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Ottawa, Kansas

Ottawa public meetings in 2025

50 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Thu Dec 25, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission meeting canceled

The Ottawa Planning Commission meeting scheduled for December 25, 2025 at City Hall was canceled. No agenda items were discussed or decided. The notice includes a Zoom link and phone numbers for remote access, but the meeting will not take place.

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Wed Dec 17, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to discuss Interim City Manager appointment

The City Commission will discuss the appointment of an Interim City Manager and review the city's snow removal plan. The body will also receive an update from Lightfield Energy and present a donation check to ECKAN.

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✓ Decided: City Attorney Finch appointed Interim City Manager

The commission approved the consent agenda, appointed City Attorney Finch as interim city manager, and authorized a 30‑day extension of the Lightfield Energy contract. All motions passed with unanimous aye votes.

Wed Dec 10, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to elect 2026 mayor and mayor pro tem

The Ottawa City Commission will elect a mayor and mayor pro tem for the 2026 term, and consider a change order for the City Hall HVAC project. The meeting also includes the approval of a tree trimming contract and the reading of public comments.

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✓ Decided: Commissioners elected Zach Clayton as mayor and approved $171,058 HVAC change order

The commission approved the consent agenda, electing Zach Clayton as mayor for 2026 and Eric Crowley as mayor pro tem. They also approved a $171,058 change order to add LED lighting and ceiling‑tile replacement to the City Hall HVAC project. Upcoming City Commission meetings on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 were announced as cancelled.

Wed Dec 10, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission meeting canceled

The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for December 10, 2025, at Ottawa City Hall has been canceled. The agenda includes a link for a Zoom meeting, but the physical meeting will not take place.

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Wed Dec 3, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to approve Woodridge Estates final plat and housing incentive district

The Ottawa City Commission will consider several resolutions, including a $2,000 donation to the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, a waiver of GAAP for 2026 financial reporting, and the acceptance of a final plat for Woodridge Estates that creates 13 residential lots at 1001 E. Wilson St. The body will also vote on establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for Woodridge Estates, setting a public hearing for Jan. 7, 2026, and approving a severance and consulting agreement for City Manager Silcott.

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✓ Decided: City Commission approved waiver of GAAP for FY2026 financial reporting

The commission approved the Transient Guest Tax Distribution Framework, several 2026 community partner funding agreements, and moved economic development services in‑house. It also adopted a resolution waiving GAAP for FY 2026, approved the Woodridge Estates final plat and a housing incentive district, and allocated a $2,000 donation to ECKAN.

Wed Nov 19, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to review transient guest tax framework and severance agreement

The City Commission will discuss a proposed framework for allocating Transient Guest Tax revenues starting in 2026. The body will also consider a severance and consulting agreement and receive updates on the city's pavement preservation plan and golf course.

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✓ Decided: City Commission approved City Manager Silcott’s severance and consulting agreement

The commission approved the consent agenda with all present members voting aye. They approved the severance and consulting agreement for City Manager Silcott, with all present members voting. The board placed the Transient Guest Tax distribution framework on the December 3, 2025 agenda for further discussion.

Wed Nov 12, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to consider a 1% city retail sales tax ordinance

The Ottawa City Commission will discuss several new business items, including a proposed ordinance to levy a 1.00% general‑purpose city retailers’ sales tax. Commissioners will also hear a request to renew the Fixed Base Operator agreement for airport operations and a presentation of the boiler replacement bid results for the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium. Additional items include a review of draft 2026 Community Partner Funding Agreements and a report from the Ottawa Main Street Association.

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✓ Decided: City adopts 1% general‑purpose retail sales tax ordinance

The commission approved the renewal of the Fixed Base Operator agreement for the municipal airport and adopted a new 1.00% city retail sales tax ordinance. It also awarded the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium boiler replacement contract to BCI Mechanical, Inc. The consent agenda, executive‑session recess, and reconvening motions were unanimously approved.

Wed Nov 12, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider final plat for Woodridge Estates

The Planning Commission will review a final plat application for a residential development at 1001 East Wilson Street. The body will decide whether to recommend approval of the plan to the City Commission.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommended approval of Woodridge Estates final plat

The commission approved the minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting. It accepted the staff findings for the Woodridge Estates final plat. It then recommended that the City Commission approve the Woodridge Estates final plat. The next scheduled meeting on November 27 was announced as canceled.

Wed Nov 5, 2025

City Commission

Commission to consider partnership for a community commercial kitchen

The Ottawa City Commission will hear an update from Fire Chief Dillon on the city’s new Class 2 ISO rating. Commissioners will then consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a partnership agreement with Live Healthy Frankin County to establish a community commercial kitchen under the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative. The meeting also includes routine items such as a proclamation for National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week and consent agenda approvals.

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✓ Decided: City Commission approved partnership for Incubator Kitchen at the OMA

The commission adopted the consent agenda, approving prior meeting minutes and the agenda. It approved Resolution No. 1998-25 authorizing the City Manager to sign a partnership agreement with Live Healthy Franklin County for a community incubator kitchen. Several motions to enter and exit executive session were also approved.

Wed Oct 22, 2025

City Commission

Commission will consider hiring SGR as City Manager search consultant

The Ottawa City Commission will discuss an update on the Utility Payment Kiosk, including removal of the inoperable unit and possible alternatives. Commissioners will consider selecting Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to serve as the search consultant for the next City Manager. The meeting also includes review of third‑quarter 2025 department reports and an update on active city projects. An executive session is scheduled to address a privileged personnel matter.

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✓ Decided: Commission removes utility Kiosk and selects search firm for City Manager

The City Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda. By consensus the governing body agreed to remove the existing utility payment Kiosk and will reconsider replacement in the future. Commissioners also approved the selection of Strategic Government Resources to conduct the City Manager search, authorizing the Mayor to negotiate the contract.

Wed Oct 15, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to consider updating open records request fees

The Ottawa City Commission will discuss a resolution to revise fees for open records requests to align with recent legislative changes. The meeting also includes a presentation of the city’s tree inventory and announcement of an IRA grant award, as well as a report on 2025 grant activity. Several proclamations recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Arbor Day will be approved.

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✓ Decided: City adopts new fee structure for open records requests

The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously. It adopted Resolution No. 1997-25 updating fees for public‑record requests, also unanimously. Proclamations recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Arbor Day, and Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day were read and accepted.

Wed Oct 8, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Oct 8, 2025 was canceled

The Ottawa Planning Commission meeting set for October 8, 2025 was canceled. Consequently, no agenda items, decisions, or public hearings will be considered at this time.

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Wed Oct 1, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to review state setoff agreement, HVAC proposals, and personnel policy

The Ottawa City Commission will consider an updated municipality agreement with the Kansas State Setoff Program, proposals to improve the City Hall HVAC system, and a resolution to amend the Personnel Policy Handbook's non‑owned auto policy. The meeting also includes routine consent agenda items such as approval of minutes from the September 17 meeting and a proclamation recognizing Fire Prevention Week (Oct 5‑11, 2025). Public comments and other standard agenda items will also be addressed.

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✓ Decided: City approved $1.2M HVAC contract for City Hall

The commission approved the updated Municipality Agreement with the Kansas State Setoff Program after a unanimous aye vote. The City Hall HVAC improvement project was awarded to BCI Mechanical, Inc. for $1,204,578, also by unanimous aye vote. A resolution amending Section 6.8 of the Personnel Policy Handbook was adopted (Resolution No. 1996-25) with all present voting aye. The consent agenda, including prior meeting minutes, was also approved unanimously.

Thu Sep 25, 2025

Planning Commission

Ottawa Planning Commission meeting canceled

The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for August 28, 2025, has been canceled.

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Wed Sep 17, 2025

City Commission

Commission will review a car‑show safety plan and consider NRP rebate approvals

The Ottawa City Commission will discuss a review of the Ol’ Marais River Run Car Show, including event logistics and public safety measures. Commissioners will consider approval of the 2025 third‑quarter Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) rebate applications for eight properties as recommended by the NRP Review Committee. The agenda also includes routine consent items such as approval of the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes, the August 2025 finance monthly report, and a proclamation recognizing Constitution Week (Sept 17‑23, 2025).

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✓ Decided: City approves NRP tax rebate for seven properties

The City Commission approved the consent agenda after a unanimous aye vote. The commission also approved the 2025 Third Quarter Neighborhood Revitalization Program rebate applications for six residential properties and one commercial property, removing one address that was outside the district. Both motions passed with all present members voting aye. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

Wed Sep 10, 2025

City Commission

City Commission to review liquor license and event safety

The City Commission will discuss safety preparations for the Power of the Past Tractor Show and select delegates for the League of Kansas Municipalities. The body will also review a cereal malt beverage license application for a local business.

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✓ Decided: City Commission approves CMB license, LKM delegates and consent agenda

The commission approved the consent agenda and the appointment of three voting delegates and one alternate to represent Ottawa at the League of Kansas Municipalities conference. It also approved a new Cereal Malt Beverage license for 80’s Flashback Arcade LLC. Motions to recess into executive session and then reconvene were adopted.

Wed Sep 10, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission meeting canceled

The Ottawa Planning Commission meeting scheduled for September 10, 2025 was canceled. No agenda items were discussed or decided.

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Wed Sep 3, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Ottawa adopted the 2026 budget and approved a property tax rate above the RNR

The City Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda. A resolution (No. 1993-25) to levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate was adopted with all present voting aye. The 2026 budget (Resolution No. 1994-25) was adopted, also with all present voting aye. The 2026‑2030 Capital Improvement Program (Resolution No. 1995-25) was approved unanimously.

Thu Aug 28, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to consider Woodridge Estates preliminary plat

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to decide on the preliminary plat for Woodridge Estates. The proposed development would create 13 single-family residential lots on 3.82 acres.

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Wed Aug 27, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission adopts sales‑tax ballot language and approves key development plans

The commission unanimously approved a resolution authorizing complimentary alcoholic drinks at the Ladies Night Out event. It also adopted the South Haven Estates final plat, adopted findings for the South Haven Reinvestment Housing Incentive District, and approved ballot language for a one‑percent sales‑tax measure to appear on the November 2025 ballot. The consent agenda was approved without dissent.

Wed Aug 20, 2025

City Commission

Commission to review sales tax framework for November election

The City Commission will discuss sample ballot language for a Special Purpose and General Purpose Sales Tax framework for the November 4, 2025, General Election. The body will also consider updates to the city's traffic ordinance and public offense code.

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✓ Decided: City Commission adopts amended Economic Development Incentive Policy (Resolution 1988-25)

The commission adopted a resolution amending the Economic Development Incentive Policy and repealing Resolution 1884-21. It also adopted the 2025 Standard Traffic Ordinance and the 2025 Uniform Public Offense Code. The body agreed to prepare a general‑purpose sales‑tax ballot language resolution for consideration at the next meeting.

Wed Aug 13, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission voted to put the one-cent sales tax renewal on the Nov 4 ballot

The Governing Body approved the consent agenda unanimously. It adopted a resolution authorizing the sale and conveyance of the City’s leasehold interest in the Premier Auto Project Phase I. The commission approved an updated $78,100 agreement with GFT Infrastructure for the 15th and Main Street traffic signal and sidewalk project. Commissioners agreed to place the one‑cent sales‑tax renewal question on the November 4, 2025 General Election ballot, with a resolution deadline of September 3, 2025.

Wed Aug 6, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission unanimously approves consent agenda

The City Commission approved the consent agenda, which included the July 23, 2025 meeting minutes and the regular meeting agenda, with all present voting aye. No other actions were adopted. The proposed revisions to the Reinvestment Housing Incentive District policy were presented for discussion and will be considered at a future meeting.

Wed Jul 23, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission adopted RHID Development Plan for Northeast Village, approving $845K reimbursement

The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously. It adopted an ordinance establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for the Northeast Village project and approved a development agreement that reimburses up to $845,000. The body also agreed to move forward with a public engagement process to evaluate the city logo. Additionally, it authorized a $65,000 expenditure for Phase Two of the Main Street streetlight conduit project.

Wed Jul 16, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission adopts housing incentive district and approves key budget measures

The commission adopted Resolution No. 1986-25 establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for the Woodridge Estates development. It approved the intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2026 budget with a 44.643‑mill levy. Ordinances rezoning three Mulberry Street parcels from industrial to low‑density residential were adopted. The water supply agreement with Rural Water District #4 was renewed through 2036.

Wed Jul 9, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission unanimously approves consent agenda

The commission voted to approve the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the July 2, 2025 meeting, the June 11, 2025 Planning Commission minutes, the purchase of an electric distribution dump truck, and the regular meeting agenda. All present commissioners voted aye. No other substantive actions were taken.

Wed Jul 2, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission approved a $249,180 SCADA upgrade for the water plant

The commission allocated $63,430 to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter and other specific amounts to community groups, while declining the Child Advocacy Center request. It authorized the $249,180 SCADA system upgrade at the Ottawa Water Reclamation Facility. An ordinance was adopted to vacate the storm sewer easement at 415 E. 15th Street. The body also approved distribution of a community survey on the upcoming sales‑tax renewal.

Thu Jun 26, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Commission recommends rezoning three Mulberry sites to low‑density residential

The Planning Commission approved the June 1, 2025 meeting minutes. For each of three parcels on Mulberry Street, the commission unanimously accepted staff findings and recommended that the City Commission rezone the properties from I‑1 Light Industrial to R‑1 Low‑Density Residential. The meeting was then adjourned.

Wed Jun 25, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission adopts personnel policy handbook amendments

The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously. It adopted Resolution No. 1985-25, amending the City of Ottawa Personnel Policy Handbook, with all present voting aye. The board also reviewed the 2026 Community Service Fund budget, reaching consensus to fully fund several listed programs. No public comments were received.

Mon Jun 23, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission held a retreat to review 2024 goals, no decisions made

The City Commission met at 4:00 pm for a retreat at City Hall, attended by Mayor Allen, Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, Commissioners Caylor, Crowley, Skidmore, and staff members Brian Silcott and Melanie Landis. The session reviewed the goals set in 2024 and discussed next steps. No further business was taken and the meeting was adjourned at 6:02 pm.

Wed Jun 18, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission adopted resolution to hold public hearing on Rural Housing Incentive District

The City Commission approved the consent agenda, adopting all items without dissent. Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 1984-25, scheduling a public hearing on July 23 to consider creating a Rural Housing Incentive District and a development plan for the Northeast Village project. By consensus, the body directed staff to draft a resolution updating water tap fees and to include incentives for housing infill development.

Mon Jun 16, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission recessed and reconvened; no substantive actions taken

The commission voted unanimously to enter executive session twice and to reconvene in open session twice. No other business was acted upon before adjournment.

Wed Jun 11, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved CivicPlus website contract and Lightfield Energy extension

The City Commission approved the consent agenda and authorized a contract with CivicPlus for website design, development and hosting, costing $28,942.25 for the first year. It also approved a 180‑day extension of the due‑diligence period for Lightfield Energy. All motions passed with all members voting aye.

Wed Jun 11, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved prior minutes and recommended easement vacation at 415 E 15th St

The commission approved the minutes from the May 29, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. It accepted the staff findings on the easement vacation for 415 E 15th Street and unanimously recommended that the City Commission approve the vacation. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

Wed Jun 4, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission approved the consent agenda unanimously

The commission approved the consent agenda, which included the May 21 and May 28 meeting minutes and the current agenda. Commissioner Crowley moved, Commissioner Caylor seconded, and all present voted aye. No other motions were decided; the meeting featured budget reviews and project updates.

Wed May 28, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission approved $104,483 water line replacement on Main St

The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously. It adopted the recommendation to add eleven properties to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, approving the associated tax rebates. The board also approved a $31,200 street‑light conduit boring project and a $104,483 water‑line replacement project, each passing with all present voting aye. Several motions to enter and exit executive session were also approved unanimously.

Wed May 21, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City approved $6 million revenue anticipation notes for Ottawa University

The commission approved an illuminated sign at 120 W. 2nd Street after a public hearing. It adopted amendments to the City Personnel Policy Handbook. The city funded $8,000 for a FOX4 Zip Trip tourism advertisement and authorized the mayor to sign a certificate for $6 million revenue anticipation notes for Ottawa University.

Wed May 14, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City approved $112,613.74 asphalt and $121,491.45 chip seal street contracts

The commission approved several contracts, including a $53,600 engineering services agreement for the 15th & Main Street traffic signal, a $180,000 sludge removal contract, and street rehabilitation contracts for $112,613.74 (asphalt) and $121,491.45 (chip seal). It also approved a right‑of‑way use agreement for a private sewer line and appointed Daniel White to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The personnel policy handbook amendments and a tourism advertising funding request were placed on the agenda for the next meeting. The consent agenda and meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Wed May 14, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Commission unanimously approved April 24 meeting minutes

The Planning Commission approved the minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting. Members requested that comments on the Comprehensive Plan update be submitted by May 21, 2025, and asked for additional survey information to be emailed. The commission then adjourned the meeting.

Wed May 7, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City adopts charter ordinance to collect Transient Guest Tax locally

The commission adopted Charter Ordinance No. 24-25, allowing the City Clerk’s Office to administer the Transient Guest Tax after the Kansas Department of Revenue declined to collect it. The commission also approved the final plat for the Cherry Creek Subdivision (Resolution No. 1979-25) and its Planned Unit Development (Resolution No. 1980-25). The final plat for the Vanknight Addition was approved (Resolution No. 1980-25). The consent agenda was unanimously approved.

Wed Apr 30, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City approved seasonal fireworks stand lease at 2706 Kingman Road

The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously. It appointed Jo Ann Nowatzke to the Library Board and Kelly Whittaker to the Accessibility Advisory Board. The commission authorized the City Manager to execute a land use agreement for a seasonal fireworks stand at 2706 Kingman Road. It also awarded the 2025 city grounds‑maintenance contract to Johnson Lawn Care.

Wed Apr 23, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission adopted resolution to study Northeast Village RHID housing district

The commission approved the consent agenda with all present voting aye. It adopted Resolution No. 1978-25 establishing findings for a Northeast Village Reinvestment Housing Incentive District, also with unanimous approval. The body appointed Andrea Morrow to the Accessibility Advisory Board by unanimous vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

Wed Apr 16, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved consent agenda and recessed into executive session

The City Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda. The body then recessed into an executive session by unanimous vote, reconvened into open session, and adjourned the meeting.

Wed Apr 9, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission adopted year‑round Common Consumption Area ordinance

The commission approved a new ordinance (4158-25) that allows the Common Consumption Area to operate year‑round from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., with closure authority retained by the City Manager or Police Chief. The body also authorized the purchase of a new front loader for $179,652 and approved a Cereal Malt Beverage license for Pizza Time at 208 S. Main St. All motions passed with unanimous votes from those present.

Wed Apr 9, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Cherry Creek plat and PUD recommendations approved by Planning Commission

The commission approved the minutes from February 27 and March 27, 2025. Staff findings for the Cherry Creek Final Plat were accepted and the commission recommended its approval to the City Commission. Staff findings for the Cherry Creek Final PUD were also accepted and the commission recommended its approval to the City Commission. All votes were recorded as unanimous aye votes.

Wed Apr 2, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved the consent agenda unanimously

The City Commission voted to approve the consent agenda, which included the March 26 minutes and the current meeting agenda. All present members voted in favor. The Water Treatment Facility plan was presented and discussed, but no action was taken. The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

Wed Apr 2, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: Ottawa City Commission alignment meeting adjourned with no decisions

The commission met at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. for an alignment session. Commissioners and staff reviewed the governing body’s goals and planning steps. No further business was presented, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Thu Mar 27, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Meeting adjourned due to lack of quorum, no decisions made

The Planning Commission lacked a quorum because several members were absent. Chair Lantis closed the meeting without taking any action. No decisions were approved, denied, or tabled.

Wed Mar 26, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission approves $122,926 tornado siren upgrades and airport hangar sublease

The commission unanimously approved $122,926.35 funding for the 2025 tornado siren system upgrades. It also approved consent for the sublease of hangar facilities at Ottawa Municipal Airport between Dodson International Parts, Inc. and Dodson Investment Inc. The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Wed Mar 19, 2025

City Commission

✓ Decided: City Commission approved airport taxiway reconstruction bid contingent on FAA grant

The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda. It awarded the KOWI Airport Taxiway Reconstruction contract to Amino Brothers with a $1,160,881.00 base bid, contingent on FAA grant approval. The body also adopted new cemetery service fees (Resolution 1976‑25), approved a nuisance‑mowing contract with K‑B’s Lawn Care LLC, and amended the electric utility rate schedule (Resolution 1977‑25) with a final 5‑0 vote.