Kansas Municipal News
Medical marijuana advocates press legislators to change law over objections by Kansas police
Medical marijuana has long been a controversial topic in Kansas, with many advocating for the drug as a pain relief substitute that is less addictive than opioids. Ahead of the 2023 legislative session, the committee is trying to address areas of concern about legislation to legalize medical marijuana. Kansas sheriffs and police officers have objected to legalizing medical marijuana, writing that they would never be “supportive or even neutral” about legalization in Oct. 12 testimony submitted to the committee. The testimony was submitted by the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Sheriffs Association and Kansas Peace Officers Association.
Source: The Lawrence Times
What’s in a name? A free trip to Florida for 100 lucky Tampa, KS residents
An all-expense paid trip to Tampa, Florida, is up for grabs for 100 Tampa residents. “Visit Tampa Bay,” a tourism promotion group is offering the trips, complete with bus transportation from Tampa, Kansas, to Kansas City International Airport; a charter flight to Florida; rooms in a downtown Tampa, Florida hotel; and a welcome reception with dignitaries, including the mayor. Tickets to area attractions will be provided, but transportation to the events will not. Meals will be at travelers’ expense.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal
Making a difference keeps deputy going
A deep-seated desire to help people who needed it led deputy Joel Womochil to his 16 years in law enforcement. “I wanted to be a cop since I was 6 years old,” Womochil said. Growing up in Abilene, he liked to tag along with his grandfather who cleaned the police station. Womochil liked the atmosphere of the police department. … Womochil has been with Marion County sheriff’s office since 2020 and became Burns police chief in February. He also has been a part-time Peabody officer.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal
Hiawatha mural is talk of the town
Quite simply, it states “Welcome to Hiawatha, Kansas.” But the meaning behind these simple words is expressed in each letter. This is exactly what the owners of the old Maple Lanes Bowling Alley building wanted with the new mural that was finished this week by 5 artists that hail from as far away as Los Angeles and Arkansas, but have settled in the Kansas City area. Wendy and Andy Pederson purchased the building earlier this year and have been working on renovating it. Andy Pederson said that while the purpose of the building for his family — or company Pederson Seed — remains undetermined, he didn’t just want a brown wall on the south side of the building welcoming visitors to town. “We have family out in Clay Center and saw some of the murals these guys painted out there,” he said. “They call this type of mural a postcard.”
Source: hiawathaworldonline.com
Lawrence & Douglas County eco devo leaders create position to capitalize on Panasonic; new hire says addressing housing woes is critical
Rob Richardson knows a thing or two about speed, given that a good part of his professional career has involved overseeing new development around the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. Richardson, who for 17 years was the director of planning for Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County, has been hired by local economic development leaders to fill the new position of “Panasonic Opportunities Manager.” That title, of course, refers to the pending $4 billion, 4,000-job Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant in nearby De Soto that is expected to create both challenges and opportunities for Lawrence and Douglas County.
Source: LJWorld
As Kansas winds down COVID-era housing aid, advocates worry about impact
Kansas will begin winding down a COVID-19-era rental assistance program, a move that was expected but still has housing advocates worried about whether renters and the nonprofits that help support them will be prepared. The Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program was created in March 2021 as the latest iteration in a series of efforts to provide aid to renters affected by the adverse economic conditions created by the pandemic. Backed by $200 million in federal funds and run by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, the program’s launch was rocky at first due to limited staffing and high demand, though things eventually stabilized.
Source: CJonline
Municipal Bond Trends for October 19, 2022
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 and Beth Warren.
Treasury yields climb sharply, 10-year yield hits highest level since 2008
Treasury yields rose sharply across the board on Wednesday as concerns over a recession spread among investors, with the benchmark yield hitting its highest level since 2008. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.127%, up by about 13 basis points after hovering just below the key 4% level for much of Tuesday. It rose as high as 4.136% during the session, its highest level since July 23, 2008. The policy-sensitive 2-year Treasury yield rose by 11 basis points to 4.55%. … Concerns about a recession have been growing louder among investors as the Federal Reserve continues to follow a hawkish path lined with interest rate hikes. This has begun filtering into earnings projections, with some companies and analysts revising their outlook downward for the coming quarters. A fourth consecutive 75 basis point rate hike is now widely expected from the central bank at their meeting in early November and Fed speakers have suggested that this trend could continue.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
SEC muni chief warns issuers away from ‘problematic structures’
State and local governments experiencing times of fiscal surplus and strong credit ratings should be careful not to ignore certain bond structures that came around to bite issuers during the global financial crisis a decade ago. That’s according to Dave Sanchez, director of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Municipal Securities, speaking at the Government Finance Officers Association’s 4th annual Minimuni conference. Sanchez returned to lead the office this year after serving as an attorney fellow from 2010 to 2013, and noted the stark contrast in the financial conditions of state and local governments from then to now.
Source: The Bond Buyer
Harvey County adopts wind regulations with some changes
The Harvey County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution Oct. 13 that puts into place regulations for commercial renewable energy projects. Commissioners adopted the regulations approved by the Harvey County Planning Commission last month with six changes, the most significant of which was narrowing the setback requirement from a neighbor’s land from 1,500 to 1,000 feet. Commissioner Randy Hague requested the change because he said the longer setback would prevent those who own a quarter section to earn revenue with a wind turbine unless the neighbors also agreed to it. He initially suggested the distance should be 800 to 900 feet. Commissioner George “Chip” Westfall said he would compromise with a distance of 1,000 feet.
Source: Harvey County Now
Planning commissioners discuss what went into wind regulations
After the Harvey County Planning Commission spent months putting together a list of recommended regulations for renewable energy, the Board of Harvey County Commissioners lowered the setback requirements to 1,000 feet. Thus, one of the most contentious issues to face the county in years now is officially on the books. The breakdown of the opposing forces has pitted neighbors against neighbors and reflected a divide between those who live in a city and out in the country.
Source: Harvey County Now
Sedgwick first responders visit scouts
Cub Scout Pack 487 got a special treat Monday evening as first responders attended their meeting to show off the large vehicles and equipment used to serve others in the community. Each rank of Cub Scout requires the kids to interact with first responders and to learn more about what they do and how they contribute to our community. The firefighters, EMT, and police officer talked about what they do, the equipment they use, and they answered any questions the kids asked. This was the first time we’ve organized an event like this but judging from the success of the event it likely won’t be the last.
Source: Harvey County Now
Armstrong takes helm of hospital
Jeremy Armstrong, the new administrator for Allen County Regional and Anderson County hospitals, is no stranger to small towns. He grew up in Wetmore, a town of about 300 north of Topeka, and served as the leader of small-town hospitals in Marion and Beloit. He knows that it takes time to get to know a community. He took over the hospitals in Iola and Garnett on Sept. 19, and has spent the past month getting to know the staff and physicians in each town. “Then I’ll make my way through the community,” he said. “Each community is a little unique in their culture and what makes them tick.”
Source: The Iola Register
Derby begins discussion of ward redistricting process
Per Derby charter ordinance 60, a review of the city’s ward boundaries was triggered this year, with the City Council starting that process at its Oct. 11 meeting. As outlined in the ordinance, when the total population deviation exceeds 10% between all four wards, adjustment to the ward boundaries is required. Currently, the population deviation sits at almost 34%. All four wards are also not within the required 5% of the average ward population.
Source: Derby Informer | News
Emporia discusses allowing chickens in city limits
The Emporia city commission is moving forward with the drafting of an ordinance that would allow for chickens within the city limits. The city has had a moratorium on permits for chickens since 2012, with chickens allowed in agricultural-zoned districts but not within residential areas. Recommended restrictions included a yearly $50 permit fee and inspection with a maximum of four chickens per lot or parcel. No roosters would be allowed and chickens would have to be enclosed in chicken coops or runs that meet the specified size and location requirements.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Marion to curb week-long parking
Marion’s streets aren’t parking lots. That’s what city council members decided Monday when they unanimously passed an ordinance to make it illegal to “park, store, or leave standing” any motor vehicle on public streets, parking areas, sidewalks, parks, and other city-owned property for more than seven continuous days. “I don’t think that’s unreasonable,” council member Zach Collett said.
Source: Marion County RECORD
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Record Interest in Rural Housing Development
Governor Laura Kelly has announced that months after she signed legislation to fund the expansion of rural housing development, a record number of rural cities and counties are planning to build more homes. “I’ve said it time and again: We need to build more housing so that every Kansas family can afford to put a roof over their head – and so we can attract and retain the workers needed to continue our record-breaking economic success,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation and the bipartisan legislation I signed earlier this year, we are poised to address that need and continue creating a better future for rural communities across the state.”
Source: News | atchisonglobenow.com
Overland Park unveils city’s first all-inclusive playground at renovated Strang Park
After undergoing $4 million worth of renovations, the new and improved Strang Park in Overland Park is officially open, with the city’s first-ever all-inclusive playground as its centerpiece. … The playground has several handicap accessible features, such as deck platforms for wheelchairs. A communication board with common words and symbols is also on site to appeal to nonverbal kids.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Wichita looks looking at procedural change to broaden daycare availability
In response to a desperate need for child care availability in the Wichita area, city and Sedgwick County officials will soon consider a change to its joint zoning code that could increase the capacity of home daycares from 10 to 12 children and more closely align with state regulations. If approved, the change would impact about 300 home daycares in Wichita.” By having them be able to have more kiddos, that’s more kids that can have access to child care,” said Wichita vice mayor Becky Tuttle, who was involved in the initiation of amending the Wichita-Sedgwick County unified zoning code.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
When is low too low? Topeka police chief and union are at odds regarding staffing question
Topeka’s police chief and an officeholder with the local Fraternal Order of Police voice starkly contrasting views about whether Topeka has as many sworn police officers as it needs. “We are operating fine, and we will continue to do so,” Police Chief Brian Wheeles said at a news conference last week. But Matt Blassingame, a Topeka Police Department officer who serves as the FOP’s chief steward here, disagreed. “TPD is currently experiencing a staffing crisis,” he said. The FOP represents Topeka police officers with the rank of sergeant and below in collective bargaining.
Source: CJonline
Lawrence City Commission approves raising age to buy tobacco, vaping products to 21
Lawrence city leaders have voted to raise the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 and to establish a local tobacco sales license and enforcement process. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted 5-0 to adopt two ordinances that raise the age to buy tobacco, establish the local license procedures, and various new provisions regarding tobacco use. The changes would cover traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes as well as synthetic products such as e-cigarettes or vapes.
Source: LJWorld
Emporia Main Street looking to increase resources for local “maker businesses” following two day seminar in Emporia
Already an organization known for its support of entrepreneurial success, Emporia Main Street is looking to grow the city’s reputation for housing several successful “maker businesses.” This past week, Emporia welcomed representatives of National Main Street for a two-day training where the focus was on “maker businesses,” businesses in which the majority of products are made in-house. While speaking with KVOE News, Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods listed just a few of the community’s most successful makers. Woods says having these types of businesses in the local community helps to cut out supply chains, and thus reduce the level of impact supply chain shortages may have and helps to keep “the wealth” in the local community.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio
Municipal Bond Trends for October 18, 2022
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 and Beth Warren.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces 12 “Rural Champions” Leading Local Community Efforts
Governor Laura Kelly today announced the 12 grant recipients of the Rural by Choice Champions Program (Rural Champions) that launched earlier this year in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation. The selected Rural Champions will be a part of a statewide network of grassroots individuals tackling critical projects in their respective communities. “I created the Office of Rural Prosperity in 2019 to bring attention to the needs of rural communities across Kansas,” Governor Kelly said. “By finding local solutions to local challenges, the Rural Champions program exemplifies the mission of the Office and all that rural Kansas can achieve.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Wichita names its next police chief, a former leader in Philadelphia department
Wichita’s next police chief will be Joseph P. Sullivan, a former leader in the Philadelphia Police Department. City Manager Robert Layton announced the decision Tuesday afternoon in a written statement. Sullivan’s start date is early December. “Joe Sullivan has a proven ability to successfully lead and manage a world-class police department,” Layton said in the news release. “I have every confidence that he is the right person at the right time to take on the challenging task of ensuring Wichita residents have trust in the integrity and transparency of our police department.”
Source: Wichita Eagle
Plan calls for Wichita to spend $31 million paving dirt roads over the next 10 years
The city of Wichita will spend $1 million paving dirt roads around schools in 2023. The City Council on Tuesday approved year one of a 10-year capital improvement plan to fund $31 million of paving projects near schools and in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Public Works and Utilities Director Alan King said 160 of the 5,100 lane miles managed by his department are dirt roads. “We have these islands within the city, within neighborhoods, of unpaved roads,” King told council members. “The historical approach to this has been to have petitions circulated and then the cost of those streets are borne by the people on that street.”
Source: Wichita Eagle
New hi-tech body cameras in use by Arkansas City Police Department
The $25,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice helps to pay for the first year of a five-year lease of the cameras at a total cost of $150,000, according to information provided by the city. Made by a company called Utility, Inc., the cameras offer several benefits the older ones didn’t. They are embedded into uniforms and can’t fall off, and the video can be uploaded remotely. They also can turn on automatically under certain circumstances, such as anytime an officer draws their handgun from its holster, begins to run, jostles or shakes, such as during a fight; activates lights or sirens in the car and unlocks the shotgun/rifle rack.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Emporia to discuss residential chickens Wednesday
Emporia City Commissioners will discuss keeping chickens within city limits during its Wednesday study session. Chickens have not been allowed outside of agricultural zoned areas since 2012. A number of citizens have expressed interest in keeping chickens over the years. The commission’s agenda shows staff have prepared a comparison chart of regulations from the 10 largest cities in Kansas that allow chickens, as well as the previous chicken regulations in the city of Emporia. Staff have recommended a $50 permit fee, a required inspection, written permission from a landlord and a maximum of four chickens allowed per property. Roosters are not being recommended.
Source: Emporia Gazette
KDOT New Online Tool for Planning
Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz today announced the release of an online interactive tool to enable Kansas counties to analyze county-owned roads and bridges and help determine priorities to meet the future needs of local road systems. Referred to as “KLIP,” the Kansas Local Infrastructure Planning Tool leverages counties’ existing road and bridge data and provides insights on local infrastructure conditions through an interactive viewer. County officials will be better able to prioritize and plan investments, including for critical connections among agricultural, rural and urban communities across Kansas. Secretary Lorenz announced the release of the KLIP Tool at the 47th Annual Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) Conference. The online tool was developed by the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Local Projects in coordination with the KAC and the Kansas County Highway Association (KCHA).
Source: Fort Scott Biz
Use of RVs as dwellings restricted in Great Bend
Someone wanting to live long-term in a recreational vehicle within Great Bend will have to do so at a campground, RV park or mobile home park after the City Council Monday night approved an ordinance establishing this requirement. Existing ordinances and regulations could be interpreted to prohibit the use of an RV parked on a lot as a residence. However, they do not clearly do so, City Attorney Allen Glendenning said. A complaint was made to the Code Enforcement Office about a trailer in the side yard of a residence being used as a residence for a family member. When the city code enforcement officer contacted the owner, he came before the council a few weeks ago and argued that the existing ordinances and regulation do not prohibit the use of on RV as a residence.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Wichita City Council approves catalytic converter ordinance WPD hopes will help slow thefts
It’s becoming a bigger issue in Wichita, catalytic converter thefts. Data provided by the Wichita Police Department shows just 187 reporter thefts in 2019 but 1,360 in 2021. “I know that the muffler shops and auto repair facilities are being contacted daily to have cars repaired and this has become a quality-of-life issue for everyone. This can influence anyone” WPD Sgt. Brian Safris told KAKE news Tuesday. He presented an ordinance to the Wichita City Council Tuesday that allows officers to confiscate any cut off converter that they believe might be stolen or that someone cannot prove is theirs.
Source: KAKE – News
Chiefs Travis Kelce gives back to Overland Park through community project
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is known for getting the job done on the football field. Now he’s also getting the job done in the community. Kelce is a member of the 2022 Lowe’s Home Team. He joined employees from the company and other volunteers Tuesday afternoon at the InterUrban Arthouse in Overland Park. They worked to clean and renovate the outdoor community arts and event space. They improved accessibility to the area, repaired fencing, installed lighting, and added an awning.
Source: KSN-TV
Overland Park moves to permanent ID tags for pets
The city of Overland Park is working to streamline the pet registration process for its residents. On Monday, the Overland Park City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amendment that allows pet owners to have one permanent pet tag with annual renewals for each animal registered with the city. An owner will be issued one permanent pet tag when an animal is first registered with the city clerk’s office, which the owner will now keep instead of being given a new tag each year it is reregistered.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Downtown Salina excited as mural festival winds down
While there are still two artists finishing up murals in downtown Salina, the Boom! Street Art and Mural Festival is winding down after a successful first year. People downtown are excited with how well the festival went and how much excitement it brought into the community. “We’re thrilled for downtown Salina,” said Tim Blake, owner of Prickly Pear Grill and Cantina…. Two of the five murals painted during the festival are located either on or next to Prickly Pear and with a small stage located at Campbell Plaza, several of the festival’s events took place within sight and earshot of the restaurant, which opened earlier this year.
Source: Salina Journal
Grappling with housing reality: Advocates prepare for end of Kansas rental aid program
Kansas will begin winding down a COVID- 19-era rental assistance program, a move that was expected but still has housing advocates worried about whether renters and the nonprofits that help support them will be prepared. The Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program was created in March 2021 as the latest iteration in a series of efforts to provide aid to renters affected by the adverse economic conditions created by the pandemic.
Source: CJonline
Future of wind farm in Republic County in doubt
The fight over whether to allow a wind farm to move in next door is splitting another Kansas county down the middle. Dozens of families in Republic County are the latest to fight over a proposed NextEra wind farm moving in. Many say they’re worried the 650-foot-tall turbines will hurt their farms and damage their way of life. Some don’t want the farms at all.
Source: KAKE – News
New aerospace manufacturer to hire 155 in Wellington
A new aviation manufacturing company, Pinnacle Aerospace LLC, plans to invest $14.7 million in a new facility in Wellington. According to Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, the company also plans to hire 155 people over the next five years. “We wanted to build our new company here because we knew there was a talented workforce already in place in this community,” said Scott Brown, president of Pinnacle Aerospace. The company’s plant in Wellington will build hard metal components for commercial aerospace, general aviation and the defense and space industries.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
City to city: Takeaways from 5 Wichita leaders on Minneapolis trip
About 70 Wichita leaders, business professionals and rising young adults are back from last week’s three-day, city-to-city trip to Minneapolis. Organized annually by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, the group visits a different U.S. city each year to introduce business and community leaders to innovative projects and ideas that can be adapted and implemented back in Wichita. In Minneapolis Oct. 12 through 14, participants learned how the city approaches community dashboarding, collaborative partnerships, economic development, tourism and performing arts.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
After Wichita’s wild housing ride over past two years, forecast predicts what’s next
With the “extraordinary home price appreciation” of the last two years and “a lot of things that are unfolding before our eyes,” as Stan Longhofer put it, you can’t blame him and other economic forecasters for getting a prediction or two wrong these days. “Economic forecasters were put on this earth to make the weatherman look good,” said Longhofer, director of the Center for Real Estate at Wichita State University. Still, he and Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors are going to make their forecasts for next year’s housing market at the 2023 Wichita Housing Forecast Conference on Wednesday. Yun will present his forecast on the national market via Zoom.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Municipal Bond Trends for October 17, 2022
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 and Beth Warren.
USD 232 Superintendent Frank Harwood to retire next summer
Unified School District 232 Superintendent Frank Harwood says he will retire after the current school year on June 30, 2023. Harwood, who has led USD 232 for the past seven years, says the district is about to enter a critical new phase over the next five to 10 years with a promised Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto and other developments expected to spur major growth.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Historic Oak Grove Schoolhouse is open for future generations
Oak Grove Schoolhouse is open now! The 1877 one-room stone schoolhouse is in SE Neosho County, located in a rural area about 7-1/2 miles NE of Parsons. The efforts to restore Oak Grove stretch back more than 50 years. Much of the progress has been made in the last 5-10 years but the majority of the work has been done in the past 3 years. Thanks to the grants from the Kansas Historical Society’s Heritage Trust Fund the school is ready for students. The plan is for the school to open as an active classroom for fourth graders to learn as if they were back in 1877. Research has revealed that Oak Grove was more than the average one-room schoolhouse. Due to its historical past, Oak Grove has been listed on both the Kansas and National Historic Sites Registers. Oak Grove was built out of local sandstone in 1877 – but it was first established as a log structure in 1867.
Source: KOAMKOAM
Prairie Village City Council votes down strategy for affordable housing
After a public outcry, the Prairie Village City Council has gone on record against putting duplexes, apartments and other multi-family developments in single-family residential areas as part of an affordable housing strategy. Signs had gone up around the city protesting recommendations from an ad hoc committee tasked with finding ways to diversify Prairie Village’s housing stock so more people can afford to live there. Council member Piper Reimer said residents are concerned that regulations might be changed “in a way that would allow the developer or builder to come in and potentially take down the house next door to you and put up some sort of multi-family unit.”
Source: Joco 913 News
Harvey County commission approves updates to renewable energy regulations
The Harvey County Commission approved updates to the County’s Unified Development Code Section 16.14, in regard to commercial renewable energy projects, at its Oct. 13 meeting. … Among the updates to the regulations previously in place: The setback distance from non-participating property lines was established at 1,000 feet. The setback distance from a home remains 2,000 feet. Renewable energy equipment and operations will not be allowed in an area defined as the Sand Hills Overlay District, due to grassland fire dangers. Restrictions addressing wind turbine flicker, ice throw and noise. Financial protections for project decommissioning and environmental cleanup.
Source: Harvey County Now
Property tax “freeze” for Pittsburg metal fabrication company
Atkinson Industries was founded in Pittsburg more than 100 years ago, and has facilities across the country. This city-approved tax freeze involves the company’s $2,000,000 manufacturing expansion project in Pittsburg. “By being able to essentially freeze their property taxes at their current rate, it allows them to recoup the cost that they put into the expansion, so it obviously benefits the company, but it also benefits the community because this enlarges the company’s foot print in our community and obviously they’re adding jobs, adding to our local economy,” said Blake Benson, President, Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce. … “Among the benefits would be, $9,000,000 in new personal incomes, almost $13,000,000 in new local retail sales tax generation. So, it’s certainly a project that’s good for the community and this is a tool that will be very helpful to them,” added Benson. It will also result in more people becoming Pittsburg residents, which has been a focus recently for city officials.
Source: KSNF/KODE