Gary Birch

The meeting primarily addressed an application from a property owner (Mr. Richards) at 325 Delaware Street, who is renovating the second floor of a historic building for family residence and operating a restaurant on the first floor. Key discussion centered on the unauthorized installation of an exterior staircase and door on the north side of the property, which replaced an existing window and stone base with non-historical materials. Staff recommended tabling the item to allow the applicant to propose a façade design consistent with the building's historical character. The commission reviewed compliance with preservation guidelines regarding minimal changes, retention of historic character, avoiding false historical development, and alteration of distinctive features. Public comment supported the owner's need for second-floor access, noting that historic records suggest prior exterior access points existed.

The meeting commenced with the presentation of the Mayor's Award for Community Service to Sister Vicky Perkins of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, recognizing her contributions to education and service to those in need. Under old business, the minutes from the February 11, 2020, regular meeting were adopted, and Ordinance 8123, an amendment to section 8-63, was passed on second consideration. During new business and public comment, Representative Pittman discussed a bipartisan bill (HB 2610) supporting a new Veteran's home in Kansas, emphasizing the need for a modern facility in northeast Kansas, and requested the Commission's support. General items included a review of unsafe and dangerous structures, resulting in the removal of three properties from the demolition list (305 North Second Street, 326 Osage Street, and 400 North Fifth Street) after repairs or completion of work. The Commission also approved the appointment of Brian Huntington to an unexpired term on the Convention and Tourism Committee, adopted Resolution B 2244 for the KDHE Annual Report for Stormwater, and considered the purchase of two replacement vehicles for the Parks and Recreation Department (a 2020 Ford F-350 and a 2024 F-150).

The meeting initiated with a quorum determination and the approval of the July 11th minutes with a minor correction regarding contact status with a property owner. The primary discussion centered on the new business item: a review for 600 Shawnee Street, the Immaculata High School building. The proposal involves rehabilitating the school portion into 38 single-bedroom apartment units and repurposing the gymnasium into commercial space, including a gym, fitness operation, and juice bar. The commission reviewed compliance with preservation standards, noting minimal exterior changes proposed, including replacing windows with historic replicas and updating mechanical systems. Public commentary included support for the project's goal of adaptive reuse but raised concerns about parking availability, especially for older church members utilizing adjacent public parking. The Commission ultimately voted to approve the renovation request.

The meeting marked the start of public budget hearings, beginning with outside agencies before moving to city departments. Discussions included the funding request from the Leavenworth County Development Corporation (LCDC), which is based on a population and valuation formula, and updates on the total budget projections for 2018. Economic development activities were reviewed, noting significant deal flow, marketing efforts for a new business park, and the status of potential projects, including a large inquiry and the marketing of available industrial park lots. Further discussions involved Main Street's activities, such as executing approximately 40 annual events, supporting entrepreneurs, historic preservation, and ongoing marketing campaigns utilizing local grants. Updates were provided on specific projects, including the status of a local bakery renovation and a hotel construction project. Concerns regarding city event funding exclusivity were addressed. The commission also reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects impacting downtown access, like street closures.

The study session included a quarterly update from the Lorth Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Kellen Adam. Key discussion points involved thanking city crews for assistance after severe January weather, announcing a new monthly "Coffee with Kellen" series for dialogue with the public, and a detailed exploration of the feasibility of implementing a 4-day school week, which requires staff surveys and contract modifications. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the Rental Property Coordination program, noting that over 50% of residences in Leavenworth are rentals. The coordinator detailed the registration-only nature of the program, which utilizes the International Property Maintenance Code as its standard, and highlighted its success in increasing registration compliance and facilitating property issue resolution through a network of local agencies. A success story illustrating code enforcement following a safety concern was shared.