Michael Shane Geddry

The Governing Body approved Appropriation Ordinance No. 1688. A library annual update was provided, highlighting the newly renovated children's library and ongoing interlibrary partnerships. A concessions proposal from Friendship House was accepted. Approval was granted for a beer/wine tent at the annual Tulip Festival. An agreement with Olsson for pavement restoration project management, design, and inspection services was approved, along with a development agreement for two Say Road properties. The Governing Body proclaimed March for Meals month and approved 2023 year-end fund transfers. Several library change orders were approved, along with funding for the Tantalus meter reading system, and maintenance and repairs for chemical storage and the power plant. Project updates were given on Chestnut Street, Vine Street, and the MRI project. The meeting included two executive sessions to discuss potential litigation.

The Governing Body approved Appropriation Ordinance No. 1666. The next regular work session was scheduled. USD 320 high school Scholars Bowl participants were recognized. Annual updates were presented by the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Dog Park Review was tabled. Arbor Day and National Therapy Animal Day proclamations were made. Ordinance No. 1790, amending Chapter XVI of the City Code, incorporating the 2022 Comprehensive Community Plan, was approved. Ordinance No. 1791, repealing Ordinance No. 925 regarding truck routes, was approved. Dana Wethington was appointed to the Wamego Library Board. Change order number 3 for the Plum Street project ($53,500) and work order number 10 for the airport grant project ($3,500 City portion) were approved. The City Manager reported on various departmental activities, upcoming events, and sales tax increases. An executive session was held.

The meeting addressed several key issues. Public comments included concerns about speed limits on Valley Road, mailbox locations, and yield signs on Poplar Street. A Revenue Neutral Rate public hearing was held, followed by the approval of a resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate. The 2024 budget was adopted. An amendment to the library agreement was approved, contingent upon City Attorney review, to address the project's overbudget status. A request for funding from the Riley County Health Department for opioid education was approved. A new account was approved for an airport fund. A safe driving task force was authorized, along with a traffic study. Sidewalk repairs in the downtown area were approved. Project updates included information on street projects, the library project, and the outdoor pool. Purchase requests were addressed, including approval for a hydro evacuation trailer. Finally, reports were given on city sales tax, library statistics, and staffing updates.

The Governing Body approved Appropriation Ordinance No. 1675. Commissioner Weixelman was appointed to the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization board, with Commissioner Jacobs as the alternate. Additional street closures were approved for Oztoberfest. Resolution No. 20230815, authorizing citizens to travel on foot with alcohol on city streets during the Porches on Poplar event, was approved. A homecoming parade request was approved. A Community Foundation banner request was approved contingent upon Public Works Director approval. An Olsson agreement for environmental engineering was approved for $27,740. Change orders for the library project (21 for $1289.32 and 22 for $2887.57) were approved. The purchase of a reconstructed parks truck from Reed Company for $44,000 was approved. An executive session was held to discuss confidential data.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including a property owner's inquiry about a sidewalk deferral, a request from Riley County for opioid education funding (up to $1500), and a grant application for a KDOT Connecting Link Improvement Project to resurface Lincoln Avenue. The Governing Body approved ordinances updating the Standard Traffic Ordinance and the Uniform Public Offense Code. A letter was approved to support the development of a Dollar Tree store, contingent upon legal review. Plans were made to solicit sealed bids for the removal of the Chrysler House. Project updates included progress on a safe driving coalition, street projects, and the new library. Finally, the meeting included reports from various city departments and a proclamation for Rail Safety Week.