Russell, KS

City Council

The Russell City Council meeting on June 2, 2026 will discuss several public‑interest topics. Items include presentations on water supply, the Russell Market Square project, and a historic‑district designation for Kansas Main Street. The council will review unfinished business such as library and recreation funding requests, a CDBG contract amendment, and an ordinance amending electric rates. New business includes a special‑event application for Freedom Fest, a rezoning proposal changing R‑1 single‑family land to A‑1 agricultural, and a resolution to hold a public hearing on creating a Community Improvement District.

• Presentation on Water Source, Production, and Conservation (June‑August 2026 outlook)
• Russell Market Square presentation
• Kansas Main Street historic district designation discussion
• Ordinance amending electric rates
• Proposed rezoning of land from R‑1 residential to A‑1 agricultural (Peck Rezoning Ordinance)

The council approved the consent agenda, a CDBG contract extension, and an ordinance amending electric rates, all unanimously. It also waived $790 in fees for the Freedom Fest event and adopted a rezoning ordinance changing R‑1 residential land to an A‑1 agricultural district. Additional unanimous approvals included the Western Area Power Authority Integrated Resource Plan and a $191,000 water master plan work order. No action was taken on a resolution to hold a public hearing for a community improvement district.

• Approved consent agenda items, including prior meeting minutes (unanimously)
• Approved Kansas Department of Commerce CDBG contract extension (unanimously)
• Approved ordinance amending electric rates (unanimously)
• Approved Freedom Fest fee waiver of $790 and traffic closure (unanimously)
• Adopted rezoning ordinance changing R‑1 residential to A‑1 agricultural district (unanimously)
• Approved Western Area Power Authority Integrated Resource Plan and authorized mayor to sign (unanimously)
• Approved Water Master Plan Work Order No. 26‑02 up to $191,000 (unanimously)
• No action taken on resolution for a public hearing on a community improvement district

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding a dangerous structure at 15 Amber Drive and discuss the 2027 Budget's Special Revenue Funds. The body is also reviewing bids for a utility backhoe replacement and a lift station replacement on Cindy Drive.

• Public hearing and resolution for dangerous structures at 15 Amber Drive
• 2027 Budget discussion regarding Special Revenue Funds and Revenue Neutral Rate
• Bids for Water/Waste Water Utility Backhoe Replacement (Cat and John Deere)
• PEC Work Order 26-03 for Cindy Dr. Lift Station Replacement
• Special Event Application for Russell County Free Fair including street closure and alcohol consumption

The Russell City Council approved a resolution allowing fireworks discharges within city limits on July 3 and July 4, 2026 (vote 5‑0‑1). It also approved a permit for a public fireworks display by Russell Celebrations on July 4, with an alternate date of July 5. Additional actions included approving a lift‑station design work order ($48,300), a backhoe purchase ($114,208.22), and a resolution ordering repair or removal of unsafe structures at 15 Amber Drive.

• Approved fireworks discharges for July 3‑4, 2026 (5‑0‑1)
• Approved public fireworks display permit for July 4 (alternate July 5)
• Approved lift‑station replacement design work order – $48,300
• Approved purchase of backhoe – $114,208.22
• Approved resolution ordering repair/removal of unsafe structures at 15 Amber Drive
• Approved Kansas Dept. of Commerce CDBG contract extension request
• Approved Amendment #3 to Owner‑Contract Agreement for CDBG project at 621 N. Main St.
• Approved consent agenda items (including June 2, 2026 minutes, appropriation ordinance A‑6‑26, etc.)

City Council

The City Council will discuss enterprise funds for the 2027 budget and review water source and conservation outlooks for July through September 2026. The body will also consider amendments to the Holland Hotel housing grant and development agreements.

• Discussion of 2027 Budget Enterprise Funds
• Fourth Amendment to Holland Hotel Housing Grant Agreement
• Holland Hotel Development Agreement Amendment
• Nex-tech Multi-Year Service Agreement for Play Park security cameras
• Perfect Print Restoration CDBG Project No.23-CR-006 final pay request

City Council

The City Council will review several 2027 budget requests for the Recreation Commission, Public Library, and various outside entities. The agenda also includes discussions on water conservation, an aerator purchase, and a resolution regarding FEMA BRIC grant eligibility.

• 2027 Budget Request: Russell Recreation Commission and Russell Public Library
• Adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code
• Review of outside entity funding requests for the 2027 budget
• Aerator purchase bid request
• Resolution declaring eligibility to apply for the FEMA BRIC Grant

The City Council approved the purchase of a walk-behind aerator for $45,412.16 and authorized a resolution to apply for a FEMA BRIC grant for waterline improvements. The council also adopted the 2024 International Fire Code and approved joining the State Fire Marshal Task Force.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted 2024 International Fire Code (unanimous)
• Approved City of Russell to join State Fire Marshal Task Force (unanimous)
• Directed staff to use specific funding amounts for outside entities in the 2027 budget
• Approved purchase of walk-behind aerator from Professional Turf Products for $45,412.16 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution declaring eligibility for FEMA BRIC grant for R9 waterline improvements (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will review funding requests from several outside entities for the 2027 budget. The agenda also includes a request for a public hearing regarding dangerous structures at 15 Amber Drive.

• Outside Entity Funding Requests for the 2027 Budget
• Public Hearing Request for Dangerous Structures at 15 Amber Drive
• Review of the 2024 International Fire Code
• Kansas Airport Improvement Program Grant Award
• Discussion of real property acquisition

The council approved several board appointments including members for the Russell Public Library and Housing Authority. A resolution was passed to hold a public hearing regarding dangerous structures at 15 Amber Drive on June 16, 2026.

• Approved amended consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 21, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Jamie Malone to Russell Public Library (unanimous)
• Approved John Dumler to Housing Authority (unanimous)
• Approved Fred Schertz to Housing Authority (unanimous)
• Approved Steve Decker to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved public hearing for dangerous structures at 15 Amber Drive (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding dangerous structures at 930 N. Lincoln Street. The agenda includes discussions on a smooth drum roller purchase, an asphalt streets maintenance plan, and the removal of general nuisances from 950 East 7th.

• Public hearing for dangerous structures at 930 N. Lincoln Street
• Resolution authorizing nuisance removal from 950 East 7th
• Smooth drum roller purchase via Murphy Tractor bid
• Asphalt streets maintenance plan discussion
• Quitclaim and Limited Warranty Deeds for Flintwood, LLC

The council approved a smooth drum roller purchase and funding for the 2026 Asphalt Street Maintenance Plan. Additional actions included approving a quitclaim deed, a contract extension request, and a nuisance removal resolution.

• Approved March 17, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Quitclaim Deed to Flintwood, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved Kansas Department of Commerce CDBG Perfect Print Restoration extension request (unanimous)
• Approved Amendment #2 to Owner-Contract Agreement for 621 N. Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved resolution authorizing removal of general nuisances from 950 E 7th St (unanimous)
• Approved $48,169 purchase of smooth drum roller from Murphy Tractor (unanimous)
• Approved up to $13,785.00 for 2026 Asphalt Street Maintenance Plan (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will review the 2025 financial review and 2027 budget goals. Discussion items include water source conservation, an electric rate study, and several special event applications for Wicked Fest and Waudby's 100th Anniversary.

• 2025 Financial Review and 2027 Budget Goals presentation
• R-9 Water Project update
• Electric Rate Study - Rate Proposals
• SCBA Compressor Replacement discussion
• Resolution for removal of nuisance vehicles from 950 E. 7th Street

The council approved the purchase of a Stallion SCBA Air Compressor for $62,138.78. Additional actions included approving resolutions for street closures related to Wicked Fest and Waudby's 100th Anniversary, as well as authorizing the removal of nuisance vehicles from 950 E. 7th Street.

• Approved purchase of Stallion SCBA Air Compressor from Delta Fire ($62,138.78) (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to remove nuisance vehicles from 950 E. 7th Street (unanimous)
• Approved Wicked Fest special event application and fee waiver ($1,348.00) (6-0-1)
• Approved resolution closing portions of Main Street for Wicked Fest (6-0-1)
• Approved Waudby's 100th Anniversary special event application (unanimous)
• Approved resolution closing portions of city streets for Waudby's 100th Anniversary (unanimous)
• Approved April 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will review several items including potential real property purchases and a resolution for Dogwood Energy Center bond refunding. The meeting also includes updates on water production, the R-9 Water Project, and ladder truck replacement.

• Dogwood Energy Center Bond Refunding resolution
• Potential purchase of real property
• R-9 Water Project update
• Ladder Truck Replacement discussion
• South Main Street PEC Supplemental Agreement No. 3

The council approved the $550,000 purchase of 469 S Van Houton and authorized up to $500,000 in Duke Johnson Trust funds for a ladder truck replacement. Additional actions included approving new council meeting rules, a street closure resolution, and a supplemental agreement for PEC South Main Street.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved ladder truck funding up to $500,000 from Duke Johnson Trust (unanimous)
• Approved Remote Participation in City Council Meetings policy (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution Adopting Rules and Procedures Governing Meetings of the City Council (4-1-0)
• Approved purchase of 469 S Van Houton for $550,000 (4-1-0)
• Approved Blessing of the Bikes special event application (unanimous)
• Approved PEC South Main Street Supplemental Agreement No. 3 up to $103,200.00 (unanimous)

City Council

The Russell City Council will consider an ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026-A, and a resolution prescribing the sale and delivery of those bonds. Other business includes a contract for golf course clubhouse operations, a real estate purchase at 611 E 4th, pickleball court addition, and a public hearing on dangerous structures at 930 N. Lincoln Street. The meeting also includes a consent agenda with routine approvals and department reports.

• Ordinance authorizing General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026-A
• Golf Course Clubhouse Operations Contract
• Real Estate Purchase Contract - 611 E 4th
• Play Park Fencing estimate from Leon's Welding and Fabrication, LLC
• Request for public hearing on dangerous structures at 930 N. Lincoln Street

The City Council approved several infrastructure and property items including a $62,260 play park fence and the conversion of a tennis court to pickleball courts. The council also authorized a bridge improvement program application and a water production equipment purchase. Additionally, bond issuance and real estate contracts were approved.

• Approved February 3, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including various financial reports (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance for General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026-A (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution for sale and delivery of Series 2026-A bonds (unanimous)
• Approved Golf Course Clubhouse Operations Contract (unanimous)
• Approved Real Estate Purchase Contract and Quitclaim Deed for 611 E 4th (unanimous)
• Approved $62,260.00 quote from Leon's Welding and Fabrication, LLC for Play Park fencing (unanimous)
• Approved conversion of tennis court to two pickleball courts (6-0-1)

City Council

The City Council will discuss and likely vote on a work order for the Safe Streets for All comprehensive plan, water well rehabilitation bids, a gravel purchase for Memorial Park parking lot, and an amendment to a CDBG agreement for 621 N. Main Street. A draft ordinance creating a Municipal Golf Course Board is also up for review. The agenda includes several routine items such as minutes, department reports, and public comment periods.

• Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Plan Work Order 26-01
• Water well rehabilitation bids from Downey Drilling and Sargent Drilling
• Gravel purchase for Memorial Park parking lot from Flatlander Dirtworks and Venture
• Amendment to owner-contract agreement for CDBG Project at 621 N. Main Street
• Draft Ordinance 2030 establishing a Municipal Golf Course Board

The City Council approved several infrastructure and community items, including a water well bid and a gravel purchase for Memorial Park. The council also authorized the Annual Community Clean-Up Day for April 18, 2026.

• Approved February 17, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Golf Board Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved PEC Work Order 26-01 for Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Clarke Well Service bid for water well rehabilitation for $34,995.00 (unanimous)
• Approved Flatlander Di(works quote for Memorial Park parking lot gravel not to exceed $35,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Annual Community Clean-Up Day for April 18, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Amendment to Owner-Contract Agreement for CDBG Project at 621 N. Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved Perfect Print Restoration Pay Request #5 for $70,000 (unanimous)

City Council

The Russell City Council will consider a proposed charter ordinance regarding councilmember and mayor terms, review water source development at the R9 Ranch, and discuss the sale of property at 611 E 4th. The meeting also includes presentations on a community impact award and an Eagle Scout cemetery project.

• Proposed Charter Ordinance - Councilmember and Mayor Terms of Office
• Water Source Development - R9 Ranch
• Proposed Sale of City Property - 611 E 4th
• Holland Hotel Development Agreement Amendment
• Golf Course Clubhouse Operations Contract

The City Council approved the third amendment to the development agreement with Russell Development, Inc. They also authorized an Eagle Scout project to rebuild a presentation platform. A contract update for the Golf Course Clubhouse was requested for the next meeting.

• Approved Eagle Scout cemetery presentation platform rebuilding (unanimous)
• Approved January 20, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Contractor Licenses (unanimous)
• Approved Third Amendment to Holland Hotel Development Agreement (unanimous)

City Council

The Russell City Council will meet to discuss water conservation, authorize the sale of general obligation bonds, and approve financial reports and contracts. The meeting includes public comments and department reports.

• Resolution Declaring Stage I Water Watch
• Resolution Authorizing Offering for Sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026-A
• Golf Course Clubhouse Operations Contract
• Appropriation Ordinance A.1.26
• Perfect Print Restoration - CDBG Project No.23-CR-006 Pay Request #4

The Russell City Council approved several financial and operational measures during its January 20 meeting. Actions included authorizing the sale of Series 2026-A general obligation bonds, approving an $84,250 payment for a CDBG restoration project, and amending a grant agreement for the Holland Hotel Project. The council also declared a Stage I Water Watch and authorized staff to pursue state grants for a ladder truck and airport fuel system upgrades. These approvals fund municipal projects, support local development, and prepare infrastructure improvements that affect city services and public safety.

• Approved consent agenda items including December financial reports and Appropriation Ordinance A-1-26 (unanimous)
• Authorized sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026-A (unanimous)
• Approved $84,250 pay request for CDBG Project No. 23-CR-006 (Perfect Print Restoration) (unanimous)
• Approved Third Amendment to Grant Agreement for the Holland Hotel Project (unanimous)
• Declared a Stage I Water Watch resolution (unanimous)
• Authorized staff to pursue an LMI survey and apply for a CDBG grant for a ladder truck (unanimous)
• Authorized staff to complete a KDOT aviation grant application for airport fuel system replacement (unanimous)

City Council

The Russell City Council will meet on December 16, 2025, to discuss or decide on several items including an electric generation bond review and upcoming issuance (Resolution 28-23), a water source project update, and multiple unfinished business items such as year-end transfers and a CDBG pay request for Perfect Print Restoration. The council will also consider a charter ordinance changing councilmember and mayor terms, an animal control trapping ordinance, and a snow and ice removal policy.

• Electric Generation Bond Review and Upcoming Issuance (Resolution 28-23)
• R-9 Water Source Project Update
• Perfect Print Restoration CDBG Pay Request #3
• Memorial Park Ball Field Lighting Repair (Phillips Southern Electric quote)
• Animal Control Ordinance – Trapping

The Russell City Council unanimously approved year-end fund transfers totaling $3,733,000 to electric and water reserves, capital improvements, and equipment funds to support future infrastructure needs. The council also authorized a $12,000 payment for a federal CDBG restoration project and approved $65,985 in materials to repair Memorial Park ball field lights. Additionally, the council accepted a federal SS4A grant agreement and finalized contracts with an auditing firm for 2025 financial reviews.

• Approved year-end fund transfers totaling $3,733,000 across electric, water, and general reserves (unanimous)
• Authorized $12,000 pay request for CDBG Project No. 23-CR-006 perfect print restoration (unanimous)
• Approved $65,985 material purchase from Phillips Southern Electric Co. to repair Memorial Park ball field lights (unanimous)
• Accepted SS4A Federal Grant Agreement as presented (unanimous)
• Approved audit engagement and compilation letters with Lindburg Vogel Pierce Faris, Chartered; designated City Treasurer for non-audit oversight (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda covering November financial reports, December AP checks, and 2026 license renewals (unanimous)

City Council

The Russell City Council will administer oaths of office to newly elected Mayor Jim Cross and council members for Wards I-IV, then elect a council president and approve a resolution for official depositories and newspaper. Unfinished business includes two ordinances amending animal control regulations (keeping, care, control and trapping) and a resolution on leased vehicles. A new business item is a resolution to waive GAAP reporting requirements.

• Oaths of office for Mayor Jim Cross, Ward I Caleigh Befort, Ward II Chuck Bean, Ward III Blaine Stoppel, Ward IV Dustin Madden
• Election of Council President and resolution designating official depositories and newspaper
• Ordinance amending Section 2-107 of Chapter II on keeping, care and control of animals
• Ordinance adding Article 3 to Chapter II on trapping of animals
• Resolution determining need of leased vehicles and authorizing legal review

The City Council elected Dustin Madden as Council President and approved multiple ordinances regarding animal control and trapping. The council also passed a resolution waiving GAAP reporting requirements for 2026 financials and approved the Snow and Ice Removal Policy.

• Elected Dustin Madden as Council President (6-0-1)
• Approved resolution designating official depositories and newspaper (unanimous)
• Approved December 16, 2025, City Council meeting minutes (6-0-1)
• Approved $27,850.00 emergency purchase for water production transfer pump (6-0-1)
• Approved ordinance amending animal keeping, care, and control regulations (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance adding article regarding trapping animals (unanimous)
• Approved resolution determining need of leased vehicles (unanimous)
• Approved Snow and Ice Removal Policy (unanimous)