City of Abilene

The board discussed and received the Director's Report as well as the Children and Teen Services report, which included updates on participation in the school district's After School Program. Additionally, the board approved a new library logo, which incorporates a globe and five-star imagery to honor Eisenhower, and reviewed and approved updated job descriptions for library staff.

The City of Abilene's Municipal Water Conservation Plan establishes long-term water use efficiency practices and a short-term drought response framework to ensure an adequate water supply for customers. The plan outlines water conservation goals, including a long-term target of not exceeding 94 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) by 2035, supported by education, management, and regulation actions. It also details a three-stage drought response program (Water Watch, Water Warning, Water Emergency) to manage short-term supply shortages and reduce peak daily water consumption during emergencies.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, which included additions related to annual serial malt beverage license renewals and the appointment of Alan Byer to the planning commission. A conditional approval was sought for a Pizza Hut license renewal pending receipt of physical paperwork. The commission discussed a significant public concern regarding blocked drainage under the UP tracks, which poses a flood risk to the downtown area, and sought updates on actions being taken with Union Pacific Railroad. In the consent agenda, items included meeting minutes, an appropriation ordinance, and an AP payment register. During public comments, a resident raised serious concerns about the drainage issue, leading to a discussion about timelines and communication with the railroad. The commission also reviewed the Wellfield Health and Production Report, which indicated wells were in good shape but a water warning remained in place, leading to a discussion about recalling the warning. The session concluded with an update on the City Manager search candidate criteria development, including input from a survey regarding desired experience (consensus leaning towards five to nine years) and educational requirements.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the roll call and the pledge of allegiance. A consent agenda was approved, which included the minutes from the January 12th, 2026 meeting, an appropriation ordinance, payment registers, treasurer's report, investment report, and the appointment of delegates for the Kansas Rural Water Association's annual meeting. During public comments, Sergeant Grant Pratt and Officer Kevin Reyes were recognized with accommodation awards for their exceptional line of duty action on January 16th, 2026, involving the safe de-escalation of a subject contemplating self-harm. Proclamations were presented and recognized for Catholic Schools Week 2026, Stalking Awareness Month (January 2026), Human Trafficking Awareness Month (January 2026), and the city's support for America Celebrates 250. Discussions were held regarding the location of future study sessions concerning accessibility under the Kansas Open Meetings Act. The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation's 2025 report was postponed. Under unfinished business, action was deferred on the resolution adopting a comprehensive economic development incentive policy, following feedback that indicated concerns about the policy hindering economic development and imposing high barriers on small businesses. Staff presented revisions to address these concerns.

The special meeting commenced with a roll call, noting one commissioner would be late, followed by the pledge of allegiance. The agenda for the meeting was approved by roll call vote. The main discussion item was a motion to enter into an executive session for two hours and 29 minutes to interview and discuss individual applicants for the City Manager position, pursuant to KSA 75-4319B1, related to discussing non-elected personnel matters. A question regarding the inclusion of members of the public (as part of the search committee) in the executive session was addressed, confirming coverage under the statute.