Kansas Municipal News
Topeka mall demolition leads to new opportunities
The construction fence is coming down as demolition at the former White Lakes Mall comes to a close. District 5 Council Member Brett Kell says there is already interest in this area by three businesses. With talk of business moving into south Topeka, businesses that are already here are eager to see what’s to come. Jay Ives, president of the Blind Tiger, says that this will be a good thing to Topeka. “It’s about time that something is done with the White Lakes mall,” said Ives. “So, now that the building is down and the developer, we hear is ready to announce, we are waiting to hear what’s going to happen and this is going to be a very big thing for the capitol city.”
Source: KSNT 27 News
Mission weighs new regulations for e-cigarette retailers
The city of Mission is weighing new regulations on shops that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping products. … The regulations would impose a limit on vape shops from opening up within a certain distance from schools, daycare centers, churches or colleges. The idea is modeled off similar limits already in place in Shawnee, Mission City Administrator Laura Smith told the finance committee on Oct. 12. Shawnee currently does not allow e-cigarette and tobacco retailers within 200 feet of schools.
Source: Prairie Village Post
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