Ottawa City Commission Meeting - October 7, 2026

The Ottawa City Commission met on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM, with Mayor Zach Clayton presiding and all commissioners present except Commissioner Van Leyden. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Chaplain John Holtz Hutter of Ottawa University. Key actions included the approval of a consent agenda, recognition of Fire Prevention Week and the late Gen Sharp, public comments on license plate readers and the data center, the establishment of a new housing incentive district (RHID), approval of a manhole lining project, and authorization to engage outside legal counsel for potential litigation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the September 23, 2026 regular meeting.
• Awarded a service contract for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Lining Project.
• Approved the agenda. All passed by voice vote with no opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sam White expressed strong opposition to the city’s use of Flock (ALPR) cameras, arguing they violate the First, Fourth, Ninth, and potentially Second and Fourteenth Amendments. He urged the city to follow Gardner and Wellsville in removing them. He returned later to ask about property tax increases related to development incentives.
• Corinne Olin criticized city leadership for the data center controversy, stating citizens’ voices have been ignored and accusing the city of enabling outside “dark money” (Defend U.S. PAC) to spread misinformation about a ballot question. She asserted the PAC’s claims are false.
• Mr. Williams announced he has filed complaints with the FBI and DOJ against the police chief and the city for mass surveillance via ALPR, citing violations of 18 USC 241 and 242. He referenced the ruling in United States v. Kyle to argue that ALPR is an unconstitutional warrantless search. He demanded immediate removal of the cameras.
• Polly (public hearing participant) questioned why the city raised property taxes by 9.74% if development incentives are being offered, suggesting taxpayers should not subsidize developer risk. Mayor Clayton responded that the RHID creates no taxpayer debt or risk and that adding homes to the tax roll ultimately lowers everyone’s burden.

Proclamations & Recognition

• Fire Prevention Week (October 4–10, 2026) was proclaimed. Fire Chief Dillon accepted and discussed safe charging of lithium-ion batteries, highlighting six NFPA-recommended habits and noting that the department offers CPR, car seat, and smoke alarm services.
• Gen Sharp was recognized posthumously for her contributions to the Ottawa Municipal Airport, including service on the Airport Advisory Board and co-founding Aviation Explorers Post 8000. Jim Reeder shared her biography as a renowned skydiver with over 6,800 jumps, who died in a 2025 skydiving accident. A moment of remembrance was observed.

Discussion Items

• South Haven Estates Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID): Assistant Director McCurdy presented the proposal for 23 single-family homes (3 floor plans, price points $350k–$500k) at 916 W. 17th Street. The developer, Premier Home Development, would recoup up to $1,345,575 in infrastructure costs over a 15-year term from property tax increments generated above the current base value. The city retains a 2.5% administrative fee. Feasibility study showed a 7.8% return with the incentive vs. a negative return without. Commissioner Skidmore recused himself due to involvement in the adjacent South Haven development. A public hearing was held; no additional public comment was received beyond Polly’s question. After the hearing, the commission moved to ordinance consideration.
• South Haven RHID Ordinance (11B): The ordinance was presented to establish the district and authorize the development agreement. Bond counsel Kevin Cowan explained that the tool allows all taxing subdivisions to share the cost of infrastructure and that the city assumes no risk—only the developer bears risk if increment is insufficient. Commissioner Skidmore praised the developer’s track record. The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote (3-0-1, with Mayor Pro Crowley recused per his earlier abstention).
• Sole Source Award for 2026 Manhole Lining Project (11C): Assistant Director Harn requested approval of Midwest Infrastructure Coding LLC as the exclusive OBIC applicator for manhole lining, costing $100,100. The project is part of the 2026 rehabilitation program, using trenchless technology to extend the life of existing sewer structures. The city has adequate budget remaining. Approval was granted on a roll-call vote (4-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Fire Prevention Proclamation: Approved.
• Gen Sharp Recognition: Accepted.
• South Haven RHID Ordinance: Approved (3-0-1, with Commissioner Skidmore recused). Establishes the district and authorizes the mayor to execute the development agreement, followed by a 30-day protest period for the Board of Education and County Commission.
• Manhole Lining Project: Approved (4-0), subject to written confirmation that quoted pricing remains valid.
• Authorization of Outside Legal Counsel: Following an executive session (30 minutes, KSA 75-4319(b)(2)), the commission voted (4-0) to engage Mark McFarland of Hinkle Law Firm to assist in defense against potential litigation, as recommended by City Attorney Finch who noted senior staff may be witnesses.
• Next Meetings: October 14 (4:00 PM), October 21 (10:00 AM), and October 28 study session (4:00 PM).