City of Emporia

The meeting agenda covered several municipal matters. The Mayor and Commissioners reviewed general information for the community, including sales tax receipts, CID collections, and building permits issued for February 2017. The City Commission ratified the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the previous regular meeting, payroll ordinance, and February budget approval. A proclamation recognizing April as "Fair Housing Month" was accepted. Allocations from the Transient Guest Tax Fund were approved for the 2017 Glass Blown Open and the 2017 Dirty Kanza events. Bids were reviewed for roof repairs at the Public Works Center and Emporia Municipal Airport, with the contract recommended for award to Washington Roofing. An ordinance was approved to permit the consumption of alcohol for a Kansas Brewer Beer Festival on April 24, 2017. An agreement with the Emporia Recreation Commission to operate the Jones Aquatics Complex for the 2017 season was approved. The Mayor was authorized to sign the master agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation regarding Federal Fund Exchange Program street projects. Appointments were confirmed for the Building Trades Board, Natural Resources Advisory Board, and Emporia Public Library Board. Additionally, ordinances were approved to amend zoning regulations concerning Telecommunication Towers and to amend right-of-way construction and administration sections in response to state law updates. A resolution approving the satisfaction, discharge, and release of indenture related to Industrial Revenue Bonds for JAE Properties Kansas, LLC was adopted. Finally, the time for the next regular commission meeting was rescheduled, and an executive session was held to discuss attorney/client privilege.

The primary discussion centered on considering an option agreement for the sale of Lake Kahola property to the Cabin Owners Association or subsequent associations. The proposed option grants up to ten years to complete the sale for $1.75 million. Individual cabin site leasees purchasing their lots would facilitate staggered closings, with proceeds (less costs) going to the city. Lots not purchased by leasees would be bought by the association at the end of the ten-year period. Necessary preliminary steps include a boundary line survey, environmental survey work, and a title insurance search. During public comment, concerns were raised about the necessity of selling the lake and a request was made for the city's plans for the sale proceeds. The Commission ultimately approved the concept of the option to purchase Lake Kahola and authorized the Mayor to sign the agreement. Furthermore, a motion was passed directing staff to research establishing a trust fund for the sale proceeds.

The session included a request from the City Manager to move from Study Session into Executive Session to discuss proprietary information pertaining to a corporation. Following the Executive Session, the body reconvened, and no action was taken regarding the proprietary information discussed.

The meeting included several significant actions and discussions. The Governing Body approved becoming a full voting member of the Flint Hills Regional Council, incurring a $12,458.00 annual fee. The Memorandum of Understanding for the Flint Hills Regional Council Frontiers Program was approved, and Commissioner Jon Geitz was appointed to represent the City on the Council. A public hearing was held regarding a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for the adaptive reuse of the 511 Commercial St. building, which resulted in the approval of resolutions to apply for $440,000 under the 2013 CDBG program and to declare the building blighted. The Commission adopted the 2014 Legislative Policy Statement, covering principles on Home Rule, economic development, tax limits, and specific legislative priorities such as the sale of the ESU Apartment Complex and exemptions for the Emporia Civic Building. Finally, Ordinance Number 14-01 was approved, establishing the Lyon County 911 Board and the Lyon County Emergency Communications system through a consolidation center merger with the County, sharing initial equipment costs of $600,000.

The Adjourned Session focused on several financial actions. Key discussions included the sale of 2004 General Obligation Bonds, where bids were reviewed and the sale was awarded to Piper Jaffray & Co. based on the lowest net interest cost. Actions included approving the related Ordinance Number 04-29 and Resolution Number 3172 authorizing the issuance and details of the bonds totaling $3,310,000.00. Additionally, the Commission authorized Resolution Number 3173 concerning a Supplemental Trust Indenture for the 1997 Industrial Revenue Bonds related to Menu Foods. The proposal for design services for the Civic Auditorium's service dock and renovated exterior stairs was tabled to allow the architect to justify the expense and provide a better overall cost estimate. The Commission also approved Ordinance Number 04-30, attesting to an increase in tax revenues for the 2005 budget year. The meeting concluded after two separate executive sessions to discuss confidential trade secrets.