Sterling public meetings in 2024

City Commission

The City Commission will consider appointments for the Park Advisory Board, Planning Commission, and Library Board. The body will also review updates to the city's public offense and traffic codes, as well as the allocation of remaining federal recovery funds.

• Approval of accounts payable for $224,837.22
• Resolution to use remaining Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for technology upgrades
• Adoption of the 2024 Uniform Public Offense Code and 2024 Standard Traffic Ordinance
• Resolution to install stop signs at Evergreen Way and 1st Street, and Washington Avenue and 1st Street
• Appointments to the Planning Commission and Park Advisory Board

The Sterling City Commission approved resolutions obligating remaining COVID relief funds for technology upgrades, adopted the 2024 Uniform Public Offense Code (3-1) and the 2024 Standard Traffic Ordinance (4-0), and approved stop sign installations at two intersections. Board appointments were made to the Park Advisory Board and Planning Commission, and a Library Board application was reviewed for a future vote. The meeting also included executive sessions for legal and personnel matters.

• Approved resolution obligating $14,625.06 remaining SLFRF funds for technology upgrades (4-0)
• Adopted 2024 Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas Cities (3-1, Wilson opposed)
• Adopted 2024 Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas Cities (4-0)
• Approved stop signs at Evergreen Way & 1st St and Washington Ave & 1st St (4-0)
• Reappointed Kent Anthony, Lynne Bush, Ashley Connolly, Jed Miller to Park Advisory Board (4-0)
• Appointed Kash Farney, reappointed Jeff Laudermilk, Jed Miller, Brennan Stelling, William (Joe) Jacob to Planning Commission (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including 12/2/2024 minutes and 12/13/2024 accounts payable (4-0)
• Held executive sessions for attorney consultation and personnel matters (4-0)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will receive a presentation from Greg Wright of the Ninnescah Flats Solar project regarding the city's energy outlook. The commission will also review applications for appointments to the Park Advisory Board and Planning Commission, and consider a consent agenda including accounts payable of $53,943.40 and cereal malt beverage licenses for four businesses.

• Receive presentation on Ninnescah Flats Solar project and Sterling's energy outlook
• Review applications for Park Advisory Board: Kent Anthony, Lynne Bush, Ashley Connolly, Jed Miller
• Review applications for Planning Commission: Kash Farney, Jeff Laudermilk, Jed Miller, Brennan Stelling
• Approve accounts payable of $53,943.40 (including sales/use taxes, bond fees, health insurance premiums, website fee)
• Approve cereal malt beverage licenses for Casey's #3623, Dillon's #7, Double Shot Liquor, and Sterling Bowl

City Commission

The Commission will discuss a condition evaluation of the 38-year-old water tower at West Monroe and South 7th Street and consider maintenance program options costing $730,775–$742,500 over 16 years. The consent agenda includes approval of accounts payable ($149,357.52) and a special event permit for the Sterling Old Fashioned Christmas. New business also covers the introduction of a new Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Executive Director.

• Discuss evaluation and maintenance of the city water tower, with 16-year program costs from $730,775 to $742,500
• Approve accounts payable of $149,357.52 for November 15, 2024
• Approve special event permit for Sterling Old Fashioned Christmas
• Introduction of new Sterling Chamber of Commerce / Main Street Executive Director
• Enter executive session for attorney-client consultation (no action expected)

City Commission

The City Commission will discuss an agreement with the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency to purchase power from the Ninnescah Flats Solar facility in Pratt County. This is intended to offset the retirement of aging generators at the Sterling Power Plant and potential cost increases from the Grand River Dam Authority.

• Discussion of Ninnescah Flats Solar Project Agreement at $50 per megawatt hour
• Accounts payable for October 25, 2024, in the amount of $2,289.82
• Accounts payable for November 1, 2024, in the amount of $35,898.69
• Ty Contracting payment for directional boring: $12,237.15
• Imagine IT payment for laptops and hardware: $5,681.71

City Commission

The City Commission will discuss approving a bond ordinance and resolution for taxable Series A, 2024 General Obligation Bonds. The body will also consider appointments to the Housing Authority and Park Advisory Board.

• Proposed taxable Series A, 2024 General Obligation Bonds for $410,000
• Accounts payable for October 18, 2024, totaling $117,008.26
• Appointment of Tim Thorpe to the Sterling Housing Authority
• Conditional appointment of Dwight Nichols to the Sterling Park Advisory Board

City Commission

The City Commission will discuss the sale of taxable Series 2024 General Obligation Bonds and a grant application for the Rice County Community Foundation. The body will also review appointments for the Sterling Housing Authority and the Sterling Park Advisory Board.

• Resolution for the sale of taxable Series 2024 General Obligation Bonds for $410,000
• Application for the Rice County Community Foundation Fall 2024 Community Fund grant program
• Accounts payable for October 4, 2024, totaling $175,065.54
• Appointment review for Tim Thorpe (Sterling Housing Authority)
• Appointment review for Dwight Nichols (Sterling Park Advisory Board)

City Commission

This special meeting will hold two public hearings: one on the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and a resolution to exceed it, and another on the FY 2025 Proposed Budget totaling $7,165,322. The Commission is expected to adopt a resolution setting the mill levy at 40.950 mills, which exceeds the RNR of 38.775 mills and generates an estimated $708,644 in property tax revenue. Residents may provide input at both hearings.

• Public hearing on Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and adoption of resolution to exceed RNR with proposed mill levy of 40.950 mills
• Public hearing on FY 2025 Proposed Budget totaling $7,165,322 and adoption of budget
• Proposed property tax revenue of $708,644 from ad valorem taxes
• Estimated annual city tax on a $100,000 home is $470.93 (decrease of $23.23 from current year)
• Notice published in Sterling Bulletin and city website on September 5, 2024

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider appointing Alley Rowland to the Sterling Housing Authority board, authorize applications for state water and transportation grants, and approve routine consent items including $182,864.94 in accounts payable and a special event permit. The meeting also includes an executive session for legal consultation on ongoing litigation.

• Review application from Alley Rowland for appointment to Sterling Housing Authority
• Authorize application for Kansas Water Office Water Projects Grant Fund
• Authorize application for KDOT Fall 2024 Cost Share grant program
• Approve accounts payable of $182,864.94
• Enter executive session for attorney-client privileged discussion on ongoing litigation

City Commission

The City Commission will discuss the draft General Funds budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The body is also considering approvals for a housing development contract and a property plat.

• Review of Fiscal Year 2025 General Funds draft budget
• Approval of final plat for the Decker Addition
• Amendments to Moderate Income Housing Grant Agreement and Construction Contract for Peace Estates Phase 1
• Accounts payable for $72,752.67
• Payment of $39,371.84 to KDHE for revolving loan principal and interest

The Sterling City Commission approved amendments to allow six of 14 Peace Estates duplex units to be sold to income-eligible buyers, contingent on KHRC and K2M signing first. They also approved the Decker Addition final plat and reduced the Chamber/Main Street funding by $5,000 for 2025, with a 3-2 vote. The FY 2025 draft budget was received for review.

• Approved Decker Addition final plat (5-0)
• Approved Peace Estates amendments to allow sale of 6 duplex units (5-0)
• Reduced Chamber/Main Street payment by $5,000 for 2025 (3-2)
• Received FY 2025 General Fund draft budget

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider approving an ordinance to annex approximately 15 acres for the KMW manufacturing expansion, approve the final plat for the Decker Addition, and authorize a grant application for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The commission will also receive the draft Fiscal Year 2025 Small Funds budgets.

• Approve ordinance annexing land for KMW expansion project
• Approve final plat for Decker Addition
• Authorize application for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant
• Receive Fiscal Year 2025 Small Funds draft budgets
• Consent agenda includes accounts payable of $302,600.56

The Commission approved annexation of city-owned land for the KMW expansion project and authorized a grant application for traffic safety improvements. The final plat for the Decker Addition was tabled pending more information on utilities and covenants. The FY2025 draft budgets were discussed but no action was taken.

• Approved ordinance to annex land for KMW expansion (5-0)
• Authorized application for SS4A grant for RRFB and message trailers (5-0)
• Tabled final plat for Decker Addition pending utility and covenant details (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and accounts payable (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will vote on the final plat for the Decker Addition, a new barndominium and gravel driveway east of 112 S 1st Street. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and routine procedural items.

• Approve final plat for Decker Addition (6.941 acres, 3 lots, east of 112 S 1st St)

City Commission

The City Commission will discuss amending the B-2 Central Business District zoning regulations and the water utility commodity charge rate for high-volume customers. The body will also review a draft budget for the Fiscal Year 2025 Special Street Fund and updates on the KMW expansion project land acquisition.

• Approval of accounts payable for $612,764.89
• Ordinance to amend water utility commodity charge rates for high-volume customers
• Ordinance to amend Section 4-105(A) of Zoning Regulations for B-2 Central Business District
• Discussion on converting rental units to owner-occupied at Peace Estates Phase 1
• Appointment of Jeremy Clark to the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency Board of Directors

The Sterling City Commission approved an ordinance amending the water utility commodity charge rate schedule for high-volume customers, reducing rates by $0.25 per tier for usage above 100,000 gallons. They also approved a zoning amendment allowing bakeries and coffee roasters in the B-2 Central Business District. The commission discussed but took no action on converting some Peace Estates units from rental to owner-occupied, and considered but did not decide on adjusting the Special Street Fund mill levy.

• Approved water rate schedule amendment for high-volume customers (5-0)
• Approved zoning amendment adding bakeries and coffee roasters to B-2 district (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including 7/15/2024 minutes and 8/2/2024 accounts payable (5-0)
• Appointed Jeremy Clark as alternate to Kansas Municipal Energy Agency Board (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to Section 4-105(A) of the Zoning Regulations to add bakeries and coffee roasters (with up to two commercial-grade roasters) as permitted uses in the B-2 Central Business District. The commission will also consider approving a preliminary plat for the Decker Addition, a new housing subdivision east of 112 S 1st Street, and review a site plan for second-floor renovations at the Shay Building (202 and 204 S Broadway Avenue). Approval of the consent agenda (June 20, 2024 minutes) is also on the agenda.

• Public hearing on amending Section 4-105(A) to permit bakeries and coffee roasters in B-2 Central Business District
• Approve preliminary plat for the Decker Addition (new housing with a shop garage/barndominium on R-1 zoned land)
• Review site plan for second-floor renovations at 202 and 204 S Broadway Avenue (Shay Building)
• Proposed zoning change follows a June 20 request from Clive's Staples Coffee Shop & Bakery for an accessory use building at 135 S Broadway

The Sterling Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for the Decker Addition, a new barndominium dwelling with a gravel driveway east of 112 S 1st St. They also approved the site plan for the Shay Building second floor renovations at 202 and 204 S Broadway Avenue, which will create six rental units. The commission recommended that the City Commission approve zoning amendments to allow bakeries and coffee roasters in the B-2 Central Business District. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved preliminary plat for Decker Addition (3-0, with two absent)
• Approved site plan for Shay Building second floor renovations at 202 and 204 S Broadway Avenue (2-0, with one recusal)
• Recommended City Commission approve zoning amendments adding bakeries and coffee roasters to B-2 permitted uses (3-0)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider approving a notice of intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, a step that could lead to higher property taxes. They will also receive an update on the municipal pool upgrade project with a taxpayer cost analysis, and act on several items related to the KMW expansion project, including a $45,000 engineering services agreement and a resolution to purchase real estate. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes and accounts payable totaling $140,739.97.

• Approve notice of intent to exceed Revenue Neutral Rate for FY2025 budget (current mill levy 42.297 vs. RNR 38.775)
• Approve $45,000 engineering agreement with Kirkham, Michael and Associates for KMW expansion roadway improvements
• Approve resolution authorizing mayor to purchase real estate for KMW expansion project
• Receive update on municipal pool upgrade project with tax impact analysis (range $11.50 to $540.50 per year per $200,000 home)
• Receive FY2025 Electric Fund draft budget

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will conduct a budget workshop for the Fiscal Year 2025 Sewer Fund. The meeting also includes an update on the municipal pool upgrade project and appointments to the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency Board of Directors.

• Appointment of John Wagerle as Director for the KMGA Board
• Appointment of Ian Hutcheson as Alternate for the KMGA Board
• Fiscal Year 2025 Sewer Fund budget workshop
• Update on the municipal pool upgrade project
• Approval of Fourth of July event permits and fireworks application

Park Advisory Board

The Park Advisory Board will discuss installing a building mural in Dysart Park and a bronze sculpture in park land. The board will also discuss allocating $500 from the First Bank #500forGood grant.

• Installation of a building mural in Dysart Park
• Installation of 'Rabbits in Rice County' bronze sculpture in park land
• Allocation of $500 from the First Bank #500forGood grant

Planning Commission

The commission will review a site plan for Clive’s Staples Coffee Shop and Bakery at 135 South Broadway Avenue. The proposal involves constructing a new steel-sided building to house a bakery and coffee roaster. Additionally, the commission will consider proposed amendments to the B-2 Central Business District zoning regulations.

• Site plan review for Clive’s Staples Coffee Shop and Bakery at 135 South Broadway Avenue
• Proposed amendments to Section 4-105(A) of the Zoning Regulations regarding permitted uses in the B-2 Central Business District

City Commission

The commission will consider a master service agreement for engineering services related to the KMW expansion project. The meeting also includes a workshop on the Fiscal Year 2025 Water Fund budget and a discussion regarding Fire Department capital budgeting.

• Master Service Agreement with KMEA Mid-States for KMW expansion engineering (est. $55,000)
• Fire Department capital budgeting discussion
• Fiscal Year 2025 Water Fund budget workshop
• Fireworks Stand Application for Sterling Athletics Fireworks
• Recognition of Sandra Fankhouser and David Fankhauser for city service

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider a $453,000 KDOT grant for roadway improvements related to the KMW expansion project. The agenda also includes an update on the municipal pool upgrade and a professional services agreement with IBTS for up to $25,000. Additionally, the commission will review accounts payable and a fireworks stand application.

• $453,000 KDOT grant for roadway improvements
• Professional services agreement with IBTS up to $25,000
• Municipal pool upgrade project update
• Kapow Fireworks stand application
• Accounts payable totaling $77,546.90

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider approving a professional services agreement with the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) for plan review and building inspection services for the KMW project, not to exceed $25,000. The commission will also receive a semi-annual update from the Sterling Chamber of Commerce and approve routine consent agenda items, including accounts payable totaling $135,309.50. Two executive sessions are scheduled for attorney-client privileged discussions on real property acquisition and ongoing litigation, with no action to follow.

• Approve professional services agreement with IBTS for KMW project plan review and building inspections, not to exceed $25,000
• Receive Sterling Chamber of Commerce 2024 semi-annual update
• Approve accounts payable of $135,309.50, including $48,292.00 to KMEA for purchased power
• Enter executive session for attorney consultation on real property acquisition (KSA 75-4319(b)(6))
• Enter executive session for attorney consultation on ongoing litigation (KSA 75-4319(b)(2))

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will receive an update on the municipal pool upgrade project and discuss providing municipal water to Sterling College for athletic field irrigation. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes and accounts payable totaling $151,718.82. Two executive sessions are scheduled for attorney-client privileged discussions on real property acquisition and ongoing litigation.

• Update on municipal pool upgrade project
• Discussion of municipal water provision to Sterling College for athletic field irrigation
• Accounts payable: $76,524.13 (Apr 24), $14,367.39 (Apr 29), $60,826.30 (May 1)
• Executive session on real property acquisition (KSA 75-4319(b)(6))
• Executive session on ongoing litigation (KSA 75-4319)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider adopting Ordinance No. 2565 to authorize property acquisition and issue approximately $400,000 in General Obligation Bonds for economic development. They will also receive the 2023 financial audit, which noted minor findings but an overall strong financial position. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as minutes, accounts payable of $120,983.87, and a special event permit for the Kids Cove 5K Run. Two executive sessions are scheduled for attorney-client privileged discussions on property acquisition and ongoing litigation.

• Adopt Ordinance No. 2565 authorizing property acquisition and $400,000 in General Obligation Bonds for economic development
• Receive 2023 financial statement and audit; audit cost $19,300
• Approve accounts payable totaling $120,983.87, including $37,784 to KMEA-GRDA and $36,133 to KMEA-EMP3 for purchased power
• Approve Kids Cove 5K Run special event permit
• Executive sessions for attorney-client privileged discussions on real property acquisition and ongoing litigation

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will hold its regular meeting on April 1, 2024, to approve routine items including minutes, accounts payable totaling $131,601.47, and a special event permit for Pots and Pedals. The commission will also enter two executive sessions: one to discuss ongoing litigation with the city attorney, and another for preliminary discussion on acquiring real property, with action to follow. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Accounts payable totaling $131,601.47, including $50,000 to Sterling Chamber of Commerce (annual and fireworks donation), $23,139.38 to Bridgewell Resource for downtown light poles, $11,778.07 to T&R Electric Supply for Corwin Corner transformers, $6,891.30 to Stutzman Refuse Disposal, and $5,127.20 to Motorola Solutions for Fire Dept. pagers
• Approve Pots and Pedals Special Event Permit
• Executive session for attorney-client privilege discussion on ongoing litigation (no action to follow)
• Executive session for preliminary discussion on acquisition of real property (action to follow)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission is holding a special meeting to consider two related items for a new KMW manufacturing facility: approving a development agreement with Rice County and KMW, and adopting a resolution of intent to issue up to $120 million in industrial revenue bonds. The city's estimated cost is about $1 million for land and infrastructure, with the project expected to create 251 jobs.

• Development agreement for $105M agricultural equipment and commercial vehicle manufacturing facility on 151 acres to be annexed
• City and County each pay $379,270 of $1,618,540 land acquisition cost
• City infrastructure costs: $56,000 water, $148,000 sewer, $795,000 electrical, $482,000 roadway
• Resolution of intent to issue up to $120M in taxable industrial revenue bonds (IRBs)
• 10-year property tax abatement estimated at $12,560,000, plus $7,480,000 sales tax exemption

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider approving a construction contract for the Peace Estates housing development, renew IT and radio advertising contracts, amend the Master Fee schedule, and discuss changing regular meeting times. The agenda also includes routine consent items like minutes and accounts payable.

• Approve construction contract with K2M Investments/Greenhead Homes for Peace Estates housing development
• Renew Imagine IT contract for IT support at estimated $25,739
• Renew Ad Astra Radio advertising contract for $4,800
• Adopt resolution to amend Master Fee schedule for park improvements and city burn site fees
• Approve electrical line tree trimming services from Royer Brothers Tree Service for estimated $21,152

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider routine business items on the consent agenda, including approving accounts payable totaling $71,914.92, special event permits for the Kansas Ethanol 5K and Old Iron Car & Truck Show, and a bad debt write-off of $277.12. The meeting also includes two executive sessions to discuss confidential financial data and ongoing litigation with the city attorney.

• Accounts payable totaling $71,914.92, including $23,633.42 for health insurance and $17,956.25 for GO bond interest
• Kansas Ethanol 5K Special Event Permit
• Old Iron Car & Truck Show Special Event Permit
• Bad debt write-off of $277.12 across seven accounts
• Executive sessions for confidential financial data and attorney-client privileged litigation discussion

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider an ordinance regulating public rights-of-way and its application form, receive the 2023 year-end report from the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department, establish a Municipal Pool Steering Committee and appoint members, approve a utility pole purchase, and approve an application form for citizen board appointments. The agenda also includes consent items for minutes and accounts payable totaling $286,772.96, plus two executive sessions for legal consultations with no action expected.

• Ordinance for regulation and use of public rights-of-way (ROW) and application form
• 2023 year-end report for Sterling Volunteer Fire Department
• Establish Municipal Pool Steering Committee and appoint members
• Approve utility pole purchase
• Accounts payable for February 15, 2024: $286,772.96

City Commission

The Commission held a regular meeting to conduct leadership appointments and discuss housing authority vacancies. The body also approved the 2023 GAAP waiver and reviewed various city accounts payable.

• Appointment of Commissioner Jones as Mayor
• Appointment of Commissioner Wilson as Vice-Mayor
• Re-appointment of James Silman and David Wilson to the Planning Commission
• Approval of 2023 GAAP waiver (Resolution #881)
• Discussion of Sterling Housing Authority Board vacancies

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will hold its regular meeting on January 16, 2024, to consider appointments to the Planning Commission, appoint a mayor and vice mayor, and discuss a GAAP waiver. The agenda also includes routine consent items such as approval of minutes and accounts payable. An executive session is scheduled to discuss economic development matters with the city attorney.

• Reappoint James Silman and David Wilson to Planning Commission for 3-year terms ending December 2026
• Appoint Mayor and Vice Mayor
• Consider Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Waiver
• Approve accounts payable for January 10, 2024
• Executive session for consultation with attorney on economic development