Manhattan City Commission Meeting – September 22, 2026

The Manhattan City Commission met on September 22, 2026, for a work session covering three major agenda items: an update on the Fort Riley Safe Passage ride-share program, the proposed historic designation of Sunset Cemetery, and a detailed presentation of the Edge 3.0 development project with its associated public financing mechanisms. The meeting included significant public comment on the cemetery and Edge 3.0 items. Commissioners provided direction to staff on the cemetery and discussed next steps for Edge 3.0.

Fort Riley Safe Passage Program Update

• Jared Trumblan of the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization presented an update on the ride-share program aimed at reducing impaired driving by Fort Riley soldiers. The program uses Lyft vouchers: eligible soldiers receive two $30 vouchers per month. Hours are currently Thursday 5 p.m. through Monday 6 a.m., but will reduce to Thursday–Saturday evenings 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting October 1.
• Ridership data: From May through August 2026, 2,400 rides were taken, averaging 804 per month and nearly 200 per weekend. Total ride costs were $64,500, of which $55,974 (86%) was covered by vouchers; 64% of rides were entirely covered by the $30 voucher. In September, ridership surged to 448 rides in two weeks (more than double the weekly average) due to football games and a holiday.
• The program ran out of money temporarily and has been paused until the new federal fiscal year begins October 1. For fiscal year 2027, funding will be $250,000, up from $100,000 for the current five-month pilot. Over 6,400 soldiers have signed up. The program is currently available to soldiers captain and below; Fort Riley has specifically requested to include younger officers. The MPO may adjust eligibility downward if funds run short.
• No public comment was taken on this item. Commissioners thanked Jared and expressed hope that DUI data will show a reduction.

Sunset Cemetery Historic Designation

• Senior Planner Ben Schmeel presented recommendations from multiple city boards regarding nominating Sunset Cemetery to the State and/or National Register of Historic Places. Background: A 2017–2018 survey of the Sunset area (including zoo, cemetery, Girl Scout Park) recommended a historic district. The Historic Resources Board later recommended a smaller district including only the cemetery, the Sexton's house, and the Landmark Water Tower (already individually listed). The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Cemetery Board initially postponed until cemetery improvements were made, but the Parks Board later recommended moving forward with nomination while quieting the title of the Sexton's house; the Cemetery Board recommended excluding the Sexton's house.
• Effects of designation: eligibility for state historic trust fund grants ($100,000 competitive, 20% match) and tax credits (for buildings only, require sale to private entity). Properties become subject to preservation review for permits, ground-disturbing projects, and certain improvements. City-owned properties have a lower threshold for review. Burials would not be affected.
• Quieting the title of the Sexton's house would require a court process likely taking a year or more. Multiple descendants of the original donors may have an interest. If the city is not the sole owner, objecting owners could block the nomination.
• Commissioner Morrison raised concerns about liability and maintenance obligations (e.g., mausoleum roof, fallen headstones) and recommended resolving the title issue before proceeding with any designation. Commissioner Fox argued that the city already owns the cemetery and designation adds no new obligations; he supported moving forward immediately. Commissioner Vaughn asked about the advantage of listing and noted the cemetery board wanted improvements done first. Commissioner McColla sought to include the cemetery now and address the Sexton's house later.
• Public comment: Multiple speakers urged inclusion of the Sexton's house in the nomination. Mick Charney detailed the historical significance of the cemetery, its landscaping styles, and the Sexton's house as part of a cohesive story. Kathy Joletowski criticized the rush and accused some commissioners of not valuing preservation. Linda Glasgow questioned the accuracy of a former city attorney's memo and offered her own research. Donna Shankamlin emphasized the house as early workforce housing. Colleen argued the city clearly owns the house and should include it. Mel reminded the commission of the city's certified local government responsibilities. Rex suggested listing could increase the property's value if sold.
• Staff recommended: move forward with nominating the cemetery (excluding Sexton's house) and begin quieting the title for the Sexton's house simultaneously. Commissioners gave direction to proceed with the nomination of the cemetery and the Landmark Water Tower, and to start the quiet title action for the Sexton's house, with the possibility of adding it to the district later. The commission noted that two separate nominations (cemetery and house) could proceed simultaneously to isolate any title issues.

Edge 3.0 Project and Financing Mechanisms

• Greg Willems (K-State Foundation CEO), Trent Armbrust, and Greg Lorenz presented the Edge 3.0 development, a $304 million multi-project initiative adjacent to K-State. The project includes already-completed elements (Ag Innovation Center, Billbury Family Events Center, indoor track facility) and planned components (Edge Tech facility, BIVAP biomanufacturing, and Champions Gate with hotel, condos, restaurants).
• The K-State Next Gen strategic plan aims for 30,000 students and learners by 2030 (currently 21,350 on campus). Greg Willems clarified that only about 23,000 are expected to be physical students; the rest are online learners.
• Public financing tools requested: STAR bonds (incremental state sales tax, estimated net proceeds $21.2 million over 20 years; $7.5 million in sales tax not captured flows to city, $3.15 million to county), Tax Increment Financing (TIF) on 15.5 acres in Champions Gate (estimated $11.2 million total, with 80% to developer and 20% to city), and a Community Improvement District (CID) (1% sales tax, net present value ~$13 million). Total public financing assistance is 17% of the capital stack, lower than comparable Kansas projects (KU Gateway at 27%, others at 34%+).
• Projected impacts (from independent consultants): 262 permanent jobs, $9 million annual payroll; 95,000–100,000+ visitors annually, 60–70% from over 100 miles; total visitor spending $24–$28 million per year; over 20 years, $58.2 million in direct city benefit and $82 million combined city/county/school district benefit. The STAR bond study concluded the project would not harm other STAR bond districts or local businesses.
• Commissioners raised concerns: Commissioner McCullough questioned the feasibility of 30,000 students given demographic trends, the need for a hotel (140–160 rooms) given current 62% occupancy, and the fact that much of the $304 million investment is already spent on completed facilities. Commissioner Morrison wanted a detailed development agreement before a vote and expressed skepticism about the 80/20 TIF split, noting city investments in North Campus Corridor (over $65 million). Commissioner Fox supported the project but suggested a more balanced TIF split (50-50 or 60-40).
• Public comment: Greg McKinley opposed the TIF part, arguing it funds condos/hotels/restaurants under the guise of research; he said property tax abatement shifts costs to other taxpayers. Gary Olz compared to past TIF districts and noted city bears costs for services. Darren Solden (Chamber of Commerce) supported the project for economic growth. Matt McCrane spoke in favor of private investment and new visitors.
• City staff (Jason Hilgers) presented the North Campus Corridor financial summary, showing total costs over $65 million funded by GO bonds ($52.3 million), athletics, city-university funds, state grants, and sales tax revenues. Approximately $20 million of those costs are eligible for TIF reimbursement. Staff noted the economic development sales tax (2023) is not captured by STAR bonds and was not included in projections.

Key Outcomes

• Fort Riley Safe Passage: No action required; informational only.
• Sunset Cemetery: The commission directed staff to:
  • Begin the process of quieting the title for the Sexton's house.
  • Proceed with nominating the Sunset Cemetery and the Landmark Water Tower to the historic register, excluding the Sexton's house until the title is resolved.
  • Consider pursuing two separate nominations (cemetery and house) to allow the cemetery nomination to move forward without delay.
• Edge 3.0: Commissioners gave general feedback but no formal vote. City staff and the K-State Foundation were directed to continue negotiations on a development agreement, including further discussion of the TIF split and performance metrics. A public hearing was set for November 17, 2026, with a resolution to set the hearing date to be considered on October 6, 2026. Commissioner Morrison indicated he would move to continue the matter if an agreement is not ready by November.