City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of July 16, 2025 The Governing Body met at 10:00 a.m. on this date for the Regular City Commission Meeting, with the following members present and participating: Mayor Allen, Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, Commissioner Crowley and Commissioner Skidmore. Commissioner Caylor was absent. Mayor Allen called the meeting to order. Mayor Allen welcomed the audience and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Pastor Timothy Roth from Faith Lutheran Church gave the invocation. Public Comments No public comments were received. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Recognition of Great Morrow for Completion of the Emerging Leaders Academy Director Welsh presented an overview of the Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA), highlighting its focus on developing leadership skills for public service professionals. He commended Greg Morrow for his successful completion of the program and noted his commitment to growth and leadership within the organization. Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton. The agenda included the minutes from the July 9, 2025 meeting, appointment of City Manager Silcott to the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency (KMGA) Board of Directors for a two-year term, and approval of 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 New Business Resolution Making Determinations as to the Need for Housing within the City of Ottawa, and Defining a Proposed Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (Woodridge Estates) The Governing Body heard from Director Landis regarding a resolution to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the proposed Woodridge Estates development. Director Landis explained that the RHID program allows municipalities to support housing development by capturing future property tax revenues generated within a designated district to reimburse eligible development costs. The Woodridge Estates project proposes the construction of 29 single-family homes near the intersection of Sand Creek Road and Montana Road and aims to address the city’s growing demand for quality housing. Director Landis noted that a housing needs analysis conducted in support of the resolution demonstrates a clear shortage of moderate-income housing within the City of Ottawa. She further outlined the statutory findings required under Kansas law, including the necessity of public incentives July 16, 2025 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes July 16, 2025 Page 2 to make the project financially feasible. The resolution includes the legal description and boundary map of the proposed district, which are required elements of the RHID creation process. The Governing Body discussed the projected benefits of the RHID, including expanded housing opportunities for working families, positive long-term impacts on the city’s tax base, and compatibility of the development with surrounding neighborhoods. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Skidmore, to adopt the resolution establishing the Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for Woodridge Estates. Commissioner Crowley abstained. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this resolution duly adopted and it was numbered Resolution No. 1986-25. 2026 Budget Review City Manager Brian Silcott and Finance Director Melanie Landis presented the 2026 General Fund budget, which also included a review of the 2025 Revised and 2027 Projected scenarios. The presentation highlighted revenue trends, operating priorities, and compliance with state budget law. Key budget components included: • General Fund Revenues: o Sales and compensating use taxes continue to be the largest revenue source at approximately 45%. o Ad valorem taxes make up 33% of General Fund revenues. o Transfers from other funds represent 12% of the budget. o Growth in sales tax receipts was noted at 3.34% in 2024, with future projections of 3.84% in 2025 and 1.93% in 2026. o The newly implemented Transient Guest Tax (TGT) is expected to generate $135,000 in 2025 and $350,000 in 2026. • General Fund Expenditures: o Maintains existing staffing and core service levels. o Addresses capital equipment replacements and facility maintenance. o Includes Ottawa’s 50% cost share for 911 Dispatch, which increased to $690,664.50 for 2026—an increase of 9.03% over the prior year. • Budget Highlights: o Community attraction programming and tourism support. o Implementation of community visioning and quality of life initiatives. o Transfers to fund critical improvement projects such as: – Airport Taxiway Reconstruction – Sidewalk Maintenance – City Facility Maintenance o Continuation of economic incentive programs through rebates. o Addition of pay stipends for firefighter-paramedics. • Deferred Service Enhancements (Not Funded in 2026): o Personnel additions in Police, Fire, and Parks departments. o Law enforcement range upgrades. o Vehicle and equipment replacements deferred pending funding availability. • Assessed Valuation: o Estimated 2025 assessed valuation increased by 4.4% to $152,419,438. July 16, 2025 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes July 16, 2025 Page 3 o At the proposed 2026 mill rate of 44.643, each mill will generate approximately $152,419 in property tax revenue. • Ad Valorem Tax Collections: o Total projected 2026 ad valorem collections: $4,966,580 o Adjusted to $4,924,160 after accounting for NRP rebates and estimated 1.6% delinquency rate. o NRP impact is equivalent to approximately 1.39 mills. Notice of Indication to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate The Governing Body heard from Director Landis regarding the notification to the Franklin County Clerk of the City of Ottawa’s intent to levy property tax exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2026 budget. The Finance Director explained that this notification must be submitted to the County Clerk by July 20, 2025. The Governing Body reviewed the following: • Estimated assessed valuation for 2025 is $156,862,965, representing a 7.42% increase over the 2024 valuation. • The calculated Revenue Neutral Rate for 2026 is 44.112 mills, as determined by Franklin County. • The proposed mill rate for the 2026 budget is 44.643 mills, which remains level with 2025 but exceeds the RNR. • The proposed 2026 operating budget results in an additional $483,825 in ad valorem tax revenue across all mill levy funds compared to 2025. • Estimated impact from Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) rebates for 2026 totals $175,335, equivalent to 1.25 mills. After discussion, Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to approve the intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for 2026 with a proposed maximum mill levy of 44.643. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this item duly approved. Approval to Set Date for Public Hearing for 2026 Operating Budget The Governing Body heard from Director Landis regarding the requirement to schedule a public hearing for both exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate and for adopting the 2026 Operating Budget. Staff recommended holding the public hearing on September 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers. Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayon, to set the public hearing date for the 2026 Operating Budget and Revenue Neutral Rate on September 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this item duly approved. Ordinance Rezoning 104 S. Mulberry, 116 S. Mulberry, & 124 S. Mulberry from I-1 Light Industrial to R-1 Low Density Residential Zoning The Governing Body heard from City Manager Silcott regarding a request from Slade Vandeventer of Vanknight Homes to rezone the 0.43-acre parcel located at 104 S. Mulberry Street from I-1 Light Industrial to R-1 Low-Density Residential. The proposed rezoning would allow for the construction of a single-family home in a historically residential area. The property meets dimensional standards for R-1 and is served by existing municipal infrastructure. The Planning Commission held a public July 16, 2025 3 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes July 16, 2025 Page 4 hearing on June 26, 2025, and voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the request. The rezoning supports housing goals in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and removes regulatory barriers to residential infill development. Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to adopt the ordinance rezoning property located at 104 S. Mulberry Street from I-1 Light Industrial District to R-1 Low- Density Residential District, and repealing the corresponding section of the official zoning map. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this ordinance duly adopted and it was numbered Ordinance No. 4160-25. The Governing Body heard from the City Manager Silcott regarding a request from Slade Vandeventer of Vanknight Homes to rezone the 0.13-acre parcel at 116 S. Mulberry Street from I-1 Light Industrial to R-1 Low-Density Residential. Although the parcel is smaller than typical R-1 lots, it qualifies as a legal nonconforming lot and is developable under zoning code Section 21-401(b). The proposed rezoning would enable development of a single-family home and is consistent with historical land use in the area. A public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on June 26, 2025, and the Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval. The change supports infill development, leverages existing infrastructure, and aligns with the City's Comprehensive Plan objectives for expanding housing access. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to adopt the ordinance rezoning property located at 116 S. Mulberry Street from I-1 Light Industrial District to R-1 Low- Density Residential District, and repealing the corresponding section of the official zoning map. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this ordinance duly adopted and it was numbered Ordinance No. 4161-25. The Governing Body heard from City Manager Silcott regarding a request to rezone the property located at 124 S. Mulberry Street from I-1 Light Industrial to R-1 Low-Density Residential. The parcel is located in a historically residential neighborhood and is consistent in character with nearby properties that have been rezoned for single-family development. The rezoning aligns with the City's Comprehensive Plan goals of expanding housing options, facilitating infill development, and removing outdated industrial zoning that limits residential construction. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the request and voted unanimously to recommend approval, finding the change compatible with surrounding land uses and supported by existing infrastructure. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Skidmore, to adopt the ordinance rezoning property located at 124 S. Mulberry Street from I-1 Light Industrial District to R-1 Low- Density Residential District, and repealing the corresponding section of the official zoning map. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this ordinance duly adopted and it was numbered Ordinance No. 4162-25. Request to renew Water Supply Agreement with Rural Water District #4 of Franklin County The Governing Body heard from Director Snethen regarding the renewal of the Water Supply Agreement between the City of Ottawa and Rural Water District #4 (RWD #4) of Franklin County. The original agreement, executed in 2016, is valid through 2026 and includes an option to renew for an additional ten-year term upon 12 months’ written notice. RWD #4 has requested to exercise that option early to ensure continued service. July 16, 2025 4 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes July 16, 2025 Page 5 Director Snethen noted that the agreement terms remain unchanged, including the delivery limit of up to 400,000 gallons per day and 69 million gallons annually, metering protocols, water quality standards, and monthly billing in accordance with the City's wholesale water rate. Rates are established under Resolution 1927-23, and any future adjustments will be applied proportionally across all customer classifications. The updated agreement reflects current references and maintains all legal and operational protections, including provisions for force majeure and hold harmless clauses. Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, to approve the Water Supply Agreement renewal with Rural Water District #4 (Franklin County), extending the agreement through 2036. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this agreement duly approved. City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott provided operational updates and highlighted departmental accomplishments. He reported that final waterline connections along Main Street between 15th and 17th had been completed between July 7–11, with roadway cuts flow-filled and all materials and steel plates removed. The Street Department is scheduled to complete final asphalt work during the week of July 14–18, after which Main Street will fully reopen to normal traffic. Public Works – Streets completed repairs to a section of concrete on South King Street near the car wash, patched 452 potholes on the southwest side of town, and hauled 68.25 tons of rock to Orlis Cox ball fields for ORC improvements. In Utilities, the Electric Production team performed monthly and quarterly maintenance, including repairs to generator components, breakers, and air inlet doors. The Utilities Warehouse issued 381 parts and received 5,958 parts in support of citywide operations. City Manager Silcott reminded residents of upcoming events at the Franklin County Fair, including the Ranch Rodeo on July 17, Bulls and Broncs on July 18, and the Demolition Derby on July 19, with carnival rides available nightly from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. He also encouraged residents to provide input on community priorities through the city’s online survey at www.ottawaks.gov/survey. As of the meeting date, 474 responses had been received. Topics of interest include infrastructure improvements, a new community pool, parks and trails, and expanded public safety efforts. Lastly, he announced current employment opportunities with the City of Ottawa, including Maintenance Worker in the Streets Department and Pro Shop Attendant at the Golf Course. Interested applicants were directed to apply at www.ottawaks.gov/employment. Governing Body Comments No comments were given. Announcements A. July 23, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall B. July 30, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, Tentative C. August 6, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall July 16, 2025 5 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes July 16, 2025 Page 6 D. August 13, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall E. August 20, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall Adjournment There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 11:54 am. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk July 16, 2025 6