Kansas Municipal News
Fentanyl presentation draws large crowd
Approximately 115 people attended the United Way of Dodge City Learn @ Lunch program at the Dodge City Community College (DC3) Library on Tuesday, Feb. 20. The presentation, which featured Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Director Tony Mattivi, was titled “The Fight Against Fentanyl: One Pill Can Kill.” While attendees enjoyed food provided and sponsored by PT Works Physical Therapy and Performance of Dodge City, Mattivi discussed the many dangers of fentanyl and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement officials to protect Kansans from the deadly drug.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
Wichita community, city leaders meet to discuss homelessness
Members of the Wichita community met Wednesday night at the Advanced Learning Library to discuss Wichita’s growing rate of people living on the streets. City Council member J.V. Johnston, who’s been working on the city’s homeless task force, said that it’s the goal of the city to achieve functional zero homelessness, meaning there are more people coming out of living on the streets than going in. “I think if we all work hard and all the agencies collaborate and work together, city and county and nonprofits all work together, including the business community, we can achieve it,” Johnston said. Sedgwick County’s COMCARE program says a recent count shows 702 homeless people in the area. “One of the easiest answers in our facilities where we can provide wraparound services, and we can provide a housing first approach, right? The data is out there, the information is out there, I encourage you to go out and understand better those two philosophies,” said Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson. However, some at the town hall expressed concern about Wichita spending money on different services to help and outside studies, and spoke in favor of keeping the money in Wichita to directly benefit the unhoused. “It’s passing the buck in a giant circle,” remarked one community member. “If you want results, you have to have accountability. And you cannot have accountability if you diffuse it into a zillion entities.” At the end of the event, Mayor Lily Wu said she was encouraged by the large turnout, and hopes to have more meeting on how to get to the city’s goal in the coming months.
Source: KAKE – News
Billions of cicadas in the Midwest this spring will be ‘a really weird phenomenon’
This spring, billions of cicadas will dig their way out of the soil across most of the Midwest and Southeast, filling the air with their cacophonous soundtrack. Starting in late April, two major broods of cicadas that show up on 13- and 17-year cycles will crawl out of the soil and head to treetops to sing and mate. It’s the first time these two broods have emerged at the same time in 221 years. The males will die almost immediately after mating. The females will live just long enough to build nests in the trees and lay eggs. By the time those eggs hatch, the adults will have died, and the young “nymphs” will burrow back underground, starting the cycle again. This many cicadas emerging at once is like spotting a rare comet, said Zach Schumm, an insect diagnostician at Iowa State University. “This is a really weird phenomenon that we only get to see a few times in our lives,” Schumm said. There are many species of annual cicadas that are spotted every summer across much of the country. Then, there are periodical cicadas that come in waves. The seven species of periodical cicadas show up on 13- or 17-year cycles, spending most of their lives underground, but their chorus could be louder this year when their life cycles sync up for the first time in centuries.
Source: KCUR News
WPD going high-tech for safety of officers and citizens
The Wichita Police Department is trying newer technology to lessen the chance of officers and citizens getting injured or killed during potentially dangerous situations. On Thursday, Lieutenant Aaron Moses said uniformed officers are already getting trained on some of the newer tools while other products are still in the works. Moses said all uniformed officers will be getting new body-worn cameras. The Axon Body 4 cameras featured an expanded field of view, improved video quality, and extended battery life. He said officers will also be able to stream video to supervisors if necessary. “As part of our new contract, every uniformed member, from the chief of police to the patrol officers and community service officers, will have a body-worn camera,” Moses said. The officer can choose between a chest-mounted or a head-mounted camera. The transition to the Axon Body 4 cameras will start in the spring. The WPD is testing Axon in-car video cameras. These are different from police dash cameras. “These cameras complement chest-mounted body cameras, providing additional footage with the rear seat of the vehicle,” Moses said. The WPD plans to equip 14 vehicles with the in-car cameras. Moses said the WPD is investing in technology that will automatically activate body-worn cameras when a police light bar is turned on or when a taser or a gun is drawn from a holster. Training started last week on the Axon Taser 10. Police say there are many benefits of the new taser versus the previous one officers used.
Source: KSN-TV
Portion of historic Olathe farm to get new life as city park
A portion of the historic Hoff Farm in northern Olathe is set to become a new neighborhood park. The land set to become the new park — nearly 17 acres — is near the corner of College Boulevard and Woodland Road. Descendants of the Hoff family donated some of their land for the park a few years ago, along with a parcel to become Olathe’s future Firehouse No. 9. “We greatly appreciate the contribution the Hoffs have made,” Councilmember Marge Vogt said last Tuesday. “This is a big deal.” Considered some of the city’s original pioneers, members of the Hoff family have farmed in Olathe since before the Civil War. They reportedly arrived via the trails that took settlers west and purchased the land in 1864. According to city documents, the property is one of the state of Kansas’s oldest recorded family farms.
Source: Johnson County Post
Shawnee City Council to weigh new restrictions on AirBnbs
Owners of short-term rentals in Shawnee, including AirBnbs and VRBOS, would have to obtain a business license and comply with new restrictions in order to keep that license, according to a proposal that will be considered by the city council at its meeting Monday night. At 6 p.m. at Shawnee City Hall, the council will weigh a proposal that will amend the city’s municipal code regarding short-term rental properties, including new rules for licensing, as well as restrictions on the number of people in a short-term rental and parking. It comes after nearly a year of discussion about how the Johnson County suburb should best tackle short-term rentals, which are a small sliver of properties overall in the city but make up a disproportionate amount of noise and other safety complaints. The proposal would amend Shawnee Municipal Code Chapter 5 to regulate short-term rentals through the city’s business licensing department. (…) While short-term rental owners already face a minimum fine of $500 and/or jail time, depending on the violations, the proposal being considered tonight looks to crack down even further. The proposed ordinance changes would require short-term rental owners to abide by the Shawnee Code of Ordinances. (…) If short-term rental owners don’t abide by these rules, they could have their business license to operate a rental revoked. “We’d have to provide each short-term rental with a notice, and they would be able to come forward and talk about the alleged violations,” said Shawnee City Attorney Jenny Smith at a committee meeting in January, in an overview of the proposed changes. “This body would have the ultimate authority to decide whether or not the business license should continue or if it should be revoked,” she said at that time.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Commerce Grants Available for Rural Mural and Public Art Projects
The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced a total of $75,000 is available for a new round of Rural Mural and Public Art program funding. The program helps rural communities design engaging new art that improves the local aesthetic – making the community more appealing not only for those who live there but for potential new businesses and residents as well. Grants up to $7,500 are available for eligible communities, which also is the total amount any one county can receive. The Office of Rural Prosperity program requires a 1:1 match, with 25% being a cash match unless the community has fewer than 1,000 residents. For those communities, matching support can be 100% in-kind services, including volunteer labor, materials and supplies, equipment, etc. “Murals and creative projects invite new businesses and residents to celebrate Kansas as their home,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our holistic approach to economic development includes dedicating resources that enhance the physical attractiveness of communities, which helps encourage new investment.” Awards will be given to communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. Murals can beautify community gathering spaces, elevate tourist attractions, and offer a welcoming message for visitors. Communities are encouraged to utilize the 11-week application period to complete community engagement conversations about what the art should reflect.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Municipal Bond Trends for February 23, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. 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.
100 years after its founding at KU, National League of Cities to kick off centennial roadshow in Lawrence
While a lot has changed in the past 100 years, in some ways the issues cities were navigating then aren’t all that different than the issues of today. That much is true to Clarence Anthony, the CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities. For Anthony, the similarities between now and a century ago really hit home when he reads the minutes of his organization’s very first meeting in 1924. That gathering just so happened to take place in a familiar location for Lawrence locals — Fraser Hall on the University of Kansas campus.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for February 22, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. 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.
Olathe set to build new long-range development plan for the first time in years
Olathe is about to start the process of building a new comprehensive plan for the first time in nearly 15 years. The plan, when complete, will forecast long-range development in the city and mull other factors for Olathe’s future, possibly including diversity, economic development and sustainability.
Source: Johnson County Post
🚴🏻♀️ 50 e-bikes coming soon to Mission and Roeland Park
E-bikes are coming to northeast Johnson County. The cities of Mission and Roeland Park received a carbon reduction program grant from the Mid-America Regional Council to expand the bike share program through BikeWalkKC in northeast Johnson County.
Source: Johnson County Post
Topeka City Council takes step to hire new City Manager
The city had a total of 42 applicants. Reviewing the applicants will take about three weeks, according to Councilmember Spencer Duncan. Candidate interviews will be conducted in late March. Once finalists are chosen, they will be invited to conduct final interviews and meet with citizens, according to Duncan.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Edgerton hosts ‘topping’ event for downtown Greenspace
On a bright, sunny and mild Valentine’s Day afternoon, Edgerton’s new and lifelong residents participated alongside city officials and local businesses to sign the final steel beam for The Greenspace building. Mayor Don Roberts said city officials invited everyone to participate in the historical moment for Edgerton. “It is your opportunity to put your name on our building,” he said.
Source: Gardner News
Highland Community College names new president
Highland Community College has named Vincent Bowhay its 45th president. Highland’s traditional campus is located in the town of Highland, with regional centers in Wamego, Atchison and Baileyville. The HCC board of trustees on Monday unanimously approved Bowhay’s hiring following a national search, which garnered more than 50 applicants. He will begin the role of president July 1. Bowhay as been the president of Independence Community College since 2021. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Vincent Bowhay to Highland Community College. He brings to us his higher education experience, compassion for students, for the College and community opportunities,” said Tom Smith, chairman of the board of trustees. “I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of Highland Community College, an institution that provides lifelong learning opportunities to students and contributes to the economic vitality of northeast Kansas. I am tremendously inspired by Highland’s student-centric, mission-driven approach to education, and I look forward to beginning my journey as a Scottie,” Bowhay said. Bowhay was one of three candidates who came to Highland to present to faculty, staff and students in person and via Zoom at the end of January. Bowhay has more than a decade of experience in higher education and assessment consultation. His career has involved work in the public and private sectors. As an assessment, strategic planning and accreditation consultant at Campus Labs in Buffalo, New York, Bowhay was recognized as a highly effective and innovative leader, positioning campuses for data-driven success.
Source: themercury.com
Haysville set for another sales tax vote
The city of Haysville recently settled on a date for a new, special sales tax election after renewal of its current one-cent sales tax failed in the November 2023 general election. Haysville is now set to take the issue back up this spring. According to The Times-Sentinel, the Haysville City Council recently set a special election for May 7. The sales tax as presented now is set to help fund streets (50%), parks and recreation (40%) and property tax reductions (10%) – the last item being a new addition. The current sales tax will sunset on June 30.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Housing master plan in sight
Arkansas City commissioners will consider a resolution Tuesday authorizing an agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC), to provide a housing master plan for a 101-acre city owned property on West Skyline Road. The proposed agreement is for an amount not to exceed $28,550. The city recently purchased the tract to reserve it for future housing development. Commissioners decided during a previous work session that a master plan was needed to determine the best types of housing for the site and the infrastructure needs. During the Friday work session, City Manager Randy Frazer said that PEC would provide the city with an overview of all of the things that are needed for housing in that area. “Infrastructure, pedestrian, vehicle traffic, utilities, all that kind of stuff,” he said. The consultant will work with the planning commission initially and then hold some public meetings. “The input of the planning commission and the public meetings will be put into the final plan, and would then come before the city commission for their approval,” Frazer said. Commissioners will also consider a resolution to accept a bid from Keeler Equipment, of Ponca City, Okla. for the purchase of a large sanitation dump trailer, for an amount not to exceed $12,250. The current trailer is available for rent and being utilized by citizens on a weekly basis and is in high demand.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Ark City court joins others to offer online payments
The Arkansas City residents or anyone who owes a fine or fee to the Arkansas City Municipal Court can now pay online. The court recently launched a secure online payment platform designed to improve accessibility and simplify the payment process, according to a press release from the city. Those who owe the court can submit payments electronically, eliminating the need for in-person transactions. To access the online payment portal, visit municipalonlinepayments.com/arkansascityks, enter the citation number and date of birth. People can also search by name or date of birth to access their information. Those who prefer to pay by phone can call (877) 817-9864 and enter their citation number. Online payment is also available at the Cowley County District Court. County Court Clerk Mandy Hockenbury said customers wanting to pay online can do so at paykscourts.com. Municipal Court Clerk Hillary Pappan said customers in Winfield can submit payments online at winfieldks.org.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Newton Public Library turning the page on old building
There’s subtle Kansas-themed imagery going on at the new Newton Public Library building. That’s according to Library Director Cari Cusick, who said the carpet designs are a nod to wheat and train tracks, and the signage on the bookshelf end caps reflect train wheel shapes. The current library building will close Saturday, March 2, and the new one will open Monday, April 1, Cusick said, adding they need to move things from one building to the other, and they need to set up during that month, like installing technology. Some projects need to be done after they move. Professional movers are relocating the library’s collection. The new library takes up 25,000 square feet and includes a fireplace that opens into the inside library space, as well as the outside patio, various study rooms, the Newton Room that houses local history materials in the room and right outside of it, microfilm-reading equipment, seven private restrooms, comfort room, family restroom off the children’s area, front-desk checkout, a drive-up window to pick up checked-out books, a technical services room where they process new materials, and stacks of books. “This one is bigger, and the public space is definitely bigger,” Cusick said about the new library building. The teen area toward the back of the library has a window and overhead lighting. The youth program room connects to the Florence Bessmer Children’s Library and the teen area. It’s in the program room where the story times and Game Zone will happen.
Source: Harvey County Now
USDA funding $22.4M in Kansas infrastructure improvements
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced $22.4 million in grants for various projects in rural communities in Kansas. The grants will fund projects for high-speed internet access, water, and sewer improvements. “High-speed internet and reliable infrastructure make it possible for rural Kansans to live and work in the communities they love,” says Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis. The grant details are: (1) A $997,000 grant to help promote the expansion of high-speed internet in Rawlins, Kiowa, Gove, Kearny, Wilson, and Linn counties. (…) (2) A $1,725,000 loan will help complete improvements to the sewer collection system for the City of Wakefield including the upgrade of the wastewater treatment system and construction of a non-discharging lagoon with irrigation. (3) A $2,284,000 loan and a $921,000 grant to help the City of Burden complete the rehabilitation of the water and wastewater systems which includes repairing approximately 15,000 feet of collection lines and upgrading approximately 22,250 feet of main and service lines. (4) A $1,205,000 loan and a $1,127,000 grant for the City of Hanston to help construct a new non-discharging lagoon facility. (5) A $2,925,000 loan for the City of Valley Falls to refurbish the wastewater collection system. (…) (6) A $35,000 loan and a $1,126,000 grant for the City of Vermillion to rehabilitate its water distribution system. (…) (7) A $5,819,000 loan for Belle Blaine to help build a new 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank and a new ion exchange nitrate removal treatment plant. (…) (8) A $1,772,000 loan will help complete repairs to the Fall River dam, upgrade the Little Bear elevated storage tank, expand the distribution system, and provide sewer extension to the hospital in Neodesha. (9) A $795,000 loan and a $1,691,000 grant for the Little Blue Natural Resources District to develop a new water source for the rural water system.
Source: KSN Local News