Manhattan City Commission Meeting – April 15, 2026

Note: The raw transcript records the meeting as taking place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, but the provided timestamp indicates April 15, 2026. This summary uses the provided date per instructions.

The Manhattan City Commission met to adopt proclamations, hear public comment, and take action on several agenda items, including policy changes, a zoo project, a water transmission main, and the Morrow Street improvement project. All items were approved except for one appointment that was voted separately, with votes generally 5–0 or 4–1.

Proclamations

• Mayor Adam Chak proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Alicia Hardman (Sunflower Children’s Collective) accepted the proclamation and encouraged the community to support prevention efforts.
• Mayor Adam Chak proclaimed April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Kathy Ray (Executive Director, Crisis Center Inc.) accepted the proclamation, noting that free, confidential services are available 24/7 via phone (1-800-727-2785) or text (HEAL to 4741). A film screening and panel discussion are scheduled for April 18.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Oles (3308 Frontier Circle) spoke about property valuation increases and the city’s desire to keep the mill levy flat. He said his city tax contribution is “a bargain” (approximately $350/year on a $270,000 home) but expressed concern that the RCPD budget is too large and encouraged the commission to take action.
• Ashley Furman (8-year Manhattan resident) urged the commission to prioritize pedestrian amenities on Morrow Street over parking, citing the Aggieville Community Vision Plan and a survey where 81% of respondents favored pedestrian improvements even if parking was reduced. She asked the commission not to ignore community support for a pedestrian-oriented district.
• Dennis Cook (Aggieville Business Association) offered to poll business owners on north vs. south side angled parking and said the association had not yet gathered consensus.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda included routine approvals and five board appointments. Commissioner McCullough pulled Item HD (appointment of Peter Opel to the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board) for separate discussion. The remaining consent items were approved unanimously (5–0).

Discussion Items

Appointment of Peter Opel to the Planning Board (Item HD)

• Commissioner McCullough opposed the appointment, stating that Opel’s “vision for zoning doesn’t align with my vision or a lot of the community’s” and that “strong neighborhoods felt threatened by some of his decisions.”
• The commission voted 3–2 to approve the appointment (Commissioners Fox, Von Lennel, and Mayor Chak in favor; Commissioners McCullough and Morrison opposed).

Policy Manual Resolution 040726B (Public Comment Procedures)

• City staff presented a resolution to codify existing practices: individual public comment reduced from 5 to 3 minutes, a 30‑minute cap on initial public comment (extendable by the mayor), and allowance of public comment on work session items. The mayor clarified the 30‑minute limit can be extended, not only reduced.
• Commissioner Morrison expressed initial hesitation about the shorter time but said it “really works.”
• The motion passed 4–1 (Commissioner Von Lennel voted no).

Sunset Zoo – Lemur and Americas Exhibit (Project PR2510)

• Aaron Stewart (Parks and Rec) presented the second phase of the zoo’s master plan, including a ring‑tailed lemur exhibit, interactive barn, and Trail of America’s (with bobcat exhibit). The estimated cost of $8.25 million is fully funded by the Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust.
• The commission authorized issuance of a Request for Qualifications/Proposals for Construction Manager at Risk. Motion passed 5–0.

Crosstown Water Transmission Main – Phase Two (Project WA2518)

• Randy DeWitt (Public Works) explained the need for a redundant water main to serve the northwest zone. The overall project spans up to 10 phases (estimated $20–$25 million). Phase two involves 2,600 feet of 24‑inch water line on Hudson Avenue (Kimball to Claflin).
• The professional services agreement with Bartlett & West for $63,984 and estimated construction cost of $1–$1.3 million (funded through water fund) were approved 5–0.

Morrow Street Improvement Project (Project AG2601)

• Jason (staff) presented the construction manager at risk (CMAR) agreement with BHS Construction ($22,500 for pre‑construction services) and engineering services agreement with Olson Inc. ($442,979). The project involves reconstructing two blocks of Morrow Street, including angled parking, pedestrian amenities, and underground utility work.
• Commissioners discussed parking placement (north vs. south side). Commissioner Fox initially favored north side for sun/snowmelt but later leaned toward south side for better sight lines. Commissioner McCullough stressed the need to preserve parking for slower business periods. Commissioner Morrison raised concerns about liability insurance limits ($1 million) and lack of timeline requirements in the CMAR contract.
• Patrick Shatter (BHS) noted the company’s liability coverage is actually much higher than the contract minimum and could be adjusted later.
• Public comment from Ashley Furman strongly encouraged pedestrian-oriented design over maximizing parking.
• Staff proposed continuing the item to April 21, but a motion to approve as presented passed 4–1 (Commissioner Morrison opposed). Commissioner Morrison indicated he would provide a markup of his concerns to staff.

Key Outcomes

| Item | Vote | Decision | |------|------|----------| | Appointment of Peter Opel to Planning Board | 3–2 (Fox, Von Lennel, Mayor Chak yes; McCullough, Morrison no) | Approved | | Policy Manual Resolution 040726B | 4–1 (Von Lennel no) | Approved | | Sunset Zoo RFQ authorization | 5–0 | Approved | | Crosstown Water Main – Phase Two engineering agreement | 5–0 | Approved | | Morrow Street CMAR & engineering agreements (plus resolution 040726C) | 4–1 (Morrison no) | Approved |

• The commission also recognized city staff: Bill Heatherman (stormwater engineer) selected as chair of Kansas Water Group, and Chelsea Johnson (municipal clerk) designated as Certified Municipal Clerk.