The Manhattan City Council convened on January 22, 2026, to address routine approvals, public concerns regarding taxpayer costs, and two major infrastructure agenda items. The meeting opened with a public comment segment where a citizen welcomed new commissioners while expressing strong concern over spending efficiency and the burden on struggling taxpayers. Following the removal of a mower purchase from the consent calendar due to insufficient data, the council discussed and approved petitions for the Stonehaven subdivision's infrastructure improvements and voted to increase the construction contract for the Anderson Avenue project. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda for all items except Item G ( mower purchase). Public Comments & Testimony - Concerned Citizen: Expressed full support for new commissioners but voiced strong opposition to current or future spending that burdens struggling taxpayers without sufficient savings. The speaker raised a concern regarding the transparency of special assessments for new home buyers, arguing that citizens need better education on future costs before closing. They stated that while they are not struggling themselves, a significant number of residents are. Discussion Items Item G: Purchase of Additional Mowers - Commissioner Morrison: Moved to remove Item G from the consent calendar, expressing a need for clarity on the justification for purchasing four additional mowers for $67,500 following the expenditure of $205,000 in mowers over the last six months. The commissioner stated they were not provided with a comprehensive presentation on past expenditures or fleet usage and requested data on acreage and contract mowing. - Public Works Director (Brian): Explained that the initial $117,000 expenditure was covered by a grant with no match. He stated the new mowers (two large Sierra models and two all-wheel-drive models) are necessary for CECO (South Iron and Pipe Supply) and a fully automated storm drainage area that was not covered by the previous grant. He noted that automated mowers save approximately 20 hours of seasonal employment per week and are designed for high-maintenance sports facilities. - Commissioner Morrison: Rejected the explanation as insufficient, stating a need for a more comprehensive presentation on fleet usage, mower sizes, and specific locations. - Outcome: Moved to table Item G until the February 3rd meeting to allow for a detailed presentation on fleet usage and efficiency. General Agenda: Stonehaven Unit 3 Improvements (Petitions) - City Engineer (Brian Johnson): Presented petitions for water, sewer, and street infrastructure for a new subdivision in the southwest quadrant. He stated that costs are assessed 100% to property owners via equal shares (142 total shares for streets, 49 for water, 41 for sewer), with city contributions only for oversizing (43.65% for water, 10.4% for sewer). - Applicant (Brad Trimble): Clarified the lot counts, confirming 40 lots for water (L1-36, L48-51) and 40 lots for sewer (L1-36, L46-51). - Commissioner Fox: Raised a concern regarding the equal cost share regardless of lot size (duplex vs. large lot) and questioned the liability of the city in ensuring buyers are aware of $70,000 in infrastructure costs. - Finance Director (Rena Neil): Explained the 3-3.5 year timeline for issuing temporary notes before long-term bonds, stating this allows developers to market and sell lots. She noted that while the city notifies buyers through realtors and title searches, the primary responsibility lies with developers, builders, and realtors to disclose costs. - Commissioner Fox: Stated that the city should consider shifting the liability and financial burden back to developers to negotiate land costs and questioned why the city acts as the financier for up to 3.5 years. - Finance Director (Rena Neil): Countered that the tool is essential for housing industry growth and noted that developers are capable of handling multiple units simultaneously. She stated that previous attempts to avoid this model (e.g., Lee Mill Village) resulted in the city incurring significant taxpayer costs ($260,000+). She concluded that while the tool is effective, there is a need for further education on the pros and cons. - Commissioner Morrison: Concurred that the city has a valid history of involvement but stated a need to have a dialogue with the community and developers to determine future directions regarding financial responsibility. General Agenda: Anderson Avenue Contract Increase - Project Manager: Presented the need to add 14 storm sewer inlets due to the deterioration of 60-year-old infrastructure found during pavement demolition. The original contract was $10.1 million; the additional request is $266,241.40 (totaling $10.49 million). - Commissioner Fox: Expressed concern regarding the presence of heavy utility lines (fiber optic by AT&T, Cox, and Kansas Gas) in the tight right-of-way on the north side, stating a fear of accidental damage. - Project Manager: Reassured the council that the contractor is the "lowest and best bid" and stated that while damage is possible, it is rare with new infrastructure. He mentioned a potential full closure during summer 2026 which might reduce the timeline and save money, subject to future commission review. - Commissioner Morrison: Noted that the corridor serves Lee School, K-State, and the high school, expressing hope that any closure would not impact other arterials. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (3-0) with Item G removed. - Item G (Mowers): Moved to table until February 3rd meeting to obtain a comprehensive presentation on fleet usage and necessity (3-0). - Stonehaven Unit 3 Improvements: Resolution to approve street, water, and sewer petitions found adequate and authorized construction. Motion passed (3-0). Lot counts verified as 40 for water and 40 for sewer. - Anderson Avenue Contract: Approved the contract adjustment for $266,241.40 to add 14 storm inlets. Motion passed (3-0). - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned. Note: Agenda items A, B, and C were moved to the February 3rd meeting prior to this transcript's start.
