City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of May 7, 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 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 Terrance Roberson from Bethany Chapel Baptist Church gave the invocation. Public Comments Shawn Markley, 746 S. Funston, commented on the Accessibility Advisory Board interviews conducted on November 13, 2024. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Proclamation Recognizing May 11-17, 2025 as National Police Week Commissioner Crowley read a proclamation recognizing May 11-17, 2025 as National Police Week. First established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week serves to honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Chief Adam Weingartner accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Ottawa Police Department and expressed gratitude to the Commission and the community for their unwavering support and recognition of the dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement personnel. Proclamation Recognizing May 4–10, 2025 as Public Service Recognition Week Mayor Pro Tem Clayton read a proclamation recognizing May 4–10, 2025 as Public Service Recognition Week. This week honors the hard work and dedication of public servants at all levels of government. Human Resources Director Michelle Stegman-Jacobson accepted the proclamation on behalf of City staff and shared appreciation for the recognition of the vital roles public employees play in delivering services that support the well-being and growth of the Ottawa community. Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Caylor. The agenda included the minutes from the April 30, 2025 Regular Meeting, the April 9, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes, 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 Charter Ordinance Amending Charter Ordinance No. 23-24 for Transient Guest Tax Self- Administration City Attorney Blaine Finch presented a Charter Ordinance amending Charter Ordinance No. 23-24 to provide for local administration of the City’s Transient Guest Tax (TGT). Due to the Kansas Department of Revenue not being willing to collect the tax on the City’s behalf, the amendment authorizes the City Clerk’s Office to collect and administer the tax locally, utilizing home rule May 7, 2025 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 Page 2 authority. The ordinance also introduces clarifying language related to enforcement provisions, late penalties, and the protest period. Local collections are expected to begin in August 2025. Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to adopt the Charter Ordinance as presented. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the Charter Ordinance duly adopted and it was numbered Charter Ordinance No. 24- 25. New Business Review of Street Maintenance Plan Public Works Director Welsh presented the City’s updated 2025–2030 Street Maintenance Plan. The plan was developed using Pavement Condition Index (PCI) ratings to guide the appropriate treatment strategies for streets based on their condition. Roads rated between 0 and 20 are recommended for full reconstruction. Those rated between 21 and 40 are slated for a 2-inch mill and overlay, while roads with PCI scores between 41 and 70 will receive chip and seal treatment. Roads in the 71 to 100 range will receive crack sealing to maintain their condition. Director Welsh noted that 71 percent of Ottawa’s roads fall within the range requiring either mill and overlay or chip and seal, while 16 percent of the network needs full depth reconstruction. Only 13 percent of city streets are currently considered in good condition. He also discussed the city’s brick streets, which make up 12 percent—or approximately 8 miles—of Ottawa’s roadway network. Of those, 1.78 miles have PCI ratings that suggest full reconstruction is necessary. The six-year plan identifies specific street segments for maintenance and improvement each year. In 2025, the city will address 18,767 linear feet, or 3.55 miles of roadway. The following years will cover 16,876 feet in 2026, 19,075 feet in 2027, 21,153 feet in 2028, 15,784 feet in 2029, and 21,604 feet in 2030. In total, the plan targets 113,259 linear feet—or 21.45 miles—of streets throughout the community, representing approximately 22 percent of the city’s roadway system. The total projected cost of the plan is $2,742,039, to be expended from the Special Streets Fund. A color-coded map was shared to illustrate the specific areas of focus for each year in the plan. Resolution Accepting Final Plat – Cherry Creek Subdivision Community Development Director Neece presented a final plat for the Cherry Creek Subdivision, located at 901 South Cherry Street. The proposed development includes the construction of 30 residential units configured as 15 duplex buildings. Director Neece explained that the project aligns with the City’s long-range development goals and will provide much-needed housing in a growing residential area. He noted that all requirements of the City’s subdivision regulations have been met, and that infrastructure, including streets and utilities, will be provided in accordance with City standards. The Planning Commission previously reviewed and recommended approval of the plat. Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, to approve the resolution accepting the final plat for the Cherry Creek Subdivision. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the resolution duly adopted, and it was duly numbered Resolution No. 1979-25. Resolution Approving Cherry Creek Planned Unit Development (PUD) Director Neece presented the Planned Unit Development (PUD) application associated with the May 7, 2025 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 Page 3 Cherry Creek Subdivision. The PUD outlines the overall design of the project, including building layout, lot configuration, access points, and stormwater management. The project includes 15 duplex buildings, totaling 30 residential units, and features pedestrian connections and green space integrated within the development. Director Neece stated that the PUD allows for some flexibility in design while meeting all requirements under the City’s zoning and development codes. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the PUD, noting its consistency with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and compatibility with surrounding land uses. Commissioner Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to approve the resolution accepting the Cherry Creek PUD. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the resolution duly adopted, and it was duly numbered Resolution No. 1980- 25. Resolution Accepting Final Plat – Vanknight Addition Director Neece presented the final plat for the Vanknight Addition, located at the northeast corner of 10th Street and Olive Street. The plat provides for the subdivision of land into three new residential lots and will allow for infill development consistent with the surrounding neighborhood. Director Neece explained that this project supports the City’s goals of responsible growth and development within the existing urban area. The plat includes standard right-of-way dedication and utility easements, and meets all applicable requirements under the City’s subdivision regulations. The Planning Commission previously reviewed and recommended approval of the plat. Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to approve the resolution accepting the final plat for the Vanknight Addition. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the resolution duly adopted, and it was duly numbered Resolution No. 1980-25. City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott highlighted upcoming community events, key departmental activities, and forthcoming commission agenda items. Notable recognitions included Municipal Judge James Campbell receiving the Michael A. Barbara Award and the anticipated performance of A Taste of Ireland at Ottawa Memorial Auditorium. Operational updates featured enhancements to live-streaming City Commission meetings, new officer training, and citywide mental health awareness efforts. Public Works reported extensive mowing across city parks and cemeteries and patching 490 potholes, while Utilities replaced a critical RAS pump. Active RFPs for the pavement preservation program with City Commission Consideration at the May 14th meeting, and the City website design, development, and hosting due May 22nd at 2PM and City Commission consideration at the May 28th meeting. Manager Silcott provided a preview of the May 14 agenda covering RHID policy revisions, infrastructure bid awards, and recognition of Agnes Lambert as the overall winner of the annual LKM essay contest, was also noted. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Crowley thanked Shawn Markley for sharing his public comments with the Commission. Commissioner Skidmore inquired about the recently passed State fireworks legislation and commended Officer Larabe Alexandar for his outstanding outreach in local schools and continued service to the community. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton expressed appreciation to Chief Weingartner for his presentation and congratulated 207 S. Main on receiving a HEAL grant. He also noted his May 7, 2025 3 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 Page 4 attendance at a recent World Cup planning meeting and announced that preparations are now actively underway. Mayor Allen concluded by thanking all public servants for their dedication and continued commitment to serving the City of Ottawa. Announcements A. May 14, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall B. May 21, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall B. 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 8:02 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk May 7, 2025 4