City Council - Regular Meeting

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Good evening. It's 5:30. Uh I want to call to the order the uh Hudson City Council meeting uh April 21st, 2026. And uh I also wanted to make sure that you silence your phones before we begin. Um Mary, call roll.

Druan here. Garza here. Goss here. Bas here. Mayors here. Pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Uh at this time we have uh Paul EP, senior pastor of First Church of God to offer the prayer. Paul, if you'd like to come up. Yeah, I want to thank you for the opportunity to pray for you today. And if there's any way that our church or I can pray uh partner with you to serve Hutchinson community, particularly those who are poor and needy, uh please let me know. And my prayer today is inspired by the exhortation from King Leile received from his mother in Proverbs 31:8-9. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly. Defend the rights of the poor and needy. Let's pray. Dear Father in heaven, thank you for the men and women of the Hutchinson City Council. Thank you for their humble and faithful service. May they find joy in serving our community. Thank you for the power that you have given the members of the city council, our city's law enforcement officers and leaders of our academic, medical, and faith communities. With great power comes great responsibility. So we pray that the leaders of these communities will partner well together and that we would empower the powerless without enabling them towards sinful behavior. Give us compassion for the least among us, for the elderly, the disabled, the addicts, the homeless, the unemployed, the unborn babies, the parents with unwanted pregnancies, the impoverished children, the students who are struggling in school, and the victims of human trafficking. May we protect the weak from those in power who would want to harm them. May we not inadvertently harm the weak by enabling slothful behavior or other harmful addictions. May we not merely give handouts, but may we give them handups. May we not merely hand out fish, but instead give us the wisdom to teach them how to fish. Thank you for Jesus that though he was rich, for our

sake he became poor. May we follow his example and self-sacrificial love that is both tough and tender and both strong and gentle. And may we lead in such a way that someday we we will hear him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen.

Thank you, Paul. Uh before we begin, um I've got a statement I'd like to make. Um before we go down the agenda, I want to make a brief statement in my role as mayor and presiding officer concerning the April 7th, 2026 uh council meeting. Um after reflecting on that meeting, I believe that there are aspects of how I managed the portions of the discussion that I could have handled more effectively. Um, as a mayor, I seriously I take my uh responsibilities very serious uh to preside over the meeting in a manner that is orderly and respectful and productive. My intent on April 7th was to keep the meeting moving in accordance with the city code so that the discussion stayed focused and orderly. However, I recognize that my approach may not have come across as clearly or constructively as I should have. Uh to my fellow council members, if my management of the discussion caused frustration or gave the impression that members were not being fully heard, I regret that. Uh to our city staff, uh to our citizens of Hutchinson, I also regret that the tone of the meeting did not reflect the level of professionalism and civility we should strive to maintain. Chapter 2 of our city code already contains important procedures of how council meetings are conducted and those procedure those procedures matter especially when the council is called upon to make difficult decisions. Clear procedures help ensure that meetings remain orderly, respectful, and productive even when topics become controversial. Um, since the meeting, council members, city staff, and the city attorney's office have been reviewing our existing meeting rules and considering whether additional written guidelines would help to ensure council members are open, operating from a shared understanding. As one immediate step, tonight's proposed agenda includes an item for approval of the proposed agenda. So

council members have a defined opportunity at the onset of the meeting to propose the agenda revisions for council's considerations. Um going forward, I'll be I will be more intentional in how I facilitated facilitate the discussion, maintain composure, and keep meetings focused on the matter before the council while ensuring participation occurs in a respectful and productive manner. I value the trust placed in me as mayor and remain committed to serving our community with integrity and accountability and respect. Thank you for your continued engagement and for holding us to a high standard. Um with that we will move to the approval of the proposed agenda.

I have two amendments for the agenda but before we move on um I do want to raise a concern which is that the uh capacity of this building is 66 persons. This room contains 65 and we have a full lobby with people still coming in. So, are we exceeding capacity? And I know we don't have permission from the fire marshall to do so. Um, but what are we going to do about that? I'm not sure what we do about that. Chief is counting numbers now. I think he's trying to find a a placard for what the occupancy of the building is. That's what that says. It says this building is shall be limited to 66. It's this room. It says this building. There's a little

Yeah, it says this building. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Uh my first um amendment is um given that we have a large audience in the building, some people who have no seating out there, I encourage the council to be courteous to our residents time tonight. And therefore, I move to amend the agenda to move items 9A, 9B, and 9C, which is all of new business, up to section 7.

Which which items did you say? I'm sorry. 9 A, 9 B, and 9 C. I'll second that. It's moved and seconded. Truin, yes. Garza, yes. Goss, yes. Bass, yes. Maggers, yes.

Thank you. My second motion, um, actually, I think I have three. Uh, my second motion is to wave attorney client privilege, um, regarding the executive session of April 15, 2025. I move that this Hutchinson City Council hereby waves attorney client privilege with respect to number one, all communications, discussions, advice, opinions, and legal counsel conveyed during the executive session held on April 15, 2025. And number two, all email correspondents, including but not limited to emails sent, received, forwarded, or copied by, or between any member of the governing body, the city's uh district, I'm sorry, the city's legal council, and any staff member that may relate to, reference, or arise from said executive session, regardless of whether such emails were generated before, during, or after the April 15, 2025 executive session. This waiver is intended to be complete and unconditional as to the subject matter described above and shall authorize the public disclosure of all records encompassed herein. This motion is made in the interest of transparency and public accountability. I believe that the executive session and accompanying correspondence relate to matters on tonight's agenda and by waving the attorney client privilege, it will allow council to speak freely without consideration of violating coma. Uh

motion on the table. Um, do I have a second? Excuse me, mayor. I don't understand all that legal stuff. That means that it's an open record to whatever Mrs. Goss was saying. Help me understand that. Paul, could you could you explain that a little bit better? Well, I'm not sure you can wave attorney client privilege. Yes, you can. I'm not waving attorney client privilege. You don't have to. It's ours to wave. I don't think it's yours to wave. It's also mine. I don't believe so. So, you're advising us not to. Um, well, I suppose you can do that. I'm not sure what it gains from something over a year ago.

So, I'm not sure how to move unless I have a second for that. I I'm not sure how to move forward with that. Um, I'd have to have a second on that, I guess, if Well, I think you do know what there is to gain from it because there were emails about that that were covered under that. So, your explanation there is really unsatisfactory to me. You don't have a second. You don't have a motion. Okay. Totally fine. I have a third amendment to the agenda. Just I don't mean to cut you off. Is there a second? I'm just making sure. Okay. I don't have a second on that motion. So, okay.

Okay. Um I move to the to move I I'm sorry, mayor. I move to amend the agenda to confirm that items now 7 A, 7B, and 7 C are discussion items only and that this council will take no binding action on these items. 7 A, 7 B, and 7 C. I don't have a 7A. They would be listed as seven uh I'm sorry, as 9A, 9B, and 9 C on the written agenda. This would be all of new business. So go back. What were what did you say about that again? I'm sorry. that these are confirm that these are discussion items only and that council will take no binding action on these items. Yes, there they are not um there's no binding action on these.

Right. But there could be at any time. And so I'm asking you to affirm on the agenda or someone with a second to affirm on the agenda that no binding action will be taken. So I guess I'd be looking for a second on that. So my understanding is that it is council's so it's the it's the discuss the council travel policy the rec commission educational presentation and moratorium. Correct. Correct. And two of those are mine. I have no intention of creating um action on

I have no I have no intention of creating any action on those items either. So I would second that um because it it's um with discussion about those there is not going to be any action taken on those. Um so I would second that. Mary, call a roll. Yes. Garza, no. Goss. Yes. F. Yes. Mers, yes. Um, so are there any Sorry. Did you have any anything else? I'm done. Thank you.

Okay. Uh, are there any other council members that would like to make any um amendments to the um proposed agenda? Um, if not, I would be looking for a motion on that to approve the appro proposed agenda. I'd move to approve the proposed agenda as presented or as amended. I'll second. Tran, yes. Charza, yes. Scotts, yes. Fast, yes. Maggers, yes. Um, next item, Mary, which I think

item number five, petitions, remmonstrances, and oral communications from the audience.

Um, so on this item, pursuant to chapter 2 of city code, uh, this is any person wishing to address the city council shall be recognized by the mayor, come to the microphone, state the person's name, address, and subject to be discussed. and if appearing in a representative capacity whom you're representing. Um remarks shall be limited to five minutes. Comments during the portion of the meeting shall relate to matters not on the agenda and within the business and jurisdiction of the city council. All remarks shall be addressed to the city council as a whole and not to other speakers, members of the audience or city staff. Rebuttal statements, back and forth engage engages, and debate are not permitted during the general public comment. This portion of the meeting is for the city council to receive public comment. The council will generally not engage in discussion or debate with the speakers. To avoid repet repetitious presentations, the mayor may require a spokesperson for the group. Audience members may address items on the agenda when those items are taken up by the city council and comments relating to those items shall comply with city code. Um so at this time if I have if there's anyone that would like to come speak in public comment uh come to the microphone. Thank you. My name is Dean Zade and I live at 3904 Aspen Court. I'm a member of the community since for 11 years. I own businesses in town and I have a great deal of interest in the health of the city and I've heard a lot of stuff about what's going on with with uh in reference to rec commission the city manager and all the stuff that

was going on and that's very concerning to me. So, I thought I would come and say a few things. A lot of people think that this is a personal deal between Tony and Enrico. It may be, but both of them were applying for a job to be the city manager. One won and the other one lost. And therefore, on one side, it became a personal issue. For Mr. Enrico, it's a business deal. This man is a blessing to our community because he's trying to fix things in this town. So, I say thank you, Mr. Fias. Enrico is to is trying to do the job he was hired to do. And some members of the community, some of you are on the commission, are coming after him and threatening his job. Why is that? because they prefer to have a weak city manager so they can control his life and do the things they want to do in Hutchinson and the rest of us be damned. No, we're not going to we're not going to allow that to happen. This man can go anywhere in the United States because he's good at what he does and so let us give him the leeway and support to get the job done. Otherwise, keeping them in the dark about finances and activities that are required by law, state law. It sounds to me like there's some corruption going on and that needs to be investigated. I want to mention some names, but I'm not going to tonight about those people that are coming after him to try to destroy his life. Instead, I would choose to say we need

to encourage people to voice their opinions and concerns about issues without being threatened or intimidated. Some of them have been. We should all work together as residents of Hutchinson to lower our taxes. This is about taxes. Or at least keep them from going much higher in the future. My family and I have invested a lot of money in this community. So, I not only want to succeed, but I want the city of Hutcherson to succeed. You all have a nice evening. Thank you.

Good evening. Katie Link, um 3506 North Line, Hutchinson, Kansas. Thank you for this opportunity to speak publicly. Um, I want to first commend Mayor Magers for his public repentance. Um, it takes a very strong and humble man to say such things. I am here on a similar note. However, um, I am here to call out another council member for their inappropriate behavior at the April 7th meeting. I was there myself in person and have watched the meeting fully through at home since then. Um, Miss Goss was very unprofessional and um behaved in an inappropriate way during the meeting and because it was done in public I believe

please remind the speaker of of chapter 2. Yes, ma'am. In regards to Sorry, would you pause my time please? Yes. Thank you. um shall be addressed to the city council as a whole. Yes. Oh, yes, ma'am. Okay. During that meeting, it's a new procedure. I just make sure that's clear. So, thank you, M. Okay. So, council members, during that meeting, a member of council, was very rude to the other members, and was um inappropriate. Mayor, that's the same thing. She's not using my name. That's the exact same sentence. You have to address the entire council.

Okay. Council members, I urge you that if in the past any members at any meeting have acted in a way that is not becoming of the elected office in which you have become and have publicly slandered your other members on Facebook or any other media, that you would please repent of this publicly and remember your your role here that you are elected officials and that you are to act in a certain decorum that you are not to lie and you or not to um play a victim mentality and that there is evidence out there with the recorded meetings and what has been presented publicly and in meetings in snag comments was not accurate. And I just want to say that if you are curious about what happened, I would encourage you guys to go back and look at the April 7th meeting, particularly starting at 3 hours and 3 minutes in and see what I'm discussing. Thank you for your time and God bless you.

Thank you.

Good evening. My name is Marilyn Fisk. I live at 1815 North Monroe. And tonight, as the Hutchre board chairperson, um I would like to discuss without any emotion or accusations, um I would just like to briefly clar Yes. Can I stop you? This is this is an agenda item. Um so I think you need to come back when we have open public comment and the agenda item. My understanding was that the agenda item is about all Kansas recreation um commissions and not just how the hutre is different. Um is that would that be a correct comment, Justin. Uh, it doesn't point out uniquenesses within Hutchinson. Yes.

Okay. So, it's not specifically geared towards Hutchre wreck. It justes. You want to come up here? I'm I just want to get clarification so I make sure we do this correctly.

Good evening. Justin Combmes, director of parks and facilities. uh the presentation later on. Um we'll provide an overview of how parks and recreation services are delivered in Kansas. Um and then go into some detail on what makes Hutchinson unique. Um some of our boundary issues, some of those things um and then pose some questions at the end um based on the conversations that have been had the last several weeks. So provide enough. Yeah, that does. I just want to make sure we weren't, you know, that's all I needed. So sorry, you can go you can go ahead.

Okay. Thank you. And thank you for clarifying. So first I would just like to clarify what the Hutchre is. Hutchre is a quasi governmental entity created by state legislation. As such it is required to follow the same transparency standards as the city of Hutchinson. This includes compliance with open meetings and open records laws, an annual independent audit, and a formal budget approval process. Hutre's budget is fully public and is posted on the state website just like every other governmental agency. Um, next regarding the governance, under state law, Hutrech is governed by five commissioners, all of whom must live within the taxing district. Four commissioners are appointed by you, the city council, and the fifth is appointed by the other four commissioners. This structure ensures that local representation and direct accountability to city leadership. In addition, the commission's bylaws provide for an exeicio representation from both the city council and the c county commission. Um, council member Greg Fast served as the city council's exeicio representative for about two and a half years, which provided a standing opportunity for ongoing communication, engagement, and oversight between the city council and the Hutchre Commission. Um, operational coordination with the city is also ongoing. The city's director of parks and facilities, Justin, is invited to all the HUD commission meetings and he attends many of them, ensuring alignment between the city operations and recreational programming. And our financial reporting is shared broadly. The city manager, the city council's exeicio representative, the director of parks and facilities, and the city finance director all receive monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports from the Hutrak. This ensures full transparency and consistent oversight by city leadership. And regarding the taxing authority, HUDRE cannot raise its mill levy without your city council approval. That authority

rests entirely with this body. It is also important to note that the Hutre has never requested an increase in the mill levy. In fact, the mill levy has declined every year since 2012. Today it stands at the lowest level that it has in 32 years, which I think demonstrates responsible financial management. In closing, mayor and council members, Hutrech operates under state law with cityapp appointed governance, open financial reporting, and city council control over taxation. Its structure is transparent, accountable, and collaborative. Thank you for your time and all of your service to our community.

Thank you. Charles Nelson, 207 South Ford. Here is a concerned citizen of Hutcherson. Been here 6 months from DC and what's going on right now is worse in DC. So, as many of y'all are aware, I've looked at every document, talked to lots of people, and I know this issue probably better than anybody else in town. And out of the six 6,600 plus documents, there is one that really stood out to me and it's an email from Hutchinson Community College, Trisha Paramore dated September 4th, 2025 to Viegas, Justin Colmes, Paul Brown, and Carol Dwald regarding the negotiations between Hutch CC and Hutchre on the regarding the use of the Hutcherson Sports Arena in its entirety. And I'll quote Dr. Paramore. Good afternoon. Josh and I have visited about the most recent correspondence from Tony Finley. We appear to be spinning our wheels. Each attempt we've made to set viaou some clarifying parameters regarding Hunchre's use of the sports arena has resulted in a different excuse for why Hud will not agree to sign anou. First it was scheduling which is addressed in theou. Then at the August 27th meeting, it was his confusion with the city's involvement in the MOU and paying to use of facility. So at that time, we all agreed to remove any clause about payment to the city for use of the sports arena except for non hunch specific events like MAYB or Mid America volleyball attorneys. Now, it appears his concern rests with the lack of written gu of written guarantee that Hutchway will have quote use of of the sports arena for public recreation immediately or in the future unquote. And it goes on to communicate something new related to the city, not HUTC CC

state statute governing recreation commissions regarding the city's obligation to provide facilities for public recreation. It is my understanding that the city provides many all caps facilities for public recreation AML, Splash, Fun Valley, etc. including the sports arena. Even if the sports arena were not on that list, the city is providing facilities for public recreation. Tony's email mentions an athletic facilities agreement between the city and Hutchre. Is there such a document? I have not seen an agreement between the city and Hutchre. So, I'm simply asking to understand what might be causing him conflict. If so, is there anything that might contradict what is in the agreement between the city and Hunt CC? His email today is yet another example of the need for an MOU, particularly giving his persistent misunderstanding of the times when gyms are available. We've had these emails conversations at least five times over the last year. Enough. We have demonstrated ample patience. I'd like us all to get together to discuss the next steps and am I'm inviting Carol Waler, college legal counselor to join us. I hope you will be joining me and Josh for a 30 to 60 minute zoom meeting within the next week. That's that's straight from Dr. Paramore. In closing, I am reminded that the inframan's creed during times like these. I yield not to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue, to superior odds. For I am mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight. I forsake not my country, my mission, my comrades, my sacred duty. I am relentless. I am always there now and forever. And I'd like to forever be a resident of Hutcherson, but but this got to stop.

Thank you.

Yes. comes

Duke Deval, Hutchinson, Kansas, 251 Canterbury Drive. Uh, first of all, I want to thank the mayor and Councilman Truan for being at our Hutchre board meeting. Thank you very much. And uh, everybody is invited. dealing with the last comment. I happened to be at the Hutch Wreck Commission meeting when Mr. Gu was there and he acted very rudely, okay, and was caught whis with whispering with a certain city attorney on one occasion and had to be called on it. We I was at the meeting at sports arena when we got theou hammered out. I invited myself because I thought I should should be there. I take my job very seriously. I have never missed one Hutch rec commission me meeting in almost three years. So my track record is good. But then again, um, Hutch Juko, Mr. Gu had the opinion that the sports arena was there for HCC and HCC only. And when we added on to the sports arena, if I'm wrong, please tell me, but the North gyms were meant for public recreation. And as of now, we have anou that we got signed. Uh I hope Amy, did we get it signed?

We have an agreement.

Yes, we have an agreement now. So, we have an agreement with uh Hutch Juka and I hope we get an agreement with the city of Hutch. Um getting down my list. Uh I got three minutes. I got plenty of time. Uh just Justin Justin Cones has had a great presentation at our meeting last Wednesday about what he sees for the five he pointed out five issues that were we're want to do in the city and uh it was a very good prep presentation at the end of the meeting Amy Conling finished uh with her presentation of all the activities that Hutchre has and it's amazing the number of kids, young adults and adults and seniors use the hushre facilities. Now I have an issue that I didn't get to speak about at our last meeting. Mr. Garza made the statement about at a Hutch wreck meeting he was treated very poorly. I've never seen Mr. Garza at a Hutch wreck meeting, so I can't attest to it. As far as I'm concerned, if I ever knew of anybody who treated any official poor poorly, I would uh ask for some sort of reprimand or whatever it takes to get the job done. Nobody is more important in this whole room than the city of Hutch. We are the most you. We are it. We the people. We the people. you are here for that.

April 19th is my favorite day of the year. If you don't know, it's Patriots Day. And if you don't know why, it's the Battle of Lexington and Concord. And we started our fight. Thank you very much. You guys have a great night.

Thank you. Good evening, mayor and council members. My name is Lesie Sheay, one4 Dundy Court, Hutchinson, Kansas, and I am here to just share my thoughts with um about the Hutchre Commission and the talk or proposal of Hutch, the city of Hutchinson taking it under its umbrella. So, I'm going to read this. Thank you. My name um I currently serve as chair of the Hutchre Foundation and previously served two four-year terms as a commissioner for the Hutchre Commission. I am here because I strongly oppose the city's suggestion of bringing Hutchre under its operational umbrella under the guise of a cost-saving measure. I'm shocked that this would even be a consideration based on the growth Hutchinson Recreation has had over the past 12 years. Doing so risks undermining the mission it was created to serve. The recreation commission has was established as an independently operated entity dedicated to providing recreation and wellness programs for Hutchinson residents and overseen by appointed citizen commissioners and a dedicated director and staff. During my time as a commissioner, I went to significant growth under Tony's leadership. His experience brought a broader vision of what a recreation commission can be beyond youth sports. And since my departure, the growth has continued. And just for an example, just as of 2025, Hutchrex has served over 77,000 participants in the year 2025. They offered 570 programs in 2025. They distributed over $6.5,000 in scholarships. In 2025, they also have 150 seasonal part-time jobs in 2025. Every expenditure was and still is

carefully reviewed to ensure responsible stewardship as new programs, events, and initiatives are added to Hutchre wreck in its programs. And to this day, the mill levy has never been increased or asked to be. In fact, it is currently the lowest it has been in 32 years. Tony and his staff are passionate and dedicated to Hutchre and it would be unfortunate to jeopardize their livelihoods for reasons unrelated to performance. Hutchre's mission is to provide a lif lifelong wellness, cultural, natural, and recreational opportunities that promote healthy minds and bodies through innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and protected open spaces. Tony has built a forwardthinking and committed team that consistently upholds this mission, and it should remain this way. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Leslie.

Um, anyone else, Mayor and Council members, my name is Ron Sers. I live at 3400 Thunderbird. Thank you all for your service and particularly in these stressful times that we seem to be having the last few months a few weeks. Um I have a prepared remark but uh based on some of the other remarks made I'm going to add live it and if I stutter a little bit please excuse me. Um Mr. aid broke your rules today by mentioning people by name and that's not appropriate on your rules. U I wish he wouldn't have done that. U there's some mention by other speakers that the city manager's job has been uh questioned or he feels like he's going to be thrown out. I've probably talked to 30 people on this issue during the last few weeks and not one of them has mentioned anything like that at all. They just want something fair done within the city. Um I was involved in the last negotiation with the community college on theirou and I think uh it was very well stated that gosh's attempts were to throw the city use out of the sports arena and I was on the commission. No I wasn't on the commission. It was after I was on the commission. We had a vote to extend the

sports arena and it was made very clear that the sports arena would be a city/hcc use. Very very clear. At times Mr. Guch has not lived up to those things. I think at the present time to my knowledge their association is going very very well. We have some very we have some people with very high egos and sometimes they don't say the right things at the right time. I was on the college board for 16 years. I was on your board for eight years, mayor twice. And Mr. Mayor, I don't think I ever had a meeting that was as tense as this one and as divisive as this one. We've got to figure out how to the city to get along with everybody. And it takes one side here, one side here, and you move to the middle. And it's what'sever best for the city. I'd like to state that finance has been suggested as a something if the city takes over, we could save a lot of money. Well, I looked at my tax statement for last year. I paid on my tax statement $143 for the Hutch Rec Commission, 2% of my total tax budget. I don't think that's too much for a quality recreation commission. I am talking tonight about a rec commission. I'm not talking about people. I'm not talking about the city manager. I'm not talking about Tony Finley. I'm talking about two entities that need to get along.

The city successfully completed a campaign to raise sales taxes in Hutcherson to finance and complete many overdue projects such as deteriorating trail systems, aging water treatment plants, collapsing storm water systems, one collapsed last week, and more. These projects are expensive and are going to take your whole budget. They have a much higher priority priority than arguing over which body should govern Hutchre. Since Hutchre has managed to increase popular programming without increasing its mill levy, how can the city take on additional responsibility of Hutchre and promise and promise and promise not to cut programming when it's known that the city has more critical expenses than it has a budget for. Thank you very much. and I hope you can tone down the the stress of government. Thank you.

Thank you.

You can come to the podium.

I'm not trying to be a fun hater, but technically clapping violates section two, so you should not clap for anybody ever. Um, I'm Brad Crank, 3118 Formington Road. Um, I just like to City Hutch and the Hutch Rec Commission. Um, I'm currently the facilities manager at DCI. I don't know if everybody in here knows that DCI Park is owned by DCI. It's not a public park. Um, some people get that confused at times. Um, over the past three years, I've I've built a really good working relationship with the Hutch wreck, uh, being involved in DCI Park. Um, I won't mention the names, they know who they are, the ones that I've worked with. Um, from art projects, activities, community events. If you've looked at our park, you've seen some of the art projects and things that have been done. Um, those were with grant money and, uh, a little bit of help from DCI on certain things. Um during the Christmas season, you saw the Christmas tree go up grow up. That was an amazing event. Um I was able to witness several Hutchinson residents bring their families and kids take pictures during that time. Um so things like that have been going on uh for the residents of Hutchinson. Um anytime there's questions, issues or anything um we discuss it. Um we take care of it. we talk about it and we work through it. Um it it projects like we've done do not always go smooth. Um there's issues sometimes and we we've worked our way through it. Um all the requests to use the park uh come to me. Um I review those requests, talk to people, um make a decision on whether they're allowed to use the park or not use the park depending on what it is. Um, we don't charge a hutch wreck to use the park. Uh, we pay the utilities when

there's an activity going on and they're using electricity. DCI is covering that. Um, it's a choice we made. We talked about charging, but um, because of what they do, we thought the best interest for the community was just let allow them to use the park and not charge them for that. Um, with that being said, the good working relationship that we have over this long period of time, um, I feel like if the city takes this over, I'm not confident that that's going to be the same. Um, they respect me, they respect our facility. Um, from my past experiences with with city and things, I don't I don't have very high expectations that that's that would continue. um some of the project we talked about looking forward to doing in the future. I don't feel like that would be a smooth ride. Um like I said, I'm not I'm not confident the respect for myself and our facility would be the same over long term. Um I would just like to say I personally has nothing to do with with DCI. I personally stand with the Hutchre um continuing to do their part in our community and uh make it a better place for the families. And I really feel like that if all of you truly care about Hudson, Hutchinson family, and especially Hutchinson kids, um, some of the personal feelings should be put aside. And I think things should just stay the same and and we should move forward together and work together to make Hutchinson a better community for the for the kids that are going to be taking over this city someday. So, thank you for your time.

Thank you. Um, anyone else want to come to the podium?

Karen Neil 109 Hide Park. Um, just like Ron, I had something prepared, but I'm not going to be redundant with what a lot of other people have said, so I'm going to add liib this. And I'm just going to say that just because what works for other communities doesn't mean that's what's going to work for us. The recreation commission works well in Hutchinson and it has for over 70 years. It works well. It runs well. It works for Hutchinson. So just because parks and wreck work under the city for other communities, that doesn't mean it's going to work for us. And I want you to really take that into consideration as you learn about all the other different um communities that have different organizations. Um, I really think that you should take into consideration the people that elected you and the families and what they need because at the end of the day, this is about the residents who use the programs and making sure that it's here for another 70 years. Thank you.

Thank you,

Matt Store. uh 103 Kansas Avenue. I just wanted to uh quickly point out the the amount of people that are here tonight is not uh necessarily a mistake. We are there's a lot of fear going around in the community and a lot of rumors that are happening about what's happened recently and the conversations that have been happening. And I really want you all to recognize that that fear is not going to bring any of you individual favor. It's only going to make things much worse for each and every one of you individually. As a community, we're going to get through this. We're going to vote out every single one of you that is making this fear a problem. All right, that was it.

Thank you. Ma'am, would you

Good evening. My name is Cecilia Pena and I've heard from all of you so far this evening. I represent Southwest Bricktown. All of y'all that's came up here to speak are from north side of town. I agree with y'all. Enough is enough. We've There's been a lot of rumors, a lot of rumors going around of what's going on. From what I understand, this isn't the beginning and it's not going to be the end. It's been around for years. We and I've said this before and a lot of you think I'm going to say it again because I've been called that before. She's just a troublemaker. She's a badass. No, I'm not. I'm a human being with feelings that cares for her community. Enough is enough. There's no queens. There's no kings. There's a national national Hutcherson, Kansas. We all created equal. We need to open our ears, open our hearts. From my understanding, these programs aren't going to go away. All we're asking, and I've brought this to the city council before, all we want is transparency. What's it going to hurt to look over the financial reports of Hutch wreck? What's it going to hurt? City councils have done it many of times. Hired and resource outside estate people to come in and make reports, financial reports, city development reports. Woody seat freeway was all done out of state. And I am so tired of people saying, "I didn't know what was going on in Hutcherson, Kansas. I wasn't aware of

all these problems." I encourage you to get involved because if you don't, we're going to be a dwindling standing with only senior citizen, including myself, that doesn't have a place to go to voice our opinions and to be heard. It's got to stop. It's got to stop. Turn over your records. Let's see what's there. If you don't have anything to hide, you shouldn't be afraid. City council, I mentioned it again. I've I've asked that of them, too. We were in a standstill for over a year to make a decision on Woody Seat Freeway, but they stepped up the plate. They stepped up to the plate. They got the information. We didn't win. We still got the roundabout, but it's done. Get over it. accept it. That's all I'm asking our future citizens of of Hutcherson, our older folk to stop and think about that stuff. It's very, very important. And you're right, we got elected officials up here. A lot of them are new. Give them a chance. Give everybody a chance. Thank you.

Thank you. Ma'am, you can come up now.

My name is Sher Bosley Bradford. I live at 11:30 East Avenue C in Hutchinson. And um the city has a lot going on without taking on the Hutch wreck. The city can't even run the city right now. And you know, I've asked I've been living at that address for 24 years. And I've had problem after problem after problem with both both neighbors in hoarding and junking up their yards and vehicles and not mowing their yard until it's about 4t deep. And I call the city and they send them their little letters and everything threatening them to do this or that. But there's never any follow through. It's been year after year after year. Now, one of my neighbors, he got kind of scared when the water mane broke right out on my corner and the city was all over the place. By God, he got out and he uh mowed his damn yard for the first time without getting a letter from the city. And um you know, there's just a there's always a lot of threats that we're going to do this and that and everything else, but there's never much follow through. And as far as this video goes that was made um I don't know all of the all the whatever behind it. But, um, you know, looking at our city manager and his age, I kind of wonder if that's not going to that video won't be included in his next resume for his future job because people don't want to stay here in Hutchinson of their age group with their families because of exactly what's going on right now with the Hutch wreck. And people will get out of their uh get their kids through schools and then the

kids go to school and you think they're going to be here in 20 30 years. No, they go to the bigger cities where there's much more activities and everything for their families and everything. They don't stay here. They This town attracts all the retired people that need the medical care and the nursing homes. That's exactly what this town has come to. And even my own son's getting out of the Air Force after 25 years this summer. He's not coming back here. You know, there's nothing here for him. And it that's sad cuz I can remember back in the 60s it wasn't that way. So anyway, that's all I have. Thank you.

Anyone else? Make sure nobody's making any

Sam Conlin 3808 Cherry Hills. I just wanted to address one of the previous things that uh citizen said before talking about turning over financials. I don't know whether she was referring to the city or to Hutch wreck. Just point of clarification, we have turned over all financials and everything is public record as we've stated before. It's all state. It's all the state website. So, uh, and our own, uh, everything is transparent. So, thank you. Thank you.

Anyone else like to speak in public comment? Sue Ray 222 West 17th Avenue and um thanks for letting me speak. I was the chair of Hutrech. Um I joke for nine years. It was partly COVID. It was long. Um there was like an extra year or so. And um I wanted to be involved with Hutrech because of the way it affected me as a child. And no one's talked about um John Richardson has a theory that there are 300 people in Hutchinson who care about things like this, who runs what, how the taxes that, all that stuff, all these things. But for most of us, Hutchre meant something because of how it affected us. It's been around for 70 years. I'm 65. And it was the first time I was ever allowed to be a leader. I was a geeky weird kid. What a surprise. I only like to read. And that's basically my whole deal. And I went to Lake View Elementary in Carville. And they had a summer program where you could go and hang out in the summer and do crafts and things. And when I got to be about fifth grade, they decided to let me be a junior leader. And since what I like to do is read, they decided I could uh read to the other kids, the little ones. So I put together an outfit where I dressed up like Bo Peep. I went junking on South Maine with my grandma. Put together an outfit and I would read stories to the little kids and they liked it a lot. It was the first time I thought, "Oh, something I can do is good and people like it." And it was really huge. It was a big deal to me. Then I went to Dylan Nature Center. I went to the camps and then I was a junior counselor and they were really good at letting the older

kids help the younger kids and they would help us find out what we were good at even if it wasn't uh athletics because I also played te-ball and I was an orange devil and I found out I hated team sports a lot and I would rather sit out in the middle of the outfield and look for clover and nobody really cared. They were like okay that's fine. And then my niece got older and she loved Dylan Nature Center. It means a lot to my family. That's a big deal. Hutchre has been a part of what made Hutchinson good and Hutchinson really really good for our family is good for our our all the kids in our family. So, it it's a big part of what makes this place special and we don't want to lose anything that makes Hutchinson special and we don't want it to be uh pulled apart and that's why I wanted to be involved with Hutrak. That's why I've served on the board for many years and I hate all the fighting. It's not doing us any good and it's not going to do us any good. All of us are going to come out worse in the long run. So when you think about what it means to people and Elmdale, you know, I mean, I learned when I was on the board, Ron Sers was on the board and he taught me a lot about different things that I need to think about when I'm serving on boards. And I've been serving on boards for a long time, too. So don't just think about it as this thing to fight over. It's also a big part of what makes our community special. So, I hope you'll take that into account, too. Thanks.

Thank you.

Anyone else? Making sure that there's nobody in the back room that wants to come forward. I can't see all of you, so I don't know if anybody's getting up or not. So, their thumbs up. Okay. Okay. Okay. So, next item. I just need clarification. Sorry. On our next item. Um, I just want to make sure we're going in the correct order. You want to agenda? Huh? Consent agenda. Didn't we move some things forward in the agenda? We moved the item nine up to item seven up to seven.

Mr. Mr. Mayor, there's a gentleman I think was didn't understand. He does want to say okay let me get clarification then we'll come back to that. Sorry. So we moved to item nine to number seven. Okay. Sorry. I just want to make sure I had clarification on. I didn't get all that written down. So sorry. We'll go back and move to public comment again. Sorry. There was somebody didn't understand me. So if you'd like to come up to the podium. Yes sir. State your name and address. And

my name is Joe Rocastro. I live at 324 West C. I got two comments. First one's about this bridge on Sea Street. They've been jacking around that bridge for months and months. In the meantime, they got the whole north end of Woody Seek done. Signs are up, roundabouts down. Five new driveways were put in there on the A Street for the people that live there. And they're still jacking with this bridge. All summer long, they didn't done the whole north end. It's all seated. The weeds, grass is growing up and everything. Right. Okay. Number two. Are any of you aware of some of these hideous potholes in this town? Specifically, right behind Convention Hall, the end of that alley that's been there for days. I mean, it is hideous. How about 11th and uh excuse me, Fourth and Whitide. The east side of that roadway is all broke out from fourth clear down halfway down to Fifth Street. I guess nobody's been down that way lately. They even got a sign in the gas station there saying, "Call the city about this roadway out here." It's been that way for days and days, not couple months or weeks. Right there by the kids shelter on by the police station where that brick is all busted out there on first and uh what is that? Jefferson right there. City's put a white line around them busted out bricks there. They've been that way for years. Right down to the end at the crosswalk. It's all busted out there. Same thing. Don't let me get started on that second street by the Hutch News. That's hideous. Another roadway. You know, I blame all you guys. I can't blame just one person. He's the man in charge. Can get things done, but those things ain't getting done. Shall I continue? How about here on D in

Washington? I go down that area. You hit that brick street on on Washington, you drop. There's a hole that dang big there. You know, I try to drive around, but doesn't do no good. That hole is that big. You hit it, boom, front ending goes down. Number two, three, the entrance to Kerry Park on the sidewalk right there where they built that years ago. It's busted out unless it's been repaired lately. I went out to to the park office one time, asked about that busted out area. They said, "We don't have the people that does that kind of masonry work that was done eons ago." So, it was all busted out unless they got it fixed. But, I'm glad they got that that uh barbecue place finally cleared out behind the behind the fountains there cuz it was messed up for a while, too. Not years, but for a while. They finally got that capri and flattened it out, you know, because I used to go down there quite a bit when I was walking like used to. But anyway, that's all I got. Say he's the power. You got You got to say, so do some of these damn hideous potholes. I mean, they're hideous. Nobody's been behind there on the convention hall. By God, I went down by their Saturday after leaving the anchor in. Oh man, it's in bad bad shape. But you know, that's the way it is. I will say one thing to the credit. Years ago, I complained about right beside the anchor in here. There's a large messed up spot there. The previous person, whoever's in charge, they went down and got that thing straightened out, flattened out. Looks good. Now, you know, how about striping in front of uh the tire store there on a street? There's no stripes down the middle. Same

with the anchor in drive-thru coming off coming down the What is that? Adams. I come by there this morning. There's no stripes down that street. They're just black top. Looks good. Where's the stripes? I see guys out there on West Fourth filling in cracks in the street on Fourth Street. I said, "Look at this jazz filling the cracks and you got these hideous ass potholes around there. I'm not lying. Go take a look at fourth and 11th, you know, or behind convention. Oh, you want to see something bad? Look at that mess back there.

Well, that's all I got to say. That's what I had to say to you guys. I ain't blaming any of you. I blame all of you for it, not just one person. Thank you. Thanks, sir. I got to say about the situation. We'll see how it works out.

Okay. Councilman, Mayor Daniel Minigan, 601 North Madison. Um, I agree with this gentleman right here. Um, I used to have a house over on 11th Street and city came down on me because oh, there's a pain problem, but yet you can go along the highways and you can go along everything else and you see weeds just growing. You'll see um like the ditches along the rain. When it rains, it gets a lot of water. Well, that attracts mosquitoes. Okay, that's not healthy for us. And I remember when I was a kid, we used to have mosquito trucks. We don't have them anymore. Whatever happened to them? Don't know. But it was a good thing for us because it protected us. And you all as our leaders that we elected should be a role model. I mean, of course, we need to take care of our grass. We need to take care of our houses. And I agree with that. But at the same time, I think the city should also instead of fighting over things like Hutch wreck and stuff or all that mess, they should be a role model and start tending to our streets like the man says, our streets, our sidewalks, because there's people that walk down that sidewalk. What if someone walks down, trips, falls because there's a hole there? Well, there's an injury there. Who's at fault? Okay. Who's going to pay the medical bills, you know? So, I think you all as council members and

mayors should come up with a program to help people that can't get out. There's elderly that can't mow their grass, but yet they still get in trouble for it. But if we can come up with a program to help them, you know, like I go to HCC. I'm learning construction right now and HCC and the Hutch High Schools joined with the city and everything to start filling up all these vacant lots with houses and stuff. I mean, I'm wearing my shirt right now cuz I came straight from class here. And I think that's a great thing that we're working with the city to fill up these lots, but I think you as as members of the council and you know all should be a role model and make sure that the streets and the sidewalks and the grass is mowed so we know, you know, a role model. We can follow what you all do. Thank you.

Thank you. All right. Just going to make sure there's nobody else. Um I don't want I definitely don't want to miss anybody. So, all right. If not, next item. Mary item number six, consent agenda. So, has everyone had a chance to look through the agenda, the consent agenda? Questions, comments? Tax receipts are down. That's my comment. Okay. Um, I'll move to approve the consent agenda and authorize the mayor to sign. I'll second. Druan, yes. Garza, yes. Goss, yes.

Bass, yes. Mayers, yes. Item number seven, no. This is where we're moving nine up, right? Isn't that correct? Is new business a discuss council travel policy? Is somebody presenting on this? Me. Oh, you. Okay. Sorry. Um, has everybody read the sample policy that was provided in the amended agenda?

Yes. So the reason I am proposing this and let me find um what page it starts on.

Thank you. I was going to get there. I was on 97. Okay. Uh this is on page 92 of um the agenda packet. So the reason that I'm proposing this is to ensure that travel decisions are made transparently, consistently, and in the public interest, not at the discretion of any one individual or through an informal agreement. Um so currently the way that our travel works is we have a line item within our budget. Um, but there is no governing travel policy because the employee travel policy doesn't apply. We're not employees. Um, there's no advanced notice required. There's no council approval required. Um, and the city foots the bill for the items kind of following the um employee tra policy um but not really cuz technically it doesn't apply. Um, so the in my opinion and the reason the whole reason I put this forth is that um I believe citizens have a right to know how their elected officials are spending money. Um, this formal policy creates a a paper trail with travel requests, approvals, and expense reports. So, it's documentable subject to public records request because it's not just good governance. Um, it's it's essential to maintaining community confidence in local government. Um, this policy also protects not only council but the city from any liability and allegations of misuse of funds. When everybody is following the same documented rules, there's less less exposure to legal challenges or ethics complaints. Regarding budget discipline, without pre-approval requirements, a travel budget can be depleted by a few individuals before other council members have any opportunity or benefit um of travel or before the public is aware of the expenditure. A vote-based approval process ensures that the full council, not just those traveling, um decide how the limited public funds are allocated.

And like I said, um this is separate from the employee travel policy. Um because the employee travel policy govern staff who answer to a chain of command. Council members are elected and answer directly to constituents, not to a department head or a city manager who oversees our conduct. And that accountability gap makes this policy not just useful but also necessary. There's one thing that I um will note is missing because I wrote this a couple weeks ago. Um and I believe that um adding a section um would be a quick fix which essentially would be that um when travel expenses are depleted um there are no additional travel expenses approved. And I have sample language that would um that would account for that and I stand for any questions from council.

Yes, I got a comment. I think our travel policy is okay. We've been using this travel policy. I worked with the city for 33 years. Use the same travel policy. We be tied up in the council for little trips here and there. There's no need to change it what it is. Um, we're not going to get what we're going to fraud the city. It's been doing fine for years and we should just leave it the way it is. Um, I don't see a problem with it and I was an employee for 3 to three years. I've been a city council member for seven and we used it just fine. There's no problems with it. Otherwise, we're going to have to get it approved um by the council. We have enough on our plate without doing stuff like this. Um, I don't see a problem with our travel policy and um, and anytime you guys want to see what's going on our books, it's just like the rec said, do you look at our books? I don't think there's a problem with it at all.

So, what what travel policy are you referring to? The policy you want to change it. I haven't read the travel cuz I didn't know this was coming up, but the We don't have a travel policy for council. Okay. And the one for employees does not apply to council. So, whatever we do, but us going places, just leave it alone. the city manager who whatever they decide what we're going to do in the business, leave it alone. They're doing the business, leave it alone. I I don't believe that's an accountable or transparent way to operate. Enrico, can you can you speak how we currently do it now? Um I I was looking for Angela, but I don't see her. So, um is Angela here? Oh, there she is. Can you come speak to what how how that works now?

Um Angela Richard, director of finance specifically for council. Yes, specific because this is what this is addressing. So, um so typically it usually the city manager lets us know that there's been travel um that can be charged to a city card, purchasing card or credit card um is what people also call that. And then when they get back, they follow the same reimbursement procedures that an employee would. The same PDM rates, the same mileage rates, and they turn in their receipts.

Okay. Um that's that's that's the question I had. So, um so I actually kind of did some you can you can go sit down if you want to. Um I've talked to oh three cities around us and um after after this brought to the attention so like uh city of Newton it's approved by the city manager um with travel the travel expenses for council um and then McFersonen is on travel like that if it's if it's over $1,000 it goes to um goes to council for approval. I'm I'm waiting on a call back from Salina. Um, I called a couple days ago and I have not heard back yet. So, from what I found around us, um, there's not much um that I could find find yet, but there's still more. Um, I just want to at least participate in this discussion a little bit too about what's around us, too. So, um, that's just that was my input at the moment. Yeah, I believe that the fact that we have a budget line item specifically for travel which is also used again there's no policy for this. So non-travel training is also deducted from this same account it would appear. Um but we have a line item for this but we don't have a policy for this. And to me that makes it ripe for being taken advantage of. Um I I believe um a lot of cities have or at least their uh employee policy would would also apply to um council which is essentially what this is uses a lot of the same language. Um for me I think that the concern is that um all travel is essentially made public after the fact. Um, I think that's a a public relations nightmare and and we should correct it.

Okay. Anyone else like to comment?

So, question I have, Miss Goss, um says that the current policy doesn't affect uh city council, but I'm looking at uh the uh travel policy for the city hutch dated January 1, 2016. And in the policy statement, it says, "Performance of city official business with the necessity periodic travel by city officials slash employees." Uh I maybe I'm wrong, but I'm assuming if it says city officials, that would be us, too. So, I think this policy would apply to us. Another concern I have on the proposed policy is is that um council members will not be reimbursed until after the travel. Um, you know, this could put uh some uh council member in a financial bind if they don't have the money to uh you know, we assume that everybody would have, but we set this policy and a certain member doesn't have the money to go and they've got to, I guess, bankroll it and wait till they get back. where with the with the policy you can get, you know, uh the money up front to help cover expenses.

I don't disagree and that was the one argument that I put in the con side on my notes. I think it would disadvantage some um but I I think that the transparency aspect um I don't know overrules that in a way or is is more important than that and it's a policy. It's not written in stone. there is an opportunity that if that were the case, the council in a future date could amend the policy. I I guess my question is is I mean this like Mr. Garza said, this current policy has been used since 2016. I'm not aware that we've had any issues with it and it does say city officials. So I think that would in maybe I'm wrong, but I would think that that would include the city council. So, I I I guess I'm just not sure why we need to change the policy because I have not heard that we've had any issues.

And if you're right, sir, if I have to bank it, I'm not a rich man. I couldn't afford it. So, that's I didn't see that part. So, that I couldn't do that.

There were two other concerns I had, Stacy, and that was mileage to the airport. You wouldn't be reimbured for that. and you wouldn't be reimbured for parking at the airport. I I'm fine with that. I guess there's three another concern. Um when I travel, it's the way you have it. It's for the whole world to know and I don't know if that could be a safety issue. I'm not terribly worried about it. Carly might be a little bit worried about it. Um those are just some concerns and you know I I feel pretty comfortable with what we have right now. Um, anybody else have any questions or comments? Um, does the public have any questions or comments?

I have a question for Angela. Can you tell us how much is in the council travel budget currently per year? Um, so in 2026 we have 15,000 for travel and 5,000 for training. In my view, those line items could be combined. And then um after the trip to DC, we probably spent about 6500. And in the past two years, how much has been spent on council travel?

I only have last year with me. Um, last year we spent 13,412. And so the And so if um you mentioned that already this year we've spent 6,500 approach. Um when that runs out what happens?

Usually the way we look at department budgets is as a total we don't criticize when they go over individual line items. We understand that sometimes they may go over in chemicals, but they're able to save in supplies or something like that. So, we look at the total budget and try to um make sure that departments are within that total budget and if they're not able to to let myself or the city manager know um and explain why because ultimately at the state level, they just care about the total fund. Any more questions? No. Thank you, Angela. Uh, anyone else anyone else in the public have any questions, comments? Um, seeing none, um, next item. Item number 7B, Recreation Commission Educational Presentation. Uh good evening. Um Justin Combmes, director of parks and facilities. Um first I just want to thank everyone for coming out. Um it's great to see so many people and being engaged um uh in your local government. Um, I want to step back just a little bit and um, speak to the reason why we're here. Um, this isn't a city-led initiative. This is nothing the city uh, city staff, city council um, they didn't originate the question. Um, it really started uh, from this public comment uh, several weeks ago.

At least look and decide and and decide after we know after we look at the study and say, "Okay, it doesn't work for Hutchinson, but if it does, it's worth you guys voting on." So yeah, I think this is a good good idea myself have a committee and look at it. Uh that's I like it. We'll see. I think we need to have a conversation about it. Yeah, absolutely. Future. Um just to I guess uh do our due diligence to make sure we're making the right decision for our community. So that's I agree. I mean, I don't know when we need to decide that, but an independent study, we get beat up all the time for spending money on studies, but this is exactly why we hire people to do this, so we have information that we can make a good decision on,

right? And you know, I I think consolidation is very efficient generally speaking.

No, I think it needs to be a future agenda item, not something for disc I mean, we'll discuss, but we have more history information, I think. So, I just wanted to play that just to just to clarify this is not not a city-led thing that city staff's not advocating one way or the other. Um, you know, this was a brought up at public comment. Um, there's a discussion um about seeking more information and providing more information. That's why we're here tonight. There's no hidden agenda. There's no um assumptions being made. It's just simply uh to kind of fill in some gaps um as far as information or or misinformation goes. Um also there's lots of lots of talks about cutting um programming um and and so I just want to play another another clip from the last council member meeting. together as a city and and and this all it was a gentleman coming here showing us how we can save that's all it was we were never going to you know how many calls I had that we're going to close direct we can't direct that's crazy other cities have their far we're not far just look at it. They come back with saying where they or we're good. The wreck's doing a great job. If that's the case, then we go on the Rex stays what they're doing. So all it is, guys, is just something that the city commissioned that a citizen came for the people by the people. And I don't care if he was just one guy. But one person comes up there and asks for us to do something, we have to look at it. We have to look at it. That's our job as city commissioners.

Mr. Park. Yes. You see that ball is I did on my head. It's the angle of the camera. Oh, okay.

Um also just want to pl um kind of go over a couple key clarifications as well. There's a lot of talk about this subject and I just want before before I dive into the actual presentation uh you know just make sure we're all kind of operating from the same framework. Um city is simply reviewing information. Um no decision has been made. We're simply providing information. Uh this is not personal. It's not about a person, a single person, a group of people. Um it's about long-term planning and long-term service service delivery of parks and recreation within our community. Uh there's nothing um has been said that the city intends to cut any sort of programming whether that's youth programming uh third Thursday special events, adult programming, senior program programming. Uh there's never been any indication um that that's the city's intent if this path is followed. Um or if we continue to explore this idea. Now, there's also been nothing said to indicate the city's intent would be to reduce staff or uh reduce employee pay if this path is followed or if we continue to explore this idea. Um the currentou structure um is difficult to balance from an efficiency and a fairness standpoint. I'm going to get into that a little bit later. Um but there could be a potential um that additional community investment um could happen if we need to if we make these or these agreements a little bit more more equitable between the two organizations.

Can you clarify what you mean by require additional community investment? Are you saying that that would require the city to rate to raise our taxes or what are you saying on that specifically? um if I don't answer that question by the end of my presentation, will you reask it? Because I do address it later on and I think it it will make more sense. So if you if you give me a little bit of grace to answer that through the presentation u and then also if this path is is followed if we continue down this path u the intention is is to use a third party uh that would make uh non-biased um and uh recommendations and review those recommendations.

Mayor I have a question um based on Mr. Combmes's remarks already. It sounds like we're going down a path of recommending a study and this is a presentation for education. Um, you know, so I t I did talk to Mr. Combmes today and I just clarified that there's not going to be any action and we're not going towards any type of study tonight. And that is correct, Justin.

Correct. No recommendation is given. Um, these are questions that were brought up, the conversation that was had. We're just exploring the idea. So there is the end of my presentation in the memo. Um, I'm making zero recommendations. Um, at the end of it, I'm going to ask for feedback as far as what our next steps. Uh, the other question that's been posed that I've heard um is why am I giving the presentation? Um, why why aren't others giving the presentation? Um, and the answer to that question is this the question was asked by a city resident to the city to the city council. Um and and I'm the director of parks and facilities. It is my responsibility to answer those questions. Um I'm more than qualified um to explore the idea and I offer information. Um not that anyone really cares, but I've got 23 years of experience in parks and recreation. Uh over 15 years as a director, 13 here in Kansas, a bachelor's degree in park management conservation, and a master's degree in public administration. Um you again not not to tout t credentials just you these are these are things that I'm qualified to speak on um and and I think I can do so in a non-biased way. Again I'm not making any sort of recommendations not making any any assumptions. Okay. So, with that piece out of the way, I want to move in u to really kind of the heart of the matter um is a overview um of parks and recre recreation services um as well as what makes Hutchinson unique. We are extremely unique. Um so to start this conversation, I looked at the top 50 cities in Kansas. So 50 by population. I know that's hard to read. Um the intent is not that you read every name that's on there. Um the largest city in Kansas is Witchah. Smallest city on this list um is Maze with a

population of 6,800. Um so it's really encompasses large cities, medium cities, and relatively small cities. There are two primarily primary delivery systems for parks and recreation. That is a joint parks and recreation department and a recreation commission. So on this slide I've highlighted um which communities on there um are parks and recreation and which are recreation commissions. There are 30 that are um parks and recreation um which is 60% of that list. There are 21 that have recreation recreation commissions which is 40% of that list. Now if you're paying attention 30 plus 21 does not equal 50. Um the reason is is Blue Valley Recreation Commission is is really an oddity. Um so Blue Valley um their boundaries um overlap City of Leewood, Overland Park, and THA. Both Lee or all three of those cities also have parks and recreation departments. Um so there there's definitely some overlap there. So that's why the math doesn't math um is because there is Blue Valley which really really stands out. I'll show you the boundaries of that um that later on. So when we break this data down a little bit or break down the the communities here, if we split this group in half, um so our top 25 by population, um which is essentially every city with a population um of 15,000 or greater, um only 20% of those cities um receive their sole um taxf funed recreation provider is a rec commission. Um when we jump down to the the more medium-sized communities um communities that are within the population of 15,000 uh to 6 6,800 that number jumps to 60%. Um I also want to point out that you we often compare ourselves to Salina, Manhattan, Dodge, and Garden City. Um those are all

communities that offer a park and recreation um department. Um there's always ways to slice data and slice sets to uh to to tell a special narrative or the narrative you want. So I wanted to slice this data a little bit differently um just to show it it basically shows the exact same trend. So if we break this down by groups of 15 um so the first group would be any city that's greater than 27,000 people. Um there's only one rec commission and that's Hutchre. So 7% of the cities uh in that category of above 27,000 population uh the middle group so populations between 27,000 and 11,800 53% of those those communities um operate via rec commission and then that third group from 11,800 to 6,800 60% of those um operate with the rec commission. So, the reason that I wanted to point out is there's a clear trend. Um, the larger the city, the more likely that city is to offer parks and recreation as a department as opposed to a rec commission. Um, and one potential um explanation for that is boundaries is the boundaries of the city and the boundaries of school districts. Uh when when rec commissions are established, they are established with taxing authority and they are a quasi governmental agency that has their own taxing authority. Uh they are established either under USD, so a school district or the city boundaries. Um the reason this is important is because essentially is who is paying for that service or who's paying property tax for the recreation commission. Um, so I want to go through the top nine largest rec recreation commissions in Kansas and just show the boundaries and then we'll get to Hutchinson and show uh why we're different and why we're unique. So um

earlier I mentioned um Blue Valley um and so again just not to not to gloss over Blue uh Blue Valley uh what's shown in yellow is Blue Valley School District USD 229. Um, so this area here, this is all tha. Um, this here is Overland Park and then Leewood is this long kind of skinny community along the state border. Um, as you can see, Blue Valley Rec Commission overlaps all three and all three have their own separate parks and recreation department. So, I just wanted to point that one out um as a as an oddity. So, now I want to start So, I started at the top nine. So, I want to start at the bottom and work my way up. So um this is Ottawa. Um city of Ottawa is shown in blue and in yellow is USD 290. Uh Ottawa public schools. Uh when Ottawa was established or rec w commission was established they were established under USD 290 u boundaries. Um so you can see there's a significant more amount of land more amount of property that's being taxed for the delivery of recreation services um in Ottawa. Uh next slide is McFersonen. Um exact same same story here. Uh you can see that the discrepancy between uh USD 418 and McFersonen city limits. Um so this is uh McFersonen wreck that operates under USD 418 boundaries. Um the next one is Great Bend. Uh uh Great Bend Wreck operates under USD 228 boundaries. Um again you can see the discrepancy between the size of USD uh uh 428 and the city of Great Bend. Uh Newton. So we're getting a little bit closer um to our neck of the woods. Uh Newton um exact same story, right? So USD 373 is, you know, multiple times

larger than the city of Newton. Um again, so that tax burden, that mill levy then is spread out through all the properties that fall within the yellow boundaries. Um not just the blue, not just the city limits. Um Hayes, again, exact same story. And you can see how large USD 489 is um compared to the city of Hayes um and Hayes Recreation Commission. Uh so again, Hayes Recre recreation commission is taxing everybody in that in that yellow um as opposed to just the city of Hayes. Emporia um you know again considerably larger. Emporia wreck is tied to the boundaries of USD 253. Um and again significantly larger than Emporia Derby. Uh so Derby is the third largest uh rec commission um in the state. Um you know actually part of Derby public schools um USD260 go into the city of Witchah. Um and so you can see there again how uh Derby wreck is tied to USD 260 and so they have a much broader tax base. They're spreading the load, spreading the cost over a much broader population, a lot more properties. So that brings us then to Hutchinson um and what makes us really unique. Um so when Hutchinson Recreation Commission was established, it was originally established under the boundaries of USD 308. So this map shows USD308 boundaries in yellow and the city of Hutchinson boundaries in blue. Um so completely reverse of what we looked at with the the other eight UK commissions. Um now this was recognized that this was a problem that this over maybe overburdened USD308 uh residents. Um so in 2011 then the boundaries were changed

from just USD308 um to the city of Hutchinson. So currently um uh Hutchre is taxing u with their mill levy all the residents within the city of Hutchinson um and only the city of Hutchinson limits. I have a question on this slide. So that depicts the current city limits, not what the city limits were in 2011 though. Correct. There has been a little bit of boundary change in the last 15 years. Well, I did not make these maps. Our IT department did, right? But like the island annex wasn't there. Yeah, these would be current. These are current. Yeah. Yep.

So the other part of that story is, you know, why is that why does that look so weird? Why are the others so different? Uh the reality is we have four school districts uh that touch or go into the city limits of Hutchinson. Um so it's um obviously USD 308 Hutchinson, 313 Buler, 309 Nickerson South Hutch, and 312 Haven. Um and so you you know to make our model look like the others where we're spreading that burden over a much um a much larger group, we would almost have to incorporate all four school districts uh to kind of match what what everyone else is doing. So So definitely one of the pieces of the puzzle when it comes to the questions about efficiency um and and how R commissions are set up and how they're taxed. So I think another part of this that we need to talk about is is the agreements between the city and hot track. Um just just to clarify our ourus are expired. They expired um the beginning of 2022. We have been operating generally under that previous language. Uh where we are at with those agreements right now. Um I've met with uh with Tony and also with the board. U we have draft agreements. We um talked very high level with the board. Um, we came up with general concepts of what we'd like in that agreement. I drafted um a redline version of a draft of both the Salt City Splash and the Athletic Fields um those are two separate agreements. I gave that to Tony. I've received back um the Salt City Splash agreement um with comments on it. I have reviewed it. I've not responded um and then I have not received back the red line agreement for um uh for the ball field. So, we are making progress on that.

Can you share what dates you those were exchanged? Um, not off the top of my head. I know I received the Salt City Splash um agreement back from Tony probably 3 to four weeks ago. Um, so, and what all otherus exist? Uh, so we also have an agreement with Elmdale Senior Center. Um, it expires in It is still active. I just looked up, but I don't want to misquote the date, but that one is still current. Um, we do not have an agreement for Dylan Nature Center.

I thought we had a letter signed in like 1970 on one piece of paper. I've seen it that was kind of evergreen. It's a It's a letter. Yeah. I I'll defer to to Paul if that's a contract, if that's anou. I uh we might be splitting hairs, but um it's not it's not a contract in in the sense of what we have with Salt City Splash, uh Ball Fields, uh or Elmell. What about for concessions?

Uh that is embedded inside the um agreements between the uh Ballfields and um Soul City Splash. So, kind of an overview of what those um agreements look like. Uh generally speaking, um the city's responsibilities are to prepare the fields um or facilities prior to all activities, maintain parking areas in the grounds, provide all building maintenance, um pay all of the utilities, um and there is language in there about a subsidy um for direct cost u for the operation of our athletic fields. um hutch wreck responsibilities. Uh they provide uh personnel for the operation of the facility, umpires, field supervisors, those sorts of things. Uh they implement and maintain athletic programs. So overall program of athletics, youth athletics, adult athletics. Uh they hutre also maintains a web-based calendar that we share. We have both have access to uh Hutre conducts routine cleaning. They collect all fees and they operate the concession stand. Salt City Splash is is nearly a mirror image um of the two. Um we do point out uh you know city does purchase all the chemicals for the pool uh pay pay all the utilities. There's also a subsidy um that's that's written into those previous contracts and the contracts that we are still working under today.

Can you talk to that subsidy and when was the last time that it was paid because that subsidy has been mentioned multiple times and it seems contentious. Uh it is is there's no intention behind it. Um it's just simply calling out what's I'm not saying your yours is contingent. The overarching theme of people bringing it up.

That's definitely been um a point of discussion um is should the city be directly subsidizing Hutchre for these for these operations. Um to Hutchre's credit over the last several years that subsidy um has greatly reduced and in fact in 2025 there is no subsidy for either operation. Um, so it is something that Hunchback has made uh a conscious effort to eliminate or reduce. So, but because we don't have new signed agreements, um, it's still in the old agreement, still in the in still in the agreement we're working under. Um, and it's something that's important for the history, um, of the agreements between the two two organizations. So, also wanted to provide some some examples of direct costs to the city to provide recreation services. Uh so these are uh so in 2025 our actual dollar spent for fun valley was 336,000. Um same year in 2025 for the pool is 252,000. Um we've done some parking lot improvements. Uh roof replacements. Uh we do constant are doing building repairs and building maintenance that are that are budgeted into our park uh park maintenance budget. Um we all we also uh maintain the sports arena to a certain degree and do certain pieces there. Um and so the point here isn't that these costs would go away if the model changes. These are real costs. They're going to happen no matter who operates um no matter what the um what the model looks like. Uh and so the question could be asked then can some of these charges some of these costs be charged back to Hutchre? So could we make it more equitable and charge some of this back to Hutchre? The answer is yes we could. But then we run back into this. Um and so let's say we agree we're going to we're going to increase, you know, we're going to ask Hutre for for a $200,000 rent. Just

making up a number for the use of our facilities. a truck would be forced most likely would be forced to increase their mill levy. Um their mill levy um would impact all city residents. And so it's just this circular game that you know if we want to want to make it more equitable, we're just charging the same group of people that we're charging. And so it doesn't make a lot of sense um a lot of sense uh to recoup those costs that way because again it's it's the same group of people that are being taxed twice um essentially for the delivery of that service. Um now had our model looked like this then yes maybe that makes sense. Um, and actually several of these communities do charge um, you know, Hayes, they get a flat fee from Hayes Wreck for the operation or for the rental of their ball field. So, they just write them a check every year. In our case, it probably doesn't make sense because again, it's just that circular thing. We're charging the exact same people um, for the same thing. So, uh, you know, Hutchre and the city, uh, both collect taxes from the exact same group of residents, uh, for the delivery of recreation services. Um, does this inherently create duplication in cost? So if we have two organizations that are collecting taxes for the delivery of the exact same same service is there an inherent duplication there because it's two separate organizations you is the recreation model is it inefficient for Hudson for Hutchinson due to our boundaries um you know those are are really the heart of the question the reason this has come up multiple times u you know over the years it seems about every 15 to 20 years this question comes up and it's because of these two It's not about does Hutch wreck

are they efficient with the funds they receive. That's not the question. Um, you know, it's not do they have the right mix of programs, not the right mix of programs. It's the tax structure in the overall model. Is it is it not built for the way our boundaries are? Um, does it create inherently duplication because you have these two organizations taxing the exact same group of people? Um, so that's the heart of the question has nothing to do with, you know, what brand of light bulbs Hutchre spends or buys and and how much they pay their employees. It's not about the internal efficiencies. It's about the model. It's about the framework and the tax structure. So why the question keeps coming up. So like I said, I'm not making any recommendations um to move forward, to not move forward, to continue to discuss it. Um on on the flip side, I'm actually asking you um for direction. Um you where do we go from here? Um questions been asked. We've provided information. I know there's a whole bunch of people that probably would like to speak on this. So u I will uh um you know um wrap it up real quick. And I also want to open up for questions from council um if there are any.

I have a question. Can you go back to where you talked about the the true costs of things? I think is three back. So, do you have a spreadsheet that splits this out? I I would have had better questions, but I asked for a copy of the slides this morning and didn't get a response.

I do not have So, Angela and I worked on um on a spreadsheet with some of the cost. Um it's it's hard. I didn't want to throw a number out there with all these other things and have it not be accurate. So, what I'm presenting here is just the total budget for Fun Valley, the total budget for the pool. I also want to recognize some of Fun Valley does support USD 308, some of it supports um Hutchinson Community College. So, you and the sports arena budget is that line item from is that one funded through the um sales tax? It is not the operation.

Okay. not the operation of it any any improvements or maintenance CIP projects. We we do have a reserve from the sales tax for the sports arena but not for the operation. I did I did not put the full budget for the for the sports arena there um because they're not the primary user but there is there is a cost um to the city. So is like insurance included in this and uh insurance paper towels. Yeah. For which one specifically for all of it like it's going to vary by each one. Um, uh, insurance would be in all of these. Commodities, uh, would also be included in in these.

And just for clarification, the sports arena and the city of Hud split the costs. Is that what is that how we is that what our

um, so sports arena um, so HCC operates it. They they manage the daily operation of the building. Um, the city pays for 50% of the utilities. Um the city pays for 50% of the consumables or commodities. So that's toilet paper, paper towels, those sorts of things. Um uh the community college is 100% responsible for the labor of cleaning and maintaining the building until we get into large kind of CIP projects. And then the city uh we then negotiate um so let's say if we're going to put a new uh roof on the building that would be a negotiated cost share between the city um and the community college. So generally yes we split we split the cost.

You're answering my questions as I'm thinking of things. So thank you. I just wish this was more detailed with exactly what all went into these figures.

Yeah. And I think that's that's you know if if we choose the option of looking more deeply into it. I think those are the things we need to explore not just these costs that are on the screen but also the the costs on on Hutra's side as well um to do that a deep analysis to get an understanding um you know of of what the savings could or couldn't be um if if any decisions are made. Just I just want the intent of th this was just to point out that there is a real cost to the city of Hutchinson as an organization for providing the recreation services.

I don't think this is a I mean this doesn't reflect all of the costs of the services that are provided by Hutchre though like the meal service provided at Elmdale isn't on there. Um that's a cost that they that they bear for I mean is that recreation? No. But that's one of their services. Correct. Correct. Yeah. Yeah. The the intent is not not to um kind of break down the Hutch wreck budget. Again, the attend is just to simply show that that both organizations have real costs to support that that operation. But you're not showing both organizations costs. This is only showing the cities.

Okay. Under understood. Yeah. there and there is a clear cost to to Hutchre. I mean they've got the no levy they've got um you know their budget that's published those sorts of things. Any other questions from council? Um public questions. Go back to the same parameter. Come up here. State your name. You can come on up. You just got to come from the back side of the room. I see you back there. So,

you do, please. And basically the same parameters as the uh oil communications. I have a question. State your name again, please. Sorry. Bosley Bradford from Hutchinson. Um, why do we not have any yellow around our city? Okay.

Um, is there a whole county that pays pitches in to the Hutch wreck? All is adhering to section two. This isn't a back and forth between public and just I get I get that, but she needs clarification on that. Sorry, I'm so the question is why is there no yellow around the city of Hudson? So the yellow, it's so on the maps there on the screen. The yellow that are around any of the communities is showing the boundaries of the school district. Okay. How come our four school districts aren't shown on that photo or that picture?

Because we are only taxing Hutre is only taxing the city residents, not USD 308. Um and so the the yellow here um shows the the boundaries of USD3. So Nickerson and Buer and everybody else doesn't pay taxes on it either. Correct. So in this graphic um Ber uh Haven and South Hutch Nickerson are not paying the mill levy and are not paying property tax into Hutchson Recreation. Okay.

Yeah. Okay. So, the boundaries are the city limits. So, those of So, those residents that live in the city of Hutchinson, but inside USD 313, they are paying Milwaukee. So, excuse me. That was a good good catch there. Good clarification. So, sorry. I guess I should rephrase my statement of if you have a comment, not more of a question because we're not trying to be engaging. I guess just uh um more of a comment. I guess it's important for people to understand

and and I know that was a great question. So um that's why I wanted you to answer it. So um does anybody else have any comments? Um any council council have any more comments, questions?

I have a couple comments. Um, well, I have to get to the right tab. There's like 50 tabs open. So, um, nope, that was the right browser. Okay. Um, so I compared the um, community health needs assessment and I I won't share everything that I kind of dived into with this, but um, essentially I think that this presentation tonight speaks to a little bit of kind of the nuts and bolts of Hutchre, but where it falls short is really the intangibles and the core drivers of Hutch wreck commut commission's u mission um and I'm not speaking on behalf of them this is research that I've done myself so the community health needs assessment is conducted every 3 years it's required under the um affordable care act um specifically residents in 67501 which is the southern half of Hutch um reported um statistically lower u mental health um within their household and amongst individuals. Um they feel that they are the least connected and they're already the most vulnerable. Um so they have the lowest social connectedness score. Um these are households who are earning less than $50,000 a year um compared to higher income earners in 67502. These are also um the respondents who identified that opportunities for free and lowcost exercise classes um was a top factor for improving their quality of life and and health. Um and that

access to cultural and art events um were among their top priorities. Um these are obviously services that Hutchre provides. And if we look to the 2011 study um one of the things that it mentions is um because Hutchre has operated um without city uh without the city running it um they have been able to um have a a nonprofit arm to fund raise and that that funding offsets um some of their their budget. I can't speak to how much it offsets, but it's it's um it's evident that it's um it's helpful. Um mental health in Reno County is already in a fragile state. The community health needs assessment identifies behavioral health as one of the six prior priority areas for action, noting that youth and young adults report high levels of mental health distress with suicide rates among I'm sorry, above the state average. Um this report exclus explicitly calls for promoting social connectedness which is one of the missions of um Hutre Commission and then we can look to our chronic disease data. Um Reno County is already worse when comparing to Cedric Harvey Butler and Saline County across pretty much all um chronic health conditions including coronary heart disease, COPD, diabetes, obesity, depression and stroke. Nearly every census tract in Reno County has an adult obesity rate above 40%. And the community health needs assessment recommends integrating food security screenings um for residents with those. That is um one of the services provided at Hutchre. Um they do um not only providing um nutrition and meals, they serve about 270 meals a week at Elmdale. Um, but they also have health

screenings, um, physical fitness classes. Um, the majority of that is free, um, with some of their classes that require a membership or some kind of, yeah, Elmdale membership. Um, so my point is that while this talked to or spoke to kind of the logistical part of it, what it's not touching is the impact that Hutrech in it in its current form has in our city. Um, so and I'm not even going to go into um food insecurity and access to health care and what the impact of removing meals at at Elmdale Senior Center um would mean because while the talk and I know this isn't an action item, but while the talk in in the community is council has said that they won't cut services, there's no guarantee that every single program would carry over, that it would be fluid, that all of the employees would come which then brings me to another point which is I think they have like 80 employees amongst hutre. Um so they need to find an office that is owned by the city of Hutch. We have to buy them computers. They have to be on our capers. They have to be on our health insurance. Not just them but their entire families. They go on our um workers comp. they go on all of our they have a fleet of vehicles. Um we would have to have the same amount of vehicles. Um those are theirs. They wouldn't necessarily become ours is my understanding if we absorb touch. Um so logistically this is a huge nightmare and for for anybody to say that we can do a study and easily understand if there's efficiencies um

I think if in a perfect world if the city of Hutch absorbed Hutchre and then things got figured out maybe maybe in 10 years we could be operating with efficiency but until then people won't have food people won't have a place to exercise. People won't have a place to socialize, get their blood pressure checked, um speak with a health care provider, um all of the things that Hutchre does. It's not just pee-wee soccer on Saturday mornings and T-ball on Tuesday nights. Um they do a lot in our community. And um I just encourage council to um really take a look at this. I will share my um the research that I conducted um regarding the community health needs assessment. Um this is the one from 2025 and I encourage you all to read it.

Thank you. Um, so I kind of wanted to comment on this as well. I I' I've had emails, phone calls with a lot of you in this room. Um, and um, probably a lot more that are not here. Um, and so, you know, thanks Justin. That was a great presentation. Um, basically exactly what he told me it was going to be. Um, and again, I didn't see this until just now. So, um, even though I I I pastored him for 3 days for for all this information, but um, anyway. So, in talking to both sides of the community all over Hutchinson, um if you sent me an email, I called you. If you didn't give me your phone number, sorry, I couldn't call you. Next time, send me your phone number. I'll call you. Um so, the way I the way I look at it is like, okay, um I I feel like presentation wise, if we want to dive deeper into this, um I'm not ready to go down a study road yet at all. Um, but I I feel like getting more into the nuts and bolts of the actual um financials and stuff like that, I would like to see a presentation from maybe um Amy from the Hutchre and maybe Justin from the city to see an overall view of what that would look like. This is this is this combined what it will look like. That would be what I would like to see, but I'm I'm just one person. So that's just I'm throwing that out there just to to see what the I guess the pulse of the council is because I I I don't know what the next step would be from here.

I I certainly would be interested in that. I I'm more interested in get the getting theus done. It sounds like there is progress, but I think maybe our money would be better spent hiring an arbitrator to get anou done so that we can move forward with what we agree to and what what HRE has agreed to. I mean those are those are my thoughts maybe before we move forward with a joint present. I mean, you know, I think if we get a an agreeable, and you know, I've had people ask me, "What's anouou?" And we we've talked it's a memorandum of understanding. It's like it's like a contract for anything like to buy a house or a car. So, um, and I've appreciated all the calls I've got and many of you are in this room, we we've had great conversations and even though we may disagree, um, on some things, uh, we probably agree on more than you might think. So, um, if we're in the mood to spend money, that's where I that's where my money would go at this point.

So, I asked for third party arbitration in December. Um, and according to previous meeting minutes, I I believe also from September, Hutchre is waiting on us to give them theus. And at this point, I I believe there's been some back and forth, but um I mean Justin wasn't able to provide information on when these have been exchanged. Um and not only that, but it sounds like there's also more to do as far as um Dylan Nature Center. So, do we need to hire a third party um arbitrator? I can tell you that Mr. Richardson and myself were sent um to negotiate with two members from the uh Hutchre board and it was absolutely not fruitful. We did not know anywhere near enough to draw a uhou from scratch that would deal with who's going to come and and plunge a toilet kind of issues like the daily operational issues that that are run ran into when you're operating something with toilets, but also just a huge building, multiple buildings. Um, and I will say that there are parts of parts of the conversation over the past couple week past couple weeks. Um, Hutre's already held to an auditing standard, the same one that we are because they're considered a quote municipality by the state of Kansas. Um, so they're their budget and their audit process is the all the exact same as ours. Um, they hold the same revenue neutral hearing rate meetings that we do. um they are um they're governed under KOMA and Kora um and then their audit goes through the exact same process. Um that being said, they also have the same uh discrimination laws that that they have to abide to requirements for insurance, etc. Um really the only not the only unique

thing, but one of the the most unique things about them is that they're not allowed to own property. So, it's not like Hutchre can just buy Fun Valley or the pool from the city. Like, they're by statute not allowed to own the property. They can manage it. They can um not they they can do all the things, but they cannot physically own it. So, um, some of these pass through costs that that were alluded to, it's hard to say, you know, are those are our costs because we own the building. So, if there were a different party, let's say XYZ uh, lifeguards who was contracted perou city splash, would we require them to pay 100% of those those items? um the upgrades that were that we've done just this past couple weeks um at Salt City Splash, etc. Like those are that's our burden bear because we own the the properties in my opinion. So, um it it's hard to really give a critical eye to that one slide when there there was there was some detail missing.

I'm Stacy, I have a comment. Um I'm sorry for you for for sending you in to that. I think that Karen and I had a conversation. Hey, we need two two board members. We'll get two uninterested parties here. Get theus done. I failed. I failed. We We tried and and that's not fair to you or John. I guess John's left. And it was just an idea to get theus moving and it did not work. It did not. But we we had fun talking about it.

Yeah. So, so let me throw this out there. I guess I'm the new guy, new mayor. Um I I I'd be willing um to sit down to maybe figure out that because that would save us some money cuz I'm free. Well, I think to to Stacy, Mr. Mayor, can I to Stacy's point, I don't know that we're qualified to do that. We don't have a law degree. Huh? He doesn't have a law degree.

Go ahead, Darren. Well, what I was going to suggest and volunteer is that since I'm the new Hutchre board member, um would you all allow me to work with them, I can work with Mr. Smith, our new city attorney, and see if we can get this negotiated, save money, and uh I'm willing to do it. The other the other thing I would like and I don't want to put Miss Amy on the spot, but uh would you be willing to do a presentation sometime? Yes, please. Hi everyone. And and the reason I'm asking is because when I got my tour Yes. I learned so much. Well, thank you. Um sorry, can you stay here?

Yes, I will. I'm Amy Conkling. I'm the assistant executive director at Hutrech and I am the OG of Hutrech. I've been there for 19 years in the professional realm. So, um, to add to credibility at all, um, but yes, I actually offered and reached out to Justin immediately when I saw the line item on the budget or the agenda, excuse me, Friday afternoon, um, asking what the presentation was and I offered to be a part of it. Um, I do believe that we are experts in recreation commissions and do a really great job. So, we are more than welcome to um, work together on that. I do think that there is value to even having Justin and Tony as well as Nicole and myself. We are a team of four and we have worked together in the past and I think having two on each end as as well as you possibly one of our council members or board members that would be most beneficial and I would stand for any questions that you might have of me or the rec commission because that's my job and my career day in and day out and I'd love to talk about it. So, I guess I guess the question is to to me is like maybe we give this one last shot with our attorney involved, etc. to maybe we could get this without a cost to our residents. Um, I'm just throwing this out there. If you guys don't think it's a good idea, then we can go the other direction. So,

which attorney you guys talk, can I talk? Yeah.

Okay. If you know me, I say what I think and uh let's talk about some stuff. Now I got everybody here and some was trying to run us out of town or they were going to vote us back in. But listen to what I got to say. The hush wreck has problems. They had problems. Um I've been on the uh this a long time. They have carts out there, food carts out there. At one time they were charging the food carts money. They didn't have the right to do that. We found that out. We told them you can't do that. So, there's other things that happened that the Hutch wreck did, but it's not good. And I'm not scared to say it. I'm a city commissioner that that represents you guys and the people listening on the up here. The food cards were charged. People were getting charged for those food carts out there and getting paid to the wreck. So, I'm not scared to talk to you people. sent all the all the emails to me, ring my phone up. I don't wake I don't sleep anyway. So, I'm truthful. I tell you what I think. And Mr. um I'm sorry. I'm not good with names. You said I wasn't at a meeting. I was at a meeting, sir.

Well, not when I was Okay, that's fine, sir. Duke, you have your Duke. Okay. Thank you. No, I I understand. We're not going to have any We're not any comments from the right. If you want to make a comment, you can come up here, but not from the not from the seat. And and we're not going to get into a I apologize. I'm not going to argue. I'm just going to make statements, please. Let's just uh just a statement. That's all. Okay. Uh Mr. Gar has repeatedly put down us. Make sure you address the entire council

and the council. I cannot say that that the entire but certain members of the council have indicated that we are racist. We don't want to come forward with anything and I just get tired of being beat up about it. and um Darren Truan and I have a good rapport and I'd be more than w willing to work with Darren on theus. It's it's sticking in my craw too guys that we should be everybody on the same page. Everybody needs to be on the same page. and about the food trucks. If we have anou, this stuff is that's the time to address this stuff. Not now. It doesn't matter now. That's it.

So, in regards to the food trucks, that was remedied within 24 hours of of us reaching out to Hutchre and saying, "Hey, we feel this is improper." Um, you can stop the timer, by the way. Um the the other thing is is that under the concessions which is built into Salt City Splash and um Fun Valley, they do have a right to earn a profit on the concessions and in their mind that that was a similar thing or that was the same thing. And I'm I'm not trying to speak for Hutchre, but um my understanding because I took probably 25 phone calls about this. I remember it very well. Um they fixed it immediately. Um, and essentially Paul and and Rico said, I can see how they they came to this conclusion based on the concessions because they are allowed to build build in a profit um to any food sales. So, I I I I don't think that that's something that we can look to for a his for a point in history and say, "Oh, they're they're really screwing up." Because they fixed it immediately. So, I just want to pull this back because this is a discussion about the business side of what we're looking at with a hutch rack.

So, just hold on two seconds. So, it's something that we need to decide if we want to have Darren and the attorney um proceed forward with working on theus. Which attorney? Um Paul seems busy with

There you go. Cody. Okay, there we go. So, I think it's something we need to do because I just think there's a lot of muddied waters that we need to get through. Um, and I know there's some frustration on both sides and so I just feel like that might be the best step forward. Um, thanks for bringing up the MOUS, Greg, because I think that's very important. I I should have brought that up sooner, but um I'm just trying to keep this momentum moving positively to where we can professionally move forward um in in navigating this this situation. And that's what I'm after. I don't I don't want to set us up for failure again. I don't either. That's I I want to give it kind of a timeline. If we can't get to there by that point, then we need to look at another option. Can I please finish? Okay. Yes. All right.

Another thing there during the rod run. Uh there's some other things that were going on the rod run. They happen to take money from the rod run. They're not here. I don't know why those people didn't come, but we take the complaints. We're the ones in the seats that take the complaints. I've coached at the wreck for 30 some years. I love the wreck. I don't want the wreck to go anywhere. We'd be crazy. Just like I said, guys, we'd be crazy if the wreck goes. We don't want the wreck to go. And if it does happen, I'm in favor of the survey. If you, like I said before, if we don't, if it comes out, everything's good, then it's good. But I had citizens come to me like that young man up there when I see me on TV there saying that he wants to do it. I represent everybody. If you come to me and say you want to have this checked out, we're going to check it out. But my problem is this. Like the young lady here, Miss Scott said that they did it. They did it anyway. It was still done. You know, if they did it once, it's wrong. And that's my concern. I think the Hutch wreck is great. I coached there 33 years. I think it's great. But there's some stuff we have to find out. That's my opinion. You run me out of town, I don't care. But I'm going to represent you guys. I'm going to represent everybody. And I'm going to say what I think. I'm going to say what I think.

Um, not I'm sorry.

So, I'm going to say what I think and I have to stick up for what I think and I think I think that has to be brought up and you guys have to know that. Oh, I think the Hutch wreck is great. the great things they have on left, but you have to know other things that I get phone calls on and we've had phone calls. So, that's my opinion and I'm a commissioner that represents you guys. If you don't like what I say, I'm on my last two years. I'm still going to be saying and and when I become a citizens, I'm going to come up here and say what I think. Guys, this has happened. So, I mean, and if they want to come up here and blast me, go for it. I'm a commissioner. I get blasted all the time. I work at the prison, guys. I got the guards on my back all the time. None on my back questioning what I say. So, thank you, mayor.

I have a one remark. So, in listening to as Mr. Combmes made an a comment of at the very beginning of his presentation that this was all kicked off by um by one person's comments. Um so in listening to the remarks of everybody who spoke in our public comment um one of the themes that I heard was blight and we can look to um the love where you live survey some of the surveys that we've done as well as well as our strategic plan and blight is an issue and it's something and if you'll give me some grace I'll you'll figure out where I'm going with this. So blight is an issue it's something that we're attacking with our strategic plan. It's literally the next agenda item here. And when we take money to do something like advocate for a study, which a conservative estimate of mine would be that it's about $40,000. That's probably on the low end. Um like we talked about last time, professional services are expensive, so it's probably going to be more like $60,000, but $40,000 is 1/8 of a mill for the city. that would be almost um one person's salary here. Um that could potentially get us another person working in the code enforcement um to help with blight and to help with inspections and that sort of thing. Um buy new software that maybe our staff needs. So, you know, the the $40,000 or the cost of a study just for a study's sake, um I I have no desire of spending money in that regard. I think that we have a council. this is our job um to do stuff like that. Um the total Hutchre budget is like $3 million. Um and to say that this council isn't able to um evaluate something as complicated or as

expensive as that um I take issue with because even just our um uh appropriations tonight was $2.1 million. Last month it was 2.4. So, um, we are making decisions like this every single meeting, um, in regards to $3 million. So, we should be able to evaluate $3 million as a council. So, I just need direction on where you guys want to go. Do you want to give it like 60 days to get see what we can get figured out in that point? Um, and we can be in contact with people after this meeting, proceed forward with that. I just need direction on how you guys want to go forward.

60 days on what? uh talking about theus with with Justin um and the wreck and how much you gonna give before we do the vote if we go on with this or not? Well, this isn't really this isn't a vote. This is no action item. This is basically understanding we're basically just trying to get thisou across the finish line and so right now it's stalled out and so it was just trying a to try and figure that out. kind of what we were talking about before. We looked at it as a um a joint um presentation from both entities. So that the direction I'm looking for is going okay let's we want to look at theou what's the timeline and that's what I need to know is kind of the direction you guys want to go with that.

I think if we can try 60 60 days and I'll work with the board and with Justin and see you guys are just ignoring it. What happened? So, this is this is not an action item, and I feel like we're your uh straw poll here is borderline an action item. If council would like to weigh in, you did say it was just going to be a discussion. Okay. Well, then I guess we just need to leave the discussion. I guess we'll figure out what's new on the next council agenda, whether it's going to be an action item or not. So, that's where I guess we're done with that uh discussion then. Okay. So, um, you have a comment.

I have a question. Uh, we're not we're not gonna answer a question. You can speak comments. You can comment. Well, I'll make a comment. Come to the Come to the podium and make a comment. Um, can you put this map back up there? Hold on. There you go. Is that the one you want?

Yeah. Um, you know, I'm not into the government and stuff, but that's fixing to change. I'm going to start paying attention more about what's going on around here. I've lived here since 1958. And I look at this map and I see we got 308 in the center of it all. Then we have these other school districts and I believe they're all in Reno County. So why are we stopping at the city of Hutchinson to take a look at this problem we have with funding on everybody's part and get the county to buy into this and start supporting the hutch wreck and getting our tax money a little bit into the hutch wreck from the countywide instead of stopping at the city? Are we going to disclude or un, you know, not let these kids from these school districts come to the Hutch wreck because they don't live in the city limits, but they're we're going to give them their parents and everybody free ride. That alone right there, I can't believe that you guys are even messing with this. This looks like a county issue to me. So that's what I got to say.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I was still I had one more thing to say. Okay. All right. Also, we had four people that called us was going to come up and speak to what I said that happened to them. Do you know they got threatened by their jobs? They called me individually said, "I can't come cuz my boss said to back off." I don't know what the heck is going on, but we had four people come up here that wanted to testify to back what I said. But you know those four people backed off. Those four people said my boss says leave it alone. So I am not by myself. But I'm not scared to stick up young. I'm not scared to stick up.

Now I'm done, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Um do we Does anybody need to take a recess before going to the next one? Oh, sorry. One more comment. One more comment.

Okay. State your name and address again. Sorry. uh Matthews store at 103 Kansas Avenue. Um still a lot of fear being being talked about, a lot of unanswered questions, a lot of people that are talking about things that we are frustrated. Um the the information that is being brought up tonight is intended to make people afraid of what's going to happen if no action is taken. Well, I think that no action is the correct action as the Rush Wreck has proven itself through years and years and years of service to our community and because of blemishes that individuals here decided that they wanted to bring up and not have any kind of other comments other than nothing negative. positive comes from few members here. Multiples of you are are actually talking positively about the wreck. Now, some of you will say, "Oh, it's not going to go away or there's not going to be bad things happening." Yet, every other thing that you'd say is a criticism of a beloved part of our community. Stand up with us because we're not going to stand here with you. Thank you. Okay. So, um do you guys need a break before we go into

I have one more question before we take a break. Um has a maybe two, maybe nine, but we'll get there. Um has a study already been contracted with any third party by you or by any staff member? No. Can you speak to that? Uh Justin Combmes again. Um has a study been contracted? Contracted, discussed with um worked out. I don't know what you

Yeah. So not contracted. No. Um after the original discussion, um I did reach out to Witchaw State. Um the direction was it's it's worth looking into doing a study. So I did contact Witchaw State um school of so it's a PPMC public policy management center. Um I did reach out to them on what a study could potentially look like. Yes. But nothing has been um you know we talked very high level what scope would look like. Um didn't have a lot of direction at that point other than it's worth looking into. So I wanted to be able to answer the question um if it came up because we were asked that it was it's something to look into. And that was me that asked that question about like if the stud is studyy's going to come up on an agenda at some point I want to know what the cost is. So that was just me inquiring go so when that happens you're ready. So that's

so you were provided a scope of a study a cost of a an estimate of a study. What were you provided in that? We were provided a really really broad scope um not a lot of detail um just because we weren't sure what it would look like. There just wasn't enough enough discussion around it. Um, and at that point with that really large scope, uh, the quote was 51,000. So, you were very close. So, a really large scope, but a very specific dollar figure.

Yeah. And I think that again, it doesn't it doesn't sound like that's the path we're going to go down. But if we do go down that path, I I think there's room to negotiate that that scope down different differently because the the the question was so broad at the time and the conversation was so fresh, it was hard to narrow in on exactly what what would be investigated in the in the study. So, and is that something that would go out for RFP? Uh because it's professional services, our our policy does not require RFPs on that. So, is that something that you have the authority to enter into a contract with them without direction, without clear direction from council?

Um, not require council approval. You just said it doesn't. Well, there's not there's not a a policy one way or the other. I mean, it's a because it's not a budgeted item. Um, generally those items would come to council for approval. If it's a budgeted item, even it's above, you know, any money threshold, um, as long as it's in the budget, yes, then then we do have the authority to move forward with it. Um, you know, I I'm speaking above my my pay grade here a little bit on so may need help from Paul Paul.

We enter into engineering contracts frequently that exceed that. We don't have a, like you said, we don't have a threshold that says this amount has to come to council approval, which is kind of what I was getting at with the travel policy. We lack like a clear definition of saying, okay, anything that comes out of this or is this specific services has to go off for RFP, etc. So, professional services like this study or like engineering um directors have some discretion there of whether or not they want to commission a study or have a third party engineering done, stuff like that. Like it. So, have where does it stand with Witchaw State? Have you entered into any type of agreement with them? No. No. Just received a proposal from

Does the proposal have a deadline for you to to you for you to reply? Um, I don't believe so. Um, I I didn't if if they put a 60-day or 30-day, which is typical, I did not catch it, so I don't have it printed in front of me, so I don't know. Any more questions? Well, because this is not a an action item, we can't give him direct um feedback to not pursue that. But so

historically, we would not approve um something that was unbudgeted that was that significant without approval of council. And that's something just internally we would not do as staff. I can't point to a policy that says that's how we have to operate. Um, as long as I've been here, there's never been anything like that um that we would have done. Even though technically we have the authority, I would think like a hot topic like this, we would never do that. I would never do that.

Yes. Thank you. Anything else? All right, let's recess for let's take a 5m minute recess. Come back here at like 8:06. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Item 7 C moratorum discussion. Is this my presentation as well? Yes. Okay. Um, there are two draft moratoriums in the packet. Has everybody read them? What page are they on? Sorry. Oh, that's a good question. They're like, what's that? I think they're like 93. They're the towards the end. I'm sorry.

Yeah. 90 97. They're they're close again. Um, can would it be possible for Do you need a copy, Greg? You have it digitally. Um, would it be possible for someone to make a copy for Garza? Hey, while we're we're sitting here for a minute, Kent, is there we used to have a deal where you put the page number of every item. Can we start doing that again so it's easier to find? Click on the

Mr. Mayor, I can go to my computer if you want to give those to guard. Got it. And then I'll get back. Okay. If you click on the bookmark on the left side of your Oh, it'll it'll take me there. Okay. And you can click on each item. Oh, computer.

It is helpful to know though if if you're viewing from home or if you're viewing on a mobile device, um that feature doesn't doesn't always work. Um but okay, so page 97. Um so hold on um I want to provide some context and and set some expectations. Um so again this is a discussion item not an action item and I want to be transparent with the council and the residents who are here. Um, I do not believe that it would be appropriate to take formal action on this. Um, simply because this is our first time reading it and this is something that I I believe deserves um, quite a bit of attention um, as it has dominated the conversation in the community for a couple of weeks or months now at this point. Um so this is truly just a procedural question of whether or not an moratorum is an appropriate mechanism that would give us the time and the structure to act responsibil responsibly um on the matter. Um so that is the only question on the table. We are not debating um the broader merits or risks of benefits or whatnot of data centers, hyperscalers or battery energy storage systems. Those are important conversations and they will have their time and place but they are not the subject of this particular agenda item. Um so I want to keep that distinction at the front of everyone's mind. The the moratorium itself um is a fairly benign procedural tool. Um and I look forward to a a productive and and narrow and scope discussion. Um, so that being said, with these two moratoriums, they are essentially very similar to each other. Um, and I I drafted these in February. Um, so I

might be a little fuzzy on why I wrote two instead of one. Um, but regardless, um, in the first section, this, um, gives us the power and the authority recognizes our power and authority to do so. um which is we we have home rule um they both provide definitions as far as what is a data center hyperscaler and or best which is a battery or energy storage system um those distinctions are important um as we uh talk further into the prohibition. So the main goal of the moratorum is it's essentially a ban for a very short period of time um to prohibit negotiations and agreements which would be incentive agreements, letters of intent, contracts, sales of land um or any type of negotiation with any entity that's associated with any one of these um defined um things. Um, that being said, it it it would also prohibit essentially us working through a third party um to accomplish those same goals. Um, and then I have built in um some pretty standard um transparency safeguards, if you will, a first read and a second read, um a required public hearing, as well as a published notice. The goal is that while the moratorum is in place, essentially it is not the council who is doing the work of adopting the zoning or considering the zoning that would fall to city staff, planning and zoning commissions um and kind of group work between um those groups from um from other cities in the county as well. Um but council is essentially not taking

that up. The goal would be that we are delivered a finished product at the end of the moratorum or we have the opportunity to extend it of course. Um but when we lift the moratorum the goal would be that we have um we have zoning in place um with feedback from our residents and also with the safeguards that the first and second uh read and then the published notice. There would be absolutely no way that this would lifting the moratorum would fly under the radar um if you will. Lifting the moratorum would require um a supermajority to rescend it and then there's no emergency enactment. So um by no definition would you be able to say I'm going to override this because it's an emergency. Um, and like I said that I'm I'm not I I wrote this in February, so I'm not really sure why there's two. They might be the exact same that I'm looking at them, but there was something that was different. I'd have to dive into it, but I will stand for questions.

Council questions, comments. Question on this moment to means that we can't work. If a data center wants to come here, not to say we are. Don't get excited. Um, but they we can't even work on it and check on it. Right. Is that what that keeps us from doing anything?

Correct. Can we give direction to staff to get busy with zoning for data centers and maybe condition uh conditional use permits or a an overlay for the city of Hutch that says similar to what we did at 36 of Monroe. You know, we we we I just and again, I know you're not asking for any Yeah. So, this is just a discussion. So something like giving staff guidance or direction on what to go and do over the next coming weeks um really isn't sticking to the heart of this is just a discussion. So

okay, that is something that we could provide that guidance at a future meeting. Um or if you wanted to amend the agenda and and draft a or create a um an action item um that that would be up to you. But this is just a discussion. But yes, at a future meeting, giving staff that guidance would be okay. Are we allowed to ask staff questions? Matt, can I?

Yeah, good evening. Matt Williams, director of community development. So I guess my question is is what do we have in place right now if a data center would come to town, buy land from a private developer and decide to set up? What ordinances, what, you know, procedures do we have that we can still control what they can and can't do?

Right. So when a new land use is proposed for a piece of property, usually that would come in when somebody's getting a building permit. Then our permit text would look at that land use to make sure it uh goes along with the zoning. So our zoning regulations list several different land uses. So they list the land use and they say what zoning district those are allowed in. We don't have one for data centers. So, what the zoning regulations does allow for is the zoning administrator, which is me, to determine which land use that we do categorized as most similar to a data center. So, in kind of preparing for this, I I put together a few of those options. um you know every anything from a small data center that's part of a large office complex that's really primarily an accessory use to that office complex we would probably categorize as an office and be permitted in commercial and industrial areas. If it's a large data center uh with substantial infrastructure housing a large industrial type building kind of a hypers scale it would be my understanding we would probably categorize that a storage and warehouse and that would be permitted in the C3 well it'd be permitted in a couple of commercial districts but primarily industrial and then if we're talking about battery energy storage systems or other smaller uh different types of data centers that are housed in like storage units out on a property. We'd probably categorize that as outdoor storage that would only be allowed in industrial zoning districts. So, we don't have anything specific to data centers and we definitely could we could require a conditional use for all data centers. Um but because we don't have anything specific now, it kind of follow these follow fall under one of these other categories.

I don't understand this what he says we can't do anything amarum to me means that you can't do anything you can't negotiate with data center not that I like data centers I don't know too much I got to do some research on this data center but I do know one thing I went to Washington DC and I sat up some classes for data centers for two days I learned about data centers I'm not saying I'm going for it but I got a little educated on data centers while I was up there that's why we went up there to look at different things in in the country that's coming up and of course we went to DC talked to other states other cities there while I was there and learned about data centers learned about the water so forth I'm not trying to make a problem but I don't understand a moratorum and he councilman over here just said we can work on the land getting land am I right still

my information was how we would handle a data center today, which would be different than if the moratorum was approved, then we would put a pause on data centers while we figured out new zoning regulations. Because right now, if a data center came or one of a data center hyperscaler or BES came to you and said, "Hey, we believe we would best would be outdoor storage." You would say, "Okay, great. Here's where you can go." And you would fit wherever that fits. You said industrial.

So I 1, 2, and 3 would be appropriate. Those are all over town. We just changed um right next to the downtown district. Um the one we did two weeks, two weeks ago. Um so we have I2 on Second Street. Um we have I3 uh out at the industrial park. So to say that right now, like I said at the meeting 2 weeks ago, like by right a data center, hyperscaler or best could literally open its doors in the middle of town, right next to residential, right next to a restaurant, to a church, to a a park, whatever. Um, and I'm not saying that they don't have that right because I mean maybe we are able to do more research and and we find an appropriate um zone for them to operate within, but right now there isn't one and they could go wherever. So commercial is even more um there's even more commercial uh plats throughout town and as long as they were they didn't require a replat and they didn't require a conditional use permit that's something that council and the public would never know about. Correct.

Correct. it it right now. For example, the Bess if it was an if I class class classified it as outdoor storage which requires industrial that would be permitted by right and if they found industrial property they could install it without that coming to planning commission or city council. I think it'd be important to say that those industrial districts also would allow heavy manufacturing and other very industrial type uses that that's why we have zoning. already determined that those properties are appropriate for that industrial zoning. Uh that's why it would be right. I think we would benefit from other communities all around the country going through this process. Uh so they are looking at what the best zoning for data centers is. So we'd benefit from all of that knowledge that other communities are gathering. Um there's definitely different ways you could do it. You could require any condition, you could require any data center to require conditional use. So, anytime somebody wanted to put a data center anywhere, it would require planning commission, city council approval. Um, you could limit it to certain zoning districts. You could put even more regulations on top saying that it has to be so many feet away from a property line, so many feet away from residential. you could really go all out with.

And how soon could you get that done through the planning and zoning and all of that? I mean, how if if that's the road we were going down, how how long would that take? I think if staff were to go through that in process, I think there's a lot of data out there already that we would want to probably bring the topic to planning commission, discuss it, maybe have an open house where we get community's input on, you know, what do you think the regulations should be? I could imagine a couple month process that would culminate in city council approving regulations that the community feels are most appropriate. There's something else that I want to point out which is so my beef with the county task force aside um we need a legitimate task force that brings South Hutch Hutch and county and all of our planning staff and and planning commissions together because if we adopt a code and I'm going to make up some numbers here. If we adopt a code that says no best data center hyperscaler within 500 feet of a home or of a residential well for instance, our zone or our code only applies within the city limits. So looking specifically at um you know the edge of town or in an island annexed area um if there's something out in the county, we don't know what's out there and we're not responsible to notify them or to take into consideration whatever their situation would be. Um, so the county would have to adopt some type of code that mirrors ours and then South Hutch would also have to adopt something. Any other city that we're sharing um, ETJ or

boundaries with would have to adopt the same code or at least come to some kind of agreement in order for the rules to really blend well at the city limits. Um, and if they don't and we adopt whatever we want with no consideration for what South Hutch and what the county are going to do, um, it doesn't feel like we're really being good neighbors in that regard.

So, I've talked to counties around us. Um, and so more of the counties are in um, laying the moratoriums out there than the actual cities. Like if you talk to Newton um they don't technically have a moratorium in the city but Harvey County has one. Um you get up to Salina um same thing. It's not Salina, it's the county. Um so I'm I'm trying to figure out too I think some of that the importance of that task force is to make sure we set those moratoriums in relation to the county and the city. And I think that's why in discussions I've had it's it's kind of why the um moratoriums are happening more in the county than the city. So that's just I'm just kind of throwing that out there. Even like King there's a lot of mortoriiums basically county based. There's Kingman County has one. Seduit County is kind of on the kind of comes and goes. Um

and Paul can correct me if I'm wrong, but if the county were to put a moratorium in, it would not necessarily apply to the city. It would not. It would not. Okay. Cedric County is different because the city and the county have a joint planning department land use. Um, so usually they stick with the same rules, but if Reno County put a mortoriium in, it would not. It would not. I did not realize that. So I was just looking at stuff around us. I'm like, okay, so they have those. Why would that not apply to us if the county does? So that's good to know. I did not know that.

And I'm talking with folks from South Hutch. The way that they're zoning is currently um they don't have any any zones that would be an acceptable use for any of those three defined things. So, um, they wouldn't necessarily need a moratorum in order to buy them time because they're essentially already living in one. Um, so, um, but the way that our zoning is defined or not defined, um, we don't have that same situation. So, that's why a a moratorium would address that issue for us. Paul, I don't and everything. Sorry. Are you done? You're fine. The rule is the biggest factor.

Question for you, Paul. So moratorium, the way I understand it is once it goes to planning and zoning, we could even still enforce a moratorium at that point to figure out the actual regulations. Is that correct? That's what I've been reading that moratoriums don't have to be placed when you get to like um the planning and zoning part of it. You can actually input a moratorum at that point. Yeah. And but you can also tailor the moratorum for what you want to limit. Okay. And so you could make that exception in there. We're not going to limit what the planning and zoning commission does.

Okay. I knew there was some parameters on that that um we have a little give on that so we don't have to go the moratorium set for you know two years and whatever. So

piggy back off that Paul if if we did not put a mortorium in place and just waited until we if to see if we were to get a okay let's say we don't put the mortorium in place we work on zoning regulations and then at some point somebody applies for a building permit for a data center we could hold that building permit council at that point could put a moratorium in if they wish to without approving that building permit.

You could uh but if you start treating people differently who submit those building permit applications, uh you could subject the city to suit because they're getting disparit treatment. I also think that that would not be a a good public relations move that we waited until the last minute when we already have a a cup on the table and then we're like, "Oh, hey, no, we're actually going to do a moratorium when we had the option to do it all along." Um, if I were a company that was looking for a city to invest in, that wouldn't feel like that was really negotiating in good faith.

So, I was going to say I'm not saying waiting. I'm not saying that. I'm going we're talking about um our codes and regulations to make sure those are in place because there's a lot of things even too that like if you don't tailor it the correct way, they could go, "Well, that's not in place." So, we can. So I just want to make sure we have all of our ducks in a row too before we set a moratorum in place to make sure we didn't go we eliminated somebody because we put something in that that they could have because a lot of these data centers and hyperscalers they they they're all about design. I mean they there's data centers in the middle of the desert use no water. There's data centers in Louisiana pull it out of the out of the swamp. So it's just kind of a I want to make sure we don't cut somebody out of the loop. That would be a good good thing here. I mean, I just that's why I'm kind of going a little bit more cautious. So, I think you have probably some good intel for us, too.

Uh, Evan Patterson, city engineer. Um, I did want to comment that particularly with respect to large data centers. Um, I understand the concern about someone moving in, but we do have we have other elements of the process that will slow down a data center moving in. um any big data center is going to require a lot of uh water and power and the city is very much part of the water discussion of that. So the actual planning of any utility extension to a data center is not only is it going to take a certain amount of time but it has to go through the city before it's approved. And we have a little more leeway on that process than we do perhaps Matt's processes. So I understand if you guys want to head down the path of moratorum, but we do have other things in place that that can help slow this down if you choose not to do a moratorum as well. Uh battery energy storage little different story because not the same kind of requirements there. So uh that one there are NFPA standards out there. I think I let my NFPA membership laps but it's like I think 855 that applies to battery energy storage. So maybe that's something applicable to adding to the city code. um some other things like that that

So I want to ask you a question about that. So the county adopted in 16 they they adopted some of the NFPA regulations. Okay. Um for zoned parts of the county. So my understanding of part of the zoning conversation or yeah the planning and zoning conversation is that we should also adopt the current NFPA standards as a safeguard because if they're ever rolled back at the federal level at least our standards would still be you know like the 2025 standards or what have you. I don't know what order they go in

there's sorry. So, that's one way that we would be able to protect ourselves in that regard. Um, and I feel like we're kind of getting into the weeds, not not really talking about the the true point of the moratorum, but um, those are the kind of things that take time and we need to look at what other cities are doing, what's the appropriate NFPA to list, um, and the likelihood of things being repealed also. Um, so yeah, you drugged my memory with that. Thank you.

Y No, I I I agree. I I don't feel that we have necessarily the same uh other design considerations with respect to city utilities for battery energy storage that we would with a data center. Um and so that's probably and when Erin and I lived in Phoenix um there were a number of cases of battery energy storage uh facilities that caught fire and so it's very much something we were aware of and

and I understand that we have processes in place that naturally would take time. I mean, anytime you're going to build something, there's considerations in engineering and whatnot to to go through. And this is no different. And I think the complexity yields to it naturally being a longer timeline. But all of that happens behind the scenes and the public isn't aware of it. So the point of the moratorum is that it it would prohibit that process from starting behind the scenes without the public's input, without um etc. it. I mean it would basically just be a pause on all of these things. Sure.

From starting from even starting getting out the comments. Now does so it's not uncommon for uh interested parties to call and ask for information about our utilities. Are we able to provide that information because it's it's not really working with them necessarily and some of that's public information. So that's that's maybe something that's still okay. I think that would be something for you guys and and council to kind of chew over these drafts and Sure.

see because if if they're written in a way that you guys think would keep you from even answering questions, that's not the intent. We're not closed for business, but what we are trying to do is pause and listen to the residents um and and really have a conversation about the long-term planning. So, um I I think that would be something that would could be included in a in a future conversation. Okay. Um I don't know that it's included in this draft. That was all I had to comment and question about. Thank you, Evan. Mhm. Uh, any more comments from the council?

The only thing I would say is, and I guess we can't make a decision tonight, but I I I would like for staff to start looking into what we need, but I know we can't really give that right tonight. So, I will say that planning and zoning has already started down the path of um having this conversation. I I believe it came up at the last um meeting based on my the feedback I received from them after that meeting. So

and and I will say your comment about the task force again there was not a whole lot discussed there. But uh that was one thing between the three entities is that we all need to work together and and uh I'm not sure when the county plans to have a next meeting. and I have not heard anything. So, uh, we did discuss that, uh, maybe we need to have all three full bodies like we did out you guys did last year and and maybe do that more on a regular basis and I think that would be good. So,

any other comments? Um, comments from the public. Chris Link, 3506 North Florine. Uh, thank you guys for all the work you guys do. Again, I appreciate it. These are long, arduous meetings and appreciate uh what you guys do. Um, first thing is from my understanding data centers don't do anything illegal. Uh, so I don't I don't think this body should be involved in approving or disapproving. Um, and I don't think citizens should have a a say in what businesses do or don't do unless it's illegal. I think a more proper role for this body would be to ensure fair business practices and if a complaint is lodged, uh, the proper entity investigates and takes action if necessary. Um, secondly, this body has talked u multiple times about bringing businesses to Hutch. Um this seems uh bit hypocritical to restrict, regulate, scare away any future business that might come here. Um we have a lot of regulations that I think are unnecessary and um I don't think it's the business of the government to be in private citizens or uh businesses affairs unless something is illegal or being misrepresented by that uh by that company. Um lastly, uh just want to make a comment to the public that we should not be asking our civil magistrate to be doing things they ought not to do. Uh that is an issue out there. We're asking them to provide services that the government has no right to do. It's the church, family, businesses to be doing that. Um, and then data centers, uh, the little

research I've done, uh, can bring in money and jobs. But, uh, one thing to be cautioned about is if, uh, there's no provision, um, between the business and the land owner or the the utility company and data centers that utility bills typically rise because of power usage. Uh, if they're not paying for their own power, um, that is one thing to be cautious about, but that's all I got. Thank you.

Thank you. Good evening, mayor and council. Deborah Tuful, one Tanglewood Lane. Um, I'm the president of the Hutchinson Reno County Chamber of Commerce. So, I'm here tonight speaking on behalf of the chamber and our Greater Hutch Economic Development Division. Um, one of the things that you know, um, we hosted an event on March 11th to educate the public, but also offer an opportunity for questions and answers from some experts in the field about data centers. And we had speakers there from our Kansas Department of Commerce, from EverGee, the utility partner that would most likely serve a data center in our community, and also from a couple of um data center developers and their perspectives, a small developer and kind of a medium and large scale developer. And then one of our suppliers in the community that do supply product into data centers that are being built around the country. Um, and I I hope that was a good educational opportunity. I think many of you attended, many from our county attended. It was held in the middle of the day, but we had over 100 people there that were interested in the topic and asking the right questions. And I think that's the important thing is to have a good dialogue as a community about what we want and also what regulations that we need to have in place because there are factors about data centers. There's a lot of information that you can find on the internet. There's also a lot of misinformation. Um, but one of the things that we learned from the experts that were there at the podium were talking about the types of projects that have been looking at Kansas. Kansas has been a little bit behind the curve when it comes to data center development.

I don't believe this is in regards to the merits of a mortorium.

Well, I'll just speak to the topic of the moratorum that came up during that event and um that came from Paul Hughes with the Kansas Department of Commerce and he did address the moratorum topic. Um his opinion as kind of the front line of economic development for our state was that moratoriums are not the right tool that they actually make communities look weak. That doesn't discourage regulation. Actually working with your planning and zoning to study this and put proper regulation in place around noise, around water conservation, around utility connections, around setbacks, um and around landscaping. help protect the neighbors and the community around all of those factors. And so from a chamber and economic development perspective, we would just encourage you to take that advice from our partners at the state that moratoriums do have a tendency to put a halt to others that are looking at your community as an opportunity to invest. And the main thing we want to do is keep our doors open for business in Hutchinson and attract investment here. There are many upsides and we don't need to get into those. We can do that at another opportunity. But specifically, the moratorium topic came up there. Um, we've actually been sitting in on a lot of conference calls with site selectors around the country. And just today, Dee Caldwell um with GLS hosted a data center and AI symposium online. She had some experts on there and their words were moratoriums show weakness across the board and that communities that lean into embracing data centers will thrive. So, what I would encourage is um leaning into the things that your staff are doing from planning and zoning perspective to look at regulations. To date, any developer or data center speculator that has looked at our community, we have only encouraged to look at I3 zoning. We would not encourage them to go into other zoning categories. Now, that doesn't speak to best. It doesn't speak to the other things that Matt Williams brought up. Um, but as far as the data centers that have currently inquired with our

community, I would only encourage them to go into I3 zoning where you do have some of those protections and then add an overlay with data center regulation um through a study process. So that would be my encouragement to you. Thank you. Thank you. I would just like to point out that Paul Hughes does not work for the Department of Commerce. He resigned in 2023 and he is actually a registered lobbyist. Okay. Thanks for pointing that out. Uh, any other comments?

Rachel Shannon, 215 West 12th. Um, I would just say that I am in strong support of a moratorum. I don't know the exact form or the length of the moratorum in place, but I think that it should be concerning that over 80% of the new data centers and/or proposed data centers in Virginia, which is a major hub of data centers are were done without with an NDA and the public didn't have opportunity to know about everything that happens behind the closed doors. Council member Goss pointed that out and I think that it would allow us an opportunity to create those safeguards and work with our zoning and planning if tailored appropriately. Um, and we could look to other communities including those that have created community benefit agreements with data centers regarding what those restrictions would have to be and the things that they would have to follow. But if we don't allow for some breathing room, like we can't even come to anou within a reasonable period of time, I don't know how we're going to be able to develop a actual set of criteria and workable um safeguards in a very short period of time, which would allow us to accept interest in data centers in our community and um allow that without having some kind of stop gap in place. when I understand for the large scale maybe but we talked about the bees not even having that as a protection right now and that should be concerning to all of us and so I mean I personally not on topic tonight but I I'm not proposing or proponent of data centers but if we are going to have them in our community I think that we absolutely need to have safeguards and to guarantee that citizens have a voice at the table and have those safeguards in place that moratorium would allow that.

Thank you. Anyone else? Okay. Um, moving on. Next item, Mary. Item number eight, public hearing. Public hearing to consider condemnation of unsafe and dangerous structures. 913 East 5th Avenue, 404 West 5th Avenue, 2011 North Waldron Street, 113 West Avenue B, and 827 East 1st Avenue. I need a motion to open this public hearing. So moved. Second. Ruin. Yes. Garza, yes. Goss, yes.

Bass, yes. Mayor, yes.

Good evening, city council. Jason Lady, building official. So tonight I bring um my staff report along with a uh resolution uh for uh and tonight a hearing regarding these five uh residential structures for uh condemnation hearing. Um, so staff's recommendation tonight is the city council consider adopting the resolution as presented establishing orders for repair or demolition of the structures deemed unsafe and dangerous by the city's building official um at the following locations. Um, as they were forementioned, 913 East 5th Avenue, 404 West 5th Avenue, 2011 North Waldren Street, 113 West Avenue B, and 827 East 1st Avenue. Um, at its regular meeting on March 3rd, 2026, the city council approved and adopted resolution 2026 RO6 setting a public hearing for today, April 21st, 2026. And the purpose of this hearing is to consider evidence as presented by city staff, the condition of certain structures as identified above, and the justification for declaring the structures to be unsafe and dangerous. Public notices have been sent uh regarding this hearing uh via certified mail to each owner. The structures in question have uh been subject to ongoing property maintenance issues, including but not limited to structural deterioration, roof and wall instability, uh open or unsecured access points, and code violations related to health, safety, and hability. Um so our analysis is that these buildings have been deteriorating for years. Um they've been in severe disrepair. Uh they've just presented a blighting

influence on the on the community. uh we've had uh several board ups on on multiple of these and um as far as squatters and and things like that are concerned which I presented at the last uh council meeting. So, we'll get into um you know what this how we kind of measure these um and what we look at is obviously the deteriorated buildings that we're that we're looking at but aligning with the comprehensive plan as well and supporting the key goals as related to community appearance, safety and reinvestment. Uh so these align with strategic um objective four interest in gate investment in gateways to the community and neighborhoods south of 17th. Uh this action also positions the department to better support the community priorities identified in Reno County housing need assessments. So again, it is my recommendation tonight that the city council consider adopting the resolution as presented establishing orders for the repair or demolition of the structures deemed unsafe and dangerous by the city's building official. So I'll get into my presentation and we'll just go through each one of these here. This is 913 East 5th Avenue. Um there's the property owner there. The property owner is deceased. This was uh this is in the hands of a trust. Uh so the owner's like I said is deceased. The certified letters for enforcement were sent to the trust as well. Uh so letters were verified as delivered. Staff has had no communication uh with anybody at this time. So uh the residence is currently vacant. PMC was open on 18204. There's the case number. There have been

three property maintenance violations since 2014. Uh you can see that this property has had a u significant structure fire. It was boarded up in 2024. There are no active utilities and u the taxes are paid to date on this property. And I can either stand for any questions as we go through each property or at the end. That's your call. I'm sorry. Um, one question I have. Are these all the same ones that were we talked about last time? Yes. That we So, none of them have been removed. These are the ones we talked about at the what did I say? March.

So, this was the earlier conversation. So, this is the March 3rd ones. This is a second set of five. So, we had the first set of five. None of the first set of five have been removed because the owners have 60 days. We've mailed those notices that we had the hearing. Uh they've been ordered to repair or uh demo those. So we've mailed those notices out. Okay. Um so we're on a we're on a second set of F. I just seeing if anybody had had taken them they'd been moved off yet or you know any resolutions to those. So that's what I was asking. So no, they have 60 days for those from our last meeting. Yep. Do you know um who's paying the taxes? Are those being paid through the trust?

I do not I do not I don't have that answer right now. Do you know if this was probated after Mr. Enrique's passed away? I do not know that as well. Mayor, allow me to interject. Jason, isn't this the house that we're holding the insurance proceeds on to demo it? We do have some insurance proceeds on this one. And so we would use that money to to demo it in the in the event that we do demo the property, then we would use those insurance proceeds to demo it instead of coming out of the uh city's budget. And who signed those over to us? The fire proceeds come automatically from from the insurance company. So we hold a certain

So we hold a certain percentage in the event of a fire. We hold a city holds a certain percentage of the proceeds. Um, my house never burned down. So, I Yeah, we have I don't know a number of probably 10 houses right now somewhere like that in the city that we were holding proceeds on. And not related to this, are some of those other houses making progress on repairs and toward repairs or demo? The ones that are currently on the list today. No. No. The ones that we're currently holding insurance proceeds on.

No. No. So, this is 404 West 5th. Um, so again, staff has made attempts to contact the owner uh with no response. And I I say that lightly because I'll go over a few things in just just a few minutes. So, we really haven't I have not had personal contact with this owner. Um, however, staff did receive a phone call yesterday uh stating that the owner was going to power wash and paint and replace the windows. Um, so there was some activity out on the site today. Uh, they were I believe they were out there painting the front of this house. I did not make my way out there myself, so we're going to we're going to follow up on that in the in the coming days. Um so but this uh as far as the property condition is concerned, the residence uh has been vacant since 2018. We've had a a case on this since 2025. There was three property maintenance violations since 2021. The owner did do a roof permit, which the work was completed. That's a brand new roof on the house um in in 2025. We also did a board up in uh 2025. There's been no activity or no active utilities on this structure since 2018 and the taxes are again uh paid to date. Uh so like I said, there is a new roof. There is some activity on this. Um, I did receive a an email from um my permit technician that said um the owner called in stated they're going to power wash, they're going to paint uh then they're going to put windows um in this. So that's the extent of what I know about the house right now. um whether they

make it viable to live in for the remainder of the house. I don't know anything about the condition of the interior of the house, but um you know really a big portion of this right now is this this house has pretty strong bones to it. So, I mean, for them to go forward and, you know, put a new roof on it and paint it and put new windows, doors, whatever they're going to do to it, um, I think that just takes away from, you know, the detraction of having that blighting influence of a boarded up building sitting there. So, um, and they'll have to get the permits for the, uh, windows as well. Yeah. So,

do you know if the 404 Westmith was this rental when it was last occupied or was it owner occupied? I do not know. Um, like I said, the structure has been vacant since 2018. So,

Okay. Thank you. So on this one, 2011 North Waldron, um we received a uh phone call from the owner on this on 413 2026. So we have had some discussion with the owner. Uh certified uh letters were verified as return to sender. So, when I verified the uh certified letters that we sent to the property owner, uh they show that we have not received them back yet, but they're showed that they're being returned to our office. So, uh this owner did not um receive their certified letter or accept their certified letter. However, they're fully aware that um we're going through this process. So um on this the owner has asked what needs to be done to it uh during our discussion. Um I told him there would be things uh as far as um probably some structural engineering and I'll get to my next slide here in a minute but this house did have a fire as well. So there would be some engineering concerns as far as as far as the fire was concerned and then obviously they'd have to get permits and have to get um everything for electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits as well on this house but the uh wish of the owner is to rehab this house. Um but we don't have any plans to date. Uh so this has been an ongoing discussion with this uh this was the first time I had talked to this owner on uh on the from the 413 phone call and um my understanding is that compliance staff has spoke with this owner before and so this has kind of been an ongoing process since the fire happened that I'm going to do something with it but we've received no plans to date and no actions have been taken on

the house and the residence is currently vacant. Uh PMC was opened in on 519 2025. There have been four property maintenance violations since 2022. We did a board up on the May of 2025. That was with voluntary compliance. I will say there are no active utilities on the structure since 2023 and the taxes are paid to date. You can see the damage that was done uh to the back of the house there uh from the fire. I've not been inside the the building myself, so I couldn't tell you the extent of the fire damage. Uh my understanding from reports is that it was pretty significant. Uh so I think there's probably u more to it than just, you know, rehabbing the house. Um there's probably some structural damage and and some concerns there that where an engineer would have to be involved. But

I have a question on the previous property 404 north the north fifth. Sure. Whatever. Yeah, that one. That one 404 was fifth. Yes. Thank you. If the property is demoed and scraped, would they remove the brick sidewalk? No. Okay. No, they wouldn't remove the sidewalk. They'd remove everything from the sidewalk going into the site.

Okay. So, this property here, 113 West Avenue B. Uh, so staff has had a conversation and and that was code compliance staff with the owner that they intend to update the property in the future. There are no permits to date. Um, my understanding of the conversation from my staff to me was that this owner would like to hold on to the house for about a year or so because they're unsure of when they're going to get to the property to do anything with it. Um, so we have had some boardups on this. We did have a reboard up on this uh where some boards were taken off and we had to uh go put the boards back on. Of course, if the owner doesn't pay those, those are uh lean to the property. So, put a lean on the property and so they go on the taxes.

Jason, on this property? Yes. Since it's changed hands, I mean, we've been dealing with this property for years and years. It just it makes it seem like in 25 in 25 Oh, no. since 19 we've been dealing with it. I think it's been longer than that. Um what happens when it changes hands? So when a property changes hand, the code violations go along with property.

Well, that's what the last batch we did of commercial. Of course, that's what what it was. I'm making confirming that this is the same way. And so we try to educate people like um I had a property today which I won't mention the property or the individual's name but I had an individual that contacted me today about a property here in town and said hey these are issues with the property. I know these issues coming forward uh and going forward what I'd be getting into. But I'd like to get into the house. The house is boarded up. I'd like to get into the house and take a look at it uh on the inside. Uh so we're going to coordinate with that individual and if they end up buying the property, they end up buying the property. But it is one of the houses that is is on our uh condemnation list. So, you know, we we try to educate people because there are a lot of people out there that have bought um properties, especially outside the state or outside of our area that have just bought prop properties and uh intend maybe with good intentions of um revitalizing them, but with no success or or little success to that. Well, and the K212 Investments owns I just pulled them up on the Reno County partial search. They own four properties and a couple of them don't look any better off than this one. Um, it seems like they've bit off quite a big number of projects that I don't know, seems like a lot to take on, especially considering that they're all boarded up or three of them are boarded up. And I guess that brings me to a a a different question. So all of these are

south of 11th. So they would be eligible for NRP and some of our other programs as far as repairs go, right? Is that anything that we have communicated to them throughout this process that you're aware of? Not that I'm aware of. No. Okay. Jason, I got one question. So say that house was sold. Does the you don't give them any more extension? I think someone asked there's they have to if you have 10 days left on that house. Yeah. They still have 10 days left in the house when they bought the house, right?

So, not necessarily because what we try to do is for when a property changes hands. Now, the property maintenance code does say that a property I mean realistically a property should not change hands while it's in this condition, right? Um, however, we allow it because the hope is that one individual buys a property and they're going to revitalize it, right? And so we've we've allowed that as a past practice. And so when these properties do change hand, the the property maintenance issues go along with the property. They continue to just roll on with the property. However, we also afford that new owner, that individual due process, um because they're obviously aware of a property that they're purchasing. And so we extend that kind of courtesy to them to say, "Okay, there was only 10 days left before we demo this thing, but we're going to give you 30 days to start some conversation and start a planning process or start uh, you know, going through this process and seeing what you're going to do with this because I mean otherwise, if we let them sit there, they they sit there like this. So we do afford them due process and we do afford them an extra amount of time. Um, and we don't just demo it or um, you know, but so there is there is a little bit of extra to it, but at the same time, yes, it it keeps on rolling. And if they don't do anything with it, we would we would demo it because we would already have the order to demo. Okay.

Do you know when this last was occupied, how many units it was? It looks like it was more than one. family home more than a single family. I'm not certain on that. I thought it was a single family home, but I'm not 100% on that. Yeah, I've never been inside of it, so I didn't know if it had separate entrances or separate. At one point out, at one point there was people living there with no utilities turned on and all of the things. So, well, and that might not be this owner's while under this owner. Oh, no, no, it wasn't.

And under current codes, I mean, if this were to remain as a forplex, then it'd have to be fully sprinkled. So, um, you know, be better off in my mind as a duplex or, um, turn it back into a single family home.

So, and then, uh, has had 12 property maintenance issues, uh, since 2019. So, we've had some pretty significant property maintenance issues on this property. Um, I'm not sure under the current owner. I did not mark those out under the current owner as opposed to the previous owner. So that's just since 2019. It's been boarded up since June 2025. There's no been no utilities uh since 2022. And the taxes are only unpaid for part of 2025 last time I checked. 827 East First and our last one on the list for tonight. Uh so we have made attempts to contact the uh owner with no response to date. Certified uh letters were verified as return to sender. Um this this resident does remain uh currently vacant. PMC was opened in that's the property maintenance code violations. PMC was opened in 10:15 2025. There have been 12 property maintenance violations on this property since uh uh 2019 and I'm reading from the wrong sheet. My apologies. There have been 13 property maintenance on this since 2018. Um and then a building permit was applied for in uh 2025 for a whole home remodel on 101725. However, it expired uh just a few days ago. Uh the permit was never paid for and um no inspections were ever completed. So, I think when we kind of made that initial contact, the intent of the owner was to, hey, I'm going to get a permit and nothing obviously ever happened with that permit. It was boarded up in 2025. There's been no activity or no active

utilities on this structure since 42 of 25. So, uh, we did, uh, know the cut off date, exact cut off date on this one. And the taxes have been delinquent since 2021 on this property and then I will stand for any questions. Council, have any questions? I have a question. the last property, um, 827 East First. Um, if they've been delinquent since 21, when would you anticipate this going to the tax sale or sheriff sale this fall?

Being a residential, I would assume that this would be a homestead property. So 2026 would be the cuto off date. So those taxes wouldn't come due till 2000 May of 2027. They would the county would not look at it until when do they look at it Paul? August September time frame. Something like that. And then it goes to So then they would recommend it for the tax sale. So it wouldn't even go to tax sale till October of 27. Okay. Thank you. Any more questions? Yeah. I

I would like to note um just as far as the uh just as far as the um sorry I'm opening up my paper here. Just as far as the resolution is concerned, uh the the resolution does state I mean not only are we here to this is a condemnation hearing and not we're not exactly here to absolutely condemn these structures, right? It's an order to repair or demo to the property owner. And I know we've already discussed that some of these properties, one of the properties which is in discussion tonight is already being repaired. So even in the case where you signed the uh resolution and tonight um then obviously we're going to work with the owner through that process. Um, it's basically just that order to repair and then we work with the owner through the process and we end up removing it from that condemnation list. So,

you want to make a comment. If you come to the podium, state your name and address, please.

Yeah. Hello. My name is Enrique Luna. Uh, it was my mother's house. Oh, 1027 East 2nd is my address. Um, this home was a childhood home of mine. I grew up in the neighborhood and uh I wasn't really a part of it for a latter part of my life. But you know, my mother when she passed away, I was trying to keep some part around and seeing if it was worth putting the money into. So, I mean, all that aside, uh there's some things uh that I got here, which I did have a an updated uh building permit that expires in October. Um the fees have been paid for that. Um I do have the the tax information on it cuz I wasn't aware of how behind she was at the time. It was uh so I have that and I have a date. Um, I have the funds, the financial means to get that taken care of and I do have a plan of action moving forward to repair or do what I can with this time. Have an inspector come in, let me know if it's worth putting the money into. One of the biggest issues I had, I guess, was trying to uh uh complete the legal process, which I do have an attorney that's working on the transfer of the deed right now. And unfortunately, I didn't get a hold of him today because I wanted to bring something to the table from his end. Um, but yeah, that's where I'm at. And there was uh contractors. There's a few people I spoken with to help me and take a look at the house. I wasn't really satisfied with what they were talking about. So, some of the work I did start and it was just uh, you know, ripping out the door frame. I was going to secure the front and the back. I ran off squatters in the area. There was some of that. I've had some of Hutchinson's finest take care of them as well. Um, so I understand the condition of the neighborhood and the things that it looks like. And believe me, I

understand um just certain things that go on around the area, man. But you know, uh me myself, I'm a supervisor at Haven Steel Products. I work second shift and I've been there for over 15 years, you know, and uh when I get involved in something, I do I do follow through. My word is good. And uh I just like to still try to make something happen with this, you know, and to show that, you know, I'm taking the necessary legal steps to make sure that I can do that without uh you know, losing something I put money into. Is is this the house that your mother owned, sir? Yes. Okay.

Yes, ma'am. And so I you mentioned that you've consulted with an attorney and you're trying to get the title. Um are were you I guess were you aware that it wasn't and this isn't like super relevant to this. It's more of a I' I've been working with our state reps to try to get that process kind of cleaned up. So, I'd love to talk about that because I think that's a challenge that a lot of people run into is someone passes away and the property wasn't deed properly, can't go through probate or various other hurdles. So, I think this you you've had some things stacked against you from the start um just with that hurdle. Um, I will say that as we move into um the warmer season with grass growing and whatnot, as you're working with our staff to try to work with um getting it cleaned up and worked on, um starting to mow and and maintain the grass and the lawn is is going to be one of the challenges that you'll have to tackle as well. Um, and then we also have a neighborhood revitalization program that you may be eligible for. Um, I don't know where that would stand if you don't have clean title or or actual ownership of the home, but um, it's something that our staff and and some nonprofits in town can talk you through. Um, when was the last time somebody lived in this house

that you know of? Legally?

Yeah. Um, no. It's been I mean it's been a year um probably a little over a year and well no not quite a year when they came by I guess and boarded it up and kicked uh my brother out um because of not having a running water and the violations that were may I add that the violations that were passed on were given either in the mailbox over there or given to him and and there's some other issues uh with my brother that I did not get this information conveyed to me and since it's been gone honor boarded up too. Um I I guess there were some other notices sent out there otherwise when it was first put on the condemn list. Uh you know I definitely would have tried to make an appearance a lot sooner. Um but I mean when it's crunch time I mean I you know I get to work.

Did does our staff have your contact information including your mailing address? Uh no I think no. I left my phone number I believe with Debbie. Okay. at one time. But um yeah um maybe the as long as there's a line clear line of communication that's okay. And that's one of the things I was going to ask that you know uh call me, communicate with me and you know I I'll stay on top of it. Just get just get with Jason Lady and get him all your information and he's really good about communicating back too. So I've heard nothing but yeah I've heard a lot of good things about Jason. So that's

So just so you're aware kind of the process. I I think that when we after we close the hearing, um it makes sense for us to still include this property. To me, it makes sense for us to still move forward with the condemnation. And essentially, like Mr. Lady was saying, is that puts you on official notice that you have notice, you're being noticed to um fix or demo. Um, and then there are certain provisions that as long as you're making progress, pulling building permit, working on it, that sort of thing, um, not catching new violations that, um, it it would make sense to give you some extensions and continue to work with you. Um, but I don't want you to think that inclusion in the condemnation um, in the next uh, agenda item is a bad thing. It's really just the next step of the process.

Yeah. No, that's that's okay. I just need permission to make sure that I can work on it uh at the same time cuz the last thing I knew they ran some other people off and then the officer called me and said, "Well, they boarded up again. I know you've been working on the house, but anybody on the property is going to be arrested."

So, I'm like, "Okay." And, you know, went got some, you know, the things renewed and just talked about it. So, the building permits there for a whole home remodel. And uh I have windows and storage to replace, start replacing them as well. I just need to be able to make sure that I can go there without, you know, I mean, law if they come by. They came by when I was there. Um look at the paperwork. I mean, I didn't have no problem with the metal, you know, but just moving forward to make sure that I can still do that and you will see progress. Okay. Um, get in touch with Jason and we'll uh see what we can get done for you. Thank you. All right. Appreciate it.

You guys have any other questions? Um, anybody from the audience? Um, if not, then I need a motion to close the public hearing. I move to close public hearing. Second. Second. Truid. Yes. Garza. Yes. Yes. Oh, yes. Fast. Sorry, I wasn't listening. Yes. Majors. Yes. Next item.

Item number nine, ordinances and resolutions. Consider a resolution condemning unsafe and dangerous structures within the city of Hutchinson. 913 East Fifth Avenue, 404 West Fifth Avenue, 201 North Waldron Street, 113 West Avenue B, and 827 East First Avenue. Uh, make sure you don't have any questions on this. If not, I just need a motion. I move to approve a resolution condemning unsafe and dangerous structures within the city of Hutchinson, 915 East 5th Avenue, 404 West 5th Avenue, 2011 North Waldren Street, 113 West Avenue B, and 827 East 1st Avenue, and authorize the mayor to sign. I'll second it. Truan, yes. Garza, yes. Goss, yes. Bass,

yes. Mayers, yes. Item number 10, report of city officials. council. Oh, let's see. How about Mr. TR this time?

All right. I don't have a whole lot uh with me being appointed to the rec commission board. I got a tour the other day of Elmdale Park and Dylan Nature Center, their office and got a lot of information, very informative and really enjoyed it. And then I attended their board meeting the other day and and uh I guess I just say after tonight's meeting, I hope we can work on things and make things better and and uh see what we can do just to keep improving our community. I think that's about it. Okay, thank you. Um let's go down there. Mr. Garza, what am I doing? What? Never mind.

Do you need a pillow or you sleeping?

Oh, it's getting close. Well, I got to say is this. I'm sorry people don't like what I say sometimes, but I say what I think and um sometimes that's wrong. But I do the best I can. I've been on this council a long time. I tend to do my job as representing you guys and when I and I dig down to stuff this um I'm going to do the best I can and I say what I think and um and go forward. I was going to have a meeting this Saturday, but I think I'll have a lot of people throwing tomatoes at me at the meeting I would have. I'm going to take my meeting till next month in May on our pay our May 5th meeting. I'll let you know when it is and so people can come and talk to me at the zoo. I have donuts and coffee. We discuss things and come out and talk to me. I said I I'm the oldest one age- wise and on the council here. So, I love Hudson. I've been here a long time since I've been 16 years old. I represent the people here and represent Hudson the best way I can. And that's all I have. Thank you, sir.

Yep. Who wants the next one? Stacy. Greg. Stacy.

I'll go. Um, last week I attended a conference hosted by the League of Kansas Municipalities in Salena. The conference was called the City Leaders Academy Foundational Program. Um, we covered topics such as the Kansas Open Meetings Act, city finance, home rule, and the legislative process. Um, overall it was a great conference. I learned new material in some areas and received a refresher in others. And I think that the most val valuable part for me was the city finance piece. Um, so I walked away with an idea and I actually um sent an email uh to mayors in Vegas that same day of raising our transient guest tax rate in 2029 and possibly again in 20 2032. um by raising the ceiling on our transient guest tax um by changing charter ordin by changing a charter ordinance um from 7 to 9% this would give us the ability to temporarily raise the transient transient guest tax during just those two years. Um the funds would go to our convention and tourism fund. Um I've asked finance to run some numbers in the future and to evaluate if there were any other funds that we could apply these dollars to. Um, but it seems like a simple way that we can boost certain projects in our community, perhaps memorial hall reservations, zoo master plan, other tourism um, related expenses. And this would offset our general fund balance without burdening our residents because it is only paid by people who are staying in hotels and without a net new or or increased tax for residents. So even though 2029 um seems like a ways out, this process does take time and I'm suggesting that we start it sometime later this year. Um we don't have to look far for resident or for president. Um many cities around the Kansas City metro did this exact process ahead of the World Cup tournament um that takes place later this summer. Um so we have

all of the um examples that we would need to look for or look to for that. Um, I do want to give a shout out to our park staff who took a resident who took resident feedback about the homebuilder shelter playground and turned that into action. The resident reported back that the weeds are gone, mulch has been replaced, and the mats under the uh swings were replaced. Um, they were grateful grateful for the attention to the park. And I do want to take a moment to remind residents that that particular playground equipment is in the capital improvement plan for replacement in 2028. Um, as it currently stands, that's always subject to beef finagle just a little bit. Um, other than that, I do want to thank the residents of the Northwest District who, um, came out in force tonight. Um, I appreciate hearing from every one of you, as well as the folks who reached out to me over the past two weeks. Um, in regards to Hutchre and other issues, um, I believe I've responded to every email, um, every Facebook comment or not comment, but every message as well. So, um, um, have engaged in some good dialogue around the, uh, Hutchre issue um, and some other issues um, kind of forward thinking issues that we'll talk about eventually. So, including the moratoriums. Is that it?

That's it. Thank you, Greg.

Uh my comments have to do with uh the April 7th meeting. I apologize to the public for the decorum of that meeting. Um we can do better and we're working on doing better and I thank you for your leadership, Scott, and trying to hold us accountable to do better. Um um let's see. There was two things. I also appreciate the folks that have reached out to me um to encourage me. I need that encouragement occasionally about, you know, when when the going gets tough. Um and so there's been many people that have reached out to me this week and and uh have encouraged me. And one other apology to my folks. Uh my folks um raised me and and at age seven I had a problem at Dylan Nature Center. I got kicked out for misbehaving. So sorry mom and dad. I thought it might be appropriate that I share that since we're talking about Hutch wreck.

That's one hell of a grudge. I don't have grudge. That it. That's it. All right. Mayor, can I mention one other thing? Sure. Last last week, um Tuesday night, we held a meeting.

Uh Mr. Patterson was there about the 56th Street waterline extension project. Technically, this work would have been completed uh in the county and um I think we had 15 residents, 10 or 15 residents on a a Zoom call with us. Um it was a good conversation and we talked through the process of how we got to where we are which is we had applied for funding. Um I won't go into all the details. We applied for some grant funding. Um it was quasi approved and then retracted um upon further review. And even though our everything from engineering was sound, and I don't mean this as a dig to our communications department, but we didn't do a great job communicating that process of where the grant kind of fell off um to those residents. Um I think the assumption is that everybody is kind of wellversed in how things work and that was not the case. they um were under the assumption that because it was applied for and included in the budget in 2026 that it was moving forward as as predicted. Um but that is not the case. And then there was a compounding factor of at the January 6th meeting we um changed I I think it was policy 20 um that in order to receive city services you have to be on you have to be in the city. So now the option for those folks is to be annexed um or to join or uh create a net new um rural water district. So that's where that project is left. We left the ball in their court essentially to decide how they want to move forward and they have some considerations as a community to work through. Um I do

believe that um next meeting or one of the near future meetings we will have a presentation about the SRF um because there are some key projects that um we will be moving forward with hopefully moving forward with that. It that's it. Thank you.

Um so well I'll just start with that since that's where you left off. I want to thank Evan as well for uh the presentation. did a really good job with that um collaborating with all those uh residents um in the evening time after technically work hours. So, I appreciate him coming coming there. And then we had some other staff there as well. I want to thank them as well. And I also want to thank you for the follow-up email uh you' sent to the residents uh with all the the information. I thought that was very valuable for them to have um because I know some of this stuff's hard to find. So, um, but hopefully we can get something figured out for them um if they come to the city or they I knew they were looking at a couple options. So, um I did want to I did want to speak to like um I appreciate all the emails, the phone calls, etc. I'm not a huge email guy, so um anytime you email me, attach your phone number because I'd rather call you and have a conversation. Um so, I apologize if I don't respond to your email, but that's just that's just what I do. Um, so email me, text me, and I'll I'll I'll call you back. Um, and so we had some really good conversations about it wasn't just about what was on the agenda tonight. It was about all sorts of things. So, I encourage that conversation, whatever it might be. If you have other things you want to talk about as well, maybe it's something not on the agenda, um, text me, email me, call me. I'll I'll be more than happy to talk to you. Um, then I attended the library, uh, board meeting today. Um, that was a really good meeting to attend. Um, I didn't know a lot about it. Um, but I learned a lot today about the renovations they have going on there. They got some they have some really cool things um, going on in that library. And it's it's free. They said they have 35,000 um, there's some odd change beyond that of actual library cards out there. So, it's a lot of people going to use our library for basically free and uh they just have a lot of great things and they're adding more things as we speak.

So, and then I went with Darren to the Hutch wreck meeting. Um got some good insight on that as well with the Hutchre. Um and then I think that is all I have. Mr. Enrico, I don't have anything. All right. Thank you. Um, next item, Mary. Item number 11, future agenda items. Is there anything that the council would like to maybe see on a future agenda? Yes. Okay.

Um, I would like to better understand the timeline for um repealing the charter ordinance for the storm water fee. Um I believe Mr. Patterson has a presentation regarding the SRF projects and how those would um move forward. And then um the um well I guess the um moratorium and the travel policy should be should come up as action items on the next meeting. Does that um I'm just I'm asking whoever's in the room. Does that give you guys enough time to come up with um a presentation I guess for the travel uh policy and moratoriums in by the next meeting? Does that give you enough time? I just want to make sure there's enough time for staff to that if and it does have to be answered tonight. Just uh let us know. Um any other future agenda items you guys would like to see on there?

No. Yeah. Can you get us a raise, please?

Hey, I got us 20 zeros. Now we're up to 20. So, you you got a raise. So, quit your belly aching. There was something else I wanted to um mention that I don't know how this would work, but shifting from a um a complaintbased code violation system to the gentleman in the red shirt mentioned he he kind of touched on the theme of um putting in code violation complaints kind of pits neighbor against neighbor And I know that we don't operate on proactive patrolling for violations, but it seems like there are some violations that are so egregious that we should be catching those proactively and not waiting for um and I know that we do for some. Um but there should be a little less um reporting on neighbors um kind of for the sake of you know establishing better community relations. So um I would be curious what that would look like for us to to move toward that kind of model.

Do you have any examples to bring to that u or no? Is that just you have any examples of other cities of what they've done or No. No. Okay. That would be for us to receive. Okay. From staff. Okay. All right. Anything else? I just need a motion. I'll make a motion to adjurnn. Second. Trza. Yes. Yes. Pass. Yes. Mayor. Yes.