City of Washington

Key agenda items for this meeting include the approval of the agenda, citizen comments on non-agenda items, and consideration of the appropriations ordinance for February 2026. The council was set to consider the appointment of a Council President and Financial Signer, as well as presentations from KMEA representatives and information regarding a racetrack request from Johnathan Matlack. Other items for discussion involved mayoral appointments, pay request #5 for E 2nd St, a resolution amending personnel policy, consideration of proposals for Friendly Corners, tree bids, appointment of a KRWA conference voting delegate, a substation maintenance plan, the EMS Assistant Director position, an estimate for storm sewer repairs, policy updates, cemetery mowing, 2026 programs for sidewalk/curb/gutter/housing demo, delinquent accounts, and a request from USD 108 WCHS Afterprom. Reports from the City Administrator, City Clerk, and council members were also scheduled.

The City Council approved the agenda and the minutes from prior meetings held in December 2025. Key actions included the approval of Appropriations Ordinance 2026-01 and Resolution 2026-01, which authorizes the city to operate on the cash basis system instead of generally accepted accounting principles. Citizens expressed concerns regarding power plant options, capacity costs, and electric rate structures, including demand charges. The Council reached a consensus to have the city attorney draft a resolution to change the personnel policy regarding leave payout, moving to 100% payout for accrued vacation after the probationary period. An authorized signature was removed from the city's bank accounts. The City Administrator reported on various items, including potential use of the Brownfields program for hazardous material abatement at 321 West 5th, the pursuit of a grant for a LUCAS CPR device, preparation of the bid packet for the Playground Project, and the need for estimates for failing storm sewer inlet box replacements. The Council also discussed obtaining quotes for repairs to an existing pickup truck before considering a new purchase, and reviewed the status of a Substation Maintenance Plan that was previously approved conceptually but not formally adopted. An executive session was held to discuss employee performance evaluations for non-elected personnel. The City Clerk provided an accounting response to a citizen letter regarding insurance funds from a damaged engine, and presented December Library Board minutes.

The Council approved the agenda, appropriations ordinance 2025-12, and licenses for cereal malt beverages and refuse haulers for 2026. Discussions included Sheriff's Department patrolling effectiveness, particularly regarding traffic concerns like stop sign violations and speeders. A significant topic involved a presentation on moving toward a countywide Emergency Medical Services system, exploring options such as contracting with an existing service like Washington City. The Council approved a quote for repairing a catastrophic failure on Engine Six's turbocharger, although this repair exceeded the budgeted amount for engine maintenance. The payment request for the East 2nd Street Rehab/Reconstruct project was approved upon KDOT approval. The resignation of an employee was accepted, and premium structures for 2026 employee health insurance were debated, including the potential adoption of a High-Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account contributions. The Council authorized the sale of a 1980 John Deere Motor Grader to the City of Palmer or via Purplewave. A consensus was reached to seek proposals for the former Friendly Corners Building for the February 2026 meeting. Several executive sessions were held to review personnel matters, resulting in the hiring of a new street, water and wastewater operator, and the approval of wage increases effective in January 2026 for various personnel categories. The City Administrator reported on power plant inspection recommendations, a donation to EMS from the Lions' Club, efforts to secure assistance for asbestos inspection through the Brownfields Program, updates on the playground project design, and ongoing issues concerning storm sewer inlets and vehicle replacements. The City Clerk reported on the impending phase-out of pennies and the certification of election results for new Council Members.

The Adjourned Meeting of the Washington City Council addressed several key administrative and financial matters. The council approved the agenda as presented. Action was taken regarding EMT Students, including authorizing contracts for training and approving Education Incentive grant documents for two students. Financially, the council approved the payment of 2025 yearend bills totaling $183,335.72 and approved Resolution 2025-07 authorizing 2025 yearend transfers. Furthermore, the council approved a pay request for the East 2nd Street Rehab/Reconstruct project. A report from Council Member Anderson noted a request for a work session to discuss the ambulance service.

The special meeting was convened to continue the discussion regarding a proposed countywide ambulance service. Key concerns raised by council members focused on the financial responsibility that would fall upon Washington city taxpayers, the current support provided to surrounding communities without funding, and whether the county-run service should be managed by the county itself. Questions arose concerning the benefits to the city, the fate of Linn and Hanover ambulance services, logistics of equipment acquisition and insurance, and potential funding shortfalls. It was noted that the county commissioners would cover the expense for architect and facility upgrades, with an estimated renovation cost of $200,000 to add space to the facility. The Mayor expressed support for taking over the service.