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.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and the National Homelessness Law Center have warned the city of Merriam that a new law that limits panhandling in certain medians is unconstitutional and could harm homeless residents. The Merriam City Council in February voted 6-2 to approve the new ordinance banning pedestrians from standing or sitting on medians at nine high-traffic intersections, other than to legally cross the street. City officials said the law is aimed at cutting down on car crashes and ensuring the safety of pedestrians, and is not meant to penalize panhandlers — despite concerns from some residents and some council members that it would push out the homeless. Officials said at the time that the ordinance was in response to a growing number of complaints about people stopping traffic at the intersections. The law does not mention panhandlers. Many cities have passed similar laws without specifically barring panhandlers, as a way of avoiding concerns about violating First Amendment rights.
Source: KC Star Local News
Lenexa is advancing plans with Integrated Roadways and Kiewit Engineering to install “smart pavement” in Lenexa City Center. In a presentation to the Lenexa City Council on Tuesday, representatives from the two companies gave a status update on the Showcase City Center project, which involves deploying “smart pavement” panels at five key intersections within the city’s centralized hub. The city council will consider approving a master implementation agreement with the two companies for the 10-year Smart Infrastructure Program at its next meeting. The agreement establishes the requirements for the project, and also prohibits sensors within the “smart pavement” from collecting any personal identifiable information from vehicles that drive on it.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
The City of Wichita plans to open all city pools and splash pads on Memorial Day. The city passed an aquatics plan costing nearly $20 million in 2019. Pools and splash pads in the first phase were expected to open last summer, but because of COVID-19, swimmers had to wait another year. Wichita Aquatics Manager Brian Hill said last week that at the updated locations across town, you’ll see different forms of art like murals and sculptures. This year, Memorial Day is May 31. Hill said because pools were closed last year, the city was able to accelerate construction. Phase two centers will open this year instead of next, and this means more jobs are available.
Source: KAKE – News
A lawsuit filed Thursday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice alleges the Wichita Police Department use of a gang list has disproportionately harmed communities of color. According to the lawsuit, criteria to be added to the list are “vague and broad and encompass a wide range of innocuous, innocent and constitutionally protected behavior.” Actions that could land you on the list — as outlined in Kansas Statute — include wearing a criminal street gang’s color, associating with criminal street gang members or frequenting a particular criminal street gang’s area. Committing or even being charged with a crime is not a prerequisite to be placed on this list, said Teresa Woody, litigation director for Kansas Appleseed. However, the legal and personal consequences — which include intensive surveillance, traffic stops, and increased bail — are often felt lifelong, she said.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Firefighters responded to a fire at the Dodge City Utility/Water building Thursday morning. The fire at 703 W. Trail was reported around 4 a.m. … There were no injuries, but there is damage to the building. The City of Dodge City says the total damage is unclear at this time. The Kansas State Fire Marshal will investigate what caused the fire.
Source: KSN-TV
The Kansas Association of School Board Boards has hired an attorney to look into possible price gouging. The Newton school district, which saw a gas bill more than six times what it usually receives, is among the districts planning to fight back. …The attorney looking into schools’ gas bills will potentially represent up to 178 public school districts across the state. Kansas has 309 public school districts. There is also word that the University of Kansas and Kansas State University are involved in the case. With what it’s facing, the fear for the Newton school district is that ultimately, students could pay the price. “What we want the public to understand (is) the ultimate losers are students because when there’s less money within the school district, there’s less money to fund programs. There’s less money,” the Newton school district explained.
Source: KWCH.
The State of Kansas, Community Development Block Grant – CV3 (CDBGCV3) program has been awarded an additional $4.5 million in addition to CARES Act funding. This program has been a powerful tool in helping Kansas communities retain jobs and businesses during the pandemic.
CDBG – CV3 Program:
• This program will award an additional $4.5 million in CARES Act funding.
• CDBG – CV3 eligibility will be limited to community Economic Development projects that are retaining jobs.
• Awards will be made in accordance with federal CARES Act funding and HUD.
• Awards are made when no other funds are available.
Eligible applicants:
• All cities and counties in the State of Kansas that were not awarded CDBG – CV1 and CV2 grants.
• All cities with a population under 50,000 and all counties with a population under 200,000.
*Cities and counties including Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park and Johnson County are not eligible to apply.
Application Process:
May 1, 2021 – Application available online
June 1, 2021 – Application deadline
July 1, 2021 – Awards announced
The Department of Commerce will present an Informational Webinar for CDBG – CV3 funds, which will be held via Zoom on April 21 from 10:00-11:30.
Registration is required. Sign up here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpf-mqrDosH9XEYMhGe4BnGgX0N_2ewzDJ.
If you have questions or need assistance with grant applications and administration, contact Rose Mary Saunders or Crystal Hinnen.
The Santa Fe Trail is turning 200. This international highway of sorts began in 1821, running from Franklin, Mo., to Santa Fe, N.M., which was part of Mexico at that time. Kansas is the only state that is crossed in its entirety by the trail. The Santa Fe Trail Association has created activities and events to celebrate this historic milestone. The SFTA Quivira Chapter, which covers McPherson, Rice and Barton counties, designed activities to help youth and adults learn more about the SFT and its place in local history. On April 17, a program featuring tales of buffalo soldiers will take place in Great Bend, and a camp teaching youths and adults how to be re-enactors will occur this summer.
Source: Hutch News.
A new intersection being created in Olathe is the first of its kind for the Kansas City area. At Old 56 Highway and Lone Elm Road, crews are working on a continuous-flow intersection, designed to move traffic faster and more safely. Its most distinctive feature is a “displaced” turn lane used by drivers who are turning left from Old 56. Well before the main intersection, traffic signals and lane markings will guide left-turning vehicles across the opposing lanes of traffic and into their own turn lanes.
Source: Joco 913 News
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