Manhattan City Commission Meeting Summary - August 4, 2026

The Manhattan City Commission met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, with Mayor Adam Chak presiding and all five commissioners present (McCullough, Fox, Morrison, Von Lentel, and Mayor Chak). The meeting covered approval of the consent agenda (including a separate item for CDBG-funded playground equipment), and a major action item for the Sunset Zoo Lemur to America's exhibit project. No public comments were made on non-agenda items or on the discussed items.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (5-0) excluding item F, which was removed for discussion.
• Item F addressed reallocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Fifth and Leavenworth waterline project to playground equipment. Commissioner Fox raised concerns about the delay of the waterline project, which is impacting a required sprinkler system installation in a high-rise at Fifth and Leavenworth (due by end of 2028). Stephanie Peterson, Director of Planning and Development, explained that the project has been delayed since 2021 due to adding waterline, storm sewer, and bus stop components. The city must draw down CDBG funds by April 1, 2027, to avoid losing future allocations, and has been carrying over $1.65 million, while the annual allocation is $515,000. The project will be re-prioritized: parks/playground equipment will proceed first, with about $750,000 estimated for equipment, while the Fifth and Leavenworth project goes out to bid within a week. Item F was then approved unanimously (5-0).

Discussion Items

• Sunset Zoo Lemur to America's Exhibit Project: The commission considered three agreements: a construction manager at risk (CMR) agreement with McCown Gordon Construction for $10,000 for phase one pre-construction services; a professional services agreement with Anderson Knight Architects for $561,442 for design services; and a project funding agreement with the Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust for full payment of those fees. Aaron Stewart, Parks and Recreation Director, reported that six proposals were received, the top three were interviewed, and McCown Gordon was recommended. The project will move from 30% to 70% design, with a guaranteed maximum price to be developed for phase two (which would include remaining design and construction). The Zoo Trust has pledged to fund the entire project; phase one is estimated at about $4.5 million, and the full project is estimated at $7.5–8 million. A commissioner questioned what happens if the trust cannot fund later phases; staff assured that no phase would proceed without committed funds. The motion to approve all three agreements carried unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent agenda (excluding item F) 5-0.
• Approved item F (CDBG playground equipment reallocation) 5-0.
• Approved the Sunset Zoo CMR agreement, architectural services agreement, and funding agreement 5-0.
• The meeting adjourned shortly after the votes.

Note: Commissioner McCullough noted the departure of long-time attorney Katie Jackson and promoted free admission to the zoo and Discovery Center for one adult and children during this period.