Manhattan meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Manhattan boards take up budget, zoning, and airport items; no decisions yet

Manhattan boards and committees met over the past two weeks to review the proposed 2027 budget, a street maintenance sales tax question, a zoning exception for a church elevator, and airport and parks updates. All meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no formal decisions were made.

City Commission

At an Aug. 11 work session, the City Commission discussed the proposed 2027 budget, a street maintenance sales tax question, and housing policies. The session was for feedback and direction only; no formal action was taken. Public comment was permitted.

Airport Advisory Board

On Aug. 10, the Airport Advisory Board heard updates on American Airlines service, the Airport Emergency Plan full-scale exercise, and Taxiway Alpha. The board also elected officers and approved minutes from its May 11 meeting.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Also on Aug. 10, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed summer programs, received a Flint Hills Discovery Center update, and elected officers. The board heard the June monthly report and July financial report and approved minutes from a July 20 special meeting.

Board of Zoning Appeals

On Aug. 12, the Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing on an exception request (EXC-26-010) from Seven Dolors Catholic Church to reduce the alley setback from 8 feet to 3 feet at 624 Pierre St., to accommodate an elevator replacement. The applicant is Brayson Benne of Olsson. The board also approved minutes from its July 8 meeting. The next meeting is set for Sept. 9.

Planning Board

On Aug. 17, the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board held a work session to review amendments to the Manhattan Development Code prompted by Senate Bill 418. The board also considered approving minutes from its Aug. 3 meeting and heard planning updates from staff.

Community Support Funds Advisory Board

On Aug. 19, the Community Support Funds Advisory Board reviewed 2027 annual funding applications for social services and special alcohol programs, and set interview schedules for applicants. The board approved minutes from its June 3 meeting.

Coming up

• **City Commission luncheon** – Aug. 24, 2026. The commission will hear presentations on US Army Corps of Engineers flood control and a jobs and growth presentation from WTC Fiber CEO Jeff Wick. No formal decisions are scheduled.

Manhattan City Commission approves $4.6M in payments, zoo design contract

The Manhattan City Commission approved $4,641,525.67 in payments and a $561,442 design contract for new Sunset Zoo exhibits at its Aug. 4 meeting. The commission also authorized a $114,207 professional services agreement for water and wastewater plant switchgear recertification and a $10,000 construction manager agreement for preconstruction services.

City Commission approves payments and contracts

The commission approved Claims Register No. 3127 for $4,641,525.67. It authorized a $114,207 agreement with Border States Industries for the Water and Wastewater Plant Switchgear Recertification Project. A $10,000 Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with McCownGordon Construction covers Phase 1 preconstruction services. The commission also approved a $561,442 professional services agreement with Anderson Knight Architects for design of the Sunset Zoo Lemur and Americas Exhibits. A $14,800 contract amendment with Olsson, Inc. for Water Treatment Plant Lime Sludge Lagoon Improvements was authorized.

Commission discusses 2027 budget and street maintenance tax

At an Aug. 11 work session, the commission discussed the proposed 2027 budget, a potential street maintenance sales tax question, and housing policies. No formal action was taken; the session allowed for presentations and public comment, with the commission providing feedback and direction.

Planning board reviews land-use and driveway amendments

The Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board met Aug. 3 to hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to Riley County Land Development Regulations, including land-use tables and specific sections. Work sessions reviewed proposed changes to driveway standards in unincorporated Riley County and use-specific standards. A third work session discussed amendments to the Manhattan Development Code prompted by Senate Bill 418. Minutes are not yet published.

Airport board hears airline update

The Airport Advisory Board met Aug. 10 to hear an American Airlines update from Brennan Walter, an Airport Emergency Plan full-scale exercise report from Eric Peters, and a Taxiway Alpha update from Brandon Keazer. The board also elected officers and approved minutes from May 11, 2026.

Parks board reviews summer programs

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met Aug. 10 to elect officers, review summer programs, and receive a Flint Hills Discovery Center update. The board approved minutes from the July 20 special meeting and heard the June monthly report and July financial report.

Zoning appeals board considers church elevator exception

The Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing Aug. 12 on exception EXC-26-010, a request from Seven Dolors Catholic Church to reduce the alley building setback from 8 feet to 3 feet at 624 Pierre Street for an elevator replacement. The applicant is Brayson Benne of Olsson. The board also approved minutes from July 8, 2026. Its next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9.

Coming up

• **Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board** – Aug. 17, work session on Manhattan Development Code amendments from Senate Bill 418, plus approval of Aug. 3 minutes. Public comments invited.
• **Community Support Funds Advisory Board** – Aug. 19, review of 2027 annual funding applications for social services and special alcohol programs, and setting interview schedules.

Manhattan boards take up church elevator, land-use rules; commission weighs $4.6M in claims

Manhattan city boards and commissions met over the past two weeks to consider a range of items, from a historic church elevator addition to land-use regulation changes and more than $4.6 million in city payments. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings, so official decisions are pending.

City Commission

The City Commission met on August 4 to review routine payments and several contracts. The agenda included:

• Approving Claims Register No. 3127 for $4,641,525.67 in payments.
• Authorizing a $114,207 professional services agreement with Border States Industries for the Water and Wastewater Plant Switchgear Recertification.
• Approving a $10,000 Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with McCownGordon Construction for Phase 1 Preconstruction Services.
• Approving a $561,442 Professional Services Agreement with Anderson Knight Architects for Sunset Zoo exhibit design.
• Authorizing a $14,800 contract amendment with Olsson, Inc. for Water Treatment Plant Lime Sludge Lagoon Improvements.

No minutes have been published, so the commission's final actions are not yet known.

Historic Resources Board

The Historic Resources Board met on July 27 to review a major addition at Seven Dolors Church. The board considered whether an elevator addition meets the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. The agenda also included a training session on board roles, sign permits for 214 S 4th Street and 2323 Anderson Avenue, and approval of the June 22, 2026 meeting minutes.

Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board

The Planning Board met on August 3 to hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to Riley County Land Development Regulations, covering sections 5.2.a, 5.6.a.2, 7.2.b, 6.8.c, 5.2.g, table 5.1, and a new section 5.2.ai. The board also held work sessions on driveway standards in unincorporated Riley County, use-specific standards, and amendments to the Manhattan Development Code prompted by Senate Bill 418.

Intergovernmental Luncheon

The City Commission also met on July 27 for an intergovernmental luncheon, which included program updates from Manhattan Area Technical College President and CEO James Genandt.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days, according to the provided data.

Manhattan boards review rezoning, audits, and zoo design as summer meetings continue

City Commission weighed rezoning, $6.9M in claims

The Manhattan City Commission had a busy agenda on July 21, 2026, though minutes have not yet been published so outcomes are not confirmed. Scheduled items included two rezoning ordinances: Ordinance No. 7832, which would rezone land north of East Poyntz Avenue and Sarber Lane to Commercial Planned Unit Development, and Ordinance No. 7833, which would rezone 930 Yuma Street to Business Commercial.

The commission was also set to approve payment of claims from July 2–16, 2026, totaling $6,971,623.13; authorize purchase of a 2026 F600 with an Aerial Bucket unit for $215,804.00; and consider a grant agreement with Riley County for the 2027 Recovery Court Program totaling $30,000.00.

A separate City Commission meeting on July 27 was scheduled as an intergovernmental luncheon, featuring program updates from Manhattan Area Technical College President and CEO James Genandt.

Audit board reviewed 2025 audit and ERP system

The Manhattan Municipal Audit Board met July 21, 2026, to approve minutes from its October 13, 2025 meeting and receive a finance update. Agenda items included a 2025 Audit Update, an ERP Update, and a broader City of Manhattan Finance update. Minutes have not yet been published.

Historic Resources Board took up Seven Dolors Church elevator

The Historic Resources Board met July 27, 2026, to conduct a major review of a proposed elevator addition at Seven Dolors Church, determining whether the project meets the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. The board also held a training session on its roles and responsibilities and considered minor sign permits for 214 S 4th Street and 2323 Anderson Avenue. Approval of June 22, 2026 meeting minutes was also on the agenda. Minutes are not yet available.

Parks board discussed fall programs, officer elections

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board convened July 20, 2026, to approve June 8, 2026 minutes, review May and June financial reports, and discuss Fall Recreation Programs. The board also received a presentation on the 2nd Quarter Move MHK Goal Review and planned for election of officers at its next meeting. Minutes have not been published.

Coming up

Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board — Monday, Aug. 3, 2026: A public hearing on amendments to Riley County Land Development Regulations, covering multiple sections including land-use tables. Three work sessions will follow, addressing driveway standards in unincorporated Riley County, use-specific standards, and amendments to the Manhattan Development Code prompted by Senate Bill 418.

City Commission — Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026: The commission will consider Claims Register No. 3127 totaling $4,641,525.67; a $114,207 professional services agreement with Border States Industries for Water and Wastewater Plant Switchgear Recertification; a $10,000 Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with McCownGordon Construction for Phase 1 Preconstruction Services; a $561,442 professional services agreement with Anderson Knight Architects for Sunset Zoo Lemur and Americas Exhibits design; and a $14,800 contract amendment with Olsson, Inc. for Water Treatment Plant Lime Sludge Lagoon Improvements.

*Note: All recent meetings listed above were agenda-only at the time of this report. Minutes have not yet been published, so final actions and vote tallies are not available. Readers should consult official city records for confirmed outcomes.*

Manhattan boards weigh property tax resolution, $1.2 million construction contract, and rezonings

The Manhattan City Commission was scheduled this month to act on a $6.4 million claims register, a $1.2 million construction contract for Autumn Ridge Addition, and a resolution declaring intent to levy property taxes above the Revenue Neutral Rate. Because meeting minutes have not yet been published, outcomes for these items are not confirmed.

City Commission — July 7 and July 14

The July 7 regular meeting agenda included approval of $6,441,462.56 in claims payments and award of a $1,207,465.18 construction contract to Ebert Construction for Autumn Ridge Addition. Also on the agenda: a resolution to levy property tax above the Revenue Neutral Rate, with a public hearing set for September 15, 2026; traveling exhibit agreements for the Flint Hills Discovery Center totaling $144,200; and a $13,250 additional grant for Downtown Manhattan, Inc.

A special meeting on July 14 carried Resolution No. 071426-A, which would declare the Commission's intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate and set a public hearing for September 15, 2026. The same meeting included public comment on the tax levy resolution and discussions — with no action required — on a workforce housing sales tax for the Halcyon Subdivision and on debt, mill levy, and sales tax renewal.

Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board — July 6

The Planning Board was set to conduct four public hearings, with recommendations to be forwarded to the City Commission or Riley County Commission. The items were: rezone 5.9 acres from AG to I-1 (RCF-26-091); rezone 421–467 E. Poyntz Ave. to a Planet Fitness Planned Unit Development (PUD-26-022); rezone 930 Yuma St. from RL-A/O-EN to BC (REZ-26-078); and a preliminary plat for the 11.54-acre Penrose Valley Addition east of Grand Mere Pkwy and Kimball Ave (SUB-26-018).

Board of Zoning Appeals — July 8

The Board of Zoning Appeals was scheduled to elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson and hold two exception hearings: a rear yard setback reduction to 12 feet at 1326 N 11th Street, and a street side setback reduction to zero feet plus a parking reduction to seven spaces at 930 Yuma Street.

Advisory Boards — July 13–16

The Flint Hills Discovery Center Advisory Board was set to review its April 13, 2026 minutes and discuss the FHDC Strategic Plan, a 2027 budget update, an outdoor classroom renovation project, a Vigilance Bison Sculpture, and traveling exhibits.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board agenda included bylaws updates, a fall recreation programs preview, a 2nd Quarter Move MHK goal review, a June financial report, and a 2nd Quarter Scholarship Report.

The Aggieville Business Improvement District Advisory Board was scheduled to approve April 16, 2026 minutes and receive a City of Manhattan finance update and a Director update.

The Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board was set to review April 20, 2026 minutes, receive a finance update, and hear proposed changes to the DBID map.

The Cemetery Board was scheduled to discuss a Sunset Cemetery Historic Designation, potential fee changes, and the Sexton's revenue report.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Parks and Recreation Advisory Board:** Approval of June 8 minutes, May and June financial reports, fall recreation programs discussion, 2nd Quarter Move MHK goal review, and officer elections.
• **July 21 — City Commission:** Consideration of Ordinance No. 7832 (rezoning land north of East Poyntz Avenue and Sarber Lane to Commercial PUD) and Ordinance No. 7833 (rezoning 930 Yuma Street to Business Commercial); $6,971,623.13 in claims; $215,804.00 purchase of a 2026 F600 with Aerial Bucket unit; and a $30,000.00 grant agreement with Riley County for the 2027 Recovery Court Program.
• **July 21 — Municipal Audit Board:** Approval of October 13, 2025 minutes, a 2025 audit update, an ERP update, and a City of Manhattan finance update.

Note: All recent meetings listed above are agenda-only; minutes have not been published, so final votes and outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Manhattan boards weigh budget, property tax rate, and land-use cases; outcomes pending as minutes not yet published

Most consequential items on recent Manhattan government agendas centered on money and land: a proposed 2027 city budget, a possible property-tax levy above the revenue-neutral rate, a $1.2 million construction contract, and a $6.4 million claims register. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available; the items below reflect what was scheduled for consideration.

City Commission

The City Commission had two sessions in the past two weeks. A June 30 work session was set to review the proposed 2027 budget and a sales tax renewal, with updates on the Manhattan Regional Airport and automated license plate readers. No formal votes were scheduled for that session.

A July 7 regular meeting agenda included:

• Approval of $6,441,462.56 in claims payments.
• Award of a $1,207,465.18 construction contract to Ebert Construction for Autumn Ridge Addition.
• A resolution to levy property tax above the Revenue Neutral Rate, which would set a public hearing for September 15, 2026.
• Traveling exhibit agreements for the Flint Hills Discovery Center totaling $144,200.
• A $13,250 additional grant for Downtown Manhattan, Inc.

Minutes for the July 7 meeting have not been published, so it is not yet confirmed which items were approved or how commissioners voted.

Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board

On July 6, the Planning Board was scheduled to hold four public hearings, with decisions forwarded as recommendations to the City Commission or Riley County Commission:

• Rezone 5.9 acres from AG to I-1 (RCF-26-091).
• Rezone 421–467 E. Poyntz Ave. to a Planet Fitness PUD (PUD-26-022).
• Rezone 930 Yuma St. from RL-A/O-EN to BC (REZ-26-078).
• Preliminary plat for Penrose Valley Addition, 11.54 acres east of Grand Mere Pkwy & Kimball Ave (SUB-26-018).

Outcomes are not yet available.

Board of Zoning Appeals

The July 8 agenda included election of a chairperson and vice-chairperson, plus two exception hearings:

• 1326 N 11th Street: proposed rear yard setback reduction to 12 feet.
• 930 Yuma Street: proposed street side setback reduction to zero feet and parking reduction to seven spaces.

Results are pending publication of minutes.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Flint Hills Discovery Center Advisory Board:** Review of April 13, 2026 minutes, center and foundation reports, FHDC Strategic Plan, and 2027 budget update. Items include the Outdoor Classroom Renovation Project, Vigilance Bison Sculpture, and traveling exhibits.
• **July 14 — City Commission work session:** Workforce housing sales tax presentation for the Halcyon subdivision, plus discussion of debt, mill levy, and sales tax renewal.
• **July 14 — Aggieville Business Improvement District Advisory Board:** Approval of April 16, 2026 minutes, City of Manhattan finance update, and director update.
• **July 14 — Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board:** Review of April 20, 2026 minutes, finance update, and proposed changes to the DBID map.
• **July 16 — Cemetery Board:** Sunset Cemetery Historic Designation discussion, fees discussion, and Sexton's revenue report.

Manhattan roundup: City Commission set to vote on $1.2M construction contract, property tax resolution; recent meetings await minutes

Manhattan's City Commission is scheduled to vote July 7 on a $1.2 million construction contract for the Autumn Ridge Addition and a resolution to levy property taxes above the state's Revenue Neutral Rate, according to the meeting agenda. The same consent agenda includes $6.4 million in claims payments and $144,200 in traveling exhibit agreements for the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

Recent meetings: agendas only, no minutes yet

Five public meetings were held between June 22 and June 30, but minutes have not been published for any of them. What follows is based on the published agendas; outcomes are not yet confirmed.

City Commission (June 22): An intergovernmental luncheon focused on regional planning, with a presentation by the Flint Hills MPO on the Big Blue River 2nd Connection project. No formal action was listed.

Historic Resources Board (June 22): The board was scheduled to decide whether the Yuma Street Cultural Center rehabilitation project meets the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. The agenda also included a work session on the Seven Dolors Master Plan update and a minor review of roof replacements at 2048 and 2063 Hunting Avenue.

City Commission (June 23): A work session on water and wastewater utility rates, stormwater updates and future projects, Evergy and Kansas Gas franchise agreements and fees, and a revenue and assessed valuation overview. The agenda notes that no formal action was taken and that public comment was allowed on each item. A Visit Manhattan tourism update was also listed.

Human Rights Advisory Board (June 24): A largely procedural agenda included introducing new member Kris Bailey, electing officers, approving minutes from September 24, 2025, and a chair's proposal to hold meetings on an as-needed basis.

City Commission (June 30): A work session to review the proposed 2027 budget and a sales tax renewal proposal. Updates on the Manhattan Regional Airport and automated license plate readers were also scheduled. No formal votes were listed.

Coming up

July 6 — Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board: Four public hearings are scheduled, all resulting in recommendations forwarded to the City Commission or Riley County Commission. The hearings cover rezoning 5.9 acres from AG to I-1 (RCF-26-091), rezoning 421–467 E. Poyntz Ave. to a Planet Fitness PUD (PUD-26-022), rezoning 930 Yuma St. from RL-A/O-EN to BC (REZ-26-078), and a preliminary plat for the 11.54-acre Penrose Valley Addition east of Grand Mere Pkwy and Kimball Ave (SUB-26-018).

July 7 — City Commission: The most consequential agenda of the week. Scheduled votes include approving $6,441,462.56 in claims payments, awarding a $1,207,465.18 construction contract to Ebert Construction for the Autumn Ridge Addition, approving a resolution to levy property tax above the Revenue Neutral Rate with a public hearing set for September 15, 2026, approving traveling exhibit agreements for the Flint Hills Discovery Center totaling $144,200, and approving a $13,250 additional grant for Downtown Manhattan, Inc.

July 8 — Board of Zoning Appeals: The board will elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson, then hold two exception hearings: a rear yard setback reduction to 12 feet at 1326 N 11th Street, and a street side setback reduction to zero feet plus a parking reduction to seven spaces at 930 Yuma Street.

City Commission to Vote on Exceeding Revenue Neutral Property Tax Rate

The Manhattan City Commission will decide July 7 whether to adopt a resolution that allows the city to levy a property tax above the revenue neutral rate, setting up a public hearing later this year. The action, which requires formal vote, heads an agenda that also includes a $1.2 million construction contract and multiple exhibit agreements for the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

Recent discussions

No formal votes were recorded in the past two weeks, as the City Commission and advisory boards held work sessions and presentations. On June 22, the commission received a presentation on the Big Blue River 2nd Connection project from the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization. The Historic Resources Board on the same day considered whether the Yuma Street Cultural Center rehabilitation meets federal standards, but minutes are not yet available.

A June 23 work session covered water and wastewater utility rates, stormwater funding, franchise agreements with Evergy and Kansas Gas, and an overview of property assessments. Commissioners gave feedback but took no action. The Human Rights Advisory Board met June 24 to elect officers and welcome new member Kris Bailey; the board also discussed moving to an as‑needed meeting schedule.

On June 30, the commission reviewed the proposed 2027 budget and a sales tax renewal proposal and received updates on automated license plate readers and Manhattan Regional Airport. Again, no votes occurred.

Property tax vote and July 7 agenda

The resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate would schedule a public hearing for September 15, 2026. If approved, it represents a step toward a potential property tax increase. The consent agenda also includes $6,441,462.56 in claims payments, a $1,207,465.18 construction contract awarded to Ebert Construction for the Autumn Ridge Addition, and traveling exhibit agreements for the Flint Hills Discovery Center totaling $144,200. A $13,250 additional grant for Downtown Manhattan, Inc. is also on the consent calendar.

Land‑use hearings

Before the commission meeting, the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board meets July 6 to hear four public requests: rezoning 5.9 acres from AG to I‑1 (RCF‑26‑091); creating a Planet Fitness planned unit development at 421–467 E. Poyntz Ave. (PUD‑26‑022); rezoning 930 Yuma St. from RL‑A/O‑EN to BC (REZ‑26‑078); and a preliminary plat for the Penrose Valley Addition, an 11.54‑acre subdivision east of Grand Mere Parkway and Kimball Avenue (SUB‑26‑018). Board recommendations will go to the City or Riley County Commission.

On July 8, the Board of Zoning Appeals will elect officers and hear two exceptions: a rear‑yard setback reduction to 12 feet at 1326 N 11th Street, and a street‑side setback reduction to zero feet plus a parking reduction to seven spaces at 930 Yuma Street.

Coming up

• **Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board** – July 6, public hearings on four rezoning and plat requests.
• **City Commission** – July 7, vote on tax resolution, consent agenda with $6.4M in claims and $1.2M construction contract.
• **Board of Zoning Appeals** – July 8, election of officers and setback/parking exceptions.