Kansas Municipal News
Highland Community College names new president
Highland Community College has named Vincent Bowhay its 45th president. Highland’s traditional campus is located in the town of Highland, with regional centers in Wamego, Atchison and Baileyville. The HCC board of trustees on Monday unanimously approved Bowhay’s hiring following a national search, which garnered more than 50 applicants. He will begin the role of president July 1. Bowhay as been the president of Independence Community College since 2021. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Vincent Bowhay to Highland Community College. He brings to us his higher education experience, compassion for students, for the College and community opportunities,” said Tom Smith, chairman of the board of trustees. “I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of Highland Community College, an institution that provides lifelong learning opportunities to students and contributes to the economic vitality of northeast Kansas. I am tremendously inspired by Highland’s student-centric, mission-driven approach to education, and I look forward to beginning my journey as a Scottie,” Bowhay said. Bowhay was one of three candidates who came to Highland to present to faculty, staff and students in person and via Zoom at the end of January. Bowhay has more than a decade of experience in higher education and assessment consultation. His career has involved work in the public and private sectors. As an assessment, strategic planning and accreditation consultant at Campus Labs in Buffalo, New York, Bowhay was recognized as a highly effective and innovative leader, positioning campuses for data-driven success.
Source: themercury.com
Haysville set for another sales tax vote
The city of Haysville recently settled on a date for a new, special sales tax election after renewal of its current one-cent sales tax failed in the November 2023 general election. Haysville is now set to take the issue back up this spring. According to The Times-Sentinel, the Haysville City Council recently set a special election for May 7. The sales tax as presented now is set to help fund streets (50%), parks and recreation (40%) and property tax reductions (10%) – the last item being a new addition. The current sales tax will sunset on June 30.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Housing master plan in sight
Arkansas City commissioners will consider a resolution Tuesday authorizing an agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC), to provide a housing master plan for a 101-acre city owned property on West Skyline Road. The proposed agreement is for an amount not to exceed $28,550. The city recently purchased the tract to reserve it for future housing development. Commissioners decided during a previous work session that a master plan was needed to determine the best types of housing for the site and the infrastructure needs. During the Friday work session, City Manager Randy Frazer said that PEC would provide the city with an overview of all of the things that are needed for housing in that area. “Infrastructure, pedestrian, vehicle traffic, utilities, all that kind of stuff,” he said. The consultant will work with the planning commission initially and then hold some public meetings. “The input of the planning commission and the public meetings will be put into the final plan, and would then come before the city commission for their approval,” Frazer said. Commissioners will also consider a resolution to accept a bid from Keeler Equipment, of Ponca City, Okla. for the purchase of a large sanitation dump trailer, for an amount not to exceed $12,250. The current trailer is available for rent and being utilized by citizens on a weekly basis and is in high demand.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Ark City court joins others to offer online payments
The Arkansas City residents or anyone who owes a fine or fee to the Arkansas City Municipal Court can now pay online. The court recently launched a secure online payment platform designed to improve accessibility and simplify the payment process, according to a press release from the city. Those who owe the court can submit payments electronically, eliminating the need for in-person transactions. To access the online payment portal, visit municipalonlinepayments.com/arkansascityks, enter the citation number and date of birth. People can also search by name or date of birth to access their information. Those who prefer to pay by phone can call (877) 817-9864 and enter their citation number. Online payment is also available at the Cowley County District Court. County Court Clerk Mandy Hockenbury said customers wanting to pay online can do so at paykscourts.com. Municipal Court Clerk Hillary Pappan said customers in Winfield can submit payments online at winfieldks.org.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Newton Public Library turning the page on old building
There’s subtle Kansas-themed imagery going on at the new Newton Public Library building. That’s according to Library Director Cari Cusick, who said the carpet designs are a nod to wheat and train tracks, and the signage on the bookshelf end caps reflect train wheel shapes. The current library building will close Saturday, March 2, and the new one will open Monday, April 1, Cusick said, adding they need to move things from one building to the other, and they need to set up during that month, like installing technology. Some projects need to be done after they move. Professional movers are relocating the library’s collection. The new library takes up 25,000 square feet and includes a fireplace that opens into the inside library space, as well as the outside patio, various study rooms, the Newton Room that houses local history materials in the room and right outside of it, microfilm-reading equipment, seven private restrooms, comfort room, family restroom off the children’s area, front-desk checkout, a drive-up window to pick up checked-out books, a technical services room where they process new materials, and stacks of books. “This one is bigger, and the public space is definitely bigger,” Cusick said about the new library building. The teen area toward the back of the library has a window and overhead lighting. The youth program room connects to the Florence Bessmer Children’s Library and the teen area. It’s in the program room where the story times and Game Zone will happen.
Source: Harvey County Now
USDA funding $22.4M in Kansas infrastructure improvements
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced $22.4 million in grants for various projects in rural communities in Kansas. The grants will fund projects for high-speed internet access, water, and sewer improvements. “High-speed internet and reliable infrastructure make it possible for rural Kansans to live and work in the communities they love,” says Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis. The grant details are: (1) A $997,000 grant to help promote the expansion of high-speed internet in Rawlins, Kiowa, Gove, Kearny, Wilson, and Linn counties. (…) (2) A $1,725,000 loan will help complete improvements to the sewer collection system for the City of Wakefield including the upgrade of the wastewater treatment system and construction of a non-discharging lagoon with irrigation. (3) A $2,284,000 loan and a $921,000 grant to help the City of Burden complete the rehabilitation of the water and wastewater systems which includes repairing approximately 15,000 feet of collection lines and upgrading approximately 22,250 feet of main and service lines. (4) A $1,205,000 loan and a $1,127,000 grant for the City of Hanston to help construct a new non-discharging lagoon facility. (5) A $2,925,000 loan for the City of Valley Falls to refurbish the wastewater collection system. (…) (6) A $35,000 loan and a $1,126,000 grant for the City of Vermillion to rehabilitate its water distribution system. (…) (7) A $5,819,000 loan for Belle Blaine to help build a new 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank and a new ion exchange nitrate removal treatment plant. (…) (8) A $1,772,000 loan will help complete repairs to the Fall River dam, upgrade the Little Bear elevated storage tank, expand the distribution system, and provide sewer extension to the hospital in Neodesha. (9) A $795,000 loan and a $1,691,000 grant for the Little Blue Natural Resources District to develop a new water source for the rural water system.
Source: KSN Local News
Starbucks to take the spot of closed Arkansas City bowling alley
Less than two months after a beloved bowling alley closed in Arkansas City, the city says a Starbucks will take its place. Hillcrest Lanes closed on December 30. Melissa Zimmerman and her family announced two weeks prior that the doors would be shut for good after six decades. Richard and Patricia Doffing owned the bowling alley for 30 years. The Cowley Post reports the city recently approved building permits for construction of a Starbucks. A spokesperson for the city said the developer is Brandon Haverty of ReCor Properties out of Mission, Kansas. Construction equipment arrived at the site last week. It’s unclear when the Starbucks, located at 2400 North Summit, will open. Starbucks’ website indicates it will be Ark City’s first.
Source: KAKE – News
Restaurant files lawsuit against Salina over burger-esque mural
The Cozy Inn restaurant filed a lawsuit on Monday against the City of Salina over a mural on the side of its restaurant. The business is located at 108 N. 7th St. in Salina. Last year, the city told the restaurant that a mural on the side of the building violates the sign code policy. The mural features “burger-esque flying saucers piloted by aliens with blasts of ketchup and mustard.” It forced the business to put the project on pause. The mural remains unfinished. In the filing, the restaurant’s owner, Steve Howard, claims the code violates free speech under the First Amendment and allows for “discriminatory enforcement.” Howard is asking for a permanent injunction to stop the city from taking action against the restaurant and the mural. According to the lawsuit, he is not suing the city for money and wants to complete the mural. The lawsuit says that on Feb. 8, the city sent a letter “which neither granted nor denied a permit” and placed his application “on hold until a review of the sign regulations is complete.” The City of Salina released a statement after being notified of the lawsuit. The city believes its current sign code enforcement is legally justified. It said there have been ongoing conversations about The Cozy Inn sign and possible policy changes. “In establishing sign regulations, communities are attempting to set up a set of standards that can be equally and fairly applied across all property owners, businesses, tenants, etc., that are within the same zoning district,” the city statement said. “Nationwide, this has frequently resulted in regulations similar to what Salina has in place that establish a ratio of signage numbers and size based on building or street frontage to maintain a level of proportionality to the building.”
Source: KSN-TV
Kansas bill would prohibit use of eminent domain to build solar farms
Utilities would be prohibited from taking private land using eminent domain to build solar farms under legislation Kansas lawmakers weighed Monday. Eminent domain authority allows governments or utility companies to take private property for public use, including to build roads, bridges and power lines. Property owners are still compensated at market value but can have their land taken if they don’t agree to sell. The practice has come under scrutiny, especially in Missouri, as developers prepare to build a high-voltage transmission line from Kansas to the Indiana border. But a bill the Kansas Senate Utilities Committee heard Monday would prohibit the use of eminent domain to build solar panels on private land. Utilities are already prohibited from using eminent domain to build wind farms. “It makes sense to us to send that to solar, as many of our members are being approached for a number of solar facilities,” said Jackie Garagiola, associate counsel for the Kansas Livestock Association. The bill was backed by farm and livestock groups and one fourth-generation farmer who said her family’s land is being taken by eminent domain for a transmission line. The farmer, Rochelle Smart, also urged the committee to prohibit use of eminent domain for large power lines. Smart said companies had been allowed to “bully” landowners to sell easements to allow power lines to be built on their land. “These power lines go directly through the middle of our farms and ranches,” Smart said. “This is vital land to our operations.” Kimberly Gencur Svaty, a lobbyist for the Advanced Power Alliance, said the organization, which represents renewable energy and transmission line developers, was neutral on the bill. The companies the alliance represents don’t have eminent domain power. They largely construct and sell generation facilities or the power from them to utilities.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Sedgwick County Commissioners hear cell tower proposals
Discussions on proposed new cell towers dominated the Sedgwick County Commission meeting Wednesday morning, and one tower was denied while another was approved. Commissioners voted unanimously to deny a project for a cell tower to be installed near Colwich. The tower was proposed for a site near 53rd Street North and 167th Street West. Several nearby residents told commissioners the 120-foot tower would have a negative visual impact on the area and it would affect property values. Commissioner Jim Howell said the tower was out of character for the neighborhood. The Colwich Planning Commission had recommended denial, while the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission had recommended approval with conditions. Developers said the tower was needed to fill gaps in cell coverage. Developers also asked for a conditional use for a 140-foot tower near 31st Street South and Maize Road. There were no protest petitions, but one resident spoke to the commission and said the tower would have a negative affect on his home 500 feet away. Commissioner Sarah Lopez said felt the tower would be inconsistent with the single family zoning of the property where it would be located. Commissioner Jim Howell felt there were no concerns with land use or property values, and he moved to approve the permit, going along with a 12-0 vote by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission. Commissioners voted 3-2 with Lopez and Commissioner David Dennis voting no.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
County concerned city’s housing incentives could affect property taxes
Riley County commissioners on Thursday expressed concerns about how Manhattan’s potential housing incentive programs could affect county property tax income. The city’s proposal to use an estimated $8 million in sales-tax revenue to provide incentives for increasing workforce housing would decrease the county’s property tax collection for a set number of years — such as 7, 14 or 25 years — though the county would not be responsible for paying for any of the incentives. County commissioner John Ford said during an intergovernmental meeting the majority of the county’s budget comes from property taxes, and it can’t use sales taxes to bolster that budget. Additionally, a 41% property tax abatement already affects the county’s revenue from that source. City commissioners Peter Oppelt and Karen McCulloh argued that using incentives to develop more housing in Manhattan would generate a good deal of money for the county in the long term. “It’s some (lost) property tax for a period of time, but the rewards will be a much more vibrant workforce, much more availability for housing for people so we don’t have periods with long commutes, and I just think (it’s) a more positive environment for Manhattan and Riley County,” McCulloh said. Deputy city manager Jason Hilgers added that the county loses money by not having enough housing in Manhattan, thus requiring some people who work in town to commute from Pottawatomie County, where they pay their property taxes. Furthermore, he said dollars from vehicle taxes “rival property taxes.”
Source: themercury.com
These ethanol plants want to bury CO2 in Kansas to cut their carbon footprints
Two companies seek to build the first sites in Kansas where carbon dioxide emissions get pumped deep underground to keep them out of the atmosphere, a practice that proponents argue will combat climate change but that many environmental groups oppose. The fledgling carbon sequestration industry is picking up pace globally, and geologists say rock formations beneath Kansas offer a bonanza of suitable locations for it. “Kansas has abundant geology that would be compatible with long-term permanent CO2 storage,” said Brendan Bream, a senior scientist at the Kansas Geological Survey. The Kansas Geological Survey envisions conducting a county-by-county study to identify suitable areas. The two proposals for the state’s first carbon sequestration wells are linked to ethanol plants in central Kansas. They’ll need to pass muster with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The proposals come amid a national trend of corn ethanol makers racing to access federal tax incentives that could make or break an industry at risk of being sidelined by newer biofuels with smaller carbon footprints. The wells would also mark a new chapter in Kansas’ foray into the world of carbon capture. So far, the state has three CO2 pipelines in southwest and southeast Kansas, and one well that repurposes the emissions from a Garden City ethanol plant into a tool for forcing hard-to-get fossil fuels out of the ground.
Source: KAKE – News
Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $16.5M for Short Line Rail Projects to Improve Agricultural Supply Chain
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that nearly $16.5 million will go toward 17 short line rail expansion and rehabilitation projects. These investments, made through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Rail Service Improvement Program (RSIP), will improve the state’s agriculture supply chain. “These needed rail infrastructure improvements will lift up rural Kansas and, in doing so, will maximize the economic potential of the entire state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening agriculture supply chains, my administration is helping our farmers and ranchers connect to regional, national, and international markets.” RSIP recipients will use the funds for expansion and capacity improvements, major track rehabilitation, and rail replacement. These projects support rail improvements that enhance safety, expand carload capabilities, reduce truck traffic, increase operating speeds, and improve operating efficiencies. State funding for the 17 projects will be enhanced by a 30% match from each recipient, resulting in a total rail infrastructure investment of more than $23.5 million. The program received 26 applications requesting more than $39 million in total costs through IKE, the state’s 10-year bipartisan transportation program. “Rail service lessens the number of trucks that would otherwise be on local roads and Kansas highways, which reduces roadway maintenance and rehabilitation needs,” Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said. “Having different modes of quality transportation strengthens our state and creates new economic development opportunities for Kansas communities.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Newton Schools announces updated plans for new playground
After receiving the majority of the necessary funds, Slate Creek Elementary announced to its students the plans to build a larger inclusive playground than originally expected. Slate Creek Elementary works with a number of students with disabilities throughout the county with the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative. Many of these students use wheelchairs and other mobility aids and communication devices. The current playground isn’t equipped to accommodate them. Tenae Alfaro, Slate Creek Elementary’s principal, gave an update to the students, announcing the plans for the playground. Students were selected to press a button and show the increases in funding the school had made over time. Alfaro said she was proud of the students for their commitment to the cause and was confident they could reach their final goal. The playground will have a surface that wheelchairs can use. The current playground has an inaccessible sand ground. The playground will also have a communication panel for students who use communication devices. In 2021, students at Slate Creek began fundraising for an inclusive playground and raised an initial $20,000. Fundraising efforts continued throughout the community with an original goal of $450,000 for a smaller playground. In November, the organization handling fundraising, All Together Now, tripled donations they received with the help of the Newton Community Foundation and the Asbury Park Community Foundation. Fundraising surpassed that number significantly, and the school has raised $600,000. They now plan to build a larger playground, which is already 85 percent funded and will cost $710,000 total.
Source: Harvey County Now
Municipal Bond Trends for February 21, 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.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $770 Million for Rural Infrastructure Projects During Investing in America Tour
During a visit to Edgecombe County, N.C., a Rural Partners Network community, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden today announced that USDA is funding 216 projects in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands to bring high-speed internet, clean water, state-of-the-art infrastructure and economic growth to rural communities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The new projects, totaling $772.6 million in investments, will benefit more than 1 million people living in remote areas of the country by providing reliable high-speed internet access, clean, safe water and a range of support for rural families, agricultural producers and small businesses. Secretary Vilsack and Neera Tanden announced the awards during the Rural Prosperity town hall at Edgecombe Community College as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s fourth Investing in America tour. Many of the projects announced today were made possible through historic investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Today’s announcement comes just months after USDA announced a Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant to equip 10 telemedicine stations throughout Edgecombe County. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is transforming our country for the better – reaching communities in every corner of the United States, including those that have too often been left behind,” Secretary Vilsack said.
Source: USDA – Latest News Releases
Municipal Bond Trends for February 20, 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.
Narcan vending machine gives Hutchinson tool to prevent overdose deaths
Hutchinson will soon have a vending machine available that dispenses free Narcan so the public will have quick access to life-saving intervention in opioid overdoses. The vending machine will be officially introduced 11 a.m. Thursday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Crossover Recovery Center, 400 W. 2nd Ave. A new naloxone vending machine is located at Crossover Recovery Center, 400 W 2nd Ave. to provide free public access to emergency opioid overdose medication. Residents can access the free naloxone by simply entering their ZIP code. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
Source: Hutch News
Privatizing cemetery upkeep in Galena
The City of Galena has something in the works when it comes to its cemeteries. It’s accepting bids from contractors to privatize upkeep at the three it currently owns and maintains “The Old Galena,” “Oak Hill,” and “Hillcrest” cemeteries. … “We believe that the cemeteries deserve the utmost respect, and they need to look pristine all the time. We do our best to keep, to make that — although sometimes we fall short. So, our hope is that by putting out for bid, we will have some contractors put some bids in that are within our budget — that they can handle the mowing and maintenance season,” said Galena Mayor, Ashley Groves.
Source: KSNF/KODE
McAnarney agrees to Marion’s interim city administrator role
There’s a new position ahead for Mark McAnarney, if only for a short period of time. McAnarney has reached an agreement with Marion city officials to serve as the city’s interim city administrator. The Marion County Record says McAnarney begins his work Thursday. The Record also says McAnarney will work three days a week at a full-day rate of $488 per day or a five-hour maximum of $244 per day. Employee benefits will not be included. Marion had been looking for a city manager after the resignation of Brogan Jones on Nov. 15. There is currently no word on when the city plans to have a permanent city administrator named. McAnarney, meanwhile, served the city of Emporia for over 30 years, first as assistant city manager starting in 1989 and then as city manager in 2013. He retired in late 2021. He also served as Neodesha’s interim city manager between October and mid-January. McAnarney has agreed to talk with KVOE News this week about his decision.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio