Debbie Lytle

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which covered an Appropriation Ordinance and an AP Payment Register. Key presentations featured the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation 2025 Report, an update on the 90% design completion for Airport T-Hangar projects, and an overview of the Commission-Manager Form of Government and Governance Framework, including discussions on resolutions, ordinances, and the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Under unfinished business, the Commission approved an ordinance amending city code pertaining to water rates, prohibitions on outside watering during peak hours, and water waste, despite protests regarding cost increases from local businesses. Additionally, a resolution adopting a naming policy for the sports complex was approved.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, following a discussion where a commissioner requested to move an item concerning the progressive design-build project agreement for the recreation improvement project to the discussion agenda to allow for further discussion, citing concerns about deviation from the original goal related to the high school playing field. The commission then approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the November 24, 2025 regular meeting, an ordinance preparation item (A-120825), the AP payment register, and the closure of non-essential city services on December 26th. Key business items included the approval of updated farmland and hay lease agreements, taking into account amendments for hay leases and crop land classifications. Additionally, the commission considered two ordinances: one to amend city code sections regarding open public records requests, fees, and costs, which addressed statutory changes, response timelines, fee calculations (specifying staff time charges based solely on wage, not benefits), and rolling production for complex requests; and another to amend city code regarding solid waste collector licenses by removing the requirement for inspection by the county health officer.

The meeting commenced with the installation and oath of office for two newly elected commissioners. Plaques were presented to outgoing commissioners in recognition of their service. Key agenda items included the selection of the Mayor and Vice Mayor for 2026, and the approval of the agenda for the meeting. The commission recognized new city employees hired in 2025 and honored employees receiving service awards in 2025. The consent agenda covered the approval of minutes from the December 22nd, 2025 regular meeting, an appropriation ordinance, a payment register, and appointments/reappointments to various boards and commissions. During public comments, the Tourism Director thanked the Community Foundation of Dickinson County for a grant funding new banners, and a resident discussed drainage issues related to a 90-page report and suggested the use of storm sewer crawler trackers. The primary new business involved discussion and direction to staff regarding updating the City of Abene Water Conservation Plan, focusing on making the prohibition of water waste year-round and enforceable, and shifting outdoor watering restrictions to a uniform 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. schedule year-round. The commission emphasized the need for objective data regarding existing water usage triggers before finalizing mandatory restrictions.

The agenda for the Airport Advisory Board meeting included a financial report for January 2026, discussion regarding funding ideas, updates on the Airport Improvement Plan (AIP) submission to KDOT and the FAA, a discussion on hangar construction timeline and rental rates, and the election of board officers. Key discussion points carried over from the previous minutes concerned the deposit of insurance money into the general Airport Fund instead of a separate one, liability concerns regarding this fund placement, scrutiny over 2024 tree project expenditures, and the belief that the city should compensate the airport for foregone land lease and crop income. The board planned to recommend Rebecca Perkins for the open seat to the city commission.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting agenda included a Roll Call, approval of the agenda, and declaration of conflicts of interest. The primary items for discussion were a Public Hearing concerning BZA 26-2, a request for a variance from surfacing requirements for a new wrestling facility at USD 435 located at 1300 N Cedar St. The meeting minutes documented the approval of the agenda and the discussion and unanimous approval of variance request BZA 25-4, which allowed for the installation of a detached accessory structure (carport) at 1004 NW 2nd St. closer to the primary dwelling than regulation allows. The minutes also noted the approval of the previous meeting's minutes from November 5, 2024. Subsequent documents show the details of the BZA 26-2 variance request concerning the use of gravel instead of concrete for the wrestling facility parking area due to cost considerations, and separate context regarding the USD 435 Board of Education approving the privately funded wrestling facility project in November 2025.