[Music] [Applause] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Good morning, Witch. Good morning, Witchah.  And good morning. And good morning to all of   you here at city hall. We'll call this  meeting this meeting to order. With us   this morning this morning is Reverend  Reverend Staley of Chapel Hill United   Methodist Church. He will provide provide  our invocation. Following that invocation,   we will have the pledge of allegiance.  And we ask you please stand for both. Let's pray together. Oh Lord, as we come to you,  we give you thanks for the love and light that   you bring into our lives and into this world. Even  in the midst of dark days, in the darkness of hate   and violence and war around us, you offer yourself  as a prince of peace and hope, the one who is   able to make all things new by your power and  through the faithfulness of all who follow you.   Show us how to best follow you in our care for one  another within this city and within our homes and   our schools and neighborhoods. Not only for  our neighbors, but also for those who think   differently, even our enemies. We thank you for  these city council members and our mayor. We pray   that you'd continue to guide them and give them  your strength to follow your example of servant   leadership with wisdom and care in every decision.  And this we pray all in Jesus name. Amen. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United  States of America and to the republic   for which it stands. One nation under God,  indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor. Thank you, Pastor Staley. [Music] My turn. Approve the minutes. Approve the minutes  of the of the regular meeting. September 9th   25. Council members, are there any items to be  corrected from the minutes? I see none. I move   to approve the minutes for the regular meeting  for September 9th, 2025. Second. Second. Second.   Motion and a second. Any further discussion? I  see none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 6 with one absent. uh in that  absent is because council member Hoheisle is   currently representing the city of Witchah  at Altus and Lachland Civic Leadership Tour   in San Antonio, Texas. Madame Clerk,  can you please call the next item? Today's proclamations are save. May please start by asking the daughters of the   American Revolution to come forward at  this time and any of their supporters. The proclamation reads, "The city of  Witchah, Kansas, founded in 1870. Whereas   the Constitution of the United States of  America, the guardian of our liberties,   embodies the principles of limited government  in a republic dedicated to rule by law.   Whereas September 17, 2025 marks the 238th  anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of   the United States of America by the Constitutional  Convention. Whereas it is fitting and proper to   accord official recognition to this magnificent  document and its memorable anniversary and to   the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate  it. Whereas public law 915 guarantees the issuing   of a proclamation each year by the president  of the United States of America designating   September 17th through 23rd as Constitution Week.  Now therefore be it resolved that the Witchaw City   Council does hereby proclaim September 17 through  23rd, 2025 as Constitution Week. [Applause] Thank you. Uh, thank you. Uh, my name is  Mary Ays. I am regent of Hunice Sterling   chapter of Daughter of the American Revolution.  D was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in   Washington DC. We are a nonprofit volunteer  women's service organization comprised of   over 190,000 members and 3,000 chapters.  We're dedicated to promoting patriotism   per uh preserving American history and securing  America's future through better education for   children. Encouraging others in our community  to celebrate Constitution Week is one way to   do just that. As we prepare for America's  250th celebration, let's make the study of   our Constitution a priority. The United States  Constitution, America's most important document,   stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans  throughout history to maintain their liberties,   freedoms, and rights. Thank you, mayor, and  all city council members for your time and   for recognizing this important event in  American history. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you very much. May I please ask the supporters of save a life  free nlloxxone day to come forward at this time. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. The proclamation reads, "The city of Witchaw,  Kansas, founded in 1870. Whereas, Save a Life is   a community initiative dedicated to preventing  opioid overdose deaths by raising awareness,   reducing stigma, and expanding access to  life-saving resources. Whereas, Freelloxxone Day   provides an opportunity for residents to receive  Frelloxxone, a safe and effective medication that   can reverse an opioid overdose and save lives.  Whereas equipping community members, families,   and first responders with the lockstoneone  empowers them to act quickly in an emergency,   strengthening Witchah's commitment to  public health and safety. Whereas the   city of Witchah recognizes the importance  of prevention, harm reduction, compassion,   and education in addressing the opioid crisis  and honors all organizations and volunteers who   work tirelessly to prevent overdose deaths. Now,  therefore, be it resolved that the Witchaw City   Council does hereby proclaim September 25th, 2025  as Save a Life, Free, Nolockstone Day. [Applause] Thank you all. I'm Morgan Jennings. I'm  the project lead um and founder of the   industry initiative project through Safe Streets  Witchaw. I'm Cat Butler. I'm one of the outreach   coordinators here at Safe Streets Witchaw. I'm  going to go ahead and say our words here. Our   CEO couldn't be here today, so we're just going  to dictate her speech on her behalf. Greetings,   distinguished guests. It is an honor to stand with  you for Save a Life Day. A day that is more than   just a call to action. It is a movement rooted  in compassion, service, and the belief that every   single life matters. Each year, this day grows  stronger, reaching more people, building more   partnerships, and creating a wave of hope that  stretches across communities, cities, and states.   We carry in our hearts the memory of those we have  lost. Not because of who they were, but because   of the barriers they faced. Too many lives have  been cut short by poor policy, by the heavy weight   of stigma, and by the spread of misinformation.  These are not abstract forces. They are choices,   systems, and narratives that have turned moments  of need into moments of silence and loss. Every   name, every face, every story reminds us why this  movement matters. We do not speak of statistics.   We speak of loved ones, friends, and neighbors.  By acknowledging the harm of failed policies and   misplaced shame, we affirm that no one should ever  be denied dignity, truth, or the simple chance   to breathe. Their absence calls us to act with  urgency, clarity, and compassion so that the lives   still here are given every chance to continue. As  we grow, so does our responsibility. We know that   lasting change doesn't happen from one direction  alone. It takes leaders at every level. from our   national partners to our local champions to keep  this movement thriving. That's why today I want to   celebrate the heart of our efforts. People who use  drugs, their loved ones, and the communities that   stand beside them with courage and care. People  who use drugs and the people who care for them are   the backbone of Save a Life Day. They carry lived  wisdom, compassion, and courage. Their presence   keeps this movement grounded in humanity and their  contributions ripple and outward in ways that are   both practical and profoundly powerful. Honoring  their strength means stepping up the work,   stepping up to the work before us. Cheering on  Kansas by rallying local communities, leaders,   and volunteers with energy and encouragement.  Providing support and technical assistance so   that every region has the tools and knowledge it  needs to save lives effectively. Linking care and   connection between grassroots efforts and larger  networks so that no community is left behind. and   lifting up new leaders by creating opportunities  for others to step in, share their voices,   and grow in service. Strengthening partnerships by  working alongside national allies, policy makers,   and local champions to extend the  reach of this life-saving mission. And at the center of this work is a simple  urgent truth. The only thing enables is   breathing. That's it. It doesn't erase  challenges. It doesn't solve every struggle,   but it gives someone another chance. Another  chance to live, to heal, to reconnect,   and to choose tomorrow. The that gift of breath is  everything. So today, as we honor Save a Life Day,   we also honor those who keep this mission alive  day after day. We thank the people, our partners,   our volunteers, and every person who steps  forward to act. Not because the work is easy,   because every life is worth  saving. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you. May I please ask the National Diaper Need   Awareness Week individuals  to come forward at this time? Good morning. Good morning. The proclamation reads, "The city of Witchah,  Kansas, founded in 1870. Whereas diaper need,   the inability to afford enough clean diapers to  keep babies and toddlers healthy, affects nearly   one in two families and forces many to delay  changes, risking children's health. Whereas most   child care and early education programs require  families to provide diapers and parents without   an adequate supply often miss work, threatening  household stability. Whereas inadequate diaper   access leads to higher medical costs and limits  parents ability to work and attend school,   making diaper need both a public health and  economic challenge for Witchaw families.   Whereas Witchah is home to community organizations  such as Simply Hygiene that distribute diapers,   provide infant health, and strengthen our local  economy by supporting families in need. Now,   therefore, be it resolved that the  Witchaw City Council does hereby   proclaim September 17 through 23rd, 2025  as National Diaper Need Awareness Week. Good morning. My name is Megan Kais. We are here  with Simply Hygiene. We are a local nonprofit um   supporting our community with hygiene essentials.  Um we serve over 200 schools locally and over 100   nonprofits. I'm really believing that having  free access to hygiene essentials helps um with   dignity, hope, better health, opportunity,  and really just strengthens our community.   um February of this year, we were thrilled  to launch our new diaper program. Um to date,   we have distributed over 180,000 diapers to our  community. Um thank you to the city of Witchah,   mayor, and the city council for recognizing this  need in our community. Um we are hopeful that by   distributing diapers to our families, um that  we're helping our littlest friends stay dry,   clean, and healthy. Um we're helping  families get to work. We're helping families   um being able to take their child and  daycare. Um, and we're also helping them,   you know, to be able to provide more for their  other essentials like utilities and food. Um,   so we're really grateful for the support we've  received for the community and hopeful that we are   uh making a dent at least in the diaper need  in our community. So, thank you. [Applause] May now please ask the city council  to come forward to the front and   also Witchaw Police Chief Joe  Sullivan and our special guest Good morning. Good morning. How are you? Feliz me de Larencia Espana. Today, as  we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month,   it's my privilege to recognize a remarkable  leader within the Witchaw Police Department.   Lieutenant Maria Himerman has dedicated 21 years  of service to our community. In May of this year,   she achieved a historic milestone when she  was promoted to the rank of lieutenant,   becoming the first Hispanic female in the  history of the Witchaw Police Department.   Lieutenant Heimerman currently serves as the  unit commander of the special victims unit in   the Crimes Against Persons Bureau. Over the  course of her career, she has been a Spanish   language interpreter for the department,  served on the dignitary protection team,   spearheaded traumainformed interview training  for officers investigating sexual assault, and   personally worked countless cases to bring justice  to survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.   Her dedication has been recognized with numerous  honors including three bronze wreaths of merit,   a lifesaving award, two civic in achievement  awards, multiple distinguished service awards   and certificates of commenation as well  as specialty bars for community policing,   field training officer, task force  officer, and a bachelor's degree.   Lieutenant Heimmerman's career reflects not only  professionalism and courage, but also compassion   and a commitment to justice that inspire us  all. Please help me congratulate Lieutenant   Maria Heimerman on her historic promotion and  her outstanding service to the city of Witchah. All right. Thank you for your service. Thank you, Mayor. [Music] Madame clerk, can you please call the next  item? Public agenda. The public agenda allows   for five speakers to have five minutes each  to address the council. No action will be   taken relative to items on the public agenda  other than referral to the city manager for   information as necessary. Speakers will  please state their name and address for   the record. A time clock will display the  speaker's remaining time to speak. Order   and rules of decorum will be observed. The  first speaker is Arthur Stokes Black Mold. I don't see Mr. Stokes in the room. Madame Clerk,   can you please call the next individual?  Jim Underwood. Zoom attendance. Jim Lindwood, 142 South St. Paul. Mayor, members  of council, my remarks will be short this morning.   I'm speaking on Zoom. It's great way to get  people to attend meetings. I do know that can   be difficult. I became concerned earlier this year  when I was uh attending a meeting of a city county   board and looking at the screen, five of the six  people were actually driving their vehicles while   attending the meeting and trying to participate.  I as a former emergency services worker,   I found that very disturbing and it's extremely  dangerous. I'm asking that the council get with   city and management and work out a policy or  procedure. I would recommend that the technology   exists to simply make any attendance by Zoom  or for a Zoom meeting um audio only. And if   that is not possible, take the next step and  say any attendance by Zoom shall be on votes   automatic abstentia. This might take the desire of  people to try to drive and attend at the same time   because when you're working on a cell phone,  you can't see the displays that are put up   at the meetings clearly and accurately without  taking your eyes off the road and concentrating   on the phone. Again, dangerous. Mayor, members of  council, that concludes my comments this morning.   I will ask answer any questions council may have.  Jim, thank you for your comments. I will ask the   city manager what the protocol is regarding  uh Zoom attendance by staff. Um in addition,   I'd like to know what board you were speaking of  that you mentioned. Five out of the six people.   uh the city county access advisory  board meeting at the county meeting mayor um we do allow for u member participation by  uh zoom or teams usually um and I don't think we   have any guidelines uh regarding their behavior  when they're on a meeting out of the safety for   individuals especially while driving Um, again,  I have seen some disrespectful driving around our   community. Um, I would like us to take the lead  as 3,000 people work for the city of Witchah.   If there could be anything regarding staff about  their attendance via just audio versus on video,   can you please address what can be  done in regards to the 3,000 employees?   we can put out a guidance for our employees and  remind them once again about the importance of   uh being safe when they're participating in  meetings remotely. Um more than happy to do   that. I think Mr. Underwood's issue goes farther  than that is that is for volunteers that are   actually serving on boards and commissions and  it would probably take some direction from the   council for us to go ahead and provide guidance to  boards and commissions if that's what you wanted. I don't see any other council members speaking  on this topic. Um, I would like to see since   the only real authority uh that is given to the  city manager is his 3,000 people staff if there   could be a guidance for the staff. Whereas the  volunteers again, they're volunteering their time.   I don't know if we can dictate what they can or  cannot do, but if we could also send it out to   volunteer board members just as a guidance that  we want safety first um and making sure that that   is what is emphasized. Mayor, what what we'll  do is the guidance that we provide staff will   send out just for information to boards and  commissions. Thank you very much. Thank you,   Madame Clerk. Can you call the next individual?  We don't have any more individuals. Ma'am,   we have room for four individuals who would  like to address the council on any topic. I see none. Madame Clerk, please call  the next item. Consent agenda items 1   through 22. Council members, are  there any items to be pulled? I have one item that is agenda item  number 10 in the consent agenda. I move to approve the consent agenda without  item number 10. Second motion and a second.   Any further discussion? I see none.  Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 6. Agenda item number 10 in  the consent agenda is regarding uh 135th   Street West from Central to 13th Street North.  This is specifically talking about sidewalks   and that's what I would like to address.  I asked multiple questions to public works   via email and so I would just like to have that  on the record. Uh the questions that I did ask. [Music] Good morning, mayor, city  council members. Paul Gunsman,   public works and utilities for the record. Paul, um I had several questions that I um  asked of you, but I'm not going to focus on   all of them. Um I specifically wanted to know  about sidewalks and when we changed from what   we typically see around our community, which is 4T  sidewalks, four to five feet sidewalks to now six   feet sidewalks and also now 10 feet sidewalks. Can  you please address when did we move to the 10 feet   sidewalks? So between the bench right here where  I'm sitting to where you're standing is about   11 feet from the front of it. So just a little  under that 10 ft. Uh can you please address why   um that change? So I think it goes back to and  I tried to look through some history. Um I would   say within the 25 with in the last 25 years we had  migrated from 4ft sidewalk to 5 foot and then to   6T. Um and I think we transitioned to looking  at past records to 6ft walk in the 2008 2009   uh time frame. Regarding the 10-ft multi-use  paths, um we had um looking again back at some   records. Um I think a lot of those had been we had  installed a few of those before 2013 and then many   have been installed um since 2013 as part of uh  implementing the 2013 bicycle master plan. Can you   address um if there can be a list or where we can  find all the 10 ft sidewalks because these are not   typical as you drive around the inter city. Um and  it and I just would like to see uh over the last   decade again we've switched to 10 feet multi-use  sidewalks which can also fit it's so wide that it   could even fit a golf cart. I guess my question is  what is the cost to 6 feet versus 10 ft sidewalk? Let me address your first question uh maybe first.  um we don't have an all-inclusive list of the   um multi-use paths. However,  um looking at GIS records,   um I did go back to the um 2013 plan. I  believe it had indicated some of those   um existing multi-use paths on the map and then  it needs to be updated. I recognize some of them   that have con been constructed since that time  are not listed on the plan but or on the map   on GIS layer. So um we could update that to give  locations and then the cost for um 6 foot sidewalk is um looking at recent bid prices.  Um contractors bid sidewalk at   $5.50 per square foot. So one mile  of 6T sidewalk equates to $174,240 and a mile of 10ft multi-use path is  estimated to cost $290,400. So for six   for a sixoot sidewalk is about 174,000. For  a 10-ft multi-use path, it's almost 300,000.   Um, and in this specific agenda item, this is  to construct both a six-foot on one side and a   10-ft on the other side. So that's a total  of 16 ft. My question then is why could we   not go to six feet on one side and six feet on  the other? That's 12 feet total. What would be   the cost savings of that to in perspective how  many trees could be planted with a reduction   of 4 feet? That is a difficult question to answer  because uh we also look before we plant trees, we   also look at existing underground utilities that  are in the area. So that is also a consideration. and the cost of maintenance of a 10-ft versus a  typical what we see again around town which is 4   foot 5t type of sidewalks. What is the added cost  of maintaining these types of multi-use paths that   are not readily accessible within the intracore?  So what you're I don't know I have not seen this   GIS map but I would assume that these multi-use  pads are not in the inter city but rather on the   outskirts. Is that more accurate or inaccurate?  Most are on the outscore outskirts. Yes,   that is correct. We do have a few located within  the inner core um that were installed. Um one of   them is on Waco Street that was part of a overall  um bicycle route. Um we also have some on Woodlon   which is kind of pushing um maybe the Franch  but uh north of um 17th to 21st again as part   of connecting the um mid uh the redbuded path  with the K96 path part of its off street part   of its on street but yes many of them um have  been installed um southeast part of town on   Web Road from Harry to Panee Harry street from  Web to Green Witch. So on Green Witch there,   um south of Kellogg down to Harry and then on the  west side of town, 21st Street from 119th Street   to Ridge Road as well as um 119th Street south of  Kellogg to Pawne. And then proposed again we have   installed a 10- foot path on M um sorry 135th  Street from Kellogg North to Central as well as   north of uh 13th to 21st Street. Again, this is  not a questioning about the need for sidewalks.   It's about the width of sidewalks. And again,  the cost of creating these sidewalks and then   maintaining these sidewalks is going to be the  burden of the citizens of Witchah. However,   can you address how sidewalks, if they're in front  of your own house, that is your responsibility,   not the city of Witchah's responsibility.  Could that be a maybe law question? That is correct. Sidewalks are the responsibility  of the owner under state law. Under state law,   sidewalks in front of your home are your  responsibility, not the citiz citizens/   city of Witchah. But these specifically that we're  talking about in this agenda item, this is public   uh streets. So, this would be the citizens  of Witchaw having to pay for the maintenance   of it. Correct. I'm sorry. I'm not familiar with  the technical location of these sidewalks. Paul,   are these just aligned with it? Yes. And or you  know, um I've seen some homeowners associations   pay for that as well. If there's an homeowner  association, any repairs that need to be made,   they've made that. Thank you, Council Member  Glascott. Thank you, Mayor Paul. Quick question.   So, this that's coming before us is a change order  to the budget. And so, we're increasing the budget   uh from So, I'm a little confused by two  different parts. So, it says increasing   the change order limit to 5% of the contract  amount, which is estimated to be 300,000,   but then under financial considerations,  it says the existing budget is 7,575,000. And then it then subsequently says the revised  budget is $8 bill325,000 which is a larger amount   than the $300,000. Yes. So what we are doing  council member Glascock is we are initiating   the remaining rem remaining funding for the  project which is 750,000 for a revised budget   of 8.325 million. And then in addition to that,  we are asking for a change order amount up to 5%   of the contract amount to provide us um any  change orders that we can do within that. So   we're looking at the possibility of going over  budget by 5%. No, that we are um we will be you   know if we get a bid within the 8.325 million that  is what we will um award the contract for for that   amount. But then anything any unexpent unexpected  items that we might require a change order then we   would have that up to 300,000. So change order  not going over the budgeted amount. Correct.   Not over the 8.325 million. It's within that. So  if let's say the mayor brings up the point about   the 10 foot to 6 foot. If it were to go from  10 foot to 6 foot, you would save $116,160. Estimated estimated we could, however, that  is part of a that is a missing um link um for   that multi-use path. We have it south of there  um from central to Kellogg and then we have a   section north of 13th Street. So, this is filling  in a gap and it is also um implementing the uh   2013 as well as the 2024 bicycle master plan.  And I I know we've discussed multiple times   that I think 10 ft is excessive on a couple  projects across the community. So, thank you,   Vice Mayor Johnston. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor.  Um Paul, I I believe the roads are all improved.   135ths all improved from Kellogg all the way to  21st except this one stretch. That is correct. Is   that correct? Yes. And this stretch is somewhat  challenging because it's it's where the drainage   all goes and and so the cost maybe is a little  bit more than what was expected. Was that fair   to say? We have drainage as well as some utility  relocation as well. Yes. Within the corridor.   Yeah. And just to reiterate your point, there's  a 10-ft sidewalk north of this and south of this.   That is correct. Yes. So it would tie both of  those together. Yes. So it makes sense. I will   also point out that the Northwest Y is that  21st and 135th. Highly used, highly traveled.   Uh housing is exploding in this area and it's  a good way for people to get to the Northwest Y   including the new uh sports fields that are at the  Northwest Y. So um this is a highly used sidewalk   uh area for sidewalks. My wife walks this sidewalk  every single day and she sees tons of people on   this sidewalk um walking their dogs, walking for  activity, speedw walking, everything. So, I think   it's an important addition that's long overdue for  this one mile stretch of road. So, thanks for your   work on it and I do appreciate it. Council member  Tuttle. Thank you. Thank you, Paul, for um all you   do and for answering some questions today. Just  to clarify, we do have policy that says we have   sidewalks on both sides of the of the road, the  street. Correct. Yes, that's correct. And then I   was part of and thank you to Alan from BikeWalk  Witchaw for being here and I used to attend   um the bike pad advisory boards as much as I could  and now I can't because of my dad. But there was a   lot of community discussion um years ago about  having six foot path um you know the paths um   versus sidewalks versus 10. And some of it was to  make sure that, you know, exactly what vice mayor   said about, you know, people walking, biking, also  ADA compliance. If there was a wheelchair and a   bike, you need to make sure that the sidewalk is  large enough for both. Could you maybe just talk   about the community discussion that has been had  about this topic? We Yeah, thank you. And we do   um as you know, each project that we do um in the  CIP, we do go out to the district advisory boards   and present the concepts to the public. So, in  the past, we have received comments, you know,   um, appreciating the sixoot sidewalk. Um, it  allows, you know, folks to walk side by side. Um,   so, yeah, we have gotten support for the six  foot. Matter of fact, I'd like Gary I'd like   Gary Jansen to talk a little bit more about  the history and why we have the 10-ft standard. Uh, thank you, Mr. Manager. Mayor, council  members, Gary Jansen, public works, and   utilities. Uh, so I might go back in time with  some history on on where this comes from because   uh to Council Member Tuttle's point,  there actually is an ordinance that   um says we're going to build sidewalk on both  sides of the street. Uh, mayor, to your point,   there are not sidewalks and paths generally  this wide in the core area. There are along   the river. Uh, there are where we've been able to  provide the opportunity for connections. Uh I can   go back to prior to even 2008 when Paul talked  about and we started talking about this notion   of complete streets uh and addressing what was the  desires of the community for more connectivity for   pedestrians and bicyclists and and since that  time with the initial bicycle master plan in   2013 and the update to that just in the last two  years that the council approved we hear from the   community often about connectivity about the value  of sidewalks about wider sidewalks uh 4 foot width   uh is uh from a bygone era and communities whether  our size or smaller I don't know that anybody's   putting in 4 foot wide sidewalk anymore so six  foot wide makes sense we've heard that people   like that you can watch activity on sidewalks  and see that it's much more comfortable people   with strollers with wagons whatever it might be um  the 10-ft paths didn't just come out as a result   of the bicycle master plan but even prior to that  uh and looking at connectiv activity of our trail   systems. This has been very important. Getting  bicycles off the streets. There are many people   in our community who ride bikes uh for more than  just leisure, for more than just getting to work.   They want to be able to ride on the streets. They  want the on street paths. We also hear from a lot   of folks that want to get off of the streets.  They want to take their kids out riding bikes   and the last thing they want to do is ride on  the streets. These multi-use paths provide a   tremendous asset for getting bicyclists off the  street also and they can be used by pedestrians   at the same time. I would tell you in all the  years that I've gone out to public meetings and   we've talked about these types of projects,  Paul mentioned that we present these to the   district advisory board. We speak about them  with the bicycle pedestrian board uh amongst   many other community groups. We probably hear in  neighborhoods and in areas of growth of the city,   especially new developments, we hear more about  speeding than just about anything. Always looking   for ways uh to work with the police department and  through proper design, smart design, street design   to help with traffic calming. Second thing we hear  the most about is sidewalks and connectivity. Uh   currently, WAMPO, we're working with WAMPO, many  communities are on a safe route to school plan   uh which could potentially implement federal  funding for connectivity between schools. I've   spoken with many of you over the years about the  desire for connectivity between schools and those   wider sidewalks. It's not just the sidewalks, as  you said, as connectivity. That wider width we   have found is really been a value. Anytime we  can find room for 10 feet, it's going to make   more sense in the newer areas, the newer platted  areas, uh, where we can build that in with the   design of the new streets. It's really bringing a  lot of value what we've seen to the neighborhoods,   to the areas, providing connectivities to schools,  to retail areas. Uh, we we've watched and observed   many of these new paths put in and how much  they get used. to the vice mayor's comment.   This stretch along 135th, this is the last  gap, just to be clear. 135th has improved from   Kellogg all the way to 21st Street, except for  this stretch between Central and 13th. I can't   count how many calls I've had over the years  about why we haven't finished that, especially   with the connectivity with the sidewalk and the  path because there's so many people that want   to get to the Y. Uh there's another neighborhood  amenities, there's schools, everything else. Um,   so I think our formula is working well that  anytime that we can do this, this is really   what we're looking at going forward. And if we can  make that fit, there's always cost uh implications   to that too. But we have heard from so many people  that they like the ability to have that wider path   and the connectivity it provides. And ultimately  um if you look on our website with the bicycle   master plan and it shows the connectivity of  on street and off- streetet paths. We really   are developing a system uh for connectivity  of pathways that are wider for all users. Thank you very much Gary. And again this is not  a criticism against sidewalks. I am in favor of   sidewalks. This is really a consideration of the  width of these sidewalks because there is a cost.   Can you tell me do you have to buy some rideway  in order to have these 10 ft um wide sidewalks?   It it varies. Uh if you look at projects like this  one uh and generally in areas where we're starting   to get more to the fringes, there's almost  always necessary rightway acquisition, but   it's not to build a 10-ft sidewalk. That doesn't  change. We could still build these walks within   the necessary rideway that we need to improve  the street and provide drainage. We could build   sixoot sidewalks. We could we could build two 10ft  sidewalks within the rideway that we acquire for   the street project itself. Gary, again, one more  time, this I appreciate that there is an ordinance   that makes sure that we have sidewalks on both  sides. However, as I've been going around to some   of these district advisory board meetings, I've  also heard some folks that question where exactly   you would put these six versus 10 ft sidewalks.  And in this situation, it makes sense. I think   you've justified it. Vice Mayor Johnston has  justified the high traffic in these sidewalks to   get to the YMCA. However, I've seen it in other  dabs where there are areas that are low density   and doesn't require two sidewalks. So, I guess I  would like to I'm questioning these because I want   us to be prudent with these tax dollars and if it  is a hightraic area or highly utilized area, I can   I can understand the reasoning. However, I still  believe that in some areas where it's not high   traffic, having a 10-ft sidewalk seems excessive  in cost, too. So, I give you some context if you   don't mind, mayor, on some of the challenges we've  faced to the very uh item you just brought up. So,   the county, Sedic County, when they've improved  streets over the years and they've added sidewalk,   they generally had a policy to put sidewalk  on one side of the street only. Ultimately,   we end up annexing those street sections quite  often. And the first thing that that we hear   every single time is when are you going to put  sidewalk in on the other side of the street?   You pick winners and losers when you're trying to  put sidewalk in on one side. I wouldn't know where   to begin. Generally, uh there's other factors  involved with that. Um the county bridges along   those stretches of roadway have sidewalk on one  side. It's tremendously expensive to come back   later and add a sidewalk to another side of the  of the bridge. The same thing can be said as an   area starts to develop. Adding sidewalk at a later  point can be a real challenge to the neighborhood.   People have added landscaping. Trees have had the  opportunity for more growth. Then we're challenged   with the idea of trying to meet the the desires of  that neighborhood to put in any width of sidewalk.   We're trying to navigate through trees. for taking  out trees and you can imagine how that goes.   I believe from what we've seen over many many  years we are better off being proactive knowing   that the areas are going to develop. We look at  growth patterns we look at traffic counts uh we   look at uh areas that are platting. When we make  these improvements to 135th Street, to West Maple,   to East Harry, to 143rd Street, that is based on  the fact that growth is happening in those areas   or we wouldn't be making the street improvements  to begin with. To put the sidewalk and the   multi-use paths in at the same time upfront is  going to be the best value every single time.   I I'm absolutely confident of that. It's going to  create less conflict later, uh, less challenges,   less stress, uh, for the folks who live there. So  that we've got that there going forward, we can   continue to make those connections to our systems  throughout the city. I'll allow more comments,   but I have a few more for you, Council Member  Johnson. Thanks, Mayor. I was just going to say I   agree with Vice Mayor Johnston that um I not only  support this project, but I support the ordinance.   Um, for the last 3 weeks, I've picked one day to  go walk the Red Bud Trail in the mornings. Um,   and you would think at 5:00 a.m. when it's dark,  nobody would be there. But even this morning,   there's groups riding bikes on one side and  that's a 10-ft wide trail and people walking on   the other. The distance is great because there's  no safety concerns of hidden folks. Uh, a lot of   people utilize that space and the connectivity  that we're talking about today is very important   in these different areas. I think that the city  needs to continue um planning for the future and   not just the moment right now. And planning for  the future, you would continue to build six foot   on one side and 10 on the other for connectivity  purposes. You never know how an area will develop.   And using the Red Bud as an example, when council  member Williams really pushed for that and that   project was complete, the density in Fairmont  wasn't what it is today. Now there's four new   complexes over there of apartments. You see people  utilizing that even more than before. And if we   hadn't planned for the future and done something  like that, um I don't know what those folks will   be doing. And people complain about sherros all  the time. So if there's a way to have these paths   where people uh whether it's on bikes, walking, as  you talked about, strollers, all can be in these   spaces, I think it's incumbent on us to plan for  the future and have that infrastructure built. And   as you said, it's it's cheaper now than going back  later and trying to add to it. So I'm supportive   of it. I think the width is is great. And you  know, if folks will get out there on these paths   and just kind of see how easy it is for people to  navigate walking and biking together on the 10-ft   path, um it makes a lot of sense. 6T's better  than 4 foot as well. It's a little tighter,   but I support this. I think it's good. Sometimes  there will be a cost of getting easements and all   of that, but again, there's a cost of improving  the infrastructure of our city and it just makes   us better. So, I I'm supportive today and  I'm supportive of the ordinance and policy.   Council member Glasco. Thank you, Mayor. Just to  clarify, the ordinance is sidewalks on both sides,   not stipulating six foot on one side and 10 foot  on. Yeah, the ordinance does not speak to width.   So, historically went from four to six to 10.  When are we going to go to 12 or 14? Well, I'll   not planning on that, but there are folks within  the bike planning community that have urged us to   go to 12 feet wide. And that extra two feet starts  to create some real challenges with space in some   areas to the point of tree planting. We think the  10-ft is working well from what we've observed,   but it's like anything else. There's there's  always a push. Uh I think from what we've heard   from the community, this is truly responding  uh to community desires. Uh looking at design   standards that make sense for for development of  our community, of connectivity of those pathways,   of getting bikes off the streets. I think the  model that we're on to with the six foot and the   10 foot is really the best place to be right now.  Council member Tuttle. Thank you. This question is   for legal. Jennifer, um this is a consent agenda  item that got pulled. Can you please remind me,   will we allow public comment? Correct. You have  voted to do that. Okay. Thank you so much. Gary,   I have a couple more questions. Uh earlier  this year we passed the golf cart ordinance   and I know that this stretch of the road  135th Street is nearby one of the golf   courses near. So my question then is are we also  considering since there are wider sidewalks in   uh on the outskirts of the community  and close to some golf courses   um will we be now talking about possibly  utilizing those sidewalks for golf carts? Mayor, there is some discussion uh at the request  of some residents that have been impacted by the   council's actions to take a look at uh sidewalks  and paths that are uh within one mile of golf   courses. So, we may be bringing something back  to the council to take a look at that. Thank you   very much. Uh then the other question is I wanted  to know how often does the city of Witchah go and   inspect the sidewalks that are owned by the city  of Witchaw not necessarily by the residents of   uh communities. Can you tell me because this  is and again I am not against sidewalks. This   is a question about when you build more, you  have to maintain the addition, but you also   have to maintain what you've already built. So  my question is, how often does the city go out   to inspect current sidewalks? Uh generally mayor  because of the nature of the ordinance uh which is   supported by state law of how sidewalks uh repair  responsibility for sidewalks. We do not have an   active inspection program in place. Um this works  best uh when we hear we have reports from the   community when there are challenges we respond to  those at that time. I will tell you on the Paul   mentioned this on the wider sidewalks what we  have done um because I think it makes sense and   and we do have this flexibility. So, we've talked  before about with our sidewalk repair program at   intersections, those are a common area, right? So,  if we have uh issues right near an intersection,   within a certain distance, uh with sidewalk,  whatever the the problem might be, a trip hazard,   problems with ramps, those repairs are made paid  for by the city at large. That's not assessed   anywhere. on these 10-ft paths, we have taken uh  the approach to effectively split that cost. So,   if it's adjacent to a direct home, if it's  direct adjacent to an HOA like Paul talked about,   um and there's repairs that need to be made. We  don't think it's fair for somebody there to have   to pay for repairs to a 10-ft sidewalk.  Uh so we've generally split that cost.   It's worked well. Uh, it's something that  we've seen at other communities have done.   We've done some research on that and I think  it makes sense. Thank you, Gary. And thank you,   Paul. I see no further questions from the bench.  We will now open it up for public comment. Good morning. I'm Alan Kaylor. Uh, and I am here  on behalf of BikeWalk Witchaw. I'm also the vice   chair of the bicycle and pedestrian advisory  board. And I'll try not to repeat uh all of the   points that have been made by staff and some of  the council members that I appreciate. Uh probably   the best way to uh start this out is with a couple  of stories rather than statistics. Uh this past   weekend I had a a couple of friends in from out of  town. Took them on a bike ride out to the Prairie   Sunset Trail, which is one of the gyms of the uh  city along with the Red Bed Trail, which we also   biked on. Um and uh probably the most dangerous  part of our trip was riding back along 135th.   Uh as uh the vice mayor has pointed out, this is  the only onem section in that that does not have   uh a 10-ft path on one side. Uh it's it's a narrow  road. uh the traffic is going at least 40 miles   an hour and um you know it's uh can be a little  intimidating depending on the amount of traffic.   Um a separate a second uh example uh regarding  the uh having the sidewalks on both sides of the   street. I live on West 21st, west of Ridge Road,  and there is the 10- foot path there on the north   side of that road. Uh, but there are no sidewalks  on the south side of the road, uh, near where I   live. There are several businesses there. There's  a restaurant, there's a salon, there have been   different businesses there over time, but there's  no way that I can walk there across the street uh   because there aren't any sidewalks there and the  grass there is often muddy and so forth. Uh you   essentially have to drive I have to drive to cross  the street there. Uh so ultimately all of these   questions are are an issue of safety uh improving  safety for people on the paths uh safety between   the walkers and the cyclists on the paths but and  also safety for the motorists. the motorist as   uh I think the vice mayor pointed out uh it's  uh much easier much safer uh to have cyclist   especially the slower cyclist off the road on the  10-ft path. Uh, regarding the width of the paths,   um, the bike plan that was adopted earlier this  year by the council calls for an all ages and   abilities uh, network uh, covering the uh, the  city. And this the the area along 135th is one of   the areas that's specifically identified in the  bike plan as being uh part of that network and   calls for a 10-ft path along there. 10 foot the  10- foot u width of the path is almost universally   uh accepted as the minimum width for 10-ft paths.  every I during the discussion here I was trying   to look uh at what uh various government uh  organizations and so forth recommended and   everyone that I looked at recommended a minimum  10- foot for example the US accessibility board uh   recommends the 10-ft path uh for safety of all the  users on on the path for for a shared use uh path   um and ultimately as I that it is just a question  of what is the safest for the people using it. Uh   as uh council member Johnson pointed out when  there are walkers and cyclist and wheelchair   users and others on there the 10-ft path uh is not  at all uh excessive regarding having the sidewalks   on both sides of the street. Uh there is active  development going on on the east side of 100 that   right now the design is for the 10-ft path to be  on the west side and the sidewalk to be on the   east side of 135th. There's active development  going on at 135th for the safety of the people   on that side of the road and their access to uh  the uh north and south there uh to the Y to the   golf course and other places. Uh it makes sense to  have the sidewalk on that side on the east side as   well as on the multi-use path on the west side.  Otherwise, you'll be forcing them to cross the   street uh at an uncontrolled intersection in order  to use the path on the other side of the street. Regarding the uh width of sidewalks generally  uh again uh the Mr. Allen Yeah. Okay. Sorry,   I wasn't paying attention to that.  Okay. But uh yeah, any questions? Yes,   Council Member Glascon has a question. Thank you,  Mayor Allen. I appreciate everything you do. I   have the same question for you that I had for  Gary. Went from 4 to 6 to 10. When do I expect   the bicycle pedestrian advisory board to come  back and ask us for 12 or 14? Well, first of all,   I don't think it's accurate to say that it went  from 4 to 6 to 10. As far as sidewalks generally,   I think that the six foot makes sense. I I was  just I was going to say before my time ran out   that that really the difference between the four  and the six foot is really just a historical fact   that we used to build them in four for four feet  and now as standards and and usage has has changed   the sixoot is the standard. 10 foot is a standard  for multi-use paths not for sidewalks generally.   Um, I think there may well be uh situations uh  like the red bud path. Uh the design that was   done between K96 and uh going um east from K96 has  a 10-ft path, but it also has a path on the side   for runners uh that they find very useful both  because of the surface and because it gets them   off of the pave path that the cyclists are using.  uh that may well, you know, be appropriate for   other parts of the red bud path that are that are  extremely popular and at some times a day get uh   crowded. Generally though, I think the 10-ft path  uh makes sense. Uh as only if it gets, you know,   more more use uh then the a long a wider path  would become appropriate. I'll look back at this   meeting if uh we get a request for 12 foot. So,  okay. Very good. Any other questions? Thank you.   Thank you. We'll continue with public comment. I  see none. I'll bring it back to the bench again.   Um, this was a discussion because I think it's  important to be transparent with community when   it comes to projects. Um, especially as I drive  around our inner city and sidewalks are at 4 feet.   And so I asked the very first question I asked  was about 4 feet sidewalks and uh is that out of   compliance since now the new standard is I guess  6 feet or even 10 ft for multi-use and the answer   was no they are not out of compliance. So it would  actually be inaccurate to say that they're still   not doing 4T sidewalks because you still have  to repair the 4T sidewalks. So they are still   doing 4T sidewalks. Um, so anyone who has 4 foot  sidewalks in your neighborhood, you're not out of   compliance. Um, and you do have to repair it if it  is in front of your home. And it is unfortunately   on you, the homeowner, to repair that. Um, and  so again, I wanted to bring this topic forward   because I think we've had individuals who've  asked questions about sidewalks in particular.   Whose responsibility is it? And again I have to be  prudent when we are building more sidewalks that   again if it is going to be the responsibility  of the citizens of Witchah the city of Witchah   then we are cognizant that we still have a wide  network that we still have to maintain and now in   addition to we'll be maintaining new and having  heard all the discussion and the uh background I   appreciate knowing that now there's going to be  a connection the missing piece I on 135th. Um,   so I'm not against this project, but I would like  to see moving forward if there are places that   we're only doing the 6T plus 10t sidewalks on each  side because we think that is going to be what   residents want. I think it's important to have  counts. When we say there's congestion, I'd like   to know when is that congestion? At what times  are we seeing traffic on sidewalks and multi-use   paths? Because again, if we're only doing it for  exceptions rather than the overall normal uh flow   of traffic, are we really being prudent with the  dollars that we are supposed to be stewards of?   And so again, this questioning is not regarding  necessarily 135th Street, but rather again as I've   gone around to some dabs and heard uh the feedback  from community asking is it prudent to have two   sidewalks, especially one on each side in very  vacant or low density areas. Um, so again, I'm   going to be supportive of this specific project  because it does finish out the remainder of that   135th Street gap. Uh but again moving forward I'd  like us to be more prudent when we are thinking   about six foot plus 10 foot um when it comes to  these sidewalks because again if we would have   reduced overall 6'6t on each side you would have  had a cost savings that could have uh planted more   trees in our community. So it's again um it's  a trade-off and I think we need to be prudent   about tradeoffs. Council member Ballard. Thank  you, Mayor. I have to say I'm a little surprised   that we've taken so much time on um this item, but  um I appreciate the conversation and wanted to add   my two cents. Um I'm absolutely supportive of the  um 10-ft sidewalk. I don't think we can just talk   about wanting a more walkable, ridable, connect um  adding more connectivity through um our community.   um without providing the infrastructure. So I  think this is really important. We all know how   much traffic um and not just cars that area is  is already using. I can't imagine when it's um   a wider safer path how many more people will  utilize uh that path as well. So um for that   I will be supportive of the sidewalk. Council  member Johnson. Thanks Mayor. Um, just want to add   in an additional two cents. Um, I think that we  should, uh, be prudent, but as a city council and   many councils, we've committed to a more walkable,  bikable community, and I think that building that   infrastructure is a commitment to that and we and  we should keep it. When we look at that area or   again even Red Bud, that type of infrastructure  leads to more investment. It leads to people   saying, you know what, I can build over by this  wonderful walk path, these wide sidewalks. we can   get to and from safely. That type of again public  investment brings about the private investment and   we see the usage continue to go up. Even if we  look at traffic data that shows that something's   not there now, our team continues to put projects  in the CIP to expand things that at some point   will develop. You look at what is it 37th and  hydraulic in district 1. that project. There was   um some businesses out there, not completely  um super busy, but that was a project that we   are completing now. And it's a real benefit to  the businesses that are out there and anyone who   wants to locate out there because you're going to  have a newly paved road with expanded turn lanes,   some improvements on the side. So again, these  investments that we make in planning for the   future, I think make our community better. And as  we look at places for people and the nodes that   uh we want to see investment in, it may cost a  little more in developed core areas. But again,   it's an amenity that our community really benefits  from. And even advocates like me who was against   Redbutt path initially um see the benefit later  and I'm very supportive of it. So sometimes we'll   criticize things because we haven't been out  there, but to see how uh wonderful it is in   the community, the benefit and the usage of  it, I think it's a good thing. So, as we look   at the cost, there's always going to be a cost in  investing in ourselves and we should be investing   in our community. These are your tax dollars and  we should make your community the best that we   can and that is a worthwhile investment. And I  would hope that future councils continue to to   do so. Yes, look at the numbers, look at the usage  potential, but also look at the growth potential   and the investment potential in that part of the  community. Council member Glascon. Thank you,   Mayor. I believe our job is to ask questions from  this bench. And so I'm glad we had discussion   about this consent agenda item as we do any item  that comes before this that any member polls. Um   looking at myself to Councilman Johnson, it's  about 10 ft. There are probably five times   that I have crossed a path with another human on a  path this large. And so I think we're building out   uh too much. And so I'll be very interested um  when uh we do get lobbying for 12 ft at some point   to come back to this conversation. Um while this  is only one mile and save us one what $1116,160.   If this was extrapolated over 10 miles that we're  expanding, that comes over to a million dollars.   And so while this may seem like a small bucket in  terms of how much we're spending on this project,   we extrapolate this out to 10 other miles in the  city. We're looking more than a million dollars.   And so I do have concerns moving forward for this  and the connectivity as Councilman Johnston said   um that may sway me on this because of the 10-  foot on both sides, but I'm hardressed to do   that for future projects. I'm not seeing the  need uh for the amount of times that I've seen   individuals cross from me to Councilman Johnston  or John right now. Vice Mayor Johnston. Thank you,   Mayor. With all due respect, I think we need  to bring a tape measure to the council. I think   that's a lot more than 10 feet there. I measured  it. Um, so I actually have the amount the length.   So it's for Yes. From you or from the front of  From the front of the speakers um bench area to   the front of here. Okay. It's 11 ft. So just take  one foot off and that's 10 feet. Okay. I think you   stated it was from you where you're sitting. Okay.  That makes more sense. So thank you. Um, we also,   my wife and I also ride the Sunset Trail. Um,  where cyclists go there at least once a week.   The most dangerous part for us is going down Maple  on a 4ft sidewalk and down Maze on a 4ft sidewalk   where trees are overgrown. You have to duck to  get through trees and stuff. It It's not very   good. So, I really appreciate the the wider  10-ft sidewalks make it much much easier to   navigate and to get there safely. So, I I like a  walkable, bikable city. I think it's important to   our city and this is I think this is a big part  of it. Thank you, council members. And again,   um I pulled this item not because I am not in  support of sidewalks. I completely understand   why they're there and why they're useful and  why they can be utilized for both walkers,   bicyclists, and potentially I guess in  the upcoming weeks even golf carts. So,   um I also believe that we do need to invest in  ourselves. Uh but I also believe in investing   in what you currently have and knowing that  maintaining what you currently have costs a lot of   money. And maintaining what we have sometimes can  get us if we don't maintain it, it can get us into   trouble. That's why I'm emphasizing the importance  of maintaining. I don't want buildings falling   apart. I don't want sidewalks causing people to  have accidents. And so maintaining what we have   should be the top priority first and foremost  before you build more or new. And so again,   I have understood the conversation and knowing  that there's a gap on 135th that is dangerous.   Thank you, Alan, for pointing that out, especially  with your um stories regarding this weekend. Um   and I know that Vice Mayor Johnston, you mentioned  your wife utilizes that stretch. And again,   I want people to be safe and especially if there's  a gap right now uh that has already been built,   but there's just a section that is missing. Um I  have been swayed to say yes to this item. However,   moving forward, I really want us to be prudent  again on maintaining our sidewalks. So,   the question I asked about how often does the city  go out to inspect sidewalks that we currently have   um that the city is supposed to maintain should be  a top priority versus building new. So, with that,   uh since I pulled this item, I  will move this item. I move that   the council approve the revised budget,  change order limit adjustment resolution,   adopt the amending resolution, and authorize  the necessary signatures. A second motion and   a second. Any further discussion? I see  none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 6. Madame clerk, please call the  next item. Board of bids and contracts dated   September 15, 2025. Good morning, mayor,  city council. Josh lover, department of   finance. The board of bids and contracts convened  yesterday, September 15th for the following items.   For engineering, we have the Hess reservoir  sight valve replacement package three for   Wildcat Construction Company Incorporated for  1,892,000. We have the 27in sanitary serum main   improvements to serve Yellowstone Edition for Mis  Construction Incorporated for 99 for 991,13.50, excuse me. We have the 2025 outsource  pavement preservation program concrete   joint and crack seal for innovative  road composits LLC doing business as   super ceiling USA for 122,000 awarded  from the original bid of $105,9321. We have for purchasing the tree and stump  removal McDonald golf course for Shaunie   Mission Tree Service Incorporated for $77,000.  We have the 2026 Ford F550 crew cab truck   for Country Ford Mercury Incorporated doing  business as Vance Country Ford for $83,227. We have the pre-employment physiological  testing for fit for duty assessment recommending   redirection of award to Molly Allen doing  businesses Witchaw Psychology LLC for an estimated   annual usage of $36,000. This is how to become  a vendor with the city. This is our purchasing   calendar of small business resource partner events  the city's hosting or participating in. And these   are open public opportunities out on the street  today. And I'd be happy to try to answer any   questions and I recommend your approval.  Thank you, Josh. Any questions for staff?   I see none. I move to approve the board of bids  and contracts dated September 15, 2025. Second.   Motion and a second. Any further discussion? I  see none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 6. Madame clerk, please call the  next item. Public hearing and request by Enclave   West LLC pro for approval of a letter of intent  to issue multif family housing revenue bonds. Which staff member speaking on this item? Sorry about that. Uh Troy Anderson, assistant  city manager. Uh so I stand before you today with   a request. Uh this is for a project uh known  as Enclave West. uh and Enclave West LLC's,   specifically a Kansas limited liability  company that was uh specifically created   to develop and construct this new multif family  residential community. Uh the project consists   of 15 twostory buildings with 32-bedroom units  and 33bedroom units for a total of 60 units.   Uh the property is uh slated for construction  on an unimproved vacant track of land on the   northwest corner of 13th and West. Uh Enclave  West is requesting issuance of approximately   $8 million in revenue bonds to finance the  project. Under our guidelines, the project   qualifies for a 50% property tax abatement based  on new capital investment. Uh the estimated 50%   property tax abatement for the first full year  is about $106,000. You can see that broken down   between city, county, state, and school district.  Uh, additionally, the project's eligible for   a sales tax exemption. Uh, the approximate  sales tax exemption is $235,000, city share   being approximately $18,000. Uh, cost benefit  analysis was performed uh with the following   ratios of benefit to cost. Uh something I want  to point out is uh included in the green sheet   and on the screen in front of you here. Again,  I won't read through these. Uh we're going to   start including not only the 10-year costbenefit  analysis ratios, but also the 20-year costbenefit   uh analysis ratios. Uh but those are all included  not only in the green sheet but on the screen here   in front of you as well. So here's our standard  disclaimer around revenue bonds. Revenue bonds are   a mechanism for achieving a sales tax exemption  and or property tax abatement. In a revenue bond   transaction, the city is not lending any money.  Bears no risk. The owner developers required to   achieve all of its own financing. There are no  taxpayer dollars at risk. Enclave West agrees to   pay all the costs of issuing the bonds. Agrees  to pay the annual origination fee. Bonds will   be purchased by Enclave West or a related entity.  uh bond documents uh required for the issuance of   the bonds will be prepared by outside council but  ultimately those will be reviewed and approved by   uh the law department in their final form at  the time of issuance. With that being said,   it's recommended the city council hold a  public hearing, close the public hearing,   adopt the resolution, and authorize the necessary  signatures. We do have representatives from uh the   applicant here today to answer any questions.  Otherwise, I'll stand for questions. Thank you,   Troy. Questions for staff? I have a couple. Can  you start off by telling us how much in property   taxes is this land currently being levied? That's  a good question. Um, maybe Enclave West can tell   us that. I think we're looking it up as we speak.  If you'll give us two minutes. No worries. The   next question will probably be for Enclave West  as well, which is what are the typical rents for   these two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments?  Um, I know that these are I think fair market   value, so approximate would be uh appropriate for  that question. Yeah, I'll defer to the applicant. Good morning. Um to answer your question,  um 12250 is the rent on we're thinking   12250 to300 on the two-bedroom units  and 1350 to,400 on the three-bedroom   units. So we would call them falling in the  category of a workhouse or workforce housing and we're checking on the taxes as well. Thank  you. Um, this is an area that I'm very familiar   with as I used to work for a television station  by 13th and West Street. Can you talk about   the reasoning behind choosing this location for  the next uh, I guess 60 units that will be able   to house individuals and be able to walk around  there? Sure. Um, we we like infill projects. Um,   um, much like I think you guys can appreciate.  Um they're they're good opportunities because   of what you just mentioned. There's walkability  to them. We know there's residents that want to   live there because there's other neighborhoods  around it. This land has been vacant for a long   long time. It's we feel like it's a good use. But  yes, the fact that Dylan's is across the street.   Genesis Health Club is walking distance. There's  restaurants. There's retail. Um there's those type   of things. Um uh also the product around it is  fairly aged. some of the newest product around   it is, you know, 20 years old. So it and our rents  are typically not far from what some of that age   product is at, which gives people an option for  something a little bit different, a little a   little newer and some variety. So thank you. By  any chance, do you have the property tax dollar? 56,000. 56,000. Thank you. So, currently you're being  levied $56,000 in property taxes per year and   with these improvements, you'll be able to  double that. So, because of your improvements,   you'll be able to provide more taxes to the  community. However, there is a tax abatement here   and it's a 10-year abatement. Is that correct?  That's correct. Correct. With a fiveyear five-year   um review. That's correct. Perfect. Thank you  very much. Appreciate the uh answers. Sure. I   see no questions from the bench. We'll now open  it up for public comment. I see no one from the   public who would like to speak on this item.  We'll bring it back to the bench. This is in   Council Member Maggie Ballard's district. Thank  you, Mayor. I am very excited about this project.   Um not only because it is affordable housing,  but because I think it's a great uh missed   opportunity. Um it's been vacant for a long time.  Um and I'm very familiar with it. My bar used   to be caddy corner from there for spent a lot of  time over there for a long time. So um with that,   I would like to take uh staff to recommend  an action. Um recommend that the city council   close the public hearing, adopt the resolution,  and authorize the necessary signatures. Second.   Motion and a second. Any further discussion? I  see none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes. 6. Madame clerk, please call the  next item. Application to the Kansas Water Office   Water Projects Grant Fund. Good morning,  Mayor. Council Lindsey Baka with the city   manager's office here with an exciting uh grant  opportunity with the state of Kansas on behalf of   Botanica. Uh a little bit of background. The  the state water office offers several grant   pro programs and opportunities for special  projects that reflect Kansas's commitment   uh to addressing long-standing water challenges.  As we're all well aware of in our community,   uh the state water plan fund specifically was  designed to provide direct financial support   uh for infrastructure and capital projects to  secure, conserve, uh or enhance water resources.   And a little bit background about Botanica  specifically, uh it's operated with a public   private partnership. The city of Witchaw owns  the land and the facility itself and we provide   some general operating support. Uh but general  operations programming uh and fundraising are   led and governed by the nonprofit Botanica Inc. uh  a local 501c 501c3 nonprofit. So we work in tandem   uh with the nonprofit to to to meet the mission  of the organization. Uh Botanica in partnership   with the city is seeking this grant opportunity  as municipalities are the required applicant for   this grant. Um and the the goal of this grant  opportunity and the project is to extend the   current footprint of Botanica into Sim Park uh  to develop what we're calling a water learning   center. Uh a little bit about the proposed project  which is very much in the proposal state itself.   Uh the water learning center uh will be designed  as a hands-on educational hub for K12 students   and the general public who who visit Botanica.  Uh the center will feature visible water pipes,   channels, and a reservoir system to demonstrate  the movement, conservation, and the reuse of water   itself. Um attached to the facility will be a  conservatory and a greenhouse complex of some sort   uh providing a growing environments for all  sorts of different plants um that are currently   on display at the the gardens um and also serving  as a flexible classroom space and learning space   uh for students. Regarding financial  consideration, this is a grant application.   Uh the grant awards up to $8 million per project.  I will say the total fund available is 12 million,   but we're going uh going all out here with our  application. Uh so the total amount requested for   this project currently is 7,295,000 and there are  no matching funds required for this project. Uh   the law department has reviewed and approved the  application as to form. I will note that should   the city receive the grant, we'll likely need some  sort of supplemental agreement uh with Botanica,   Inc. uh to figure out the the project itself and  ensure the proper use of the state funding. And   with that, I'd like to recommend approval of  the grant application, authorize the necessary   signatures. I would like to just point out we  have staff in the room from Botanica. Uh executive   director Dr. Lynette Simmerman is here if there's  any questions about the project itself. Thank you,   Lindsay. I just had one quick question. Can you  go back to the financial consideration? Yes. That   total amount of 7.295 295 million is for the  entire project. Is that correct? I believe so.   Staff say yes. Thank you, Council Member Ballard.  Thank you, Mayor. I'm very excited about this. Um,   couple questions and I'm sorry if I  missed it. What does the time frame   um look like? Do we know? Uh, the application is  due at the end of this month. It's 2026 funding.   They haven't listed a date of notification,  but we should find out by end of this year.   uh so projects can begin in 2026. And is this a  grant that is new or obviously new to us, but has   it been around for a while for other communities?  I'm just curious. I'll defer to staff. Thank you. Good morning, Lynette. Good morning, everyone. Uh this is not a  new fund. It was established in 2023 um by   our state legislature. Uh these are dollars that  they have earmarked already to be spent on water   infrastructure projects. Awesome. Um and just a  shout out to you. Thank you for being so creative   in all of the ways to um conserve our water at  Botanica and for the city. I'll just have one   quick suggestion. Um because we do draw a lot of  individuals to Botanica, not just from the city,   but our surrounding communities um as well as even  regionally. I would say that that application has   regional uh implications and that again could  be um pointed out within the application. Thank   you. I see no further questions for staff.  Thank you, Lindsay. We will now open it up for   public comment. I see no one from the public.  We'll bring it back to the bench. And again,   this resides in council member Ballard's district.  Thank you, mayor. Uh I would like to take the   uh staff's recommendation is it is recommended  that the city council approve submission of the   grant application and authorize the necessary  signatures. Second motion and a second. Any   further discussion? I see none. Madame clerk,  please open the role. Motion passes. 6. Madame   clerk, please call the next item. False alarm  registration and management services contract. Morning, mayor and council. Jason Kulie,  captain with Witchaw Police Department.   We have the false alarm registration management  service. The background on that is the city of   Witchaw adopted a false alarm ordinance in  1999. Uh the goal was to reduce personnel,   emergency personnel from responding  to false alarms. Since 2009,   the city has contracted with Central  Square Technologies for the false alarm   registration and management service. That  agreement is set to expire February of 2026. Uh as of December of 24, uh there were 105,211  alarm user permits in the city. And of that in 24,   6,159 false alarms were reported  and recorded. And since uh 2009,   there's been just under 250,000 false alarms. A request for proposal was issued to secure  a qualified false alarm service vendor. A   screening and selection committee unanimously  recommended uh PMAM Corporation as the new vendor. uh false alarm revenue for the city since 2023 is  just under $130,000 and in 2024 the city revenue   from the false alarm uh fees were $85,645 and then  I put the uh since the inception there since 1999   is just over $6.5 million. uh PMAM corporation  contract outlines revenue sharing of 76%   uh retained by the city of Witchaw and 24% uh  retained by PMAM. Uh the proposed contract is   for a one-year term with three one-year renewal  options for a total of four years and 2025 adopted   budget for the alarm vendor is $130,000. It is  recommended that uh you approve the agreements   for PMA incorporation and authorize the necessary  signatures. I will stand for questions. Thank you,   Captain Kulie. Council member Glass. Thank you,  Mayor. Captain Kulie, I just I'm trying to do   some quick math to understand this. So, uh in 20  Can we go back to the slide regarding revenue? So,   in 2023 brought in 127,000 revenue at  24%. We're looking at the total expense   allocated should have been 30,000 to the alarm  service vendor and it looks like the amount   was 71,000. Am I reading that incorrectly  on the Are you on the agenda report? Yes. You able to answer that? There's  there's additional mailing fees   and costs associated. So, it's the actual  revenue, but then there's like charges. responsibility. Okay. So, in 2023, the city only,  it looks like brought in I'm just trying to do the   math again. 7125 looks like $56,000. Would that be  correct in 2023 in terms of a include the $127,000   in revenue and the expenses at 71,000? He's  he's trying to net it out. Do we is this actual   revenue at 127,000 or is it net revenue? This is  that's the city's revenue. So that's not the net.   That's that's the total revenue without their  with before we took their expenses out. That's   what the council member is asking. The 127 my  understanding is that is what came into the city   before our cost. No. No. That city's revenue. Yes.  Then there's a separate revenue that was given to   um Central Square or Crywolf. Okay. That's not  clearly identified in this. So those are for my   follow-up questions. It looks like the 2025  adopted budget for this service is 130,000.   Mhm. But in 2023, we only spent 71,000 and then  2024 we spent 48,000. And so, and it looks like   the budgeted amount is 130,000 in 2025, which is  a significant increase from $48,000 budgeted or   even the $71,000 budgeted. Why were we budgeting  s I mean nearly three times as much as in 2024.   Yeah. So, that's part of why we went back out to  another bid or proposal. um we did not feel we   were getting timely and adequate service from the  current vendor. Um we would we would ask for some   uh data request and it would take three to four  weeks to get some of those back um which slows   down the billing, slows down the notifications  to uh the residents or the businesses for false   alarm. Um we have spent uh the last couple years  trying to streamline that. Uh even them polling   data from 911 to provide um there was significant  delays in that. So that's why the uh amounts are   much lower than the budgeted amount. Uh I did not  go back and look you know historically of in 2019   and 2020 and 21 were we around that 130. Um, but I  will tell you because I think what you're getting   at is there's too much budgeted. Correct. Okay.  Um, so I will tell you that uh holistically as a   department um I'm going through all of the budget  um to seeing where there is extra uh I don't want   to call it waste but where there's extra where  things can be reallocated. Um, I have not made   it to service contracts or software uh yet, but  um we are going through all the equipment and   everything else that we do right now to reallocate  funds where they're actually supposed to be. So,   I can't say that that's not overbudgeted because  I haven't made it to that. Um, but I would imagine   uh looking through the budget that at some point  130,000 was the adequate amount that was being   paid forward to them, which is why the budget  was set at 130. It just seems like a big jump   from 48,000 to 130,000 even when the subsequent  year was 71,000 to have a three times increased   budgeted amount. That's the 2025 budget. Do  we have the 2026 budget amount that was just   approved? I'd have to look up. Have to look.  Uh just a reminder, you adjust the budget at   mid midyear. When you approve next year's  budget in August, you'll approve a revised   2026. in there. They'll have estimates and  if they're going to be if it's over budgeted,   that money can be swept and usually is identified  as available for other uses in the budget to help   balance the budget or uh for you know or it will  be uh uh excess at the end of the year. So plenty   of time to do that. The more important thing  is focus on I think where you were originally   and that is on the expense level and the revenue  level because that's actually what's controlling   this not the budget. And so just to confirm, the  127,000 is the net revenue to the city, correct?   Each year. Yes. Thank you. Yes. So that's the 80%  that Crywolf had. Vice Mayor Johnston. Thank you,   Mayor. Uh, Captain Culie, just I was ask the  same questions as Councilman Glascock did,   but just just review for me what the I believe  the first one is free, a warning on a false alarm,   and then you start charging after that. Can  you can you kind of review that? Yeah. So,   the first one is no charge. Um, we give them  a notice that, hey, you had a false alarm,   and then there's subsequent ones after that. If  they are um a significant repeat um we will flag   them as a do not respond. Um there is a seasonal  business that comes every season around this   time that routinely has false alarms from things  just moving in their business. Um they routinely   get flagged as a do not respond. Um and it's the  same with um registration. Um uh just to clarify,   every alarm user has to register with the city  and pay the the the fee to become uh to have an   alarm. Um we manage those, but at the end of the  day, we just want you to register your alarm. So   if you don't register it and there is a false  alarm, uh you get build for that registration.   If you don't pay it, there's a a much larger  fine on top of that. Um, at the end of the day,   if they call and register that, we wave the the  the bigger penalty for that. We just want them to   register their alarms. Okay. Thank you. I'm I'm  just curious on that 600 6,159 false alarms. Um,   do you happen to know how many of those did  receive a fine? Oh, I don't have that. I'd   have to get that back to you. Okay. I'm just just  curious. And and do you think the company are they   responsible for collecting that fine? Yes. Okay.  Do you think they're doing a good job with that   now or? No, that's why we went out for a Yep.  Okay. Yeah, we uh the proposal was the current   company and then PMAM. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Mhm.  Uh my only question since this is a new contract   with a new company, PMAM Corporation, did we ever  think about just doing an 8020 versus a 7624? Um so that's the current one was an 8020. Um  I believe PA uh PMAM proposed the 7624. Um,   I'd have to defer that question on on why we ended  up going 4% below uh below where we were. Um,   I don't know if any of the members of the  committee Yeah, maybe Josh can help us with that. And again as a comparison the previous company  versus PMAM which is a proposed new company. Um   are they charging us less for the maintaining  of the s the system or because again I would   like to see us getting more in revenue. 8020  seems more fair for the citizens to get the   80 versus 76. Uh good morning mayor city council  Josh Lober. Um I'll speak candidly with you. the   the negotiations for cost sharing and fees was not  as focused as ensuring continuity of services for   citizens. Um this is a very restricted market. So  there was very limited firms that could respond   to this project. So when you have instances of a  restricted market, it makes it very difficult to   try to negotiate those kind of cost savings  and those kind of cost sharing mechanisms.   One thing that was explicitly focused during the  contract negotiation was CAD integrations, cost of   integrations, not paying for those integrations,  protecting WPD, having a newer firm coming in,   outlining continuity of services for these  longstanding customers that are registering their   false alarms, and not having a break in service  that would jeopardize their business model. Is there still any way to negotiate asking for  a bit more? I mean, it's a 4% reduction from   the previous contract. If the council requests us  to go back to negotiate, we can always do so. Uh,   this was a I think closer to 80%. Again,  I understand that it's a limited market,   only a few players, but again, I think again,  we should be negotiating a a bit stronger.   um asking for closer to that 80%. We can go back  to council if uh we can go back to the vendor if   the council defers this or requests this. Vice  Mayor Johnston. Thank you. I I might point out   Mayor that 76% if you're collecting it is better  than 80% if you're not collecting it. So there's   probably a reason they're not collecting it. It's  probably they don't have enough in it to take the   process to get it collected. So the extra 4%  probably is their cost to to do a good job. I'm   just guessing. I know in a collection agency,  you know, 30% is very low fee for a collection   agency and this is very similar work to that. Um  40 50% can be as as much in an collection agency   to collect a bad debt. Um, I I just think it it's  probably a fair contract and I think if we nickel   and dime people, we won't get the we won't get  the service that we want and that's why we're   looking to change right now. I'm not nickel and  dimming. I'm actually asking for accountability   and also I would like to see again great service.  They are working with the citizens of Witchah. Um,   and I that's my expectation of anyone that does  business with the city of Witchaw that they are   wanting to provide a good good and quality service  for the citizens. Um, but again, I think that when   we negotiate, we should also be negotiating in  the best interests of the citizens of Witchah.   And again, if they were the ones that proposed  76%, we could have even even pushed back just   a little and said, "How about 77%." That's how  negotiations go. someone gives you your low ball   and you're supposed to ask for better terms for  yourself and in this situation is not yourself,   it's the citizens of Witchah. So, um I see that  nobody else seems to want to renegotiate. So this   is presented as is and it just again frustrates me  because we are working with the dollars that the   taxpayers are giving us to utilize and so when you  are working with the citizens of Witchah I already   expect you to provide good quality service that  should be basic level expectation. Then again,   when we're negotiating, I think if someone  says, "I'm only going to give you $50." Um,   because that is what I want in this situation.  You're working with citizens dollars. You should   ask for more of that back for the citizens of  Witchaw for other services. So, that's just um   some point of view. Vice Mayor Johnston, I I have  a business perspective and we're not getting good   service at 820 right now. There's a very limited  market that will do this. Um there's probably   a reason for that. There's probably not not much  money in it or else there would be a lot of people   doing it. So only 4% more. I think it's a pretty  good deal if they do a good job. So and I presume   they vetted that to see if they did do a good  job. Is that true? I won't speak on behalf of WPD,   but as a as a member of the evaluation committee,  I can tell you there were references reviewed,   there was references discussed, interviews were  were completed. Um, and the only comment I would   I would provide within contract management as a  whole is the formation we're discussing about with   back and forth of items. We're happy to facilitate  as you desire, but the biggest concern for me as   a project support for WPD was ensuring that the  services were stabilized, that there was very big   concerns with the operating department of services  being rendered to citizens and also wanting to   go to bat for the taxpayers to not have to have  instances where we're paying for interfaces. Um,   there was extensive contract negotiations. I won't  speak for law, but law was very supportive of this   in terms of helping me negotiating the contract  and and it was not a very easy contract to get to   the point where we were at. Um, we will facilitate  as you desire and request as part of this process.   Uh, but we were very satisfied with the ability  to protect WPD having to pay for a new vendor to   integrate, having to disrupt services for citizens  and ensure quality customer service. Yeah, I would   like to thank you for for doing that. I like to  thank WPD for looking into this. Uh I think it's   more revenue for for Witchah uh for the citizens.  So I think that's a good deal. Um I just would   like to thank you very much for looking into it  and get a better deal and we'll get more revenue.   I appreciate that. Council member Johnson. Thanks,  Mayor. Um, my only two comments is I agree with   Vice Mayor Johnston and two I just think it is um  it's not fair to the taxpayer to hear at the bench   that negotiations did not happen. Um, anything  that comes to the bench to us has been negotiated.   Whether it's the settlements that we have, a  number might be in the um agenda that people see   and we don't talk about that, but there's always  a back and forth between the two parties before it   even comes to the bench. We may not be happy with  the number and that's one thing we can talk about,   but I know just from the different things I've sat  on over the years that staff always negotiates.   It's never a someone says this is what I'm going  to give you and we just say yes to it. It's always   a negotiation. And again, council may not like  that and we can go back. But I I think in this   case again and the parties may not ever all say  where we started and where we ended up, but I   know extensive work goes into this stuff before it  comes to the bench. So I just wanted to chime in   for anybody watching the meeting like staff always  negotiates. It may not be the deal that we as a   council like or you as a taxpayer may appreciate,  but these negotiations do happen. And to the vice   mayor's point, if we are able to collect more  uh than we are now, then 7624 is actually good   for us because we're collecting more revenue than  than we had been. It may feel better to have 8020,   but 8020 of less money uh still is less money. So,  I'm supportive of of this item. I agree with the   vice mayor. And again, just for the public, staff  always negotiates and sometimes depending on the   item, at least one council member's in the space  as well. So, those things do happen. And I just   want to make sure people understand transparently  that negotiations do happen. A follow-up question   to that just so full transparency. What was the  beginning then if it was if it ended up at 76%   what where did we begin? Uh within the contract  negotiation processes the proposal reflected the   percentages submitted to you today. What was  focused on was the vendor had very aggressive   terms that outlined indemnification and ability  to not be held accountable. Um that was a big   concern for me specifically uh with Witchaw Police  Department and working with our law department.   Um, I don't want to get into legal analysis, but  the focus was primarily of how do we ensure that   we mitigate any risk to the city utilizing our  standard contractual exhibits A and B and having   um consideration of not paying for any interface  costs being completely offset by this new vendor   who um had expressed during conversations that  they would support Witchah Police Department   in transition. So that was the focus of the  negotiation for explicit answer. There was no   change in the percentages because we were focusing  on not having an interface cost, not accepting   dimmnification, liability uh rejections in the  contract in protecting the taxpayer. So again,   thank you for the full transparency. The number  was presented as 76% and there was no negotiation   on the 76%. Is that correct? Correct. Thank you,  Council Member T. Thank you. Um, I just want to   thank you, Josh, for all of your hard work. I've  always seen you demonstrate excellence and and I   really appreciate that. I know you take what you  do very seriously. I also just wanted to point out   that um there was a staff screening and selection  committee. Correct, Captain Kulie. Correct. Yep.   And that was from police, finance, and legal.  Correct. So, just again to in uh you know,   let the community know that it wasn't just one  entity. there was a group to make sure that we   were monitoring this process and to to get the  best cost but then also the best quality. Correct.   Correct. Thank you so much for all your work  on this, Council Member Johnson. Thanks, Mayor.   And then just just to add to that, as this entire  team was looking at this proposal, I'm sure some   of the focus was getting more dollars than what  we were now in addition to everything that Josh   talked about and what's in this proposal. So even  if a negotiation of numbers doesn't happen, we're   looking at something that's better than what we  currently had, which is what we look for. Yes, we   could say, "Hey, give us 80 as well as everything  else you're doing to give us better service than   what we're getting right now." That could happen.  But what it looks like is at the end of the day,   this committee um thought that it was worthwhile  to bring this to us to get better dollars, better   service, and some of that less cost for us as a  city to recover these funds. Would I be accurate   in saying that? You would, sir. Okay, thank you.  Um, with that, again, to the vice mayor's point,   four percentage points less. Um, that is real  money to some folks, but that's also money we   haven't been getting. So, this item still is a  good percentage. It's something I'll be supporting   at 76%. [Music] Thank you again, Captain Kulie  and Josh and the team for this new contract. And   again, this is really to revise something that uh  has been steady since 1999. We've been wanting to   recoup costs for people that have had false  alarms. And I appreciate Vice May Vice Mayor   Johnston mentioning that citizens do get one  free per year, correct? One free false alarm   per year. Yes. um and that this is really not to  punish people who accidentally may trigger their   uh alarm and it was not an actual alarm but I  wanted to make sure that that also did come out   during questioning. So thank you again with that.  I see no one else from the bench who would like to   ask questions. We will now open it up for public  comment. I see no one from the public. We will   now bring it back to the bench. And with that,  I will move that the city council approve the   agreement with the new contractor PMAM Corporation  and authorize the necessary signatures. Second   motion and a second. Any further discussion? I  see none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 6. Madame clerk, please  call the next item. Bond and note sale. Good morning, mayor, members of the city council.  Mark Manning with the Department of Finance.   Uh this morning, I want to present to you the  results of our most recent bond and note sale. So,   just background, as you may remember, we issue  notes uh typically twice a year, and those   notes are very short-term debt instruments, and we  typically use those to finance projects that we're   in the process of building. Uh typically those  will be six-month or one-year maturity. To today,   the notes that we're selling have a one-year  maturity. And then when we complete those   projects, we typically uh take out any notes.  And we're going to do that either by paying cash   for the project or typically by issuing bonds  for the project. Uh and so you'll see a couple   uh sales of bonds this morning. And that's why  we're selling bonds. So that's generally how   we finance our capital improvement program. So  just a timeline on our bond and note sale. We   always come to you first and seek your approval to  hold the sale. That occurred on August 19th. The   actual sale was last week on September 11th. And  uh then we're here today to seek your ratification   of the approval of that sale. And then finally,  we actually closed the sale uh in about another   month or so on October 15th. So let me go through  the note and bond serieses. There were two bond   serieses and one note series. uh series 322 of  notes was in the neighborhood of $95 million. Uh   I'd point out that about $65 million of those  notes are for special assessment projects. Uh   we've had a lot of special assessment activity  in this in the city. Uh which is generally a good   thing that shows a lot of development occurring  and you can really see that reflected in this   note sale that we had. About 30 million was just  for general obligation at large type projects.   Uh those are things like park projects. I  think there's a little bit on the multimmoal   facility over in Deleno and a few arterial type  projects. We received six bids. That is very,   very good. We like lots of bids. That tells  us that we're very wellreceived in the capital   markets. Uh we would recommend the bid be awarded  to JP Morgan Securities LLC. Their rate was 2.25%.   That is a very very good rate. Uh last time we  sell sold, we sell about once a year. We sold at   about 283 about a year ago. In fact, this is the  lowest rate since 2021, which of course we know   the environment there was materially different. Uh  but this is a very attractive rate. We also sold   one series of uh special assessment bonds, series  836. That was a neighborhood of $25 million. We   received 11 bids for this series. Again, very good  market response. Uh we recommend we approve the   bid award to Huntington Securities Incorporated.  Our rate there is about 368. Again, uh we view   that as a very attractive rate. Again, we compare  with our financial advisor. We compared to recent   sales of credits similar to us and that rate also  was very attractive. Now, our final issuance was   a little smaller about $10 million. This was  837 series. Uh these were primarily for TIF   districts and for facade projects. Uh this series  was taxable uh due to the nuances of those items   in which we were financing. We received five bids.  The bid was awarded to Robert W. Baird and company   incorporated and that rate was 4.41%. Obviously,  it's a little bit higher because these are taxable   bonds in the previous series that I showed you.  Uh before I go into the recommended action, I kind   of want to tie this together to some of the stuff  we've talked about over the last six months or so.   We've talked a lot about interest rates and I  think council member Hosheisle actually noted that   uh as rates decline that'll be favorable. I think  you're seeing a reflection of that today. I would   also point out however that as rates decline which  we're seeing on the short-term side that's also   ultimately going to impact our investment returns  which impact our general fund revenues. We've   talked a lot about that. Just FYI that's kind  of the beginning I think of what you're seeing   this morning. Uh I think this is also very  reflective of our financial practices here.   most of which are guided by city council policy.  We're very very wellreceived in the financial   markets. You can see that by the rates we receive  and by the number of biders that we receive. And   finally, let me tie it to the pie chart I always  show you in the quarterly report that shows our   debt. We always note that our general obligation  debt is only about 4% of our total portfolio.   uh that should continue because as you can see  from here most of our future debt on a bonded side   is probably going to be on the special assessment  side because of the notes we have outstanding   and on the water side. Uh so with that mayor  the recommended action today is to ratify the   award of the bids uh that were uh approved by the  city manager last week adopt the bond ordinances   on an emergency basis adopt the bond and note  resolutions and authorize necessary signatures   and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank  you Mark. I see no questions for you. We'll now   open it up for public comment. I see no one  from the public who would like to speak. I   will move it back to the bench. I move that the  council ratify the award of the bids by the city   manager for each series of bonds and notes. Adopt  the bond ordinances on a declaration of emergency   basis. Adopt the bond and note resolutions  and authorize the necessary signatures. Second   motion and a second. Any further discussion? I  see none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes. 6. Madame clerk, please  call the next item. 2026 group health,   vision, and dental insurance premiums. Good morning, Mayor and City Council.  Heather St. Pierre, Department of Finance.   I'm here to discuss our 2026 proposed group  health vision and dental insurance premiums.   The city offers a robust benefits package to  attract and retain our workforce. Group health,   which includes prescription and vision, is  self-insured and is funded by both employees   and the city. Dental, however, is  100% employee funded. Annually,   the city council approves the premium rates  for these programs. The city's group plan   is highly efficient. Actual membership  claims costs represent 96% of the total   program expenses. Stop-loss premiums and other  administrative costs make up that remainder.   IMA, the city's contracted benefits consultant,  works closely with staff and the health insurance   advisory committee to analyze data and set our  premium rates. Industrywide expenditure trends   are increasing 7% to 10%. However, a 3% premium  increase is recommended for the 2026 group   health rates and a 3.5% increase for dental. Staff  collaborates with employee representatives on the   health insurance advisory committee to review all  of our proposed premiums. Hyak reviewed the group   health plan recommendations and is supportive  of the rate proposal. Hayak is also recommending   implementation of IMA's pharmacy advocate program.  The and that should be proposed 2026 rates. So I   apologize for that. Members utilizing a family  health plan can expect increases varying from   $4.24 to $1342 per month. Members utilizing a  single plan can inspect increases of $142 to $448   per month. Dental monthly premium increases range  from 94 to $3.68 depending on plan enrollment.   The pharmacy advocate program in partnership  with IMA staff continually review benefit levels,   always balancing the viability of our health  care plan against the needs of our population,   our workforce. For 2026, staff presented Hayak  with IMA's 100% voluntary pharmacy advocate   program. This program sources highcost  specialty medications internationally   at a significant price reduction for the plan.  International medications are manufactured by   the same companies as those sold domestically and  are provided to employee participants at no cost.   It is recommended that the city council approve  the premium equivalents for the 2026 group health   and dental plans. approve the inclusion of IMA's  pharmacy advocate program and authorize staff to   negotiate the terms and authorize the necessary  signatures and I am happy to answer any questions. Thank you Heather. Questions for staff. I  just want to point out uh that I appreciate   the percentage that you just mentioned on average  nationally it is much higher. Um, and on our green   sheet, it's not on the presentation, but I always  appreciate seeing this, what the actual costs for   that insurance is, how much the city pays for that  insurance. Yes. And how much the employee pays for   that insurance. And I think it's a really good  reminder that again, while salaries is something   that people focus on, benefits is the other part  of your compensation that is very vital. I'm   always appreciative of organizations that provide  health insurance to their employees because the   company or organization bears a large majority  of that cost for the employee. So, a great   example right here is for someone who's a single  individual using the select PO program for 2026,   the total cost is nearly $666 and the city pays  $617 of the $666. So, the employee only has to   pay per month nearly $49 a month for that health  insurance. So again, pointing out how much the   city or an organization pays for health insurance  is should be always uh part of that conversation.   And I would really appreciate if maybe next year  during the presentation, what was in our green   sheet could be shown so people can see again the  value that they're getting from their employer.   uh because again the city of Witchaw does care  about its 3,000 employees and having that health   insurance is vital for many individuals and  families and again the city does pay a large   portion of that. Of course, Vice Mayor Johnston,  thank you. Mayor Heather, may be for you or maybe   for city manager. Bob, uh when did this the  city self-insure? When did they start that and   basically start the plan they have now? Wow. It it  uh vice mayor it it predates me in terms of self   insurance. It's been a long period of time. Yeah.  I I just want to I want to compliment whoever did   that years and years ago because that it's very  very efficient to get 96% actually go to benefits   is phenomenal. So you guys do a great job and and  city employees uh not uh abusing it too. So yes,   appreciate that too. So thank you. Mayor, if I  can, I'd like to pick up a little bit on your   statement. Um, I do think it's it is important  for our employees to understand and I think most   of them do after they've taken advantage of our  insurance. I think they understand the advantage   of uh the program that we offer. Um, and we  do try to during our new employee orientation   as well as other uh points in time we t try  to talk about the value of that benefit. Um,   two things I wanted to mention. First of all,  I've talked to the council about this before.   We are going through a discussion with our  employee groups uh this coming year about um   maybe a different mix of benefits that will be  tailored to the employee needs a little better   and the possibility of maybe going to some kind of  flexible plan or cafeteria plan. Don't know what   what that will look like. We're not going to do  it in a vacuum. We want to make sure we're meeting   the needs of today's employees, not 20 years ago,  which is probably when we designed a lot of our uh   program. Second thing is I do want us to go into  the discussion for our next year realizing that   there's a lot of pressure in the market right now.  We're fortunate because our losses, our experience   rating has been beneficial. However, um it's we're  hearing from our uh consultant that it may the   times of low increases for uh health insurance  premiums may be behind us and that there because   of a lot of things happening in the industry and  if you follow what's happening with across the   country with public and private employers, you're  seeing um nine 10 or more percentage increases   um uh year to year. So, uh I just we're it's  great for next year. Really appreciate where   we're going. Appreciate the work done uh by  staff as well as with the employee committee,   but I I don't want us to be too euphoric  about our health insurance trends. may maybe ask this question to Mark because this  is something that again we just passed the budget   for 26 but in 27 just as the city manager  pointed out um how will you be projecting   I guess um and budgeting that into proposed  budgets uh these possible larger increases.   This is just a 3% increase thankfully but again  nationally 7 to 10%. Well, like the manager noted,   we budgeted 3% in 2026, so this action today would  be consistent what we have in the 26 budget. Uh   we also went to 3% in 2027. Uh again, health  insurance expenditures, we review them monthly.   Uh our outlook was pretty favorable when we made  that recommendation three or four months ago. Uh   the manager is exactly right. The trends are not  working in our favor. What has helped us here at   the city of Witchaw uh is for 101 15 years we  have constantly re-evaluated our program. Uh   we've realigned uh our pharmaceutical contracts.  One of the things Heather mentioned this morning   is another great example of things we are  constantly trying to do to keep the cost low   for both the city and for our employees. But  having said that, based on what we're seeing,   and the manager is right, what we've learned from  our consultant is we are an anomaly in in the   health insurance field, uh, our rate increases are  significantly lower than what others in the market   are seeing locally and nationally. And whether  we'll be able to maintain that is, you know,   who knows? Uh so to to your point mayor yes it is  possible next year when we revise the budget we   may be looking at higher health insurance rates  that we'll need to incorporate in the budget.   So we'll definitely take a look at that between  now and next year and would not surprise me if we   have to come up with a recommendation to do that.  Knowing that information, I would heir on the side   of conservative and having that already in the 27  budget that it's more than likely got not going   to be 3% but probably a bit higher even 1% higher  that would be ideal. Um but ideal would be lower.   Um but it does not seem to be the actual trend  of these uh costs. So again, just so that we have   um the 27 budget as we're thinking about that um  that will have to be part of our conversation and   again that's why I pointed out that salaries might  not just be the only thing that people focus on   but rather also the benefits u because the city of  Witchah does provide really great benefits to its   employees um to 3,000 plus individuals. Mayor,  I will say through the prudent management um   exercise by the finance department um we do have  some fund balance that can address spikes. But   if we're seeing long-term trends, then we'll have  to be a lot more thoughtful as we prepare budget   going forward. But if for some reason we were  to see a spike up to 7% because of our losses,   our fund balance allows us to be able to adjust to  something like that. And a reminder, if we go up,   the employees contribution goes up as well. So,  thank you. I see no further questions from this   bench. We'll open it up for public comment. I  see no one from the public. I'll bring it back   to the bench. Again, thank you, Heather, and  thank you, Mark, and thank you, city manager,   for that context. I move that the council approve  the recommended premium equivalents for the 2026   group health and dental plans, approve the  inclusion of IMA's pharmacy advocate program,   and authorize staff to negotiate the terms  and authorize the necessary signatures. Second   motion and a second. Any further discussion? I  see none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 6. Madame clerk, please call the   next item. Public art for improvements  to our Kansas River Front West Bank. Hello. Good morning again. Lindsay Banaka with  the city manager's office. I've got the next   uh few agenda items uh for you with 30% design uh  concepts for a few different public art projects.   The first one being uh improvements to the Arc  Kansas Riverfront West Bank. Um and this resides   in district six. Um just a general reminder  because this is a relatively new process for   us bringing uh designs early in development to  city council for approval. Uh so highlighted is   where we are today. Uh that designs are coming  at 30% design concept. So what you're seeing is   not a completed design. Um it's really just the  concept. Um this was approved by design council   uh a couple weeks ago. Um and from here uh it'll  go into further development, refined collaboration   with the design team, um the art consultant  in particular for this project and the whole   scope of project as it evolves over time. Uh the  design will go back to design council at 90% or   final design uh before it goes into fabrication.  If for some reason the design council uh rejects   or has modifications uh to that final design, it  will go back to them before uh it goes to final   um final fabrication timeline. Uh but this is  when we've decided the projects will come to city   council for review. So a little bit of background  on this project in particular. The design council   approved the 30% design concept for public art  on August 4th uh for this project and the adopted   CIP includes $700,000 in geo bonds uh for the  design and manufacture of public art for this   specific project. Uh this project has a variety of  vision and goals as each project is a little bit   different. Uh this one is to continue improvements  uh to the aesthetics, safety, and accessibility of   the riverfront uh throughout downtown Witchaw,  specifically on the West Bank. Uh to build upon   the character and topography of this section of  the riverfront, and create unique experiences   and spaces for the public um and complement and  support the adjacent development in cohesive,   seamless manner. This is right across the street  from the ballpark where there's a new hotel going   in along the riverfront pathway. Uh so we want  it to be a co cohesive design but uh something   that's really inviting to the public. Uh some  different themes involved here for the artwork   are to enhance the aesthetics and the character,  uh create unique and memorable experiences,   foster a sense of community and place, reflect the  natural and cultural heritage of Witchaw, and of   course be durable, safe, and lowmaintenance.  Here's the project site that you see in full. Regarding the artist selection process, we have  three different artists working on this project   with three different sites identified. Uh the  process was led by uh Bofman and Company and our   art consultant Courtney Letterer out of Chicago.  Uh the professional artists living in and working   in the US were eligible to apply. So this was  a all call for for any artists in the nation   uh to to submit. We had a preliminary application  review. We had a selection committee that met and   scored each applicant. Um, and that was followed  by a request for proposals with um, a selected   amount of finalists. Here's a look at kind of how  we narrowed it down. We had 159 total applicants,   which is really favorable for a project of this  scope and for a national call. That's a really   healthy turnout. Uh, we narrowed that down to 36.  We had nine finalists who then we interviewed and   ultimately three were awarded the project. So,  we have three different public art opportunities   identified on this site, which we'll go  into to detail for each one. Starting with   uh location number one. This is maybe one of the  most challenging locations because uh it's highly   visible, but it's also uh tasked with figuring out  how to conceal or distract the electrical systems   um that are required to be in this site just  by the nature of the the site. So we want to   um utilize a be beautifying moment with public art  uh to conceal or distract from that electrical um   element. And of course the the sculpture or the  art needs to be durable, engaging, appealing,   and complement the surrounding environment. The  artist that was selected for this site is Scott   Hawking with his proposal of the Witchaw Lineman.  And I've got several pictures for you here, so   we'll kind of roll through them. Uh this project  is a little bit unique or the submission was a   little bit unique because uh this is an existing  work within uh Scott Hawkins uh collection. This   was created in 2020 for a Crystal Bridges Museum  in Bentonville, Arkansas. Um typically our public   art projects are uh designed specifically  for the space. Um this one was created for   uh for Crystal Bridges, which is a unique  opportunity for us. He's reimagining this piece   um that at the time was called AR Ar I can't even  say our Kansas without saying Arkansas Traveler   was for Crystal Bridges but for our purpose on  the Arc Kansas River um he's entitled it Witchaw   Lineman. Um the reclining uh windmill sculpture  has a lot of different homages um that the artist   has identified. Um it could be a reclining  figure um similar to a Henry Moore sculpture,   a lounging farmer or farmer at rest um and of  course a nod to Donkey Hot. There's the list   goes on and on about what you could take away  from this piece. And as we he reimagines the   work as the Witchaw lineman for for Witchaw. Um  he really wants to connect the past and present   um and obviously an homage to the Witchaw  lineman song u famously for Glen Campbell. um   and to think about the history and evolution  of wind energy from the iconic windmills   uh across the Kansas land landscape and kind of to  the turbines that we see today. Um and especially   along the the natural element of the river, how  can we connect nature to this industrial corridor   as well? Um and of course the utility screening  imagery that's going to be used uh to to surround   the electrical elements is inspired by natural  elements uh in the Witchaw area. So, here are   a couple different proposals of colors that the  artist wants to play with. Again, this is just   concept design, but reimagining that that that  sculpture into something specific for Witchaw, another angle, and another view with another  color along with some of the materials identified   including galvanized steel, fiberglass, uh wooden  utility poles that the the windmills reclining   against. Um, of course it will be powder coated  um and a variety of corten steel used for the the   screening or the fencing around the utility  boxes. So that's uh area one. Area two um is   uh up at the top of of the riverbank um which  has some different elements of shade structures   and and seating areas as well. Uh the assignment  here was a structures should provide shade and   enhance the visual appeal of the space. um the  artists could should consider existing materials,   sightelines, natural lighting conditions when  designing the shade structures to not impede   with views. Ivan Deena was selected for this  uh project and he's based out of Charlotte,   North Carolina. Uh he has presented a series  of sculptural arches uh inspired by the Witchaw   uh the river's natural flow um excuse the cut  off there uh and dynamic rhythm of the water.   Uh it's a canopy-like structure that echo the  curves and movements of water to provide shade. Um   these organic uh shapes also go into the benches  uh that cradle pockets of living plant life,   fostering a directional connection with the  site's natural surroundings and reinforcement   uh between the relationship between the  built environment and the local ecosystem.   And it's rooted with an understanding of the  river's historical significance as a lifeline   of the region. Um the project draws from the  river's legacy of connection and sustenance.   So, here's a mo mockup of what  uh the artist has presented a few different angles. Another angle with the river behind it. A  nighttime view. And just uh to talk about   the materials a little bit, uh primarily made of  steel um along with a mesh material that will be   in in the shade structure itself. Uh pre-cast  concrete benches and some sort of integrated   lighting that's yet to be uh sorted out just yet.  Moving on to the third area in this project. Um   the assignment here for the artists was uh uh  to look at the walls uh that are available on   the lower area of the of the riverw walk. Uh so  any way we could enhance them or beautify them   in in any sort of artistic way. So the artist is  going to implement a solution that adds color,   texture, light, and visual interest to the  the three locations on these walls. So there's   three different sites um along the ri the lower  riverw walk. Artist Chris Papan out of Chicago   uh was awarded this project. Um and he's  presented a really unique uh something   very specific to Kansas that we're really excited  about. um utilizing traditional le ledger art um   and conser representation. Um the artist is Native  American and his uh affiliation with uh Kansas is   very deep. Um his family has a long history along  the our Kansas River um really in the Topeka area,   but we're pulling that down obviously into Witchaw  for the sake of this project. Um but his family uh   has generations of history working along the river  um and working as a part of the Santa Fe Trail and   Westward expansion. And so he's very interested in  working on this project. The imageries you see are   uh actually part of his family uh that he's  been able to capture uh through historical   um uh research. And so the mixed imagery uh placed  on ledger with inspired by ledger art will be used   throughout his project. Um, it'll be mixed media  imagery of historical uh elements of the Witchaw   area. So, there's a mapping component uh with  Native Americans uh uh placed in front of those   maps. And then it will be printed on digitally  on glass, which I'll get to here in a moment. Here's a mocket of the proposal. And  there's three different sites here. And then just uh referring back to the glass,  this is a product that we've now successfully   used in several public art projects. Pictured  here is uh the Chester Lewis uh reflection park   uh where we have um uh the digital images uh  printed ceramically and then pressed between   the two glass pieces. And it's very durable uh  very affordable and it's been very successful   in projects that we've worked on. So that that's  the the materiality that we're looking at working   on with this project on. And with that, that  completes this uh project proposal for 30% design.   Um and it's recommended that city council approve  the public art design concepts. And I'll stand   for questions. Thank you, Lindsay. Can you tell  us there are three pieces of art? Can you talk   about the price for each of these for the artists  in Illinois, for the artists in North Carolina,   and for the artists in Michigan? Um, I don't have  a breakdown of the budget in front of me, but   in total it's a $700,000 project. I believe the  bulk of that is for, well, I don't even want to   misspeak about it. I'm not sure what the breakdown  of the project is, but I can provide that at a   later date. I would uh appreciate a breakdown of  these three pieces um how much each of them costs.   Again, I like the incorporation of Kansas and  Witchah history in all these pieces. I know that   Council Member Glascock served on the committee.  Um, can we go back to the Witchita linemen? Probably right there. Um, or  maybe the next slide, number 80.   So, I see that there's a lot of opportunities  to climb and I know that young people,   especially kids, like to climb on items like  this. Will this allow for that? Great question.   One that came up in heavy discussion with the  design council asked kind of the same thing. Um,   in short answer, yes, it will be climbable. Um,  that's obviously not the the goal of the project,   but uh there's not going to be anything deterring  anyone from necessarily doing that. um other   than hopefully having security elements such as  lighting that might uh deter unwanted activity. Uh   but it will be extremely durable. So um similar  to a jungle gym, we're not anticipating any   um structural integrity issues with the piece or  if someone does climb it, any outstanding injury   to be caused from it. So, I don't know if that  answers your question, but something that we've   definitely been thinking about and as the design  evolves, we'll be considering um ways to mitigate   that as much as possible. And again, this piece is  already created. It's called the Arkansas Traveler   and it will now be repurposed to the Witchah  Alignment because it's already a piece that   exists. Is there a Can you tell me about the cost  of that? because again it was at Crystal Bridges   uh down in Arkansas and now it's going to come  up to Witchah. Correct. Is there a cost savings   because it's already created? Can you explain  that? Um there is not that I'm aware of the the   artist bid uh successfully on the project within  its budget. um and the proposal between both uh   the existing work and what the modifications that  are going to have to happen for it um including   the the pole the fencing around um around the  maintenance yard or around the utility area are   all included within the project budget. So can't  speak to the what Crystal Bridges might have paid   the artist to what we're paying. I can't speak  to that. And just because this image reminds me   that at one point we had a zipline from one side  of the river to the next side of the river. East   and west were connected. This was during river  festival a few years ago. Um I wanted to know   can that be repurposed for possible things like  a possible um zipline? I do not know, but I would   say anything is possible with enough planning and  coordination. Um, that is not within the scope of   this project currently. Um, but if there's a will,  there's a way in to figuring that out. Thank you,   Lindsay. Council member Glasco. Thank you,  Mayor Lindsay. I'll have comments afterward. Uh,   thank you for your work on this. Two quick  questions. Um, actually this page works   really well. I know when we did the site visit  that the utility box may be moved out of that.   Is that part of the 30% design? because if  I remember correct, this was the original   location of it and then it was moved to maybe a  subsequent location through the design. I'm going   to refer to public works on okay the movement of  that and this may be the new location as well but Paul Gunsman public works and utilities uh  council member Glascock that is that utility   box I believe is staying in place. There were some  other utility boxes that were going to be remove   or moved. This box contains other drainage  uh for the the Equity Bank Park field. So,   there's other uh storm water components  to this as well. So, so there were other   utility boxes here that have been relocated  a little bit further west. There were a few.   Yes. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. Quick question  for you, Lindsay. Um on page 72 or slide 72, this is more of a just procedural thing. Uh  because this was the first I noticed this of   artists living and working in the US are  eligible to apply. Is that restrictive of   all projects we have or was it just in this  project in particular? Just for this project,   every project has kind of a different scope. Um  and typically this is led at the direction of   design council. So given the nature, the budget,  the size, the the impact that this project has,   we open it up uh on a larger scale. There's  plenty of projects where we have preference   for local artists um where we might open it  up nationally, but give give bonus points or   special consideration to local artists.  It really depends on the project. Well,   I actually meant the opposite way in terms of  international um applicants. Is that something   that we restrict in uh city code if international  applicants would apply? I don't believe there's a   restriction on that. I know we've had a Canadian  artist work on a project within my 10 years,   so it just depends on the scope of the  project. Okay. Thank you. And I'll have   comments after. One more question. Lindsay, can  you go back to the eb and flow um art piece? I know that there have been several conversations  um from Senator Ola Fascado, who really loves to   see Wizard of Oz and that theme. um represented  here in the downtown core. I know she has   uh really advocated for ruby red slippers.  However, I wanted to know because of this eb   and flow and I think maybe another uh maybe 84  shows kind of like a rainbow looking um I guess   piece. the mesh does can you talk about the mesh  and the mesh coloring versus uh maybe something   that might be multicolored that again represents  somewhere over the rainbow? Great question. Um I   would say the color palette has not been uh  refined for any of the works that you you're   seeing today. This is purely in design concept.  Uh if there are color recommendations, those could   definitely be provided to the artists and would  be um further approved by the design council.   Thank you, Lindsay. And then lastly, maybe  this question is for Paul. What's the total   cost of this project? Um, I know $700,000 is being  allocated for public art. Can you talk about the   entire project itself? What's the actual amount?  Yes, we had a $5 million base grant and we had   $7 million of general obligation funding  plus the $700,000 art. So, $12.7 million And uh where are we at on the construction of  the entire project? I know that I've seen a   lot of work along the river. Can you just give  us a little bit of a timeline on this $ 122.7   million project? Yes. I'm going to go back to  see if I can find a slide here to help. Um so   the seaw wall has all been constructed along the  river river's edge. Um they are starting on the   uh north end working south of the the walls and  the stairs there just south of Douglas Street.   They've done a lot of grading um throughout the  corridor project. Um had a meeting with them on   Friday. They said they're about six weeks  behind due to all of the rain that we have   received. However, they thought they could  make that back up. Um the other thing that   affects the schedule a little bit is the um  schedule regarding the proposed hotel and we   will coordinate that work between the hotel uh the  east side of the hotel and the river's edge. So,   um we might need to wait remobilize once they  get part of that done. But we have been in close   contact with the private development as well as  um our project with Don Linger. Thank you, Paul.   Thank you, Lindsay. And then I will go back to  answer your previous question regarding the artist   uh contracts. Um Hawking is his contract price is  $200,000. Depa is $270,000 and Pon is $100,000. Thank you. So again, $270,000 for the eb and flow  art piece, $200,000 for the Witchita Lineman, and   $100,000 for the Arcanza Nuj art piece. Thank  you. I see no further questions for staff.   We'll now open it up for public comment. I see no  one from the public who would like to speak. I'll   bring it back to the bench. And again, this is in  council member Dalton Glascop's district. We'll   start with Council Member Johnson. Thanks, Mayor.  Just want to say appreciate the presentation.   I love seeing this type of public design. I  think it makes Witchah even more unique. And   now seeing this on the West Bank, if approved,  um, I think will be really cool. Those are some   really cool pieces and lots of things to um have  conversations about and take pictures of when you   visit Witchah or go over to the West Bank. So,  I'm looking forward to that. Um seeing what the   final design looks like and seeing it over there  on the West Bank and again happy to see continued   progress on the West Bank. Vice Mayor Johnston.  Thank you, Mayor Lindsay. Quick question for you.   I just quick math. That's equals 570,000 and the  budget was 700 extra 130. Um definitely a chunk of   that goes to the art consultant and to the prime  engineering firm to take an administrative fee.   Okay. Okay. Thank you, Council Member Glascott.  Thank you, Mayor. Um Courtney uh was a great lead   on this project and I just want to thank Lindsay  and um Jana and then also the artists Chris,   Ivan, and Scott. I had the chance to go on site  visit with them. Unfortunately, I didn't have   the chance to go to Monarch afterward um after  we toured the locations. But I'm very thankful   for the work they've done in this project. I  think this ties in the cultural, historical,   and environmental nature of our community in  a very unique way where I think it ties in the   river, ties in the Kansas winds, and also ties  in our historical heritage. And so I think the   artist did a really good job at capturing Witchah.  And I'm thankful for the selection committee as   well and all the conversations that went as part  of this. I think I'm proud of all these pieces.   When I've traveled, I think I mentioned it uh when  we had lineman day in Witchaw, but when I traveled   abroad, what Witchaw known was known for was the  Witchaw linemen. And having a piece named after   that and really homage to that. And then just  the um durability of Witchaw people, I think is   something that um is uh super transformative  for our community along the river. Um again,   tying to the historical nature and then also  um just the the wind and the water as well. So,   thank you for the all work on this. I don't  see anybody else on the podium that has any   comments. So, I will make a motion to approve the  30% design concept for public art. Second. Motion   and a second. Any further discussion? I see none.  Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes.   6. Madame clerk, please call the next item.  Public art for Red Bud Trail Woodlon to K96. All right, I'm back. Lindsay with the city  manager's office um with your next item. Uh   just as a refresher, same slide you saw in the  the last presentation of where we are in the   design concept process. We are at the 30% design  concept phase. Um and there are still many more   iterations of designing uh that goes along in  the project. A little bit of background on this   project in particular. Uh the adopted uh CIP  includes $300,000 in general obligation bonds   uh for the design and manufacturer of public  art as part of the Red Bud Trail project. Um and   design council approved this design con concept  uh on March 3rd of this year. This project had   specific vision and goals as they all do. Um  for this one, the artwork should improve the   experience and engagement of users along the red  this particular segment of the red bud trail. Um,   it should be appropriate for the character of  the corridor, further a sense of place, inspire,   create dialogue, enhance the experience overall.  Um, it should also respond to the site conditions   and the context including the scale of the work,  the materials use it used. Sight lines were really   important for this spec specific location.  Um, considering the adjacent uh residential   and commercial functions in this hightraic area.  And of course, we want everything to be durable,   safe, and as low maintenance as possible. Uh  we had a robust artist selection process for   this project as well le le le le le le le le  le le le le le le le le le le le le led by a   local company Benish and landwork studio. Uh  professional artists living and working in the   US were eligible to apply. So another national  call uh we issued an RFQ. There was a preliminary   applicant review selection committee interviews  um and a final selection for this project. We had   93 applicants which is again a really healthy  um applicant pool to pull from. Uh we had four   individuals identified as finalists and one one  individual was awarded. The criteria for this   uh project uh was to create a unique  locally relevant signature bridge design   uh responding to the site conditions. Uh to  provide a 12- foot wide path um inside the bridge   edgeto edge uh utilize low maintenance materials.  Obviously we want something that's in compliance   um with bridge loading requirements. uh limit  opportunities for climbing and throwing um and   include arch architectural lighting at the bridge  deck and provide a continuation of the feel of   the trail across the bridge. The artist selected  for for this project is Ed Carpenter of Portland,   Oregon. Um this is a a piece a similar um same  same but different bridge that he recently   completed uh in Portland, Oregon. and you'll see  kind of an homage to this design and what he's   designed for us. Although he's from Portland, he's  also created work for us before and we're lucky   to have his work in the uh airport terminal uh  entitled a loft. So if you're going up or down the   escalators on your way uh to and from the airport,  uh I always encourage people to look up. It's one   of my favorite pieces in the city's collection  that he designed for this project in particular.   um that he was inspired and his concept approach  uh for this project was to extend the feeling   of the natural element of the trail itself uh  through the urban environment of rock road which   is a tough balancing act. Um, design elements  are inspired by native grasses and the natural   environment. Um, utilize a spled arch approach  which removes the danger of catching bicycles. Um,   and a safer safer than rail um, rubbing on  railings. Um, and the layers of stainless steel,   galvanized steel, screening and weathering  steel mimic the texture of the landscape   um, as well as providing a beautiful outcome.  So, I have a a variety of pictures to kind of   scroll through scroll through here. This is an  aerial view of the overall plan and elevation. A basic template for the  artistic artistic interpretation. This is the the concept sketch  exploring that grass theme. Some additional designs. An aerial view. Looking west  from the pathway. Looking east   from the path. Looking east again if  you're north along along the road. An interior view if you're on the trail. Looking at the abutments and retaining  walls. A nighttime view. The lighting I   would say is still in uh exploratory phase for it,   but this is a proposal of what the lighting  could look like for the bridge itself. And materials proposed being used here are  galvanized steel, weathering steel or quarten,   uh stainless steel for accents  and under over steel mesh layers   as well. Another schematic of materials utilized. Looking at the rock um faced welded  uh looking at the retaining walls   themselves. The artist is proposing this  rockface welded wire wall as an option. And that is what I have for you for this project.  Um it's recommended that city council approve the   30% design concept for the public art for the  Red Bud Trail project. And with that, I stand   for questions. Thank you, Lindsay. Council member  Glasco, can we go quickly back to slide 100? No. So, I wasn't expecting a 12t wide path to  be this soon on the agenda. It's the bridge.   It's the bridge. Thank you. No further  comments. I knew you were going to do it. Uh Lindsay, can you just tell us  what's the total uh for this project for the art or for the total project? Yes, we have 12.1 million. And then  in in addition to the art funding,   um we have approximately $4.4 million of federal  funding for the project. Out of that 12.1 million. Thank you very much. I know that this is one of  the items that we advocated for when we went to   Washington DC last year and I um am grateful  to see that again federal dollars are coming   down to assist um our city. So, I appreciate  this. Thank you, Lindsay. I see no one else on   the board to ask questions. We'll now open it up  for public comment. I see no one from the public   who would like to speak. This resides in Council  Member Becky Tuttles's district. Thank you very   much. Um, thank you to Lindsay and to Jana. I  really appreciate all your help on this. Um,   the selection process was amazing and to have 93  artists, it was like Christmas to be able to go   through all of the submissions. So, thank you for  helping to shepherd me through the process. Also,   thank you to the staff screening and selection  committee. I was able to serve on that committee   and again, it was it was just a wonderful  process and appreciate all of staff's input. Um,   thank you to Paul and to Gary and to James  Wagner who have been intimately involved in this,   especially the path part and making sure that  working with the artist. Um, we wanted the   bridge to be beautiful, but as mentioned, we  also needed it to be extremely functional. Um,   we want to make sure that it's safe, that  it's durable, as as Lindsay mentioned. So,   um, a big thank you to Mr. Carpenter, Ed  Carpenter, the artist, who has done other   things in our community, but um, I think this  has become a passion project for him. Rock Road   is the most traversed road arterial in this in  the city and so many many many people are going   to see this this um amenity to our community.  So we want to make sure we get it just right.   Um and then I also want to thank the community  who came out to the listening sessions. We had   several listening sessions in district 2, not  only at the district advisory board meeting,   but other evening opportunities for people to  come and we heard such passion about finishing   this project, the last three miles of the 30  mile trail and how much people really want to   see it completed. And the fact that we're going  to do a pedestrian bridge so that we can ensure   safety of our community as they're trying to  get across Rock Road is just something that   I'm quite proud of and excited to be a part of.  So with that, I will enthusiastically move that   the city council approve the 30% design  concept for public art. Second. Motion   and a second. Any further discussion? I see  none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes. 6. Madame clerk, please call the  next item. Public art for improvements to Douglas   from Senica to Meridian. Good morning. Still, uh,  Lindsey Bako at the city manager's office. Um,   just as a quick reference, this item was pulled  from consent agenda as you've seen it previously,   but we're bringing it back um for for additional  consideration here. As a another reminder to   anyone watching at home, uh the this is our  concept design development timeline. Um,   in bold is where we are today, which is the  30% design concept approval with city council.   A little bit background on this project. Um  August 5th, 2024 uh is when this initially went   to design council for uh approval. It came to city  council in April of this year. Uh city council,   you requested additional public engagement and  uh uh we held a public meeting in July of this   summer um at the advanced learning library to  uh talk with artists and the general public on   on getting more feedback and refining the design  specifically on the the secondary site um or the   second site. Yeah. second site for this project.  Um, and the adopted CIP includes $400,000 uh in   GEO bonds for public art for this project. Uh,  WSP is the prime uh for this design project. Uh,   other design team members included Landwork Studio  um who are serving as LA and then Kent Williams   is serving as the art consultant for this project  and he's worked on several projects in the Delino   area. Um the project scope is Douglas Cynica  to Meridian and it was designated as a special   consideration project by the design council and  allocated $400,000 for public art uh in 2024. The artist selection process for for this project  is a little bit different than the the two we just   saw. Um similar but different. Uh it was a um what  we call a regional call. So Kansas artists and the   neighboring states were invited to to apply as  well. Uh we had 19 submissions for this project.   There were six finalists that were interviewed  and uh offered the opportunity to present a   design. Uh and there was a committee uh  that reviewed and narrowed it down to two   two successful artists to uh receive the bids. Uh  the first being Armando Minares, local artists,   and then George Peters and Melanie Walker out of  Boulder, Colorado, uh were awarded the commissions   for site A and site B. Looking at the site  itself, here's an aerial view of the the district. and of the the site specifically  from Senica to Meridian. Uh the project approach uh was thematic  and rooted in the Chisum Trail and the deep   history of Deleno while also reflecting and  celebrating the Deleno of today. Uh the two   sites were identified uh for art projects  to be installed. Site A will provide an   iconic gateway to the neighborhood. Site B  will activate areas along uh along Douglas   um to to calm vehicular uh traffic and to be an  engagement opportunity for pedestrian traffic. So here you've kind of got the two  different options with the the two   sites. I will say the feather flight  um we did just I think identified   um what I think will be the the final  location which is slightly different   than what you're seeing here but it's  reflected on later slide. Another aerial view of the map in considering Armando Minar's uh work itself will   be at Meridian in Douglas as the  the gateway uh into the district. The concept approach here was to create an  elegant and dramatic gateway into the neighborhood   uh to use bold forms to be experienced by  drivers and smaller narrative detailing   uh to engage pedestrians. Uh the designs  are derived from two main visual elements   that the artist has presented. Uh  the headdresses worn by the Witchaw   tribal leaders and warriors and the  graceful horns of the Texas Longhorn. Here's the the concept design here.  And then you can see how the artists   uh intertwine those um inspirational moments and  with the horns. Some proposed materials that are   still in development and still in discussion.  These were discussed um at length and at the   public meeting this summer. Um still not sure  which way we're going to to land with photos   or tile or the decorative brick. Um still still  in development uh with artists on that. Moving   into site B. This is where we've seen uh some  some different uh proposals than what you saw   in April of this year. Uh George Peters and  Melanie Walker uh listened to feedback um   and have made some adjustments. So this is  I believe the site that um is likely to be   presented at which is at Douglas and Fern if  you're familiar with where Ballet Witch tie   is kind of right in front of uh their operation  um as well as Caddyy Corner across the street. So their feather flight series has been uh  developed a bit further. Uh these are wind   activated kinetic sculptures reminiscent of uh  Deleno's early aviation history. Um the feathers   themselves will be inspired, excuse me, by local  and regional bird feathers and the concepts of   flight and movement. The feathers themselves  have not been narrowed down. The birds haven't   been selected just yet, but those are still in  development. But the the the the final product   will be inspired by uh local and regional birds.  a series of six to 10 feather sculptures. Um,   and this is where we're we're thinking  it's going to actually be at Fern Street. Here's just a picture of what  the schematic could look like. Additional imagery. The feathers will gently turn  in the wind and are rated for 150 mph wind speeds.   This is a little bit different than what you  saw in April where they were kinetic and could   move kind of in a 180 pattern. These more have a  gentle glide to them. Uh the sculptures progress   in height from 16 feet to 22 feet um and on a four  4-in diameter aluminum poles and the feathers are   uh slated to be polychrome uh encased between  two layers of clear durable polycarbonate. And   that's what I have for you for this project. It's  recommended that city council approve the 30%   design council uh design concept for public art  and happy to answer questions if there are any.   Thank you, Lindsay. Questions  for staff? I have a couple. Uh,   first, maybe it's another Paul question.  What's the total for this entire project? 11 million,897,000. And again, we have $3.9 million of  federal funds within the project. And for the just so that we're clear,  give me the number one more time,   3.9 is federal funds of the 3,912,000 of  federal funding and we have $11,897,000 for the total budget. Thank you. And of that  400,000 is public art. Is that correct? Just   wanted to um ask staff, can we have that within  the financial considerations moving forward? I   think it's helpful for community to see the total  of the project. Again, this is not just for public   art. there's improvements that will happen on  Douglas Street and that is the reason why there   now is additional funds to specifically work on  public art. Uh so that's one Yeah, Mayor, I'm   sorry you've asked for that in the past and that  was part of our process. We just uh didn't get   that included on these. Thank you, city manager.  Um and I just wanted to point out, can you go back   to art piece A? Thank you. I just wanted to make  mention that again this is in support of a local   artist um Armando Minharees and so I know that  we've gone through multiple art pieces today and   multiple um of these individuals were outside of  our community. Um but this one in particular has   a local tie and I'm very appreciative that we're  also supporting our local artists. Um and so again   just wanted to point that out. And then this is  kind of out of order, but I mentioned earlier   the eb and flow uh piece along the river and I  mentioned somewhere over the rainbow. However,   I do have a consideration. This is going to be  completed next year. Is that correct? I believe   that's the goal. So, next year happens to be  America's 250th anniversary. And Lindsay and I   were in a meeting last week on Thursday regarding  America's 250th. and I'm on the infrastructure   group um and or capital improvement group. And  so I was curious if the mesh could be red, white,   and blue, which matches our Witchah flag as well  as the American flag. Could there be consideration   for red, white, and blue, and that could be  part of our America 250th as well? Um related   to the eb and flow piece, same answer. Anything  is possible. the the color concepts have not been   identified yet by the artists or design council.  I will say for that project in particular, we are   looking at lighting elements. Um so that might  be an alternative versus um a permanent color   palette that might only be thematic in the one  year. Not that it's not always thematic. Uh but   uh something that we could change in the future,  but we can definitely look into that. Thank you,   Council Member Johnson. Thanks, Mayor. Just  just to add to the conversation as a different   perspective, I would uh love to see what the eb  and flow piece looks like as the artist wanted   it. And maybe if we want to do something red,  white, and blue, that just be some new thing that   we put out in the RFP rather than um permanently  impacting that piece. I don't know what color the   artist was going to make that, but I would assume  eb and flow some shade of blue or something.   Think that looks great as is and we should  try to ask for unique pieces for 250. I see no further comments from the board.  We will now open it up for public comment.   I see no one from the public who would like to  speak. We'll bring it back to the bench. This   is in Council Member Glascock and Ballard's  districts. Council member Glascock. Just one   brief comment. I want to thank the artists for  their work on this and also being flexible when   um we didn't necessarily like one  of the renditions from this bench,   turning it back to the artist for some additional  consideration and I think we came away with a   better product and so thank you for that  and the for the flexibility of the artist. Uh Lindsay, thank you for um all of your work  on this and I'm very excited about this project.   So with that um I move to approve the 30%  design concept for public art. Second motion   and a second. Any further discussion? I see  none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 6. And I understand I just  heard uh council member Tuttle say it is   lunchtime. However, there's one more item  that I really believe that several people   are here for that we should take on  before we take a break for lunch. So,   um, Madame Clerk, can you please call the  next item, Park and Recreation Master Plan? I'm going to sneak in one last good morning here,  Mayor, City Council, Katie Eddie, Department of   Park and Recreation. I'm going to talk to you  today about the park master plan. So, for a   little bit of background, the Department of Park  and Recreation developed our parks, recreation,   and open space plan, affectionately known as the  PROs plan, back in 2008, and we updated the plan   in 2016. The PRO's plan guided our department on  six key strategies, which were outlined throughout   the body of this document. The strategies were  community health and wellness, taking care of   what we have, financial sustainability,  building community and relationships,   youth engagement and activity, and organizational  readiness. However, staff along with the board of   park commissioners recognize that much of how we  operate as well as recreational demands from the   community have changed significantly over the  last nine years. So, we believe it would be   beneficial to reimagine our master plan for park  and wreck in order to aid the city in aligning   our investments with community needs, maximizing  parkland utilization, delivering exceptional wreck   services, creating a feasible strategic roadmap,  and implementing sustainable investment strategies   for the city of Witchdaw. park staff as well as  individuals from other city departments worked   together to develop a scope of services for the  RFP to select a consultant to aid us with this   endeavor. We issued that RFP in on April 4th.  We received 10 responses and this selection   committee which was consisted of 14 individuals  including both internal and external stakeholders.   Um we met and inter and shortlisted three firms  and interviewed those three firms on June 26th   and ultimately the committee recommends RDG  planning and design as our preferred vendor   and a contract has been prepared to initiate  services with them. The um RDG is a professional   services firm that that offers those services  in a variety of disciplines including urban   and landscape design and comprehensive planning.  Their partners include Pros Consulting, which is   a well-known consulting firm in the field of park  and wreck, ETC Institute, which will uh which will   help us with our statistically valid survey, and  they also have conducted hundreds of surveys on   behalf of other governmental agencies, and Venice  Communications, which is a full-ervice integrated   marketing and community engagement company, and  Venice Communications has worked on other local   projects and plans as well. This team's proposal  includes a demonstrated ability to address complex   issues with tailored and practical solutions, a  clear understanding of our priorities, a robust   and well ststructured public engagement plan, a  thorough assessment of our entire park system,   detailed benchmarking, a needs assessment,  a gap analysis, financial recommendations,   and finally strategic recommendations that are  supported by cost estimates, maintenance planning,   phased implementation, and identification of  potential funding sources. This datadriven and   community focused process which will take about  12 months from start to finish positions RDG to   deliver a practical and forward-looking plan  that will guide our park system for the next   decade. Staff has prepared a contract with RDG  with a not to exceed fee of $31,250. The adopted   capital improvement program contains $250,000  under ongoing projects for the park master plan.   The Witchaw Parks Foundation has generously agreed  to donate $51,250 to cover the fee for RDG that   was in excess that was in excess of our adopted  budget and staff recommends initiating $31,250 in   general obligation at large bond funding at this  time. Based on administrative regulation 2.4B,   we do need your approval to accept this donation  over $50,000. and the law department has approved   reviewed and approved the contract and the bonding  resolution as to form. So with all of that said,   it's recommended that the city council approve  the vendor selection, approve the contract,   accept the donation, adopt the bonding  resolution, authorize initiation of the project,   and authorize the necessary signatures. And I'll  stand for any questions you might have. Thank you,   Katie. Council member Glasco. Thank you.  Just one quick question for Katie regarding   our conversations with the county um around  potential uh collaboration and consolidation   of some services. Is the county buying into any  of this master plan fee? They uh are not at this   point. They we are we are including the county  in the scope of it. We're wanting to make sure   that we address the entire park system for the  Witchaw metropolitan area. that does include some   parks that are within within the city and just  on the near outskirts of the city. Um so we are   including them in that scope. But any any cost  sharing at this point I would I would defer to   the leadership team um either the city manager  or the department director um because we have   not discussed any potential cost sharing. Okay. Uh  council member the the uh county has been involved   in the selection process been consult and had  representatives. We have not approached them with   cost share. Great suggestion. and we will visit  with them about that. Thank you. Thank you. Um I   just wanted to point out that again I sat on that  committee as well as representatives from USD259   and the county were on there. Um and I really  appreciate having that comprehensive group. Um   that's another step forward and in and again  talking about the spaces we have that can be   utilized as private uh public park spaces even  though they might be owned by the county or by   um USC 259. So I really did appreciate that and I  like seeing that moving forward having those open   conversations. I would like to point out that we  also in the scope of this work would also look at   um neighborhood parks that are maybe part of an  HOA. Um, I'd like to make sure that we are very   comprehensive in understanding how many parks we  really do have in the city of Witchah. Um, because   again, uh, we want to make sure that people have  access to them and also that we are comprehensive   in looking at this entire plan. Thank you very  much. With that, I see no one from the bench. We   will now open it up for public comment. I see no  one from the Oh, we have someone from the public. Good morning, mayor and council. My name is  Brian Fry, 3109 Northridgeport in District 5. Uh,   today I am here as a board member of the Witchaw  Parks Foundation. The Witchaw Parks Foundation is   a volunteer-led 501c3 charitable organization  founded in 2011. Its mission is to enhance   the quality while maintaining the heritage of  Witchaw's park system by assembling necessary   resources through the development of partnerships  and the fostering of community relationships.   Our primary fundraiser is the plates for  parks program with fees from the Witchaw   flag affinity license plates providing a sustained  funding source. Since the program began in 2019,   the Witchaw Parks Foundation has invested $336,000  into capital projects around the city. Some of   our most notable projects include custommade  benches in all six districts, Chester Eye, Lewis,   Reflection Square Park, Swanson Park, and LW Clap  Park. Recently, we approved $25,000 towards the   Riverside Park Pagota building renovation. And  next week, we'll announce a second contribution   for that project. At our meeting earlier  this month, the board unanimously approved   $51,000 250 to cover the park master plan fee in  excess of the CIP budget. As I stated earlier,   our mission is to enhance the quality while  maintaining the heritage of Witchaw's park system.   We do that by advocating for the development of  all city park properties and directing needed   resources into the park and recreation system.  Simply put, we exist to make our park system more   better. Okay, that may be my line and not the  boards, but you get the idea. A robust master   plan to guide and deliver for the next decade is  necessary in a budget constrained environment.   At the same time, it allows our board to identify  opportunities for support and engagement. We   believe a strong park system greatly enhances the  quality of living for our neighbors and visitors.   It should be noted that the Witchaw Parks  Foundation is currently in the middle of our   own strategic planning process. We are evaluating  our position and future role in the community.   A new master park plan for the city of Witchaw  will be a key component of our strategic plan   going forward and how we all work together  for Witchaw parks. So on behalf of the board,   we are supportive of the park department's  request and encourage the city council to   vote in favor of this item. Thank you.  Thank you, former council member Fry.   I see no further individuals who would like to  speak, so I'm going to bring it back to the bench. Council member Johnson. Thanks, Mayor. Um, how did  former council member Fry get in this building? Council member, I did try to  turn off his badge. Apparently,   that I wasn't quick enough. I know the back. With that, I move to approve the vendor  selection, approve the contract, accept   the donation, adopt the bonding resolution,  authorize the initiation of the project,   and authorize the necessary signatures.  Second motion and a second. Any further   discussion? I see none. Madame clerk,  please open the role. Motion passes. 6.   I'm just going to ask this council. Do you  want to push through a little bit longer or   do you want to take a break? I see a head nod.  Head nod. Either way. Either way. Either way.   Then I'm going to push through. Um, madame  clerk, can you please call the next item? Home program 2024 Housing  Development Loan Program.   Menite Housing Rehabilitation Services  Incorporated. funding allocation. Hello, mayor and council members. My name is  Carmen Hoffine. I'm the real property section   se section manager for the department  of housing and community services and   I'm here to present housing development loan  program home single family home development. For a little bit of background, home investment  partnership program funds are a federal grant with   local allocations set by council. Home is used  to create affordable housing for low to moderate   income households. Current city uses for home  are housing development loan program, which I'll   refer to as HDLP. Some gap financing toward rental  development and down payment assistance via home   80. Community housing development organizations,  which I'll also refer to as CHOTO, must receive   at least 15% of our annual allocation. On  May 2nd, 2023, the city council approved   the 2023 2024 annual action plan allocations for  entitlement funds. Allocations included $923,16 in home investment partnerships program, home  funding for the housing development loan program,   HDLP. The HDLP is designed to provide subsidies  for affordable housing projects. It supports   development of real estate that is idle or  underutilized and provides needed housing for   underserved populations. Funding is available  for nonprofit or for-profit organizations.   The loan structure is dependent upon the type  of project to be financed. Funding must be used   with approved city areas within redevelopment  incentives, neighborhood revitalization, and   local investment. Funding requests are accepted  through an open application process. For analysis,   home funds have been essential for the continued  development of affordable housing in Witchah.   Lower predominant values in existing neighborhoods  make it difficult to fully recover costs of   acquisition and construction from the sales  price. Home funds help offset acquisition,   development, site improvement expenses,  sales expenses, and developer fees.   Current program requirements for single family  home ownership include homes constructed with   home funding provided through HDLP must be sold  to income eligible owner occupant home buyers.   Home buyers also receive home funded down payment  assistant loan assistance loans. Menanite Housing   Rehabilitation Services Inc. requested $630,000  for for construction of se seven single family   homes. $90,000 requested per home aligns with  program parameters. Proposed addresses are 2301   West Manllo Street, 2321, 2405, 2413, 2417, 2421,  and 2425 West 34th Street North. Menanite housing   is community housing development organization also  known as a CHOTO and this allocation fulfills the   city's required 15% CHTO set aside. The proposed  project consistent with the city's comprehensive   housing policy for affordability, availability,  and neighborhood stability. This project aligns   with the department goal to increase the  supply of affordable housing to residents   earning 80% or less of area median income. In  2025, 80% of AMI for a family of four is $75,50. And next, I do have Angie Mendoza here who will  present on behalf of Menanite Housing. I did want   to mention that there is an error on one of the  slides. We did present um for three three units   a couple of weeks ago for city council and one of  the slides has three proposals and it should say   seven and that is completely my error. So I just  want to let you guys know that and now is Angie. Thank you for listening to me again. Um this is  going to be the same information that I shared   two weeks ago. Manite Housing has a staff um  that includes a director of construction who's   a general contractor, a program administrator  who um is administering this neighborhood homes   program. We have a construction assistant  and our controller that are all part of this   uh project. Midnight Housing began as a volunteer  service to repair homes of elderly in the city of   Witchaw. We have evolved to developing rental  properties um under the LITC program. We also   have HUD 202 and 811 projects. Um we're part of  the Neighborworks organiz Neighborworks America   organization um that targets specifically lots  of different things for low-income individuals.   Um we have a community-based board of directors.  We are for people who cannot obtain home repair,   decent housing, or home ownership in any  other way. Our goals include repairing   homes of low-income seniors and people with  disabilities to make their homes safe and secure,   rehabilitating homes and improving neighborhoods,  making home ownership a reality to those with low   to moderate incomes, developing and building  more affordable housing options for citizens   within the community, and demonstrating God's  love for all people. Our home repair program   util utilizes funding from Federal Home Loan Bank  to complete repairs. Our home ownership constructs   new homes with funding from the city of Witchaw  and the HDLP program. Our property development   for rental properties is under the LITC program.  And our property management is done in-house. We   uh manage over,300 units. We have four projects  that will be coming into our property management   division within the next 18 months. This is the  floor plan of the home that we are proposing to   build. Um, as Carmen mentioned, you guys approved  three homes when I was here two weeks ago. This   is for an additional seven homes. They did not go  in one complete package because when we submitted   the first application, there were not funds  available because the LITC awards had not been   announced. So, it is the same home. Um, this is  just the the elevation. So, you can see that it   is 1311 square ft, threebedroom, two bath home,  slab on grade. It has a twocar attached garage   that is 487 square feet and we build these to  Energy Star standards. The sales price for this   home because of this grant funding is $131,000.  The site acquisition for this was a little bit   higher than normal for us because this property  had specials. So, it costs a little bit more to   acquire it. It's also not inner city lots. It's  in an um area that's outside of inner city and   highly sought after. So the the site acquisition  was a little bit more. The hard construction cost   is $167,000. The developer fee is $22,600.  There are additional other soft costs for a   total of 22765 to build this 1300 foot home. The  subsidy amount is $90,000 which allows us to sell   it for $131,000. We have a waiting list of 1,200  individuals. Um we don't currently market because   our wait list is so long. Our applicants do submit  preliminary applications online. They are referred   to consumer credits counseling services if they do  not meet the requirement for um the credit score.   We also assist potential home buyers with loan  qualification process through local lenders. We   obtain a permanent loan from a local they obtain  a permanent loan from a local uh lender. the we   anticipate their monthly payment to be between  775 to 850 with a 6 and a half% interest rate. The   majority of our homeowners um from most recent  home sales have been at 60% AMI or below. We   anticipate homeowners in 60 to 80% AMI ranges for  the seven houses, these seven additional houses. To continue with the analysis, um staff  and the developer, Menanite Housing,   presented the proposal to the affordable  housing review board on August 25th of 2025.   The affordable housing review board voted 3 to  one with one extension to recommend the proposal   to council. For financial considerations, there is  no impact to the general fund. Funding comes from   2024 home 2024 home entitlement funds. $630,000  will be provided in the form of a zero interest   forgivable development subsidy loan to assist  in building seven homes for low to moderate   income homeowners. Total project costs from  all funding sources is estimated at $1,545,355. For legal considerations, the law department has  reviewed and approved the funding agreement as to   form. Recommendation is recommended that the city  council approve the home investment partnerships   program funding allocation of $630,000 and  authorize the necessary signatures. And I   stand for questions. Thank you, Carmen. And thank  you, Angie. The only thing I'm going to just point   out is I wanted to say thank you to Angie for  participating alongside multiple partners um a   couple of weeks ago um at the advanced learning  library, the journalism collectives priced out   event. And I know that again this council has  um been very supportive of housing and when I   see that there are seven additional houses that  will be built um and these houses will be built   near 37th in Meridian um I think that again this  again signals to the community our commitment to   uh helping individuals that need just a hand up  uh have home ownership opportunities. And again,   thank you for providing that. you as Menanite  Housing as well as Habitat for Humanity and   other partners that do that. So, thank you for  your work. I see no questions from uh this bench.   We will open it up for public comment. I see no  one from the public. I'm bringing it back to the   bench and I'm going to go ahead and move that the  council approve. Sorry, Council Member Johnson.   Thanks, Mayor. Due to a personal conflict of  interest, I have to abstain from this vote.   Thank you, Council Member Johnson. I  will move to approve that the council   um approve the home investment  partnerships program funding   allocation of $630,000 and authorize the  necessary signatures. Second. Motion and   a second. Any further discussion? I see  none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 50 with one abstension.  Can we now take a break? Okay. So,   this one uh we will take a 15minute break  and come back at 12:35. All right. Thank you. Good afternoon, uh, mayor and city council.  My name is Andrew Tyrie and I am with I'm a   management analyst with the Housing and Community  Services Department and I'm here today to present   on the 2024 25 HUD consolidated annual performance  and evaluation report otherwise known as the   caper. Uh just some quick background information  on the caper. Um as a city we are required to uh   to prepare um a caper report for accomplishments  and progress towards consolidated plan goals. Um   so this uh 2425 caper this is for the period of  July 1st 2024 through June 30th 2025. And this   is for um community development block grant  the home investment partnership program and   the emergency solutions grant. And I did want  to say too for the consolidated plan purposes,   this is this will be for year one of  the five-year consolidated plan. So we're going to start with uh CDBG um just  some performance highlights. So for 2425 CDBG   expenditures totaled just under $3.2 million.  And before I get too much into these activities   and accomplishments, I did want to u just give a  quick um appreciation to our um community partners   um our internal city departments and external  partners that all um come together and offer   these services for our community. We I know we as  a department um really appreciate them and the the   services that they provide um in our community.  So um we're going to start with activities for   public services. um just 1,630 um youth were um  reached through some different programs here in   the here in the city. Um that's the YMCA's uh  middle school after school program. Uh Kansas   Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring uh program.  We had Prime Fit Youth Foundation that offers   mentoring and education services. And then we  also had um our park and recck department. and   they have the Culvin kids club that they operate a  after before and after school program there uh at   Culvin elementary school. So um we also um partner  with three different domestic violence services,   Cal Charities, Harbor House, Stepstone and  Witchaw Family Crisis Center. And then you   see the totals there. They reached between the  three um three agencies they've reached seven or   670 individuals there. And then also um homeless  services um 1554 that's through United Methodist   Open Door. Um that's their homeless resource um  center. Uh next we have training and employment.   This is our the way to work program or TWWTW. Um  I'm sure you all noticed some youth workers we   had in the building in June and July. Um that they  were a part of that program and we had 145 youth   that were served. Office of Community Services.  Um we we use CDBG funding to um to fund three CSRs   and support staff there at Kulvin um Atwater  and Evergreen. And through the services that   they offer at those centers between the three  uh centers we um reached were able to serve   over 36,000 citizens. And then CDBG funds are also  used to fund uh the uh one full-time staff we have   for the housing first program. uh housing first  this year um was able to reach 116 individuals   and so those 116 uh individuals receive rent  and utility assistance through that program. Also for CDBG um we have the home improvement  program um or home repair um as you all might   um know it as um we were able to reach 64  households um with that program. Um it was   kind of a not a rebuilding year but um in our in  our department the housing or the um home repair   program um we had staff that pretty much the  whole division kind of turned over there. So   um we are uh obviously it takes some time to  uh hire and train uh people for that program.   So we're looking for that number to increase um  going forward. Um but we had 64 households that   took took advantage of that program. Uh we had one  rental rehab through the U rental rehab program   that was rehabilitated and under infrastructure  improvements. Um just over 1,900 individuals   utilize the the new bus shelter that we use CDBG  funding for there at that bus stop at 2220 East   21st Street. And then for this past program  year, MABCD demolition and clearance, there   were zero structures that um were demolished.  um uh it was basically a lack of of staffing   uh capacity there at MABCD. So um those funds  that were utilized for that or they're set   aside for that uh particular activity, those were  swept up and reallocated for that same purpose   um for the next program year in 2025. So um if  MABCD gets to the point where they are able to   um those funds will be there for them  to um begin those demo clearances. Uh next for the home program um for 2425  expenditures totaled uh just under $890,000   for both uh development and subsidy down payment  assistance. And so through affordable housing   development, we had six uh single family homes um  that were um available and six home buyers were   um uh served as well with the down payment and  closing costs. Those two go hand in hand. So   um the six homeowners that uh were able to utilize  those uh six family homes that were um available,   they were enrolled in that down payment  and closing costs program as well. Just under 416,000 in home program development  subsidies were provided for the construction   of six family homes. Um they're below our  um our partners there. Menite housing and   rehabilitation services accounted for four  of those and Witchaw Habitat for Humanity   um accounted for two. And then home development  subsidies le leveraged uh 438,141.78 and private sector construction  financing um and other funding. And lastly for ESG the emergency solutions grant  program uh for 2425 um the expenditures total   94,000. I do want to say um so going into 2425 ESG  funds were expected to be to support the emergency   winter shelter uh for 2425 winter season. Um the  city of WTO opted to use the ARPA funds instead   um which reduced the overall people served  with ESG funds for um this past program year.   Um those funds were reallocated um to provide  outreach services to people living in unsheltered   um and in encampments during this upcoming  program or this current program year of 2526. And   um we're already seeing some exciting things  happening with that. So um next year when we   are when we present the caper again we're looking  forward to um highlighting um that program. Um but   for 2425 again expenditures total 94,000. um 23  persons were assisted through the temporary rent   and utility assistance. And then for homeless  prevention, um there was 23 households uh that   were assisted. And as a reminder, the Catholic  Charities uh St. Anony's Family Shelter um   administered that program. And so for 24 25 and  those 23 households um went to them um that was   for they were in danger of being homeless. So they  were able to reach those through that program. Citizen participation is a key part of the  consolidated plan program and activities.   Uh the city is required um to provide an  opportunity for citizens to review and   comment on the caper prior to submission to HUD.  Uh the caper was distributed for public review at   all the neighborhood resource centers, housing  and community services department, city hall,   the city of Witchaw website and branches of the  Witchaw Public Library. Uh the city published   notices in the official newspaper of  Witchaw, witchaw.gov on August 28th,   2025 advising that public comments would  be accepted beginning the 29th of August   through September 15, 2025. and comments can  also be made during today's public hearing.   Financial considerations, there is no impact  to the general fund. Legal considerations,   uh, federal regulations applicable applicable to  the entitlement grant programs require submission   of the caper within 90 days of the close of the  program year. So, we have to have that submitted.   Um, we're we're looking at by September uh  28th of this of this month, obviously. So,   The recommendation is for city council to close  the public hearing, approve the consolidated   annual performance and evaluation report and  authorize submission to the US Department of   Housing and Urban Development. And so at this  time um stand for any comments or questions you   might have. Thank you Andrew and thank you to the  team in housing. I only had one question and that   is on slide 181. This is regarding the way to  work program. I just want to say thank you um   to Nelle who uh leads that program. I love seeing  our young people engaged during the summertime   with various job opportunities around the entire  city. However, I also know that there are other   organizations including the YMCA and the workforce  centers who also have youth employment programs.   Um so my ask is that we come together uh the way  to work program as well as the workforce center   and the YMCA job prep program uh to try to see how  we can best collaborate even further. Um I know   that they already do uh meetings. However, I've  been hearing from people in our community that   don't even know that uh the city has one, YMCA has  another, the the workforce center has another. So,   um I would like to see or I'd like to get together  with these three groups to make sure that we have   a convening um of how to move forward in  2026 to maximize Okay. Thanks. Thank you,   mayor. uh members of council, Sally Sang,  housing and community services director. For   the for the record, just the uh youth employment  collaboration actually does happen. We have an an   umbrella kind of collaboration called helping  youth prepare for employment that brings those   three programs together to discuss ways to be  more impactful. Um we also work handinhand,   for example, with workforce alliance. Our program  starts at 14. Their programs generally are limited   to 16 and above. Our programs provide subsidy  to the employers that hire our folks. The the   employers that use the workforce and and wise  programs expect the employers to pay that.   So we we actually work to try and hand youth  off to those that next step that next program   um when they've been through our program for a  year or two when it makes sense. Sometimes they   still end up staying with us at 16 or 17. Usually  that's because we're trying to accommodate some   schedule issue like they have a camp or something  that would be disruptive in the other programs.   We will keep them within the TWWTW program. Um but  we definitely encourage those who've been through   at 14 or 15 to move on to the other programs.  So just wanted to clarify that as well as the   number on the slide of 145 is last year's program.  our timing of our program year, the funding for   2024 and 25, we're always a year behind. So, this  year's program, we actually served more than that.   Thank you. Thank you, Sally. Council member  Tuttle. Thank you. And Sally, great job. Um,   before I was on council, I was at the YMCA and  the job prep program was in my job jar. So,   I was just going to say the same thing. Um, I  think the title has changed, but it was Yep.   It was the Youth Employment Program Collaborative.  Keith Lawing really was instrumental in in pulling   all the entities together and as you mentioned  there is so much collaboration going on but   the programs aren't all the same and so they're  not one-sizefits-all. Um so I I think the need   has already been met. Um there that group meets  frequently but like you know for example the WISE   program just uh places kiddos in nonfor-profit  sectors right and there's also a curriculum they   have to pass and whatever. So, um, I we've already  got the problem taken care of. So, thank you. I see no further questions for staff.  Again, thank you, Andrew. We'll open   it up for public comment. I see no one from  the public. We'll bring it back to the bench.   I will move to close the public hearing,  approve the consolidated annual performance   and evaluation report and authorize submission  to the US Department of Housing and Urban   Development. Second motion and a second.  Discussion. Council member Johnson. Thanks,   Mayor. Pushed my button a little too  late. Due to a conflict of interest,   I have to abstain from this item as well.  Thank you, Council Member Johnson. We have   a motion and a second. Any further discussion?  I see none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 50 with one abstension. Madame  clerk, please call the next item. DE 2025-9,   City of Witchah, Seduit County  Airport Hazard Zoning Code Update. Hello, Scott Wadel from the planning department.   So this item is to consider whether or not to  adopt amendments to the existing Witchaw Sedick   County Airport Hazard Zoning Code. Here's the  recommended action which is for approval. The   airport airport hazards create significant  risks especially near airports where landings   and takeoffs are occurring. Kansas allows local  governments to adopt and enforce airport zoning   restrictions. Witchdaw and Sedick County adopted  the current airport hazard zoning code. Well,   the predecessor was back in 1995.  The current one was adopted in 1998. The existing airport hazard zoning code regulates   development in and around the  following airports and helport. The airport hazard zoning code is primarily  focused on heights in specific zones around   the airports. And I'll show you a map that depicts  this. Those zones are based on locations utilized   by aircraft as they approach, land, and take  off from the airports and the helport. Any   applicant who wants to exceed the height in one  of these zones would need to apply for a permit   by the from the zoning administrator. That  process currently requires a determination   from the FAA. If they are denied a permit, the  applicant can always appeal to the governing   body or apply for variance. Here's a map that  shows the existing airport hazard zone map. It   has four zones A through D. Permits required  for structures or trees that would exceed are   required for structures or trees that would  exceed any of the heights of these zones. In 2022, the FAA published updated guidance  for land use compatibility around airports.   In 2023, the city of Witchdaw Witchdaw Airport  Authority hired Kaufman Associates to look at   possible updates in order to help better protect  airport locations based on the new FAA guidance.   Here are some key highlights from the recommended  updates. So, the definitions have been expanded   and updated to better align with the FAA guidance  with the intent of improving clarity and ensuring   consistency with the federal standards. The focus  is on the same facilities as the existing code   except for the Witchaw Police Department helport  which was removed and is no longer operational   where it was located on that map and up. We've  also made updates to the map heights and areas   and I'll go through those in detail. So here's  the recommended new airport hazard zoning map.   In terms of geography, uh it would the it would  have the zones apply to all areas of the county.   So the green area has expanded to include the  entire county. In terms of heights, zone A would   remain the same at 25 ft. Zone B would decrease  from 75 ft to 50 feet. Zone C would decrease from   150 ft to 100 ft. And zone D would decrease from  300 feet to 200 feet. Any applicant who wants to   exceed the height of a zone or wants to transmit  signals under the new uh code would need to apply   for a permit by the zoning administrator. And note  that this one is this update would expand this to   include transmitting signals, not just heights as  the current one does. The applicant would need to   use the FAA's notice criteria tool, which is  available online, and then submit the results   as part of the permit application process. If  they are denied a permit, they can appeal to   the governing body or apply for a variance.  So, same as the existing regulations. So,   here is a slide that shows the review process. So,  it's been to MAPC advanced plans, the full MAPC,   the county commission, and the county commission  approved the same amendment at their meeting on   September 10th, and now it's here today at the  city council. So, again, here's the recommended   action. And just a note, uh Jesse Romo, director  of airports for Witchaw was here earlier, but he   had a schedule conflict. And uh Corey Lewis with  Kaufman Associates is here in attendance if you   have any questions for him. So, and just a note  about the process, uh it's recommended that you   accept public comment on this item because it is  a code change. And with that, I'll stand for any   questions. Thank you, Scott. I see no questions  except for on slide 204, you mentioned that   the commission already approved this last week.  Was this a unanimous vote? Uh, yes it was. Yes,   mayor. Thank you. I see no further questions. We  will now open it up for public comment. I see no   one from the public to coming forward. So, we  will bring it back to the bench. I move this is   long. Okay. I move that the city council adopt  the findings of the Metropolitan Area Planning   Commission and approve a resolution adopting the  city of Witchah's Cedric County Airport Hazard   Zoning Code update. Place the ordinance on first  reading, authorize the necessary signatures, and   instruct the city clerk to publish the ordinance  after approval on a second reading. Second. Motion   and a second. Any further discussion? I  see none. Madame clerk, please open the   role. Motion passes. 6. Madame clerk, please call  the next item. Applicant appeal of HPC 2025-42. Hello and good afternoon again. Scott Wadel from  the planning department. So this item uh is an   applicant's appeal of a denial for their Deleno  design standards application. The application was   denied by the Delano design review committee which  found that the designs are not in conformance with   the Deleno neighborhood overlay design district  design standards. As part of its consideration,   the Deleno design review committee did request  advice from the Delano Design Advisory Committee,   which considered the application and did not  take action because of a tie vote at their   meeting on this item. So the subject site is  located at the southwest corner of Douglas and   Exposition and is located within the Deleno  neighborhood overlay district. In addition,   the owner has applied to reszone the property to  plan unit development, which is custom zoning,   and has also applied to vacate the north south  alley at the site. So if the site looks familiar,   that's because there's a number of cases taking  place. Here's a larger image of the site.   And then here are some photos and images  of the site and the surrounding area. And then here are images provided by the applicant  that show the proposed development on the site. This is the layout. Douglas would  be uh to the top of this slide. So, the Deleno neighborhood overlay design  standards include general standards that   apply to every project. So, this isn't for you  all to read, but just to give you an example   of what's in the code. Additional design  standards can apply depending on which area   the project site is located in on the 2001  Deleno neighborhood revitalization plan map,   which is known as figure 15. So, here's what it  looks like. The yellow arrow points to the site.   So, this subject site is located within  an area recommended for commercialmixed   use. And here's an example of what the  design standards uh are for that area. So,   the Deleno design review committee found that the  proposed design does not comply with the design   standards in in a in a few ways. So, uh, one of  those was that the proposed exterior materials,   uh, the styling and architectural detailing are  not necessarily compatible with the district's   historical character. And some of these I  would note are subjective. There's not a real   definitive definition of what is uh, compatible  compatible or compatibility. Uh, the second one   was that the metal walls are not compatible  with the architectural character surrounding   area. A third one is that the entrances do not  orient towards the front or the side street.   In addition, uh that the proposed parking lot  would be located adjacent and fronting onto   Douglas. Uh also that the proposed design  does not incorporate or allow common walls   between distinct structures and last that the  third story is not set back by at least 20 ft. So um as was mentioned earlier uh this item  is an applicant's appeal of a denial by the   Deleno design standards uh of their delay of their  application. It is recommended the city council   accept comments from the applicant and open the  item for public comment. And in terms of council   actions, council options include the following.  You can deny the appeal and the application.   You can approve the application or you can approve  the application with additional conditions. All of   these actions can be approved by a simple majority  vote. And with that, I'll stand for any questions.   Thank you, Scott. Council member Tuttle. Thank  you, Scott, for the presentation. I appreciate it.   This is a new one for me. I haven't had something  like this happen and I've been here a bit. So,   the Deleno um design review committee, yes.  Is it binding? I mean, if they say, "No,   we don't approve this." I mean, I understand we're  here for an appeal, but just compare this to me   to like MAPC or explain like where this lands.  Does that make sense what I'm asking? Sure. Um,   I would characterize this as maybe most similar in  some ways to the historic preservation in terms of   you you've got a board that can uh take action and  unless the city council override overrules them   uh then their action stands and in this case  their action is to find that it's not compliant.   So they they are unable to pull building permits  because they would not be in compliance with the   zoning unless the city council uh overrides them  for this particular design. Okay. So we would be   potentially stopping an action because we we've  supported this, right? Or for workforce housing.   Yes. Yes. I I I think a challenge that we have  here is also that um we have a code that's uh   an overlay district. It's been in place since  2003. Uh it has not been updated since that time.   I think what it envisions, if you look at the code  and kind of the design standards, it envisions   carrying on with the designs that are found, in  my opinion, it envisions carrying on with the   designs that are found along Douglas uh between  Senica and the river. And so it's more of a kind   of you think of that kind of facade, two stories  kind of continuous. um for this particular area,   this mixeduse commercial, I I get the sense that  it it very much was seeking to continue that kind   of architecture. Have things evolved in the last  25 years? Pretty much. Yes. So, but uh the code   again has not been updated since then. Okay. Thank  you for entertaining my questions. Council member   Glasscott, just confirming one thing that I think  you had said to council member Tuttle. So the plan   the delay revitaliz revitalization plan was 2001.  Yep. There was amendments to in 2003. Uh actually   at that point is when the overlay district came  in. Since that time and just a few years ago I   think uh 2019 possibly uh there was an update  to the Deleno neighborhood plan. At that time   though there was not an update to the design  guidelines or design standards. So those still   are from 2003 and still refer for the purposes  of the areas referred to the 2001 map uh in the   2001 plan. So the design standards have not been  updated in 22 years. That is correct. Thank you,   Council Member Ballard. Thank you, Mayor. Um  Scott, I apologize if you already mentioned this.   Did it fail? So or was it a tie or Sure. So the  history on this one is that it went to the Deleno   design review committee. Uh that committee at the  time saw that it uh was the opinion was that it   was not in compliance. When a project comes up  like that uh then they usually decide to consult   with the Deleno advisory committee. The Deleno  advisory committee is a number of citizens who   volunteer on and are appointed uh to a committee  to for the specific purpose of reviewing designs   in this type of situation. Uh they at that meeting  there were only four members. Um because we try   and schedule these pretty quickly to keep projects  moving. Uh four members were in attendance. Uh   they deadlocked on a two- two vote on whether  or not they thought that this project was in   uh conformance with regulations. What  were their concerns? Do you know uh at   that individual meeting? Um I I don't I I I can't  speak with certainty on that one. I just know the   outcome. If it's if the concerns are things that  potentially could just be outdated because the um   what am I trying to say the the deal from 2001 I'm  sure a blank sure if just the the overlay um is   outdated if or so so the advice from even though  they didn't provide a recommendation all that   feedback comes back to the Deleno uh design review  committee the Deleno design review committee   uh ultimately came back with the uh determination  that the design wasn't compliant in the following   ways. The first one is the uh exterior  materials and whether or not they're compatible   with the historic context. This uh building  proposes to use mainly metal as the exterior   uh uh materials in this area. You do find some  metal. There are the diner. Um there's a thrift   former thrift shop that do have some elements of  metal along them. But the o but the majority of   the exteriors are brick. Now again this is subject  to interpretation and I think the applicant has a   a little bit of a different take on this. So that  was one of the concerns. Another one is style and   architectural detailing. Um this building would  be relatively unique uh versus what we see in the   immediate area in terms of square kind of shape.  Um you see some architectural detailing on the   second floor that you maybe don't see on this  one. Um, again, the metal walls, the entrances,   uh, how they're not oriented towards, uh, they're  they're more towards a courtyard, and I think   there's a specific design reason for that, but the  code calls for those to be oriented towards the   main street or to a side street. Um, in addition,  uh, the parking location that the parking uh, the   code says, don't put it on Douglas. And, uh, this  has a building on Douglas, although the other half   of the lot is used for parking. And so the the  location of the parking lot where it exits onto   Douglas uh the common walls I I think the issue of  the common walls and third stories really does get   back to the designs being back and reminiscent and  thinking of the what's already exist along Douglas   and kind of the more commercial area um because  it calls for there to be common walls uh between   buildings. Well, this one's kind of difficult  because it's a larger building and there's an   opportunity to create some different facades to  kind of give the illusion of a common wall, but   um you know how much and to what degree should  someone have to do that? But the code calls for   common walls. And then the third one is a third or  the last one is a third story. The code calls for   them to be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the  front facade of lower floors. Well, in this one,   it's a straight uh height that goes up to the  third floor. So, uh that was another thing. I see no further questions. This  does get public comment. Yes,   ma'am. We will open it up for public comment. Oh, sorry. The applicant  gets to address the council. Hi, mayor and council. Thank you for hearing us  out. Um, so we've been working on this project   since May and uh, we've presented in front  of the Deleno Advisory Council twice. Um,   we revised our design after the first rejection.  We weren't really uh, aware of how the process   was going to take place. So, uh, the second one we  really, uh, looked into the design and how we can,   uh, accommodate comments. Um, and so what this  what Scott was saying about the guidelines is if   you review the commercial mixeduse guidelines,  they really make sense for everything on   Douglas east of Senica. you know, you got the  two-story brick buildings, continuous facade,   uh, uh, doors facing Douglas. It it's it keeps  it it's oriented towards commercial use. Um,   and that commercial use designation in 2001 was  continued down Douglas, west of Senica. Um, if   you've driven that stretch west of Senica between  Vine and Senica along Douglas, there's really not   a coherent uh architectural character. Um, you  know, just stepping back from the guidelines, uh,   you know, this has been a weedy field for a long  time. It's been undeveloped. Um, I think a lot   of the area along Douglas, uh, west of Senica has  remained undeveloped. Um, and I think part of that   may be because the guidelines are if we were to  uphold the guidelines to the letter, it would make   most uses completely infeasible. Um, we've looked  at the layout of the site to try to maximize   uh our square footage for parking and for uh the  units themselves. So, everything about our design   is intentional uh to maximize the the footprint.  Um, and just as as the guidelines sit it,   this site would continue to remain uh undeveloped.  So, mayor, if I may interrupt for just a second,   we need to take him off the clock. I believe  the applicant has as much time as he needs to   make his presentation. I don't want him to have  to rush through to try to cram everything into   five minutes. So, all right. Appreciate that. Um,  you know, I we we're we think this is going to be   great for the neighborhood. You know, like I said,  just stepping back from the guidelines themselves.   This this is going to improve the area. It's good  for the site. It's good for the neighborhood. We   want to see this stretch of Douglas get developed.  Um and so, uh we're hoping for some some leeway   when it comes to enforcement of the guidelines.  Um and and I'm happy to answer any questions.   We've we've talked to the neighbors, by the  way. Um everybody we've talked to has been   very excited about this. Um uh and and so we  think the neighborhood's excited for it, too. Thank you very much. I know that this  came before us a couple weeks ago   um because this is workforce housing and  I believe that it passed unanimously from   this council again because we like seeing that  there's housing especially in undeveloped land.   Uh earlier today we did another um applica  or another vote regarding undeveloped land   by 13th and Tyler. So again I appreciate when  people are thinking of how do we get um more   housing in the city of Witchaw. So thank you. Um  I have no questions and I don't see anyone on the   board with questions. So uh again thank you to the  applicant. We will open it up for public comment.   There's no one here from the public who would like  to speak, so we'll bring it back to the bench.   And this resides in Council Member Dalton  GlassCox's district. Thank you, Mayor. Um,   I will be supportive of this today. I've talked  with the applicant about how to make sure that   this project appeals off of Douglas Street. Um,  we had talked about even relocating the building   to make sure it's contiguous along Douglas. It  was not feasible uh through their engineer um   to be able to make that change. In addition,  we talked about some screens around HVAC units   uh that they were going to look and consider  uh to make sure that those aren't apparent   on Douglas as well. Um and I'm thankful for the  density in the area, the increase for workforce   housing and also have new neighbors. Looking  forward to this project at Breaking Ground. I   know we've talked about this uh many months ago  now and so I'm excited for to see this project   move forward. Before I make a motion, I see that  council member Tuttles is on the board though. be able to you might be able to answer my question  if that's okay because you said you're going to be   supportive of this. Do you mean supportive  of denying supportive of the alternative?   Thank you. Okay. So, I just want to make sure  because whenever there's a motion that's like   in the reverse or whatever, I just always want to  make sure I'm doing the right thing. So, when you   said you were going to be supportive, I didn't  know if you meant supportive of denying it or   supportive of the project. Support of the project.  Thank you for the clarification. Thank you,   council member. So with that, I will make a motion  and I want to make sure that the alternative is to   approve the project. It's worded a little uniquely  here. Okay. So I make a motion to approve the   Deleno neighborhood overlay district design  review application for this project. Second.   Motion and a second. Any further discussion? I  see none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes. 6. Madame clerk,  please call the next item. Con 2025-93 conditional use amendment to CON  2024-212 to extend hours of entertainment   establishment in the city generally located in  the northeast corner of South Sica Street and   West Pawne Avenue at 1040 West Pony Avenue. Hello  Scott Wadel again from the planning department.   So for this case uh the applicant is requesting  to amend the an existing conditional use on the   site. That conditional use allows entertainment  establishment which is a combination of alcohol   and entertainment with a capacity of fewer  than 300 individuals. This case is being   heard because the district advisory board and  the planning commission recommendations are   different. Um also I do have an update or cor  and correction. So my apologies but we have a   correction to the staff report. The staff report  indicates that the MAPD staff recommendation   was for approval. Uh that is not correct. Our  recommendation was for denial of the application,   but we did include an alternative recommendation  in our staff report that went out to the MAPC. So,   I think that's where that got picked up.  Um, in terms of the subject site though,   the subject site is located near the northeast  corner of Pawne and Senica. The address is   1040 West Pony Avenue. It's approximately uh 1.3  acres in size, consists of one ownership parcel,   and is developed uh with a retail center with  multiple retail spaces. One of those retail spaces   is occupied by an event center. A site is zoned  LLC limited commercial. In terms of the request,   the applicant has indicated that they would like  to extend the permitted hours of entertainment as   part of that existing conditional use. Currently,  the hours for entertainment are limited from noon   to 1000 p.m. And what is meant by that is  that uh they cannot they can only have the   entertainment during those hours. They can  still continue to have the facility open,   but they cannot be having live bands, loud music,  that kind of stuff. That has to cease at 10 p.m.   The applicant would like to extend the hours to be  from noon to 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.   This application stems from an anonymous  complaint against the property owner that   entertainment was taking place on the subject site  beyond the allowed time frame and in violation of   the conditions of the approval. So in terms of  context, properties to the north, east, north,   and east are zoned SF5 and developed with a church  and single family dwellings. So here's the zoning   map. Here's the aerial. Property to the south is  zoned SF5 across Pawn E and is developed with a   single family dwelling and property to the west is  zoned LC and developed with vehicle repair limited   business. In terms of the staff report, the staff  report for this item contains information about   the conditions that apply as part of the  existing conditional use on the property.   And a quick note about those is that one of the  existing conditions includes a reminder that all   compatible compatibility noise standards apply per  the unified zoning code. These standards require   that no sound amplification system for projecting  music or human voices shall be permitted on any   property zoned in O neighborhood office or more  intensive if the music and/or voices can be heard   within any residential zoning district that is  located within a 500 foot radius of the distant of   the property. So what I'm pointing out by that is  that there is a condition that already applies and   is recommended to continue to apply uh regardless  of which recommendation you take either the DAB   or the uh or the MAPC's. So in terms of review  on August 14th the planning commission held the   public hearing for this item and recommended  denial of the conditional use amendment. That   vote was 11 to zero. They stated uh concerns of  detrimental effects to nearby residents. Now,   the applicant was in attendance and indicated  that they were requesting the amendment so that   the venue can have more bookings and attract more  clients. The applicant indicated that additional   events will help push out bad activities uh on  the property. The applicant also indicated that   the noise levels are controlled at the venue,  that they have speakers at the venue for guests   and hosts to use, and in addition, the property  owner indicated that they measure noise levels,   and they brought in their monitoring qu equipment  to show that uh three members of the public spoke   at the planning commission on this item with  complaints of the applicant not adhering to   the current time constraints uh defined by the  conditions of approval, resulting in loud music   being heard late into the night and that event  attendees have on occasion continued listening   to loud music from their vehicles in the parking  lot after the event shuts down. So on August 11th   uh so it was prior to the planning commission  meeting the district advisory board reviewed   the request and recommended approval per the  staff alternative included in the MAPC staff   report and that was vote was 7 to zero. The DAB  recommended uh conditions that would extend it   until 100 a.m. on every day uh not just on Friday  and Saturday and no member of the public spoke on   this item at the DAB meeting. So overall uh no  protests were received against the application.   So the recommended action coming to you is  that the city council adopt the findings of the   planning commission and deny the conditional use  amendment. Alternatives include the following. You   can override the MAPC, adopt alternative findings,  approve the requested conditional use amendment,   authorize the necessary signatures,  and instruct the city clerk to publish   a resolution. That requires five of seven  votes because it's an override. Or as always,   you can return the case to the planning commission  for additional consideration. That would require   four of seven votes. And just a note about process  again that the public hearing takes place at the   planning commission and city council does not  typically receive public comments. So here is   a graphic showing the location. Here's the zoning  map that you saw briefly. Here's the map from the   comprehensive plan recommending commercial at this  site. Here's the notification and protest map.   Again, no protests were received. Here's a photo  of the site and images of the surrounding area.   This is at the rear of the property  looking at the single family houses. And with that, I'll stand for any questions. Thank  you, Scott. Council member Glasco. Thank you,   Mayor. I'll have plenty of comments, but I have  one quick question. So, when we're looking at the   noise level ceasing at 11, is there additional  restrictions that I could put that they're   required to vacate the property by a certain time  as well? Um, yes sir. And I failed to get those   to you. Yes. Um, you could add a condition that  uh guests are required to vacate the premise. I   I would say in typical we 30 minutes after an  event ends uh would be fairly standard. Gives   people enough time to kind of gather their stuff  and get out. It does not require the host to leave   because typically the host is the one who's  responsible for the cleanup. But for guests   uh to be required to depart. Okay. I'll likely  be adding that to my motion. Thank you. Yes,   sir. Council member Johnson. Thanks, Mayor. Um,  Scott, I was reading through the MAPC minutes.   Have any of those claims of them going beyond 10  p.m. been substantiated with WPD? U, it is that   was presented. uh as far as being substantiated,  I do believe that our zoning enforcement uh was   taking actions on that because uh they did have  the records from PD on that. And so I think that's   really what prompted this case entirely was the  fact that those had been substantiated by the   police and zoning enforcement was taking action  on it. Okay. And then the one I don't know if they   got this specific but the one I read about the  maybe not the owner can't remember which one I   should have highlighted but the owner or operator  said that there were only employees in there but   they were still playing music like the party was  still going on and they said it was just employees   and not members there. Do you know if that one  was substantiated? I I I'm afraid I don't sir.   Okay. Thank you. I have a quick question. This is  a street, correct? Osage street wraps around. Oh,   uh, it's it's developed more as an alley. Um,  I don't know that it shows up as a street on   I want to double check the graphics. So, uh, it's  between the structure. So, this is this is the one   that wraps around in between the residence to the  east and the subject site. And so, as you can see,   it's an alley. It's got the kind of the trash  and utilities in that area. Thank you. I see no   further questions from the council. This does  not get public comment. Council member Glas.   Thank you, Mayor. Um, so I've spoken with the  applicant. I've also spoken with uh the neighbors   in particular that may have made some reports  about the applicant and trying to reach some   compromise on this. I know that the applicant has  installed additional soundproofing, bass control   measures, acoustic paneling throughout the whole  building. They've also purchased a PA system,   um, and they are instructing DJs and bands  that they're not allowed to bring in their own   systems. So, I think those are good steps. When  the applicant came to the district advisory board,   uh, the manager for the facility brought a booklet  about this thick of all the sound readings that   they have done independently every time there  was an event to show that it didn't go over   the decibel level. When I talked to the neighbors,  they were less concerned about the decibel level.   They were more concerned about the bass being  used. Um, this venue has sieras. It also has a lot   of weddings. I'm in the wedding season of my life  where all my friends are getting married. And so   often attending them and there's no wedding I've  been to that's really extended music past 11:30,   but there's also no wedding that's ended music  at 10:00. And so one of I'll read over the entire   motion, but the compromise that I was going  to work out is on Fridays and Saturdays we   would end the music at 11 o'clock and then they  would have to all guests would have to vacate the   property by midnight. Um I hope that that would  also cure maybe some of the concerns about music   being played in the parking lot because the venue  would also that would also be in their property   line. So they would not be able to play music  out in the parking lot. I think 12 is probably   a reasonable time. I looked at a couple of the  venues around the area. Um there is Champs,   which is across the street. They stay open on  Friday and Saturdays till 2 p.m. Whiskey Dixs   is a little bit further um north, but they are  also in a residential area and they stay open   till 2 p.m. or 2 a.m. every single day. And  so I think out of all those compatibilities,   the compromise would be Friday and Saturday. Music  has to end at 11 and then uh the individuals have   to vacate by midnight. So I'm interested if  there's any push back from my colleagues on   that before I make the motion. Member Johnson.  Thanks Mayor. Clarification. When you say vacate,   vacate the property or vacate the building?  Vacate the premises. So the property. Okay. Okay. And did you mention that um there are a  lot of the event venue space hosts weddings and   kinsettas? Correct. So, um, again, as you  mentioned, you're in your wedding season,   so by 11:30 p.m., most venues stop music. Yeah.  So, this one would be 30 minutes even. Be 30   minutes prior. Thank you. Okay. Seeing no other  uh comments, I move to override the MAPC, adopt   the alternative findings, approve the amendment  to the conditional use with modified conditions,   authorize the necessary signatures, and instruct  the city clerk to publish the resolution after   approval. The modi modified conditions of approval  are based on the DAB, how the DAB recommended,   except that the hours of entertainment are limited  to the following. Sunday through Thursday noon to   10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday noon to 11:00  p.m. and guests must vacate the premises or   the entire property by midnight. In support of  this motion, I offer the following findings.   The removal of the restrictions will not have  significant detrimental effects on nearby property   because of the compatibility noise standard which  will continue to limit the amount of noise that   properties could be subject to. The properties  located near the intersection of artiller roads   where more intensive commercial uses are typically  located. So, it's my motion. One last question   for Scott as well. If the applicant is fined in  violation of this and their conditional use can   be removed by the planning department. Correct.  Correct. Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you. Second motion   and a second. Any further discussion? I see  none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes. 60. Madame clerk,  please call the next item.   Public housing recovery agreement status report. Good afternoon, honorable mayor and council.  Sally Stang with Housing and Community Services   Department. Again, for the record, the item I  have is this month's update on the FA Re Hood   recovery agreement. Little background for those  watching. On January 7th, the Housing Authority   Board executed a recovery agreement with the  Department of Housing and Urban Development   for its low public housing assessment score. HUD  is requiring a status update report be presented   to the Witchaw Housing Authority Board monthly.  The recovery agreement includes actions related   to improving the physical condition of occupied  dwelling units, repositioning the remaining public   housing properties, and providing an update on  capital fund projects. So under improving the   physical condition um all required maintenance  plans inspections and work order monitorings have   been submitted uh and continue to be submitted  to HUD as required. The real estate assessment   center inspections completed in May of this  year uh resulted in scores of 100% and 93%   respectively for the two groups. and internal  contracted Inspire inspections contracted with   Nan McCay and Associates were completed on all  vacant and occupied properties in July of 2025,   resulting in no life-threatening or severe  deficiencies in any occupied properties. So,   currently uh there is an occupancy rate of 20.4%  in the units um that remain and approval of that   final disposition application was received  in June of 2025. So, um, as of September 3rd,   191 properties have sold, 30 were pending sale,  and we have only three properties that, uh,   have not sold under their listing agreements with,  uh, the the real estate broker and are turned over   are being turned over to Mccertie Real Estate  and auction to be auctioned at no less than the   appraised value. And a detailed disposition report  is attached to the agenda report. Our strategies   for the remaining units. So we the affordable  housing fund plan was updated on August 12th, 2025   to target subsidy for uh units specifically in  cell city, those to be for uh sold as affordable   rental units occupied by very large families and  units within the flood plane or those that have   environmental mitigation needs or those with other  market challenges. And currently we have a request   for proposal out on the street that closes on  October 10th for 29 units in what we deem as the   Arnold cluster um at 17th in Matthew. And we will  be issuing an RFP for the Country Acres Cluster   in the near future. And those will be um offered  under RFP with no subsidy. And all remaining units   will be sold on the open market scattered not to  flood the market after all occupants relocate. So,   we had a fresh batch of nine units hit the market  last Friday. We've got the next nine going out a   week from Friday. So, those consistently roll out.  We have a few capital fund projects underway. So,   we did, as I mentioned last month, uh received  an additional capital fund grant for 2025 and   we've initiated uh 25 roof and gutter replacements  project and bids have been received for those and   we're awaiting contracts and we have a current  project renovating seven of the units in that   country acres cluster. That's about 25% complete.  So, there is no impact to the general fund. So,   there are no financial con uh considerations  there. The monthly update to the housing authority   board is required under the recovery plan and  it's recommended that the housing authority board   receive and file the recovery plan status update  report for September 2025 and I stand for any   questions. Thank you Sally. Uh just one question.  I wanted to know where you can find those listings   if people are interested in buying them. Sure.  So that we have a number of properties out on   the on the MLS now. they can re use the realtor  app, you know, Zillow, all of those to find them,   but or reach out to our broker at Home Witchaw  Real Estate, uh, and they can schedule showings   to be able to see those. The units that are under  the RFP, we had them open every afternoon yet last   week and, uh, have had more representatives from  more than 20 organizations actually go in and take   a look at those last week. So, we're very excited  to see what type of applications we receive.   I see no further questions. One more thing,  Sally, since I did get a response uh to a   previous question where you uh talked about the  way to work program. I just got a response back   from the workforce centers. Uh they want to move  forward with a collaborative conversation as they   believe that that is necessary moving  forward with the three organizations,   YMCA, the city's way to work as well as workforce  cent's youth program. Okay. Thank you. With that,   I will now open it up for public comment.  No one from the public is here. I will now   bring it back to the bench and go ahead and  move to receive and file the HUD recovery   agreement status update and public housing  disposition update report. Second. Motion   in a second. Any further discussion? I see  none. Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 6. Madame clerk,  please call the next item. Approve to exceed the gift limit established by  the ethics ordinance for council member Tuttle to   accept travel and expenses to attend the city  health initiative in Washington DC October 15   through 16, 2025 for the purpose of serving as a  member of city health's policy advisory committee.   The city health initiative is hosted by the  domont foundation and Kaiser Permanente for   the purpose of developing its next policy  package to drive bold equity faced equity   focused solutions that help major US cities  become healthier, more equitable and thriving   places for everyone. The estimated gift amount  for travel, hotel, and meals is $1,7440. I move to approve that travel  second. Motion and a second.   Any further discussion? I see none.  Madame clerk, please open the role. Motion passes. 6. I apologize. I should  have said move to approve the gift limit.   Uh exceeding the gift limit. Uh madame clerk, can  you please uh call the next item? Council member,   appointments and comments. Council members, are  there any appointments? I see none. Council member   comments. Let's begin with Council Member Johnson.  Thanks, Mayor. I just wanted to highlight there   was a wonderful service for Bishop Gilkkey. Uh  still praying for his family. There is a newly   appointed pastor at St. Mark um Cathedral, uh  Pastor Martin. So, congratulations to him. But   wonderful service uh that night and the next day.  I know the mayor was there um with me. believe   we were there honoring Bishop Gilkkey for three  three and a half hours. Just wonderful service,   lots of great messages and again sad to see him  pass on but I know he's in a better place but just   a wonderful service and continuing to pray for  his family. Thank you, Council Member Johnson. Um,   we were also joined by uh, police chief  Joe Sullivan at that um, homecoming life   celebration. And again, I'm very appreciative  uh, that the Greater Witch Ministerial League uh,   was present and we look forward to working with  them as we have multiple initiatives last year.   One of them was the um, rallies for peace uh,  unity in the community. And so I hope to see those   continue as we have new leadership at Greater  Witchaw Ministerial League. Council member Tuttle,   thank you. I promised I would mention it every  week, so I'm going to. Is September is National   Library U Signup Month. Um we've had some great  activities going on at the library. I'll be at   a few, I think, all the way through the end of  the month. Um, and then this next week at uh,   Leadership Witchaw, which I'm a trustee, and  it's government day, we'll be celebrating   National Library Card Signup Month with the  um, class of 2025 for Leadership Witchaw. So,   if you don't have a library card, please get one  and explore the endless opportunities. Thank you,   Council Member Ballard. Thank you, Mayor. I'd  just like to invite everyone out to my district   6 breakfast on Saturday evergreen from 9 to 10.  Thank you, Council Member Ballard. One last thing,   um I think it's appropriate since we just talked  about another celebration of life. Um I just   want to recognize that today is Kia Dugen's  birthday. And so my heart still goes out to   all the families and friends of those who lost  someone during the tragedy in January. And so,   um, I'm very appreciative that we have community  members that continue to celebrate these lives and   will do things in honor of those who've passed.  With that, we are not leaving yet. Sorry, council   members. I have a executive session motion. I  move that the city council recess into executive   session for 15 minutes to receive information  on a civil action pursuant to KSA75-4319B2 for legal consultation with the city attorney  which would be deemed privileged in the attorney   client relationship for legal advice. The  executive session is required to protect   attorney client privilege and the public  interest. The executive session will begin   at 1:45 p.m. and end at 2 p.m. The meeting will  resume in the chambers at that time. Second   motion and a second. Any further discussion? I  see none. Madame clerk, please open the role. I motion passes 6. We'll return at 2:00.