Deputy Manhattan City Manager Jason Hilgers will assume the role of interim city manager next month, upon the retirement of long-time City Manager Ron Fehr. City commissioners approved a contract agreement at Tuesday’s legislative meeting that will pay Hilgers his base salary plus 13%, while he maintains his current position and the interim role, which will begin on April 19 until a successor is selected. “Once the interim role is complete, I’ll return back to my role as deputy city manager,” Hilgers said following Tuesday’s meeting. Hilgers, who has worked with the City of Manhattan for 24 years says he has no [...]

Manhattan City Commissioners provided feedback Tuesday to city staff on potentially using industrial revenue bonds (IRB’s) to fund future rental housing development projects. City staff are refining a draft policy that would give the city some clarity on certain projects targeting specific projects and areas of town for infill and rural housing incentive districts. Commissioners discussed possible criteria for the housing, including location, type and number of units. Commissioner John Matta says location is key. Commissioner Karen McCulloh says understanding limitations on number of units needs to be prioritized. Commissioner Peter Oppelt says construction time is another important criteria to consider. Mayor Wynn [...]

The Manhattan Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was presented Monday with a first look at where a new proposed indoor aquatics facility could be constructed. Representatives from the city’s consultant firm Vireo as well as some local architect groups, presented three design concepts for a reimagined City Park — all showing a proposed indoor aquatics center and adjacent outdoor pool on the north side of City Park along Fremont Street, near North Manhattan Avenue. The indoor facility would include a competition aquatics pool with spectator seating, a fitness center and a gymnasium, as well as community rooms and an indoor area [...]