Kansas Municipal News
Topeka leaders to vote on homeless camp crackdown
Capital city leaders are set to vote on changes to the city’s camping ordinance that would expand restrictions on where camping is permitted. A proposal brought by councilmembers Christina Valdivia-Alcala and Neil Dobler would prohibit camps within 500 feet of any public infrastructure. The current limit is 300 feet. The suggested changes also include expanding the definition of “public infrastructure” to include government buildings and facilities related to public utilities, among other areas.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Are common consumption areas coming to Manhattan?
Manhattan city leaders are considering common consumption in areas of the Little Apple. The Manhattan Commission hosted a work session meeting Tuesday, Sept. 25 where the discussion of common consumption areas (CCA) took place. CCA’s would differ from special events, which are what Manhattan currently allows, where streets get closed off and it’s limited to specific days and times, as well as specific areas, like Aggieville and City Park. In April 2023, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed a bill allowing cities to create their own common consumption areas.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Commissioners get update on solar project
Labette County commissioners on Monday heard an update on a 400-megawatt solar energy project that is proposed for North and Neosho townships in northeast Labette County. Mark Randall of AES Clean Energy discussed the project with commissioners. He’d talked to commissioners earlier this year about the project. The solar energy project has acres leased at this time and will not need more. There are about 10 landowners who are leasing to AES, Randall said. The energy produced by the solar panels will be sent to an AES substation to be built north of U.S. 400 in the area of Victory Road. From there, a transmission line will carry that energy southeast to Evergy’s Neosho Substation. AES has been completing studies and finishing land work. Randall said with zoning regulations in place, AES is working toward seeking a conditional use permit from the county planning commission and zoning administrator to allow the solar collection sites, which also include a battery storage component, the substation and the transmission line to Neosho.
Source: Parsons Sun
Municipal Bond Trends for September 26, 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.
Suits against Topeka fire department advance
Discrimination lawsuits by two retired Topeka Fire Department captains are moving toward trial in the wake of Topeka’s city government’s having been found last week to have discriminated against two female police administrators.
Source: CJonline
Visit Lindsborg wants people chatting up Little Sweden
A city in the middle of Kansas, with a population of less than 4,000 people will soon be known to people across parts of the United States, and even into Canada. This comes after the Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau is taking a risk and spending money to reach new audiences with advertising.
Source: Salina Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for September 25, 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.
Municipal Bond Trends for September 24, 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.
Governor Kelly Announces 14 Grant Recipients for Rural Champions Program
Governor Laura Kelly announced today the 14 grant recipients of the Rural Champions program’s second cohort. The selected Rural Champions will join a growing statewide network of grassroots individuals tackling critical projects in their respective rural communities. “Since day one, my administration has been focused on the needs of our rural communities and the quality of life in every region of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Creating the Office of Rural Prosperity was only the beginning of our support for rural Kansans and their needs. By developing the Rural Champions program, we are assisting communities to find local solutions to specific local challenges.” Inspired by a Kansas Sampler Foundation report, the Office of Rural Prosperity, in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, created the Rural Champions program as a way for rural communities to move the needle in areas where a lack of capital or other resources hinders necessary progress. The Rural Champions program provides a one-year wage stipend of $20,800 to each community, along with training and resources. Communities also will receive up to $25,000 at the end of the year to move into the implementation phase of their projects.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Library looks to expand tax area
The Arkansas City Public Library is hoping to generate more income by expanding its taxing boundaries from the city limits to the borders of the entire USD 470 District. Library Director Mendy Pfannenstiel said those outside of the city limits are able to make used of the library but don’t pay taxes to support it. While Ark City residents most recently paid 6 mills, those in rural areas currently pay 1.229 mills to the South-Central Kansas Library System in Hutchinson. The expanded boundaries would bring in an estimated $700,000 compared to the current $450,000 for library operations. That’s if voters approve it. A question on the ballot this Nov. 5 for voters in the USD 470 District will ask whether they agree to expand the library taxing boundaries. Most voters — those living in the city limits — would see a small reduction in their property tax levied by the library. The reduction to 5 mills would equal $57, about $12 less, on a $100,000 property. But those outside the city limits and within the school district boundaries would pay about $40 more on that same $100,000. “In other words, all patrons of USD 470 would pay the same to support the Arkansas City Library,” Pfannenstiel said. The extra $250,000 would be unused to improve services and extend the library’s outreach to disadvantaged and rural areas. They could provide programs such as the bookmobile, along with early childhood literacy and family support to those areas. Rural citizens would also be able to make use of services such as the Libby digital book service, which allows them to check out electronic books at no charge. The additional funds would also put the library in a better position to update the local facility and its outdated furnishings and technology, she added.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Cyberattack on Ark City water treatment facility under investigation
The FBI and Homeland Security officials are in Arkansas City to investigate a cyberattack at the city’s water treatment facility that occurred Sunday morning. The city put out a statement Sunday assuring residents that the water supply remained safe and that service was not disrupted. The treatment facility has switched to manual operations while the situation is being resolved. “Residents can rest assured that their drinking water is safe, and the City is operating under full control during this period,” City Manager Randy Frazer said. On Monday Frazer provided more details. The cyberattack took out the water treatment’s control systems and included a ransom request. With the controls down, however, the attackers could not manipulate the system and no sensitive city or customer information was compromised. The identity of the attackers isn’t known, he added, and no ransom is being paid. The city might have to replace some computer equipment, though, to make sure it is free of any malware of virus. Frazer said the federal government has been warning cities for several years of the possibility of cyberattacks on water supplies, because of the potential for great harm to a vital utility. The press release states that enhanced security measures are in place to protect the water supply, and no changes to water quality or service are expected for residents.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Travel writers tour towns
A group of travel writers touring Southeast Kansas saw small-town revitalization in action Friday during stops in Iola and Humboldt. “The story of Humboldt has inspired a lot of other towns,” said Colby Sharples-Terry, who led the tour on behalf of Kansas Tourism through TravelKS.com. “It’s been revitalized in a very distinct way. Everything even down to the doorknobs has style and grace. It’s done very elegantly. A lot of times when people think ‘small-town American,’ they think rustic. Humboldt shows you can combine the rural aspect and also new age and industrial. “And Iola is just a fabulous community. Their trail system and the businesses and, you know, the big old square.” TravelKS offers organized “familiarization trips” through six regions of the state. This trip attracted three travel bloggers: Craig Silva of Oakville, Ontario, Canada; Cynthia Fogard of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Tonya Denmark of Clearmont, Fla. The three of them came to Kansas from very different places and for different reasons, but all wanted to explore part of the country traditionally seen as “flyover country.”
Source: The Iola Register
ICYMI: Panasonic Plant Could Revolutionize Region’s Economy
“For Gov. Kelly, the impact of the Panasonic project is huge and ongoing. “It already has changed Kansas’s perception of itself – the fact that we were able to attract a business like Panasonic,” Kelly said. “People out in Hays are fully aware this is happening. They have a sense of pride and anticipate what else is to come,” the governor said. Laura Kelly of Kansas believes the opening of the $4 billion electric car battery manufacturing plant in DeSoto early next year will revolutionize the region’s economy, lifestyle and self-image. “The overall impact of this is just truly transformational,” Kelly said of the massive 4.7 million square foot Panasonic plant nearing completion. “The northeast quadrant of our state will look very different and feel very different,” the governor said. The good news is undeniable. Allan Swan, president of Panasonic Energy of North America, in June said the DeSoto plant, “will be the largest battery manufacturing plant in the world.” For Kelly, Panasonic’s arrival is the capstone of [nearly] $20 billion in new capital investment in the state made on her watch as governor coming from 1,300 economic development wins. The jobs Panasonic is creating will lead to further significant job growth. “We expect suppliers to set up shop. We expect another 4,000 jobs,” Kelly said.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Wichita continues drought response
The City of Wichita is continuing Stage 2 of its drought response plan, which restricts outdoor watering to one day a week. All water customers are being urged to continue to find ways to cut back on water usage. Even though the outdoor irrigation season is coming to a close, there are still ways to save water by changing some daily habits. The city said 302 warning letters have been issued to water customers who were reported to be watering outside of their allocated day, and water use in the community is starting to increase. Before stage 2 restrictions, weekly highest water use was around 74 million gallons a day (MGD). The first week of restrictions, weekly highest water use was just over 55 MGD. Last week, the highest water usage was 64 MGD. During the last two months, efforts on education were prioritized over issuing fines. Going forward, staff plans to increase enforcement, including issuance of fines if warranted, while still continuing educational efforts on ways to cut back on water use. Stage 3 of the drought response will be discussed by city officials if water levels within Cheney’s conservation pool reach a 12-month average of below 50%. In stage 3, all outdoor watering for non-exempt customers is prohibited. This would include lawn and non-vegetable garden watering, private pool use and more. Source: 101.3 KFDI
Leon brings back local police department
The City of Leon has reintroduced their local Police Department after putting a pause on the agency two years ago. After stopping the Leon Police Department in September 2022, the city has decided to bring it back due to local needs. The City of Leon contracted with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office to keep a deputy on patrol in Leon a certain number of days during the day. As the contract progressed, city leaders and citizens realized they needed more evening and weekend coverage in addition to the daytime coverage they were receiving.
Source: Andover American
Sedgwick Council adopts strategic plan
After months of work from the Wichita State Public Policy and Management Center, the City of Sedgwick was presented with a strategic plan during the Sept. 18 meeting. The project began with interviews, four focus groups and a survey running between April and July 2024. Participants in the focus groups included local business owners, local organization board members, USD-439 students and community leaders. “It’s a great day to live in Sedgwick,” City Administrator Kyle Nordick said. “We have a lot of great things going on.” Nordick explained the PPMC was contracted to develop Sedgwick’s first ever strategic plan. Kate Young was the project associate for the plan, along with Kathy Sexton, senior management associate, Kian Williams, student assistant, and Amiee Kozushko, graduate assistant. “I was really excited because I lived in Sedgwick about eight years ago,” Young said. “It was a really fun project to get back into this community that I loved and lived in.” Young explained the project mission and vision along with the five goals for the strategic plan. She also mentioned the execution and evaluation for the city. The five goals are increasing collaboration for the best use of resources, meet the housing needs of the current and future residents to maintain vitality and manageable growth, provide quality parks and public spaces for youth recreation and community activities, promote business retention and development and continue to meet infrastructure and emergency management needs. With each goal was a list of strategies and the corresponding job title or champion. The council unanimously approved the plan 5-0.
Source: Harvey County Now
Olathe commission deals blow to ‘workforce housing’ proposal out south
A mixed-use and “workforce housing” development proposed in southern Olathe has hit a snag. On Monday, the Olathe Planning Commission unanimously recommended the denial of the HōM Flats rezoning and preliminary site development plan application. The proposal features just over 200 apartment units and several thousand square feet of planned commercial space on a 14-acre property west of 161st Street and Mur-Len Road. That’s near some single-family homes, a neighborhood center with retail, some lower-density multifamily and a fire station. Currently, the property is zoned mostly with rural and low-density designations from before Olathe annexed it from Johnson County, plus a little bit of city office zoning. Michigan-based developer Magnus Capital Partners LLC is seeking to convert it into “community center” (C-2) and low-density multifamily residential categories to make way for the mixed-use and apartment elements.
Source: Johnson County Post
This Johnson County city is the next to explore allowing accessory dwelling units
Another northeast Johnson County city is exploring new housing options to allow under its city code. The Merriam City Council on Monday unanimously voted to direct the city’s planning commission to draft an ordinance that explicitly allows accessory dwelling units, sometimes referred to as granny flats or mother-in-law suites. Over the past couple of years, accessory dwelling units proved a major sticking point in Prairie Village’s heated housing debate, with some residents expressing concerns that allowing for ADUs could lead to increased traffic, strained infrastructure and crowded schools. Prairie Village’s code allows for what are called accessory living quarters, which require tenants to be related to the primary property owner. Meanwhile, in Merriam, Billy Croan, the only resident who shared public comment on Monday, urged the city council to support accessory dwelling units in the name of property owner rights. Croan said he believes “government should not stand in the way” of people using their properties. City staff is going to work with the Merriam Planning Commission to draft an ordinance, which will eventually return to the city council for final consideration.
Source: Johnson County Post
Prairie Village will address speeding on neighborhood street after residents’ petition
Speed tables are coming to a connecting street near Meadowbrook Park. The Prairie Village City Council last week unanimously approved the installation of two speed tables along 90th Street between Somerset Drive and Roe Avenue, just north of Meadowbrook Park. This comes after residents along the street banded together to petition for a traffic calming measure along the street.> Source: Johnson County Post
Yes, it’s possible to build too much housing. But Junction City has been recovering.
The story of how the city built entire neighborhoods for a population that never materialized is, in some ways, a story of bad timing and unforeseeable events – a fluke. But the experience also illustrates the risks many smaller communities can take in pursuit of economic development, and of the catastrophic fallout that can result if the gamble doesn’t pay off. In Junction City, the recovery process has not been without obstacles, and there are open questions as to the social costs of its charted path. The population has been in decline, with Junction City losing 408 people from 2022 to 2023 and 4.7% of its population since 2020. But the city has, in other ways, made a remarkable comeback, in large part due to high levels of transparency, introspection, and trial and error on the part of the city’s political leaders. Source: KLC Journal