Tina L. Bailey

The agenda for this meeting, categorized under New Business, primarily focused on the Wastewater Plant project. Key discussion items included reviewing funding scenarios for the Wastewater Plant project presented by Scott Crist of UMB, with city staff recommending approval of three separate bonds to finance the new facility. Other agenda items listed involved requests for TGT Funds, updates on WWTP Improvements, discussion regarding the USD 413 All Class Reunion, appointment of a Tourism Member, and several property regulations (PR) reviews for various addresses.

The City Commission meeting involved amending the agenda to include an application for a 2026 Retail Cereal Malt Beverage License. Routine matters approved under the Consent Agenda included warrant registers and review of various board minutes. Key discussions included a summary of the library's 2025 Yearly Statistics and a report on economic development funding within area communities. Funding options for the new Wastewater Treatment Plant were reviewed, with further discussion scheduled for the following month. The Commission unanimously approved maintaining the 2025 pool rates for the 2026 season at the Maring Aquatic Center. Additionally, the new one-year Chanute Recreation Commission Facility Lease Agreement was approved. The Commission also approved setting aside up to $46,500 from the Transient Guest Tax Fund for a new EMC Digital Sign, contingent upon a City Special Use Permit. Several property resolutions were adopted declaring violations of municipal codes and authorizing nuisance abatement, while an additional property resolution considered granting extra time for abatement compliance. Finally, the application for a 2026 Cereal Malt Beverage License for AKAS #6 was approved.

Key discussions and actions included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered warrant registers and the request to use Santa Fe Park for the Annual Chanute Mexican Fiesta. In New Business, the Commission appointed Tim Egner to serve on the Planning Commission for a three-year term and also appointed him to fill a vacancy on The Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term. The City Commission approved a new plat for the Osa Martin Subdivision, which involves thirteen new residential lots. Additionally, the Commission adopted an ordinance amending municipal code regarding public records copy fees as required by changes in the Kansas Open Records Act, and adopted an ordinance amending sections pertaining to Cereal Malt Beverages License to comply with state law changes. Resolutions were adopted declaring several properties in violation of municipal codes and authorizing nuisance abatement. Finally, there was a consensus to schedule a future work session to discuss economic development with local entities.

The Commission addressed several items, including a report from the City Manager regarding upcoming budget work sessions, city audit dates, and a solar farm event. Key actions taken included the formal vacation of specific city streets to resolve platting discrepancies, a discussion and selection of topics for an upcoming work session regarding the Chanute Regional Development Authority, and the approval of an ordinance to establish electric rates for heavy load retail customers. Additionally, the Commission authorized the removal of revolving loans from the city's official financial statements and audit, and adopted several resolutions concerning the abatement of nuisances at various properties.

The City Commission meeting included reports on city operations, specifically the Depot HVAC and Fiber Pon 13 projects. The Commission approved additional funding from the Transient Guest Tax Fund for a new digital sign for the Tourism Committee. Project updates and funding scenarios for the Wastewater Treatment Plant were discussed, leading to the approval of issuing GO Bonds for the project. The Commission granted permission for the use of Santa Fe Park for a school reunion event, including approval for the consumption of alcohol. An appointment was made to the Tourism and Convention Committee, and several resolutions were adopted concerning property code violations and nuisance abatement.