City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of August 27, 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 Gregg Hall from LifeMission Church gave the invocation. Public Comments None were received. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton. The agenda included the minutes from the August 20, 2025 Regular Meeting, minutes from June 17, 2025 Ottawa Memorial Auditorium Board Meeting, minutes from June 26, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting 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 Commissioner Crowley declared he will abstain from voting on the South Haven agenda items. Unfinished Business New Business Request for Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Serving of Complimentary Alcoholic Liquor and Enhanced Cereal Malt Beverage During Ladies Night Out City Clerk Reed presented the resolution authorizing the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce to serve complimentary alcoholic liquor and enhanced cereal malt beverage during the annual Ladies Night Out event scheduled for September 26, 2025. The event will include registration at Legacy Square, participation from over 40 businesses along Main Street, and is expected to draw more than 600 attendees. Adoption of the resolution allows participating businesses to seek approval from the Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division to serve alcohol to guests. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to adopt a resolution authorizing the serving of complimentary alcoholic liquor and enhanced cereal malt beverage during Ladies Night Out. 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. 1989-25. Resolution Updating Water Tap Fee Schedule Utilities Director Snethen presented the proposed revisions to the City’s water tap fee structure. He explained that the existing schedule, last updated in 2011, has not included any inflationary adjustments for more than a decade. A 2025 cost recovery evaluation demonstrated that the City is currently incurring financial losses on nearly all meter installations, with residential-sized taps showing the greatest gaps. For example, the City loses approximately $1,260 on a 5/8” meter and $1,054 on a 3/4” meter under the current fee schedule. Director Snethen reviewed the scope of City responsibilities for each installation, which include utility locating, main tapping, meter pit and setter installation, boring, and restoration. Because the work is identical regardless of whether the property is inside or outside City limits, staff recommended eliminating the separate rural tap fee classification. The revised schedule establishes a unified 2025 fee structure with full cost recovery and applies a 3.5% annual inflation escalator through 2030 to provide predictability for developers and fiscal stability for the utility fund. Formal reviews will occur every three years, with annual monitoring to address volatility in labor or material costs. Strategic alignment was noted under the City’s pillars of Infrastructure & Stewardship of Resources, Economic Development & Job Creation, and Quality of Life & Community Engagement. The revision ensures that growth-related infrastructure costs are borne by new development rather than existing ratepayers, supports transparency in permitting, and reinforces the sustainability of water utility operations. The Governing Body agreed by consensus to place this item for consideration at a future meeting. South Haven Final Plat City Manager Silcott presented the South Haven Estates Final Plat for consideration. The subdivision consists of 23 R-1 single-family lots on approximately 5.7 acres, accessed by a cul-de-sac extending from West 17th Street. The development followed a concurrent platting process, with both preliminary and final plats reviewed together to coordinate engineering design of all infrastructure improvements serving the subdivision. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the plat on April 24, 2025, finding it in substantial conformity with the approved preliminary plat and consistent with Article 6 of the City’s Subdivision Regulations. The City’s greenspace requirement is satisfied through the developer’s payment of a park fee in lieu of on-site parkland. Acceptance of the final plat by resolution formally approves the subdivision and dedicates all easements, streets, alleys, and rights-of- way to the public. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to adopt a resolution approving the South Haven Estates final plat and accepting all dedications of easements and rights-of- way. Commissioner Crowley abstained. 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. 1990-25. Resolution Making Findings in Connection with the South Haven RHID District Assistant Finance Director McCurdy presented the resolution making findings and determinations as to the need for housing in Ottawa and setting forth the legal description for the South Haven Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID). The request was submitted by Premier Home Development, LLC, for the South Haven Estates subdivision, a 23-lot single-family development located on approximately 5.7 acres in southwest Ottawa. Planned homes are three-bedroom, two-bath residences ranging in size from 1,500 to 1,700 square feet, with projected market prices beginning at $350,000. Assistant Director McCurdy reviewed the findings required under the Kansas RHID Act, noting that the Governing Body must determine: • there is a shortage of quality housing across various price ranges despite efforts of public and private developers; • the shortage is expected to continue and additional incentives are necessary to encourage construction; • the shortage is a substantial deterrent to economic growth; and • the City’s long-term economic well-being depends on providing incentives for new housing construction. These findings were supported by the 2025 Housing Study, which identified a projected need for 86 new homes priced between $350,000–$449,999 over the next five years. Adoption of this resolution formally sets the legal description and map of the proposed RHID District and authorizes submission to the Kansas Secretary of Commerce for review. If approved by the Secretary, the next steps will include preparation of a development plan, feasibility study, a public hearing, and eventual consideration of an ordinance establishing the district and approving the development agreement. Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, to adopt a resolution making findings in connection with the South Haven RHID District. Commissioner Crowley abstained. 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. 1991-25. Resolution Approving Ballot Language City Attorney Finch presented the resolution approving ballot language for submission to the Franklin County Clerk for placement on the November 4, 2025 General Election ballot. Ottawa’s current one- percent (1.00%) special purpose retailers’ sales tax, authorized in 2014, will sunset on June 30, 2026. The proposed resolution seeks voter approval of a successor one-percent general purpose sales tax beginning July 1, 2026, to ensure uninterrupted funding and avoid a revenue shortfall estimated at over $4 million annually. Attorney Finch explained that the general purpose framework provides flexibility for the Governing Body to allocate revenues to priority areas identified through budget planning and the 2025 Community Survey. Eligible uses outlined in the resolution include: • constructing, improving, rebuilding, and maintaining streets, alleys, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, stormwater facilities, and street lighting; • developing and maintaining City parks; • designing, constructing, improving, and operating quality-of-life and recreational facilities and amenities; • constructing, improving, rebuilding, and maintaining City utility infrastructure; • funding general government operations to help stabilize property taxes; and • financing all related costs, including land acquisition, construction, and payment of principal and interest on bonds or other obligations. Finch emphasized that adoption of the resolution and timely filing with the County Clerk is required for the measure to be placed on the November ballot, ensuring voters have the opportunity to determine whether the sales tax should continue. He also noted that the Kansas Department of Revenue would administer the tax beginning July 1, 2026, if approved. Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, to adopt a resolution approving ballot language for the November 4, 2025 General Election. 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. 1992-25. City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott provided updates on City operations and community activities. Utilities staff responded to a water leak on South Cherry and are preparing for hydrant flushing. Public Works crews trimmed vegetation near school zones and patched 295 potholes using 41 tons of asphalt. The Ottawa Memorial Auditorium reported 265 attendees at the Surfin’ USA concert on August 16 and announced two upcoming shows: The Instamatics on November 7 and Music for Millie featuring Jeremy McComb on November 15. He also recognized the success of the Airport Fun Day, thanking the Airport Advisory Board, Aviation Explorers Post 8000, and City staff for their efforts, including a special acknowledgment to Milton Scott and Robert Bowers for 10 years of service to the post. Silcott highlighted community spirit showcased in the Parade of Champions and Ottawa University Fusion events. Upcoming events include the Brews, Beats & Boutiques downtown festival on September 6, the Citywide Yard Sale on September 5–7, and the 30th Annual Antique Engine & Tractor Show at Forest Park September 12–14. He noted current open positions with the City including Assistant City Clerk, Director of Neighborhood and Community Services, Pro Shop Attendant, and Seasonal Grounds Worker at the Golf Course. The recruitment timeline for the Neighborhood and Community Services Director was outlined, with applications closing September 25 and interviews scheduled for October. Silcott concluded by previewing tentative agenda items for the September 3 meeting: the public hearing for the Revenue Neutral Rate and 2026 Budget, resolutions to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate, adoption of the 2026 Budget, and adoption of the 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Skidmore noted that a great crowd turned out for Airport Day despite the weather. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton highlighted the Parade of Champions, expressing appreciation for the high school’s participation. He also mentioned that fall sports were starting and reminded the community that the Ottawa Main Street Association is taking pre-orders for mums. Mayor Allen remarked on the busy week of community events, including OU Fusion, the World Cup preparation meeting, and Airport Day. Announcements A. September 3, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall B. September 10, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall C. September 17, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall D. September 24, 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 4:55 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk