Larned public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Larned City Council will consider approving an appropriations ordinance for $877,867.33 and a KDOT CCLIP resurfacing agreement for $151,775. The meeting also includes consent agenda items and public comments.

• Appropriations Ordinance #11 for $877,867.33
• KDOT CCLIP Agreement for $151,775
• Contract for Auditing and Non-Auditing Services
• Cereal Malt Beverage License Renewals
• Annual Midwest Energy Contract

The council approved several financial and operational actions, including a $877,867.33 appropriation, adjustments to the Midwest Energy contract, and a lease with Gross Flying Service. It also authorized the purchase of a hydraulic power unit, entered a $450,000 community fund agreement, and adopted ordinances for a land bank, school zones, and abandoned vehicles. All motions passed, with three ordinances receiving a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved Appropriation Ordinance #11 for $877,867.33 (motion passed)
• Approved Midwest Energy contract adjustments: $29,338 in‑scope and $7,000 out‑of‑scope monthly (motion passed)
• Approved Gross Flying Service lease at $800 per month (motion passed)
• Approved purchase of hydraulic power unit from USA Bluebook for $9,282.41 (motion passed)
• Approved agreement for Morgan Wright Larned Community Fund $450,000 (motion passed)
• Approved Kansas Land Bank Ordinance (7 aye, 0 nay)
• Approved School Zones ordinance (7 aye, 0 nay)
• Approved ordinance change for abandoned, junked, and inoperable vehicles (7 aye, 0 nay)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a proposal for well design and bidding, as well as potential changes to animal control and water shut-off ordinances. The meeting includes presentations on the Kansas Land Bank Program and a Scout House renovation project.

• Appropriations Ordinance #10 for $859,296.47
• Well Design and Bidding Proposal from Miller Engineering and Wilson and Co.
• Proposed Water Shut-off Ordinance change regarding service fees
• Proposed Animal Control Ordinance change
• Presentation on the Kansas Land Bank Program for vacant property management

The council approved several items, including a $859,296.47 appropriation, a $60,000 well design contract, and changes to the Water Shut‑off and Animal Ordinances. They also made the Morgan Wright Trust funds non‑endowed and authorized payment of a $1,500 invoice for Christmas decorations.

• Approved Appropriation Ordinance #10 for $859,296.47 (motion passed)
• Made Morgan Wright Trust funds non‑endowed (motion passed)
• Approved $60,000 well design and bid proposal from Miller Engineering (motion passed)
• Authorized payment of $1,500 Christmas decoration invoice from council’s $20,000 contribution (motion passed)
• Approved Water Shut‑off Ordinance change with implementation date July 1 2026, 7‑0 vote
• Approved Animal Ordinance changes, 7‑0 vote

City Council

The City Council will discuss participating in a nationwide class action settlement regarding PFAS water contamination. The body is also considering an appropriations ordinance and several changes to city ordinances.

• Appropriations Ordinance #9 for $1,457,569.07
• PFAS Lawsuit Settlement resolution and contract with Stag Liuzza Law Firm
• Ordinance changes for water shut-offs, side yards, and side setbacks
• Ordinance changes regarding modular and manufactured homes
• Purchase of a forklift

The council approved a resolution allowing the mayor to sign a participation agreement for the PFAS settlement and authorized a contract with Stag Liuzza for legal services. It also approved the mayor to sign the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan renewal agreement, and gave the Electric Department pre‑approval to spend up to $25,000 for a used forklift. Ordinance changes for modular homes, side‑yard accessory buildings, and side‑setback requirements were each adopted unanimously, and a resolution supporting redistricting efforts was approved.

• Approved PFAS settlement participation resolution (motion passed)
• Approved contract with Stag Liuzza for PFAS legal services (motion passed)
• Approved mayor to sign NRP renewal agreement (motion passed)
• Approved Electric Department to spend up to $25,000 on a used forklift (motion passed)
• Approved Modular & Manufactured Homes ordinance changes (8 aye, 0 nay)
• Approved Side Yards ordinance changes (8 aye, 0 nay)
• Approved Side Setbacks ordinance changes (8 aye, 0 nay)
• Approved redistricting support resolution (motion passed)

City Council

The Larned City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the 2026 Municipal Budget and Revenue Neutral Rate, which includes a proposed mill levy of 51.813. The meeting also includes the approval of an appropriations ordinance for $934,788.64 and consent agenda items.

• Public hearing and adoption of 2026 Municipal Budget and Revenue Neutral Rate
• Appropriations Ordinance #8 for $934,788.64
• Approval of consent agenda minutes and BZA appointments
• Discussion on generator bids for 911 Dispatch
• Review of Community Center Memorandum of Understanding

The council voted 8‑0 to adopt Resolution 2025‑06, allowing a property-tax levy that exceeds the revenue-neutral rate for 2026. It also approved the 2025 city budget by an 8‑0 vote and adopted the Community Center Memorandum of Understanding. Additional actions included awarding a generator contract to P&S, approving an audio‑lighting purchase with the city’s $12,286 share, and passing Appropriation Ordinance #8 for $934,788.64. The council tabled changes to the animal ordinance and directed staff to draft an Edwards Park fund ordinance.

• Approved Resolution 2025-06 to levy property tax exceeding revenue-neutral rate (8 aye, 0 nay)
• Approved 2025 city budget (8 aye, 0 nay)
• Approved Community Center Memorandum of Understanding (motion passed)
• Awarded generator bid to P&S (motion passed)
• Approved audio and lighting proposal, City share $12,286 (motion passed)
• Approved Appropriation Ordinance #8 for $934,788.64 (motion passed)
• Approved consent agenda as presented (motion passed)
• Animal ordinance changes tabled (motion tabled)

City Council

The Larned City Council will decide whether to accept a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) FY 2026 CCLIP grant for surface preservation on US-156 between Broadway and Corse Avenue, with Benesch as the engineering consultant. The meeting will also consider approving a consulting agreement with Benesch for $28,000.

• Accept KDOT FY 2026 CCLIP grant award for US-156 surface preservation ($400,000 state share)
• Approve Engineering Consultant Agreement with Benesch for $28,000
• City share of project costs: $151,775 (5% of participating costs)
• Project scope: 2" mill and overlay on US-156 from Corse Ave. to Broadway St.
• Funding source for city match: Special Highways Fund

The council approved the award of the Kansas Department of Transportation FY 2026 CCLIP for surface preservation on US‑156 between Broadway and Carroll Ave. The council also approved a $28,000 engineering consulting agreement with Benesch for the project. The city’s share of the $523,755 project cost ($151,775) will be funded from the Special Highway fund.

• Accepted KDOT FY 2026 CCLIP award (motion passed)
• Approved Engineering Consulting Agreement with Benesch for $28,000 (motion passed)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a large appropriations ordinance and various new business items, including a tiny home ordinance and grant agreements. The body will also receive an update on the Welcome Inn and consider electrical services for Christmas decorations.

• Appropriations Ordinance #7 for $1,561,169.04
• Proposal for Christmas decoration electrical service for $9,590
• Proposed ordinance on Tiny Homes
• Safe Routes to Schools and FAA grant agreements
• Discussion on Neighborhood Revitalization Program

The council adopted a Tiny Homes ordinance with a unanimous 7‑0 vote. It also approved the Safe Routes to Schools grant agreement and the FAA grant agreement for airport lighting improvements. The council authorized use of City Hall for the 2025 Art Show and approved funding adjustments for the Welcome Inn. Additional actions included a motion to assist the Girl Scout Troop building project and tabling the Christmas Decoration electrical service item.

• Approved Tiny Homes ordinance (7-0)
• Approved Safe Routes to Schools grant agreement
• Approved FAA Grant Agreement for airport lighting improvements
• Approved use of City Hall for the 2025 Art Show
• Approved appropriation ordinance #7 for $1,561,169.04
• Waived Welcome Inn utilities cost through March 2026 and allocated $20,000 for 2026
• Approved assistance for Girl Scout Troop #11130 building improvements (costs over $5,000 to be reviewed)
• Tabled Christmas Decoration electrical service item

City Council

The City Council will review the 2024 Audit Report and discuss the 2026 budget calendar. The body is also deciding on an appropriations ordinance and an ordinance change regarding arborist licenses.

• Appropriations Ordinance #6 for $808,605.10
• 2024 Audit Report presentation by Aaron Koehn of Adams Brown
• Ordinance change regarding Arborist License
• Discussion of 2026 Budget Calendar
• Application to sell cereal malt beverages

The council approved Appropriation Ordinance #6 for $808,605.10, authorizing payments. They also approved the annual financial audit, set the September meeting date for September 8, adopted the 2026 budget calendar, and approved an ordinance change to let staff handle arborist licenses, with a 7‑0 vote. The Helping Hands request was moved to New Business.

• Moved Helping Hands request to New Business (motion passed)
• Approved consent agenda with changes (motion passed)
• Approved Appropriation Ordinance #6 for $808,605.10 (motion carried)
• Approved annual financial audit as presented (motion passed)
• Set September regular council meeting for September 8 (motion passed)
• Approved 2026 budget calendar as presented (motion passed)
• Approved ordinance change for arborist license handling (7 aye, 0 nay)
• Approved budget calendar distribution dates (motion passed)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a proposed 2-megawatt solar power generation project and a system-wide voltage conversion for the electric utility. The solar project may utilize city-owned property known as the “Island” along South Broadway.

• Proposed 2-megawatt solar project costing $5.5 million (estimated $2.2 million after tax credits)
• Voltage conversion project estimated at $5-6 million total, with a first phase of $1 million
• Resolution 25-04 regarding a qualified low-income economic benefit program for solar
• Resolution 25-05 regarding financial authorization for the solar facility
• North Broadway Street Improvement Project

The council unanimously approved the North Broadway Street Improvement Project, a $65,000 city‑funded widening from 19th Street to the new school site. The council also approved Resolutions 2025‑04 and 2025‑05, an affidavit for the city manager, and an initial application for investment tax credits, with one council member voting against.

• Approved North Broadway Street Improvement Project (unanimous)
• Approved Resolutions 2025‑04 and 2025‑05, Affidavit, and initial Investment Tax Credit application (passed with one nay)

City Council

The City Council will review Appropriations Ordinance #5 and a revised Water Conservation Plan required by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The meeting includes discussions on zoning changes, street maintenance, and equipment purchases.

• Appropriations Ordinance #5 for $1,116,181.43
• Zoning Change and Text Amendment for Jim Haynes
• Summer 2025 Chip and Seal Street Plan
• GBCF Grant for Downtown Planters
• Purchase of an air compressor and a truck lift

The Larned City Council approved a zoning amendment for 402 W 13, adopted text amendments to the zoning code, and authorized multiple street and equipment projects. A revised alcohol‑sales ordinance was rejected. The council also set a special meeting for June 16 and approved a downtown planter grant.

• Approved zoning change for 402 W 13 from R-2 to C-1 (7‑0)
• Approved text amendments to Appendix A of the Zoning Code (7‑0)
• Approved Chip and Seal Street Plan (contract $150,000)
• Approved purchase of 2018 Sullair 185DPQ air compressor
• Rejected revised alcohol‑sales ordinance (3‑4)
• Approved purchase of ten downtown planters using $2,500 grant
• Approved special meeting for June 16 at 6:30 PM
• Approved 16,000‑lb truck lift ($20,436.00 plus tax)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a proposed Consulting Services Agreement with David Barfield of Kansas Water Resources Consulting to help secure the city's water rights. The meeting also includes a work session regarding golf course management.

• Proposed contract with Kansas Water Resources Consulting at $150 per hour
• Initial expenditure cap of $5,000 for water rights consulting
• Discussion on securing uncertified Water Right File No. 26,461 before 2028
• Work session on Golf Course Management

The council considered a contract with David Barfield of Kansas Water Resources Consulting. Councilmember Riedel moved to approve and Molleker seconded. Barnes, McGinness, and Clark voted nay. The motion passed, approving the contract.

• Approved Kansas Water Resources Consulting contract (motion passed, 3 nays)

City Council

The City Council will vote on Appropriations Ordinance #4 for $1,126,906.90, discuss replacing the sanitation truck (expected cost ~$225,000), and consider a street sealing bid for 80,000 sq. yds. at $1.875/sq yd. Other items include a resolution supporting tax exemption bonds, a discussion on burn bans, and approval of a special-event beer license for Santa Fe Trail Days.

• Appropriations Ordinance #4 for $1,126,906.90
• Application to sell cereal malt beverages for Santa Fe Trail Days (May 23-25)
• Sanitation truck replacement discussion – seek bids for a new truck (~$225,000)
• Street Bid 2025 – chip-and-seal contract with $150,000 budget for 80,000 sq. yds.
• Resolution supporting tax exemption bonds

The council approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda. It adopted Appropriation Ordinance #4 for $1,126,906.90. Councilmembers approved a $150,000 chip‑and‑seal street bid and a resolution supporting tax‑exempt financing. The burn‑ban ordinance discussion was tabled and the Water Rights Consultant contract was postponed for further review.

• Approved agenda with changes (motion passed)
• Approved consent agenda as presented (motion passed)
• Adopted Appropriation Ordinance #4 for $1,126,906.90 (motion passed)
• Approved $150,000 street seal bid for Circle C Paving (motion passed)
• Approved resolution supporting tax‑exempt financing bonds (motion passed)
• Burn‑ban ordinance discussion tabled pending attorney research (no vote)
• Water Rights Consultant contract postponed for review; special meeting requested (no vote)

City Council

The Larned City Council will decide on extending the city's electric power contract with the Grand River Dam Authority for 25 years, approve an appropriations ordinance of $846,021.52, and discuss several new business items including equipment purchases and code changes. Public comments will address a carport variance, and Officer Samuel Sullivan will be recognized for lifesaving actions.

• Appropriations Ordinance #3 for $846,021.52
• GRDA purchase power contract extension (25 years)
• Airport lighting project bids
• Chicken ordinances discussion
• Purchase of planer for Street Dept.

The council approved several contracts and projects, including a 25‑year extension of the Grand River Dam Authority power purchase agreement, the airport lighting improvement, a fire‑station garage door upgrade, and the purchase of a street‑maintenance planer. It also adopted changes to the city code, approved the purchase of the 1401 Broadway property for $12,000, and approved an $846,021.52 appropriation ordinance. The proposed aerial ladder truck purchase was tabled pending a capital‑improvement plan. All motions passed except the ladder‑truck item, which was tabled.

• Approved GRDA power contract extension (25‑year) (motion passed)
• Approved Airport Lighting Project, $571,035 winning bid (motion passed)
• Approved LFD garage door installation, $11,500, contingent on structural inspection (motion passed)
• Approved purchase of 2024 Bobcat 24‑inch High Flow Planer, $20,099 balance (motion passed)
• Approved Changes to City Code (fencing, accessory buildings, shipping containers, appeals) – 8 aye, 0 nay
• Approved purchase of 1401 Broadway property for $12,000 with $1,000 earnest money – 8 aye, 0 nay
• Approved Appropriation Ordinance #3 for $846,021.52 (motion passed)
• Tabled LFD Quint aerial ladder truck purchase pending capital improvement plan (motion tabled)

City Council

The City Council will vote on a $601,494.20 appropriations ordinance, review and likely approve an updated water conservation plan, and discuss several new business items including hailstorm repairs, a fair board request, a proposed taser purchase, and a right-of-way acquisition. The consent agenda includes a planning commission appointment. Public comments and a Christmas decoration committee presentation are also scheduled.

• Appropriations Ordinance #2 for $601,494.20
• Water Conservation Plan update for approval (long-term and drought response stages)
• Hailstorm Repairs, Part Two discussion
• Taser Discussion for police department
• Acquisition of Right of Way

The Larned City Council approved the consent agenda, an appropriation ordinance totaling $601,494.20, an updated Water Conservation Plan, a hailstorm repair bid from H&H Roofing, a Safe Routes to School grant agreement with KDOT, and the acquisition of two city-owned tracts for a bridge project. The council also directed staff to include Taser costs in the 2026 budget. The Pawnee County Fair Board request was withdrawn, and the GRDA Purchase Power Contract was removed from the agenda.

• Approved consent agenda as presented
• Approved Appropriation Ordinance #2 for $601,494.20
• Approved updated Water Conservation Plan
• Approved H&H Roofing hailstorm repair bid
• Approved Safe Routes to School grant agreement with KDOT
• Approved land acquisition for US-56 bridge project
• Directed staff to include Taser costs in 2026 budget

City Council

The City Council will vote on approving an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation to accept an $850,400 Safe Routes to Schools grant. The grant funds construction of pedestrian pathways connecting Ft. Larned Elementary School to parks and community amenities north of US-156. No local match is required, but the city is responsible for right-of-way acquisition and utility relocations, budgeted at $14,700.

• $850,400 Safe Routes to Schools grant from KDOT for pedestrian pathway construction
• Pedestrian pathway from Ft. Larned Elementary School south to 16th Street, connecting to existing sidewalks
• West extension at 16th Street connecting to Northside Athletic Fields
• Future sidewalk extension east from Broadway to Toles at 17th Street to Jordan Park, golf course, and community center
• City responsible for right-of-way, utility relocations, and non-participating costs up to $14,700

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a resolution to accept a low-interest loan from KDHE for a $350,000 pre-treatment wastewater system to eliminate toxic H2S gas. The council will also consider contracts for administrative services ($20,000) and engineering services ($66,000) to support the loan project. Additionally, a $1,075,889.24 appropriations ordinance and updates on the Welcome Inn, Christmas decorations, Midwest Energy contract, and electric system conversion are on the agenda.

• Public hearing and resolution on $350,000 KDHE KWPCRF loan for H2S treatment system at State Hospital pump station
• Administration contract with Ranson Financial for $20,000
• Engineering contract with H.W. Lochner for $66,000
• Appropriations Ordinance #1 for $1,075,889.24
• Updates on Welcome Inn, Christmas decoration committee, annual Midwest Energy contract, and electric system conversion

The Larned City Council approved the agenda, consent agenda, and Appropriation Ordinance #1 totaling $1,075,889.24. They approved writing off Welcome Inn utilities for six months, purchasing Christmas lights up to $75,000 if pledged, and increasing the Midwest Energy out-of-scope allotment to $15,000 monthly. New business included approving fire truck and patrol unit radio purchases, updating the Water Conservation Plan, and giving the City Manager a merit increase.

• Approved Appropriation Ordinance #1 for $1,075,889.24
• Approved writing off Welcome Inn utilities for six months
• Approved Christmas lights purchase up to $75,000 if pledged
• Approved Midwest Energy contract with $15,000 monthly out-of-scope allotment
• Approved radio purchases for fire trucks and patrol unit
• Approved Ranson Financial to update Water Conservation Plan
• Approved City Manager merit increase (opposed by Riedel)

City Council

The Larned City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially act on a notice of non-renewal of a lease with Tyree Ag. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Notice of Non-renewal of Lease for Tyree Ag

The Larned City Council voted to send notice to Tyree Ag terminating their airport lease, following a recommendation from the Airport Advisory Board. The board cited years of disuse and poor upkeep of the office space. The city attorney suggested terminating the entire lease to allow for renegotiation if desired.

• Approved notice of lease termination to Tyree Ag (motion passed)

City Council

The Larned City Council will hold a regular meeting following an open house showcasing police department renovations. The council will vote on Appropriations Ordinance #12 for $1,103,008.09 and authorize an audit contract with Adams Brown for up to $18,545. They will also discuss swimming pool renovations, a charter ordinance for transient guest tax, and the 2025 employee COLA and market wage study.

• Appropriations Ordinance #12 for $1,103,008.09
• Audit contract with Adams Brown not to exceed $18,545
• Swimming Pool Basin Renovation and Drain Repair
• Charter Ordinance for Transient Guest Tax
• 2025 Employee COLA and Market Wage Study

The Larned City Council approved a charter ordinance raising the transient guest tax from 4% to 6% (8-0), approved a $130,000 pool basin renovation and a $9,872.43 drain valve repair, and moved forward with a $335,000 KDHE wastewater loan. They also pledged $20,000 for Christmas decorations, refunded a $4,000 demolition assessment, and approved a 2.6% COLA plus 2.4% merit for employees. Several items were discussed without action, including a feed yard, Welcome Inn funding, and official publication changes.

• Approved charter ordinance increasing transient guest tax to 6% (8-0)
• Approved $130,000 pool basin renovation from pool reserve fund
• Approved $9,872.43 bid from Eakin Enterprises for pool drain valve repair
• Approved $20,000 pledge from general fund for Christmas lights
• Approved moving forward with $335,000 KDHE wastewater loan
• Refunded $4,000 demolition assessment to Chad Eakin (opposed by Riedel)
• Approved Benesch as engineering consultant for SRTS grant
• Approved 2.6% COLA and 2.4% merit for employees

City Council

The Larned City Council will hold an open house at the Police Department to showcase renovations, then meet to approve an appropriations ordinance totaling $1,103,008.09, authorize an audit contract with Adams Brown for up to $18,545, and discuss several capital projects including swimming pool basin renovation, KDHE sewer revolving fund, and airport improvements. The council will also reorganize after elections and consider a charter ordinance for transient guest tax, employee cost-of-living adjustments, and changes to city code.

• Appropriations Ordinance #12 for $1,103,008.09
• Audit and non-audit services contract with Adams Brown not to exceed $18,545
• Swimming Pool Basin Renovation discussion
• Charter Ordinance for Transient Guest Tax (lodging tax)
• 2025 Employee COLA and Market Wage Study