Ottawa meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Ottawa condemns unsafe Main Street building; commission to weigh $4M bank bond

The Ottawa City Commission on Aug. 5 condemned a commercial building at 214 S. Main St. as unsafe, ordering it repaired or demolished. The commission also approved a consent agenda and later held a closed session on the Proximity Park land sale. On Aug. 19, the commission will consider a $4 million bond for Kansas State Bank.

Building condemned at 214 S. Main St.

The commission adopted Resolution No. 2019-26 unanimously after a public hearing. Staff cited a deteriorating ceiling and a fractured floor beam. The property owner said he is working on repairs and exploring financing options. The resolution orders the building repaired or demolished.

Consent agenda approved

The commission approved the consent agenda as amended, also unanimously. This included a proclamation recognizing Bethany Chapel Baptist Church's 159th anniversary, the appointment of Michael Wilson to the OMA Advisory Board, and an OMA Boiler Project Change Order.

Closed session on Proximity Park land sale

On Aug. 7, the commission met in special session and recessed into a 60-minute executive session with the City Attorney to discuss privileged legal matters regarding pending litigation. After reconvening, Mayor Clayton announced that the inspection period for the Proximity Park land sale agreement with Lightfield Energy, LLC has ended. The commission directed legal counsel and staff to review options. No formal decisions were made. Further discussion was scheduled for the Aug. 12 commission meeting.

Planning Commission to hear capital improvement program

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at its Aug. 12 meeting. The CIP outlines major capital projects over five years, including water line replacements, street improvements, and airport upgrades. The commission will also consider a motion to find the CIP in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan and discuss a Comprehensive Plan update. Written comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. on the meeting date.

Coming up: Aug. 19 City Commission

The City Commission will consider setting a public hearing for Sept. 2 on issuing up to $4 million in taxable industrial revenue bonds for Kansas State Bank's acquisition and rehabilitation of a building at 122 W. Tecumseh St. The commission will also consider awarding a construction contract for the 15th Street traffic signal and sidewalk, authorizing repairs to Bucket Truck #13 by Altec, and considering a resolution for the South Haven Estates Reinvestment Housing Incentive District. Director Landis will provide a 2027 budget update. The agenda includes consent items, public comments, and two executive sessions for legal consultation.

Ottawa City Commission approves $31,000 LMI survey, moves toward 2027 budget at 46.136 mills

The Ottawa City Commission unanimously authorized a $31,000 Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) survey agreement with Governmental Assistance Services on July 8, the first step in a process that could unlock grant funding for city projects. The same meeting set the stage for the 2027 budget, with commissioners reaching consensus to prepare a spending plan based on a 46.136-mill property tax rate for further consideration on July 15.

LMI survey approved

The commission voted unanimously to authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate and execute the LMI survey agreement with Governmental Assistance Services at a fixed fee of $31,000. The consent agenda was also approved unanimously, with all present members voting aye. LMI surveys are used to document the income makeup of an area, which can determine eligibility for certain state and federal housing or infrastructure grants.

2027 budget heads toward a vote

Commissioners reached consensus on July 8 to have staff prepare the 2027 budget using the 46.136-mill option, labeled Option 3, for further consideration at the July 15 meeting. According to the July 15 agenda, staff recommended that rate to cover $814,750 in operational cost increases and maintain current service levels. The commission was scheduled to vote on a resolution to exceed the state-mandated Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2027 operating budget, setting a maximum property tax mill rate of 46.136. The agenda also called for scheduling a public hearing for September 2, 2026, to finalize the budget. Minutes from the July 15 meeting have not yet been published, so the outcome of those votes is not yet confirmed.

Other July 15 agenda items

The July 15 agenda included several additional items for commission action or review:

• Approval of a $12,500 design agreement with BG Consultants for the Lakeside Estates Shared Use Path.
• Consideration of a no-parking ordinance for the 2300 block of South King Street.
• Review of conditional use permits that would allow duplexes at 808 and 816 S. Cypress Street.

Planning Commission reviews five-year capital plan

The Planning Commission continued its review of the City of Ottawa's five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 2027-2031 on July 8. Projects listed in the agenda include reconstruction and extension of the airport runway and taxiway, Aquatic Center improvements, a NE Substation reliability and capacity upgrade, a Levee System Study and Skunk Run stormwater improvements, and water line replacements on 19th & Elm, Cedar Street, and Davis Road. Dollar amounts for individual projects were not specified in the agenda. The Planning Commission must determine whether the CIP conforms to the Comprehensive Plan before the City Commission can approve it. A public hearing on the CIP is scheduled for August 12.

Coming up

• **July 22 — City Commission:** Public hearings and possible resolutions to condemn a commercial structure at 1641 S. Main St. and a multi-family structure at 1017 S. Ash St. The commission will also review professional service agreements with Benesch for the Airport Runway Extension Project Design, issue a proclamation recognizing July 26, 2026, as Access Awareness Day, and receive a Make My Move update from the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.
• **August 12 — Planning Commission:** Public hearing on the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program.
• **September 2 — City Commission:** Scheduled public hearing to finalize the 2027 budget, per the July 15 agenda.

Ottawa City Commission approves $583,183 for vehicle replacements; 2027 budget vote set for July 15

The Ottawa City Commission unanimously approved $583,183 for its 2026 Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Program at its July 1 meeting, the largest dollar decision among recent city actions. The purchase covers 10 vehicles and equipment units across multiple city departments.

City Commission — July 1

Commissioners voted unanimously on four items: the $583,183 vehicle and equipment purchase, the consent agenda (including June 17 and June 24 meeting minutes), rescission of Benjamin Antoszewski's appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and a motion to reorder agenda items.

The commission also received updates on the Proximity Park development and the 2027 budget process. No formal action was taken on either item.

City Commission — July 8 (agenda only; minutes not yet published)

The July 8 meeting agenda listed several items for discussion and possible action, though minutes have not yet been published:

• Authorization of a low-to-moderate income survey agreement with Governmental Assistance Services to determine eligibility for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
• Presentations from the top three ranked firms competing for the Downtown Master Plan consultant contract.
• Review of the 2027 operating budget and its impact on the city's mill levy.

Budget documents cited in the agenda list a Revenue Neutral Rate of 42.209 mills and an assessed valuation of $163,934,101. The budget calendar calls for a final review on July 15 and adoption on September 2.

Planning Commission — July 8 (agenda only; minutes not yet published)

The Planning Commission continued its review of the five-year Capital Improvement Program for 2027-2031. The commission must determine whether the plan conforms to the city's Comprehensive Plan before the City Commission can approve it. A public hearing is scheduled for August 12.

Projects listed in the CIP include:

• Reconstructing a taxiway and extending a runway at the airport.
• Aquatic Center improvements.
• NE Substation reliability and capacity upgrade (dollar amount not specified).
• Levee System Study and Skunk Run stormwater improvements.
• Water line replacements on 19th & Elm, Cedar Street, and Davis Road.

Coming up

City Commission — Wednesday, July 15: Commissioners are scheduled to vote on a 2027 budget resolution that would set a maximum property tax mill rate of 46.136, exceeding the state-mandated Revenue Neutral Rate. Staff recommend the rate to cover $814,750 in operational cost increases and maintain current service levels. The meeting also includes a vote on a $12,500 design agreement with BG Consultants for the Lakeside Estates Shared Use Path, consideration of a no-parking ordinance for the 2300 block of South King Street, and review of conditional use permits that would allow duplexes at 808 and 816 S. Cypress Street. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for September 2, 2026.

Ottawa Commission Reviews Sales Tax Plan for Streets; Budget and Capital Projects Ahead

Ottawa city officials spent the last two weeks laying groundwork for major budget and infrastructure decisions, though no formal votes have been recorded in the meetings held since June 24.

City Commission Studies Sales Tax Allocation for 2027–2029

The City Commission held a study session June 24 to review a proposed allocation of the Quality of Life sales tax for 2027 through 2029. Under the proposal discussed, 70% would go to pavement, 20% to public safety, and 5% each to pool/parks and reserves.

Staff presented a three-year street plan totaling $5.16 million, which includes $750,000 in State Highway Fund money and $4.41 million in sales tax revenue. Commissioners also reviewed long-range allocation concepts for 2030–2039 and 2040–2049, and discussed prioritizing reconstruction versus maintenance projects and balancing public safety equipment needs with street funding.

No formal votes or decisions were made. Staff are expected to return later with a detailed street plan and project priorities.

Planning Commission Set to Hear Duplex Permit Requests

The Planning Commission's June 25 meeting included public hearings on two conditional use permit applications for duplexes in an R-1 district — one at 808 S. Cypress Street (CUP-2026-0003) and one at 816 S. Cypress Street (CUP-2026-0004). Staff recommended approval with conditions to complete sidewalks.

The commission was also scheduled to review the city's Capital Improvement Program and approve minutes from its May 13, 2026 meeting. Minutes from the June 25 meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet available.

City Commission to Discuss 2027 Budget, Vehicle Purchases

The City Commission's July 1 meeting agenda included a review of the Revenue Neutral Rate and mill levy for the 2027 budget, an update on Proximity Park development, and consideration of vehicle and equipment purchases for the Public Works, Utilities, Finance, and Police departments.

The consent agenda listed rescinding the appointment of Benjamin Antoszewski to the Board of Zoning Appeals and presenting a retirement plaque to Rick Lines. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Coming Up

July 8 — City Commission: Commissioners will consider authorizing a low-to-moderate income survey agreement with Governmental Assistance Services for CDBG eligibility, hear presentations from the top three ranked firms for the Downtown Master Plan, and review the 2027 operating budget and its impact on the city's mill levy. The agenda lists a Revenue Neutral Rate of 42.209 mills and assessed valuation of $163,934,101. The budget calendar calls for a final review July 15 and adoption September 2.

July 8 — Planning Commission: The commission continues its review of the five-year Capital Improvement Program for 2027–2031. Projects on the agenda include reconstructing a taxiway and extending a runway at the airport, Aquatic Center improvements, an NE Substation reliability and capacity upgrade, a Levee System Study and Skunk Run stormwater improvements, and water line replacements on 19th & Elm, Cedar Street, and Davis Road. A public hearing on the CIP is scheduled for August 12.

City study session maps out $5.16 million street plan, sales tax priorities

Ottawa leaders last week got their first look at how a proposed sales tax extension could direct millions into streets, public safety and parks through 2029, though no formal decisions have been made. Staff presented a three-year pavement program totaling $5.16 million and outlined long-range spending concepts during a City Commission study session. No votes were taken.

Sales tax allocation discussed

During a June 24 study session, the City Commission reviewed a draft allocation of the Quality of Life sales tax for 2027–2029. The proposal directs 70% to pavement, 20% to public safety, 5% to pool and parks, and 5% to reserves.

Staff presented a street plan priced at $5.16 million for the three-year period, funded by $4.41 million in sales tax revenue and $750,000 from the State Highway Fund. Commissioners discussed how to balance street reconstruction versus maintenance projects and weighed public safety equipment needs against road funding. Officials also introduced long-range allocation concepts for 2030–2039 and 2040–2049. No formal action was taken; staff will return with a detailed project list and priorities.

Planning Commission hears duplex proposals

The Planning Commission on June 25 held public hearings on two conditional use permit applications for duplexes at 808 and 816 S. Cypress Street in an R-1 zoning district. Staff recommended approval for both applications (CUP-2026-0003 and CUP-2026-0004) with conditions requiring the completion of sidewalks. The commission also reviewed the city’s Capital Improvement Program and was scheduled to approve minutes from its May 13 meeting. Minutes from the June 25 session have not yet been published.

Commission reviews budget, vehicles and development

On July 1, the City Commission turned to 2027 budget planning. Items on the agenda included the revenue neutral rate, assessed valuation and mill levy fund revenues, as well as an update on Proximity Park development. Commissioners were also set to consider authorizing vehicle and equipment purchases for the Public Works, Utilities, Finance, and Police departments. The consent agenda called for rescinding the appointment of Benjamin Antoszewski to the Board of Zoning Appeals and presenting a retirement plaque to Rick Lines. Meeting minutes were not available at press time.

Coming up

The City Commission meets July 8 to review the 2027 operating budget and its impact on the mill levy. A revenue neutral rate of 42.209 mills and an assessed valuation of $163.93 million are on the table. Commissioners will also consider authorizing an agreement with Governmental Assistance Services for a low-to-moderate income survey needed for Community Development Block Grant eligibility, and hear presentations from the top three firms vying to lead the Downtown Master Plan. Final budget review is set for July 15, with adoption planned Sept. 2.

That same evening, the Planning Commission will continue its review of the five-year Capital Improvement Program for 2027–2031. Projects include runway and taxiway reconstruction at the airport, aquatic center improvements, a reliability and capacity upgrade at the NE Substation (costs not specified), a levee system study and Skunk Run stormwater improvements, and water line replacements on 19th & Elm, Cedar Street and Davis Road. A public hearing on the capital plan is scheduled for Aug. 12.