Ottawa City Commission Meeting – October 14, 2026

The Ottawa City Commission met on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to discuss and act on several items, including a detailed presentation on the police department's Flock license plate reader program, a contract for HVAC replacement at Fire Station 1, and a revised public hearing notice for the CDBG community center project. The meeting included public comment from a resident critical of the Flock system and concluded with operational updates and announcements.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from October 7, 2026 regular meeting – Approved.
• Authorization to execute internet service agreements – Approved.
• Agenda approval – Approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Williams addressed the Commission regarding Flock cameras and license plate readers. He presented audit log data he obtained covering September 2025 to August 2026, stating that 29 people conducted 1,561 searches, with over one-third not being plate searches (using descriptions like "white Toyota no plate"). He noted that 104 searches were conducted on cell phones, 75 by one officer. He argued the city is in violation of Flock's permitted use clause and that he had contacted Flock legal. He urged the Commission to terminate the contract, citing a $500 per camera termination fee, and said he would withdraw his complaints if the city did so.

Discussion Items

• Item 11a – Flock Cameras and License Plate Reader Presentation – Chief Weingartner provided an informational presentation on the department's fixed and mobile license plate reader (LPR) program. Key points included:

  • The program was authorized in March 2023 through a private-public partnership with Walmart and city manager approval.
  • Fixed-base cameras are located at city entry points; mobile readers are on canine and patrol vehicles.
  • Data is retained for 30 days unless part of an active investigation; the system does not identify people, perform facial recognition, or track vehicles continuously.
  • The department has a CLEA-accredited policy requiring a case number and reason for each search; field-level auditing is built into the Flock system.
  • Successful outcomes cited include locating missing persons from other states, recovering stolen vehicles, and aiding in a juvenile sexual assault investigation.
  • Chief Weingartner noted he is participating in a statewide committee to recommend Kansas legislation on privacy concerns.
  • City Attorney Blaine reviewed current Fourth Amendment case law, noting that two U.S. District Court opinions in Kansas (Jackson and Oaks) have found LPR use constitutional, while a recent Oklahoma case (Kyle) reached a different conclusion. He advised that binding precedent in Kansas supports constitutionality but the law is evolving.
  • Commissioners discussed civil liberties concerns, the effectiveness of the technology, and the contract's expiration in 2028.
  • Commissioner Van Leyden expressed caution, citing concerns from reading 1984 and the need for continued research. He favored ongoing updates rather than immediate action.
  • Mayor Clayton questioned whether innocent people should be concerned about plate photography; others highlighted the ability to locate missing children and wanted fugitives.
  • Commissioner Skidmore asked about internal auditing; Chief confirmed annual audits and system flags for anomalies.
  • Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Crowley: Take no action at this time, keep updated on court cases and legislative developments, and review the contract when it expires in 2028. Seconded. Passed 4-1 (Mayor Clayton voted no). The motion aligned with Option 1 (no formal action) but also directed staff to continue research.

• Item 11b – HVAC Replacement at Ottawa Fire Station 1 – Fire Chief Dillon presented a recommendation to accept BCI Mechanical's bid of $184,564 to replace the HVAC system, which is approximately 30 years old. The system uses obsolete refrigerant, has failing duct heaters, and lacks adequate cooling. The sole bid was deemed fair after staff review; construction is planned for spring 2027. Funds are available in the Capital Improvement Fund (050). Motion to approve. Passed unanimously 5-0 (roll call all yes).

• Item 11c – Revised Public Hearing Notice for CDBG Blueprint to Build Community Center Project – City Manager presented an update on the proposed large gym and pool community center at Forest Park. A preliminary architectural report has been completed, and updated project cost is approximately $12.6 million. The city's match would be about $8.5 million. The Commission authorized publication of a revised notice and set a second public hearing for November 4, 2026 at 7 p.m. Staff will also bring CDBG resolutions to that meeting. No financial commitment was made at this time. Motion to approve. Passed unanimously 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Flock Camera Program: No action taken; police department to continue current operations. Commissioners requested ongoing updates on legal and legislative developments. The contract will be reviewed at its 2028 expiration. (Vote 4-1)
• HVAC Replacement at Fire Station 1: Contract awarded to BCI Mechanical for $184,564, construction in spring 2027. (Unanimous)
• CDBG Community Center Project: Second public hearing set for November 4, 2026; revised notice to be published October 21, 2026. Staff to proceed with final grant application after hearing. (Unanimous)
• City Manager Comments: Operational highlights included water treatment basin cleaning, electric generation (22,100 kWh from Unit 6, 39,001 kWh from Unit 7), police investigations, fire prevention week activities, and special recognition for Captain Donovan's chief fire officer designation. Upcoming events: Leadership Franklin County presentation (Oct 15), Third Thursday event (Oct 15), Trick-or-Treat Main Street (Oct 24), Comprehensive Plan Open House (Nov 11). The citywide cleanup is scheduled for October 15-16 with dumpster locations.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Skidmore noted a data center forum at Ottawa University; Mayor Pro Crowley reminded residents to prepare for cold weather and highlighted new murals on Ottawa University campus.