Jacob Bennett

The agenda included a special presentation from a horticultural expert regarding native plants and grasses, noting Pittsburg is in climate zone 6B. Old business covered an update on the Recycling Center, noting a successful open house and the need for a public media campaign to increase membership during its strategic planning effort. The committee discussed planning a joint open house event in the Summer of 2023. Membership applications were reviewed, and the committee expressed interest in making a community garden a keystone project, focusing on using native plants, and considering potential locations.

The regular session addressed several key operational and capital projects. Discussions included updates on the Airport Reconstruction of the Partial Parallel Taxiway to Runway 04/22 Project, which is scheduled to commence in Spring 2026, contingent upon the end of the spring raining season. The Runway 17/35 Rehab Project, involving crack sealing, sealcoating, and painting, is expected to be funded by an FAA grant and potentially take place in Spring 2027. The Tommy Atkinson Monument Rehab Project completion was noted, with the American Legion planning a dedication. The Board discussed extending service terms for expired members and reviewed the leasing of Hangars 3505 and 3507 by Mullair, LLC, which commenced business on the meeting date. The group also discussed planning an Airport Day event for Spring 2026 in conjunction with the City of Pittsburg's 150th anniversary.

The Commission Meeting agenda for January 27, 2026, included several key items for consideration. Under the Consent Agenda, there was a request for approval of the January 13, 2026, meeting minutes, approval of Ordinance No. S-1114 granting an ad valorem tax exemption to Inteplast Group-Pitt Plastics for facility expansion, and approval of the Appropriation Ordinance for the period ending January 27, 2026. Major items for consideration included approval or disapproval of Change Order No. 2 for the EaglePicher Technologies Project (adding 31 days at no cost change), an update and potential scope change recommendation for the JJ Richards Bandshell Restoration Project, and consideration of reducing the 2027 mill rate by 1.152 mills from the 2026 Budgeted rate. The session also included a scheduled Executive Session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel, specifically the City Manager's 2026 goals and Letter Agreement.

The meeting addressed several matters under Old Business, including suggestions for 'Welcome to Downtown' gifts and discussions regarding downtown parking, specifically slanted versus parallel parking, crosswalk signals, and potential underused parking areas. New Business focused on introductions for new board members, the election of a new chair and co-chair, and a proposal for a Downtown Art Wall similar to one in Joplin. The Marketing Committee provided no update but plans to reconvene to plan a 'Meet and Mingle' event for downtown business owners in the Spring. Other discussions included potential grant opportunities from the Board of Realtors for downtown improvements, suggestions for 'Welcome to Downtown' signs, sharing successful downtown event ideas, confirmation of the paid Kansas Main Street affiliate membership for 2023, and notification of an upcoming trash clean-up event.

Discussions covered the Recycling Center, noting the retirement of the operations manager and plans to defer shipping commodities due to low prices while developing a 1- and 5-year strategic plan. Membership recruitment efforts, including potential interest from PSU faculty and students, were addressed. The committee sought access to data from a student project for sustainability marketing. Updates on community cleanups, including one organized by YP near Home Depot, were provided. Future planning focused on supporting the Recycling Center's strategic plan, Earth Day promotion (aiming for educational themes like a native plants garden), supporting cleanup initiatives, marketing the EV charging station success, celebrating the PACT bus success, and considering the addition of air quality monitors with grant or university partnerships. A new fast EV charging station installation near the Colonial Fox Theater was noted in new business, and the committee recognized Dr. Shipp's interest in supporting campus sustainability initiatives.