Cory Kepley

The City Commission meeting included a report from the City Manager regarding the proposed 2027 budget and updates on airport and communication system projects. The commission approved increases to golf course fees, rescheduled a upcoming regular meeting to accommodate municipal bond activity, and appointed a new member to the Public Library Board of Trustees. Additionally, the commission authorized the abatement of various properties identified as being in violation of municipal codes.

The meeting included several key topics such as requests for temporary street and alley closures, the use of Santa Fe Park for community events like the Chanute Mexican Fiesta and a class reunion, and the approval of alcohol consumption on city property. The Commission reviewed Reinvestment Housing Incentive District matters, land acquisition in Osa Martin, and adopted several resolutions declaring various properties in violation of the municipal code. Additionally, the commission addressed uncollectible accounts and reviewed financial warrant registers.

The meeting included the proclamation of National Library Week and the approval of the Consent Agenda. Discussions were held regarding the 2027 budget calendar, updates on the diesel generation units, and the authorization for staff to proceed with additional applications for the Voluntary Demolition Program. The commission approved requests to block streets for a community event and to permit fireworks for a hospital gala. Key financial actions included the adoption of resolutions to authorize wastewater treatment project costs and the sale of bonds. Additionally, the commission approved the demolition of the Katy Ballfield and Stadium and passed resolutions addressing various property code violations. An executive session was held to discuss non-elected personnel with no further action taken.

The meeting included a proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. Key agenda items involved the approval of an amended agenda and the consent agenda, which included event-related street closures. The City Manager provided an operations update and announced an upcoming joint work session. The Commission approved ordinances to update water and sewer connection fees, reflecting current material costs, and adopted multiple resolutions authorizing the abatement of property nuisances. The session concluded with acknowledgments of local achievements by the high school chess team and a local organization.

The Commission addressed several items of new business, primarily focused on the adoption of resolutions declaring multiple properties in violation of municipal codes regarding the accumulation of trash, junk, refuse, and dilapidated structures. Specifically, resolutions were proposed for abatement at 1102 North Garfield, 921 South Washington/516 West 10th, and 603 North Forest. Other agenda items included requests for road closures and food vendors, revisions to golf course fees, rescheduling a future meeting, a library board appointment, and the review of warrant registers.