 block, patched approximately 680 potholes, trimmed trees, bladed alleys, cleaned the maintenance shop, spread road rock, and responded to storm-related damage. Crews also assisted with the event setup at Haley Park. Additionally, City staff noted that upcoming events are scheduled at the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium on April 5 and May 9, with tickets currently available for purchase. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Skidmore commented on the enjoyable cultural breakfast, highlighting the Serbian food and the nice crowd in attendance, and expressed appreciation for Tiffany Evans and Don Anderson for their contributions. Commissioner Caylor shared that the Elton Dan concert was a fun community event and noted how nice it is to have the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium as a venue for entertainment; she also thanked Tiffany and all the volunteers who help make events successful. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton stated he was pleased that school is back in session and noted that the golf course staff have been taking advantage of the favorable weather conditions. Announcements A. April 2, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall B. April 9, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall C. April 16, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall March 26, 2025 3 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes March 26, 2025 Page 4 D. April 23, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall E. April 30, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall Adjournment There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor Pro Tem declared the meeting duly adjourned at 4:59 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk March 26, 2025 4