City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of April 30, 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. Commissioner Skidmore 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 23, 2025 meeting, the reappointments to City Boards and Commissions, 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 Discussion on Board Interviews The Governing Body continued discussions regarding board vacancies. After deliberations, Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Skidmore, to appoint Jo Ann Nowatzke to the Library Board and Kelly Whittaker to the Accessibility Advisory Board. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted in favor. The Mayor declared the appointments duly approved. New Business Discussion of City Commission Philosophy on Ottawa’s Development Process The Governing Body participated in a discussion led by Director Neece and Joe Kmetz of GBA regarding the City of Ottawa’s development philosophy and procedures. The conversation centered around how the City can improve efficiency in the development process while ensuring it remains responsive to the needs and expectations of the community. Key points discussed included: • The importance of maintaining transparent, predictable processes for developers, businesses, and citizens. • Strategies to reduce unnecessary delays and streamline application and review timelines. • Balancing regulatory requirements with a customer-service-oriented approach to foster positive economic development. • Aligning development practices with Ottawa’s adopted plans, such as the Comprehensive Plan, to ensure that new growth supports long-term community goals. April 30, 2025 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes April 30, 2025 Page 2 • Encouraging early and frequent communication between city staff, developers, and property owners to resolve issues proactively. • Incorporating community feedback mechanisms to ensure that policies reflect resident priorities and contribute to quality of life. • Reviewing current ordinances and policies for opportunities to update outdated standards and clarify expectations. The Governing Body provided feedback on areas for future improvement and expressed support for staff efforts to implement best practices that promote responsible and sustainable development while maintaining Ottawa’s unique community character. Review of 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program Finance Director Landis presented the draft 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to the Governing Body. The CIP is a strategic planning document that outlines major infrastructure, and facility investments needed over the next five years, along with proposed funding sources and project timelines. A future project listing is included which identifies projects where planning is in process but not ready to be included in the Program at this time. Key components of the presentation included: • An overview of priority projects in key areas such as water and wastewater infrastructure, electric utilities, street maintenance and improvements, parks, public safety facilities, and city buildings. • Identification of projects necessary to maintain service levels, support growth, reliability and sustainability, and address aging infrastructure. • Discussion of funding strategies, including the use of existing capital reserves, general obligation bonds, enterprise fund revenues, and grants. The Governing Body agreed to direct staff to continue the CIP approval process with consideration by the Planning Commission to determine if the program complies with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Authorization of Land Use Agreement for 2706 Kingman Road City Manager Silcott presented a proposed land use agreement between the City of Ottawa and JC Freedom Enterprises, LLC (doing business as Pyro Papas Fireworks) for the seasonal use of the city- owned parcel located at 2706 Kingman Road. The agreement permits the temporary operation of a retail fireworks stand on the site for the 2025 fireworks season, subject to compliance with all applicable city regulations, insurance requirements, and operational guidelines. The seasonal lease ensures that the property is used in a manner consistent with public safety and city objectives while generating rental income for the City. Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to authorize the City Manager to execute the land use agreement with JC Freedom Enterprises, LLC. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted in favor. The Mayor declared the agreement duly approved. Charter Ordinance Amending Charter Ordinance 23-24 for Transient Guest Tax Self- Administration City Attorney Finch presented a Charter Ordinance amending Charter Ordinance 23-24 to authorize the City Clerk’s Office to administer and collect the Transient Guest Tax (TGT). The ordinance addresses the Kansas Department of Revenue’s refusal to collect the TGT on behalf of the City, April 30, 2025 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes April 30, 2025 Page 3 prompting a need for local administration under home rule authority. The amended ordinance clarifies enforcement provisions, late penalties, and a protest period. Collections are anticipated to begin in August 2025. The Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item on the May 7, 2025 Regular Meeting agenda for further discussion and consideration. Bid Award for Mowing Services Public Works Director Welsh recommended awarding the 2025 grounds maintenance and mowing services contract to Johnson Lawn Care. A competitive bid process was conducted, and Johnson Lawn Care submitted the only bid and met the project specifications outlined in the Request for Proposals. The scope of services includes mowing, trimming, and maintenance of designated city-owned properties, parks, and rights-of-way throughout the 2025 season. The contract supports the City’s efforts to maintain attractive and safe public spaces. Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, to award the bid to Johnson Lawn Care and authorize Director Welsh to execute the service agreement. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted in favor. The Mayor declared the bid award duly approved. City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott presented the items scheduled for discussion and action at the May 7, 2025, Regular City Commission Meeting. These items include Police Week Proclamation, Public Service Proclamation, Receive & File the 2025 Audit Presentation, Approval and Right-of-Way Acceptance for Cherry Creek Addition Final Plat (9th & Cherry), Approval of the Cherry Creek Final Planned Unit Development plan, Approval and Right-of-Way Acceptance for VanKnight Addition (10th & Olive) Final Plat, Receive & File the 2025 Pavement & Roadway Condition Assessment. Governing Body Comments None were made. Announcements A. May 7, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall B. May 14, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall C. May 21, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall D. 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 6:27 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk April 30, 2025 3