Cathy Caldwell

The agenda for the meeting included approval of the current agenda, previous meeting minutes from February 26, 2026, and several pay applications from BG Consultants related to the Water Treatment Plant Design, Water Distribution Project, and the JB & South Levee Loop KDOT TA. The Council planned to address Special Event Permit applications for events including the MWERC Mile 0 Flint Hills Trail Race and the 2026 Lights on the Lake Celebration. A significant portion of the meeting was allocated to Public Hearings concerning Condemnation Hearings for nine different properties, including 316 E. Pacific and 715 Walnut. New Business involved authorizing several resolutions, notably Resolution 1364 for executing a Fire Services Agreement with OSH effective July 1, 2026, authorizing road closures for specific events, and waiving building permit fees for a USD 367 Construction Project.

The council meeting involved action on several items presented for approval. The consent agenda was approved via a single motion. Key discussions included the approval of appointments for KMEA board of directors delegates, finalizing the Memorial Hall contract for an amount not to exceed $194,355, and approving Resolution 1352, which established the budget calendar for 2027, acknowledging potential future legislative changes. Furthermore, the council authorized budget Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) expenditures under Resolution 1353 for new utility and public works equipment, including an equipment-mounted jackhammer with a quick-connect feature, a larger E60 Mini X excavator intended to replace an older model and avoid rental costs, and a new equipment trailer. Resolution 1354 authorized seeking bids for the 2026 Mill Overlay project, specifically for Pacific Avenue and Brown Avenue, noting that Brown Avenue was included as an add alternate dependent on bid outcomes. Finally, Resolution 1355 authorized staff to apply for a Kansas Department of Transportation cost share grant to fund sidewalk replacement projects, with initial focus on high-priority areas. Council reports touched upon a complaint regarding the Penny's building posing a public hazard, and updates on community support for a local Honor Flight breakfast and progress on new planters at the Hub area.

The agenda for the meeting included the approval of the current agenda and previous meeting minutes, as well as action on various Pay Applications and Special Event Permits. Key discussion items involved presentations and appointments for the KMEA Board of Directors and the Trail Commission. Unfinished business included the finalization of the Memorial Hall Contract Amount via Resolution 1351. New business featured several resolutions: Resolution 1352 to establish the 2027 Budget Calendar, Resolution 1353 for authorizing CIP Expenditures for Utilities & Public Works, Resolution 1354 for approving the 2026 Mill and Overlay, and Resolution 1355 authorizing an application for a Cost Share Grant. Additionally, there was significant public comment regarding the preliminary development agreement for a data center, expressing concerns about safety, noise, and property values.

The key topics for discussion included the adoption of the agenda and the review of minutes from the previous meeting held on March 25, 2025. A significant portion of the agenda involved a detailed review of the Zoning Regulations, specifically addressing the Table of Land Uses by Zoning District. Discussions included questions regarding the permissibility of various land uses such as Accessory Dwelling Units, Bed and Breakfasts, Animal Services, Car Washes, Elderly Service Centers, Farm and Garden Supplies, and various types of parking lots across different zones. The commission also addressed framework discussions for Residential (Single-Family R-1) zoning, including Residential Historic and Residential Post 1950 designations. The City Manager provided an update concerning property condemnations, clean-ups, and awaiting public bids.

The upcoming agenda for the City of Osawatomie Planning and Zoning Commission meeting includes the adoption of the agenda, a review of the Zoning Regulations' Table of Land Uses by Zoning District, and a detailed discussion concerning the framework for Residential Single-Family districts, specifically Historic Residential Single-Family (HR-SF) and Modern Residential Single-Family (MR-SF). The agenda also lists an update from the City Manager/City Council.