Kansas Municipal News
Mulvane firefighters protect life, property for 20 years
For Lt. Fred Heersche and Lt. Mike Fells, working with the Mulvane Fire Department is about making a difference – and it’s been that way for the past two decades. With that in mind, the two were recently recognized at a Mulvane City Council meeting for each providing 20 years of service to Mulvane and the surrounding areas. Heersche is one of two full-time paid members of the department and Fells is a volunteer, who receives a modest stipend for being the on-call overnight firefighter once a week.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Trains, mass transit for most-populated counties should be looked into, Kansas lawmakers say
Lawmakers say it may be time to get on board with trains and other mass transit options as ways of attracting young professionals to the state. During a Friday legislative budget committee meeting, the last before the start of the legislative session next week, Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, recommended that the Kansas Department of Transportation conduct a study looking into mass transit systems for Johnson and Sedgwick Counties. Waymaster also recommended the department look into potential federal funding. With more jobs coming into the state through the Panasonic deal, Waymaster said, new forms of mass transit would be a significant draw for young professionals.
Source: Derby Informer | News
Lenexa releases final design for $1M skatepark revamp
After months of collecting community feedback, the City of Lenexa has unveiled the final design for an upgraded skatepark within Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The city’s current skatepark is over 20 years old and the pavement is starting to deteriorate. Lenexa will spend $1 million to upgrade the skatepark and nearby parking lot. New Line Skateparks will design and build the skatepark. Professional skateboarder and New Line’s lead designer Kanten Russell said the design of the new park is all about making an inclusive space for all types of skaters and cyclists.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
Newton’s flag recognized as one of country’s best
You can fly your Newton flag with pride. It’s one of the best-designed flags in the country. That’s according to the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA). Vexillology–your $10 word of the day–is the study of flags. NAVA, a group of more than 1,000 flag enthusiasts and scholars, released the results of a national survey evaluating the 312 city flags it had knowledge of adopted after 2015.
Source: Harvey County Now
Retiring JoCo Chair Ed Eilert lauded for ‘calm demeanor’ in face of conflict
County Commission Chairman Ed Eilert has never been the type of elected official to be bombastic. There were plenty of opportunities during his tenure on the commission to get into a conflict, whether it was during discussions over the county’s controversial purchase of the King Louie bowling alley or more recently during heated public comments over mask mandates and election procedures, where constituents often were shouting at each other and the board.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Thirty one Kansas cities bumped from ‘urban’ in Census report
The rural population in Kansas grew by more than 10% during the last decade after about 30 small cities lost their “urban” classification according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The U.S. Census Bureau last week released a new list of cities considered “urban” based on new criteria that effectively increased the “rural” population in Kansas. The new definitions meant that 31 small Kansas towns lost their “urban” status, meaning they will face new challenges for getting federal government funding.
Source: Sunflower State Journal
Kansas Supreme Court: Open Record Act’s application to electronic Excel spreadsheets
The plain language of K.S.A. 45-219(a) requires a public agency, upon request, to provide a copy of a public record in the format in which it maintains that record. … Here, if we focus on just an Excel spreadsheet, it can have embedded components that include at least some formulas. Such formulas provide information to show more than just numbers in a cell, but also how those numbers are generated. Hardcopies simply will not work to reproduce accurately such an integrated animal. Plainly, hard copies do not “embed” anything. The only accurate reproduction of an electronic file is a copy of the electronic file, which can easily be provided by, for example, email or thumb drive.
Read the opinion: Roe vs. Phillips County Hospital
Municipal Bond Trends for January 5, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.
Proposal for less stringent historic preservation rules in Lawrence gets mixed reactions
Proposed changes that would loosen Lawrence’s historic preservation rules are getting a mixed reaction, with some residents and local leaders expressing concern about less-stringent restrictions and others saying the changes wouldn’t go far enough. The city is in the process of revising Chapter 22 of the city code, which lays out rules related to the conservation of properties on the local historic register. The proposed changes loosen some requirements for the area around listed properties and make various other changes regarding how development is allowed to occur on or near those properties. Chapter 22 was originally adopted in 1988, and Lynne Braddock Zollner, the city’s historic resources administrator, said the city wanted to hear from residents about whether the proposed changes were doing too little or too much, as well as any other thoughts on the effort to modernize the code. “This is a process we’ve been undertaking for about the last 10 years, trying to bring the code up to more modern, current conditions,” she said.
Source: LJWorld
Fed’s Esther George sees rates staying high at least into 2024
As her 40-year central banking career comes to a close, Kansas City Federal Reserve President Esther George is advising her colleagues to stay tough in their efforts to stamp out runaway inflation. George said Thursday that she thinks the Fed should raise its benchmark borrowing rate above 5% and keep it there until there are substantial signs that prices are stabilizing.
Source: CNBC
Winfield commission gets police station update
Winfield city commissioners reviewed construction plans for the new police station and heard about upgrades to the Baden Square Community Center kitchen during their work session Tuesday evening. The police station, which will be built adjacent to the recently completed Winfield fire station near Ninth Avenue and Fuller Street, will contain about 16,800 feet of space. The current design contains office space for the chief, captain and lieutenants, but will otherwise have a more open plan in order to free up more room for operations, Winfield Police Chief Robbie DeLong said. There will also be an evidence handling area, and a public window in the lobby.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Wichita Launches New Landlord Incentive Program
The City of Wichita launched the Wichita Housing Authority Landlord Assistance program at the beginning of January. The program will give between $250 and $1,000 to rental property owners who accept tenants who receive government housing assistance. The Landlord Incentive Program provides a $1,000 bonus for a new landlord, $500 for a returning landlord or $250 for each tenant that a landlord leases up above baseline count. Incentives will also cover some damages and lost rent.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Emporia chicken ordinance goes live
For the first time in a decade, chickens are now officially allowed in Emporia’s residential areas as of Jan. 1, but the city says residents aren’t clamoring to make applications just yet. “No applications have come in so far,” said city attorney Christina Montgomery. The Emporia City Commission approved Ordinance 22-48 in November, which allows residents to keep up to four chickens in residential districts with a domestic farm animal permit. The permit comes with a $50 application fee, which is paid yearly, and requires annual inspections. The city also has requirements for the size and location of the chicken enclosures, as well as maintenance standards for their upkeep.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Ed Eilert, a long-time leader in Johnson County, retires
Long-time leader Ed Eilert ended his 44-year career in public service Thursday by chairing a final Johnson County Commission meeting. A reception is planned Friday to honor Eilert. It will be held at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, a landmark Eilert strongly supported. The building now houses the Johnson County Museum and Johnson County Parks and Recreation Programs. Both a part of Eilert’s county legacy. Eilert served 16 years as a county commissioner. Before that, he spent 24 years as Overland Park’s mayor. Eilert also served on the Overland Park City Council.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
Overland Park Convention Center named best small convention center in North America
The Overland Park Convention Center has been named the 2023 Best Small Convention Center in North America by Exhibitor Magazine. The selection process is based on surveys of past clients and event managers. Those surveys focus on five primary criteria including: facility and functionality; location and accommodations; service and execution; expansions and upgrades and awards and industry participation.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
De Soto looks for public input as it gets ready to grow with new plant
Massive construction vehicles are working in De Soto, Kansas to build Panasonic’s new electric vehicle battery plant, city leaders are preparing to reach out to the public to get their input on how the community should grow while maintaining the charm that made people move there in the first place. “We need a reset, not just up here at City Hall, but the whole community needs a reset discussion on how do we want to manage this incredible opportunity that’s in front of us,” said De Soto City Administrator Mike Brungardt.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
North Newton, learning center, Halstead library receive grant funds
Parents, grandparents and other guardians will have shaded areas and tables at which to sit while children play at a couple of North Newton parks that have fairly new playground equipment. That’s thanks to a Kansas Department of Commerce Strategic Economic Expansion and Development Grant for community vibrancy and library projects. The matching-fund grant will be divided between the Kansas Learning Center for Health for outdoor fitness equipment, Halstead Public Library for new carpeting and North Newton for park shade structures. Halstead, along with the other entities, applied for the grant for $50,000 in matching funds across three projects and will receive $49,125.
Source: Harvey County Now
Moundridge police officers renovate old library into new police station
After six months of renovations, the Moundridge Police Department has a new home right across the street from its old office. The chief of police, Michael Sparks, said it was a necessity, but all the work done was by its officers and volunteers. The building the officers renovated has been in the community for about 60 years. It once served as City Hall and the library and is now the Moundridge Police Department. “We didn’t have any room,” said Chief Sparks.
Source: KSN-TV
City of Topeka welcomes new Chief Financial Officer
A new face will be appearing among the City of Topeka’s leadership later this month. City of Topeka spokesperson Gretchen Spiker said Freddy Mawyin will take the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) after being hired by the city. Mawyin currently serves as the Senior Economic Advisor at the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP).
Source: KSNT 27 News
New program to benefit rural homeowners in Kansas
Potential and current homeowners in rural Kansas can be financially assisted through the new Home Loan Guarantee (HGL) for Rural Kansas. The program, which was created by Kansas Housing Resources Cooperation (KHRC), helps to close the gap between lenders and their financial institutions. The program serves counties with less than 10,000 residents and can be used for costs related to land, buildings, renovations and new construction. The program will guarantee 80% to 125% of the appraised value of the home, which caps at $100,000 per loan.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Eligible area businesses encouraged to apply for COVID-related property tax relief grants
The deadline is still several months away, but area business owners are strongly encouraged to learn more about cash grants to offset COVID-related impacts and apply soon if those grants apply to them. The COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act is designed to help businesses affected during the 2020 and 2021 tax years by sending business owners a portion of property taxes accrued on retail storefront property.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio
City staff members assert alcohol & drug program funds’ distribution is legal; advisory board member says questions remain
After more than a year spent questioning the process and legality of how the city allocates its special alcohol tax revenue, an advisory board will meet Friday to discuss a staff memo that says the city’s appropriation of the money adheres to the law. Members of the Special Alcohol Fund Advisory Board (SAFAB) have asked city leaders and staff since 2021 to make more transparent the process of how the city distributes revenue from the special alcohol tax.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Remembering Otis Morrow
Otis Morrow, a former city attorney and civic leader, died Monday and is being remembered as a kind, diplomatic figure who used his abilities to serve the institutions of Arkansas City. Karen Zeller said she is one of the many grieving at Morrow’s passing. She described Morrow as a community leader and a gentle man who had touched many through his law practice and civic involvement. “We’ve lost a supporter with a vast amount of city-wide knowledge,” she said. … Morrow retired as city attorney in 2005 after 30 years in that job. He continued as counsel to the South Central Kansas Medical Center until 2019. Morrow worked with 13 hospital administrators through four decades, which included the process of building and opening the new facility 2011. … Former City Manager Curt Freeland worked with Morrow as city attorney for many years. He described Morrow as a very capable, conscientious and professional attorney who provided extremely valuable and wise counsel to the commission.
Source: Cowley Courier Traveler
Hutchinson’s new city manager starts work
Hutchinson’s new city manager’s career in public service started with one of the most essential ingredients for any municipality − water. That passion remains vital today. Kendal Francis, who holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Kansas State University, has served as city administrator or manager for Lakin, Coffeeville and most recently Great Bend. But before thinking about obtaining his master’s degree in public administration and wanting to manage a city, Francis worked as a water treatment plant operator in his hometown of Beloit.
Source: Hutch News
Flags Be Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Longtime Kansas Attorney General Robert Stephan
In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities immediately until the day of interment, in honor of former Kansas Attorney General Robert Stephan, who passed away Tuesday. Stephan entered the Kansas attorney general’s office in 1979 and held office for 16 years. “Today, I’ve ordered flags statewide be flown to honor Kansas’ longest-serving attorney general, Robert Stephan,” Governor Laura Kelly “I had the utmost respect for General Stephan’s advocacy and public service, and I appreciated his sage counsel. My condolences go out to his family.” This flag order will be updated when the date of internment is determined.
Municipal Bond Trends for January 4, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.
Fed officials see higher rates for ‘some time’ ahead
Federal Reserve officials are committed to fighting inflation and expect higher interest rates to remain in place until more progress is made, according to minutes released Wednesday from the central bank’s December meeting. At a meeting where policymakers raised their key interest rate another half a percentage point, they expressed the importance of keeping restrictive policy in place while inflation holds unacceptably high.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Governor Kelly speaks in Wichita on food tax reduction plan
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly made an appearance at a Wichita child care center on Wednesday to talk about her plan to bring the sales tax on groceries to an end. The governor said she is proud of a bill approved last year to phase out the state sales tax on groceries, but she said it doesn’t go far enough or fast enough. She talked about her “Axing Your Taxes” plan that will be submitted to the Kansas Legislature in the upcoming session. One phase of the plan will completely eliminate the sales tax on groceries. Another phase of the plan will eliminate the sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products, and Kelly said this will save Kansans over $20 million over the next three years.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Pandemic has caused pet overpopulation
Animal shelters like Caring Hands Humane Shelter have been bursting at the seams with an oversupply of animals due to medical effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Director Cynthia Sutcliffe said the shelter had a population lower than normal during the early months of the pandemic in 2020. Many residents adopted a pet during the months when people were cooped up at home. She said another consequence of the pandemic was that all supplies related to spaying neutering were diverted to medical use for humans for about six months. She said veterinarians were unable to obtain surgical equipment. Caring Hands couldn’t even order gloves other than those used for cleaning.
Source: Harvey County Now
Harvey County Commissioners send bitcoin-mining decision back to planning commission
The Board of Harvey County Commissioners voted Tuesday to have the Harvey County Planning Commission rehear its Dec. 6 decision that denied a rezoning request for Print Crypto to operate a bitcoin mining operation at a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative substation at 8399 S.E. 84th St. Commissioner Randy Hague first suggested that the rezoning request go back before the planning commission after a long hearing, during which lawyers for Butler Rural Electric and Print Crypto argued that the bitcoin operation could operate noiselessly with a conditional-use permit.
Source: Harvey County Now
Funds beings raised for new water slides at Holton Pool
Even though most Holton-area residents have been concerned with how to stay warm in recent days, Holton Parks and Recreation Director Mike Reichle and the Jackson County Community Foundation are hoping some will give Holton’s municipal swimming pool some thought this winter. The recently-established “Beautify Holton” fund, established by Reichle and Jessica Rogers along with community foundation leaders, has so far raised more than $16,000 toward the purchase of a water slide at the city pool — a drive that began with a donation of more than $8,000 from a local business owner and augmented through the foundation’s “Giving Day” this past October.
Source: Holton Recorder
Park City moving forward with creating downtown development
Assistant Park City Administrator Dana Walden says it’s always been a dream of the city to build something like a downtown area. “This is a pretty new city, we’re only going to be 43 years old this year and so as park city developed, there was not this central hub, not a downtown.” City officials bought the 48 acres of land back behind its back in 2019 with this type of project in mind. It’s taken a bit of time to get it started but work will get started in June under the name “Park Centre.” Walden says “this will change the face of Park City.” Park Centre will feature retail and food locations, several different housing options like apartments and condos, and a park that will include a farmer’s market that will act as a central gathering place for residents.
Source: KAKE – News
Salina city manager appoints new police chief
There’s a new police chief in Salina. On Wednesday, it was announced that City Manager Mike Schrage had appointed C.J. Wise as the police chief. Wise has spent more than 25 years in law enforcement, most recently working in the Edmond, Oklahoma, police department, where he has been since 1998. Wise holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management and Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2019.
Source: KSN-TV
Local law enforcement to discuss Fentanyl crisis at town hall event
Local law enforcement is hosting a town hall event to discuss the Fentanyl crisis within the Wichita community. The Wichita Police Department (WPD), the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), and local partners are meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Sedgwick County Extension Center, 7001 W. 21st Street North. The event is free and open to the public.
Source: KSN-TV
Small earthquake reported west of Elmdale
A small earthquake in Marion County caused minor shaking in western Chase County on Wednesday. The US Geological Survey says an earthquake developed about eight miles east-southeast of Lincolnville shortly after 10 am. Weak shaking was reported near Elmdale from the magnitude 2.2 quake. No damage or injuries were reported.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio
Survey finds most Leawood residents want to keep city’s pit bull ban
A survey found nearly 60% of Leawood residents want the city to keep its controversial pit bull ban in place. City officials say, given those results, Johnson County’s last remaining municipal dog breed ban will remain in place for now but could be modified moving forward. Esther Campbell, project manager with Olathe-based marketing firm ETC which conducted the survey, told the city council Tuesday that a majority of respondents voiced a preference for keeping the ordinance as is.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Lenexa unveils design for new ‘community-friendly’ skatepark
Beginners, spectators and experienced shredders will all have something to claim in the design for Lenexa’s new skatepark that was unveiled Tuesday night. The new facility at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is designed to have a flow that puts features more accessible for beginners near the entrance, then moving gradually to tougher features farther in, designer Kanten Russell told city councilmembers.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
City of Topeka looks to add 2 new historic places connected to African-American culture
A new survey from the City of Topeka will focus on African-American culture in the capital city. Gretchen Spiker, a spokesperson for the City of Topeka, said that the Topeka Landmarks Commission will be partnering up with the City of Topeka’s Planning Division this month to begin surveying the city’s historical African-American locations. The project will focus on the documentation of buildings, districts, sites and structures with significance to the development and history of African-American life and culture in the capital city.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Becker retires from Burrton PD after 14 years
For Burrton Police Chief David Becker, retirement means travel, family, and lighthouses. Becker retired after serving fourteen years as the city’s police chief, working his final shift on Dec. 23. Originally Becker planned to wait until turning 65 to retire, but after a massive heart attack a few years ago, he decided to retire early. Becker is 62. “Me and my wife talked it over and we decided to go ahead and enjoy it, we decided to go ahead and enjoy our time together,” Becker said.
Source: Harvey County Now
Newton’s future library took plenty of community involvement
Cari Cusick, library director, said the library is expected to be constructed in 2023 and completed in early 2024. “It’s almost surreal that it’s finally, finally happening,” she said. “A decade of work preceded it. It’s pretty amazing to see this.” … The building will be 25,000 square feet and set on the east side of Military Park. It will feature children’s, teen and adult areas, updated seating areas and an indoor/outdoor seating area to connect the library to Military Park. There will be a drive-through window for book drop-off, as well as service during business hours. It will also feature study rooms and meeting rooms. Cusick said there was a large demand for meeting rooms and private study areas before the pandemic. Now with more people working remotely, she said there’s an even bigger demand. She said having separated areas for teens to use would also be a big get as well as off-street parking.
Source: Harvey County Now
Municipal Bond Trends for January 3, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.
New year, lower food tax in Kansas. Here’s what the cut means for your grocery bill
Kansans looking to save a bit more money in the new year are in luck. The first phase of the state’s move to eliminate taxes on food went into effect on Jan. 1, reducing the state’s food tax to 4% instead of 6.5%. The state food tax rate will continue to go down year after year until 2025, when it will reach zero. The Kansas Legislature passed this plan in April.
Source: KC Star Local News
Department of Commerce announces Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) 2.0 Grant Application
The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced $50 million will fund a second round of projects under the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. BASE 2.0 will continue addressing infrastructure and economic development needs that were delayed or slowed due to COVID-19 in an effort to expand the state’s base of businesses and residents. The additional funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December. Previous applicants that were not funded in round one will be considered for BASE 2.0 and do not need to reapply unless they would like to submit a new application. Awardees from the first round are not eligible for a BASE 2.0 award.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Save Century II petition ruled to be proper, but invalid
A state appeals court has ruled that a citizen petition to save the Century II Convention Center was proper and complete, but it was administrative in nature and therefore invalid. The group Save Century II circulated the petitions to prevent the City Council from taking action to demolish Century II or the former downtown library building nearby. The Kansas Court of Appeals ruled that the taxpayers of Wichita did not have the fiscal skills or knowledge to oversee public buildings, but the petition had an impact by pushing the City Council to create a policy for a non-binding advisory vote before any action was taken on the two buildings.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Lower food sales tax rate in effect, but issues noted statewide with changeover
You should have noticed a slightly lower food bill at grocery stores across Kansas this week. As part of legislative action last year, the state sales tax on food went from 6.5 percent to 4 percent Sunday. By itself, that reduction could save people $2.50 in taxes on $100 worth of groceries. The tax will drop to 2 percent on Jan. 1, 2024, before being totally eliminated at the start of 2025. Residents need to check their receipts because some retailers have struggled to make the changeover earlier this week.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio