City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of September 17, 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 Darron Story from Westminster Presbyterian Church gave the invocation. Public Comments George Ogle, 1305 S. Elm St., addressed the Commission regarding delays in his proposed residential development project. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Proclamation Recognizing September 17-23, 2025 as Constitution Week Mayor Pro Tem Clayton read a proclamation officially commemorating the anniversary of the creation of the world’s longest living written Constitution and recognizing September 17–23, 2025 as Constitution Week. Linda Frederick, with the Daughters of the American Revolution, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Governing Body for this recognition. Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton. The agenda included the minutes from the September 10, 2025 Regular Meeting, August 2025 Finance Monthly Report, minutes from the August 13, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting, Partner Agency Reports from August 2025 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 Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show Review The Governing Body received an update from Police Chief Weingartner regarding public safety preparations for the 2025 Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show, scheduled for September 19–21, 2025, in Forest Park and the Central Business District. The event, which includes a large car show in Forest Park, Cruise Night downtown on Saturday evening, and a Friday night Cruise-In and concert, is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Ottawa. Chief Weingartner emphasized that the event requires extensive coordination among the Ottawa Police Department, Ottawa Fire Department, Franklin County Emergency Management, EMS, Emergency Communications, and multiple regional law enforcement agencies. Additional City departments, including Streets, Parks, Electric, IT, and Communications and Outreach, are engaged in planning and September 17, 2025 Unofficial Until Approved 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 17, 2025 Page 2 operations. Approximately 100 volunteers will assist with Cruise Night to ensure public safety and support post-event clean-up. The City’s commitment to safety and coordinated planning is central to the event’s success. A formal After-Action Review will be conducted following the car show to evaluate outcomes and identify improvements for future planning. Consider the 2025 Third Quarter NRP Rebate Applications for Eight Properties Planning Assistant Hird presented the recommendation from the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Review Committee to approve six residential properties and one commercial property for inclusion in the program. She noted the property at 1021 W. 4th St. has been removed as it is not located within the established NRP district. The residential projects consist of five new single-family homes and one residential remodel. New construction projects are eligible for a 95% property tax rebate for ten years, while residential rehabilitation projects receive the rebate for five years. The commercial project at 205 S. Main Street involves the remodel of the second and third floors of a downtown commercial building to add new apartments. Under the NRP, commercial projects are eligible for a graduated rebate, with 100% for years one through five, then reducing incrementally from 50% in year six to 10% in year ten. Following presentation and brief discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Clayton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to approve the 2025 Third Quarter NRP rebate applications as recommended by the NRP Review Committee, removing 1021 W. 4th St. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the applications duly approved. City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott highlighted several operational updates. He announced that the Police Department will launch its Community Public Safety Academy in October, with 19 of the 20 available spots already filled. He congratulated Lieutenant Luft and Sergeant Murphy on their recent graduation from the FBI-LEEDA Command Leadership Institute and noted the department’s receipt of the 2026 STEP Contract, which will reimburse an estimated $5,000 in overtime. Silcott also shared that the Communications and Outreach team is collaborating with community partners to create a “welcome packet” for new residents moving into Ottawa. He reviewed upcoming events including the Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show on September 19–21, the 20th Annual Ladies Night Out at Legacy Square on September 26, and the first Annual City Golf Championship on October 11–12. Finally, he provided an update on recruitment, reporting that applications for the Director of Neighborhood and Community Services position close September 25, with candidate interviews scheduled for early October. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Skidmore thanked all of the volunteers who dedicate their time to the Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show, noting the extensive planning that goes into the event and expressing appreciation to everyone involved. He also commended the Finance Department for its management of idle funds.. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton asked Chief Weingartner for confirmation that no major public safety incidents occurred during last year’s show and received reassurance that only a minor medical September 17, 2025 Unofficial Until Approved 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 17, 2025 Page 3 emergency had been handled. He also praised the approval of the NRP applications, calling them a testament to developers and their continued commitment to the community. Finally, he highlighted the upcoming September 22nd event at AdventHealth Ottawa, marking the opening of its OB and birthing center from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Announcements A. September 24, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall B. October 1, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 7:00 pm, City Hall C. October 8, 2025 City Commission Meeting- 4:00 pm, City Hall D. October 9-11, 2025 League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference Adjournment There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 10:44 am. /s/ Melissa Scherman Melissa Scherman, City Clerk September 17, 2025 Unofficial Until Approved 3