Ben Miller

The meeting addressed several key operational and financial matters. Discussions included the GAAP Waiver and resolution adoption, composition of the cash report, and review of the 2026 street repair list proposals. Public Works sought approval for sewer point repairs and engineering firm selection for Police/Fire properties. The Council reviewed quotes for a City Hall copier/printer purchase, Aquatic Center storage roll-up doors, and a replacement diving board, with staff recommendations provided for each. Police requested approval to purchase three new Stalker radar systems. Administrator's report items included continued review of the Draft Employee Handbook, Council Chambers visual options, and soliciting bids for a land lease agreement at Lewis-Young Park. The Council also addressed traffic and signage concerns related to Countryside Drive.

The agenda included adopting the agenda, reviewing the finance report, and scheduling visitors. New business addressed a Governing Body/Commission/Board Joint Workshop. An announcement noted the next meeting date. A memorandum detailed preparation for the joint workshop with the Governing Body, emphasizing discussion of 2027 budget requests and the Music at the Market talking points, which need refinement to create a cost list for potential funding inclusion. The discussion also noted a structure planned for the S. Second & Mulberry block, which may be discussed during the workshop, though funding might come from other sources.

The regular meeting agenda included a workshop regarding the Mission & Vision Statement, approval of bills, and the Mayor's report covering annual appointments. Key departmental discussions involved the December Finance Report, Fire Department items such as Thermal Imaging Cameras and boiler replacement, and Public Works items including the 2026 Street Work RFP, Annual Crack Seal RFP, and procurement of an F-650 Dump Truck with Snow Plow. The Administration report covered continuation of the Governing Body Handbook draft, League of Kansas Municipalities membership renewal, PHB/HAWK Signal Funding Concept Paper, and Short-Term Rental Registration. The Council considered and approved the purchase of three laptops for municipal court. The final draft of the Governing Body Handbook was continued to the next meeting, and the Council approved the purchase and installation of 85-inch TVs for the Council chambers visual system. The Council also approved the Hay/Land Lease Agreement for Lewis-Young Park with Foote Cattle Company, LLC. The meeting included two executive sessions: one for security measures and another for non-elected personnel matters, with no action taken in the latter.

The meeting agenda covered the Pledge of Allegiance, adoption of the agenda, and public comments on items not listed. New business included discussions on the 2026 Tree Planting initiative, seeking board input on budget allocation ($5,000), preferred locations, species, and volunteer opportunities related to Earth Day, Park Spruce-Up Day, and Arbor Day. Other new business items involved a metal detecting permit request and the Memorial Program, which required discussing the potential addition of the S. Second and Mulberry property as an approved location and reviewing updated pricing for memorial benches and trees. Old business involved continued discussion on LYP General Improvements 2026 and preparation for the 2026 Joint Workshop, focusing on aligning Park and Tree Board and Governing Body priorities for the 2027 budget and improving information sharing processes. Reports included updates from various board members and staff.

The primary focus of this meeting includes the adoption of the agenda and the discussion of items deferred from prior meetings due to unavailable minutes. Key business items involve ordinance discussions pertaining to Historic Preservation Boundaries and Historic Districts. Additionally, the commission planned to select an attendee for a joint workshop with the Governing Body and discuss Historic Preservation training. A brochure update was also pending review.