Planning Commission

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Ottawa City Hall – 101 S. Hickory St Thursday, March 27, 2025 – Noon If you need this information in another format or require reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting, contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at 785-229-3621. Please provide advance notice at least two (2) working days. TYY users please call 711. Accessing Zoom Meeting on March 27, 2025 Copy and paste the following link to your address bar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85326363740; The Password is 059146. You may use your phone for audio if you do not have a microphone plugged into your computer. To dial into the meeting, please use any of the following numbers: 1-312-626-6799; 1-408-638- 0968, 1-699-900-6833, 1-646-876-9923 I. CALL TO ORDER: II. ROLL CALL: Kane [ ] VC-Crowley [ ] Staresinic-Deane [ ] Harris [ ] C-Lantis [ ] Maxwell [ ] III. CONSENT AGENDA: A. February 27, 2025, Meeting Minutes (Pp. 3-4) Motion: Second: Vote: IV. DECLARATION: At this time, I would like to ask the Planning Commission Members to make a declaration of any conflict of interest or of any Ex parte or outside communication that might influence their ability to hear all sides on any item on the agenda so they might come to a fair decision. V. NEW BUSINESS: A. Chapter 2 Comprehensive Plan – Zack Martin, City Planner (Pp. 5-6) VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: VII. STAFF COMMENTS: VIII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 1 of 22 IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. April 9, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting at 7 pm 2. April 24, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting at noon X. ADJOURNMENT: Motion: Second: Vote: Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 2 of 22  Agenda City Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Ottawa, Kansas Minutes of February 27, 2025 12:00 pm Vice-Chair Crowley called the meeting to order. The City Planning Commission met at noon on this date, with the following members present and participating: Vice-chair Crowley, member Maxwell, and member Harris. Member Kane participated via Zoom. Member Staresinic-Deane and Chair Lantis were absent. Neighborhood Services staff Director Lucas Neece, Zack Martin, and Ashley Hird were present. III. Consent Agenda: Member Harris motioned to approve the February 12, 2025, meeting minutes, followed by a second by member Maxwell. All present voted aye. IV. Declaration: Vice-Chair Crowley asked the Planning Commission members to declare any conflict of interest or of any Ex parte or outside communication that might influence their ability to hear all sides on any item on the agenda, so that they might come to a fair decision. There were none. V. Public Comments None VI. Unfinished Business: A. Preliminary Plat of Vanknight Addition. At 12:10 pm, Vice-Chair Crowley closed the public hearing originally opened on January 30, 2025, and comments were received as reflected in the minutes from the January 30th meeting; it was continued through the February 12th meeting without additional comment. Mr. Martin presented staff findings. Member Maxwell motioned to approve the findings as presented, member Harris seconded the motion. All present voted aye. Member Maxwell motioned to approve the Preliminary Plat, member Harris seconded. All present voted aye. B. Comprehensive Plan Draft unofficial until approved Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 3 of 22  Agenda Mr. Martin discussed the comprehensive plan and advised that every citizen should participate in the survey on our website. VII. Staff Comments: Director Neece thanked the Planning Commission for making a quorum. VII. Commissioner Comments: None X. Announcements: Vice-Chair Crowley announced that the next Planning Commission meetings will be held on March 12, 2025, at 7 pm, and March 27, 2025, at noon. XI. Adjournment: Member Harris made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which member Maxwell seconded. All members present voted aye. Respectfully submitted, Ashley Hird Planning Assistant Draft unofficial until approved Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 4 of 22  Agenda City of Ottawa Planning Commission Meeting March 27, 2025 TO: Planning Commission SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan – Chapter Two Revisions PRESENTED BY: City Planner AGENDA: Public Hearing Subject: Summary update of Chapter Two of the Ottawa Comprehensive Plan. This section of the plan focuses on existing conditions and demographics for Ottawa. Background: Chapter Two of the Comprehensive Plan covers existing conditions and demographic information for the community. As the plan has not received a significant update since the early 2000s, this section needed substantial reworking to reflect the changes of the past twenty years. The sections revised either in part or in full include: • Land use and development patterns • Demographics • Education • Community Facilities • Public Safety • Parks and Recreation Staff Comments: What is provided to the Commission is the general text amendments to the existing Comprehensive Plan, with the caveat that graphs, maps, charts, and imagery are to be inserted at a later date to help with the ease of formatting and to ensure content is otherwise correct. Comments are broken down by section of revision: Introduction: Updating of some phrasing and general content. Existing Land Use: Minor changes to phrasing and word usage. Growth and Development: Complete revision of body emphasizing infill opportunities and industrial opportunities that have developed since 2004. Demographics: Complete rewrite and summary provided detailing population growth/stability within Ottawa, as well as creation of key takeaways for this and preceding sections. Education: Comprehensive rewrite to reflect new school facilities, closure of former schools, population shifts in student bodies, as well as other changes in higher education opportunities in the community. Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 5 of 22  Agenda Community Facilities: Summary of facilities available to the community or utilized by the City to provide essential services. The sections within this broader category were reviewed internally by the appropriate City departments. • Wastewater facilities • Water facilities • Existing water supply • Rural Water • Electrical Utility • Electrical Distribution Systems • Power Plant and Substation Public Safety: This section received complete overhauls and rewritten content provided by the Ottawa Police Department and Ottawa Fire Department. Parks and Recreation: Revision of existing information to provide updates and changes to current parks, as well as adding additional information on parks that have been created since the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. Local Taxes: Staff has reached out to the Finance Department for a more detailed revision of this section of the chapter and will provide that information once received. Recommendations/Actions: There is no action to be taken at this time. Attachments: • DRAFT copy of revised Chapter Two (text) Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 6 of 22  Agenda CHAPTER TWO EXISTING CONDITIONS THE CITY OF OTTAWA is approximately 30 minutes southwest of the greater Kansas City area, and 20 minutes south of Lawrence. It sits at the crossroads of several major state and national routes, including Interstate 35, US Highway 59, and Kansas Highway 68. These roads provide convenient commuter access to and from other parts of the region and have been a key factor in Ottawa’s growth. The City is also served by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Line, which provides service connections for various industrial sites within the city. Additionally, the city’s municipal airport is four miles south of the City. Beyond the City’s current corporate limits is the designated Ottawa Future Planning Area (Ref. Map Gallery, Map 1: Current City Limits and Planning Area). A key strategy and recommendation of the Comprehensive Plan is for the city to accommodate and promote sustainable growth in the designated areas of its urban fringe planning area. SMALL TOWN FEEL, BIG CITY ACCESS. KANSAS RIVER KANSAS 59 CITY KS KANSAS OTTAWA IS LOCATED IN NORTHEASTERN 70 CITY KANSAS, ALONG MAJOR INTERSTATE AND LAWRENCE TOPEKA MO HIGHWAY ROUTES. THE COMMUNITY 10 SERVES AS A GATEWAY INTO THE LARGER KANSAS CITY METROPOLITAN AREA TO OTTAWA OLATHE THE NORTHEAST, AS WELL AS TO 35 SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS. 68 68 MARAIS DES CYGNES RIVER OTTAWA FUNCTIONS AS A MARKET TOWN PAOLA FOR THE COUNTIES TO THE WEST AND SOUTH, AND HAS EASY ACCESS TO SERVICES AND INSTITUTIONS IN THE 35 169 PRINCETON REGION SUCH AS THE UNIVERSITY OF 59 KANSAS IN LAWRENCE, AND STATE WICHITA OFFICES IN TOPEKA. The Marais des Cygnes River flows through the middle of the City and it has a substantial floodplain east and west of City limits. Within the City, levees prevent overflow of water. Of the City’s 4,574 acres, 337 acres (7.4%) are still in floodplain. Within the 9,598 acres of the planning area 1,309 acres (13.6%) are in the 100-year floodplain. CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 7 of 22  Agenda EXISTING LAND USE PATTERNS Ottawa’s land use distribution shows several key features: Single-family residential is the continues to be the dominant land use in the City. Retail and Office Commercial is primarily concentrated along the three major highways that traverse or bypass the City. Most retail uses are of a neighborhood scale serving the needs of the City residents and highway travelers. Institutional and Park uses are relatively evenly distributed in the City, a majority of which are served by major arterial and collector streets. Industrial land activities are generally located adjacent or near to the highways and the railroad, with limited buffering from low-density residential uses. GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS Since the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan in 2004, Ottawa has maintained relatively the same population. As discussed in the first chapter, population growth in Ottawa has not met the rate projected by the 2004 Plan. Despite this, Ottawa remains healthy, with a stable population and continuous interest in new development. New housing developments have occurred primarily on the periphery of the existing city limits, with considerable amounts of infill for older, vacant parcels in the core. Assuming a more conservative estimate of population growth, there continue to be opportunities for development. As noted, there is a healthy supply of infill opportunities within the older neighborhoods in Ottawa. There are also opportunities for additional industrial development located within the Proximity Park district, commercial opportunities along major transportation routes, and a chance for the community to take a advantage of mixed-use developments across the City. Ottawa University, NCCC, USD 290, and private schools provide both stable anchors and opportunities for the City’s population and business climate. The City’s proactive planning ensures stability in the community. In spite of the extensive floodplain, the city’s levees protect the city from major flood damage. The walking, biking and equestrian trails connect the community and add to the quality of life of Ottawa residents. (Insert images of community here) CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 8 of 22  Agenda POPULATION The US Census Bureau estimates the population of the United States in 2024 at approximately 337,302,834. This is a 9.2% increase of nearly 30 million additional residents since the 2010 census results of 308,745,538. Most of this growth has been in the Southern region of the US, which in 2023 comprised nearly 40% of the population. The Midwest region, of which Kansas is part, has fallen to a 20% share of the US population, down from the 23% recorded in the 2004 Comprehensive Plan. The state of Kansas has maintained a small but steady trend of growth from the 2010 census to 2020. The population has increased by approximately 2.9% from 2,853,118 to 2,937,880. Per a report from Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR (Include in notes)), the 19 metropolitan counties within Kansas are projected to keep growing to account for 76% of Kansas’s population in 2071, while micropolitan populations are expected to remain stable, and the total rural population to decline by 19%. As noted in the introduction, while there has been considerable development and growth in the Kansas City and Lawrence areas, Ottawa has seen only moderate growth of an approximately 6% increase in population since 2000, well below the 10-12% per decade anticipated by the 2004 plan. Per the CEDBR report mentioned above, the population of the Ottawa area is anticipated to decline by nearly 9% over the next 50 years, while the populations of the neighboring Kansas City and Lawrence metro areas are anticipated to grow by 35% and 46% respectively. As stated, there are numerous factors that could impact this trend of population decline within Ottawa, including continued development of surrounding metros, expansion of affordable housing options, and the community continuing to invest in its existing resources, infrastructure, and identity. (Demographics Table) CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 9 of 22  Agenda KEY TAKEAWAYS Ottawa (and to a lesser extent Franklin County) has had a lower rate of growth than surrounding communities and the state as whole, though has not experienced significant decline. The population of Ottawa and Franklin County is generally older than surrounding communities, though still younger than the state as a whole. Ottawa on the whole is whiter, and less diverse, than surrounding communities and the state as a whole. Ottawa has a lower percentage of owner-occupied housing in comparison to selected surrounding communities, as well as Franklin County and the state as a whole. The median value of these units is also lower. The obverse of this is that median owner costs (with and without a mortgage) are lower than surrounding communities, and cost of rent is lower. Ottawa has one of the highest percent of high school graduates in the selected communities, though it has the near lowest percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher, beating only the County as a whole. Ottawa is nearly exactly on par with the state percentage of residents aged 16+ who are in the labor force, though this is below selected surrounding communities. Ottawa’s median and per capita incomes are lower than all selected communities, as well as Franklin County and the state, though persons in poverty are lower than Franklin County and Kansas overall. EDUCATION Ottawa School District (USD 290) The availability of quality education is key to the health and prosperity of a community. Easy access to quality education enhances the quality of life and stimulates the growth of the local economy. The quality of education provided within a community is a major factor which influences families and businesses in their decisions to relocate. Unified School District No. 290 (USD 290) serves the City of Ottawa and a small portion of rural areas surrounding the city. The total number of students in 2024 was 2,214. The district has three (3) elementary schools with an enrollment of 1,016, one middle school with an enrollment of 485, and one high school with an enrollment of 713. The district has undergone significant changes since 2004, with three neighborhood schools closing (Eisenhower, Eugene Field, and Hawthorne), and those populations being consolidated into Garfield and Lincoln Schools, and the new Sunflower Elementary. Enrollment numbers have continued to shift, reflecting school closures, openings, and changing demographics. CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 10 of 22  Agenda Garfield has seen a 25.8% increase in population since 2000, however it absorbed some students as a result of closures and has declined in enrollment by 10.16% since 2010. Lincoln similarly has seen an increase in enrollment of 26% since its 2000 headcount but has experienced a 30.35% decrease in enrollment since 2010. Ottawa High School has 8.35% higher enrollment than in 2000, but there is also a 5.58% decline since 2010. Sunflower, the newest school in Ottawa, has declined 18.89% since 2020, and Ottawa Middle School enrollment has declined 17.09% since 2000. USD 290 Facilities Garfield Elementary School (336) Lincoln Elementary School (358) Sunflower Elementary School (322) Ottawa Middle School (485) Ottawa High School (713) (School Images) Ottawa University Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit liberal arts and professional studies educational institution affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, USA. It was founded in 1865 after receiving a 20,000-acre land grant from the Ottawa Tribe. The campus in Ottawa, Kansas, is designed primarily for traditional 18-to-25year-old students, although it attracts and serves nontraditional students as well. Ottawa University has grown from a single building into a comprehensive educational institution serving over 4,000 students on four campuses and online. Today, more than 22,000 OU graduates, including 5,000 in the Pacific Rim, have made and continue to make valuable contributions in their communities. (Enrollment Information) CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 11 of 22  Agenda Neosho Community College Neosho County Community College (NCCC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and traces its beginnings to Chanute Junior College, established in 1936 so that graduates of Chanute High School as well as other area high schools could attend college close to home. The Ottawa campus was opened in 1991, and the current campus at 900 East Logan was built in 2011. The new campus includes a Teaching and Learning Center, a simulated hospital, labs for surgical technology and occupational therapy assistants, as well as classrooms and computer labs. The College offers classes and other services on the Chanute campus, the Ottawa campus, and outreach sites in all three counties and beyond. COMMUNITY FACILITIES “Community Facilities” is used in this plan to refer to those physical developments owned and operated by either public or private entities for use by the public or for providing service to the public. It has a broader sense than “public facilities” Community facilities are an essential part of a community and will continue to be a crucial element in its future social and economic prosperity. It is common to assign the level of a community’s quality of life by evaluating the level of community facility and service provision. Community facilities include such municipal facilities as buildings, land, equipment, and whole systems of activities that are financially supported by the public for municipal government administrative functions as well as other types of services for the benefit of the public. The city hall, the public works building and maintenance shop, the police building and policing equipment, fire protection system, emergency facility and ambulance service, parks, the civic center, water storage and distribution system, waste water treatment system, public transportation system, stormwater drainage system, and various other types of facilities are some of the most common examples of municipal facilities and frequently referred to as "public facilities," denoting that these facilities are owned by the public and operated for the public. Other types of community facilities include publicly or privately owned buildings, land, equipment, and whole systems of activities for the benefit of the community. Some common examples are public libraries, health services, schools, solid waste collection, and waste disposal facilities. It is important to point out that community facilities are directly related to land use and the needs and financial responsibilities of the community they serve. As the community grows, so does the need for expanded community facilities. As community facilities CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 12 of 22  Agenda expand, more land and public expenditure are frequently required for such expansions. As a result, the development or expansion of community facilities requires an extensive analysis of needs and careful planning in terms of land use, location, timing, and the amount of public investment. A full listing of community facilities can be found in Appendix (X). WATER & WASTEWATER FACILITIES The City of Ottawa completed a Water and Wastewater Study in 2002 and an update evaluating certain lift stations in 2017. These studies provide the information for the Governing Body and city staff to anticipate the needs for these services into the future. Of particular concern were growth issues: Infrastructure improvements needed to serve the current growth; and future improvements to serve anticipated growth on the perimeter of the community Wastewater Facilities The City of Ottawa completed a Wastewater Study in 2007. There are two key growth areas planned for future service: In the northeast, including the 68 Highway corridor; and in the southwest where recent annexations and platted subdivisions have spurred extension of utilities. Based on earlier studies, the City has installed two major lift stations that will provide sanitary sewer service to large areas. The City completed construction of a new sanitary sewer treatment plant in 2004. The plant is an oxidation ditch plant rated at 2.6 million gallon of treatment capacity per day. The plant has been designed to be easily doubled in size and includes plans for treatment of phosphorous if regulations require in the future. The plant features an odor control system and a belt filter press system. The plant was constructed of coated concrete, block and split block construction. CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 13 of 22  Agenda Water Facilities Historical water production and metered water sales data were analyzed in the study. Metered water use analysis revealed that 60% of the use is for residential, with the balance to industrial, commercial and institutional use. Rural Water District use was reviewed separately and this review indicated increases in the late eighties-early nineties, from ten percent of total sales to eighteen percent in 1992. In the design year, 2010, it was anticipated that 1.97 million gallons per day (mgd) would be necessary on an average, with 1.43 the average in 1990. The maximum would be 2.89 in 1990 and 3.95 as the design year. (Graph reflecting current numbers/usage for rural users within same timeframe versus rest of the community to be provided by Scott) Existing Water Supply System The water for the City Of Ottawa is obtained from the Marais Des Cygnes River. Four low lift station pumps convey raw water to the City’s water treatment plant, located at 3rd & Beech Street. This plant, constructed in 1980, provides for softening, disinfection, and filtration with a capacity of about 4.5 5.5 mgd. Water is stored in a one million gallon reservoir. A high service pumping station, containing four pumps, takes water from the reservoir and discharge to the distribution system. The total installed pumping capacity is 6.7 mgd and the firm capacity is 5.0 mgd with one pump out of service. The distribution system is composed of a single service level. There are two service pressure zones. One 750,000 gallon composite storage tank is located in the Northeast section of town near I-35. A new 500,000 elevated storage tank was constructed in 2024 to provide additional storage, increased pressure throughout Ottawa and increased fire flow rates within the city. The distribution system mains range from sixteen inches to two inches in diameter. Ground elevations within the city limits vary between about 900 feet near the river to points of 950 in the south and 940 in the north. The highest overflow elevations are about 1150 feet. As a part of the study, the distribution system was evaluated by a software hydraulic analysis system. The computer model was calibrated and adjusted to simulate actual system performance based on operational records and run for the base year, design year, and ultimate development under maximum day and maximum hour water demand conditions. Fire flow analyses were performed at key fire hydrants to determine fire flow capability when superimposed on the various design years. CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 14 of 22  Agenda Rural Water Districts The City of Ottawa's water treatment plant also provides service to Rural Water Districts #1, #2, #4, and the City of Princeton. ELECTRIC UTILITY The City of Ottawa completed an Electrical System Master Plan in 2012 with the document created by SEGA, now Power Engineers. Along with city staff, SEGA developed a forecast of both peak demand and annual energy requirements for twenty years. Utilizing historical data collected during the years 1991 – 2011, along with staff input, the forecasts were developed. It was apparent that Ottawa has had a steady or a continuation of moderate load growth. The average annual growth ratefor the past 10 years has been 1.4% for peak demand and 1.42% for energy. Studies of the electrical systems in the City’s north and south areas were adopted in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Electrical Distribution System The study also concluded that improvements were needed to the distribution system. Improvements include splitting circuits, forboth reliability and safety of personnel working on the system and to provide for growth. The City built a 161kV-supplied substation in the Southeast area of the city, as well as a 161kV-supplied substation in the Northeast industrial park.to address future load growth and redundancy. Power Plant and Substation The City of Ottawa operates the power plant as a peaking plant for summer loads for about four to five months each year. The facility has also been taking part in the Southwest Power Pool wholesale market where is it called upon as economics drives electric costs. Evaluation of the existing generators, total operating hours, and maintenance concluded that more maintenance funds and personnel would be necessary to continue life expectancies and prevent peak season overtime problems Another need to be considered in the future is adding power generation capabilities to the existing plant, or at the remote substations to better serve future load growth. Trends in electricity usage from 2013-2023 are shown in the following chart: CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 15 of 22  Agenda TRENDS IN ELECTRICITY USAGE 2013-2023 MWh Load 200000 150000 100000 50000 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Source: City of Ottawa PUBLIC SAFETY Ottawa Police Department The City of Ottawa Police Department is headquartered on West 2nd Street in a new 28,000 square foot state of the art Law Enforcement Center completed in May of 2003. In addition to the Police Department the LEC houses Ottawa Municipal Court. The Law Enforcement Center offers audio and video recorded interview rooms, walk-in report rooms and online reporting through the department’s website. The department has a training program that includes a fully equipped physical fitness center in the LEC, and an outdoor police range that includes a 30-foot training tower, moving target range, static target range out to 200 yards, and is equipped for night shooting and emergency light shooting. The department allows several outside agencies to use the range through use agreements. All patrol vehicles are equipped with in-car video and all officers have access to body-worn video. The department combines in-car video, mobile advanced license plate cameras and stationary license plate readers to monitor community crime, along with a Community Crime Map, available on the department’s website, and is used to ensure that Ottawa is a safe community. The department is administered by three divisions in addition to the Office of the Chief of Police: Office of the Chief of Police: The Police Chief is responsible for overall management and operations of all police department functions, and management of most aspects of the Ottawa Municipal Court. As an accredited law enforcement agency, through CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 16 of 22  Agenda the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), the department adhered to what is considered “Best Practices” in policing. The Accreditation Manager also has responsibility for management of the department’s property and evidence room. The Accreditation Manager reports directly to the Police Chief. Ottawa is one of about a dozen accredited agencies in Kansas; and is one of only four (4) to achieve dual accreditation through the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. The Office of the Chief also acts as the Ex- Officio for the Ottawa Police Foundation. The foundation supports department programs through tax-exempt donations. Patrol Division. The Patrol Division provides service on a 24-hour basis. The Crime Prevention Unit will be available to present crime prevention programs such as residential and business security service. There are four (4) Patrol Teams, each led by a Police Sergeant, responsible for handling all emergency and non-emergency calls received by the Franklin County Emergency Communications Center. The Patrol Division is the largest division in the department and also has the most vehicles assigned within the department fleet. Emergency Services and Administration. Administration furnishes records management and property control services. The Sheriff’s Office currently provides dispatching services for the entire County, which includes 911 answering for all agencies. Investigations and Support Services Division (ISSD). ISSD is comprised of two units, the Records Unit and Detective Unit. The Records Unit processes all incoming reports, public records requests, arrests warrants, employment fingerprinting and receives all incoming phone calls and walk-in requests. The Detective Unit is responsible for investigating felony, sexual and domestic violence, and drug crimes. The Detective Unit is comprised of a Police Sergeant and up to four (4) Detectives assigned to complete complex investigations. Community Outreach Programs and Services Division (COPS). The COPS Division is comprised of the Community Policing Unit (CPU), School Policing Unit (SPU), and a Police Service Dog Team. The CPU is comprised of a Community Police Officer and Crisis Co-Responder who help community members experiencing mental health matters, homelessness, or in need of help being connected with services. The SPU consists of a School Resource Officer, collateral duty DARE Officers, and the Community Service Officer who also handles Animal Control functions. In addition to these duties the COPS Division Commander conducts recruiting, hiring and onboarding of new employees, conducts the department’s internal professional development training program, Professional Standards Investigations and the department’s Special Tactics and Rescue Team (STAR). COPS Division also manages all special community events for the department. CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 17 of 22  Agenda (OPD/OFD IMAGES) CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 18 of 22  Agenda Ottawa Fire Department The Ottawa Fire Department operates out of two stations, with the main station located at 720 W. 2nd street, and a second station at 219 E. 14th street. The department currently has 22 full-time employees along with up to 10 Volunteer Firefighters. The Ottawa Fire Department is working to be an all-hazards response agency with training and certifications regarding structural firefighting, vehicle extrication, rope rescue, water and ice rescue, wildland firefighting, hazardous materials incidents, structural collapse, and confined space rescue. The fire service is ever changing, and the Ottawa Fire Department is committed to adapting to the challenges ahead and provide the necessary services to our community. The Ottawa Fire Department operates in conjunction with the Franklin County Emergency Medical Services to provide emergency medical care for the City of Ottawa. Of the 22 full-time staff, 12 are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians and 12 are certified as Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians. The city has adopted a vehicle replacement program that ensures the department maintains a fleet of modern firefighting vehicles and associated loose equipment as outlined by the current National Fire Protection Agency. The Ottawa Fire Department fleet consists of three engines, one 100-foot aerial platform, two brush trucks, two utility pickup trucks, two administrative vehicles, one air trailer, one rescue trailer, one investigations trailer, one boat, and three unmanned aerial vehicles. The Ottawa Fire Department proactively sought a comprehensive study by a third-party organization. The study evaluated department operations, consolidated effort with Franklin County EMS, the department’s workload, staffing, and deployment practices, and finally the fire stations and apparatus. Through this process, 26 recommendations were suggested for future enhancements to our organizations. This will be an ongoing endeavor for the short-, mid-, and long-term planning to address performance improvement opportunities and better serve the community of Ottawa. Ambulance Service The Franklin County Ambulance Station is located at 14th & Cedar. It is licensed by the State of Kansas as a Type I service, which means Franklin County EMS provides Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) to the residents of Franklin County. All ambulance units are equipped with advanced life support equipment required by the State of Kansas. CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 19 of 22  Agenda PARKS & RECREATION The City has an extensive Parks and Trails system. The community has the majority of its recreation needs addressed by the Ottawa Recreation Commission. The community offers youth and adult sports, including baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other programs. The community also has other private recreation program providers through traveling teams, private fitness centers, and other programs. The Parks Division is responsible for the maintenance of highly visible, well-used grounds and facilities that are a major contributor to the quality of life in Ottawa. In addition to the parks, personnel assigned to this division operate and maintain Hope Cemetery, Highland Cemetery, and Roselawn Cemetery. Forest Park Located in the northwest corner of the City, it is notable for its mature oak and walnut trees and its array of recreational facilities. Included are a 475,000-gallon full size municipal swimming pool, five new lit tennis courts, 18 individual horseshoe courts, one basketball court, a lit baseball diamond and a lit softball diamond, and five playgrounds including a “tot’s lot” In addition, there are three restroom facilities in the park. Forest Park hosts several community events each year, including the Ole Marais River Run (a custom car show), the Power of the Past Antique Tractor and Engine Show, and Chautauqua Days (a July 4th celebration). There are nine shelters, all with electricity and many with small grills. Cox Field It is a recreational complex which is home to the baseball programs sponsored by the Ottawa Recreation Commission. There is a total of nine fields: three full size fields, two CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 20 of 22  Agenda two softball fields, two coach pitch fields, and two tee ball fields. The park includes a concession stand, parking, and two restroom facilities. Haley Park At the intersection of Main and 2nd Streets, is home to a gazebo-like shelter, a fountain, and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, and serves as a focal point for downtown events. Freedom Park It is a small neighborhood park at East Third Street between Mulberry and Sycamore Streets. Nearby are the private Don Woodward baseball and softball facility, and a Skateboard Park which was constructed on a pair of underused tennis courts. In 2018, the Ed Taylor pickleball courts were added, placing six courts on old tennis courts. Heritage Park Located on the northeast side of town, along Powhattan Street near Birch Street on land acquired by the City during the late 1990s, and developed as a neighborhood park. This park boasts a walking track approximately 3/4-mile in length and a playground structure suitable for toddlers to 12-year-old children. Kanza Park It serves as a stormwater detention pond on the upper end of the Skunk Run drainage basin, but Kanza Park has been enhanced by the addition of a hard-surfaced walking track almost a mile long and lit with salvaged Victorian fixtures from early 20th Century Main Street (downtown). The trail around the park has been incorporated into community events and celebrations, including running/walking events and a luminary display during the Christmas season. The park is adjacent to the Prairie Spirit Trail and now has a shelter, playground, senior fitness equipment, fitness court, and an 18-hole disc golf course. City Park It is home to the Carnegie Cultural Center and boasts of a gazebo/bandstand used for summer evening concerts, weddings, and other similar events. Skunk Run Days, an annual community festival and a local fundraiser, occurs in City Park on the first full weekend in June, as well as a week-long Veterans display every November. City Park CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 21 of 22  Agenda includes playground equipment, a pre-World War II naval artillery, and the 1859 Dietrich pioneer cabin. Also located in this park is the Carnegie Cultural Center, home to the Ottawa Community Arts and Suzuki Strings, as well as a new splash pad constructed in 2024. Walton Park A small neighborhood park created in 2015, which has a small composite structure for play by children aged 2-12. Goppert Teen Park/Goppert Kids Park Installed in 2017, The skate park was re-located to this area, and a bike pump track was added, half pipe, 3 full size basketball courts, an agility course, graffiti wall, foosball table, and table tennis. Goppert Kids Park was installed in 2020. It has a playground designed for children ages 2-5 and one designed for 5-12. Roadside Park A small park with two shelters as well as parking, with direct access to the Prairie Spirit Trail. Prairie Spirit Trail It is a rail-banked right-of-way that has been improved by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks between Ottawa and Garnett. PSRT enhancements in Ottawa include a paved walking/riding surface ten feet wide between 5th and 23rd Streets, a bridge over the Marais des Cygnes River, and a Trailhead facility immediately south of 17th Street. A new trailhead was completed in 2004 at the north end of the trail adjacent to the Old Museum Depot. The Flint Hills Trail has been updated with lime screen surfacing and runs east and west through Ottawa from 7th street, along the levee, to the city limits crossing the Marais des Cygnes River. CITY OF OTTAWA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | CHAPTER TWO Planning Commission Agenda March 27, 2025 Page 22 of 22