Kansas Municipal News
Municipal Bond Trends for March 8, 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.
Testing for PFAS, toxic ‘forever chemicals’, set to begin
… EPA is requiring [Topeka] next year to test its drinking water for such unregulated contaminants as PFAS under its Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5), [co-interim communications director] Nichols said. “State regulatory agencies, in our case KDHE, set the sampling schedule for all their public water suppliers, including the city of Topeka,” she said. “They have set up the UCMR5 testing for the entire state from 2022 to 2026 and ours is set for 2025.”
Source: CJonline
$126 million project announced to widen US-75 highway to four lanes north of Holton
Federal funding announced Thursday by Gov. Laura Kelly will enable the state of Kansas to widen traffic to four lanes from two on a fatality-plagued stretch of US-75 highway north of Holton. The $126 million project will widen US-75 to a four-lane expressway from Holton north to its intersection with K-20 highway, which connects with US-75 after running east from Horton past the Kickapoo Golden Eagle Casino.
Source: CJonline
Pilot night-court program in Lawrence Municipal Court discontinued after 6 months of low turnout
After about six months, a pilot night-court program in the Lawrence Municipal Court is being discontinued after failing to draw enough participants outside of the court’s regular hours. City Manager Craig Owens announced the move during the Lawrence City Commission meeting earlier this week. Since last summer, the court has remained open on the third Wednesday of each month for an additional hour and a half for a night court session, which was intended to reduce the number of instances in which defendants failed to appear for a scheduled court date.
Source: LJWorld
UG hires CFO with 30 years of local experience
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, hired Shelley Kneuvean as CFO, effective later in March. As CFO, Kneuvean will work with UG staff, county administration, the mayor’s office and the UG Board of Commissioners to give financial direction and plan for the future. She brings more than 30 years of experience to the UG, both in leadership and financial and operational management
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Overland Park unlikely to crack down further on short-term rentals
Overland Park is unlikely to make any further changes to city codes for short-term rentals like Airbnbs and VRBOs at this time. Leslie Karr, the city’s planning manager, told the Overland Park City Council Community Development Committee on Wednesday that the current situation with short-term rentals in the city is “manageable.” With that in mind, city staff is recommending Overland Park maintain the status quo for now but plan to continue monitoring the situation around short-term rentals for the foreseeable future.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Hiawatha citizens speak out against road diet at Informational Meeting
Hiawatha citizens spoke out against the Kansas Department of Transportation’s road diet at the Informational Meeting about the First Corridor on Monday evening. The Informational Meeting, which was hosted by the City of Hiawatha and held at the Fisher Center, was presented mostly by Public Works Director Brad Scott and BG Consultants representative Jason Hoskinson. KDOT Area Engineer Michael Hagemann and KDOT District Engineer Leeroy Koehn were also present during the meeting. Mayor Becky Shamburg was also present. The main topic regarded the flashing yellow and red traffic signals at the First Corridor, located at the intersection between First Street and Oregon Street. Hoskinson went over a summary of the road diet, where he stated that a Traffic Engineering Assistance Program (TEAP) study was implemented to evaluate if the signals were to be removed. “We collected the data in the spring of 2022,” Hoskinson explained. “We found the first of Iowa and the first of Oregon signal [sic] were not warranted.”
Source: City Government | hiawathaworldonline.com
Western Johnson County braces for ‘intense development.’ Can the rural roads take it?
With multi-billion-dollar industrial development cropping up and standing to transform Johnson County’s more rural, western end, a big question still hangs in the air: How will people get there? County and city officials are preparing for the expansive redevelopment of the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in De Soto, kicked off by construction of the $4 billion Panasonic battery plant that’s expected to open in 2025. They say it will require major infrastructure work to reconfigure disconnected and nearby roads, some of which are still gravel, as well as in surrounding communities most likely to feel the development boom. “There will be tremendous change. And that will be difficult,” Public Works Director Brian Pietig told the Johnson County Commission last week. “There will be lots of development. And when I look at Panasonic, the first development in that (industrial park), and 4,000 employees, I think it’s going to come sooner rather than later.”
Source: Joco 913 News
Hilgers to be interim city manager, but won’t be a candidate for the job
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 desire to seek the city manager position. “Personally it’s one of those things that if I was really chomping at the bit to be a city manager I probably would’ve left several years ago. I like what I do. Being a manager is a different job,” he said. The city’s firm helping with the hiring process will begin conducting stakeholder meetings March 16, according to Mayor Wynn Butler who appeared on KMAN’s In Focus Monday.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Douglass’ first brewery “leaps” into town
After the Beer Freedom movement of 2022, where residents voted to overrule the 30% food rule for establishments that sold alcoholic beverages, there seems to be a plethora of new breweries and distilleries popping up in the county. We’ve seen two distilleries in El Dorado alone and there are two upcoming breweries in Augusta. Today we are going to talk about the newest member of craft beer establishments in Butler County located in Douglass, Green Frog Brewery & Tasting Room. The husband-wife duo and Owners of the new microbrewery, Shelby and Shawna Green have been in the Douglass community for a quite some time. Shawna has worked in various positions for USD 396 for more than 25 years and now resides as the Bookkeeper and Athletic Secretary for Douglass High School. Shelby is a retired PepsiCo employee of 36 years, but also worked for USD 396 for coaching boys and girls basketball, and currently serves on the Board of Education for the district while also serving on the KSHAA Board of Directors to represent USD 396. While Douglass has been home for their entire lives to the couple and their three children, craft beer is a new skill they’ve acquired recently. “I’d say it’s a new thing for us, about three to four years probably,” said Shelby. “I had a friend that introduced us to craft beer and we’ve really enjoyed visiting other craft breweries and seeing what they do. It’s a very cool and relaxed atmosphere.”
Source: Andover American
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