City Commission - Regular Meeting

Looks like our Is this on? Okay. Looks like our clock in this room's a little slow. It's 4:00. So, I will call the April 13th, 2026 line of city commission meeting to order. I will first look to staff for confirmation that the Kansas Open Meeting Act required notice has been provided. Yes. Thank you. May we have a roll call. Mayor Hopek here. Commissioner Davis here. Commissioner Ivy here. Commissioner Langitz here. Commissioner Ren here.

Okay, there we are. Thought he was on. Okay. Will those who are able please stand uh for a pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. I pledge allegiance 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.

Thank you. You may be seated. Okay, that will lead us to public hearings. Item 3.1, conduct a public hearing and consider approval of resolution number 26-8343 naming the parking lot at Santa Fe Avenue and Ash Street the City Lights Pavilion. Okay, I will open up the public hearing. Mr. Hammond.

Uh, thank you, mayor and commissioners. Jeff Hammond, parks and recreation director. Um, briefly I wanted to just we have uh four public namings today, four public hearings. I wanted to make sure I just cover a little summary of the naming process and policies. Uh there is a there is a uh uh resolution number 17-7481 and that describes a policy for naming of public facilities. It's called the municipal facility naming guidelines. It is an attachment to the uh items today. Um there's some set of definitions in the policy. Uh but the most important things in that I want to bring up today are the different types of acceptable naming options. Uh there are five. Uh there's a municipal naming, a philanthropic naming, honorary naming, landmark naming, and a commercial naming. And then it describes a five-step process for namings to be considered that are brought forth to the city. Uh step one is making sure that it's a qualified name facility that it's in fact eligible. The city the governing body determines if a municipal facility is in fact eligible and then there's a resolution related to that. Step two is there is a verification uh from the city clerk's office uh that the naming application meets the requirements of the naming uh policy. Step three is uh within 45 days of the application being filed a uh an appropriate board uh advisory board has a review of the naming application and that is has a public notification with it um 7 days prior at least 7 days prior to that meeting. Uh step four is

the the step where we're at today and this would be a um a uh public hearing at the at the city commission and that is done 30 days within 30 days after the appropriate board. Um and that is also has a public notification with it as well. And that was uh so then last step was step five and that's a signage plan and a uh use of staff resources and any funding that goes along with that or funding requirements that go along with that project or that that naming initiative. So uh with that uh being said u I will uh talk about this first naming which is uh for a uh for the parking lot at the corner of Ash and Santa Fe. Uh as you're aware that that parking lot has a has had a naming right already. It's already been through that process. It's the city light stage. Uh that was went through that process uh a while back. Um Salina 2020 uh developed a plan recently uh for the purchase and installation of shade structure that would be in that parking lot at Ash and Santa Fe. And that's currently under construction. um that is being funded by tax increment financing. Um and there was an agreement in June of 2025 between the governing body and Selena 2020 for that tax increment financing uh using a supplemental transfer agreement. Uh step one uh we uh um the entire parking lot was qualified name was declared qualified facility to be named in uh February of 23 of this year. Uh that that resolution is attached. Uh as you as I said the stage naming has been done previously but that was just for the stage that wasn't done

for the entire area. Step two, uh the city clerk uh has verified that this is a uh an appropriately named or qualified uh the city clerk verified that the application does fit within the naming uh guidelines and has provider a verification as such and that is also attached in your packet. Uh the proposed name for the initiative is a municipal naming actions for municipal facility. Uh the proposed name is city lights pavilion uh which would complement the city lights stage. Uh step three was completed on March 18th in front of the parks and recreation advisory board. Uh the parks and recreation advisory board voted to recommend votment voted in the affirmative to recommend to the governing body to approve the initiative. Um, at that meeting, representatives of Selena Downtown Incorporated and Selena 2020 both spoke in support of that. I believe they're also available today to speak to that. Again, step four is where we're at today for that public for the current public hearing uh for that naming. Sorry, paper clip in my way. Um and again this this uh meeting was uh had a public notification in Salina 311 and also on the city's website seven more than seven days prior to this meeting. And today's actions are to review the city clerk's verification uh for its compliance to the guidelines. review the merits of the naming initiative and supporting documentation that's that are that are provided um and take action on that municip municipal facility naming initiative including approval denial amendment or

postponement or send the initiative back to a uh a related board. Step five of the process uh we provided some signage today. Uh if you uh Scott, if you're willing to bring that up for this one when you have when you have when you're able. Uh there is um um some sign renderings that go go along with this construction of this um shade structure and this naming city lights pavilion. So there's two lights uh I'm sorry, two names uh two areas where the name would be applied. One would be the entrance off of Santa Fe and the other would be part of the structure that's would be facing north uh facing north of that shade structure. So as you enter off of Santa Fe, there will be a a sign there and then there will also be a sign that is facing north that's a mounted to the shade structure um and facing ash. Um so um uh so those two locations um and the signage would be funded as part of the tiff financing and would be manufactured and installed as part of that process. Uh city staff would have limited resources in this uh and funds in this other than the tiff financing. Uh however we would be st city staff would be responsible for the future maintenance and repair if needed of this uh of this shade structure. So uh for the uh for today for this public hearing or for this item uh you can approve resolution 26-8343. Uh you can also approve it with amendments or you can postpone this resolution or you can vote to deny the resolution to not name the parking lot. Uh I'll stand for any stand for any questions you may have, but also um I'm I would imagine Salena Downtown and

Selena 2020 may want to speak on this in support of this request. Okay, before we have any questions, is there anyone from 2020 or SDI that would like to speak?

Good afternoon. This is Leslie Bishop, Salina Downtown Incorporated. Um, I just want to say that first, thank you for allowing this uh to come before the city commission today. I think this um shade structure, shade pavilion in that parking lot will be a huge enhancement not only for the Salina downtown incorporated events, but the events that are held throughout Salina such as the marathon. Having a name um associated with the location will make it very easy for people to find uh where events are being held. And of course, as uh Mr. Hammond had said um City Lights Pavilion complements the name of City Life stage that's already in place. So I just want to say thank you again and I will uh mute myself.

Okay, no comment. Thank you, Liz.

Hi, Katherine Kitchen with Sina 2020. I would echo everything Miss Bishop shared. Um, and I will say on one of the renderings that's on the pavilion itself, the pavilion's kind of a dark green and so the lettering would be a white color on that as well, just if you were trying to picture what it is. And I would echo, we try to have a name that really identifies the space and compliments and really someone can say they're going to city lights and that everyone would understand where that is. and I'm happy to answer any questions about where we are on the project or any other things. Any questions from the commission for Miss Kitchenen or Mr. Hammond? It really has anything to do with approving this, but is the sign already under construction?

The sign, the lettering. No, it is not. Okay. So, it wouldn't be ready when the shade structures are ready. Oh, yes, it will. I These are renderings. These are from the sign vendor. um that we've chosen to use so that they're ready to go as soon as I give them the green light and our anticipation would be it would all be up and open at the same time. And what's the anticipated date for the completion of the shade structures?

So that's been a little bit of a moving target because of the vendor. Um but we are really hopeful that by um early August that we're 100% open and Hutton is out of the way. There may be some um things that they are really mostly out of the way earlier than that, but that's kind of what we're targeting at this time. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Anyone else? Are there any comments from the public on this item?

Okay. If not, I will close the public hearing and bring it back to the commission for action. May I move approval of resolution number 26-8343 for the municipal naming for City Lights Pavilion for the parking lot at Santa Fe Avenue and Ash Street in accordance with the municipal facility naming guidelines. Second. We have a motion in a second to approve resolution number 26-8343 for the municipal naming for city lights pavilion for the parking lot at Santa Fe Avenue and a street in accordance with the municipal facility naming guidelines. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.

I. Opposed. That item passes 50. Thank you very much. That leads us to item 3.2. Item 3.2, conduct a public hearing and consider approval of resolution number 26-8344 naming plaza at 4th Street the K Cabota Plaza in conjunction with the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project. Okay, Mr. Hammond. I will open up public hearing again on this item.

Uh thank you, mayor and commissioners. Jeff Hammond, parks and recreation director. Um the um Friends of the River Foundation uh has kicked off a funding fundraising campaign in support of the Smoky Hill River project, Smoky Hill Rene River Renewal Project and it's been been has met with considerable success. Um and they will continue fundraising for projects that are currently unfunded within the project or identified in conjunction with the project. Uh the friends of the river foundation has brought uh this is the first of three namings I'm doing today for river future river related namings. Um and they presented the city with some naming opportunities connected to those fundraising efforts. Um for this uh for this item today it's a item at K C Kabota Plaza which is uh I'm sorry it's for the future 43 Plaza which is part of the friends of the I'm sorry part of the Spoky Hill River renewal project if you want to advance one more slide Scott please. Uh there is an area of the fourth street um improvements that has uh as was always carved out for future as a future project and that is on your screen right now or is on the screens right now and this is the area that we're referring to today relating to the fundraising efforts that is be that are being uh accomplished by friends of the river foundation and this is where the naming opportunity comes for today. Um there's a proposed donation of $ 1.5 million from K Cabota manufacturing in Great Plains for the prospective public improvements uh at the south end of this fourth street improvement as part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project. Uh I've uh the proposed naming is the K Cabota

Plaza. uh the proposed donation from uh would be donated over a 10-year period and the uh if the governing body today the city commission today were to approve this naming the uh we I would have to come back to you with a with a naming I'm sorry with a funding uh agreement with Kabota where the city would enter into a an agreement with Kabota and so we can accept that over a 10-year period. Um so we would need to come back to the future for that. Uh step one for this step one of this was part of a June 2nd 2025 resolution to qualify uh the eligible areas around the river to be to be uh eligible for naming. Step two of the process was an application was brought to the city clerk's office uh for and and then the city clerk verified that it was um uh that it was an eligible naming um project for the uh for the uh facility naming guidelines that was on February 27th of this year. Um it is a commercial naming actions from a commercial company which um uh we've done um several times like with tennis for example tennis facility. Step three of the process was completed on March 18th um as staff approached the parks and recre advisory board um and requested their consideration for this future naming for the prospective improvement at the four street area. Uh for the I could have been calling it the south end of fourth street. Um the parks and rec advisory board voted forward four to nothing four to zero to to recommend to the governing body to approve the naming initiative. Um

representatives of friends of the river um and Kabota spoke in support of that naming initiative and I believe they will so will so today. There are members there, friends of the river foundation is here and also uh representatives from K Cabota and Great Plains are here as well. And step four is where we're at today. Um step four, as I mentioned before in the first naming exercise, um you're reviewing the compliance to the naming of the naming initiative to the guidelines. you're looking for the merits of the naming initiative um and any supporting documentation and um and you're taking action on that uh today as well. Uh this one's a little different than the one I showed you previously. We will be coming back to you for step five. I we we are showing you the signage today and the signage meets the design elements that are associated with the future river project as you can see on the screen. However, we since it is a future perspective project, I can't show you today how this sign will be incorporated into a future improvement. Uh that'll be that step five. When we come back to you in the future when we have a project, we can show you the details. We can show you the final design and specifications. Uh we can show you we can tell you in detail how it's going to be funded, what the estimates of cost are, things like that. And then we would come with a bid award or a project authorization of some some type of uh request for authorization and how that signage on the screen would be incorporated into that improvement. Uh again um you can approve resolution 26-8344 to approve this naming. Uh you can approve it with some amendments as you deem appropriate. You can postpone consideration of the resolution or you

can vote to deny the resolution today. Um and again I I would like to give the opportunity to the applicant friends of the river foundation uh and the donor who may want to wish to speak about this as well.

Okay. Thank you. Would any of those parties like to please come forward? Hi, my name is Jane Anderson. I'm the executive director for the Friends of River Foundation. We would really just like to say thank you for this opportunity to bring forward some of these exciting opportunities for the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project. Um uh at this time I would like to say thank you uh to the generous donation also that was made by Brad Stewie and Paula Frerieded for the land on fourth street where the plaza will be buil built. I would also like to thank uh board member Tom Martin who has chaired the friends development committee and with his expertise he has guided this campaign to success. We we have um do have over 8 million in confirmed pledges and gifts at this point and we are working on some more that we I think we have almost 11 million or 12 out in as total. So we'd also like to thank the committee members of the development committee Melissa Bixby Lloyd Davidson Bridget Hall Brad Stewie and Carolyn Weedle. The first naming right that the friends would like to submit is from Kabota Manufacturing of America. They would would like to name the new plaza K Cabota Plaza for 1.5 million. This will be built on Fourth Street across from the garage. And Kabota would like to pay this naming right in a 10-year payment plan. They they would like to pay this and begin in 2026. They will do it at the end of the year, but they would start in 2026. So, just to let you know a few things about Kabota, which I pulled off their website. Kabota's corporate headquarters are in Salina and it operates 1.6 6 million square ft of manufacturing space across eight state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in central Kansas, including the communities of

Abene, Asera, Aseria, Ellsworth, Kip, Lucas, Salina, Tipton, and Enterprise. For over 40 45 years, Great Plains Manufacturing has been known as a world-class manufacturer of agricultural, farm, and landscaping equipment in central Kansas. Kabota has recently added a new construction equipment division. With over tw 2,200 dedicated employees, Great Plains Manufacturing continues its dedication toward innovation and professional growth while maintaining its family culture and community values. Thank you, Jean.

My name is D. Warren. I am here on behalf behalf of Great Plains Manufacturing, but I'm also uh a member of the board of directors of the Friends of the River Foundation. So, I have kind of a dual role here. Um on Saturday at Tekk, we celebrated our 50th anniversary. We had a a uh event for our employees that that was very well attended. Last Friday, you probably saw uh a groundbreaking that we had at our south campus for a new uh 57,000q ft² $30 million R&D center at the K Cabota CERDNA facility. And that brings our total investment at our south campus since 2021 to over $300 million. In July of this year, we will mark 10 years of Kabota ownership. When Kabota purchased Great Plains Manufacturing, my neighbor said, "When are you moving?" And I assured him that we that would not be happening because Kabota was going to invest in Salina. They were going to grow in Salina and they were going to celebrate in Salina. And that is certainly what has happened and what is happening today. K C Kabota and Great Plains Manufacturing want to make another investment in Salina, not in steel and in concrete, but we want to invest in the river project and help move it forward. We're excited to put K Cabota's name on the plaza and excel excited to help move this project forward. Great Plains commitment to the plaza is a 10-year investment and we look forward to our next 50 years within the community. Thank you. Thank you.

Hi, Michelle Peek, 134 South Fourth Street, representing The Garage. I just wanted to say that The Garage is a $40,000 square foot tourist attraction in our community, about a $8 million project. We are underway with the $2 million expansion there at the corner of Fourth and Iron and we are 100% supportive of this expansion project. Not or the river renewal in K Cabota. Not only did they help fund and this expansion with the plaza right across the street from the garage, they also invested in the expansion project of our facility and training site there at the garage. So, I just wanted to make sure you knew we've been all working together and we are very excited what will just be right across the street from the garage.

Thank you. Okay. Are there any questions or comments from the commission for any of the presenters? I have one. Okay. And let me start out with apologizing on my camera. I guess I got to be smarter than my laptop camera. I can't figure it out. Um, question though. In the logo, in the K Cabota logo, there are parts of seemingly four letters that are cut out, like squares in the logo, and it must represent something. I just figure we should know what that represents.

Thanks, Steve. Uh, you're correct. The K Cabota logo is missing squares within the uh the logo itself. And what I've been told is that that represents never being fully complete. They're they're always working on continuous improvement and and that those voided space allows for the continuous improvement. Okay, I see five of them and and and good answer at least if if asked it would be nice to have a logical answer.

Okay, I can certainly uh have more information if the the commission would like that. Just curious. Okay.

Are there any comments or questions from the audience? How we doing gentlemen? Uh Richard Albert Humphrey II sla Kansas uh volunteer coordinator project pollate. Uh last year we uh we got together we cleaned up about I think it was 60ish trash bags out the river. Uh we plan on doing a little bit more but uh with the corporate funding and sponsorship uh we hope to collaborate. I'd like to say thank you to uh Dennis uh couple of the boards for providing the gloves and bags and such last year. But, uh, moving forward, we're happy to, uh, continue with cleaning up the river and hopefully we can get some proper education and keep it that way. I appreciate you. Thank you.

Okay. If there's no other comments, I will close the hearing and bring it back to the commission for action. Mr. Make a motion to approve. Second. Okay, we have a motion, a second to approve resolution number 26-8344 for the commercial naming for K Cabota Plaza at the south end of the Fourth Street Plaza contingent upon funding being appropriated and approval of the construction of the public improvement in accordance with the municipal facilities naming guidelines. All those in favor? I I I

opposed. That item passes 50. And I just want to make a comment that Great Plains Manufacturing has been a tremendous asset and and partner with the city of Salina for years. And it appears K Cabota is stepping into that that uh uh role and and doing the same thing that that Great Plains was doing. And uh the other day at the at the ribbon at the groundbreaking, I made the comment that I bleed purple, but I've kind of come to like the color green and orange after what's going on. So again, thank you very much to K Cabota for their uh dedication and investment in our community. That will lead us to item 3.3. Item 3.3, conduct a public hearing and consider approval of resolution number 26-8345 to name the to name an area adjacent to the lake at Lakewood Park, the Quinton and Florence Applequist Memorial Natural Area in conjunction with the Spooky Hill River Renewal Project.

Mr. Hammond, did you

I I need to open the hearing. Yes. Thank you. Um, as I started before, um, this is another, uh, river or a project associated with the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project. Friends of the River have, uh, kicked off their fundraising campaign, and this is our second of three opportunities today relating to the uh, areas uh, adjacent to the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project. Um, and they're continuing to fund raise for projects that are unfunded. Um, this is a proposed 2 point I'm sorry, $2 million uh donation from the Applequist family for prospective public improvements at Lakewood Park. It'd be on the north side of the I'm sorry, the uh be part of the Lakewood Lake and uh it' be part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project. And the proposed naming initiative is the Quinton and Florence Applequist Memorial Natural Area. This is a rendering um a con conceptual rendering of the area at Lakewood Park that would be changed from the future project relating to the core bringing in extra soil and raising this area. And we're considering it a natural area where it would have trails and have a prairie like feel to it, but really this is quite a early rendition um of the natural area. Um step one of this process was identified um or completed in June 2nd of 2025. It was declaring the air eligible areas around the Smoky Hill River as eligible for naming. Step two, uh the city clerk received an application from Friends of the River Foundation and she did verify the city

clerk verified that um it is uh compliant with the naming guidelines policy and guidelines. Um this is a philanthropic naming uh which does not require a petition and as I said the proposed name Quinton and Florence Applequist Memorial Natural Area. Step three of the process was completed March 18th uh at the parks and recy board. Uh the board um considered the request and voted 4 to zero to support to approve the request uh to the to the governing body for the naming initiative. Um uh representatives from friends of the river Foundation spoke in support of the naming initiative uh which they will also do today, but I believe there's also a uh representatives from the donor uh from the Applequest family here today as well that would like to speak about this as well. Step four is where we're at today. And again, I'm repeating myself now, but uh your step for today is at this public hearing to um see the city clerk's verification that it does comply with the with the guidelines that the merits of the naming initiative and the supporting documentation as provided um including the ex including uh the name is uh is reviewed and then take action on that um on this naming initiative As I said with the um with the fourth street plaza, this is for a future perspective project um that has uh as part of a donate fundraising program for friends of the river. Um step five, which would be the signage plan. As you can see, there is a conceptual sign that would be in compliance with the river renewal sign

package or the uh how the visualizations look of the different areas of the river. Uh but we will return to you for a fifth step for the final approval of this signage plan and how the funding correlates to an to a to a project. And that project would then have uh a little more design to it, specifications to it. uh the estimate of cost and the funding that would contribute to that cost and hopefully a recommendation uh for awarding a bid or project construct project authorization and lastly how this sign would be incorporated into that natural area. Again the you have uh some four four possible options today. Uh approve resolution 26-8345. Uh you can approve the request with um with amendments as you as the governing body sees fit. You can postpone consideration of the resolution. Uh or you can vote to deny the resolution today. And um I'll stand for any questions that you might have, but also I would like to give Friends of the River Foundation and uh the donor an opportunity to speak if they wish.

Okay. Would either party like to come forward? Hi, Jane Anderson again, executive director of Friends the River Foundation and uh we would like to hopefully that you approve our second naming right. Uh the new naming right is for the Lakewood Natural Area and be create created out of the silt that will come from the riverway and be placed in the dry part of the lake. Roy and Donis Applequist have donated $2 million to have this area planted with appropriate plantings and add some natural trails. The Applequist family have long been generous donor donors to this community of Salina and we're very grateful for their belief and support of the Smokeill River Renewal Project.

Good afternoon. I'm Gus Applequist and I'm pleased to speak to you today on behalf of my family and my parents Roy and Donis Applequist and in memory of my grandparents Quinton and Florence Applequist. I'm also honored to serve as the current chair of the Friends of the River board and I'll be speaking to to you today in both capacities. To be honest with you, I haven't always been a supporter of this project. Uh when I first heard about the effort to renew the old Smoky Hill River channel, I was in high school and I pictured what I'd seen of river projects in other communities where trees were ripped out and a river turned into a glorified ditch. And that's not what I wanted for the Smoky Hill River. But my friend Jane Anderson, executive director of Friends of the River, was patient with me. And over the course of several years, she showed me that this what this group of advocates wanted was not to turn the channel into a glorified ditch, but to restore nature and create a lasting community resource. Jane convinced me to join the board, and what I've seen since has changed my mind completely. My parents, uh, Roy and Donis, have lived near the Smoky Hill River for 50 years now. Our family has witnessed the river's beauty and the wonder of the animals, birds, and plants that call it home. We've also watched the old channel lose the life it once had. Where there was once a wide flowing river, now there is a narrow silt choked channel. Where there were fish, now trash and debris accumulates. For 80 years now, our family has lived in and benefited from this community. My grandfather, Quinton Applequist, was born just south of Salina near Salemsburg. After serving in the Navy dur during World War II, he came back and founded Applequist Tool and Machine here in Salina in 1946. Over the next 30 years, he grew that small shop into Robert's Industries, a company with over 400 employees. Florence was beside him through all of it. Together, they raised their family

here, built their business here, and invested in this community for decades. My dad Roy was born that same year, 1946, and grew up watching Quinton and Florence pour themselves into Salina. He founded Great Plains Manufacturing in 1976. And when he moved the corporate offices to East North Street in the9s, he was a little selfish in his design. He gave himself a great view of Lakewood Park. On days when dad faced difficult business decisions, he could look out at Lakewood and the people enjoying the park, and it would settle his thoughts. Between that view, time spent canoeing as a family on the Smoky Hill, and memories of the boats near Oakdale Park from dad's youth. The river and Lakewood Park have become deeply important to our family. Four generations of Applequist have now chosen to build their lives here in Salena. Most recently, my nephew and his wife who have chosen to make their home here in Salena. Today, our family is pleased to announce this $2 million gift to the Let It Flow campaign to create the Quinton and Florence Applequist Memorial Natural Area. This gift will help build a na a new trail system in a natural hillside within Lakewood Park. We are proud to honor the memory of Quinton and Florence and to invest in the revitalization of Sanders River and Lake for future generations. Now, speaking as chair of the Friends of the River Board, I want to remind you briefly of our mission. Friends of the River advocates, communicates, and educates for the good of the Smoky Hill River to benefit the community through which it flows. This project isn't just about the river. It's about what the river makes possible for Salina. Two years ago, we stood here and told you about this project and how the raise grant would benefit Salina. I said that the types of projects we take on say a lot about who we are, and we've been learning a lot about Salina from work on this project. As we've begun conversations with donors about this campaign, it is clear that the river means a great deal to the people of this

community. Donors are supporting this campaign for many reasons. From excitement about new trails to honoring their family's roots, from dreams about paddling the river to opening new possibilities along the riverway. None of this happens without partners. Earlier early supporters like K Cabota and the Earl Bane Foundation are launching this campaign with tremendous energy and a growing number of people, organizations and foundations are lending their support every day. We are continually blown away by their generosity and we are deeply grateful for the city of Salina for your investment, your work and your continued leadership in restoring this riverway. This has all been made possible by by you. Many of the people supporting this project are planting seeds of trees they may never get to sit under because they care about the future of this place. I look forward to the day, and it is almost here, when all of this planning finally turns to action. I look forward to our community gathering alongside the revitalized river that brought Salina into being. Thank you.

Thank you, guys.

Okay. Are there any questions or comments from the commission on this? Uh, comments from the public Benhole Salina. I hate to put a dark cloud on this particular item that's that's up for vote. Um, I have had u discussions with the architects out of Kansas City that are running the re river renewal project and they had told me that the silt from the river was going to be placed in in Lakewood Park uh in the water uh basically to build up to build up these trails. It is a known fact that river silt is not workable period. It's it just flattens out. On top of that, 60 years ago, this river was abandoned uh because of the dyke, flood dyke that's put in place. With that, um it was neglected. The city did nothing with it. Uh on top of that, there are 35 drains that run into this. It's the reason why it was never covered up, flattened out. The biggest one is an 8 foot by 8 foot covert behind YMCA that starts at St. Mary's School uh on Cloud Street. So you can see how many neighborhoods actually drain into this river. With that being said, everything that comes from the street from salt to anifreeze to fuel to oil uh basically can end up in this silt that is going to be removed. and the silt uh at the Ohio underpass alone is 8 foot deep. Um the

culvert is 8 foot below the silt. So there's how much is in there. So my comment, not so much a question because I'm questioned out. comment is I I don't see how this is going to be possible to build this up in the future because the fact that you're going to ruin the wildlife, fish, and everything in Lakewood when you put what could possibly be 60 years of contaminated soil uh into that lake. Um so maybe this one needs to be refigured. Thank you.

Thank you. Okay. Anyone else?

Hello, Mark Charles. I live here in Salena. I got a more comment from this gentleman here. I I was talking to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks guy that came to Lakewood one day when I was fishing there. And I asked him that same question. I said, "They're going to plan to put all that sealed in here. How is that possible when it's contaminated? Because we all know it's contaminated. The city sewer system dumps right into it. And according to Wakefield, Kansas, when they pulled out their silt, they had to put it out for over a year to sit to allow the contaminants to come out of it before they could use it. Another thing the Kansas Wildlife and Parks guy mentioned is that I said once you cut into that river because I think the project is to open the river up into Lakewood Park. What happens to all the fish? Are you still going to stock it? He goes, "Oh no." He goes, "We can't stock it. They're all going to the river." So all this family fishing that is represented for Lakewood Park all goes the way. No trout, no fish. You're going to have carp and gar in there so that you guys could like you said the river. The reason they did the cut off was because my grandfather used to tell me, "Oh, sli used to flood all the time. That's why they put that cut off in there." So I I don't know. Are we going to end up with more houses in the flood zones now? Raise everybody's insurance. I'm not part of this project. I think this project is stupid. But that's me. I thought we all voted it down and signed it, but somewhere somehow it snuck through.

You did. And so anyway, that's just another thing. You're just going to run Lakewood Park by dumping that silk. There won't be no more fishing. But that's me. Thank you. Thank you.

I'm Lucille Sanderson and the city created this problem in the old riverbed. When I started working for the city, we still had water coming through that old river. And just to the east side of the filter buildings in your treatment plant was a pump in the ground where the water for the whole city was pumped up through. But you got the hairbrained idea of going back to the river channel, piping water in through part of it under the old riverbed. You created this terrible riverbed when you got the smart idea to pipe it in a ma a water mane because we were pumping. Okay. Otherwise, so don't put the blame on the people. Started with you, not you personally, but your commission.

Thank you. Okay. Any other comments? Okay. I will close the public hearing and bring it back to the commission for action. Mayor, I move that the city commission approve resolution number 26-8345 for the philanthropic naming of Quinton and Florence Applequist Memorial Natural Area for the area adjacent to the lake at Lakewood Park contingent upon funding being appropriated and approval of the construction of the public improvement in accordance with the municipal facility naming guidelines. Second.

We have a motion and a second to approve resolution number 26-8345 for the philanthropic naming of of Quinton and Florence Applequist Memorial Natural Area for the area adjacent to the lake at Lakewood Park contingent upon funding being appropriated and approval of the construction of the public improvement in accordance with the municipal facility naming guidelines. All those in favor? I I

opposed. That item passes 50. And before we move on, and I think the city manager and and other commissioners will agree with this when when we attend uh uh meetings with other cities, one of the things they always ask us is how do they you get so many projects done? And we always talk about the private public partnerships we have. And uh Salina is blessed with individuals that continue to invest in their community and and on behalf of the city of Salena, I would like to thank the Applequist family for your continued dedication and uh to the city of Salina. Thank you very much.

Mayor, could I ask one question of city staff? In a project like this, uh, would the city routinely have some testing of soil or or the project is not defined? Certainly. And Martha, if you want to speak to that that I believe the soil has been tested increments all along the river and there was no concerns. In fact, we met with the core of engineers a few weeks to to talk about the core project and that was one of the topics that came up was the the testing of the soil. So that has been done and I don't think that there were any concerns with contaminants. Martha, you can expound on that if if you'd like.

Okay, that's correct. Uh some years back uh had some funding from EPA dollars that they didn't know what to do with and they offered it to us to uh test the soil in the Smoky Hill River channel. So using their dollars, we tested the soil every 500 ft for the entire length of the river channel. And that date is included in the uh feasibility work that the US Army Corps of Engineers is doing. So it's it's been looked at. Thank you. Okay, that will lead us to item 3.4.

Item 3.4. Conduct a public hearing and consider approval of resolution number 26-8346, naming a trail at Founders Park, the Earlbane Foundation Founders Park Trail in conjunction with the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project. Okay, I will open up the public hearing.

Thank you uh mayor and commissioners again. Uh last one for today for last public hearing for a naming right for today. Um as um as I repeat as I'm repeating myself, but I want to make sure I I am consistent. I guess uh Friends of the River have their fun fundraising campaign to support the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project and uh they've had some quite a bit of success. Um this one uh also is um successful for um funding projects that are currently unfunded or finding funding for projects that are currently unfunded. Um and there's a name right there associated with an area Founders Park. Founders Park is the park that is uh to the north of the Slantic Community Theater. It's uh the area that kind of wraps around that north edge of the community theater. And if you uh cross that area, you go into where the fieldhouse is uh to the northwest. Um that's Founders Park. Uh fundraising efforts by the Friends of the River uh resulted in a proposed donation of 1.6 6 million from the Earl Bane Foundation for prospective public improvements at Founders Park as part of the as part of the river project and the proposed naming initiative is Earl Bane Foundation Founders Park Trail. Again, step one, um the project was qualified or the area was qualified as named a qualified facility uh by the city commission in June 2nd of 2025. uh resolution 25-8296. Uh step two, the city clerk did verify the naming application was compliant with the naming guidelines for city of Salina and that is provided as an attachment to your packet.

Um it is a philanthropic naming because it's uh named after an individual Earl Bane. Uh process three um was uh step three March 18th staff approached the parks and rec advisory board uh requested consideration of this naming initiative uh for future prospective public improvement. The parks and recy board uh approved this 4 to zero uh to recommend it go forward to the city commission or recommended to be approved uh by the city commission. Um, representatives from representatives of the friends of the river foundation spoke in support of the na of the naming initiative at the parks and rec advisory board and they will also do the same today. Step four is where we're at today with the public hearing and to review the city clerk's verification to be in compliance with the naming initiatives to review the merits of the naming initiative uh take action on the mun municipal facility naming initiative uh including but not limited to approval denial postponing or voting a no. Um, step five is a signage plan. And again, there's a similar sign package that is compliant with the um some of the brand standards that the river is looking at that are provided by uh HDR. Um, and that's that last step five. We'll also we'll come back to you in a future project or a future um item to show you what that um public improvement would be like at Founders Park. the trails that they would be putting in this. There's I think there I believe there's some sitting areas. Um it'll will have final design and specifications uh funding uh for that project recommended for project authorization or a bid for

construction and how that sign would be incorporated into the uh improvements at Founders Park. Uh if I didn't say it earlier, this is a a $1.6 $6 million uh donation from the Earl Bane Foundation. I don't not sure if I said that earlier. Um again, um you have some options relating to this naming initiative. You can approve uh resolution- 2026-8345. You can approve it with amendments as you deem appropriate. You can postpone consideration of the resolution or you can vote no uh on the resolution. And uh again, as um I've done with the other ones, uh Friends of the River Foundation would like an opportunity to speak on behalf of this uh naming initiative and also on the donation that they received.

Okay. Thank you.

Again, I'm Jane Anderson from the Friends of River Foundation. Um the Earl Bane Foundation Founders Park Trail, it it is located next to Theater Salina. Uh they have donated 1.6 million for this part of the trail. Um this piece of the trail along the Smokeill River in Founders Park has had no support from the city of Sina or the raise grant. This gift will create the connection needed to link the downtown and the new plaza on Four Street with the rest of the riverway. The Earl Bane Foundation, however, also sponsored four trails in North Carolina. So, their total gift is actually $2 million. This is the largest gift for one project in the history of Earl Bane Foundation. And one of the trustees told me that this project they find is the most democratic project they've ever been part of because this riverway and trail system will be for absolutely everyone in our community to use as well as our visitors. Since its founding in 1994, the Earl Bane Foundation has given $18 million in grants and scholarships to students and charities located in Selen County. We are really grateful for the Earl Baines board's belief in the Smokeill River project. Thank you.

Thank you. Okay. Any questions or comments from the commission? Make a comment.

Okay. Just a meeting I was at recently, I having been part of Salina for decades, I said to myself, who the heck is Earl Bane? and I did a little research and just um very impressive Earl's um legacy, one of the pioneers of the Dairy Queen franchise, developing almost 150 locations over seven states. And I I think it's a a very generous donation he's looking to make

for sure. Hey, thank you. Any comments from the public? If not, I will close the public hearing and bring it back to the commission for action. Mr. Mayor, I move for approval of resolution number 26-8345 for the philanthropic naming of Earl Bane Foundation Founders Park Trail at Founders Park contingent upon the funding being appropriated in approval of the construction of the public improvement in accordance with municipal facility naming guidelines.

Second. We have a motion and a second to approve resolution number 26-8345 for the philanthropic name naming of Earl Bane Foundation Founders Park Trail at Founders Park contingent upon funding being appropriated and approval of the construction of the public improvement in accordance with the municipal facility naming guidelines. Mayor, I think we have a um it's ordinance 8346. and 8345 on the blue sheet. I don't know if we need to verify that. You like me to do an addendum to that?

It does say the Yeah, the white sheet is 46. It is uh 8346. Is the resolution that's tied to the Founders Park naming initiative? Um would you who made the motion? I did. Would you like to make the motion just changing the resolution number? Absolutely. I'll make a motion to change the resolution number to 26-8346. Second. Second. Okay. Had a motion, a second to approve the resolution number. All those in favor? I I I opposed. Okay. Now we'll vote on the resolution. All those in favor? I opposed.

That item passes. 50. We do have one change to the um agenda item uh what was 6.3 has been moved to 3.5 as we need to conduct it as a public hearing. So, new item 3.5 is to con conduct a public hearing and consider approval of ordinance number 26-11279 providing for a 105 ft break in access control along the west side of Ohio Street for the Salena Family Healthcare Center. All right. Okay. I will open the public hearing and uh turn it over to Mr. Hers.

Thank you. Dustin Hers with planning and zoning for the city of Selena. This item is a companion item to both items 6.1 and 6.2 and is best understood with some background and context to those three items. So to we can pull up the slide here. Next slide please. So Salina Health Education Foundation has purchased the former Kansas Gas and KPNL site before that. It's the northwest corner of Ohio Street and Edison Place and that property was originally developed in 1979 for a utility operation. So the east 200 ft is currently zoned C3 for their office operations while the balance of the property to the west is all zoned plan development district I2. That's going to be important later for item 6.1. Um, but it explains some of the nature of of this uh this request here. And so what they're looking to do is reszone this property to a a unified C3 zoning in order to redevelop it for a medical clinic. In addition to reszoning the property, they're also looking to replplat the property to clean up property line um dimensions as well as establish new utilities uh access or utility easements as well as drainage easements. And they're also proposing a breakin access along Ohio Street. So the north 150 ft of the property um along Ohio there. And typically that is done through the platting process where you you have a preliminary plat that goes to the planning commission and you have a final plat that goes to the planning commission and then gets recorded and establishes all of those

easements as well as a breakin access. This particular project, however, has a very multiple and robust financing um mechanisms that they're using for the project that includes new market tax credits. And as such, they're needing to expedite the buildability or the developability of the property. And so that is the reason for the breaking access. Even though they are going through the platting process now, it has gone to the planning commission for preliminary plat and will go before the planning commission for a final plat. In order to get to the point where they can have a building permit issued to them prior to the completion of the platting process, they are submitting two petitions. This petition for the breakin access as well as a petition to dedicate both utility easements and drainage easements. So that's kind of the background um context of this particular request. So the the purpose for the proposed break-in access at the north 105 ft of the property is that the the traffic impact study that was conducted for you can go next slide Scott for this particular project approximates that there is 193 vehicles per peak hour um generation. So during the kind of 5 5:00 rush, if you want to call it that, the PM rush, they estimate there'd be 193 vehicles associated with this particular property, as well as over 2,000 uh vehicle trips per day as part of this this particular um oh breaking access. I should explain what a break-in access is because that's that's something that maybe not everybody knows. So along arterial streets like

Ohio, a lot of times we have what we call restricted access. And what that means is that particular property is not allowed to have any kind of curb cuts or entrances or exits onto those arterial streets in order to um keep traffic flowing and prevent or mitigate traffic accidents that that might occur otherwise. And so currently there is restricted access along Ohio. The traffic study that was conducted concluded that having two access points for the proposed medical uh medical clinic for line of family would actually reduce traffic conflicts because it would evenly disperse vehicles coming in and out to the north as well as uh next slide as well as to the south off of Edison. So here you see the site plan. You see that there's two proposed entrances and exits directly on Edison which feeds into Ohio and then there is the proposed entrance and exit on the norththeast corner of the property. Um, next slide please. So, in their review of the traffic study with the the engineering staff, um they they created two conditions of approval for the proposed break and access. And so, condition number one establishes a 5-year monitoring period following the opening of the new access. It traffic studies demonstrate that improvements like signal or turn lanes are warranted. that the cost will be shared 75% by the foundation and 25% by the city of Salina. This is legally implemented through the submission of a special assessment petition which establishes a project ceiling of $800,000. And so what that means is in

the future after the clinic is up and operating, if the if a study is is completed that determines that there the intensity of the traffic or the volume of traffic or potentially other warrants that that is under MUTC warrant additional traffic mitigation devices, those could be implemented at the time with a maximum being a traffic signal because the traffic signal is is typically the maximum uh traffic uh device to help control traffic as far as uh the most expensive condition number two. Next slide, please. The second condition requires postoping traffic monitoring to evaluate actual on ground conditions. The applicant must hire a qualified engineer to conduct traffic counts at 6 months and 18 months following the opening which is after the certificate of occupancy. Um funded 100% by the foundation. If the city determines additional counts are necessary within the first 5 years, those would be funded uh 50/50 with the foundation covering 50% of the cost and the city of Sina covering 50% of the cost. So to address these conditions, this particular item has both an ordinance and a resolution. So because there are two distinct items, staff has identified the following options for the commission's consideration. For action A regarding the access break, you may one approve the ordinance 26-11279 granting the requested break and access control on Ohio Street. Number two, you could postpone consideration. And number three, you could deny ordinance number 26-11279,

leaving the existing access controls in place. For action B regarding the infrastructure, you could approve resolution 26-8349 in response to the petition submitted by Sina Health Education Foundation making findings as to the uh advisability of certain traffic control implementations and authorizing such improvements in accordance with those findings. You could postpone consideration consideration of the resolution or you could deny the approval of the the resolution. For the first action, staff would recommend the following motion. You can move that the city commission approve ordinance number 26-11279 granting the 105 ft break and access control along Ohio Street, which is petition number 4444. Or you can move that and and for the second action, we would recommend that you move that the city commission approve resolution number 8349 making findings as to the advisability of certain traffic control implementations and authorizing such improvements in accordance with those findings. You can go to the next slide, Scott. Just kind of gives the recommendations there. Any questions about that? has a it's a unique project. Um this is is to try to expedite um Sina family's ability to obtain a a building permit. That's the primary reason for the control or the proposed break and access versus going through the whole uh platting process which they're still going through and is pending.

Dustin, quick question if I could. Sure. Where does the 105 ft come in at? Could you go back a slide or two and show us what when you say the 105 ft, right? What are we talking about here?

Yeah. So, at the very, if you can see the proposed site plan, thank you, Scott. The very northeast corner of the property where you see proposed drive, that is a fully functioning entrance and exit. fully functioning meaning it controls or it contains rather a right in a right out and a left out with a median that separates the entrance with the exits. So it's it's wider than than normal and that's that's 105 ft. I couldn't tell you exactly how wide that entrance is. I can tell you 105 ft is what the application is for. Okay,

Commissioner Davis, you have a question.

I'm assuming the uh potential trouble is going to be traffic turning left going north on Ohio, which is difficult on any street that meets Ohio without a traffic light. Even now, if you put in an extra 200 cars at 5:00, uh that's going to be almost impossible scenario, I would think. If uh improvements were needed, what why is the city responsible for 25%. Dustin, if I if I may, the 25% is or the that's in the moni Well, here Lauren will get I think that's there's the monitoring percentage and then the Go ahead. You're not getting out of this one.

Yeah. So, over the 5-year period, Lauren Driscoll, director of community and development services, there is growth continually happening around that area. So in recognizing if a signal or other significant traffic improvement is needed at this site within the next five years, we recognize that 100% of that cannot totally be allocated to this one property. And so a 25% share going to the city would help to accommodate the growth in the area that's seen at that intersection. The 75% that line share would then be handled by the primary use that helped to generate that. Yes. Thank you. And I and I take it that light will be at Edison.

We do have Rex with the public works. He's the assistant deputy or the deputy director and and the city engineer who can speak to that. Rex Ritter, uh, city engineer and deputy director of public works. Yes, the plan would be at Edison and it's that's worst case traffic light. The other option is potentially depending on the traffic study just adding a diff an additional lane for a left and a right out instead of just one single getting both directions. So, uh the 800,000 is worst case scenario what would need to be done. So, thank you.

Yeah. And one of the reasons that public works and engineering feel these conditions are needed is because the traffic study says that currently it's projected that this barely might need this this light. But it's it's based on there's there's different warrant categories. There's like volume per day. There's car accidents or vehicle accidents. there's um peak peak intervals of of vehicles in a peak time period and it's the peak it's the peak situation that the study is most concerned about and it's one of those things where it's just barely meeting the threshold and so we don't really know if this is going to be a situation where the traffic is is severe enough where additional measures are going to be needed but if they are we want to make sure that the city is protected for for that situation.

Thank you. What one more kind of a follow-up question if I could and Dustin, it might not be really a question to you, but is or will this property become property tax exempt? Yeah, I don't I don't think I have not looked at their status. I I believe it would be. Yeah, that I think their current property is probably exempt. So, I would expect them to apply also. That'd be a That'd be a county question.

Okay. Are there any comments from the public?

Tony Johnson, Salina. Uh, we just had a big discussion on traffic safety with the roundabout out at Waterwell and 9inth Street. And I don't see how adding a driveway when you got Edison Street right there to feed in and out. I mean, I tell my wife all the time, it's like Salina is trying to train drivers not to take alternate routes. It's like, you know, we can only go the path of least resistance. But uh and Lord knows we don't need another light cuz the city of Salina has not figured out that they've invented controls to sequence stop lightss cuz we don't have two of them set that you don't have to stop at I I came down Nin Street the other day and stopped at like 11 of them between Walnut and Waterwell. But, uh, I I just think from a safety standpoint, I mean, it seems foolish to me when you've got an actual city street already there bordering the property, you know, and then we wouldn't be on the hook for any improvements in the future. So, thank you.

Thank you. Yeah. They're requesting that other exit onto Ohio. We have your name. As he mentioned, Could we have your name again, please? Just for the record,

Lucille Sanderson. As he mentioned, there's Edison. It not only goes east, it goes west. And I don't know why they think there's going to be a rush of cars leaving that health facility. It's not going to be that way. It's going to be gradually people coming and going. I just don't think they need that other one because of Ohio is a dangerous street. There's times I stay off of Salina, but if they were going to be leaving everybody at 5:00, I could understand that, but that's not the case. They're coming and going throughout the day. Correct. Do you agree with what I just said? You're not answering, are you?

I agree. They'll be coming all all day long, but I'm not a traffic study expert. So, but another traffic light and you get out there and there's a line of cars, it's going to be another headache. Thank you. Thank you.

Yes. Uh Bob Craft. I'm the chief executive officer of Selena Family Healthcare. I'm a Selena resident. Um I do want to uh take this opportunity to thank the city staff to work through um some of these uh questions. Uh and also just want to comment that uh we are very happy to work with the city uh moving forward. Um like you I'm not a traffic uh expert um but we're happy to to um collaborate and work with the city uh in terms of uh working through any sort of traffic issues that um might exist. So thank you.

Thank you. You know, it might be one thing to mention. Uh the uh Sina family health center is quite busy now, but this unfortunately and fortunately is going to be a case of build it and they will come. Uh it's about to get very much busy. I I I can see the value of having two options for for getting in and and getting out. Uh, you know, my only concern is avoiding some bad accidents until we decide to, but you know, we we have the studies in place already to to monitor the traffic.

Yeah, I was just going to add from my standpoint kind of working with this team. Uh, Sina family has been really easy to work with. The the what's proposed today is not to change anything or add anything any controls immediately. It's just to be very cautious and preserve that ability for the city to do it in the future if it's warranted. So, it's most of this is very precautionary and cautious without changing things currently, but being able to adjust if we need to. Thank you, Patrick.

Okay, with that, I will close the public hearing and bring it back to the commission for action. Mayor move to approve ordinance number 26-11279 granting the requested break and access control on Ohio Street. Second. We have a motion and second to approve ordinance number 26-11279 granting the requested break and access control on Ohio Street. May we have a roll call, please? Commissioner Davis, I. Commissioner Ivy, I. Commissioner Linwitz. Hi. Commissioner Remast.

Commissioner Rimp, you there? He's unmute. Yeah, I I I'm sorry. And I wanted I wanted to maybe suggest a addendum to it for right turn in and right turn out only. We we have a motion and a second on the floor. Okay. Yep. Yep. And and I'm a nay. Okay. Okay. And Mayor Hopek I So that item passes 4 to one. That will leave us to the resolution.

Okay. May I move approval of resolution number 26-8349 in response to the petition submitted by Salena Health Education Foundation making findings as to the advisability of certain traffic control improvements and authorizing such improvements in accordance with those findings.

Second. We have a motion and a second to approve resolution number 26-8349 in response to the petition submitted by Salina Health Education Foundation making findings as to the advis advisability of certain traffic control improvements and authorizing such improvements in accordance with those findings. All those in favor sayify by saying I.

I opposed. That item passes 50. And I don't know if everyone saw it, but there was a groundbreaking out at the facility last Thursday. And u it is a beautiful building that will help um this organization to continue the tremendous mission they have. So congratulations and I think we still have you on the on the agenda here later too, but I wanted to say that. So thank you. That will lead us to the consent agenda.

Item 4.1, consider approval of the March 23rd, 2026 regular meeting minutes. Item 4.2, consider approval of resolution number 26-8341 adding three omitted lots to the Stone Lake phase 3B special assessment improvement district. Item 4.3 consider awarding the bid for the 2026 million inlay project to APAC Kansas shears division of Salina in an amount not to exceed 2 million443,45521. Item 4.4 consider authorizing the mayor to execute a third amendment to the transfer agreement with Lighthouse Properties 3 Incorporated and Selena 2020 Incorporated for outdoor dining improvements at Starbucks and Yaya Zuristro. And item 4.5, consider approval of resolution number 26-8342, amending the project authorization and providing for paving and reconstruction improvements of West Magnolia Road from Centennial Road to I135.

Okay. Are there any items a commissioner would like to pull off the consent agenda? I will would like to pull off 4.2 and not because I have an a problem with it, but I have a a conflict. So, we will I will recuse myself when we vote on that one. So, are there any comments from the public on any of the consent agenda items?

Ben Salina uh 4.5. I would like to know what the amendment is all about for uh this construction. Is this in involving more money or is it just involving details with the plan itself?

It's in there. Miss PAC, I believe that's your item. This project was originally um authorized to issue debt. This is an amendment to the authorization to issue debt debt from 2.5 million to 3 million. Um it is not an increase in the project. It it was when the bids came in. The construction project came in with a contingency of $3.9 million after we subtract the uh grant of $1.5 million from KOT. Uh that got us awful close to that $2.5 million, but there were some additional costs for land acquisition and legal fees that put us over that amount. Um so that's why we're requesting that additional authorization. It's a authorization to issue bonds um in case the cost the final cost does go over the $2.5 million.

Thank you. Anyone else? Procedurally, is 4.5 still in the Yes. Thank you. Yes. Okay. So, in that case, I would move uh what do you want to do? 4 point do all 4.2 two and then I'll recuse myself if you would. Approval of uh consent agenda items, all of them except for 4.2. Second. We have a motion, a second to approve consent agenda items 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5. All those in favor?

I I opposed. Those pass and I will just step out briefly. Thank you. You're it. Item 4.2. All right. Just as a reminder, item 4.2 is to consider approval of resolution number 26-8341 adding three omitted lots to the Stone Lake phase 3B special assessment improvement district. Do we need um I'll just move for approval of consent agenda item 4.2.

We have to have um public comment that was that one included I don't believe based on that's true because we we didn't pull it for questions. It was more procedural because guess we'll defer to council. I guess it's safe to just see if anyone wants to ask a question about 4.2 and then we can vote. Is there any public questions or comment on 4.2? Okay, hearing that, we'll take action. Second. Okay, so it has been moved and seconded that um we approve resolution number 26-8341 with a bond payment period of 20 years and repeal the prior resolutions. All in favor say I.

I. I. I. Opposed? Same sign. That passes 4 Z and we'll bring back the mayor. Thank you. That will bring us to administration item 5.1. Item 5.1. Consider approval of art and design projects for fire station number four in an amount not to exceed $75,321. Okay.

Mayor, commissioners, thank you for your time today. Crystal Hammer Schmidt, art services coordinator with arts and humanities. I'm asking for your consideration to approve art and design projects for fire station number four. I want to give a little context and background to this. Um, our community art and design policy, which was established in 2007, provides a healthy framework for the inclusion of art and design in selected city capital city capital improvement projects and other projects involving public property. Um, it also establishes the community art and design advisory committee which meets monthly 10 months out of the year to review all through the year public art projects. I do want to remind uh the commission and the public that this is not a mandatory percent for art program. Rather, it's providing us the city with the flexibility to identify projects where art integration will be appropriate and impactful. The fire station number four project presents a great opportunity to incorporate public art into a major public facility in a way that reflects civic service, public safety, and community identity. The project also advances the goal number two of the big ideas community cultural plan to make our community a more beautiful place in which to live, work, and visit. Within this policy, um, all capital improvement projects in addition to the community art and design committee, it is required to form a site committee specific to the project. So, I do want to acknowledge all of the folks on that site committee, including the WSKF architects who've participated from the start, Salena Fire Department staff, um other city department staffs who are responsible for the maintenance and long-term care of that space, our community art and design committee, and

then our six committee members who served on on this site committee in October of 2024. this body, the city commission did approve a budget not to exceed $100,000 for artwork to be integrated at fire station number four. Um upon that approval, we put out a call for art. There were three locations. Um here it's a little hard to see. So as we had received six proposals initially that site committee reviewed and we narrowed it down to two artist teams. So, as we're looking at this photo to the left, the westfacing front identifier wall um that is we would if we're looking at this photo, it's like we're standing on Mark Lee Street. So, that arrow is pointing down and that will be the location where Eric Montoy's work is proposed. And then it's incredibly difficult to see. Um the south parking lot divider wall stretches. There's two sections and Prey Works design artwork is proposed for the west section of that divider wall. So the artwork will be facing south towards the parking lot. The site committee reviewed all of the submissions initially for four different things. Whether the design reflects pride in the community service and the fire department's role within the city. Two, whether the design represents the values identified in the vision statement created by that site committee, including honoring personnel, selfless service, protection of families, and community engagement. Three, whether the design harmonizes with the station architecture, and four, whether design reflects the vibrancy, activity, and future vision of the community. Both of these proposed artworks were reviewed by development services. Um the

proposal that we have up here if we can actually go back to yes 1.2 Eric Mononttoy's design we go a slide maybe it's the next one. Okay this is this is Prairie Works design. So, I'm I'm not We may have our

what? Oh, okay. Um, so I'll give a give a brief description of Eric's work. Um, his his work will be a perforated stainless steel work. It includes uh some of the art deco designs that we see in the downtown area. Um, also a centralized Maltese cross which is a universally recognized symbol for fire and EM EMS service. and then a large numeral four. Um these are elements determined to be functional and essential way finding features and also incorporate some of those decorative elements that we are seeing throughout the city. Um the back side of that artwork will also be lit with programmable LED lights. So that front-facing wall um you're going to be able to see it as you're driving. That's I think it's that wall is set about 60 or 70 ft off of Markley. So we want to make sure that that that work is visible um both daytime and and in the evening. Uh prairie works design. I do want to note that the images here are sketches uh to be defined more clearly um in the process of creation. So at the top we see the the wall there's two sections and they these will be clay tiles. Preyworks design and Zurgger and Chip Parker will be working with youths in the community to actually create these clay tiles. So there's going to be youth engagement for the production of this. Um we've had some conversation in different um community groups whether that um we'll open that up to different youth or maybe work through our arts infusion program to get all the students included. Um these will be fired and finished in Ann and Chip's studio um and then installed. Hope we're hoping um Clay takes some time and working with

students um will take some time to unfold. So hopefully that installation will be complete by early 2027. The timeline on Eric's work um a pretty quick turnaround to get installed um probably within a matter of months of the approval. Overall, the budget we are asking for is well under the approved amount of $100,000. Um, we are not to exceed $75,321. Um, we have incurred a little bit of additional cost um with a change order for about $1,200 um $1,2514 um for electrical access. We will be installing lights uh at this southacing wall so you can also see this artwork um in the evening time. So there's some ground mounted stuff. So, we will also be adding about um around $10,000 for the lighting and the fixtures to be lit onto this wall. You have any questions?

Any questions from commissioners? The $10,000 for lighting and fixtures, is that included in the $75,000 number? Yes, it is. Okay. Yeah, it's nice looking design. I like it. So, okay. Any comments from the public?

Ben Winhold Salina. Let's go back on the history of when this first came to attrition as far as u station number four coming into existence. They went over budget um and they made the fire department take out $1 million worth of equipment and room needed for that facility that they wanted. Yet, in the original bid, there was 400,000 uh in artwork that was left in there, but the fire department had taken out a million dollars. Now, my understanding, one of the things that was taken out is a glass corner room where they were going to put their antique fire engine and have it on display all the time. For us auto enthusiasts, that's artwork that was taken out. So, the question I have since Mr. guru arts and humanities director is in the house is are we stopping at 100,000 or are we going to continue and go up to this 400,000 with little bit little bit little bit that seems to be the process of what the city likes to do

I believe and I'm it was never approved at $400,000 it was approved at $100,000 originally and it's going to be $75,000 which is less than $100,000 so it's well within the budget that was presented to the city commission and approved by the city commission at the time. We listened to the 400,000 when we made the cuts and felt 100,000 is enough and you can spin it how you want, but that's the way it was set up and we're doing exactly what we said we would do. So,

thank you. Okay, any other comments? Okay. If not, I will bring it back to the commission for action. I'll make a motion to approve item number 5.1 in the amount of $75,321. Second. Okay, we have a motion, a second to approve and accept the proposed art design project with a total budget not to exceed $75,321. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.

Opposed? That item passes. 50. Thank you very much. That will lead us to item 5.2. Item 5.2. Consider authorizing the city manager to enter into an agreement for time and attendance software and equipment with Time Clock Plus LLC in the amount of $253,398.83.

Good evening, mayor and commissioners. Natalie Fischer, director of human resources. Uh the request for a new time and attendance system is because um Nova Time, our current software um was bought out by another company and we were notified it is approaching end of life. We don't know exact date, but we do know we need to make a transition to another product. Um just a brief overview about the process that led us to the recommendation to uh go with time clocks plus or TCP. We requested proposals and received 11. Of those 11, we looked at the top four um based on functionality, integration, total cost, comparable customer base, and the ability to meet the infrastructure and the security requirements for uh our organization. Um we were blessed that four were solid. Uh one which was the lowest cost only provided um two public sector employers in the US market because they're just breaking into the US market and none of those were municipalities. So there were just some concerns there. So um based on the top three then um time clocks plus is the lowest price of those three. We did ask then the top two to give us also a demo on advanced scheduling that we thought we might need to deploy for our public safety departments and after a lot of review contemplation concerns uh we pulled back um I guess and also the expense we pulled back and said let's move ahead with just the base time and attendance system. Um the implementation as anticipated would align with the end of our existing contract. So to manage costs, we would not have a lot of time

where we're still paying for the existing as well as doubling up to pay for the new as we um get the implementation complete and plan to go live. Um just a sidebar on time clocks plus or TCP, the references that we spoke with um were very solid and then after we talked to those uh provided references, we did learn that Solen County currently uses it. Um, and we didn't know that going in or we might have um dug into our local resource there a little bit more. Um, as we uh with the proposals, we were looking at 30 time clocks, but we reviewed and said we can get by with fewer and the um cost projections is a lower amount. it is 18 which did substantially lower the investment both the physical time clocks as well as the maintenance and ongoing expenses associated with those. Um one of the main reasons that we feel we can do that is we have uh designated computers in several areas individual to individuals as well as an app that will be available and that's what we are currently accustomed to also. Um, so I would be happy to answer any questions, but um, that's a very brief summary. Moving forward, we are asking to consider the five-year agreement. It allows us to lock in costs for years two through five. Um, I can't give the exact dollar amount. We gave the projected because it is based on employee counts per month. And then also we accounted for a seasonal load. I did ask for uh an add- additional authorization after the initial just in case we find out we need additional equipment or some equipment that we've purchased doesn't work in a

certain location and we have to exchange. Um just that type of thing so we don't have to bring that back to the commission that we can continue on with implementation. Um but with that uh anticipated projected expense over the course of 5 years is 253 39883 and just a sidebar um that actually is cheaper than when we purchased and rolled out our current product which was purchased in 2021 with implementation in 2022. That was 300 I want to say approximately $310,000 at that time up to 319. So with that, I'll be happy to answer any questions.

What's kind of the life expectancy of a program like this and equipment?

Um the software itself, the company that um helped us implement said this was the first time that they had ever experienced one of the problems. they've um helped or because that was a little different situation. They were more of a distributor, but they had never experienced another company buying them out and saying we're phasing it out. Time Clocks Plus, I don't have in front of me, I want to say they've been in business for 35 years. So, this is what they do. This is their product and as they update and um maintain the software, we just reap the benefits of that. I would say where the life expectancy is going to be in the physical time clocks which is also a reason we were looking at reducing the number that we were purchasing. Um I'm told uh the average is 7 years but 10 to 12 was more common of the vendors of of what they were saying they were seeing uh as far as the time clocks out in the field and being functional.

Thank you. Any other questions from the commission?

Yep. Um Natalie, just a little followup on that. I believe you had mentioned the Novi system and you had mentioned an imple implementation year anyway of 2022, which means we got roughly four years of use and just a followup to the mayor's question. So, we're going to get a minimum of of five years because while they've been in business, I think you mentioned 25 years, I suppose anybody can be bought out at this point in time, right? So, there is a clause in the contract that says the agreement would transfer over in the event there was a merger, acquisition, buyout of that nature. um the five-year agreements that our initial that we um went into with Andrews Technology that has the Nova time pro uh product. It is through the end of November of this year.

So hopefully that answers the question.

Just one other qu. Does the new system have to receive any information from the old system or it just starts up on its own? Yeah, it will not. Um, old system and new system, they do have a track record of integrating with our payroll system, which is something different. And we are optimistic down the road if by chance we would need to change systems that uh TCP has a number of interfaces with leading industry HIS systems. Um, but yeah, they they are they will not be dependent upon each other. They will be completely separate. But both will provide the functionality of feeding the data so we can pay people correctly.

Thank you. Okay. Any comments from the public? Okay. If not, I will bring it back to the commission for action. Mayor, I move that we approve a motion authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Time Clock Plus for a time and attendance system, including software maintenance, support, implementation, time clocks, and related equipment and fees in the amount of $253,398.83.

Second. We have a motion, a second um authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Time Clock Plus for a time and attendance system including software maintenance, support, implementation, time clocks, and related equipment and fees in the amount of $253,398.83. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Opposed? That item passes 5. Thank you. That will lead us to item 5.3.

Item 5.3, consider certification of final costs for the 2026 special assessment projects and set April 27th, 2026 for a public hearing. Okay, I will turn it over to Vice Mayor uh Ivy as I need to recuse myself from this item. Hello, Vice Mayor, mayor and commissioners. I'm Rex Ritter, the deputy director of public works and the city engineer.

It's the annual duty of the engineering department to certify the cost of special assessment projects. The finance office, utilities, engineering staff, and bond council are are all involved in the process. Uh, in the packet, all the background information is listed on the KSAAS, KSAs, and a brief history of allowing an extended 20-year payback period. The final certifications of costs for projects finalized in 2025 are summarized in the table in the packet with a breakdown of property owner and city cost share. The six projects for the 2025 are include airport industrial center number three phase 1, Cedar Point edition, Lake View Estates Edition number two phase 2, Liberty Edition number three, Stone Lake edition phase 3B, and lastly, Overlook Estates Edition. Two of those have a city share. Um, the first one being Cedar Point edition. Cedar Point uh city share includes the improvements made to Cedar Ridge Drive as per resolution number 25829 95. And then the second one liberted edition includes uh upsizing the required 8 in line to a 12-in per the city. The city shall uh pay the difference. And then also from a previous agreement uh the city was to install two RCBs and this is the second one and that will finish the agreement. The public hearing is intended to receive input from interested parties and particular property owners within the special assessment benefit district. The primary issue at this point is that the cost the final costs have been properly calculated and distributed. A calendar of events is included in the packet. Today include today's event includes uh approving the final project

costs and setting the assessment hearing date. And then April 27th will be the assessment hearing date. A fiscal note. This action sets the foundation for the final determination of assessments after the public hearing. At the time of the public hearing, the sales of the bonds have not occurred. City staff has identified the following options for the city commission's consideration. Number one, accept the statement of final costs and set April 27th, 2026 as a special assessment hearing date to consider authoriz authorization of special assessment financing and authorize the term of the installment payment period. And then two, postpone accepting the statement of final costs and setting April 27th, 2026 and provides and provide staff uh direction. And then number three, do not accept statement of final cost and set April 27th, 2026 and provide staff further direction. Uh staff's recommendation is number one and I I'll stand for any additional questions and we have additional staff here. Thank you. Is there any questions from the commission?

Thank you. Do we have any public comment? Okay, we'll bring it back for some action. Mr. Vice Mayor, I move that the city commission accept the statement of final costs and set April 27th, 2026 as the special assessment hearing date to consider authorization of the special assessment financing and authorize the term of the installment payment period. Second. Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that we accept the statement of final costs and set April 27th, 2026 as a special assessment hearing date to consider authorization of special assessment financing and authorize the term of the installment payment period. All those in favor say I. I.

I. I. Opposed. Same sign. Okay, that passes 40 and we'll bring the mayor back again. Thank you. That will bring us to development business. Item 6.1.

Item 6.1. Consider approval of ordinance number 26-11278 reszoning attracted land at the northwest corner of Ohio Street Edison Place to allow for the construction of a medical clinic for Salina Family Healthcare Center. Mr. Hers. Thank you, mayor, commissioners. I'm Dustin Hers with planning and zoning. We have a presentation that involves the resoning piece of this line of family redevelopment project that we discussed earlier with the proposed breaking access. Am I the only one? Excuse me.

Whomever this is that's talking, your voices carry and we can hear them. You're not required to be here. If you have conversations to partake in, you can leave, but we have business to conduct. Thank you very much.

You're good. Okay. You think they're waiting on there? Sure.

We'll we'll begin as as Scott gets that pulled up. So again, the the reasonzoning piece of this is this property is part of a 1979 development that has a 1979 plan um development district zoning classification that has I2 light industrial underlying to it. And what that means is the east portion of the property is zone C3, which is service commercial. And the west boundary or the the the the remaining portion of the the property is zone PDDI2 and that was for the utility storage yard that KPNL and then later Kansas Gas had as part of the facility since yes next slide please. Since Salena family has purchased the property um you go to next slide now as well. This is this is the zoning map. So when I say the east 200 ft, I'm talking about the the pink C3 that you see towards the right of the property. And then the the blue PDD is the industrial piece. And what they're proposing to do is reszone the whole property so that it all has a cohesive unifying C3 zoning district that would make it more developable because it's currently the PDD would not allow the proposed medical use that they're proposing. The intent and purpose, go to the next slide, please. So, the surrounding property, you have Waters True Value to the north. You also have Carlson um funeral home to the north as well. That's C3. To the east, you have primarily all single family residential. And then you have some uh other commercial and institutional uses to the south like Lurerva. And so that's kind of the surrounding context of this particular property. Next slide. We've already gone through the background. Next slide.

Nature of the request. We've already gone through that as well. Next slide, please. Intent and purpose of this per particular resoning. The existing I2 designates and design is designed for limited industrial activities which fit the old utility yard but are not do not permit medical or uh patient oriented uses. The C3 district, however, is specifically designed to accommodate retail, service, and institutional facilities, making it the proper classification for the proposed medical campus. Uh, next slide. I'll go back one. Actually, that we cover everything. Next slide. Thank you. Looking at the development standards, the C3 district does have a different development standard than the I2 district. The I2 district permits for gravel um surfacing for parking and storage. It also does not require landscaping where the C3 district requires both front yard landscaping as well as um paving for all off- streetet parking. So it does have a different type of aesthetic upgrade in terms of the development standards of the property. Looking at next slide please. the suitability of the site for redevelopment. This is a statutory requirement and factor and the current zoning inhibits the redevelopment of the property because it does not allow for medical use and is restricted and limited to utility storage yards which um are very limiting and making the property suitable um or excuse me consolidating the zoning to C3 would make the property more suitable for a cohesive redevelopment. Next slide. Looking at the character of the surrounding area, as you see on the east side of the map,

all the properties on the east side of Ohio are all R1 single family residential, where on the west side you have a lot of commercial and institutional uses. And so the proposed reszoning to C3 would be more in line with those uses on the west side of of Ohio there. Next slide, please. public utilities. There is adequate utilities already at the site. It it is a redevelopment project for a site that has access to all of the appropriate sanitary sewer, uh, water, as well as a drainage system that's going to be implemented with the proposed redevelopment. Next slide. Streets and traffic. Traffic is a primary consideration for this corridor. Ohio Street carries over 16,000 vehicles per day in this area. And an approved traffic impact study projects potential significant increases in traffic at Edison during peak PM hours, which is what we talked about when we when we talked about the proposed breakin access. To satisfy and manage this, the city engineer has established binding conditions of approval, which will be addressed on the communion break of access, which you've already heard. Uh, next slide please. Conformance with the comprehensive plan. This particular area is commercial as far as a future land use category and the proposed C3 district does fit within the uh limits and recommendations of the commercial land use category. Next slide please. So this takes us to um the recommendation. The planning commission held a public hearing on this item on March 17th. Based on findings that this resoning cures a split uh zoning law issue, upgrades development standards,

and conforms to the comprehensive plan. They voted 60 to recommend approval. The 14-day protest period has expired with no protests filed. And so then staff therefore recommends that the city commission concur and approve ordinance number 26-11278 on um for this particular item. And I'm happy to address any questions you might have. Any comments from the public? Sorry, I don't have my speak. Any comments from the public?

Okay. If not, I will bring it back to the commission for action. Mr. Mayor, I move motion. Go ahead. Go ahead. No, please go ahead. All right. Well, it it seems like this train has already left the station. So, I'm going to make a motion to approve ordinance number 26-11278. Second.

Okay. Concurring with the findings and recommendations of the planning commission to reszone lot two less the east 200 ft unless the Edison Place rightway surveyor's plat number 52 from a plan development district with an I2 light industrial underlying zoning to C3 district. We will therefore approve ordinance number 26-11278 um as printed. We will have a roll call, please. Commissioner Davis, I. Commissioner Ivy, I. Commissioner Linkitz, I. Commissioner Remp, I. Mayor Hopek,

I. That item passes 50. Thank you. It will bring us to item 6.2. Item 6.2, consider acceptance of offered public utility easement dedications and drainage easement dedications from the Salena Health Education Foundation on a portion of lot 2 at the northwest corner of Ohio Street in Edison Place.

All right, mayor and commissioners Dustin Hers with the city of Salena planning and zoning office and this is our third and final item for the Selena family project. This is a petition number 4445 and the purpose of this petition is for the city commission to accept both utility easements and drainage easements. So next slide please. So the the this is the the area again. Next slide. Background we will skip because we've gone through that. Next slide please. All right. So the because there are two distinct categories of infrastructure being dedicated to the city, the commi the commission has the option to accept, postpone or decline these dedications. Staff is recommending acceptance to properly execute the documents. The city commission will need to uh separate two separate actions. One for the public utility easements and a second for the public utility easements. Next slide, please. For the first action regarding the utility infrastructure, staff recommends the following motion. That you move that the city commission accept the offered utility easement petition number 4445 on lot two, less Edison Place rightway survey plat number 52 and authorize the mayor to sign the easement documents accepting the new public easements on behalf of the city. And this is the exhibit that would be attached to that agreement and would get recorded in the register of deeds. It shows the various utility easements that are being proposed and dedicated here. Next slide, please. This slide shows the drainage easement that's being uh proposed for

dedication along the old Smoky Hill River channel. Uh for the second action regarding the storm water infrastructure, staff recommends the following motion. Move that the city commission accept the offered public drainage easement on lot two lest the Edison place rightaway survey plat number 52 and authorize the mayor to sign easement documents accept the new public easement on behalf of the city and with that we'll take any questions you might have any questions for Mr. Hers any comments from the public? If not, I will bring it back to the commission for action.

Mayor move that we accept the offered public utility easements and authorize you to sign the easement documents accepting the easement dedications on behalf of the city. Second. And we have a motion and a second to accept the offered public utility easements and authorize the mayor to sign the easement documents accepting the easement dedications on behalf of the city. All those in favor signify by saying I I

opposed. That item passes 50. and mayor move to accept the offered public drain public drainage easement and authorize you to sign the easement document accepting the easement dedication on behalf of the city. Second. We have a motion and sec second to accept the offered public drainage easement and authorizing the mayor to sign the easement document accepting the easement dedication on behalf of the city. All those in favor signify by saying I. I I opposed.

That item passes 50. Thank you. That will lead us to other business. Is there anything an commissioner would like to bring before the group? Uh I have one item, Merit.

Okay. Go ahead. I would like to strongly suggest that we at a minimum pause having a assessment done on the animal shelter with all the things happening with the shelter right now. There'll be a lot of things happening u perhaps on a temporary basis. I think before we enter into any sort of agreement because I it was my understanding the RFPs were due today that we just want to make sure that we have a direction on our shelter the the staff that are going to be there. Um right now an assessment could be done and it could be different staff a couple of months from now. Yeah, thank you for that. I did uh talk to the city manager about the fact that we do have RFPs coming in and and one of the I believe and I'll let the city manager answer. I'm not going to put words in his mouth, but I believe we'll they'll be aware of our situation and see whether we should move forward or or do a partial an analysis or what we really need to do.

Sure. It's so it is correct that those RFPs were to come in today. I believe we received four. Um we may have received more this afternoon. Um we'll go ahead and take a look through them, see what the respondents are, maybe have a conversation with a couple of the respondents and see uh you know what their thoughts are uh about whether it makes sense to move forward um now or not. And we'll come back with a recommendation. Okay. So, and we will discuss that obviously before we would ever approve uh uh a third party coming in and and doing an analysis. So, thank you.

Just uh two things actually before our discussion today about uh our storm sewer drains ending up in the river. I've noticed now that people are cutting grass, a lot of people intentionally blow their grass into the storm drain. Uh and that will eventually end up in the river. Uh, I know we had talked about filters and screens to drain that stuff before it gets into the river channel. I don't know if that's still an issue, but uh some education to the city residents might be useful. I know in places that live near the ocean, there are signs over top of the gutter, you know, that say, you know, there's a picture of the ocean. You whatever you put down here is going to the beach. Uh so we'll have to change behavior a little bit and not intentionally throw stuff in. It's it's not a trash can. Uh the other uh thing u triggered my memory was the uh downtown common consumption act followup note that we got. Uh, I believe all of those drinks are in plastic containers and when people get to the end of the uh boundary. Uh, there's no plastic recycling container to put those uh cups in. I don't know if we could do little baskets that just attach to a street lampost in the corner or something that decorative and creative. That was it. Thank you. Okay. Anyone else? If not, I as I have promised to do, I always will talk about something positive that's going on in the city. And last week was a really exciting week for the city of Salena

when it came to economic development and ribbon cutings and groundbreings. Uh last week we uh did a ribbon cutting at out at Sky West at the airport. Um they're opening up a new MRO facility and I believe that's bringing in 20 jobs to to do maintenance overnight on on airplanes. Uh we also did a a uh groundbreaking at the line of family health. Um and that was a wonderful event and well attended and and again a tremendous asset to our community. Uh later that afternoon we did a ribbon cutting downtown at General Atomics. Um that's a company that does a lot of software and integrations with um with uh unmanned aircraft. Um they've already brought in employees um from California. They're on the second floor the what I call the old NBA building. Um they're also already looking to um hopefully lease some additional property downtown for uh more employees. Um, then again, we talked about the Great Plains K Cabota groundbreaking uh on their new facility that brings their total investment in our community to over 300 million. And then I'm not going to steal their thunder, but this this week we have the governor and members of the Kansas Department of Commerce coming to celebrate uh with one of our local companies. Uh they be have been named the exporter of the year for the state of Kansas. So, a lot of positive things going on in our community and we continue to to move forward. So, we're excited about all that. So, with that, we will be moving to citizens forum and uh I have asked our attorney to make a quick comment before we get started.

Yes. Uh thank you, mayor. Uh I just want to take a moment before public comment to remind everyone that Salina most like most cities of the first class has a long long-standing policy and uh upon the advice of legal counsel that staff and commissioners do not comment on any active court cases. This is a sign of respect to the judicial judicial process and is u protects the best interest of the city. Uh we do not limit the rights of the public during their public forum time. However, we would remind everyone that we will not be responding to questions or comments or requests for information just as we don't at other meetings. So, thank you.

Okay. Thank you very much. With that, we will open up the citizens forum. Um I ask that you please give your name, where you're from, and uh keep your comments to three minutes or less. Thank you. Mayor, commissioners, uh, Rosemary Mai Sina, uh, I want to invite you and the public to the Granny Brigade's April meeting, which is next week, Tuesday evening, the 21st at 700 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 11:15 North 10th Street. And our guest speaker this month will be our Kansas Attorney General, Kris Kobach. And it is open to the public. And uh, it is next week, Tuesday evening, at 7 o'clock. Thank you. Thank you, Rosemary.

Anyone else?

Carrie Clovis, Salina, Kansas. I have something on my phone I'd like to read, please. Community involvement is essential success of our animal shelter. Volunteers, community partners, and public engagements are how animals get seen, supported, and ultimately adopted. But the records obtained through Kora tell a whole different story. In one email, shelter leadership explicitity asked to be removed from the community service list altogether, stating that they didn't want community service volunteers at the shelter. In another, when offered a weekly featured pet segment already reaching thousands of viewers a day, leadership declined to participate on a regular basis, choosing not to take advantage of this consistent opportunity to promote adoptions. More recently, shelter leadership put out a halt to any volunteers helping at the shelter, denying animals in desperate need of human contact, something that would come at no cost to this city. So my question is why are they trying to halt this? And while all this is happening, the cat enclosures at Petco sit empty, unused, despite being a prime opportunity for these animals to be seen and adopted. So what is the goal of our Salana Animal Services? Because from the outside, it doesn't look like maximizing adoptions is the issue. It looks like the system is more comfortable keeping animals confined in cages for 23 hours a day than actively pursuing meaningful ways to get them into homes. When you are going to start when are you going to start caring about these animals and the way they're treated? There is an army of volunteers ready to hit the ground running when Prairie Paw assumes responsibility for our shelter. You've already seen what happens when this community organizes. Imagine what

it will look like when this place is turned around the right way. You can't imagine the level of support you are going to see. I personally will be involved. We cannot do this together, but you have to know what's best for our animals. And we're just asking you please now with the things that are going on with the city. It's even more dire right now for these animals because the shelter is not open unless you make an appointment now. So, I'm just asking you to do what's best for our animals. I'm asking you to please consider Prairie Paws. Thank you.

Good afternoon, commissioners, mayor. My name's Rose Base Salina. Um I was at the shelter on Saturday. Actually, I was there for 90 minutes, an hour and a half. And um the place stunk. It stunk so bad. And Mr. Hammond was there. Uh we didn't spend the whole 90 minutes in the shelter because it smelled so bad. We spent a lot of time out in the parking lot and when a former coworker of mine went to go back in the building, Mr. Hammond was standing there in the doorway with the door open. He couldn't even stand it hardly. So, I'm just telling you, if any of you haven't been over there, I've got pictures to show you. Mr. Davis, I've got pictures to show you. You would not approve of the cleanliness of that facility. You would not. It stunk so bad. Those animals are not happy. I don't know what more we can do. I don't know what more we can do. And Mr. would we told you late summer, early fall that there was problems there. There was red flags and you and Mr. Jeff Hammond both kind of just laughed it off like it was no big deal. Oh, tell me something new. Well, we've been trying to tell you something new, but you're not listening. And I'm getting damn sick and tired of paying taxes and you people aren't doing a damn thing about it. That shelter is in dire need of something and it's not the people that's there. I'll tell you that. When I went in there, um, it was dark and we've got complaints about that and we've told you guys about that, about the front being dark, about the community saying that they've went there and the the front of the shelter, oh well, they turn the lights off so it makes them look like they're closed. Well, let me tell you, Mr. Hammond was there and I said to one of the employees, I said, "Is your lights not working here in front?" What'd she do? She got up and she went and turned the lights on. They were open. They were open, but their lights was off up front. And then they got all these screens and they say, "Oh, well we the gives one person a headache because she works there, so we got to keep the lights dim." My ass. They had LED lights all around in there. What is up with this? They had LED lights all over in that

office. Little like Christmas lights. Donation money. We're digging, guys. And it ain't looking good. It ain't looking good at all. And Mr. Davis, I voted for you. I've lived in the North End for practically my whole lifetime. I love it there. And I've always supported some of the things that you've talked about. And you've really you've even your wife I remember when you and your wife come to the shelter years ago when I was there. Looked at the small dog kennel and everything. We visited. The shelter used to be a fun place to go to on Saturdays. People were there. The place was busy. Popcorn was made. Families would come and go. Not no more. Not no more. 90 minutes and no one no one came to look at those animals. No one. One person came and left a dog donation. She was in and out of there in a flash probably because of the smell. The second time the lady came and claimed her little dog and that was it. But no one came to visit those animals. What does that tell you? You guys need to listen. The community is here. We got a full house. Standing room only. Yeah, look at the clock. I know you want to cut me off.

I know. But I'm just telling you. I'M TELLING YOU. HEY, PLEASE. We're We're going to we're going to respect each other. We try to respect you. We ask No. Stop. Stop. Stop. We can even do.

Okay. We're going to take a five minute break while you guys can get it together. We'll be back in five minutes. Thank you. Hello. Watch.

Okay, we are back from recess. Patrick, did you want to make a comment? And then I also I guess Thank you, mayor. Just under the Kansas Open Meeting Act, cities are not required to host a public comment. If they do host a public comment, they make it available to the public in general and they can limit it for by time and by reasonability. The reason I say that is uh I believe the mayor we're going we want to host a public comment tonight like we always do at the meeting under the same rules where we give people a chance to speak. If it is disruptive to the meeting, uh we have the option of just canceling public comment this evening. That's not what the city would like to do, but obviously what we just experienced was disruptive. So that's recess. Anyway, that so that's

what the goal is to have our normal public comment now and without disruption. Thank you. And this is as uh

like to take just a second here is I I think as our attorney said this is not being productive individual as as a society. Um this I'm I'm not sure where this is coming from. This is a commission that cares deeply about this community. Um I've even had one of the you do you could I please finish? I will respect your time if you will respect mine. That's how this works. Okay. Thank you. Um you know I I look back uh Rosemary Mai who's very passionate about about animals uh had concerns about the the dog parks and in a professional manner she approached us. She told us what her concerns were. Rosemary and I had numerous phone conversations and I think we improved those dog parks based on her recommendations. What really up frustrates me about this is I've been in this community 45 years doing nothing but trying to make this a better community. Not once did any of you contact me and say can we sit down and have a civil conversation about where we're at. the demeanor, the allegations, and some of the things have been said by your group, you should be ashamed of. That is not productive. We have offered to hire an outside consultant to come in and look. I know you don't want us to do that, but I'm I'm I'm Please, I'm still trying to talk. We're trying to We're willing to make the animal shelter better. I talked to the two um vets that somebody asked me to. There's been problems there before. This is not the first time. We can work through these. But the with what I see now, I'm not sure where we stand. It's very disappointing. I know you're disappointed in me. I'm very disappointed in you. So, guess what? I guess we're even. And it's sad. And that we're not getting anywhere by these type of conversations. Okay. We'll open it

back up. Hopefully, we'll have some decorum and we can continue this. I don't care if we're here for an hour or two, whatever it takes for you guys to get your three minutes in, but we're going to try to try to do it in a professional manner. Thank you. Please, your name and where you're from.

My name is Jane Trussell. I live here in Salena. This is my background. Salena Animal Shelter for 9 years under Rose Base. I left when Rose retired because I did not like how the parks and wreck was taking the animal shelter. After I left, I went to the McFersonen Animal Shelter for four years. While working at McFveren Animal Shelter, I was a board member for Kaka, which is Kansas Animal Control Association for three years. I served as secretary for two of those three years. Kaka was just at NAKa, which is National Animal Control Association convention and received the 2026 State Association of the Year Award. Would you put your life for an animal? I did back in 2008. I went on an icy pond and saved a dog. When working under Rose, I don't ever remember not passing a state inspection. The animal shelter thrived. Rose was an exceptional boss and is an exceptional friend. Even when she had to be firm, she was fair. She sent us to different trainings. The shelter moved from the Salina animal shelter, I don't know when, to animal services. What services? Dirty, smelly services. Schools used to come into the shelter. We educated them. We also went into schools. Edly and handicapped people came into the animal shelter for tours. We also went to the retirement facilities. The animal shelter provided

private cremations for the public. The animal shelter also participated in the parade of lights along with volunteers. We had Walmart, Target, Boom Guards, Target, uh, Tractor Supply, Petco donate to the animal shelter. We were always polite and said thank you. Employees did not have time to be on their phones. We actually worked, patrolled, made sure kennels were clean. The past employees under roast took pride in keeping the shelter and kennels clean. As for documentation of drugs, we always doublech check everything at the end of the day. If the shelter is going to enforce certain ordinances, for example, the pitbull ban, then they need to enforce all of the animal ordinances. There are a lot of people that let the dogs off the leash in parks, cuz I know this cuz my sister and I walk the park. I drive by the parks. I see it. state inspectors would call Rose when they closed down a puppy mill and ask if you could take some of the dogs. And I don't ever ever remember her telling them no. If a state inspector is calling to ask you to take dogs, you know you're doing good things. Dogs need enrichment toys in their kennels and soft music playing for them. It's a proven fact this helps the dogs. Volunteers in the past did that for the dogs. Also, we had volunteer that would find our hard to place adopt dogs

about 30 minutes. She spent many hours doing this and the dogs and us were grateful. We need the city commissioners and city manager to care about these animals. Not everyone can come to these city commission meetings. So, there may be a small crew, but many more are out there that you don't know of. Thank you,

Sue Nichols Salina. This might explain a few things for you, Mayor Hopic. I want to address the idea that citizen involvement somehow pushed the issue out of room 107 and into the courthouse. Let's correct that. This didn't move to the course courthouse because citizens spoke up. It moved there because something serious enough happened and it wasn't handled. Because here's what we know. Information existed, concerns were raised, and the people in charge were kept in place. Anyway, now we're here with criminal charges tied to animal cruelty. So, no, this is not about rushing. This is about a failure to act. And I want to talk specifically about what you were told at the study session. This commission was told by Jeff Hammond, head of parks and recreation, that the puppies were euthanized by IP injection. All of us knew that was not true. We have known that all along. You were told a bold-faced lie. It was said out loud and it was even put on a PowerPoint slide. and decisions were being made based on that, including discussions about keeping the same leadership in place. That should concern every single one of you because if the information you are relying on is false, then every decision that follows is compromised. We also heard statements minimizing what happened. Jacob Wood, city manager, stated that the euthanasia met the minimum standard of law. If that were true, would there be criminal charges? because that statement does not align with where we are today. We also heard that this is in incident wasn't part of the failed KDA inspection. As if that somehow makes it less serious. It

doesn't. And this raises an even bigger question. How many of you knew what was in the email from Dr. Jubie? Because that email existed and despite that, the people in charge remained in place. So, I'll ask you plainly, when are you going to start demanding honesty from the people reporting to you? When are you going to require that protocols are actually followed? And most importantly, when are you going to start caring about how these animals are treated? Because right now, from the outside looking in, it does not feel like that is the priority. Let me be clear, we are not noise. We are not a disruption. We are the skin in the game. We are the reason this didn't get buried. We are the reason the truth is standing in front of you right now. This is not something that gets fixed by bringing in an outside consultant. You fix it with leadership that is honest, accountable, and willing to follow the most ba basic standards already in place because policies don't matter if the people in charge ignore them. And the truth about December 16th is coming out. No matter how it's framed, no matter how it's delayed, it is coming out. And when it does, this won't be about what the public said. It will be about what you knew, when you knew it, and why you didn't act. The public is paying attention now. What matters is whether each one of you are Um, I'm not going to dwell on anything. This is Christy Dex and Parham from Salena. I'm not going to dwell on anything that she did because she spoke well. So, I would like everyone to put their pens down. There's no reason to take notes because I'm not going to speak on anything that you guys haven't already heard.

I would like to speak. What's your name again? Christie. Christy Dixon. D I S O N. That's part of what I write down, by the way. Huh? That's part of what I write down when I'm writing.

Okay. Well, write it down. and then we can continue. Um, so I want to go ahead and start with this. Each and every one of you, except for you, Mr. Greg, um, I have a relationship with, whether it's through many years in the ICU, taking care of my sick mom, locksmith services, knowing your brother for many years, knowing your wife as a nurse. Doug Rimp let me get when I worked at McDonald's, he helped me get my first home by increasing my hourly wage. So I inc so I was um approved for a first home buyer time program. So everybody I have a relationship with up here. I feel like I know you well enough that I can say that this is not this is not good. This is not good. My mom, I'm here to speak for my mom who has been deceased 14 years now. And she worked under Rose for many years. She worked when it was out at State Street, which is now or which was the old gun range for the officers and the sheriffs to practice shooting. It is no longer there. Um, I remember when the relationship between the Salina Police Department and the Salina animal control was hand in hand. They didn't go out without each other. I have elderly retired police officers that I take care now take care of now in my nursing career and they remember my mom. They remember her being a hell of a good animal control officer and doing her job and giving a damn about the animal that she just picked up. somebody's child that she just picked up off the road and had to euthanize or whatever she had to do while she was out there because the dog was suffering. I also remember Channel 6 News in the bottom basement. Mr. Hoppik, you remember, I'm sure, when we had our old own news station here in Salena, Kansas.

I think it was Channel 6.

We used to go on there. I have videos of my mom that I cry and watch every time I have the chance to. my mom going on there, taking a pet from the animal shelter and trying to find it a home by showing and displaying it on the public news channel, our local news channel. We don't do that now. We don't take cats to Petco. We don't do any of that. Today, I finally seen four pictures of four dogs that are up for available adoption that haven't been there in months. Friday, I went out, got a tour by Mr. Hammond. Smelled like straight up dog in there. And I'm here to tell you, I'm here to tell you dogs Okay? Anybody who has any common sense, we know that dogs poop and they walk in it. Went out there again today and was told that I couldn't see any animals even though I was there to to look at two cats to adopt them. You me my brother and I was told I couldn't look at the cats because we had to have an appointment. Got an appointment at 4:00. came back, looked at the cats, and was apparently lied to the first time we were out there that afternoon, and was told that the cat that we were looking at, Loki, L O K I, write it down, Greg, um, was there able to be seen because he had bit someone, but when I go back, he's up for adoption. He has a blue tag, green tag. So, they need to get it together out there. Thank you. Tony Johnson, Salina. First off, I'd like to see all our commissioners use official Salina email. Mayor Hoppik, Commissioner Linkowitz, and Commissioner Rimp used private email, and I'm not sure how you can foil that. Uh, I understand people are passionate on both sides of this issue, but if you really want to be upset with somebody, you need to look no further than a city manager or parks and recck director and the two that are on administrative vacation right now. I mean, that's $400,000 worth

of salary that couldn't even run a dog pound to minimum standards. I mean, let's not be mad at the Don't shoot the messenger, you know. Having said that, I'm going to talk about accountability, transparency, and the responsibility owed to both the public and the most vulnerable among us. Recently, serious concerns came to light involving our local animal shelter, an institution that exists to protect and care for animals who can't take care of themselves. A contracted vet issued an urgent directive immediately ceasing euthanasia procedures after three conscious puppies were subjected to a method known as heartstick euthanasia. This is not a procedural error. This is a deeply troubling incident that raises ethical, professional, and moral questions. What makes this even more concerning is that two city employees, Woods and Hammond, individuals entrusted with leadership and collectively earning $360,000 annually in taxpayer funded salaries, were aware of this directive. Yet, instead of addressing the issue with the seriousness it deserves, they downplayed it publicly. It was described as a hiccup. The procedure itself was mischaracterized in a way that obscured what actually occurred. Let's be clear. When public officials minimize serious incidents, they erode trust. When they misrepresent facts, they fail the very people they are meant to serve. And when this involves the treatment of animals, living beings entirely dependent on us, humans, to care for them. The stakes are even higher. This is not just about one incident. It's about whether transparency matters. It's about whether accountability applies equally to everyone regardless of position or salary. And it's about whether we as a community are willing to ask hard questions when something feels wrong. Taxpayers fund these positions. The public deserves honesty. And above all,

the animals in our care deserve humane, ethical treatment without exception. We cannot accept dismissal where there should be responsibility. We can't accept vague language where there should be clarity. And we cannot allow serious concerns to be swept aside without proper review and accountab account accountability. Moving forward, we must demand a full and transparent explanation. We must ensure that proper procedures are not only in place but followed. And we must hold leadership to the standard that their roles require because accountability isn't an option. It's the foundation of public trust. Thank you.

Thank you. Hello, Bonnie New Brand, Salina, Kansas. Um, originally I was going to talk about volunteerism, and I think I still will throw a little bit in there. Um, when they had volunteers, they the volunteers took the dogs on walks, transported them to veterinaries to get rabies or whatever shots. Uh they implemented and promoted off-site adoptions. Um they maintained a wish book so the public could write in it and say I want this kind of dog or that kind of dog. Took photos of dogs and cats for adoption. Posted on the website. Cleaned and organized the laundry room. Imagine that. Emptied waste containers in the parks. Um let's see. They wrote thank you notes for the donations, helped hundreds of pet owners with their vet bills. Um, they find rescues for dogs that could not be adopted there at the shelter. They would try and find outside help. Um, they would do all the scheduling for the volunteers. The staff did not have to be involved. They shoveled snow, mowed lawns, put in flowers, and didn't ask for a penny and bought the flowers themselves. Now, the other thing I want to go ahead and read, which wasn't on my agenda to do, but I think it's very important, and I'll try and make it brief. Um, this is from an anonymous person, um, wanting to express serious concerns about certain actions that took place by the supervisors at the animal shelter. On December 19th, a person that worked there, since we better not say their name, inhumanely

euthanized puppies that tested for parvo virus but used the intercardial heart stick procedure. This is not an isolated event according to this person and it is concerning that these actions have not been addressed. I urge for an investigation into these alarming issues promptly and for appropriate action. The welfare of the animals should be a top priority. Now these this letter was sent to the people or most of us on the animal shelter advisory board which put us in an awkward position but also opened our eyes even more. Then another letter that came says, "As a member of our community who cares about the animal welfare, it has been reported that the shelter's manager has on several occasions been heard yelling at employees, using swear words, um giving visitors a negative impression of the shelter. in addition to the managers. Um, concerns have been raised for overall operation deficiency of the shelter and the well-being of both staff. And it just goes on and on and on. And this also was mailed anonymously to the animal shelter uh advisory board members. So, I don't know what else can be said. That's, you know, I I just wanted to be sure and have those things brought to light that um people in the community are talking, the doctors, lawyers, um churches, wherever. I mean, we're talking this is a big deal for the community. It's it's bigger than the million-dollar hamburger. So, anyway, thank you very much.

Hi, my name is Kathy Schwarz from Salena, Kansas. I'm going to deter from my speech for just a little bit. I want to talk to you about when Rose and Annette and I were at the facility. Um there were no dogs outside and and um it was a beautiful day and they want all the dogs wanted was human contact and they were just there wanting somebody to notice them. We have a group of women that are ready to roll up their sleeves and help at no charge for the city to clean that place up and do whatever is necessary. We don't mind handling dog poop. We do it all the time. But back to my speech. Um I want to talk about professionalism because what I witnessed this past Saturday was anything but. A municipal animal shelter should be a place that is inviting to the public. It should feel alive, hopeful, and welcoming. A place where people want to spend time adopting, volunteering, and supporting the mission, not like a prison behind a glass wall and locked doors and dim lights. Instead, when I walked into the lobby, it was overwhelming in the worst way. And it was even more depressing the further we went into the shelter. The smell alone was sickening. The atmosphere heavy, quiet, and deeply sad. On a Saturday of all days, you would expect a shelter to be full of life, families walking through, volunteers helping, people meeting animals. Instead, in the time I was there, only one person came to the door, and that was to pick up a missing dog and a drop off a donation. We were not allowed to roam freely through the kennel area. We were followed by Jeff the whole time we were there. And then it's leadership. As soon as I arrived, I told Jeff that

there was poss they were possibly holding a dog with ringorm because I saw that on animal on Salina lost and found and the cutest Boston terrier was found and had ringorm and if it was not claimed that person was going to take it to the shelter and they did. He did not seem concerned when I mentioned this. When I asked a simple question, Jeff Hammond didn't answer. He didn't say he didn't know. He didn't offer to find out. He didn't engage at all. He simply shrugged his shoulders and said nothing. That is not professionalism. That is not accountability. And that is not leadership. This is not just my experience. My vet told me how rude the employees at the shelter were when they called in. And we've heard about an el elderly group from a nursing home, people who don't have much ex extra money, who still chose to give what they could and brought donations for these animals only to be treated like an inconvenience. We've heard about a church group that showed up on a Saturday in full force, ready to volunteer their time and energy, and the manager couldn't even step out of her office to acknowledge him, not to guide them, not to thank them, or not even to say hello. Just

not because those volunteers wanted wrap it up, please. Okay. But because they because but because basic respect and appreciation matters. You only have a few moments to make a good impression and how people feel about the shelter and it and it determines whether people come back or whether they tell others not to bother. The shelter cannot function without community support. And right now the message being sent is clear. The public is not valued. Thank you. Thank you. Did you hear them? Okay.

Good evening. I'm Lori Hall from Salina. Um, you guys threw me a curveball on my talk tonight. Earlier you were so excited about a natural area that the Applequist family is um promoting all the animals and wildlife and trails. It's wonderful, but then you have a facility that's killing wildlife. It is kind of oxymoron and I I'm a little confused at which direction you're going to go. At the last commission meeting, I provided you with a folder of information about wildlife regulations. Um, and tonight I've also provided a chart and also some new regulations. Um, I did that to help you understand that there are laws in place to prevent the possession and killing of of native wildlife and to make you aware of that violations against wildlife can carry penalties and jail sentence and both. This is not a movement. This is not a philosophy. This is the law. Today I've provided you with a graph that details the species of wildlife and the number euthanized at the Salina animal services during 2024 and 2025 and a description of the wildlife regulation that covers that. It's called 32-101. This information on wildlife euthanasia was obtained from uh Kansas open records act and also the transcripts from the former commission meetings under the direction of Andrea Murphy and Mon'nique Holly. A total count of 91 wild animals were taken in and killed under their

watch. This includes native mammals, birds and reptiles. Looking at the graph provide provided you for you, you can see that Andrea Murphy stepped into management of the shelter and at that time the rate kill the kill of rate for wildlife increased from 16 in in the year of 2024 to 75 in the year of 2025. That's quite an increase. Now, this statute 32101 states, "It is unlawful for anyone to participate or engage in an activity for which such person is required to obtain a license, permit, stamp, or other issue of the department under the Wildlife and Parks Law of Kansas." At the uh March 23rd commission meeting, Jeff Ham stated that the community always brought wildlife to the shelter and they processed it for the game warden or for the rehabber. At no time did they possess any wildlife permit. So just stating that leaves him open to wildlife violations. Andrea Murphy then explained that due to the potential risk of disease transmission to domestic animals, wildlife was historically euthanized instead of being released back into the environment. Again, wildlife is not their responsibility. It falls under the state wildlife agency. She continued to say that severely injured wildlife was transported to a licensed wildlife rehabber. That person was named Carrie Newell. She lives in Hill City.

Just a few more to wrap it up, please. Okay. Um, I need to go to the bats. Bats are a protected species. Real quick, I will. Protected species. 38 of them were killed in the year 2025. Now, I wouldn't be up here if that would have stopped. It hasn't stopped. And that was that really concerns me. Everybody here has probably had bats in their house. We we know open the door, open the window, don't touch them, but you don't kill them. Okay? So, please stop the killing. It it it's so important that you do that.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,

Amber Claire. Um, I have I'm going to kind of go off of my speech here also, but I do want to run through it really quick. Um, we were told that there was 26 pit bulls sitting in the shelter and um, as of April 2nd, seven of them have been euthanized already for no other reason other than their pit bulls. So, um, you know, maybe we could allow the adoption of pitbulls to people that do not live in Salina or allow them to go to other shelters. That would not only save the dog's life, but it'll alleviate some of the burden of shelter staff, having to take care of them. Um, we voted on it. Um, and I know they're going to remain illegal, but that doesn't mean that we don't have to take care of the animals while they're here. They are still living, breathing creatures. Um, and Prairie Paws had a 95.4% live outcome rate um in her shelters and she donated $150,000 to Manhattan Animal Shelter so that they um could update their shelter. So I think all in all at the end of the day, Prairie Paws is still the best option that we're looking at here. And if we can make some moves so that the pit bulls can some way somehow get moved around, get adopted, get the life that they're waiting for, so that they're not just sitting there locked up 23 hours a day waiting to die because that's what's happening right now.

Um, and then I I I've lived here all my life. I grew up with your daughter. I played ball with your daughter. I played ball against your daughter. I took care of your mom for eight years every day. Um I I I just I'm dumbfounded right now. Um talking about Lakewood Park. Um we I grew up fishing there. I took my kids fishing there growing up. I take my grandkids there fishing now. And it it's going to just go to hell. Like is it going to be contaminated? Is it not going to are we not going to have that there for future generations to go and fish? You know, you can't always just make it out to the lake or to the river or something. And especially with little kids, Lakewood is a perfect place to go and just hang out and make memories. Um, and then growing up also we would go to the animal shelter and play with the dogs and take them out and you know we my daughter and I loved going to play with the cats and I mean just all the stuff that I did as a kid that my kids did that I do want to do with my grandkids now. It's not possible to do anymore. Um, and the shelter is one of those things. You can't just go there and check out the animals. Um, I've worked in nursing for 25 years. Um, I did take my residents to the shelter um with donations and they they got nothing. We carried in baskets upon baskets upon baskets of donations and they got to sit in the lobby and we got to take a picture with Monique Collie. That's all that happened. No thank you card even. So I Yeah, I just

Yeah, I I'm just dumbfounded really. I don't even know what to say this. Thank you. Thank you, Amber. Thank you.

Hello. Uh my name is Mary Lou and I was a volunteer at the Salina Animal Shelter for 17 years and at also was the chairman of the Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter. the shelter and the animals in it became a second home to many of us. We spent many hours there. Uh and for many years, the volunteers and the shelter staff all supported each other and were friends. We dedicated hours caring for the animals, fundraising, fostering, helping with off-site adoption events, transporting animals, exercising the dogs, socializing with the cats, finding rescues for dogs, and many, many more tasks that I couldn't mention here because I knew I only had three minutes. Uh, and we loved it cuz we all got along. It was just, you know, I went there just I'm a retired school teacher, but I was going there when I was teaching and went there after school and then when I retired, I was there probably 35 hours a week because we loved it. Unfortunately, our volunteer group disbanded on June 28, 2024 and stepped away from the shelter. We tried figuring it out with the shelter, but we could never get to that point. It was not a decision made lightly. We left because of growing concerns about leadership and an environment that made us feel unvalued and unwelcome. We went from having almost 150 volunteers. We were down to probably 30 maybe. People the volunteers did not want to come. Um I want to make it clear our goal was never to create conflict or division. We simply wanted to help the people and animals of Salina. Letters explaining in more detail why we left were sent to the city manager. And it wasn't you this time, Jacob. It was to Mike. Uh the parks and wreck, city commissioners, and the animal control advisory appeals board. I didn't reach out and call anybody cuz

I guess I was waiting for we sent messages and emails. I just figured there'd be a comment back. I think the only one we heard back was from Bill Long that time. Um, if I'd have known that, I would have maybe called. But I didn't assume that. I didn't realize that's what we had to do. Basically, in our eyes, I just felt like nothing was done. I've been watching the meetings and watching the advisory boards. I've been to some of the city commission meetings, but I it was just really one of those tough things I really didn't even want to do today. Uh, but I thought I need to come and and speak up. Um, what began as a shared passion for helping animals slowly became overshadowed by frustration and disconnection with the management. I want to make something else clear, too. It wasn't just I mean, it wasn't all the staff at the shelter. We were so close to the ACOS over the years. They would come out and open the door and say, "Hey, you guys are here. We're so glad to hear see you and all that." And we worked together. Uh, and I want to make sure that those people and they know who they are, the ACOS that worked with us. And I wanted to tell them, thanks a lot for being such great mentors and advocates for our program and supporting us. I'm here because even though we left, our hearts are still with those animals. We want to see our animal shelter thrive like it did some years ago. We're asking for change, kind, honest, meaningful change that brings back a sense of respect, communication, and teamwork. I believe Prairie Paws would be a perfect fit for Salina. You want volunteers to come back, something like that is going to happen and they will come. Um, the volunteers, staff, and leadership should all be working together, not against each other. Please don't see this as an attack. See it as a plea from people who love this community and its animals deeply. Volunteers will come back when our shelter is a place of compassion

again. A place where everyone, human and animalike, feel safe and valued. Thank you for listening and caring enough to make things better. Thank you, Mary Lou.

Deborah Cares, Salina. So, I'm going to start with my memories of the animal shelter. Hello. Thank you. I was wring I'm going to start. Don't be rude. Please come on down. Well, you're looking down at your was writing your name cuz I take notes. You know my name. How many times have I stood up here? I've never gotten in trouble for taking notes before in my life. You guys know my name. You don't need to write it down while I'm standing up here.

So, I'm going to start with my memories of the animal shelter. I used to pick up a friend's daughter from school and three days a week, we would go to the animal shelter, buy dog bones, and walk around to all the kennels and give those dogs bones. That's how I met my pitbull, Peanut. A little puppy curled up in the corner shaking because he was so scared and alone. And now based on their looks, you guys discriminate against them. I need some information on how I get a petition started for term limits on commissioners. Those people don't deserve their jobs back. Whether they did this or not, confidence in them from the city is obvious. Mon'nique is no longer in charge of the animal advisory board. That speaks volumes. You can't trust her to run a half hour, 45 minute meeting, but you want to let us have her take care of those animals. This has to stop. Prairie Paws is the answer. Consultation. You're getting all the consultation you need right here. We don't want one. We want prairie paws to come in. Thank you.

That's my alarm to not yell at you. Not sure it was working. Uh Michelle Timson, Minneapolis, and I first I want to direct my comments to you, Mayor Hopic, because you kind of lied to us here. We've been coming to you for years now. Uh years.

Years. We've been coming to you and telling you about the shelter. Trent Davis has been here. Jacob's been here. Sean Hennessy's been here. We've been coming to you for years about this. I think Linkawitz has been here for a while now. We've been telling you about the problems with the shelter. Postco. We've been telling you there's been issues, lots of issues with the shelter. This is not new to you. You've known about this. You cannot boldface lie to us and say we should have came to you. This is not new. And I can tell you, I've been in this community a long time. So has Sue Nichols. A lot of us have been in this community a long time. My messages are blowing up about what's going on at this shelter. We have anonymous tips coming in from your own staff here in the city building. You guys need to look into this. You need to look into this. You need to look into this person. They're not liking what's going on. They're not liking Andy. They're not liking Mo'Nique. They are telling us all kinds of dirt. They're not liking it at all. So what you guys did and what you guys knew was evil. It was evil and it was wrong. And those animals were suffering this whole time. What you let them get away with was wrong. And you knew it. You were professional. You hold a license with the state. Trent Davis, you hold a license with the state. You were professional. You guys knew better. You knew better. You're grown ass men. You knew better.

That was wrong. And you know what? Now you're going to pay their legal fees. Come on. And here's the thing. You can go ahead and pretend you're going to pay their legal fees. And if you do, and we find out that you knew, you guys can be held liable. Did you know that? You should. I did. We find out you guys knew. We prove you guys knew. Maybe we'll counter sue. You guys knew. And you go pay their legal fees. That's

They need to get their own legal representation. They euthanized those animals without they weren't following veterinarian protocol and you know it. That's why Jubie held the email and gave it to this ling county attorney and you know it. Mark Trussell, Salina, Kansas. Even if I don't know where even to start at. Well, I was listening to the the animal advisory board meeting the the last time they had it and they were talking about the exotic animals. Let's start there. That the employees are taking home.

Yep. And buying cages with city money and taking them home. Donation money. That's theft. There's no other way to look at it. Your attorneys over here could spin that all they want because that's their job. That's fine. But that's theft. Hopefully John Reynolds get off his ass and do something about that, too. You know, this last inspection they had wasn't the first one they failed by any means. So, you know, everybody goes, "Oh, well, we met minimum standards." God, I hope the health line of Kansas wants to do better than minimum standards on anything we do.

I mean, go live in Chicago. Let them do the minimum standards. Let's show us that we're a star community. Let's do above minimum, but not the first failed inspection. So with we all know that they had like 61 I think I heard on the the animal advisor board meetings Amazon packages delivered and all this. I think we need an audit independent audit of our animal shelter to figure out where the hell our money is going. The donation money and taxpayer money.

Um you know they talked about the three dogs that Monique and the other chick killed. But there's also other animals. There's a cat that was euthanized with a heart stick. They didn't get charged for that. There's a dog that was just published the other day that had a head injury from the animal shelter. So, who's going to stand for that? Somebody there should go to jail, too. We know Manique and Andrea both did what they did. They're going to go through the legal system. I worked for the sheriff's office. I knew I know the legal system. But they're going to go through it. They'll probably plea bargain it most likely. I know you guys can't comment. That's fine. But once it's all said and done, their asses should be fired. There's no other reason for it.

Should have been fired. Yep. Exactly. Um, we know everybody talks about Prairie Polls. I agree. I' I've seen their facilities out east. They have great facilities. You I would think that you all want to give it to Prairie Paws. That way you get it out of Mr. Hammond's hair. You get it out of your guys' hair. And I heard on the thing that Hammond says, "Oh, it won't save much money." It sure the hell will once they those volunteers come back and start donating money and all the other stuff. It'll save a lot of money. Yep.

But I know I could be a turd and read what I put on here, but I don't want to do that. But just think about it. Give it up. Give it to Prairie Pauls and just pass it. Pass it on. Good evening. I'm Kathy Ball. I live here in Salina. And a friend of mine, there was a big issue with Vanessa and it had to do with taking city resources out in the county perhaps. If that is true, um she did get dismissed over that. I have in the last year I've had a friend in the county call dispatch. I got a bat. Can you come help me? No, we can't. And called the sheriff's so that the resident of the county called the sheriff's office. Sheriff's office comes out and lo and behold, another vehicle came out and it happened to be a shelter vehicle. So that would be part of the shelter's records. And so the point is if you go through those records that is a offense that is should be looked into. That being said, um in regard to the savings of money, you can bid that. You don't have to give it to Prairie Paws. You can have a bid process, which we do when I work. We do it all the time. You get competitive bids. One's out for counseling right now. So, bid the proc figure out what you need, bid it, and let and then go into negotiation. That's

when you go and you talk to Manhattan or did you save any money? The savings would not only be the payroll goes with the contract, work comp goes with the contract, vacation, sick leave, benefits. There's a significant savings at that level. So, thank you for your time. Thanks, Mike. Thank you, Kathy. and Nick Cox. Did you guys get my email? By the way, they don't know.

I sent you guys an email to just tell you about a gentleman that was at the animal advisory board the other day. Um his name was Glenn. Um he had continuously gone into the animal shelter asking for help. A a gentleman was letting his dog run loose next door. Even though he was outside with him, he didn't have it restrained in any manner whatsoever. If you read your ordinance, which 7-48, it says that they're going to have either the dog in a fenced in area in the house or going to be restrained by a a leash. They never went out never went out to tell tell that gentleman he needed to have his dog on his leash, even though a gentleman was complaining about it. time and time again. We all know what happened to his dog. We can just think, yeah, those dogs came over, attacked, and killed it. Nothing was done even after that. The gentleman, they never got out. What they had told him was, "You need to just stay closer to your dogs while they're, you know, out in the yard running loose. Stay closer to your dogs." So that dog was dead. And here that other gentleman's still still there with his dogs running loose. Glenn is scared to death to get another dog. He's This has been a while. There's an ordinance nuisance animal. They didn't even write up a nuisance animal.

I mean, they don't know the ordinances over there. I mean, anybody knows that if a dog goes and attacks another dog and causes danger, you know, kills it, even you write it up for a nuisance dog, they get a permit maybe even, but you write it up. He had to go get a lawyer or whatever to go to court. He had to go to court to get the vet piece. They don't know what they're doing. I got open records for how many animals were at the shelter. There was a dog. It was still in the truck clear back from 2022. It's been in there since 2022. They didn't even know to look at the records to know to get that out of the system. It was they had a microchip clinic and it was still in there. But yet you got two people looking over the the paperwork and they can't even see that. I saw it in two seconds. And then you know I could say this Glenn, he is the nicest darn guy. All he wants is for them to go out and tell that gentleman that his dogs cannot run loose. That's all he wants. The gentleman didn't say sorry or anything. The animal control has not said sorry, nothing. They told that gentleman all he had to do was stay closer to his dogs. That's crud.

Thank you. Get some people in there that know what they're doing. That care what they're doing.

Yeah. Been trained with animals. Good evening, mayor and commissioners. My name is John Blanchard, and for those of uh the folks at home and the ones that are here, uh I was on the city commission from 2013 to 2018. We were the commission when the Salena Selen County Health Department disbanded. at that time that's when it that's when Sena Animal Services began um as a individual entity and the decision was made to put it under parks and wreck um

a mistake.

Well, I don't think it was a mistake, but I think we were wrong. And we weren't wrong because we weren't trying like you guys say and I believe you that you're trying to do the right thing. We were trying to do the right thing. We had a binary choice at the time and our city manager Jason Gage came to us and said, "I'd like to put this under parks and wreck because I don't want to put it under Salina PD. We got a lot going on over there. We don't want to do it." So we were concerned at the time because parks and wreck we were right in the middle of trying to build a fieldhouse and we knew that was going to divide the parks and recck director and we had just went private public private partnership with the bsentennial center because that that was another thing on the plate. So this there was a concern that this might be not be the right fit and it was a real concern and I think where we are now is an illustration that we we made the best choice we could but we didn't we didn't have the choice of a third option which would be an outside source like we did with the bsentennial center. Now, one thing you got to real remember is that Dion Lan was a parks and recck director and he was an amazing manager. He was probably the best uh department head I've ever experienced in this town. He now is a city manager of a town of 110,000 people um just east of Reno, Nevada. So, Dion was an allstar. And shortly after he started that, he he came to Jason. Jason came to us and said, "Hey, we hired this new young director for the animal shelter and we're taking a chance on her." And that was Vanessa Cowie. Um, I really like Jeff Hammond. I think

he's a good parks and recck guy. I think the more we make him split his time be remember we got the fieldhouse, too. I would just like to ask you guys to just make a soft pivot, make a paradigm shift, and you don't have to go prairie pause, but I would suggest that you need to do two things for the benefit of the citizens, the parks and reccks department, and the animals especially. We got to get it out of parks and wreck. whether you go with a third party. Uh, you know, I think you need to go third party, whether that's prairie paws or not. But I would like you guys to pivot off of your hard stance. Realize that we're the ones that put you in this position in 2013, 12 years ago. It was the only choice we had at the time. But these, if you can just look past the emotions, these folks want the best things. You guys want the best things. If you want to place blame on someone, you can place it on us. But we were doing the best we could at the time, and I wish you luck in doing the best you can at this time.

Thank you, John. Kim Hill Salena. Sorry, I thought I heard my name back there. Um, mayor and commissioners, you've heard a lot tonight from other people besides the regular group that you're used to hearing from. Passions are high. Your passions are high, but at the end of the day, it's the animals. You've heard Prairie Paws over and over. They have state-of-the-art facilities. Um, but there's also other places. Open up the bid. Open up the bid. There's the Kansas Humane Society. There's Helping Hands Humane Society. There's other places, but open up the bid and look at it. There's a lot of people here that aren't don't normally come to these meetings. Um, Mr. Hammond's got his hands full right now. There are some of us I will tonight give my full name, date of birth, and my social security number because that's how you conduct a thorough background check for criminal history. He has to have your social security number. This is something that came up at the animal shelter advisory board meeting. Um, I will do that tonight and I will come clean when you need. I will do the laundry. I will take the dogs out. to the dog area. There's one dog named Kane that says no walk. I will sit down in front of his kennel and just sit down there, let him bark at me, do whatever, growl at me so he has some sort of human contact. I will do that on my dime. I am happy to do that.

Like I said, I'll give you my information tonight. I don't have a problem with that. But I am asking you please consider another route. It's time. Thank you. Thank you.

Ben Winhold Salina. Let me start out with this. Back on April 1st, 311 ran a poll and that poll was, who do you trust more, the city of Salina commissioners or the Selen County Board of Commissioners? I think you all know what the result was. You guys got 20% to the county commissioners getting 80. 20% Why? Because we don't trust you. We can't come to you. You don't listen to us. We are the taxpaying citizens. This is how it works. We tell you what to do. You tell him what to do. He tells staff what to do. That's the course of action. Not with you guys sitting out there telling us what to do. And now 21 minutes before this meeting started, you want to go, you put it out there, you're going to go into executive session. And it says for potential payment of legal fees for city employees facing legal charges related to the carrying out of their employment duties. I didn't realize that animal cruelty was an employment duty at the animal shelter. Really? Come on, you guys. Get with it. Now, let's go on a personal note. Mr. Linkowitz, you sit up there and you said all of us need to be professional and yet you were stupid enough to get on the record and call me a miserable, miserable person. On the record.

Are you a happy guy, Mr. Winholds? I am very happy. Good for you. I am very happy. Especially when I'm talking face to face to you and you, Mayor Hoppage, you say nobody comes to my office and discusses any of these things with me. I came to your office. Do you want me to repeat to these ladies how you demean me and the names that you called me in your office? I would like to have that discussion if you would about what you you called me and how that started. If you want to do it in public, I call you anything that you called me. I guarantee I will not repeat what you called me to these ladies. We already know. Yeah, cuz I've told y'all.

And I'll tell anybody out there that wants to listen. So, with that being said, guys, can you all sit up there and sit there and act surprised that two individuals were charged with six counts of animal cruelty? and act surprised that it really was coming when you all knew about it to begin with.

It's time for a change. It's time for a change. It's time that Prairie Paw comes in and gets rid of this whole thing. And as far as us paying for the taxpayer, citizens paying for the legal fees, what you need to do now is fire these employees. They're no longer city employees. They'll have to get their own. And the taxpayers will save more money. And not a $60,000 consultant. Can we wrap to come in? Need to wrap it up, please.

I just did. Okay. Is there anyone else? Norman Mina, Kansas, you're still provoking these ladies. You I feel sorry for you guys if you go home to your wife tonight cuz you'll be sleeping out in the garage with a dog. I don't think so. No, the dogs are going to be sleeping inside.

Well, that might be an improvement over these five guys. Why are you dragging your feet? We the people have given you our opinion. Remember the upcoming election. Amen. Amen. Hallelujah.

There have been so many issues from this commission. You got the log jam issue, the cozy issue, the animal shelter issue. This issue, the buck stops here with you five. You five commissioners. You don't sacrifice the employees. You're the ones at the end of the street. You're the ones that should resign. You owe us the people. You need to clean out the swamp like Trump said. Oh my. We need to go another route. Drones. It's a security issue in this county, in this state. I can purchase these drones and they can be weaponized. You can buy them on the market. Are you looking at any security? You better uh the lakewood issue. That's US fish and game. That's federal. I've been to many fish and game committee meetings, but it's like this place here is politics. So, you need to watch the documentary Dam Nation about these lakes, these dams. We're taking them out. They do not have fish ladders. And that's a federal law back in 1964. And you want to watch this D damnation documentation. You can read it and listen to what Kathy Lee said, what she said about Floyd Remy. They asked her, "Did you ever meet Floyd Remy? He's a beer reclamation director." She says, "No, but if I did, I'd cut his balls off

or I'd have somebody do it for me." and she was one that uh surveyed that dam up at Lake Powell. This is water issue. We got big ones. You can't get water from the mountains coming east. We're not getting snow. We're running out of water. You better look at this water issue because we're running out of water. We're not going to get any rain this year. We're not going to get it. There's a picture of it, guys. This is what we're looking at. These dams, every one of these dams in the state of Kansas have got to be dredged,

including Lakewood. Watch the documentary Dam Nation. There's a little map all across the US. So, we're misusing the water. You know how much it's going to cost to build a 40 mile pipeline? Two billion dollars to get water here. That's what we've been looking at. We're running out of water.

Thank you, Norm. Anyone else? Okay. If not, we will move into I need a motion to move into executive session, please. All right. Take a break.

Oh, yeah. Let's take uh take about a go ahead and make it seven. So, we'll kick off at meeting at 7:30. Does that work for you? Okay. All right. I move the city commission recess into executive session for 20 minutes beginning at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the subject of legal considerations related to potential payment of legal fees for city employees facing legal charges related to the carrying out of their employment duties. The justification for which is the need for consultation with an attorney for the public body which would be deemed privileged in the attorney client relationship pursuant to KSA75-4319B2.

The open meeting would resume in this room at 7:50 p.m. Second. We have a motion, a second to move the city commission recess into executive session for 20 minutes beginning at 7:30 to discuss the subject of legal considerations related to potential payments of legal fees for city employees facing legal charges related to the carrying out of their employment duties. The justification for which is the need for consultation with an attorney for the public body which would be deemed privileged in the attorney client relationship pursuant to KSA75-4319B2. The open meeting will resume in this room at 7:50

and attendance of the executive session will be myself uh city attorney um and then deputy city manager Sean Hennessy. Okay. All those in I need all those in favor signify by saying I. I oppose. I Okay, we'll be back here at 7:50.

Hey. Hey. Hey.

baby.

Hey, hey, hey.

Heat. Heat.

Okay, we are back from executive session and I believe we have a motion. Mayor Hoffik, I move that the city provide funds for legal representation

to Monnique Holly and Andrea Murphy to defend criminal charges related to their employment at the city animal shelter based on a finding that the conduct was made during discharge of their official duties, that they acted reasonably and in good faith, and the defense will serve a public benefit in accord with Kansas Attorney General Opinion 92-130 and I direct the city manager to make the necessary arrangements to carry out this motion in an amount not to exceed his budgetary authority.

Second. We have a motion, a second on the floor to move that the city provide funds for legal representation to Monnique Holly and Andrea Murphy to defend criminal charges related to their employment at the city animal shelter based on a finding that the conduct was made during discharge of their official duties that they acted reasonably and in good faith and the defense will serve a public benefit in accordance with the Kansas Attorney General Opinion 92-130. and I direct the city manager to make the necessary arrangements to carry out this motion in an amount not to exceed his budgetary authority. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.

I. Those opposed is Mr. Rimpon. Just a second. I I Okay, that passes 50. With that, I will accept a motion to adjurnn. Move to adjurnn. Second. Okay. Second. Although we will see everyone in two weeks.