Public Meetings - Ottawa, Kansas

The Ottawa City Commission met on November 11, 2026. All commissioners were present. The meeting included updates on three properties facing code enforcement, unanimous acceptance of public improvements for the Northeast Village subdivision, and the conditional selection of firms for a proposed community center project. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the November 4, 2026 regular meeting. - Authorized setting a public hearing for the 2026 budget amendments. - Approved the agenda. Discussion Items - 1641 South Main Street: Property improvement partner Hodges reported demolition is nearing completion (expected by Thanksgiving). McCurdy Auto coordinated their own demolition with the contractor. The site will be graded and the land offered for sale. Commissioner Allen inquired about underground gas storage tanks, to which the status is unknown. - 1017 South Ash: The owner missed the September 4th work deadline. Notices to vacate were posted (deadline December 7th), and the city is preparing for a December 15th bid opening for demolition. Commissioner Skidmore appreciated the inclusion of community resource lists. Mayor Pro Tem Crowley expressed opposition to granting further extensions to the owner. - 214 South Main Street: The property owner has not allowed a full interior inspection. The city issued a two-week ultimatum for the owner to remove a drop ceiling to allow structural assessment. City Manager Motty emphasized the urgency due to potential winter snow loads. Commissioner Allen requested staff ask the owner about his grant application status during their next weekly check-in. - Northeast Village Subdivision Public Improvements: Director Finch presented the request to accept public infrastructure (sidewalks, sewers, water) valued at over $425,000 for the 40-unit townhome development. The developer confirmed construction is on track for occupancy in spring 2027. The resolution was approved unanimously. - Community Center Design Services: City Manager Motty selected BG Consultants from eight respondents, citing their extensive experience with CDBG-funded projects. Selection is contingent upon grant award. Approved unanimously. - Community Center Grant Administration: Wood O'Brien was selected for grant administration at a total cost of $39,282. City Manager Motty and Commissioner Skidmore noted the cost relative to the project scale and the critical compliance requirements for the CDBG program. Selection is contingent upon grant award. Approved unanimously. City Manager Report - Operations: Public Works inspected 406 storm drains, collecting over four tons of debris. Utilities installed a new water main on the 100 block of South Locust. Dead trees on Main Street were removed. - Events: Comprehensive Plan Open House (Nov 11), Murder Mystery Dinner (Nov 13), Hi-Fi Dueling Pianos (Nov 20), Mayor's Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade (Nov 28). - Reminders: Applications for the Utility Winter Assistance Program are due December 1st. Governing Body Comments - Commissioners thanked staff and volunteers for the Veterans Day Parade and flag displays. Mayor Clayton recognized the significance of November 11th as Armistice Day and thanked veterans for their service. Key Outcomes - Resolution 11D: Unanimously approved acceptance of Northeast Village public improvements. - Resolution 11E: Unanimously selected BG Consultants for community center design (contingent on CDBG grant). - Resolution 11F: Unanimously selected Wood O'Brien for grant administration (contingent on CDBG grant). - Property Deadlines: Demolition at 1641 S Main expected by Thanksgiving. Tenants at 1017 S Ash required to vacate by December 7th; demolition bid opening December 15th. Owner of 214 S Main given two weeks to allow inspection or city will contract for access. - Meeting Schedule: The November 25th study session was canceled. The next regular meeting is November 18th at 10 a.m.

The Ottawa City Commission held its regular meeting on November 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Key topics included public comments on the recent data center ballot measure, approval of community partner funding, a bid award for the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium kitchen renovation, public hearing and resolutions for a proposed community center at Forest Park, and a land proposal for the historical society. All votes were 4-0 except for the historical society land proposal which passed 3-1. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the October 21, 2026 regular meeting and October 28, 2026 study session. - Approved the purchase of a 1500 KVA pad mounted transformer. - Approved the agenda. - Motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Barbara Mezik (Ottawa resident) criticized the commission for ignoring the public's wishes regarding data centers and urged the commission to respect the ballot measure results. - Lori Hazen (lifelong resident, Ottawa United member) thanked voters and stated "your vote is your voice." - Rich Colson (Ottawa) noted that 2,882 people (nearly 72% of votes cast) voted to deny a hyperscale data center. He accused the commission of ignoring the public and urged them to represent the citizens. - Brooke Sheets (Ottawa alumni) reported that on November 3, 2026, 10 states had local ballot measures targeting data centers, and only one (in North Dakota) failed. She stated "we may not be able to outspend you, but we will outvote you" and requested an open forum. Discussion Items - 11A: Community Partner Funding Agreements – Director Landis presented agreements for the Elizabeth Leighton Center ($7,806) and Ottawa Main Street ($47,000). The agreements include reporting and planning requirements. Approved unanimously. - 11B: OMA Kitchen and Restroom Renovation – Director Evans presented a bid from Lloyd Builders totaling $164,213. The project includes a base kitchen bid ($125,838) and two alternates: removing a hallway ($11,734) and restroom updates ($26,641). Grant funding covers $117,000 (Blue Cross Blue Shield $50,000, Goppert Foundation $58,000, Franklin County Community Foundation $9,000). Net city cost is $47,213 from Capital Improvement Fund. Approved unanimously. - 11C: Public Hearing for CDBG Blueprint to Build Community Center – City Manager Marty presented the updated design for a large gym and pool facility at Forest Park with an estimated cost of $12,595,110.39. The state grant would provide $4 million. Public comments included questions about traffic, floodplain, operating costs ($294,000 annual estimate), and affordability. The hearing was closed. - 11D: Resolution Authorizing CDBG Grant Application – Resolution to submit the grant application and commit $8,595,110.39 in city cash funds. Director Landis explained that this commits funds only if the grant is awarded and the city decides to proceed. Approved unanimously. - 11E: Resolution for Operation and Maintenance – Resolution committing the city to operational and maintenance costs of the proposed community center, as required by CDBG. Approved unanimously. - 11F: Land Proposal for Historical Society – City Manager Marty proposed a 12-month lease with deed transfer option for a 40x80 storage building at 801 East Enterprise. The county and historical society support the move. The building would replace an existing storage facility that must be vacated by March 2027. Approved 3-1 (Mayor Pro Tem Crowley voted no; Commissioners Skidmore, Van Leyden, and Mayor Clayton voted yes). Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously. - 11A (community partner agreements) approved unanimously. - 11B (OMA renovation) approved unanimously. - 11C public hearing held; no vote taken. - 11D (grant application resolution) approved unanimously. - 11E (O&M resolution) approved unanimously. - 11F (historical society land) approved 3-1. - City manager provided operational highlights and upcoming events. - Commissioners congratulated Rebecca Schmoey on her election and thanked Franklin County Honors for Veterans Day decorations.

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.

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.