Kansas Municipal News
City council approves new regulations for pet owners
At Tuesday’s city council meeting, members discussed changes to animal services. The ordinance amendment passed 7-0. Councilors will look at the amendment again before the regulations go into effect. The Wichita Police Department recommended the following amendments: Increased fines for dog bite convictions with a first-time bite increasing from a $250 mandatory fine to a $500 fine, a second offense from a $500 fine to a $1,000 fine, and a third offense from a $1,000 fine to a $2,500 fine;
Removal of mandatory dog pen requirement for dangerous dogs, leaving the determination to the discretion of Animal Services;
Require microchips on all dogs and cats at the age of five months unless a veterinarian advises that it is not in the best interest of the animal;
Simplify pet licensing prices to $15 for spayed/neutered and $50 for those that are not. This is not an increase for spayed or neutered pets but is a $15 increase for those that are not;
Simplify veterinarian requirements regarding vaccination and license information that is transferred to City Licensing;
Allow licenses to be purchased for the length of a rabies vaccine, up to three years;
Allow three dogs/three cats per household. An animal maintenance permit will be required for four;
Allow a dangerous dog to be cared for by an animal professional for evaluation; and
Licensing provisions will take effect January 1, 2025, due to necessary computer upgrades.
Source: KSN-TV
Historic downtown Pittsburg property set for major renovations with $300,000 grant
Renovations are in the works for an old property in the downtown Pittsburg area. In June, the city was awarded a $300,000 grant from the state. The plan is to use the money for the renovations. The ground floor will also be redeveloped for commercial space, and apartments will go upstairs. During tonight’s city commission meeting, commissioners approved a grant agreement, repayment agreement, and matching funds agreement. “211 and then the buildings in between, there’s actually some that are for sale that we’re looking to do some additional projects with. So that’s really going to kind of reinvent that whole area. And then as the School of Business starts construction directly across the street, we see this block as being a pretty high traffic – exciting development for Pittsburg,” said Kim Froman, City of Pittsburg Community Development and Housing Director.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Pittsburg launches new solid waste service for residents
The City of Pittsburg is officially rolling out a new service for residents. “I think for the most part, I mean, we’re just wanting to make Pittsburg a clean town,” said Troy Graham, city of Pittsburg property and sanitation assistant director. City of Pittsburg property and sanitation assistant director Troy Graham says for years, departments around the city have picked up bulk solid waste and trash. But are now making this task officially their own. “What we’re doing now is basically trying to fill that void since we’ve been doing it anyways. And like I said, we’re just the start of this and we’re looking forward to serving the citizens,” said Graham. As it launches, services will only be offered to residents within Pittsburg city limits. Graham says so far, 800 residents have signed up to receive solid waste trash services from the city. “We’ve had some hiccups along the way over the last couple of years. So just, you know, getting out there and seeing people actually, you know, getting some real positive feedback from the citizens that they’re looking forward to it,” said Graham. This week, the city received its first truck for that service, and is waiting to receive another one as well as carts to go around town.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Topeka to use ‘Built for Zero’ model to help end homelessness
The Capital city is looking at an additional approach to combat homelessness. It’s called the Built For Zero model and it was discussed at city council Tuesday, Aug. 13. Brought to the state by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), this model looks to end homelessness rather than manage it. With a four-phase approach, the City is taking its equity access shelter program, which was based off the the built for zero model and turning it into full built for zero model. “One of our first steps is looking at our data, creating a by name list, really getting that data that’s updates in real time, we’ll create a single integrated team that all works together to not only gather that data but then work with those individuals to help get them housed and move them through the process,” Topeka Housing Services Division Director Carrie Higgins said. While the City is going forward with this approach, this does not mean they are parting ways with Sylver Consulting, an outside organization that was brought in my by former Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade. Built for Zero will rather use programs like the homeless innovation group and use their ideas and build that into its framework.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Judge could force City of Topeka to let residents decide on property tax increase
A Topeka man is suing the city, claiming it ignored what he calls a lawful petition. The petition’s creator Earl McIntosh wants Topeka taxpayers, not the city council, to decide whether property taxes increase. After the council took no action on his petition last month, he’s filed a lawsuit demanding they take it to a vote. He’s served the city with a mandamus lawsuit. He’s accusing city leaders of failing to perform their law-mandated duty. “The citizens of Topeka have decided to file this lawsuit,” McIntosh said. “To ask a judge to force the city to vote or let the people have a vote.” A city spokeswoman responded with the following statement: “The city was served on this request for mandamus action. After careful consideration, the governing body decided not to act because the petition has constitutional issues, and the initiative and referendum law doesn’t apply to administrative ordinances. The city will respond to the lawsuit as necessary.”
Source: KSNT 27 News
Topeka seeks input on pedestrian plan, city walkability
The City of Topeka will be collecting input from the public for its 2016 Pedestrian Plan; a project to improve the city’s walkability. The city will be updating the 2016 Pedestrian Plan with the goal of creating safe walkways between schools, parks, shopping districts, workplaces and other popular destinations. Topeka was awarded $25 million in grant funds as part of Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) under Pathways for Progress. As part of the project, the City of Topeka will build around 50 miles of new or improved sidewalks in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. “This plan is just one piece of a more considerable effort to improve the quality of life through of vibrant neighborhoods and better transportation choices for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists,” the city wrote in a press release.
Source: KSNT 27 News
KDOT Cost Share program opens, $6m available to communities
The Kansas Department of Transportation is opening up its cost-share program that has provided over $146 million to communities since it started in 2019. On Monday, KDOT announced its 10th round of the Cost Share Program has opened. The program gives financial assistance for construction projects that improve safety and help rural and urban areas improve their transport systems. KDOT will provide funds to projects that improve roads, railways, airports, bicycle & pedestrian and public transit. The budget for this round of grants is $6 million with a maximum of $1 million allowed per project. “KDOT’s Cost Share Program improves transportation, creates economic growth and increases job opportunities across Kansas,” said Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager. “Past Cost Share participants have proven this program to be the financial boost that many small and large communities needed to achieve their project goals.” DOT will host a webinar at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug 21. To register click here. You must submit your applications by Sept. 19. More information on the cost-share program can be found by clicking here. If you have additional questions you can email Needham at michelle.d.needham@ks.gov.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Iola discusses temporary business licensing ordinance
Iola City Council members are one step closer to revising the city’s temporary business licensing ordinance. Council member Joelle Shallah presented the council with recommendations for the Transient/Temporary Business ordinance that had previously been discussed at the April 8 council meeting. At that time, a special committee was formed to discuss recommended changes to the ordinance. “The reason I feel it needs to be addressed is because of the shift in opportunities for small businesses,” said Shallah. “As most of us know, we are seeing more and more mobile businesses. I would love to see us being open and progressive.” Shallah noted this could create collaborations with existing businesses in town and any special events that they hold. “Some of these events could include a possible Food Truck Friday, special shopping events, and Christmas block party,” she explained. “I think there are a lot of opportunities there.” After meeting at the end of April, the committee came up with a list of recommendations that includes a tier-structured fee scale for permits. The committee suggests $25 for a three-day permit; $50 for 30 days; $250 for six months; and $400 for a calendar year. Shallah explained that a $10 application fee would be added to each of those costs and all applications must include a signed release from the property owner. Currently, a permit fee of $250 to be imposed per six-month period is the only option available.
Source: The Iola Register
Parents petition to ban cell phones in Lawrence schools
More than 100 parents of students in the Lawrence school district have signed a petition in support of a districtwide ban of cell phones in classrooms. Justin Blumenstiel, a parent of a Free State High School student, told the school board Monday that he and fellow petitioners support teachers who have called for a stricter, more cohesive cell phone policy. “I know that the school board is considering these matters very strongly, and I really recommend urgency on these matters,” Blumenstiel said. More than 80 Lawrence educators signed a petition at the end of the past school year proposing students’ phones be stored in a designated area from the first bell until the last bell of the day. Some educators further advocated for a cell phone during the school board meeting on June 24. They said cell phone usage in their classrooms has become a crisis, and having to use their discretion can cause conflict with students or take away from instructional time. Across the district, students aren’t to have their cell phones out while they’re in class. Elementary and middle school policies don’t allow students to use their phones at all during school hours unless granted permission. High school students, however, are still permitted to use their phones outside of class time. Blumenstiel said parents hope their petition boosts support for concerned teachers. Parents with students at all elementary, middle and high schools in the district signed. They’re requesting the district implement a plan by the end of the fall semester to go into effect during spring 2025.
Source: The Lawrence Times
A Sedgwick County vote on solar regulations could kill $200M project
Sedgwick County Commissioners will vote Wednesday on alternative regulations proposed for commercial and utility-based solar projects. The regulations, if approved, could end a proposed Chisholm Trail Solar Energy Center, a 750-acre solar project between Colwich and Maize by Chicago-based renewable energy company Invenergy. More specifically, the proposed regulations would prohibit projects in urban areas of influence — urban land where utility-based solar projects are not permitted — and require projects to be no more than 1,280 acres. “If the county enacts this particular ban, our Chisholm Trail Solar Energy Center project will lose the opportunity to submit a Conditional Use Permit application,” Meredith Abdou, vice president of Renewable Generation at Invenergy said. Abdou said all three quality points of interconnection for utility solar projects in the county are located either in or around urban areas of influence. “Enacting this requirement would seriously hamper the county’s efforts to attract utility-scale solar development because these projects must be sited near points of interconnection to deliver their power to the electrical grid,” she said. The Invenergy project has drawn strong reactions from clean energy advocates and fast-growing communities in the area. “Every county must balance the interests of growing communities and landowners’ private property rights,” Kansas Power Alliance’s Josh Svaty said.”Sedgwick County has historically created a collaborative environment where business development interests and community interests are blended, and we would hope that environment would continue.”
Source: Wichita Business Journal
City Council to have more talks on a plan for paid parking downtown
In a marathon, ten-hour meeting Tuesday, Wichita City Council members heard an update and review of a plan to convert to paid parking downtown, as they held their second hearing on the city’s budget for 2025. Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson said the plan to go to a paid system is part of a parking and multimodal plan that was adopted by the Council in 2023. He said the city’s parking fund can cover basic operations but it’s not providing enough to cover needed maintenance and repair of parking garages and facilities. A parking fee is expected to generate over $3 million a year, and it would provide for lighting, security and safety improvements as well as maintenance needs. Anderson said the fee that has been discussed would be in a range of 75 cents to two dollars an hour, based on the recovery of maintenance and operational costs, credit card fees and best practices. He said businesses downtown would have options for providing parking for their employees. The city has received some pushback from residents over the plan, and a number of informational meetings have been scheduled over the next few weeks to get public input. The plan is scheduled to go into effect on January 1st, 2025.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Municipal Bond Trends for August 13, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. 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.
These 14 Kansas cities lost the most people last year, state report says
The report, which uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau, also shows that 14 Kansas cities lost at least 100 people last year. Most of them are in more rural areas of the state.
Source: Hutch News
These 18 Kansas cities gained the most people last year, state budget office report says
…population growth varied widely across the state and even within counties, according to the report, which uses U.S. Census Bureau data. There were 18 cities that gained at least 100 people, with many of the biggest winners being suburbs in the Kansas City and Wichita metro areas.
Source: Salina Journal
Crisis City near Salina helps prep medical search and rescue teams for disaster
Search and rescue crews from across the state and U.S. took part in training at Crisis City last week, culminating in a simulated rescue operation Friday night. Twenty-three paramedics and physicians, all of whom are part of urban search and rescue task forces in Kansas and across the country, spent three days of classes and simulations as part of the Medical Team Specialist course from Disaster Medical Solutions (DMS) at Crisis City.
Source: Salina Journal
More Topekans are being cited for grass growing too high
The Topeka Police Department’s property maintenance unit enforces the ordinance involved, as well other property maintenance ordinances, said Rosie Nichols, public safety communications specialist for Topeka’s city government. This year’s rise in vegetation violations may be related to an increase in staffing, Nichols said. “In previous years, there were six inspector positions and one field supervisor, and today there are 10 inspectors with one field supervisor,” she said.
Source: CJonline
Municipal Bond Trends for August 12, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. 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.
Action delayed on solar regulations for Sedgwick County
Sedgwick County Commissioners have delayed action on zoning regulations that would cover large-scale solar projects. Commissioners heard reports at their regular meeting Wednesday on proposed amendments to the Unified Zoning Code on definitions, standards and requirements for commercial solar systems. The county also hired the Virginia firm of The Berkley Group to look over the proposed regulations and look at best practices across the country. Michael Zehner, a representative from the Berkley Group, said the goal is to ensure that Solar Energy Conversion System developments meet community needs and are consistent with best practices. The regulations would prohibit large solar projects in urban growth areas, and projects could be no closer than two miles from another solar project. There would also be definitions and standards for construction, solar equipment, groundwater testing and other factors. Commissioners also heard public comments with mixed reactions to the prospect of having solar facilities in unincorporated areas of the county.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Ark City asks residents to conserve water
Arkansas City residents are being asked to temporarily reduce their water use. City commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to implement a class one, stage one, water watch. A stage one designation is generally issued to encourage water conservation awareness during times of drought. The restrictions are not mandatory and citations will not be issued. Environmental Services Superintendent Rod Philo explained why the restriction was being put into place. “It’s mid-summer, we haven’t had any rain, and everybody’s watering,” he said. “This kicks in when our storage is down to 85%. Actually today, we’re down to about 65%.” The city would be in trouble if a large water main would break. Mayor Jay Warren pointed out that the city had experienced several small water-line breaks during the past couple of weeks. “It’s not because we’re short of water,” he said “I don’t want the public to get scared that we don’t have plenty of water, we do in reserves.” According to municipal code, class one restricts the use of water for gardens, lawns, trees, shrubs, parks, golf courses and pools. The washing of vehicles and the outside of buildings is also restricted.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Kansas lawmakers use subpoena to force Ford County clerk to cooperate with election audit
The Kansas Legislature’s bipartisan auditing committee voted to issue a subpoena to compel the Ford County clerk to cooperate with the state’s security examination of voting-related documentation and equipment used in the 2022 general election. House and Senate members participating in the committee meeting Monday took the extraordinary step of immediately relaunching the election security audit investigation that had been stalled long ago by Ford County Clerk Debbie Cox. The committee directed Cox to comply with audit team information requests helpful in evaluating accuracy of voting machines relied on during the statewide election two years ago. In addition, Cox must provide auditors access by Aug. 14 to storage units, ballots and devices used to count votes in that election. Rep. Shannon Francis, a Republican from Liberal in southwest Kansas, offered the motion to affirm the post-auditing staff’s authority to investigate Ford County’s election processes. He proposed a separate motion triggering Article 10, Chapter 46 of Kansas statute that outlined how investigating committees could use power of a subpoena to compel individuals to cooperate with audits. Both motions were approved without debate. When the Division of Post Audit initiated a 15-county review of election security standards, they discovered Ford and Chase county officials sealed most election documents in the same containers with original paper ballots. The practice of locking away ballot activity documents or equipment transfer records in containers with ballots didn’t comply with the Kansas Open Records Act mandating retention and inspection of certain election-related records.
In addition, Ford County refused to let the Legislature’s auditors inspect the county’s election management computer. That meant auditors couldn’t determine whether the election computer was properly disconnected from the internet or had non-election software installed on it.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe