City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of April 23, 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 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 Drew Reding from Grace Community Fellowship 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 Mayor Pro Tem Clayton. The agenda included the minutes from the April 16, 2025 meeting, the February 27, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes, the March 27, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes, the February 18, 2025 Ottawa Memorial Auditorium Advisory Board meeting minutes, the March 2025 Finance Report, and March 2025 Outside Agency Reports (Franklin County Development Council, Ottawa Library, Ottawa Main Street, and Prairie Paws Animal Shelter), and the Regular Meeting agenda. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the consent agenda duly approved. Declaration No declarations were made. Unfinished Business None. New Business Board Interviews – Accessibility Advisory Board The Governing Body conducted interviews for the Accessibility Advisory Board and Library openings with Kelly Whittaker (Accessibility Advisory Board), Patrice Peoples (Library Board), David Tyler (Library Board), and Jo Ann Nowatzke (Library Board). Resolution Making Findings in Connection with the Northeast Village RHID District The Governing Body received a presentation from Finance Director Melanie Landis regarding a resolution acknowledging housing needs related to the proposed creation of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the Northeast Village project. The presentation highlighted key aspects of the proposed housing incentives, including: • The proposed resolution is step one in the consideration of the creation of an RHID for the housing development at 1426 East Wilson Street. • The project consists of 40 rental units, each with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with proposed April 23, 2025 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes April 23, 2025 Page 2 market rents of $1,250 per month. This addresses housing shortages identified in the 2025 Residential Demand Analysis, particularly for rental units in the $1,200–$1,499 range. • RHID is governed by K.S.A. 12-5241 through 12-5256 and is designed to address housing shortages by utilizing property tax rebates to support the cost of construction. Infrastructure for the project site has been in place for more than 10 years, making it eligible under expanded RHID criteria. • The resolution sets forth the findings required to proceed, including that a shortage of quality housing exists, that the shortage is expected to persist, incentives are necessary to encourage development, housing shortages are a barrier to future economic growth, and future economic growth is dependent on incentives. • The resolution does not commit the City to a specific dollar amount or financial obligation at this stage. A development agreement and final plan approval will be considered in future Commission meetings to define the terms, financial structure, and duration of the RHID. • The next steps include a feasibility review, approval by the Kansas Secretary of Commerce, drafting of a Development Agreement, setting a public hearing, and adopting an ordinance creating the RHID district following final approvals. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to adopt this resolution. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this resolution duly adopted and this resolution was duly numbered Resolution No. 1978-25. Review of First Quarter 2025 Reports The Governing Body reviewed the First Quarter 2025 Activity reports with City Staff. Project Updates The Governing Body received a presentation from City Manager Brian Silcott on major municipal projects. • The Proximity Park Water Tower project has completed leaking valve and electrical punch list items. High Service Pump upgrades are progressing, with estimated project completion in the first quarter of 2026. • The Water Plant Generator project received delivery of the transfer switch and is moving toward installation. Completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025. • The Residential Electric Meter Replacement project continues with AMI meter installations. Approximately 521 meters remain, primarily in the downtown area, with estimated project completion in the third quarter of 2025. • The Phase 3 Electric Meter Replacement project is on schedule, with “Phat” meters received and staff training by Honeywell planned. Full deployment is expected by the fourth quarter of 2025. • The Water Treatment Plant Study was presented to the Governing Body on April 2, 2025, and final deliverables have been received. • Manufacturing of the Pin Oak Sanitary Sewer Lift Station equipment is ongoing, with installation anticipated in the second quarter of 2025. • The Commission Room Upgrades project is scheduled to begin construction on May 5, 2025, with project completion expected later this summer. • Finalization of HVAC City Hall RFP documents is underway, with issuance expected soon. • Financial updates indicate all active projects are currently operating within budget parameters, though continued monitoring is needed on high-expense items. April 23, 2025 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes April 23, 2025 Page 3 City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott highlighted several key initiatives and operational updates across the organization. In community engagement, residents are invited to enjoy a variety of upcoming events at the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium, including beginner-friendly line dance classes and the return of the acclaimed production A Taste of Ireland. Additionally, the Ottawa Police Department will host the DEA National Takeback Day on April 26 to support the safe disposal of prescription medications. Operationally, the city welcomed new police officer Jacob Robinson, and Human Resources is actively recruiting for seasonal and full-time positions across multiple departments, including parks, streets, golf operations, and communications. Significant infrastructure maintenance was completed by the Utilities Division, which included the installation of a new river lift inlet valve and systemwide repairs. The Parks Division conducted seasonal maintenance activities, including tree planting and the restoration of park water features. Two active Requests for Proposals (RFPs) were announced—one for website redesign and hosting, and another for sludge removal and land application—with decisions anticipated in early May. Looking ahead, the April 30 City Commission agenda includes foundational discussions on development philosophy, the launch of the 2026 budget process, review of the draft 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program, and consideration of a charter ordinance for the transient guest tax. Discussion on Board Interviews Following deliberations, Mayor Pro Tem Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Skidmore, to appoint Andrea Morrow to the Accessibility Advisory Board. The motion was put to a vote, and all present voted in favor. The Mayor declared the appointment duly approved. Discussion of the remaining vacancies will continue at the next Regular City Commission Meeting. Governing Body Comments Mayor Pro Tem Clayton commented that Prom had a solid turnout. He requested that a future City Commission meeting include a more in-depth discussion on road infrastructure. Mayor Allen initiated a conversation with the Commissioners regarding her interest in reviewing agenda items twice prior to Commission meetings. She expressed that this additional step would allow citizens more time to provide feedback or raise questions about agenda items. Announcements A. April 30, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall B. May 7, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall C. May 14, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall D. May 21, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall E. May 28, 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 5:30 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk April 23, 2025 3