City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of July 9, 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 Dakota Smith from Olathe Bible Church gave the invocation. Public Comments No public comments were received. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley moved to approve the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the July 2, 2025 Regular Meeting, the minutes from the June 11, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, receive and file the vehicle purchase of an electric distribution dump truck, and the Regular Meeting agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Caylor. 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 New Business Review of the 2026 Operating Budget The Governing Body heard from Director Landis regarding the 2026 proposed budget for funds supported by the City's mill levy, including the General Fund, Library, Auditorium, and Debt Service. Ms. Landis reviewed the following: • The estimated assessed valuation for 2026 is $156,862,965, reflecting a 7.42% increase from 2025. • Proposed ad valorem tax allocations for the 2026 Budget: o General Fund: $4,924,160 (31.391 mills) o Library Fund: $1,347,300 (8.589 mills) o Debt Service: $452,685 (2.886 mills) o Auditorium: $278,710 (1.777 mills) Library Fund: Director Terry Chartier provided an overview of the Library’s mill-supported funding structure and compliance with State statutory requirements. She noted the Library’s operating mill rate is 8.589, under the 10-mill cap, and highlighted financial efficiencies, community partnerships, endowment and real estate activity, and grant participation. July 9, 2025 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025 Page 2 Debt Service: The 2026 budget includes final payments for the 2017A and 2018B bonds related to Proximity Park infrastructure and the 2021B bonds for the Electric Utility cooling tower. The City’s current debt total, as of January 1, 2025, is $16,012,525, well below the statutory debt limit. Auditorium Fund: The Ottawa Memorial Auditorium (OMA) Fund aims to rebuild its balance after facility maintenance and equipment replacement costs. Operational highlights include a $50,000 grant for Phase 1 of a community kitchen renovation and a $2,500 investment in tech booth upgrades for livestreaming. Golf Course Fund: The City acquired the 9-hole Ottawa Golf Course in 2022 and assumed operational management on January 1, 2025. The 2025 revised budget is built with the reflection on the first three months of City operation. Revenues in 2025 and 2026 include transfers from the General Fund and Economic Development Fund. Key items include: • $65,000 for irrigation pump/system design • $800,000 for cart path installation (grant-supported) Golf operations are planned to transition into the General Fund in 2027. City Manager Comments City Manager Brian Silcott thanked Finance Director Melanie Landis and City staff for their work on the proposed 2026 budget, emphasizing the balance between service continuity and maintaining a stable tax rate. He provided updates on several ongoing projects and operations. The waterline construction project on Main Street from 15th to 17th Street remains on schedule, with completion expected by July 18, 2025, weather permitting. Recent work included tie-ins for Hidden Meadows Apartments and the adjacent gas station, sidewalk repairs, and asphalt coordination with the Streets Department. All lanes north of 1649 S. Main at 17th Street were reopened on July 3. Operationally, the Public Works Streets Division repaired downtown stoplight street signs, while the Parks Division used grant funds to purchase, assemble, and install four new picnic tables and two benches in Forest Park with assistance from the Ottawa Rotary Club. Upcoming events at the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium include Music Bingo on July 17 and a presentation by Mitch Holthus on July 23. The City has also received 377 responses to its online community priorities survey as of July 9, 2025. Residents are encouraged to visit www.ottawaks.gov/survey to provide feedback on issues such as street and sidewalk repairs, utility upgrades, a new community pool, and public safety. Mr. Silcott also previewed tentative agenda items for the July 16, 2025 Commission Meeting. These include review of the General Fund and mill levy impact for the 2026 budget, consideration of a Notice of Indication to Exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR), approval of the public hearing date, a presentation by Parks Superintendent Greg Morrow on the Emerging Leaders Academy, a resolution designating the Woodridge Estates area as a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID), the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency Board of Directors certificate renewal, and an ordinance rezoning properties at 104, 116, and 124 S. Mulberry from I-1 Light Industrial to R-1 Low Density Residential. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Clayton shared appreciation for the community fireworks display. July 9, 2025 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025 Page 3 Announcements A. July 16, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall B. July 23, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall C. July 30, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, Tentative D. August 6, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall Adjournment There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 5:15 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk July 9, 2025 3