Kansas Municipal News
Powell says the Fed is ‘not far’ from the point of cutting interest rates
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell testifies during the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing titled “The Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress,” in Dirksen Building on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday indicated that interest rate cuts may not be too far off if inflation signals cooperate. In remarks to the Senate Banking Committee, the central bank leader didn’t provide a precise timetable of when he sees easing happening, but noted that the day could be coming soon. “We’re waiting to become more confident that inflation is moving sustainably at 2%. When we do get that confidence, and we’re not far from it, it’ll be appropriate to begin to dial back the level of restriction,” Powell said in response to a question about rates and inflation. He said the cuts would be so the Fed doesn’t “drive the economy into recession rather than normalizing policy as the economy gets back to normal.” Powell spoke at a time when financial markets have swung considerably in their expectations on Fed policy.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
City discusses industrial revenue bonds as support for low-income housing
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 Butler agrees. The city currently has a policy for using IRB’s which states it may only apply to low-income housing projects. The city’s existing tax abatement policy also has specific requirements for the property tax abatement that would not continue to apply to these projects. Commissioners will receive a finalized plan at a future meeting.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Goessel City Council bids farewell to long-time city clerk
Goessel City Council met on Feb. 26 and recognized long-time city clerk Jennifer Bliss for her 10 years of service to Goessel. In addition to city clerk duties, she has also been the court clerk for those 10 years. She has resigned from her Goessel position and accepted the city clerk position for the city of McPherson. Mayor Evan Esau presented a plaque to Bliss in honor of her years of service to Goessel. In a statement from Esau, he expressed his appreciation for her work: “Working alongside Jennifer has been a pleasure since I started on council, and especially since becoming Mayor. She consistently offers invaluable assistance to council and residents. We wish her the best in all her future endeavors.” Bliss said she is willing to help make the transition to a new city clerk. However, at this time, the council has not yet filled the city clerk position.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
Parks and Rec board gets early look at proposed indoor aquatic center, redesigned City Park
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 for children. The board was also presented with design concepts for a reimagined Northview Park, including one concept that replaces Northview Pool with a splash pad. The concepts are all part of the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department’s Move MHK Comprehensive Plan, which is nearing completion. “One of the considerations needs to be looking at consolidation. Putting splash pads in is a more equitable approach. They have tons of feature, but there is no cost. I do think that’s a viable option we need to consider,” said Aaron Stewart, Director of Manhattan Parks and Recreation.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Parsons police notice seasonal crime change
Investigators say when temperatures go up, so does crimes. Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks says domestic violence and theft are two of the areas where they see the biggest increase. Chief Spinks calls them “crimes of opportunity,” and says officers will make them a special focus this year. Less than three months into the year — the department has already reported 51 domestic violence incidents and 35 thefts. In 2023, Parsons police reported 30 domestic violence incidents in March alone, and 38 thefts. And in April of last year, those numbers went up — to 42 for domestic violence, and 38 for thefts. “Crime has some level of seasonal change and part of that is not just based on the great weather, but it’s also about how many hours of sunlight we have. And with more sunlight, people are out and about. That’s always good. But we also know that some of our criminals like to stay out a little bit longer and a little bit later. So, what we do see in the spring is some increases,” said Chief Spinks. Chief Spinks recommends Parsons residents follow the 9 p.m. routine program.
Source: KSNF/KODE
School canceled due to threat of violence
Woodson U.S.D. 366 in Yates Center cancelled school Thursday (3/7) after authorities received a threat of violence. Wednesday night, Yates Center Police Department and the Woodson County Sheriff’s Office were made aware of a threat directed at the high school. Those agencies contacted the school district about the threat and the district decided to cancel school just in case the threat was real. Officials are still trying to figure out who is responsible for making the threat, but they say there is no risk to the public at this time. They say it’s an ongoing investigation and they are working with other agencies to track down those responsible.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Disc golf tees up for expansion around pond
The Walnut Valley Disc Golf Association has operated and maintained an 18-hole disc golf course around Knebler Pond in Arkansas City since April of 2021, under an agreement with the city, which owns the property. That agreement is set to expire. Representative Arty Hicks spoke to the commission Tuesday about the organization’s future plans and to seek a two-year renewal of the contract. The club wants to improve the course by adding an additional 18 holes. “Is there enough room to do that?” Mayor Jay Warren asked. Hicks said the added holes would be under a tree canopy behind the current course. “We plan to make it a little more challenging,” he said. “The more challenging it is, the more technical it is, the more people leave and say they want revenge and they come back.” Hicks said the club has held several tournaments that were well attended, the majority of the participants were from out of town. The club estimates at least 1,600 people have used the course since September of 2021.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Bourbon Co. Theater resurgence begins with adult prom
A group of Ft. Scott residents is determined to bring back a community theatre to Bourbon County. Last summer, Bourbon County Community Theatre or BCCT officially formed as a non-profit organization to bring theatre productions to Bourbon County. Vice President Melissa Guns says they want to utilize local theatre spaces available in Ft. Scott, as well as bringing in events like park performances. “We want to bring community theater back to Fort Scott, not just for entertainment purposes, but also for educational purposes. There’s so much that we learned through the theater, along with the entertainment value, and then it also provides an outlet,” she said. “It’s just something that brings a vitality to your town. It gives everyone an opportunity to get involved in theater. Theater and music are a couple of those things that allow people an opportunity to fade away from the world around them and just enjoy life for a little bit,” said Matthew Wells, BCCT President. On March 16, the group’s first event is an Adult Prom, with tickets starting at $50 per couple.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Topeka shares 10-year plan for city-wide projects
City of Topeka staff have created the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for city-wide projects over the next 10 years. According to a City of Topeka spokeswoman, city staff created the 2025-2034 CIP and first presented it to the governing body for consideration at Tuesday’s Topeka City Council meeting. A CIP is a plan that helps make sure the city’s annual operating budget, capital improvement budget and long-term financial projections line up with the city’s strategic goals as well as its infrastructure needs. According to the city, a project can only be added to the CIP if it meets at least one of the following: Real property acquisition; Construction of new facilities and or addition to an existing city facility costing $50,000 or more; Public infrastructure projects; or Information technology projects costing $50,000 or more. Topeka Public Works proposed increasing funding for multiple street maintenance programs. It recommends increasing the pavement management program’s budget by more than $2 million a year. This is the program responsible for repairs to damage like potholes and pavement cracks. Crews will be working on road and stormwater improvements on Southwest 29th Street from Burlingame Road to Topeka Boulevard. The construction project is slated to take place in 2025. Another project along 29th Street is slated for 2025. Bridge improvements over Butcher Creek are planned on Southeast 29th Street from Kansas Avenue to Adams Street. A pavement rehabilitation project on Southwest Topeka Boulevard from 15th to 21st streets was originally scheduled for 2028, but has been moved up to 2025.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Baxter Springs FD to receive $1 million in federal appropriations bill
The FY2024 Appropriations Package includes $1 million in funding for the Baxter Springs Fire Department. The federal House of Representatives passed the bill Wednesday. It includes a total of $2.6 million in federal funding for Kansas law enforcement and first responders. $1 million of which will help the Baxter Springs Fire Department construct a new fire station. “A surge of violent crime and deadly fentanyl have wreaked havoc on cities and communities across Kansas,” said Rep. Jake LaTurner (R) of Kansas. “As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I promised law enforcement officers and first responders that I would fight to bring federal dollars back home to Kansas. I am proud that this package cuts federal spending for the first time in a decade while also delivering crucial resources to help our brave men and women in uniform keep our streets safe.” The bill now heads to the Senate ahead of Friday’s government shutdown deadline.
Source: KOAM News
Governor Kelly Announces More than $930M in Highway Projects Added to IKE Development Pipeline
Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed today announced the addition of 17 highway modernization and expansion projects – a total investment of $932 million – to the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program’s (IKE) Development Pipeline. IKE is the Kelly administration’s bipartisan 10-year, $10 billion transportation program. The announcement clears the way for preliminary engineering work to begin on these projects, which are in every region of the state. “These highway projects tackle long-standing transportation needs across the state – improving safety, expanding economic development opportunities, and strengthening our communities,” Governor Kelly said. “My administration is committed to making short- and long-term infrastructure improvements to benefit future generations of Kansans.” The 2024 Development Pipeline announcement took place in the Kansas Statehouse. Joining Governor Kelly and Secretary Reed to provide remarks were stakeholders representing three of the selected projects: Dr. John Wyrick, Superintendent of Labette County Public Schools, USD 506; Corey Peterson, President, Lindsborg City Council; and Kevin Schoendaler, City of Hoxie Councilmember. Today’s announcement results from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) fall 2023 statewide Local Consult listening tour. More than 1,400 Kansans from across the state participated in these public meetings.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
New Kansas bill requests $40 million for homeless shelters, requires enforcement of camping laws
A bill supported by Sedgwick County and the city of Wichita is requesting $40 million from the state for homeless shelter infrastructure, and it also requires localities to enforce ordinances on camping and vagrancy. The bill is born out of a months-long effort in Sedgwick County and Wichita to address homelessness. Last December, the city and county signed a letter to the governor seeking $50 million in a state grant program to “address local homelessness infrastructure.” Wichita needs at least $20 million of those dollars to help build a new one-stop shop for people experiencing homelessness, with shelter and affordable housing units. The governor’s budget, released in January, included $40 million in grants for local governments to address and prevent housing insecurity. The county helped write a new bill to request that the money focus solely on homeless shelter infrastructure. The bill also adds language requiring governments that receive the dollars to “enforce local ordinances regarding camping and vagrancy,” which has drawn some pushback from service providers and advocates in Wichita. “It could lead to unnecessary criminalization of people experiencing homelessness who have no alternative but to camp,” wrote Sally Stang, as the chair of the Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita and Sedgwick County, in testimony on the bill.
Source: KLC Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for March 7, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Johnson County vs. State Fire Marshall: Fire code applied to group homes
Six years ago, the State Fire Marshal’s office issued citations for fire code violations to two group homes for developmentally impaired adults operated under the auspices of a Johnson County social service agency. The Fire Marshal considered the homes to be care facilities requiring protective devices they didn’t have. Johnson County pushed back. Since then, the dispute—pitting the Johnson County Board of Commissioners against State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen has evolved into a legal tussle having little to do with the particular citations and a great deal to do with how those group homes and about two dozen others like them in Johnson County may be regulated. Johnson County has argued the group homes should not be treated as care facilities regulated under the Kansas Fire Safety and Prevention Act (state fire code), K.S.A. 31-132 et seq., so the safety features the Fire Marshal found lacking would be unnecessary. In addition, Johnson County requested what it has characterized as a reasonable accommodation under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq., that would excuse compliance with the state fire code. The Fire Marshal denied the request. The district court upheld the Fire Marshal’s position, as do we.
Source: Supreme Court of Kansas
Shawnee County found in violation of Kansas tax law. What it means.
Shawnee County property owners could have part of last year’s property taxes refunded back to them. The Board of Tax Appeals of the State of Kansas found the Shawnee County Commission had violated state law when setting the property tax rate last year and the county has been ordered to return the extra collected funds to county taxpayers. … In 2021, the Kansas Legislature required local governments to follow a list of actions if their property tax rate exceeds what was generated in property tax dollars the year before. These actions include sending a notice that the governing body is considering exceeding the rate, holding a public hearing where citizens can comment, publicly voting to exceed the rate and placing another public notice stating the rate will be exceeded.
Source: CJonline
Salina says Cozy Inn mural is commercial sign; Cozy Inn disagrees
The City of Salina is hiring special legal counsel to help defend the lawsuit filed by Cozy Inn. … Work on a mural with a hamburger on the north side of Cozy Inn in Salina was halted last year. The city of Salina is engaging with outside legal counsel after Cozy Inn filed a lawsuit against the city in regards to the mural. This comes less than a month after the restaurant filed a freedom of speech suit related to a mural it began having painted on the side of its building, which was halted after the city determined the mural is a commercial sign.
Source: Salina Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for March 6, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Newton strengthens regulations against pollution
Newton’s city commission approved an ordinance increasing fines for polluting stormwater drains. The increase is directed at companies. Suzanne Loomis, director of public works, proposed the change to the fines at the meeting on Feb. 27. Loomis said she proposed the change in hopes of getting businesses to think twice before polluting. “Corporations may think it’s easier to pay the fee,” Loomis said. “Now it’s more expensive to have to pay for it to get cleaned up.”
Source: Harvey County Now
Flushable wipes clog up city resources
Toilet clogs can be a pain for homeowners, but flushing wipes may turn into an issue for neighbors, as well. Newton’s public works recently spent time unclogging a large sewer blockage caused by flushable wipes. Suzanne Loomis, director of public works, said the wipes are a problem because although they’re labeled as flushable, they don’t dissolve, and they clog lines. Loomis said marketing them as flushable is a problem, because it’s misleading and makes people think they’re safe to flush.
Source: Harvey County Now
Rejecting car wash plan sparks debate on downtown Overland Park’s future
A new Tommy’s Express Car Wash location proposed in downtown Overland Park won’t be able to move forward due to concerns about whether it would fit in with the city’s long-term plans to reinvest in the corridor…. Councilmembers who voted to deny the plans for the Tommy’s Express worried that the car wash fails to support the community’s goal of remaking its downtown into a more pedestrian-friendly urban core.
Source: Johnson County Post
JoCo cities say bills threaten local control
Cities in Johnson County are lining up in opposition to two bills circulating in the Kansas Legislature that take aim at municipalities’ powers when it comes to zoning and citizen petitions. One bill would sharply curtail a city’s ability to rezone private property, and the other would strengthen petitioners’ efforts to put a question on a local ballot, circumventing a city’s ability to stop it.
Source: Johnson County Post
Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2024-3: Election-Day Buffer Zone
Synopsis: County election officers may constitutionally prohibit electioneering on private property within 250 feet of a polling place on election day. Cited herein: K.S.A. 21-6602; 21-6611; 25-2430; 25-2435.
Source: Kansas Attorney General Opinions
Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2024-2: Transient Guest Tax
Synopsis: The Transient Guest Tax Act is a nonuniform act. As such, a county may exempt itself from provisions of the Act under its home-rule powers through a charter ordinance or resolution. Sherman County’s Charter Resolution No. 18 was a permissible use of its statutory authority. However, once it exempted itself, Sherman County cannot then require the Kansas Department of Revenue to collect the tax. Cited herein: K.S.A. 12-1696; K.S.A. 12-1697; K.S.A. 12-1698; K.S.A. 12-1699; K.S.A. 12-16,113; K.S.A. 19-101; K.S.A. 19-101a; K.S.A. 19-101b; K.S.A. 75-704.
Source: Kansas Attorney General Opinions
City manager pushes for updated Newton city plan
After looking over the current comprehensive plan for the City of Newton, planning commissioners realized that much of the plan had already been done. Daniela Rivas, Newton’s city manager, said at the planning commission meeting on Monday, March 4, that she would like to see a “refresh” of the plan as well as begin work for the new comprehensive plan. The current plan deals with the city’s goals for several areas, such as land use and transportation. City employees said the plan is a guide for the direction they take. The current plan is for 2010 to 2030.
Source: Harvey County Now
Wichita City Council lifts ban on corporate political donations, with one requirement
The Wichita City Council voted Tuesday to lift a short-lived ban on corporate campaign contributions to city candidates. The rollback of the campaign finance reform was approved 7-0 as council members came together in support of an amendment requiring candidates to report the name of the principal owner of the company that gave to their campaign. Another amendment introduced by council member Brandon Johnson that would have banned the practice of giving multiple donations through different companies failed 3-4 without the support of the council’s three Republican members or Mayor Lily Wu, a Libertarian. In cases where one limited liability company is owned by another, candidates for Wichita mayor and City Council will be required to list the name of the parent LLC’s owner in their campaign finance reports.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
USD 259 parents petition to stop closure of six schools
After the Wichita Public Schools board voted to close six schools, parents are petitioning to have the decision reviewed on the state level. Parents KSN News has spoken to are upset, and you can see it. In the video above, you can see signs dotting a lawn, protesting the BOE decision and encouraging parents to get involved. On Tuesday, parents started going door to door to get a petition signed trying to stop these closures. Parents say closing the six schools was a decision they don’t feel they had a say in. “I think it’s pretty evident that most of us already felt like the decision was made when we walked in the building,” said Thomas Montiel, a parent at Cleaveland Traditional Magnet Elementary School. “We found out the same day the staff members found out and the staff members only got notified I think an hour or two before the news stations published their articles so we all were in shock together,” said Ruth Lehman, a parent at Cleaveland Traditional Magnet Elementary School. The district says no one likes to close schools and that their hands were tied.
Source: KSN-TV
Wichita Fire Department to host Citizens’ Fire Academy this spring
The Wichita Fire Department will be hosting another Citizens’ Fire Academy this spring. Classes will be held every Tuesday evening starting in April and go through the beginning of June. Although the WFD has not released what time the classes start, they say the classes will last 2-3 hours and take place at the Regional Training Center, 4746 E. 31st St. S. #4494. The last meeting will be held at a City Council meeting to recognize the participants for completing the academy. (…) “The Wichita Fire Department Citizens’ Fire Academy is dedicated to increasing public awareness by familiarizing and informing the citizens of Wichita, our customers, and associates of the various divisions, duties, and responsibilities of the Fire Department,” said the WFD. “Through education, demonstration, and participation, class members will better understand what we do, how we do it, and why.” The WFD says after completing the program, participants will be able to use their knowledge to create a safer home and work environment as well as educate others about the Wichita Fire Department and the services it provides to the community.
Source: KSN-TV
Abilene in the running for best historic small town contest
A small town situated in the heart of Kansas is in the running for a national contest hosted by USA Today. The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau announced in a press release on Monday, March 4, that Abilene will be a finalist for USA Today’s Readers’ Choice ‘Best Historic Small Town’ contest. Abilene came close to the number-one spot in 2022 and 2023. “This honor is truly remarkable!” Director of the Abilene Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Julie Roller-Weeks said. “Achieving this recognition once is a significant accomplishment, and securing it for six consecutive years in a nationwide contest against other exceptional small towns is beyond imagination!” Abilene has routinely appeared in the top ten for the contest due to the town’s rich history. Places like the Seelye Mansion, Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Old Abilene Town and more are part of what makes Abilene stand out. “Embracing Abilene as one of the nation’s best historic small towns also embraces the impact tourism plays: a positive ripple effect, boosting our local economy and enriching the lives of our residents,” said Jessica Goodale, Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation Director.
Source: KSN-TV
Governor Kelly Announces More than $14M to Improve 37 Kansas Airports
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that 58 projects at 37 airports have been selected to receive $14.3 million through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP). “Improvements made to our aviation infrastructure are vital to local economies, even in rural parts of Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These enhancements ensure that no matter where they are in the state, businesses and communities have every opportunity to grow and prosper.” The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 135 applications seeking more than $84 million for projects in this round of KAIP grants. The selected projects focus on pavement preservation, safety, and air ambulance accessibility. “These general aviation airport improvements couldn’t happen without local partners and KDOT working together,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Programs like this help Kansans have access to renewed and reliable transportation options available to them in every region of the state.” Local matching funds are required, though the amount varies depending on the project. With the matching local funds, the total KAIP project value is more than $34 million.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Powell reinforces position that the Fed is not ready to start cutting interest rates
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday reiterated that he expects interest rates to start coming down this year, but is not ready yet to say when. In prepared remarks for congressionally mandated appearances on Capitol Hill Wednesday and Thursday, Powell said policymakers remain attentive to the risks that inflation poses and don’t want to ease up too quickly. “In considering any adjustments to the target range for the policy rate, we will carefully assess the incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks,” he said. “The Committee does not expect that it will be appropriate to reduce the target range until it has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent.” Those remarks were taken verbatim from the Federal Open Market Committee’s statement following its most recent meeting, which concluded Jan. 31. In total, the speech broke no new ground on monetary policy or the Fed’s economic outlook. However, they indicated that officials remain concerned about not losing the progress made against inflation and will make decisions based on incoming data rather than a preset course. “We believe that our policy rate is likely at its peak for this tightening cycle. If the economy evolves broadly as expected, it will likely be appropriate to begin dialing back policy restraint at some point this year,” Powell said in “But the economic outlook is uncertain, and ongoing progress toward our 2 percent inflation objective is not assured.” He noted again that lowering rates too quickly risks losing the battle against inflation and likely having to raise rates further, while waiting too long poses danger to economic growth.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Solar Regs not about single project
Thursday evening, Feb. 29, the Barton County Planning Commission held a public discussion meeting at Barton Community College campus. The Barton County Planning Commission will hold another meeting Monday, March 4, to begin working through the feedback that has been received on the DRAFT changes to the “Current” Barton County Zoning Regulations – Version II as they pertain to Solar Energy Conversion Systems (SECS) and the future development of Large Scale Non-Commercial SECS or Commercial Scale SECS in Barton County. This meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Upstairs Meeting Room at the Hoisington Activity Center at 1200 Susank Road, Hoisington. The public is invited to attend. Copies of the DRAFT Zoning Articles and the DRAFT Zoning Map are available for review on the county website.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Etzanoa annexation comes back to Ark City commission
Arkansas City commissioners will consider an ordinance today to approve an annexation petition filed by the Etzanoa Conservancy for its property on 28379 81st Road. Since the property does not adjoin the city, Cowley County Commissioners were first required to determine whether that annexation would interfere with the growth or development of that area or in any other incorporated city within the county. The county approved that request in February. The location is home of the future Etzanoa Cultural and Immersion Center, based on the ancient Native American community here that is expected to benefit the surrounding area with economic development related to tourism. The Conservancy had requested the annexation so that the center could make use of city services and municipal utilities. Work has already started to clear the property. The proposed 80-acre museum and research center would include a 15,000 square foot facility, walking trails, a replica village, outdoor classroom and a simulation dig area. The conservancy hopes to break ground in June, and open sometime in 2026. If approved, commissioners will then consider an ordinance to rezone the property from low-density to high density residential.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Westwood kicks off planning for new park after legal dispute over other green space nearby
The city of Westwood’s park planning steering committee is meeting for the first time on March 4. The committee is charged with guiding city officials on development of the new 3.8-acre park that is part of the Karbank Real Estate Company’s office-park project headed to West 50th Street and Rainbow Boulevard. Karbank plans to build six office-retail buildings along Rainbow Boulevard on the sites of Joe D. Dennis Park and the former Westwood Christian Church. In exchange for building on Joe D. Dennis Park, Karbank is giving the city of Westwood money to purchase the original Westwood View Elementary building and build a replacement park on that site just to the west.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Homebody: The good and the bad of home associations
A homeowner association (HOA) is typically a nonprofit corporation within a community of housing. Most HOAs exist in planned multi-unit community projects such as condominiums and townhomes or in newer developments filled with new construction. Membership is mandatory and the association is governed by a board of directors made up of elected community residents once control is passed off from the developer. Practically all incorporated HOAs are subjected to state laws in addition to unique governing restrictive covenants and bylaws. These restrictive covenants and bylaws define community standards so as to protect property values. It’s this intention that is the good of HOAs. The bad? That’s mostly in the eye of the beholder. Unfortunately, most homebuyers never read the governing documents of an HOA representing a community. This has a couple potential negative effects. First, the buyers could unknowingly violate the covenants. An example of this would be if a homeowner installed a wood privacy fence only to get served a notice by the HOA that the wood violates the restriction of only allowing aluminum fencing. This would result in the owner being required to either legally fight the restriction or to remove the violation and re-install the approved fence, costing both time and money.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
New Johnson County coffee shop inspired by nature opens in an old fire station
Birds chirping overhead, horses galloping in the distance — and in the middle of the rural scene, a coffee shop. The building’s mural, depicting a field of sunflowers and rolling hills, matches its serene backdrop. Owner Courtney Nelson said Station 3 Coffee has quickly become a hit with bicyclists and walkers on the winding trails nearby. Over the weekend, a group of cyclists were racing down the trails to try their first cup of Station 3 coffee before it closed for the day, Nelson said. Station 3 opened Friday near Shawnee Mission Park at 19115 Midland Drive in Shawnee. It features a full-service coffee bar with pastries. Its indoor and outdoor seating draws neighbors and park-goers. “We’ve been pleased with the turnout,” Nelson said. “The dogs, the kids, everybody enjoying it … coming together and meeting the neighbors.” Customers walk through the front door of a brick building covered in painted sunflowers and into an entry area with long windows and high ceilings. Natural light pours onto a red tiled bar with a marbled countertop. On one half of the coffee shop, a painting of Mill Creek and Little Mill Creek wraps around the room. On the other, a mural of a rocky, mountainous scene. (That’s in honor of Nelson’s son, who’s a climber.) Station 3 tees and mugs are on display in a light-washed wooden hutch, available for sale. Outside, a spacious patio with an outdoor bar, wooden bench and a handful of bright yellow tables.
Source: Joco 913 News
Lawsuit against Dodge City’s voting districts could affect other Kansas communities
More than half of the population in Dodge City, Kansas, is Latino. But in the past 20 years members of the community argue they have never had the power to elect city officials of their choice. A federal judge heard arguments last week in a lawsuit that aims to change this, with critics of Dodge City’s current local government structure arguing it denies representation and voting rights to its Hispanic and Latino residents. The outcome of the case holds major consequences for the Southwest Kansas city. And if Dodge City loses, other Kansas cities may face their own legal challenges or calls for change. The lawsuit, filed in 2022 by the ACLU of Kansas and other voting rights groups on behalf of two Dodge City voters, argues that Dodge City’s at-large voting system violates federal voting rights law because it denies Hispanic and Latino residents who live in the same part of the city the ability to elect representatives of their choosing. Several other Kansas communities also use at-large voting systems – where every city council member must be elected by a vote from the entire city, rather than a specific district.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Municipal Bond Trends for March 5, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Municipal Bond Trends for March 4, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
After a 5-day trial, federal judge to decide whether Dodge City’s at-large elections discriminate against the Latino vote
Voting rights lawyers offered a passionate rebuke of Dodge City’s at-large election system, arguing that the city’s current system deprives Latino voters of sufficient representation on the city commission. … Attorneys for the city counter that a lack of Latino representation on the commission is the result of factors beyond local government’s control. In December 2022, ACLU Kansas and other voting rights groups filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming that Latinos would overwhelmingly back other Latinos for seats on the City Commission but are restrained by an at-large system that favors white voters. … The five-day trial went into recess before noon Friday, March 1. Plaintiffs and defendants have until March 22 to file their final briefs to the Court. Then, [Judge] Melgren will review and issue his decision. It could be months before he issues a ruling.
Source: KLC Journal
110 new jobs coming to Wellington
A company is investing $14 million in Wellington and creating 110 new jobs for the area. Elite Harness plans to refurbish an existing facility at 1515 North A Street on the north side of town. The goal is to make it into a 50,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. “We have a sister company that is located in Tulsa, so we considered building there, but the State of Kansas and Sumner County really stepped up to the plate and made Wellington a wise choice for us,” Elite Harness President Nathan Smith said in a news release.
Source: KSN-TV
How running with pancakes in southwest Kansas boosts community spirit and the economy
This year marks the 75th anniversary of what’s known as the Pancake Day Race in the southwest Kansas town of Liberal. It’s an oddity, but these types of community festivals offer economic and less tangible benefits to smaller towns. Women dressed in aprons, skirts and headscarves line up in the middle of main street. They’re dressed in a traditional English kitchen outfit, but instead of cooking they are about to race. As the women get on their marks they prepare their other race essentials, frying pans and pancakes. This is the annual Pancake Day Race, a tradition in Liberal, Kansas, for 75 years. People gather to watch competitors run the quarter-mile race holding frying pans containing a single pancake. It’s a multi-day event in Liberal with an international connection as locals compete against racers in England. While events like this held in many smaller towns may seem like curiosities, they can offer economic and social benefits that motivate communities to keep them alive. “We’re smack dab in the middle of nowhere, and in a small sense, we’re connected internationally,” said Gary Classen, who has been chairman of Pancake Day for eight years.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
‘The lifeblood of the community’: States invest to save rural grocery stores
Corliss Hassler rushes in the front door of Post 60 Market and heads straight for the produce case. “I’m back,” she announces. It’s around lunchtime, but it’s already her second trip in today — this time, she’s picking up a few items for the Friday fish fry at the local Catholic church. Hassler is a regular customer and investor in the small grocery store, opened in 2022 as a cooperative. The store provides convenience, sure: It’s the only place in town to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. But it’s also a social hub for the northeast Nebraska town of Emerson, population 891. “The store is the lifeblood of the community,” Hassler said. “We have to keep our store, we have to keep our schools, we have to keep our churches — and it’s all a struggle right now.” The market opened four years after the closure of the town’s only grocery store. Some 110 community members bought shares, which funded the transformation of a shuttered American Legion post into a brightly lit store packed with fresh and packaged foods. Preserving grocery stores has been a perennial challenge for rural communities. Small, often declining populations make it tough to turn a profit in an industry known for its razor-thin margins. Increased competition from online retailers, the onslaught of chains such as Dollar General stores and an aging lineup of independent grocers have only made things tougher. By 2015, USDA research showed a total of 44 counties had no grocery store at all — all but four of the counties were rural.
Source: KAKE – News
Kansas considers $40 million fund to help local governments shelter homeless people
Around 2,600 Kansans are experiencing homelessness on any given day, one survey estimates. Lawmakers tasked with reducing this number will decide whether a $40 million fund is the best way to provide support for struggling local communities. Andy Brown, deputy secretary for programs at the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, gave an overview of potential pathways to reduce homelessness in the state Thursday. “The fact that we have a high percentage of unsheltered folks means that the visibility of homelessness is high,” Brown told lawmakers on the House Committee on Welfare Reform. “As we’re able to reduce the percentage of our homeless that are unsheltered, it will become something where it’s more difficult to see.” The reform committee is tasked with tackling the state’s homelessness problem, but committee action has been slow to come. During last year’s session, committee lawmakers heard a bill criminalizing homeless people, which fizzled after public outcry. This session, committee chairman Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys Republican, characterized state homelessness as not “a massive issue,” but “certainly something we need to consider addressing.”
Source: KAKE – News
SoCe, a south-central Wichita neighborhood, sits at a crossroads
As lovers of all things old, Larry and Cathy Mong were thrilled with the home they bought for $50,000 in Wichita 23 years ago: a 1906 Victorian in south central Wichita, less than a mile from the heart of downtown. The neighborhood was a little rough, but the Mongs had seen similar neighborhoods in the Dallas-Fort Worth area go through the gentrification process. “We thought in five to 10 years it would be like downtown Dallas, but it isn’t,” Larry Mong said. In fact, in some respects it seems to have declined. When they moved in, Larry remembers, every home on the block was occupied by owners or renters. Today, six are boarded up. The house two doors down appears headed for demolition, having suffered two major fires. Across the street, the red brick building that once housed Grace Methodist Episcopal Church — added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006 — is boarded up and its doors welded shut after being taken over by squatters, who also set fires. Even so, the neighborhood remains attractive for some. Recently, a couple relocating to Wichita from Seattle expressed excitement after touring the house next door to Mong’s, which is listed for sale at $129,000. The couple told Mong it would be worth $600,000 in Seattle. Elsewhere in south central Wichita, new owners have bought and fixed up derelict homes, duplexes and apartments. In a city where affordable housing is in short supply, south central real estate offers bargains. But can enough people look past its challenges to revive one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods?
Source: KLC Journal
Lawrence plastic bag ban officially in full effect
Plastic bags are officially banned in Lawrence, but will that ban stay? The City Commission passed an ordinance last year that took effect on Friday. The ordinance banned single-use plastic bags in an effort to reduce the use of plastics in the city. “We’re very excited about it,“ Lawrence resident Misti Osbern said. “We’ve been trying to use our reusable bags for a long time.” However, the changes could come to a halt, if new legislation is passed. There are ongoing efforts to prohibit plastic bag bans at the state level, after failed attempts in previous years. Currently, House Bill 2446, prohibiting cities and counties from regulating plastic or other containers designed for consumption, transportation and protection of food, merchandise or beverages is still alive at the statehouse. The bill was requested for introduction by the Kansas Chamber. According to Kansas Chamber spokeswoman Sherriene Jones-Sontag, if it passes, the plastic bag ban in Lawrence would be redacted. Eric Stafford, the Kansas Chamber’s Vice President of Government Affairs, sent the following statement to Nexstar’s Kansas Capitol Bureau, regarding Lawrence’s ban on plastic bags. “When one city or county in a state decides to ban something, or require something of businesses not required in other jurisdictions, it places burdens on employers and increases costs on consumers. The logic behind banning single-use plastic bags is so flawed. Supporters argue you can no longer use a single use plastic bag to carry your food wrapped in plastic. Instead you have to buy reusable plastic bags that contain three times as much plastic as a single use bag, all under the false impression you are doing something to protect the environment.”
Source: KSNT 27 News