Kansas Municipal News
City intents to issue new STAR Bonds for Sports of the World
The Garden City Commission approved a resolution declaring the city’s intent to issue STAR Bonds for a Phase II of the Sports of the World project at its regular meeting Tuesday. Danielle Burke, Garden City Assistant City Manager, said the resolution came about after the project developers expressed interest in expanding the STAR Bond District to include a Phase II. “The project is anticipated to include four softball fields, four baseball fields and several areas for future development needs,” she said. “The fields can be used as soccer fields or flag football fields as well.” The bonds would be given in an amount not to exceed $38.5 million and would finance a portion of the costs associated with Phase II, Burke said.
Source: Garden City Telegram
JoCo lifts cap on property tax refund pilot for low-income seniors
Older, low-income residents and disabled veterans can apply next year to have the entire amount of their county property tax bill refunded under changes approved Thursday by the Johnson County Commission. Commissioners unanimously voted to continue a pilot program for 2025 that issues relief payments toward the part of their tax bill that goes toward the county taxing district. But they removed a $200 cap that is in place for the current year. The portion of the tax bill to which this applies is for the county operations only and does not include individual levies for county parks, libraries or schools and city taxing districts.
Source: Johnson County Post
Olathe set to get $2.4M from opioid settlement — Here’s how city wants to use it
Olathe plans to use some of its opioid settlement funds to build on existing health programs and add to a growing coalition of city employees and contractors working to address substance abuse issues. That will include a brand new pilot program specifically focused on addressing barriers to substance abuse recovery for individuals and some new hires to aid in that effort. At least initially, all of these additions will be covered by settlement dollars. On Tuesday, representatives from the Olathe Fire and Police departments presented their plans for the new positions and program to the Olathe City Council.
Source: Johnson County Post
Big road project planned for Osborne County, open house planned
A major road project is scheduled for more than three miles of U.S. Highway 281 in northern Kansas starting in January. The project is big enough that the Kansas Department of Transportation is holding a public open house about it on Oct. 21. The project will reconstruct over three miles of U.S. 281 and replace the North Fork Solomon River bridge south of Portis in Osborne County.
KDOT’s open house about the project will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, at the Portis Community Center, 206 Market Street. During the open house, KDOT staff will provide a project overview and show the design plans and detour information.
Source: KSN-TV
Baxter Springs hosts 7th annual Back the Badge event
Baxter Springs community members came together today to raise money for local reserves through an annual event. The 7th annual Back the Badge event was held in the American Bank parking lot in Baxter Springs. It’s a collaboration between the Baxter Springs Police Department reserve officers and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department reserve deputies. Donations of any amount were raised through 2024 Back the Badge shirts, pulled pork sandwiches, chips, and drinks. This year also included a raffle for a gun. All proceeds go toward equipment and needs for reserve officers and deputies.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Shawnee County offers new incentive for snow plow drivers
Shawnee County is trying to make it easier to find snowplow drivers for the winter months. Snowplow drivers are getting a boost from Shawnee County with an offer of some financial incentives while they apply for their licenses. A major hurdle for these drivers is obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). “We give them an opportunity, a single opportunity, to gain a class-A CDL,” said Curt Niehaus with Shawnee County Public Works. “And while they’re attempting to obtain a class-A CDL, Shawnee County pays their salary and benefits.” New employees are expected to repay the money over two years once they start working full-time. Trainees make $19 per hour and, if hired by the county, can get bumped up to between $21 and $23 per hour.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Police officer won’t be charged after pedestrian struck, killed in southwest Wichita
A Wichita police officer will not face charges in an incident where a man was struck and killed by police cruiser in southwest Wichita. “Our office has completed its review of the case and determined there is insufficient evidence of criminal liability on part of the officer involved,” Sedgwick County Deputy District Attorney Aaron Breitenbach said in a statement. “As a result, no charges will be filed.” Jeffrey Moss, 51, of Wichita, was on foot crossing West MacArthur in the 1300 block when he was struck by a WPD cruiser driven by a 29-year-old officer heading east shortly before 8 p.m. on Feb. 17, a previous Kansas Highway patrol crash log showed. Moss died at the scene of the crash, the KHP said.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
A ‘silver lining’ in Wichita’s drought? Cheney water levels low enough to repair dam
The city of Wichita is planning to take advantage of Cheney Reservoir’s historic-low water levels by fixing its crumbling dam. The Wichita City Council on Tuesday approved a $13.85 million project to repair 1.5 miles of soil cement “armor” that protects Cheney Reservoir’s dam. The reservoir, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Wichita, provides up to 80% of the city’s raw water that is then treated and delivered to customers as clean drinking water. “If there’s any silver lining to this drought at all, it’s the ability to go in and make these repairs,” said Gary Janzen, director of public works and utilities.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
City of Lawrence’s downtown ambassadors aim to keep the district clean and current
The City of Lawrence started its Downtown Ambassador Program to get parking staff back to work during the pandemic. Since its return in July 2023, the program has aimed to keep the cultural hub of Lawrence clean, beautified and welcoming. This year alone, parking staff and volunteers have removed more than 1,000 graffiti tags, collected more than 15,000 gallons of trash, maintained more than 200 pieces of city infrastructure and helped more than 200 visitors around the downtown area.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Leavenworth hires next City Manager
At the Sept. 24, 2024 meeting, the Leavenworth City Commission hired Scott Peterson as the next City Manager for the City of Leavenworth. Peterson begins his new role Nov. 4. Peterson takes over the job of City Manager after the resignation of Paul Kramer, who served in this role from 2015 through April of this year. … Peterson is a 2011 K-State graduate and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas, which he earned in 2014. Peterson comes to the City of Leavenworth with more than 10 years of leadership positions at municipal governments including his most recent role as City Administrator of the City of Knob Noster, Missouri.
Source: City of Leavenworth
Governor Kelly Announces $6.8M Investment for Nine New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that more than $6.8 million in federal funds will be directed to nine new locations selected for the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program. These new direct current (DC) fast-charging stations add to Kansas’ existing electronic vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, forming a more complete statewide EV charging network. “These investments enhance Kansas infrastructure and help meet the needs of all who travel throughout our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening our network of electric vehicle charging stations, we are addressing current EV charging needs while preparing for our future demands.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Concerns raised over rabies in Kansas
Kansas health officials and the state agriculture department are calling attention to human health risks after a second case of rabies was reported in outdoor cats that were not vaccinated. The cases were reported over the past two weeks in Harvey County and Jewell County, and both involved outdoor cats which exposed multiple humans and other cats. The known human exposures have started rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of five vaccinations to prevent rabies in humans. There have been six positive cases of rabies in cats this year, as well as several cases in wildlife. Both of the cases this month were in unvaccinated outdoor barn cats. Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith said in a press release, “It is vital to vaccinate domestic animals against rabies, especially animals that interact with humans, because humans can be infected. Vaccinating pets and livestock against the virus protects both animal health and human health.” Source: 101.3 KFDI
USD 394 hosting bond forum
Ahead of the Nov. 5 election, in which USD 394 patrons will be voting on a bond issue, the Rose Hill school district is hosting a come and go bond forum at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7 and 28 in the Rose Hill High School auditorium. Patrons attending can learn more about the Secure and Soar bond, which aims to enhance safety and update district facilities including multi-purpose storm shelters for all buildings, high school auditorium renovations, new wrestling/weight rooms, multi-use turf fields and more.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Commission grapples with social media policies for city personnel, officials
Emporia City Commissioners discussed social media policies for city officials and staff Wednesday afternoon. City Attorney Christina Montgomery said the policy is aimed at navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding government use of social media platforms. Montgomery emphasized the importance of distinguishing between personal and official use of social media. “There can be a fine line between your private usage of social media platforms to communicate with people and your public position as a state commissioner,” she explained. “Your personal social media platforms can be considered government use accounts.” The proposed policy stems from recent Supreme Court case law addressing social media usage by government officials and its interaction with citizens’ free speech rights.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Goal of redeveloped activity center is to create ‘stronger, more connected community’
Old Town Lenexa has a new look. Sections of the wanted and needed redevelopment project of the city’s Old Town Activity Center at 13420 Oak St. are beginning to unfold. “This project originated from the parks and recreation master plan and New Look at Old Town Study in which residents indicated a desire to reinvest in the community center and senior center,” said Logan Wagler, Lenexa Parks & Recreation director. “Additionally, the recreational programming and facility usage has grown significantly and the improvements will better serve the users, the neighborhood and the community.”
Source: Joco 913 News
‘Missing middle’ housing project in northeast Olathe moves ahead
A mixed residential rental project planned in Olathe aimed at filling a “missing middle” housing gap easily cleared a major hurdle this week. The Olathe City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request and preliminary site development plan for the prospective Olathe Commons housing development on Tuesday. The development — which features both single-family homes and townhomes — sits on a 23-acre piece of farmland southwest of 119th and Greenwood streets near the Olathe Pointe Shopping Center. Though all councilmembers ultimately supported the project, there were a few who voiced their desire to see more projects like this that feature dwelling units available for sale to encourage attainable homeownership.
Source: Johnson County Post
Lenexa City Center could add 200-plus apartments near its entrance
More than 200 apartments are slated to fill vacant space across the street from Lenexa City Center’s entryway. At the northeast corner of 87th Street Parkway and Renner Boulevard, Price Development Group plans to construct 215 apartments in a pair of four-story buildings. After winning approval from city planners on Monday, the Lenexa City Council is scheduled to review Price’s preliminary plan on Oct. 15. The 7-acre site is bound by Interstate 435 to the east and 87th Street to the south. The AdventHealth Life Campus is west on the opposite side of Renner, and the WaterCrest at City Center apartment complex sits to the north.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
A home costs more than ever in Kansas. The 2008 housing crisis is part of the reason
Demand for homes in Kansas is high, but construction of new homes has been slow for more than a decade. Kansas saw a significant drop in home construction after the Great Recession, contributing to a housing shortage today that drives up prices. That shortage of supply is pushing up the costs of homes on the market, making it even more difficult for buyers to purchase an affordable or middle-market home. The trickle-down effect of the tight market is believed to be contributing to a lack of affordable housing and rising homelessness in the state.
Source: KCUR News
Girard sidewalks to be repaired for community safety and accessibility
The City of Girard will begin repairs on several sidewalks, including near the Girard Public Library on West Prairie Street. Librarian Sophia Stapleton is looking forward to the project, acknowledging the importance for the safety of children and teens who frequently walk to the library. “A lot of kids and teens walk in this town, so, them being able to do that safely,” said Stapleton. She highlighted that the improvements would also help individuals with disabilities, making navigation easier for everyone.
Source: KOAM News
$1.5M loan approved from City to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center
In response to ongoing financial challenges, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has received approval for a $1.5 million loan from the City of Coffeyville to support critical infrastructure improvements and staffing enhancements. City commissioners voted on Wednesday to approve the loan, which will be funded through the city’s economic development fund. City Manager Ben Brubaker emphasized the vital role CRMC plays in providing critical-care medical services to Coffeyville, as well as surrounding areas in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma. However, like many rural hospitals, CRMC face substantial financial challenges, including rising operational costs, infrastructure upgrades, and the need for effective staffing.
Source: KOAM News