Kansas Municipal News
Halstead and Sedgwick planning to partner for KDOT grant
In a joint effort, two Harvey County communities have come together with the goal of using technology to better their streets. Halstead and Sedgwick have applied for the KDOT Innovative Street mapping grants with the idea of hoping to hear back from the state in January. With this mapping technology, a cell phone camera will be mounted to a vehicle to drive around each city and map the streets. During a recent city council meeting, Sedgwick’s council approved the application for the grant, as Halstead had already applied.
Source: Harvey County Now
Johnson County Government launches online swag shop
Want to show your Johnson County pride? Johnson County Government has launched a new online swag shop featuring a variety of county-themed apparel and other items. On the swag shop, you can choose products such as t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, stickers, mugs and water bottles. More designs and items are planned to be added in the future.
Source: Johnson County Kansas |
Assistant County Manager Joe Connor to retire after nearly 40 years of public service
Joseph M. Connor, assistant county manager for Johnson County Government, will retire after nearly 40 years of public service to the Kansas City region. His last day will be Dec. 20, 2024. Connor began serving as assistant county manager on Jan. 14, 2019. Prior to that he served in multiple roles for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, including assistant county manager and director of public health, in his nearly 35 years there.
Source: Johnson County Kansas |
Overland Park wants to make city facilities greener with new building codes
Overland Park has adopted a new green code designed to increase the sustainability of new and renovated city facilities. On Monday, the Overland Park City Council unanimously approved green building objectives requiring a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council or an equivalent certification when feasible and appropriate.
Source: Johnson County Post
Johnson County plans to break ground early next year on new $113M health building in Olathe
Johnson County is expanding its health services with a new building on the Sunset campus in Olathe. The Olathe Planning Commission last Monday unanimously approved the preliminary site development plan and final plat for Johnson County’s new health services building near 119th Street and Ridgeview Road. The 130,000-square-foot building will be located on the county’s existing Sunset campus and will house services by the county’s Mental Health Department, Department of Health and Environment, and the Department of Aging and Human Services Nutrition Program.
Source: Johnson County Post
Gardner absorbs land once eyed for Olathe industrial park
The Gardner City Council on Monday approved a resolution to annex four parcels totaling 186 acres along Interstate 35 at the northeast corner of 175th Street and Clare Road. Johnson County property records show the land’s owner is CF Gardner LLC, an entity that shares an address with New York investment management firm Fortress Investment Group. According to city documents, the annexation agreement is a precursor to a bond request and payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement the property owner intends to bring forward early next year, though no project details were included in the annexation request.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Wichita City Council approves expanded enforcement on homeless encampments
The Wichita City Council voted Tuesday evening for stronger enforcement of an ordinance against illegal camping. The move, which supporters argued would simplify the ordinance, came after two hours of public comment. Of the 24 people who spoke, 21 opposed updating ordinance, many of whom worried that the change would criminalize homelessness. The council voted 4-3 in favor. Enforcement will begin in January.
Source: KLC Journal
City leaders take action to trash pile up in Topeka
Topeka city leaders are taking action against the trash pile ups around apartment complexes in the capital city. Initially, last week, the city became aware of about 10 properties that had extreme trash pileups. Once the city became aware, the property maintenance unit then issued notices and began working with apartment complex management staff to address the contract that had elapsed for the trash pickup. Over the weekend, the city was notified again about more more properties that were going through the same problem. Since then, Topeka City Manager, Robert Perez said the city has issued around 25 notices that come with a December 26, 2024 deadline for the property owner to clean up the trash.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Emporia City Manager asking workers to make moving last decision as they ponder the future following Tyson and Holiday Resort closure announcements
With several difficult decisions ahead for workers of both Tyson and Holiday Resort, Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking noted on the most recent Q&A With Trey Monday morning it is his hope their first choice will not be to leave the community. Saying the city wants its residents to stay and continue to be a part of the community, Cocking noted that there are ample opportunities available with a lengthy list of employers looking for qualified workers to fill vacancies within their operations. Additionally, Cocking says the recent closure announcements for both facilities have changed the equation in bringing new employers to Emporia.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio
Starting in 2025, parking in downtown Wichita will no longer be free after 15 minutes
Visitors to downtown Wichita will have to start paying a dollar an hour for parking starting in the summer of 2025. The new parking plan, approved by the Wichita City Council, allows for free parking for up to 15 minutes. After that, visitors would pay a dollar an hour or a daily rate of $5 in a parking lot or $10 in a garage. Monthly rates would be offered at $35 a month in parking lots and $70 in garages. The city’s private contractor, The Car Park, would enforce parking regulations Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sundays would be free.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Lawrence city commissioners accept KU’s application for tax breaks for Gateway District
The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday took the first step toward considering tax breaks to help the University of Kansas construct its planned Gateway District near the football stadium. Vice Mayor Brad Finkeldei noted that similar requests for the city to simply accept an application for tax breaks — including one the commission approved last week connected to the Reuter building — generally go on the commission’s consent agenda. (That’s a list of items that are generally considered routine and approved all at once with one motion.) The commission accepting the application doesn’t mean they’ll approve a final agreement. Finkeldei said this is a very early step in the project, and there will probably be at least five more opportunities for the commission and the public to weigh in before the commission actually approves any economic incentives for KU.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Injunction will prohibit land alterations for proposed solar farm until lawsuit is resolved
An injunction issued late Tuesday will prevent any construction or land modification associated with a proposed solar farm north of Lawrence until a lawsuit seeking to stop the project can be resolved. Chief Douglas County District Judge James McCabria issued the order after hearing arguments from attorneys representing Grant Township, the North Lawrence Improvement Association and more than a dozen other plaintiffs. The group was seeking an emergency order to prevent the Douglas County Commission from voting on updated plans for the Kansas Sky Energy Center, a 159-megawatt solar energy project planned for 1,105 acres in Grant Township. The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in May seeking to halt progress of the project.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Feds scrap plan for electric corridor in Kansas
The U.S. Department of Energy has scrapped plans for an electric transmission corridor in Kansas, after hearing opposition from landowners and the state’s congressional delegation. The Department had been mapping boundaries for its National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) with one route proposed through Kansas. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Congressman Tracey Mann reported hearing concerns from state residents about the seizure of private property for the corridor.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Municipal Bond Trends for December 16, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
KBI Director: System has failed sheriffs
The leader of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is asking lawmakers for money to improve the state’s “awful” offender registration compliance software used by sheriffs. “I have heard from sheriffs over and over again, and their criticism is very valid,” said KBI director Tony Mattivi. “We have failed them. We are giving them an offender registration platform that is inadequate for what they need.”
Source: CJonline
Kansas lawmakers demand background checks after department hired financial felon
The Kansas Department of Commerce has inadequate background check processes, according to the Division of Legislative Post Audit. … The Department of Commerce said it felt a 2018 executive order prohibiting state agencies from ascertaining the criminal record of applicants barred them from conducting criminal background checks.
Source: CJonline
Municipal Bond Trends for December 13, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
New El Dorado aquatic center planning underway
At Wednesday evening’s work session on December 11, the El Dorado Aquatic Center Committee met with the El Dorado City Commission to discuss intentions and plans for the future aquatic center. It was mentioned during the September 16 City Commission meeting by Jeremy Sundgren and Patrick Todd during public comment that El Dorado needed a new public pool. During the Commission comment period, it was motioned to appoint Kelly Tetrick to form a committee with private citizens and work towards plans for what the pool and facility would look like.
Source: Andover American
Rose Hill Police Stuff the Squad Car
The Rose Hill Police Department hosted a donation drive on December 7 to stuff a squad car as their 19th annual holiday event. The crew collected donations at the local Dollar General from 10am-2pm that included food, toys and cash or check. The cash received, which totaled $991, was used to purchase extra food and toys before dropping off all donations. Detective Melissa Tharp said the food and toys were halved between the local food pantry at Hope Connections located at the Rose Hill United Methodist Church and Sunlight Children’s Home in Andover. The agency is still collecting donations until December 19 for those unable to make it to Stuff the Squad Car. Food and toys can be dropped off at the Rose Hill Police Department located at 125 W Rosewood during business hours.
Source: Andover American
City of Emporia provides updates on response to Tyson Plant and Holiday Resort closures
The City of Emporia has provided several updates concerning efforts to assist displaced workers in finding new employment and receiving financial assistance following the announcements of the Tyson Plant and Holiday Resort closure last week. The two closures – one expected in February and the other expected within 30 days – will result in potentially over 900 job losses in the Emporia community.
Source: Emporia Gazette
This JoCo city is moving to a single trash hauler. What happens next?
The city of Merriam is seeking a single citywide waste hauler. On Monday, the Merriam City Council unanimously approved an organized collection plan that outlines a request for proposals — a formal call for bids — for a contracted single waste hauler to serve the entire city. This comes after months of discussions, including three separate single waste hauler committee meetings, exploring what options are available for a citywide waste hauler. “We don’t know how much it’s going to cost, we don’t know who the hauler is going to be, and we won’t know that until we get those bids back,” Assistant City Administrator Caitlin Gard told the city council on Monday.
Source: Johnson County Post
Westwood voters will weigh in on controversial park sale, settling months-long dispute
Residents of Westwood will vote this spring on the sale of a city park as part of a controversial commercial development project, a win for citizens who had pushed for the effort to get voter approval through a petition and a months-long legal battle. Westwood City Council members voted Thursday to put the question of whether the city would sell Joe D. Dennis Park before the public on the April 1 ballot. The election will take place by mail, city officials said.
Source: KC Star Local News
Western Kansas farmers are wrestling with how to save their water source — and their future
State lawmakers want farmers in western Kansas to take action by 2026 to halt declines in the Ogallala aquifer. But the region’s whole agriculture system is built to produce irrigated grain at a high volume. The state is asking them to slow the decline of the source of this hidden water – the Ogallala aquifer, which supports most of the economy and towns in western Kansas. The region relies on irrigation for agriculture, but after 70 years of pumping, that water source is starting to come up dry, causing concern. It’s been an ongoing debate over how this area will approach the depletion of the Ogallala aquifer. And now, the state of Kansas wants action from the groundwater management districts that cover western Kansas.
Source: KLC Journal
Wichita finds about 6,000 water lines that will need to replaced under new federal lead pipe rules
The city of Wichita has alerted about 6,000 water customers that their pipes could be at higher risk for lead contamination and will need to be replaced under the federal government’s new lead pipe rules. The new rules, laid out by the Biden-Harris administration in October, require drinking water systems to identify and replace lead and some galvanized steel service lines between 2027 and 2037. Exposure to lead can harm children’s growth and development. Wichita completed an inventory of its water service lines in October, finding 16 lead pipes and 5,958 galvanized pipes that require replacement. Galvanized pipes are iron or steel pipes that have been dipped in a coating that can contain lead; lead particles can also attach to the surface of galvanized pipes.
Source: KLC Journal
Kansas does not have a dental school. How that could soon change
In Kansas, over 70 counties are considered by the federal government to be a dental desert. It’s been a serious issue for decades. Dr. Gregory Hand, Wichita State University’s president and the dean of health professions, says the problem goes beyond dentistry. “We do have dentists that are here that are getting extra training, but in terms of having a dental school where students from colleges come in and train and get licensed as dentists, Kansas does not have that,” said Dr. Hand. That’s why WSU asked the Kansas Board of Regents for permission to ask the state for $5 million.
Source: KSN-TV
‘It’s very emotional’: Shawnee County neighbors confront local leaders over plan to build new duplexes
A group of neighbors and farmers in Shawnee County took a stand against the local government in a failed bid to keep an area of farmland from turning into new housing. Developers are looking to transform plots of land near Soldier Township into duplexes and new housing for locals in the Seaman School District. The move is not sitting well with some area residents who aired their frustrations at the Thursday, Dec. 12 Shawnee County Commission meeting.
Source: KSNT 27 News
The Fed’s Game Plan on Interest-Rate Cuts Keeps Shifting
Investors widely expect a third-in-a-row rate cut this week. Officials are ready to slow—or even stop—lowering rates after that.
Source: Wall Street Journal
How much will city charge to park in Old Town and downtown? Council to revisit plan
The city of Wichita plans to start charging visitors a dollar an hour to park in downtown Wichita and the Old Town entertainment district starting in summer 2025. Parking in those areas is free now, with a few exceptions. The Wichita City Council is expected to vote on whether to approve that plan for paid parking downtown at its meeting Tuesday. City Hall launched a public relations campaign in the summer after significant pushback to its announcement of the changes, but the new plan is essentially the same as the old plan.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Ark City mulling pet registration program
Arkansas City officials are considering animal registration requirements in response to concerns about loose pets and limited space at the Humane Society shelter. Loose and aggressive dogs roaming through neighborhoods has become a major problem. Some residents report that their own animals have been attacked and even killed. Others have been threatened by the animals. While the registration system won’t keep the animals from getting loose, it will help determine ownership and allow warnings or fines to be issued to the animals owners.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Rose Hill seeks Purple Star designation
At its school board meeting on Dec. 9, Rose Hill USD 394 officially started the process of becoming a Purple Star district. The school board approved a resolution in support of military-connected students and families to move forward with the district’s application (due Feb. 1, 2025). Through the Kansas State Department of Education, the Purple Star Designation is assigned to schools and districts that support military students. As part of its efforts, district staff is looking to enhance current measures in support of military families, with 136 military students (8.6%) currently enrolled in Rose Hill schools.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
More than $2.5M spent on Salina utilities maintenance
In an interview with the Journal, Martha Tasker, director of utilities for Salina, said that much like a car or house, parts of the municipal water system must be maintained on a regular basis. The department budgets just more than $2.5 million each year to keep up this regularity, Tasker said.
Source: Salina Journal
Local leaders don’t want other communities to make Lawrence’s homeless problem worse, and they’re asking the state to act
When a small community in Kansas has a homelessness problem, what’s stopping it from just dropping people off on the streets of a bigger city like Lawrence? … The law the city is asking for would prohibit any organization that receives state funding — including local governments — from dropping homeless people from one county off in a different county…
Source: LJWorld
On new e-bikes, Lawrence police officers approach their work from a different perspective
Because the bikes aren’t what people typically associate with police presence, Officer Steven Alvord said they often go unnoticed by motorists, which makes for a very different dynamic when officers are on patrol…. the bikes, he said, are “stealthy.” And that means motorists might commit traffic infractions, like running a stop sign, right in front of a bicycle officer without even thinking about it.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for December 12, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Kansas broadband internet disparities persist despite huge investments
KHI developed an interactive digital divide dashboard to provide an overview of computer ownership and broadband availability in each of the state’s 105 counties. … The challenge of responding to the state’s technological divide has been more difficult in rural communities due to insufficient infrastructure that elevated the cost of adding high-speed internet service.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Topeka, Shawnee County leaders vote for downtown innovation center
Some Topeka and Shawnee County leaders are in favor of an innovation center coming to the downtown area. The Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) between Topeka and Shawnee County met Wednesday and approved Innovation Center 2.0. It’s a catalytic project to help meet the needs of the area’s growing innovation ecosystem. The center is a “bold step forward in developing downtown Topeka’s ASTRA Innovation District”, according to a news release from GO Topeka. The innovation center is being planned to be located at 220 SE 6th Street.
Source: KSNT 27 News
New police chief gets situated with Topeka
Before we know it, the capital city will officially have its new Police Chief in Chris Vallejo. Vallejo doesn’t officially start until Jan. 20 2025, but he’s currently in the capital city looking to get situated before starting his role. After being named one of the final four candidates to be the next chief, Vallejo, who is coming from Austin, TX, ultimately beat out TPD major Russ Klump for the job. While Vallejo said he understands policing, he said he wants to better understand policing in Topeka. So, for the first couple months he plans on “observing, listening and learning”.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Private wells in Kansas: Safe location and maintenance guidelines
Water supply to rural residences and agricultural operations without rural or public water systems is usually obtained from a private well or surface water supply. In Kansas, more than 73,000 individuals rely on private wells for a water supply. When public and rural water systems that use well water are added to the private well numbers, 34.6% of the Kansas population relies on groundwater for their water supply. Municipal and rural water systems must maintain water quality standards specified by local, state, or federal requirements; however, owners of private wells are responsible for the water quality of their wells. Permanent contamination of groundwater can decrease property values, affect human and animal health, and involve legal liability.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Heartland Flyer extension costs estimated at $311 million
On Wednesday, the Kansas Department of Transportation provided an update based on a recent feasibility study evaluating a passenger rail extension from Oklahoma City to Newton. “Right now, since we’re trying to facilitate the first connection to the Southwest Chief,” Mark Alvarez, rail project coordinator for KDOT, said. “Perhaps in the future, it’s something that can be explored.” The current timeline would mean an early morning hour layover for passengers in Newton if they transfer between Heartland Flyer and Southwest Chief trains. Local proponents of the project had hoped for evening service, which would have boosted Newton’s downtown. According to the discussion, the extension conference project is still on track, with an estimated completion date set in 2029.
Source: Harvey County Now
County commission discusses sales tax for hospital
The Jackson County Commissioners said Monday that they would support Holton Community Hospital administrators and the board of directors if they wanted to pursue a special sales tax for the hospital. During Monday’s commission meeting, Carrie Lutz, HCH CEO, and Marilyn Watkins, a member of the HCH board of directors, learned that the commissioners were not planning to pursue an additional sales tax for the county to help offset property taxes. A special public meeting was held earlier this fall to discuss the possibility of increasing the county’s current sales tax rate to help offset a mill rate increase.
Source: Holton Recorder
Prairie Village poised to renew home grant programs with tweaks to who is eligible
A few more Prairie Village homeowners could become eligible for the city’s property tax rebate and home improvement grant programs under changes the council is considering enacting for 2025. The set of three resident rebate programs in Prairie Village are up for renewal for next year. The Prairie Village City Council last week during a council committee of the whole session forwarded the renewal motions with some proposed changes to the full city council for final approval. The three programs include a property tax rebate program aimed at lower-income households, as well as two separate programs aimed at incentivizing homeowners to make exterior improvements and sustainability upgrades to their properties.
Source: Johnson County Post
2 fire districts in southern Johnson County want to join forces — Here’s why
The two fire districts serving the southern half of Johnson County may be consolidated in 2026 — a move county commissioners and fire district representatives say will make financial planning more efficient in the county’s fastest-growing area. In a joint meeting Tuesday, the commission, which oversees Fire District 2, met with the governing board of Fire District 1 and approved a resolution to combine their functions. It comes with a 60-day protest period and final action by the county commission in the second quarter of 2025.
Source: Johnson County Post
As HaysMed loses doctors, concern about future grows
Doctors are leaving HaysMed, the only level three trauma hospital in Kansas west of Hutchinson. The departures have been entwined with controversy. Two of the doctors leaving, Dr. Jerod Grove and Dr. Robert Rodriguez, filed suit over non-compete clauses in their contracts. Representatives with HaysMed said these departures are normal, and their staffing has been steady in the past year. I spoke with several patients of the doctors who filed suit, who say their departures are robbing them of quality care.
Source: KSN-TV
Sedgwick County approves use of remaining COVID money
On Wednesday, the Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners approved plans to finish spending federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) before the end of the year. ARPA was passed in March of 2021 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The act provided emergency grants, lending, and investment to help change the course of the pandemic and deliver relief to businesses and communities. The approximately $16 million Sedgwick County has left to spend will be used to reimburse costs within the sheriff’s office, wages, and overtime pay.
Source: KSN-TV
Sedgwick County nonprofit aims to address day care woes
There’s a push to bring a new type of child care to Sedgwick County. A nonprofit, oneCOMMUNITY, is aimed at working with employers to give more affordable child care to their workers. The executive director of the nonprofit, Brent Lewis, is the husband of Sedgwick County Commissioner Sarah Lopez. The goal is to work with employers instead of parents to come up with day care solutions they say will help with employee retention and attendance.
Source: KSN-TV