City of Salina

The meeting commenced with roll call and confirmation that required notice was provided under the Kansas Open Meeting Act. The agenda included the approval of the minutes from the October 15, 2025 regular meeting, with one correction noted regarding an absent commissioner. New business focused on administrative items, specifically docket review. Staff reported on two recent employment cases filed where HUD was not involved, anticipating they might appear on the January docket. Housing cases were reviewed, noting no open cases as previous ones were either conciliated or resulted in no probable cause determinations; follow-up is ongoing with HUD regarding one waived case post-shutdown. The commission is actively planning the 2026 Fair Housing Seminar, scheduled for Friday, April 24th, at OCCK's training room. Confirmed speakers include Professor Michelle Ewart from Washurn. Efforts are underway to secure speakers from housing authorities regarding Section 8 knowledge and from a statewide Continuum of Care agency regarding the 'Can Rent' program to educate landlords and tenants. Sponsorship letters for the seminar were sent, though HUD outreach funding was not received.

The meeting involved a consent agenda which included the approval of previous regular meeting minutes from December 22, 2025, and the approval of a resolution to declare John Parker Jr. park a qualified municipal facility under naming guidelines. Commissioners and the Mayor offered outgoing remarks, reflecting on accomplishments such as hiring a new City Manager, improvements in public safety (delivery of seven new fire trucks and construction of Fire Station Number Four), park and recreation upgrades (including new dog park), ongoing street maintenance and water line replacement, and infrastructure work on the wastewater treatment project. Future plans discussed included the Jerry Ivy splash pad installation, design work for East Magnolia Road and Bridge improvement, median upgrades on Broadway and South Ninth Street, continuation of Police Department renovations, approval of a homelessness strategic plan, and the initiation of updating the city's comprehensive plan (last done in 2010 or 2012). The meeting concluded with an organizational session where Commissioner Hopek was elected Mayor and Chairman, and Commissioner Ivy was elected Vice Mayor and Vice Chairman.

The meeting involved a presentation by community and development services staff regarding the adoption of updated building and fire codes, representing a culmination of extensive work over several years. Key discussion points included the review of the 2018 editions of various codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), National Electrical Code (NEC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), and Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code. Staff highlighted significant changes, proposals for local amendments (or lack thereof, such as for the International Energy Conservation Code), and the rationale behind them, focusing on life safety, structural integrity, and industry alignment. For example, the IBC saw a reduction in local amendments from 58 to 30, while the IRC adopted Appendix Q for tiny houses. The proposed effective date for the new codes, if adopted, was set for January 1st, 2026, allowing a six-month transition window. The session also touched upon retroactive code considerations for Group A2 occupancies in the International Fire Code.

The discussion centered on a proposed project, likely a single-family dwelling, and its alignment with the comprehensive plan's urban residential density guidelines (8.38 units per acre, falling within the 8 to 20 unit range). The proposal was noted to reinforce housing diversity goals through infill development. Staff recommended approval with conditions: full compliance with building and fire codes, submission of a revised landscape screening plan including additional shrubs, and assurance that construction conforms to submitted plans. The applicant, representing the Community Housing Development Corporation of Central Kansas (CHOD/CHOTC), detailed their mission in providing low-to-moderate income rental units, noting that their existing 44 units are fully occupied, primarily serving clients receiving housing assistance, and that they wish to add a one-bedroom rental unit. A major concern raised regarding the new construction was the significant cost impact of mandated landscape requirements (11 trees, 25 plants, fencing), which could delay repayment of investment by four to five years, potentially burdening low-income tenants with maintenance costs. The commission was advised that approval of the conditional use permit grants standing to seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals specifically to eliminate the landscape buffer requirements along the north and west property lines. The applicant also provided updates on ongoing renovation projects and future plans, including potential development on a vacant lot in collaboration with Salina Technical School.

The City Commission meeting included a study session and regular meeting concerning updates to building and fire codes. Key actions taken involved setting a public hearing date for the 2025 amended budget consideration, approving the construction of a roundabout at South 9th Street and Waterwell Road, approving a special improvement district for Magnolia Hills Estates addition number three, phase 1, and authorizing the purchase of fiber optic network equipment. In development business, seven ordinances updating the city's building codes were approved, while the adoption of the international fire code was postponed to allow staff to refine a section on sprinkler systems for large gathering places.