Kansas Municipal News
Mission OKs inclusive play equipment purchase for Water Works Park
Water Works Park in Mission is getting new play equipment. The Mission City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a nearly $350,000 purchase of inclusive play equipment for Water Works Park. Water Works Park is located off of 53rd Street and Woodson Drive, directly south of Rushton Elementary. The green and blue play equipment includes swing sets, slides and mounds. Penn Almoney, the parks and recreation director, told the city council on Dec. 20 that the new playground allows access from any angle. It also provides ways for children who are unable to communicate to tap a picture and communicate with other children or adults, Almoney said. This is going to be the second inclusive playground equipment set in Mission, with the first set headed to Mohawk Park. “We’re pretty excited that we are raising the bar here in Mission,” Almoney said. Councilmember Debbie Kring noted that she sat on a committee years ago dedicated to finding a way to bring inclusive play to Mission, and even though it took a while, “it worked out.” Earlier this year, the city approved a number of upgrades to the park. The list of improvements includes a trail expansion, restrooms, a shelter and lighting. Mission plans to install the new playground equipment in summer 2024, according to city documents.
Source: Prairie Village Post
On the windswept plains of southwest Kansas, loneliness and isolation confirm policy failures
I’m saying goodbye to another set of friends who are leaving Dodge City and moving on to greener pastures outside of Kansas, writes Alejandro Rangel-Lopez. While this feeling first felt like a slight breeze, it now reflects the howling winds of the prairies as I struggle to hold on, like a tumbleweed in a barbed wire fence. In 2021, I graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree, a community organizing job in my hometown and a dream of empowering young southwest Kansans with the tools to build communities we can be proud to call home. Two years later, I’m saying goodbye to another set of friends who are leaving Dodge City and moving on to greener pastures out of Kansas, and I find myself reflecting on this dream as I continue to struggle to find my place on these desolate, open plains. When I first left my hometown of Dodge City after graduating from high school, I knew that I wanted to come back to where my family was and foster the idea that, as the youngest region in a state bursting with diversity, we deserve a say in the policies that affect our day-to-day lives and demand a better future for our children. I spent my time at college learning from both peers and professors the skills and information I’d need to help me in this endeavor. From taking classes about the politics of Latin America, to getting involved with campus organizations, to representing my fellow students as a student senator, I thought that I was setting myself up for great success as soon as I graduated. I didn’t foresee, however, how much the absence of those support systems would affect me and my ability to do the work necessary to build toward change. I took for granted how easy it was to see friends, meet new people with similar interests and do those things that make you look forward to the next day. Though I don’t miss the all-nighters I pulled to turn in papers and other projects on time, I can’t help but to feel as if I’m missing a part of myself. Or rather, missing out on opportunities to share moments with others. While this feeling first felt like a slight breeze, it now reflects the howling winds of the prairies as I struggle to hold on, like a tumbleweed in a barbed wire fence.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Johnson County’s only winter homeless shelter is already at capacity
The first of December marked the beginning of the ninth winter of operations for Project 1020, Johnson County’s only low-barrier-to-entry homeless shelter. “If I had 75 beds, they would all be filled and I’d still need more,” McEver said. “We’re easily seeing that many people here every night.” McEver said the 30 beds Project 1020 is currently allowed by the city of Lenexa are simply not enough to meet the growing demand they are facing each day. The shelter operates out of the Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church at 9400 Pflumm Rd. She keeps extensive data and analyzes it for trends and hard truths, she said. One increase that keeps sticking out and weighing heavily on her is the increase in women looking for a place to sleep. “The demand is surging, and we have seen an increase in our female occupants going from 27% last year to 38% this year,” McEver said. “There’s more new faces than ever.” Last week, the Johnson County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the purchase of a Lenexa hotel to be converted into the county’s first and only year-round shelter and service center for those experiencing homelessness, a move that to local advocates could change the course of how homelessness is addressed in Johnson County. The lack of space isn’t a new phenomenon. When the Post spoke with Project 1020 last spring, their April 1 deadline to close until December was rapidly approaching. Jim Schmidt and the other volunteers were busy getting the facility cleaned and ready to shutter for the next eight months. McEver was already discussing how inadequate the 30 beds were, and lamented that the space couldn’t be kept available year round to those in need. There had also been some positive things to report from last winter. The showers they had installed were working out very well, and they no longer had to transport people off site to get cleaned up.
Source: KCUR News
Municipal Bond Trends for December 21, 2023
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.
Municipal Bond Trends for December 20, 2023
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.
Salina offers incentive to SkyWest Airlines to change its flight times
Local leaders in Salina have put $900,000 at stake to incentivize the airline serving the city to change times for non-stop flights to and from Denver. … “The ideal departure for Denver would be not (the current) 11 o’clock in the morning, it’s that 6:45 (a.m.),” [Tim Rogers, executive director of the authority] said. This would mean the flight from Salina would arrive in Denver around 7 a.m. MST/MDT, allowing travelers to catch more flights out of Denver with United Airlines, which SkyWest contracts with for its Salina flights.
Source: Salina Journal
Wichita finalizes plans to offer targeted property tax relief to certain vulnerable residents in a one-year pilot program
The program builds off of existing tax credits at the state level to reimburse low-income seniors, disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, and low-income residents with underage dependents, for a portion of their 2023 property taxes. Four in five Sedgwick County homeowners saw their property values increase in 2023, with the overall tax valuation in Wichita increasing by 9.3%, according to the county clerk. “This is the largest targeted tax relief for people who need tax relief that we’ve done in at least a generation,” Mayor Brandon Whipple said Tuesday before the City Council gave its final approval. The pilot program is designed to provide up to $660,000 in refunds on a first-come first-served basis through Nov. 30, 2024 or until funds run out.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2023-13: Postelection Audit of Votes Cast
Synopsis: Election officials conducting postelection audits must review the official paper ballots identified in K.S.A. 25-2912 rather than printed ballot images. Cited herein: K.S.A. 25-2912; 25-3009; 77-420; K.A.R. 7-47-1.
Source: Kansas Attorney General Opinions
Governor Kelly Announces More than $8M for Safer Roads
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that 19 communities across the state will receive $8.3 million for projects that improve safety on local roadways. This is the third round of Kansas grant recipients through the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program for 2023. … Combined with the first two rounds of SS4A announcements made earlier this year, to date, 38 Kansas communities have submitted successful applications. The combined total is nearly $14.8 million in federal funds, $3 million in state contributions, and $743,00 in local match contributions. … Additional information regarding the Kansas SS4A Match Pilot Program can be found online at https://www.ksdot.gov/ss4a/programinformation.asp. Below is an overview of the December 2023 awarded projects in Kansas from the SS4A program:
| Lead Applicant | Federal Funding | Local Match
|
KDOT Contribution | Total Project Cost |
| City of Emporia | $240,000 | $15,000 | $45,000 | $300,000 |
| City of Eudora | $100,000 | $6,250 | $18,750 | $125,000 |
| City of Independence | $1,284,000 | $— | $321,000 | $1,605,000 |
| City of Junction City | $160,000 | $ 20,000 | $20,000 | $200,000 |
| City of Leawood | $452,000 | $56,500 | $56,500 | $565,000 |
| City of Mission | $160,000 | $10,000 | $30,000 | $200,000 |
| City of Overland Park | $500,000 | $ 62,500 | $62,500 | $625,000 |
| City of Paola | $120,000 | $ 7,500 | $22,500 | $150,000 |
| City of Prairie Village | $80,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $100,000 |
| City of Spring Hill | $200,000 | $12,500 | $37,500 | $250,000 |
| Finney County | $240,000 | $15,000 | $45,000 | $300,000 |
| Geary County | $160,000 | $10,000 | $30,000 | $200,000 |
| Gray County | $800,000 | $— | $200,000 | $1,000,000 |
| McPherson County | $560,000 | $— | $140,000 | $700,000 |
| North Central Regional Planning Commission | $1,520,000 | $— | $380,000 | $1,900,000 |
| Unincorporated Johnson County | $240,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 | $300,000 |
| Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization | $940,000 | $58,750 | $176,250 | $1,175,000 |
| Mid-America Regional Council | $400,000 | $70,750 | $ 29,250 | $500,000 |
| St. Joseph Area Transportation Study Organization | $160,000 | $37,600 | $2,400 | $200,000 |
| TOTAL | $8,316,000 | $422,350 | $1,676,650 | $10,395,000 |
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Park City Planning Commission approves zone change for Ruffin casino
Another step in Phil Ruffin’s highly-anticipated Golden Circle Casino in Park City tonight as the Planning Commission approved a zoning change to allow the development as planned. Construction crews are already hard at work for the future historical horse racing casino and hotel at 77th and Hydraulic. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission approved a license for the casino in July, allowing it to operate 1,000 machines inside county lines. Monday, the Park City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the next step in making the casino a reality – changing the zoning on the property to allow for the expansion. “It’s a fairly massive project on the renovation and construction of the existing structure,” said Park City Zoning Administrator Russ Evvy. “Without sounding like a cheerleader, I think it’s a very exciting reuse of that particular property.” Monday’s meeting was a public hearing, but there was no public comment or input on this change. The commission says it was more of a formality to align the property zoning with decisions that have already been made.
Source: KAKE – News
Wichita City Council approves property tax relief program
Wichita City Council members voted unanimously to approve a property tax relief program for low-income seniors for 2024. City finance director Mark Manning said with reappraisals in the past year, property tax increases will be an average of 7.6 percent. The City Council called for a relief program during their budget discussions last summer, and staff presented the details of the program at Tuesday’s Council meeting. Manning said the program is designed to be simple for people to apply for. Residents who apply for the tax relief will need to be participants in one of three state income tax programs that offer credit for property taxes paid: (1) Selective Assistance for Effective Senior Relief (SAFE SR) program – This program uses the State form K-40PT and offers a state credit for property taxes paid on homes valued at less than $350,000 for those over age 65 with taxable income of less than $22,000. (2) Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Veterans – This program uses the State form K40SVR and offers a state credit for any increase in property taxes over the 2022 base year, for seniors or disabled veterans with taxable income less than $50,000. (3) Kansas Homestead Claim – This program uses the State form K-40H and offers a state credit for property taxes paid on homes valued at less than $350,000 for those over age 55, or disabled veterans, or with dependent children and with taxable income of less than $37,750. Manning said if people qualify for one of these programs, they will qualify for the city’s relief program.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Scooters and e-bikes now allowed on Overland Park trails
Overland Park has formally approved a new ordinance that will permanently allow e-mobility devices, like e-bikes and electric scooters, on its city trails. The Overland Park City Council on Monday unanimously approved the new ordinance and repealed an existing one that prohibited such motorized devices and vehicles on trails. The amendment was part of the consent agenda, which means the city council considered the change alongside a series of other procedural items and didn’t individually discuss it. The new rules permit personal e-scooters and most e-bikes, including some that have a motor that is throttle assisted. The devices are restricted to traveling no faster than 20 mph. That speed limit is posted on the trails. Other motor vehicles, particularly those powered by fuel, are restricted, unless the director of parks and recreation expressly authorizes an exception.
Source: Prairie Village Post
City invites Garden City residents to participate in survey
The City of Garden City recognizes the invaluable role of resident input and engagement in shaping the future of the community. With a commitment to transparency and inclusivity, the city announces the launch of its Capital Improvement Plan survey, powered by Zencity, a state-of-the-art community trust platform designed for local governments. The City of Garden City believes that the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives of its residents are fundamental in steering the direction of Capital Improvement projects. The Capital Improvement Plan survey is a pivotal opportunity for residents to actively participate in decisions that directly impact their neighborhoods and community at large. “We recognize that the essence of any community is rooted in the voices and aspirations of its residents,” Assistant Garden City Manager Derek Ramos said. “Our city has greatly benefited from past resident engagement in our Capital Improvement Plan. We remain dedicated to seeking out and valuing our residents’ voices, ensuring their input shapes the city’s Capital Improvement Plan.” The City of Garden City invites residents to actively participate in the Capital Improvement Plan survey.
Source: Garden City Telegram
Morton County Hospital receives new CMS designation
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. has announced that Morton County Hospital has recently been re-designated as a Critical Access Hospital under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a change which will improve the financial status of the hospital. “This change in designation comes after more than a year of work and communication with federal and state health agencies, and I am thrilled to see the application approved,” Marshall said. “Rural healthcare delivery continues to face both financial and workforce challenges. This change in designation offers a more stable reimbursement for the hospital.” Previously, Morton County Hospital was designated as an Acute Care Hospital. When CMS made changes to the location requirements for the Critical Access Hospitals in 2022, Morton County Health System applied for the change in designation, with the support of the senator. While Acute Care and Critical Access Hospitals are similar, Critical Access Hospitals receive allowable cost plus one percent reimbursement for Medicare inpatient and outpatient services. “This change to a Critical Access Hospital is a lifeline not only for the hospital itself but also for the individuals and families of this rural community,” hospital CEO Lisa Swenson said. “The Critical Access Hospital designation will strengthen the hospital’s financial foundation and help to secure its ability to serve the citizens of our region. Without this change, it is unlikely that our hospital would have been able to survive financially.”
Source: Garden City Telegram
Fare Increase for Johnson County Micro Transit
Based on a review of the current ridership trends, the 2024 program budget, increasing ridership demands and service efficiency, the Board of County Commissioners has authorized Johnson County Transit to implement a fare increase to the Johnson County micro transit service. This fare increase will be effective January 1, 2024. Johnson County Micro Transit is an app-based premium service that uses on-demand dynamic routing – an affordable ride-hailing option to assist in making connections to the larger fixed express and commuter bus routes, all throughout the Johnson County service area, and the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. It is designed to expand connectivity and fill gaps. “Johnson County is committed to providing efficient and reliable transportation services to our community, and we continuously evaluate ridership and efficiency of dollars spent,” said Mike Kelly, Chair of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “The board has given staff direction to embark on a strategic plan for long-range transit services, and in the interim, we believe this new fare structure will remain extremely competitive with other services while also making micro transit more reliable and consistent.” The fee changes are as follows: Current fares (flat rate) – $3 or $5 fare each way, depending on the zone. New fare (with a base rate, plus miles) – $5 for the first five miles, $2 per mile for miles 5.1 and beyond. The service area and hours of service will remain the same, Sunday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Source: Johnson County Kansas |
El Dorado City Commission rejects permit for proposed overnight homeless shelter
The El Dorado City Commission voted against a plan to turn a vacant building into an overnight homeless shelter at their meeting Monday night. The 3-2 vote came after much discussion and weeks of public comments regarding the permit for the proposed shelter, which would have been located on West Central Avenue. The city’s planning commission already voted against the permit nearly two weeks ago. Commissioners Sydnee Scribner and Kendra Wilkinson were in favor of the permit’s approval. Wilkinson cited the number of homeless people in El Dorado that have been served by the Butler Homeless Initiative has continued to increase since 2020; as of this year, that number is 309, including 56 children, most of whom were under 8 years old. “I was saddened and sickened by the thought of 56 children suffering from homelessness in our community through absolutely no fault of their own…these numbers should not be acceptable to any of us,” Wilkinson said. Those against the shelter said its location would have been too close to surrounding homes, as well as safety concerns. Commissioner Kelly Tetrick said that while he supports the planning commission’s vote, he added that the city should continue to support the Butler Homeless Initiative, and help them find an alternate location. “I don’t feel the building is large enough to accommodate what they’re hoping to do. When you see the numbers…I think the shelter would hold 30…I think we need to try to find a larger location,” Tetrick said. The Butler Homeless Initiative said in a Facebook post that, while they were disappointed with the outcome, they will continue to provide a hot meal every evening at the First Church of the Nazarene at 202 North Taylor, food and other resources to help those escape homelessness.
Source: KAKE – News
Prairie Village could expand eligibility for home improvement grants
More properties could soon be eligible for two home improvement grant programs in Prairie Village. The Prairie Village City Council during a council committee of the whole discussion on Dec. 4 agreed to increase the maximum average home value for properties qualifying for the city’s exterior grant program, which aims to incentivize homeowners to beautify their property. In addition, the city offers sustainability grants for homeowners looking to decrease their properties’ environmental impact. In addition, the council is weighing whether to increase the overall budgets for both the exterior and sustainability grant programs, as well as create an annual schedule that could allow for a second round of grants next year. The exterior grant program, created in 2008, aims to “encourage homeowners to invest in their home’s curb appeal,” according to city documents. Some eligible projects for the exterior grant program include improvements to lighting, concrete, foundations, gutters, roofs and garage doors. The sustainability grant program aims to “encourage residents to reduce their carbon footprint” by completing energy efficiency projects. Some eligible projects for the sustainability grant program include improvements to air conditioning, solar panels, furnaces, water heating equipment, windows, doors, skylights and insulation.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Shawnee residents keep up fight against approved U-Haul storage center
Despite passing a narrow Shawnee City Council vote last year, a proposal for a U-Haul off Kansas Highway 7 continues to face pushback from neighbors. At a Dec. 11 city council meeting, neighbors close to the proposed storage building and retail store, located in the Zarda Business Parka at 7020 Silverheel St., showed up to discuss a new bill that they hoped could halt the project. “I don’t know if there’s anything that can be done at this point,” said Ann Manzardo of Shawnee. “But we’re here. I’ve got several of my neighbors here representing our community in the hopes that we can get something changed.” Then-Mayor Michelle Distler cast the tie-breaking vote to approve the project, which includes an indoor storage facility that would have 1,000 storage units in a roughly 123,600-square-foot space. It would also include the U-Haul retail portion in a smaller structure. During previous hearings for the project, neighbors voiced their fear it would ruin their community. “This is how cities decline. They listen to special interests and power from money. Soon instead of Bedford Falls, they’re living in Pottersville or maybe Zardaville,” said Dennis All, referencing the Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” during a city council meeting last year.
Source: Prairie Village Post
How tweaks to Overland Park city code could stiffen penalties for reckless drivers
Overland Park is updating some of its traffic codes to mirror state traffic rules in order to ensure more accountability for drivers who cause collisions within city limits. Under the current city code, some individuals who cause accidents in Overland Park may face lighter traffic violations due to differences in city and state codes. Last week, the Overland Park City Council’s Public Safety Committee voted 6-0 to recommend approval of an ordinance that would amend the city’s municipal codes pertaining to traffic accidents. During the meeting last Wednesday, Councilmember Sam Passer was filling in for Councilmember Inas Younis during the committee meeting. The most significant change in the municipal traffic code pertains to the “drivers controlling their vehicle” clause in existing ordinance. Currently, that section says, “In every event, a driver shall control their vehicle as necessary to avoid colliding with any person, fixed object, vehicle, or other conveyance lawfully on or entering the highway or lawfully on private or public property.” In the proposed ordinance, that section is removed entirely. The rest of the proposed amendments are mostly formatting changes.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Planning commission splits on plan for massive solar farm north of Lawrence
Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission members voted on a 4-4 tie to recommend denial of a permit for a massive solar farm north of Lawrence after a meeting that stretched hours into early Tuesday morning. The permit will soon go to the Douglas County Commission for consideration. City Planner Mary Miller outlined the project and said city staff recommended approving the permit. The motion included recognition of a series of conditions that the planning commissioners had discussed in order to ensure certain topics would be forwarded to the county commission. The Kansas Sky Energy Center, a 159-megawatt solar farm, would be built, owned and operated by Evergy with designs provided by Savion LLC, a division of Royal Dutch Shell based out of Kansas City. If approved, the solar facility, set to be located north of Lawrence, will begin construction in early 2025. The solar farm would comprise 237,300 solar modules, 43 inverter stations, and solar tracking systems. Much of the multiple hours of deliberation centered around the tension between two competing environmental goals: the need for renewable energy and the need to preserve agricultural land. Commissioners Gary Rexroad, Prasanth Duvvur, David Cartaar and Sharon Ashworth voted in favor of the permit. Commissioners Charlie Thomas, Mike Kelso, Chelsi Hayden and Jane Eldredge voted against the permit. Commissioner Steve Munch recused himself from consideration for the solar farm permit at the beginning of the meeting and did not participate in discussion. Citing both environmental and economic concerns, Kelso said he didn’t think the project was compatible with the character of the neighborhood. Eldredge agreed that the location was not the right spot for the development. “I don’t think we need it in this location,” Eldredge said. “And I think there’s still so many unanswered questions.” Both Thomas and Hayden said they thought the process was too quick for such a massive development. Both expressed that they thought the application and the idea of solar energy were necessary but they said they still had major questions about the specific solar project.
Source: The Lawrence Times