City of Ottawa

The Commission discussed and approved the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), a required five-year planning document for the city's power supply from the Western Area Power Administration. The commission also approved the appointment of David Hunaker to a position on the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) Board of Directors. Additionally, the commission received an update regarding the Make My Move program, an initiative aimed at attracting new residents to the community through relocation incentives and partnerships with local organizations.

The City Commission held a meeting hosted by Ottawa University to discuss the Western Area Power Administration Integrated Resource Plan, which was subsequently moved to the next regular meeting for continued discussion. The Commission authorized the execution of three separate three-year agricultural lease agreements for City-owned properties, including two parcels on W. 2nd St. and a 47.6-acre parcel adjacent to the Municipal Airport. Additionally, the Interim City Manager provided updates regarding upcoming City Hall meeting locations, progress on the Downtown Master Plan, and emergency preparedness.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding a rezoning application for 1729 South Princeton Street, proposing a change from a general commercial district to a high-density residential district. Deliberations focused on potential traffic impacts on Princeton Street, infrastructure capacity, and site planning constraints related to a high-pressure gas easement traversing the property. Staff provided analysis on how the rezoning aligns with the comprehensive plan, emphasizing its potential for infill housing and appropriate land use transition.

The meeting included the reception of Fourth Quarter 2025 updates from the Ottawa Library and Ottawa Main Street Association. Unfinished business involved the adoption of an ordinance amending the Lakeside Estates Planned Unit Development to allow individual driveway access for Lots 4 and 5, removing the shared driveway requirement. New business focused on the adoption of a Charter Ordinance that would exempt the City from K.S.A. 12-1651, providing flexibility for future designation of official publication methods via resolution. City management provided updates on a proposed agreement with the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office concerning wildland fire incidents and announced the official start date for the new City Manager.

The Governing Body session focused on establishing 2026/2027 Commission Priorities, which were structured using a four-quadrant framework to guide immediate action, major investments, process improvement, and ROI evaluation. Key priority areas discussed included Sales Tax Allocation, TGT Fund Allocation, New City Manager Transition, Delinquent Utility Receivables, Streets, and the Aquatics Plan. Another major discussion centered on the Downtown Master Plan, where staff recommended a comprehensive, consultant-led approach (RFP) to coordinate independent efforts regarding lighting, paving, utilities, and pedestrian connectivity. Stakeholders emphasized accessibility and placemaking. Staff committed to drafting an RFP for the Downtown Master Plan for future review. The Interim City Manager requested the cancellation of the March 18, 2026, Regular Meeting due to travel.