Ottawa City Commission Meeting - October 21, 2026

The Ottawa City Commission met on October 21, 2026, at City Hall. Mayor Clayton presided with Commissioners Allen, Skidmore, and Van Leyden present; Mayor Pro Tim Crowley was absent, establishing a quorum. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Pastor Dakota Smith of Ottawa Bible Church. Key topics included approval of the consent agenda, public comment on data center development, third-quarter departmental reports, updates on infrastructure projects, and a promotion announcement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the October 14, 2026 regular meeting
• Approved the September 2026 Financial Monthly Report
• Approved partner agency reports for September 2026 for Ottawa Main Street and Ottawa Library
• Approved the Downtown Ottawa Master Plan Professional Services Agreement with Olson Inc.
• Approved the meeting agenda

All consent items were approved by a voice vote with unanimous support.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Polly Steamer (3332 Rock Creek Road): Expressed appreciation for the removal of dead trees on Main Street. Criticized the city commission for granting a second extension to Lightfield Energy's contract to purchase Proximity Park in February 2026, despite being informed two years ago that tax incentives (up to 75% abatement) were unnecessary for data center buyers. Noted the $5.3 million sale price against over $20 million in taxpayer sunk costs, and argued the contract lacked specific regulations for a hyperscale data center. Urged greater public involvement and protective regulations before future contracts.

Discussion Items

• Third Quarter 2026 Department Reports and Active Project Updates: City Manager staff presented the quarterly report. Commissioner Skidmore commended the finance department for maximizing returns on idle funds (e.g., a six-month CD at 4.5%). Updates included:
  • Main Street tree removal: 72 trees removed between 5th and 13th streets in one day; 101 total in two days, with stump grinding scheduled. Commissioner Allen noted improved downtown appearance.
  • 15th Street intersection improvements (with GFT): Pre-construction meeting held; sidewalk work expected to start within two weeks, but completion this year not guaranteed.
  • 11th Street sidewalk: Plans being finalized with KDOT; going out for bid within weeks; anticipated completion before school ends in May 2027.
  • South Princeton sidewalk project: Still in design, flags marking survey area; construction not expected until early to mid-2028.
  • Grant applications: 30 submitted year-to-date.
  • Citywide cleanup: 39 large dumpsters collected, totaling over 64 tons of debris; tire numbers pending.
  • Golf course performance: 18-hole rounds up 14% year-to-date; total rounds up 7.3%; Q3 saw 5,253 rounds.
  • OMA's Taps and Tunes fundraiser: Saturday, October 24, at 6 p.m.; $25 tickets for tasting, $15 for concert only.
  • OMA kitchen renovation: Bids received; update to commission in coming weeks.
• City Manager's Operational Highlights:
  • Utilities and Public Works: Tree removal along Main Street coordinated efficiently, cutting road closure time.
  • Water Reclamation Facility: PLC/SCADA control system replacement with Padradi; basin maintenance completed.
  • Electric Production: Unit 6 annual preventative maintenance with favorable results.
  • Electric Distribution: Installed military banners on poles.
  • Public Works: Inspected 60 stormwater boxes; completed utility cut repairs on Hickory.
  • Police: Multiple arrests for impaired driving, traffic offenses, warrants; behavioral health calls; property crime investigations (card fraud, theft, burglary).
  • Reminded of utility winter assistance applications available.
  • Upcoming events: Trick-or-Treat on Main Street (Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-noon); Haunted Bingo (Oct. 30, 6-8 p.m.); Comprehensive Plan Open House (Nov. 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Ottawa University).
• Promotion Announcement: City Manager announced that DJ Welsh has been promoted from Interim Public Works Director to Public Works Director, effective immediately. Welsh has been with the city since 2011 and was praised for his leadership during the tornado response, event planning, street maintenance, and park improvements. Commissioners offered congratulations.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent agenda unanimously.
• Received and discussed the third-quarter 2026 department reports; no formal votes taken.
• Commissioners commended staff for efficiency in tree removal, financial management, and community engagement.
• Commissioner Skidmore clarified that the Proximity Park sale ($5.3 million vs. $20 million investment) was never finalized as a development agreement; future tax abatement percentages (25-50%) were not negotiated. He characterized the sale as akin to a contract for deed, with the difference made up through future tax revenue and job creation.
• Unanimously approved a motion to enter executive session for consultation with legal counsel regarding pending legal matters (KSA 75-4319B2), not to exceed 45 minutes. The session began at approximately 10:30 a.m. (no exact time given) and concluded with a motion to exit, after which the meeting was adjourned.