Ottawa City Commission Meeting Summary: September 9, 2026

The Ottawa City Commission met on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. All members were present (Mayor Clayton, Mayor Pro Tem Crowley, Commissioners Allen, Skidmore, and Van Leyden). The meeting included an invocation, a consent agenda, public comments, updates on property improvement projects, new business regarding city codes and a major grant application, and reports from city staff.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the September 2, 2026 regular meeting and the August 12, 2026 Planning Commission meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brooke Sheeth read a Walt Whitman poem, emphasizing unity and community. She thanked the commission for their work.
• Rich Colson presented four facts related to the 2015 sales tax (Ordinance 3892-15), arguing the ballot measure was multi-purpose, contradicting recent claims by city officials. He accused the city of lying to taxpayers, claiming the $644,000 shortfall could have been covered by the $5.2 million in Fund 097 without exceeding the revenue neutral rate. He urged citizens to vote on November 3rd.
• Terry Coltier shared anecdotes from his travels about negative experiences with data centers (water shortages, higher utility bills, lack of enforcement). He expressed concern about community trust and gifted aloe plants to the commission as a symbol of healing the relationship. He noted he was glad the ballot measure made it.
• Daniel White requested that the city attorney's research on whether Fund 097 could be used for property tax stabilization be shared publicly. The Mayor responded that the research is in progress and the city attorney will deliver the findings when finalized.

Discussion Items

• Property Improvement Updates (Keith Hodges):
  • 1641 S Main (Knights Inn): Project is on track. Permits submitted, asbestos removal company selected, demolition expected to take three weeks. The owner plans to clear the site entirely, including parking lots.
  • 1017 S Ash: The property owner missed the September 4 deadline and has made no progress. Staff will prepare cost estimates and enforcement options for the commission within the next 30 days, including potential cleanup of debris and personal property.
  • 214 S Main: The owner obtained a dumpster permit and placed a dumpster on site. The next step is removing a false ceiling to allow an engineer to provide a structural report.
• Selection of LKM Delegates (City Clerk Sherman): The commission appointed Mayor Clayton, Mayor Pro Tem Crowley, and Commissioner Skidmore as voting delegates for the League of Kansas Municipalities annual business meeting on October 10, 2026. Staff will serve as alternate delegates.
• Adoption of 2026 Codes (Chief Wine Gardner): The commission adopted the 2026 editions of the Uniform Public Offense Code (UPOC) and the Standard Traffic Ordinance (STO). Adoption keeps the city compliant with state law. A new provision in the STO clarifies that license plates must be fully unobstructed.
• CDBG Blueprint to Build Community Center Project (City Manager Motty, Garrett Nordstrom): The city is pursuing a federal CDBG grant for up to $4 million toward an estimated $10.75 million community center with an aquatic center at Forest Park. The Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) survey is complete and confirms the city qualifies for CDBG funding. A local match of $6.75 million is required. Commissioner Allen noted a public concern about the three-lane pool design potentially limiting competitive swimming. The city manager stated the design is preliminary and minor changes, such as increasing pool lanes, are being discussed with the state. The commission authorized setting a public hearing for September 23rd and submitting the pre-application.
• City Manager Comments: Announced a $100,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for repairs to the Prairie Spirit Trail. Provided operational updates on water, electric, and fleet services. Discussed the upcoming Clydesdale horse appearance and community events (Chamber Coffee for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, golf events).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved.
• LKM Delegates: Appointed (Mayor Clayton, Mayor Pro Tem Crowley, Commissioner Skidmore, staff as alternates).
• City Codes: 2026 Uniform Public Offense Code and Standard Traffic Ordinance approved.
• CDBG Project: Public hearing set for September 23, 2026; pre-application authorized.
• Grant Received: $100,000 awarded for Prairie Spirit Trail repairs.
• Property Updates: Staff moving towards enforcement on 1017 S Ash; progress acknowledged on 1641 S Main and 214 S Main.
• Executive Session: The commission held closed sessions for legal consultation (KSA 75-4319 B2). No action was taken following the final session, and the meeting was adjourned.