Katie Marcum

The agenda included discussion and action items such as the Reno County Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan, conditional use permits for electrical power plants, and rezoning certain properties to heavy industrial. The council also discussed semi parking on side streets, electric bikes and scooters on Main Streets, and the attorney contract. Public comments included concerns about code enforcement and the city's Facebook page. The council also discussed the Love Where You Live survey. The council also discussed codification, water tower design, and attorney client privilege.

The agenda includes opening public hearings and meetings to discuss the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and the State Revolving Fund Loan, considering a resolution to authorize participation in the loan application with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and reviewing recommendations from the Planning Commission regarding multiple rezoning cases. Also on the agenda is approving an agreement supplement to upgrade the belt press and discussing codification and water tower design. The council discussed monopolization of the city electric grid, website status, cleaning ditches/culverts.

The commission addressed multiple cases related to zoning changes and conditional use permits, particularly concerning Evergy's electrical power plant proposals within the I-3 Heavy Industrial District. Discussions covered environmental regulations, noise levels, water usage, and the impact on neighboring properties. The commission also considered a proposed text amendment to the South Hutchinson Land Development Code regarding facilities for electrical energy generation or storage.

The governing body will meet to hear and answer objections from taxpayers regarding the proposed use of funds and the amount of ad valorem tax. The budget includes various funds such as General, Debt Service, Library, Employee Benefits, Flood Control, Special Highway, Water Utility, Sewer Utility, Convention and Tourism, Special Park, Diversion, and Street/Economic Dev Sales Tax. The total tax levied, assessed valuation, and outstanding indebtedness are also discussed.

The agenda includes items such as opening a hearing to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate, voting to approve exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate, closing the open hearing to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate, opening a hearing to approve the budget, closing the hearing to approve the budget, voting to approve the South Hutchinson 2026 Budget as presented, and approving Charter Ordinance 21. Additionally, it involves approving the bidding and construction of the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon. The council discussed concerns over the condition of Wilbeck Drive, potential donations of Prairie Ridge Land Bank lots to Luxe Kansas, and scheduling a public hearing for the City of South Hutchinson Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Other discussion items included upcoming council meeting dates, strategic planning, bee problems, roof replacements, and Charter Ordinance #21 regarding the number of council members. The council also commented on a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) H.I.T. Training video and the state of Wilbeck Road.