Lenexa forges ahead with plan to make residential areas more walkable, but concerns linger

After more than an hour of discussions, the Lenexa City Council last week unanimously approved city code changes that call for wider sidewalks as well as trail connections between homes every 800 feet. The changes are a prompt from city staff to improve connectivity, ease of access and safety issues for bicyclists and pedestrians, as recommended by the city’s Complete Streets plan. The plan, which the city accepted in December 2019, is intended to guide development of pedestrian and cycling transportation channels through the city. While the code changes were adopted, some discussion was driven by city leaders and developers voicing concerns that some of the code changes are too costly and burdensome to complete.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:08:03-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Columbus Fire Department is giving safe practices with space heaters

Fire departments are encouraging safe practice with space heaters as we still have some colder nights ahead of us. It’s recommended to keep the unit out of the way of travel corridors like hallways and exit areas, along with placing it on a solid, non-carpeted surface. If carpet is the only flooring inside your home, find something to put over the carpet that doesn’t transduce heat back into the heater. The unit should also be in an area that is not easily accessible to children and pets.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:04:27-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Wichita opens applications for rent, utility assistance. Here’s what you need to know

The city of Wichita opened online applications Monday for residents to apply to have overdue rent and utility bills covered, as well as future bills. Funding for the Wichita Emergency Rental Assistance Program comes from the federal economic stimulus bill passed in December. The legislation set aside money specifically for emergency rental assistance. About $200 million went to the state of Kansas. Wichita received about $12 million.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:08:08-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

This Overland Park hotel might be converted to affordable housing

Developers in Johnson County have long said the costs of land and construction are too high for them to make much of a profit off more affordable apartments — a housing market the area sorely needs. But now a Utah-based firm has a solution, using existing buildings that are very similar to apartment buildings. The developer plans to convert two Overland Park hotels into apartments — with rental prices more attainable for middle-income workers who can’t afford most Johnson County housing. It’s not a new idea, but it is one that has grown in popularity across the country in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as more hotels closed amid a damaged tourism industry.
Source: KC Star Local News

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:09:12-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Sterling’s power plant helps keep the lights on

This week’s rolling blackouts and high energy prices were a reminder, said Sterling’s city manager, why the city keeps its 100-year-old municipal power plant operating. While now just a “peaking plant” that usually runs less than a dozen days each summer, its operators worked 24/7 for four days during this week’s power demand crisis. That guaranteed the lights stayed on for residents and businesses in the city of 2,500,…
Source: Hutchinson News.

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:09:48-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Treasury yields climb amid economic recovery hopes

U.S. Treasury yields climbed on Monday morning, signaling growing market confidence that an economic recovery is close, following the coronavirus pandemic. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 1.369% at 3:45 a.m. ET, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond advanced to 2.162%. Yields move inversely to prices. The White House said it expects to finish sending out millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines this week, after a sweeping winter storm disrupted its distribution logistics.
Source: CNBC – Bonds

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:07:03-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for February 19, 2021

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.

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:05:47-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Fed’s Williams says rising Treasury yields reflect more optimism

Rising Treasury yields are a sign of optimism in the economic recovery, said a senior Federal Reserve official Friday, signaling no inclination from the central bank to take steps to halt the shift. “We’re seeing signs of rising inflation expectations, back to levels that I think are closer to consistent with our 2% long-run goal, and signs of somewhat higher real yields off in the future, reflecting greater optimism in the economy,” Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams told CNBC in an interview. “So it’s not to me a concern. It’s more of a reflection of the market’s perception of a stronger economic outlook.”
Source: The Bond Buyer

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T06:59:57-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

Municipal bonds end week with largest increase in yields since COVID-induced turmoil

Municipals ended weaker Friday with triple-A benchmark curves rising the most in a week since COVID-19 disrupted all markets in March and April of last year. Muni yields rose another five basis points on the 10- and 30-year Friday, bringing the total cuts to scales to 18 and 17 basis points, respectively, from Tuesday as the asset class moved closer to U.S. Treasury movements after lagging weakness in taxables since the start of the year. Treasury yields hit 1.35% in 10-years and 2.15% in 30 after news of stimulus out of Washington gaining ground.
Source: The Bond Buyer

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:00:49-06:00February 21, 2021|News|

Small cell antennae installed on Lenexa street lights

Small cell antennae are a targeted way for cellular and data providers to enhance 4G service in specific areas and prepare to provide 5G service. The City of Lenexa has received more than 100 applications for these, with the majority being installed within the I-435 loop. These small cell antennae are installed by private service providers. Most installed in Lenexa belong to Verizon. As many of the antennae are being installed on City-owned streetlights, service providers must apply for a right-of-way permit to install them. Staff review the applications and inspect streetlights that had to be replaced to accommodate the weight of the equipment.
Source: What’s New News Summary

Ranson Financial2021-02-22T07:01:03-06:00February 21, 2021|News|