Sterling public meetings in 2025

City Commission

The City Commission will discuss a job creation agreement with KMW, Ltd. and approve several city-wide ordinances. The body is also reviewing professional service contracts for auditing and legal representation.

• Job Creation agreement and Hiring and Training Plan with KMW, Ltd. for CDBG Economic Development
• Change Order #4 for KMW expansion wastewater improvement project: $6,286
• 2025 Uniform Public Offense Code (UPOC) and Standard Traffic Ordinance (STO) for Kansas Cities
• Fiscal Year 2025 financial audit services with Loyd Group: not to exceed $19,300
• Legal services retainer agreement with Bush, Bush & Shanelec: $24,000

The commission approved a $6,286 change order for the KMW wastewater project and raised the manager’s change‑order spending limit to $9,999. It also adopted the 2025 Uniform Public Offense Code and the 2025 Standard Traffic Ordinance, each by unanimous vote. Additionally, the city retained Loyd Group for its FY2025 audit and Bush, Bush & Shanelec for legal services.

• Approved agenda amendment to add striking item H.1 and payable to Blue Cross Blue Shield (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (5-0)
• Approved Change Order #4 for KMW wastewater improvement project, $6,286 (5-0)
• Increased City Manager spending authority for change orders to $9,999 (5-0)
• Adopted ordinance adopting the 2025 Uniform Public Offense Code (5-0)
• Adopted ordinance adopting the 2025 Standard Traffic Ordinance (5-0)
• Approved engagement letter with Loyd Group for FY2025 audit services, up to $19,300 (5-0)
• Approved retainer agreement with Bush, Bush & Shanelec for legal services, $24,000 (5-0)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will hold a public hearing on Budget Amendment #2 and consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2025 amended budget. The commission will also consider an ordinance granting a franchise agreement to Black Hills Energy for natural gas service. Both items are scheduled for the December 1, 2025 regular meeting.

• Public hearing on Budget Amendment #2 and adoption of FY2025 amended budget
• Ordinance to grant Black Hills Energy a franchise for natural gas service
• Approval of minutes from the November 17, 2025 meeting (Consent Agenda)
• Approval of accounts payable totaling $501,399.44 (Consent Agenda)
• Breakdown of accounts payable: $194,761.88 for KMW expansion wastewater, $189,206.33 for KMW expansion roadway, $80,192.85 for Sterling Community Cemetery tax distribution

The City Commission opened and closed a public hearing on Budget Amendment #2, then approved the amendment and adopted the Fiscal Year 2025 Amended Budget, increasing the Sewer Fund by $100,000 with an $80,000 transfer from the Water Fund. The commission also approved an ordinance granting Black Hills Energy a new 10‑year franchise agreement for natural gas service at a 5% fee. All motions carried 4‑0.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved November 17, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved November 26, 2025 accounts payable (4-0)
• Opened public hearing on Budget Amendment #2 (4-0)
• Closed public hearing on Budget Amendment #2 (4-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment #2 and adopted FY2025 Amended Budget (4-0)
• Approved ordinance granting franchise agreement with Black Hills Energy (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will meet to discuss updates on the Peace Estates housing addition, a proposed ethics sanctions clause, and a revised Master Fee Schedule. The body will also consider adopting a Civil Rights/Fair Housing Policy and a grant agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce.

• Receive update on Peace Estates housing addition
• Approve ordinance amending City Code ethics section
• Adopt Civil Rights/Fair Housing Policy
• Approve CDBG Economic Development grant agreement
• Approve resolution to revise Master Fee Schedule

The City Commission voted 5-0 to amend Section 1-210 of the City Code, adding a sanctions clause for violations of the code of ethics. Commissioners also voted 5-0 to adopt a Civil Rights/Fair Housing Policy. The update on the Peace Estates housing addition was presented for information only and no action was taken.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved 11/3/2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved 11/14/2025 accounts payable (5-0)
• Approved ordinance amending Section 1-210 to add sanctions clause (5-0)
• Adopted Civil Rights/Fair Housing Policy (5-0)
• No action taken on Peace Estates housing addition update (informational)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider several items, including a $40,794 purchase of 3M Scott Air-Pak X3 Pro self‑contained breathing apparatuses. An ordinance updating electric utility interconnection standards will also be voted on. Updates will be received on the KMW expansion project and on volunteer fire department projects. Licenses to sell cereal malt beverages for Casey’s #3623 and Dillon’s #7 are on the consent agenda.

• Approve purchase of 3M Scott Air-Pak X3 Pro SCBA equipment from MES Life Safety for $40,794
• Approve ordinance adopting updated electric utility Interconnection Standards
• Receive update from KMW and Schaefer Architects on the KMW expansion project
• Receive update from the Fire Chief on Sterling Volunteer Fire Department projects
• Approve licenses to sell cereal malt beverages for Casey’s #3623 and Dillon’s #7

The commission approved the meeting agenda (5‑0) and the consent agenda (5‑0), which included approval of the prior meeting minutes, accounts payable, and two cereal malt beverage licenses. Commissioners voted to purchase four 3M Scott Air‑Pak X3 Pro self‑contained breathing apparatuses and related equipment for $40,794 (5‑0). No action was taken on the KMW expansion update or the fire department project updates, which were informational only.

• Approved meeting agenda (5‑0)
• Approved consent agenda (5‑0)
• Approved 10/20/2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Approved 11/3/2025 accounts payable (5‑0)
• Approved license for cereal malt beverage – Casey’s #3623 (5‑0)
• Approved license for cereal malt beverage – Dillons #7 (5‑0)
• Approved purchase of 3M Scott Air‑Pak X3 Pro SCBAs, $40,794 (5‑0)
• No action taken on KMW expansion update (informational)

City Commission

The City Commission will discuss amending regulations for special purpose vehicles, including golf carts and micro utility trucks. The body will also consider accepting a donated handicap accessible swing for Evergreen Park.

• Ordinance amending special purpose vehicle (SPV) regulations for golf carts, work-site utility vehicles and micro utility trucks
• Acceptance of a handicap accessible swing donation from Kansas Freemasons, Sterling Lodge No. 171 for Evergreen Park
• Accounts payable for $390,632.42, including $183,099.19 for an Altec Industries electrical distribution bucket truck

The City Commission voted 5-0 to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter XIV, Article 6 of the City Code to allow properly equipped golf carts to operate after dark and to give work‑site utility vehicles and micro utility trucks greater freedom of operation. A motion to accept a donation of a handicap‑accessible swing for Evergreen Park failed 0-5, and the commission then tabled the swing donation and placement until more information is provided, with a 5-0 vote. The agenda and consent agenda items were also approved unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned 5-0.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (5-0)
• Approved SPV regulation amendment ordinance (5-0)
• Failed to accept handicap accessible swing donation (0-5)
• Tabled swing donation and placement motion (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider an ordinance that changes the rural‑residential electric utility rate to match the city‑residential rate, as presented by City Manager Ian Hutcheson. Commissioners will also vote on the Second Addendum to the Construction Contract for the Peace Estates Phase 1 development to bring the $650,000 MIH grant back into compliance. In addition, the commission will discuss amendments to electric‑utility interconnection standards to align with the Substitute for House Bill 2149 and will approve routine items on the consent agenda, including $115,291.02 in accounts payable.

• Ordinance amending the rural‑residential electric rate to align with the city‑residential rate.
• Second Addendum to the Construction Contract for Peace Estates Phase 1 (rental units, $650,000 MIH grant).
• Addendum 2 to the Moderate‑Income Housing Grant Agreement for Peace Estates Phase 1.
• Discussion of electric‑utility interconnection standards to comply with Substitute for HB 2149.
• Consent agenda payment of $115,291.02 (including $20,355.18 LIEP energy subsidy repayment, $12,892.44 T & R Electric Supply transformers, $9,975.47 KS Dept. of Revenue water fees and taxes, $7,320.00 Hood Construction sidewalk program).

The Sterling City Commission approved the Second Addendum to the Moderate‑Income Housing Grant Agreement for the Peace Estates Phase 1 development, changing all 14 units to rental status. The motion passed unanimously with a 5‑0 vote. The commission also approved the meeting agenda, the prior meeting minutes, and the accounts payable items, each by a 5‑0 vote. The item on amending the electric utility interconnection standards was discussed only, with no action taken.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved 9/15/2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved 10/3/2025 accounts payable (5-0)
• Approved Second Addendum to MIH Grant Agreement for Peace Estates Phase 1 (5-0)

Park Advisory Board

The Sterling Park Advisory Board approved using the $500 #500forGood micro‑grant for an accessible play feature at a city park. It also recommended the City purchase one new backless bench for Dysart Park and approved a By‑Laws Subcommittee, appointing three members. The board discussed maintenance and improvement ideas for Sterling Lake, Evergreen, and Library Parks, as well as shade amenities, but took no further action on those items.

• Allocate $500 #500forGood micro‑grant to an accessible play feature (approved)
• Recommend City purchase one new backless bench for Dysart Park (approved)
• Establish By‑Laws Subcommittee and appoint Chairman Nichols, Board Member Anthony, and Board Member Bush (approved)
• Discuss maintenance/improvements for Sterling Lake, Evergreen, and Library Parks (no action)
• Discuss provision of shade amenities and donated shade structure for Evergreen Park (no action)

Planning Commission

The Sterling Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a variance request for a single-family home at 101 Country View Lane. The applicant seeks to reduce side and rear yard setbacks and increase lot coverage beyond the R-1 district regulations.

• Public hearing for variance BZA-V-2025-001 at 101 Country View Lane
• Consideration of reduced side yard setback (4 feet vs. 7 feet required)
• Consideration of reduced rear yard setback (22 feet vs. 25 feet required)
• Consideration of increased lot coverage (39% vs. 35% maximum)
• Approval of minutes from Planning Commission Special Meeting July 24, 2025

The commission opened and then closed a public hearing on variance BZA-V-2025-001 for 101 Country View Lane. After hearing public comments, the commission approved the resolution to grant the variance. All motions carried unanimously (4-0).

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda (4-0)
• Opened public hearing on variance BZA-V-2025-001 (4-0)
• Closed public hearing on variance BZA-V-2025-001 (4-0)
• Approved variance BZA-V-2025-001 for 101 Country View Lane (4-0)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission meeting on September 15, 2025 will consider several items on its agenda. Commissioners will vote to amend the rural‑residential electric utility rate and to approve Addendum 2 and a Land Use Restrictive Agreement for the Peace Estates Phase 1 development. The body will also consider authorizing a grant application to the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Fall 2025 Cost Share Program. Routine consent‑agenda items include a $200,416.71 accounts payable payment and permits for a Kansas Ethanol fun run and a Lyons Salt Company fireworks display.

• Approve ordinance amending the rural‑residential electric utility rate
• Approve Addendum 2 to the construction contract for Peace Estates Phase 1
• Approve Land Use Restrictive Agreement (LURA) for Peace Estates Phase 1
• Authorize grant application for KDOT Fall 2025 Cost Share Program
• Approve accounts payable of $200,416.71 and special event permits for Kansas Ethanol Fun Run and Lyons Salt Company fireworks

The commission approved an ordinance that makes the rural‑residential electric rate the same as the city‑residential rate. It also approved the Second Addendum to the construction contract and a Land Use Restrictive Agreement for the Peace Estates Phase 1 housing development. The agenda and consent items (previous minutes, accounts payable, a special event permit and a fireworks permit) were approved, and the city authorized a grant application to the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Fall 2025 Cost‑Share Program.

• Approved agenda (5‑0)
• Approved consent agenda items – 9/2/2025 minutes, 9/12/2025 accounts payable, Kansas Ethanol Fun Run permit, Lyons Salt Company Picnic fireworks (5‑0)
• Approved ordinance amending rural‑residential electric rate to match city‑residential rate (5‑0)
• Approved Second Addendum to Construction Contract for Peace Estates Phase 1 (5‑0)
• Approved Land Use Restrictive Agreement for Peace Estates Phase 1 (5‑0)
• Authorized grant application for KDOT Fall 2025 Cost‑Share Program (outcome authorized; vote not recorded)

City Commission

The commission approved the agenda and consent agenda items unanimously. It adopted a resolution to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate and then adopted the FY 2026 budget, setting the city mill levy at 42.643. The commission also awarded the 2025 street resurfacing contract to Holland Paving for $235,006 and appointed Ed Feil to the Housing Authority Board.

• Approved agenda addition E.1 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (minutes, accounts payable, event permits) (5-0)
• Appointed Ed Feil to the Sterling Housing Authority Board (5-0)
• Opened public hearing on the Revenue Neutral Rate (5-0)
• Adopted resolution to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate (5-0)
• Adopted FY 2026 Budget with mill levy rate 42.643 (5-0)
• Awarded 2025 street resurfacing contract to Holland Paving, $235,006 (5-0)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission will consider awarding a construction contract for the KMW expansion wastewater improvement project to APAC of Hutchinson, Kansas, with an estimated cost of $656,183. The meeting also includes a consent agenda for routine business and discussions on the Fiscal Year 2026 budgets.

• Award construction contract for KMW expansion wastewater improvement project to APAC of Hutchinson, Kansas, estimated cost $656,183
• Approval of minutes for Regular Meeting August 4, 2025
• Review of accounts payable for Friday, August 15, 2025, totaling $335,038.80
• Receive update from the Sterling Chamber of Commerce / Main Street
• Discuss Fiscal Year 2026 Small Funds and General Fund budgets

The Commission approved the meeting minutes and accounts payable, then adopted the consent agenda. It awarded the KMW expansion wastewater improvement contract to APAC of Hutchinson for $656,183 and authorized the project’s construction to begin. No other actions were taken on the Chamber update or budget discussions.

• Approved 8/4/2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved 8/15/2025 accounts payable (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda as presented (5-0)
• Awarded construction contract for KMW wastewater improvement to APAC, $656,183 (5-0)
• Authorized start of construction for KMW wastewater improvement project (5-0)

City Commission

The City Commission voted 4-0 to adopt an ordinance creating a separate electric utility environmental remediation rider. It also voted 4-0 to approve a special‑use application for Hood Construction’s office expansion at 906 N. Broadway Avenue. The consent agenda items—approval of the July 21 meeting minutes, the August 1 accounts payable, and a license for Quick Pick #11 to sell cereal malt beverages—were each approved unanimously.

• Approved 7/21/2025 regular meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved 8/1/2025 accounts payable (4-0)
• Approved license for Quick Pick #11 to sell cereal malt beverages (4-0)
• Approved ordinance establishing a separate electric utility environmental remediation rider (ERR) (4-0)
• Approved special‑use application for 906 N. Broadway Avenue, Hood Construction office expansion (4-0)

Planning Commission

The commission opened and closed a public hearing, then voted 6‑0 to approve the special use application and the site plan for Hood Construction’s office expansion at 906 N. Broadway Avenue. All agenda and consent items were also approved unanimously.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda, including prior meeting minutes (6-0)
• Opened public hearing on special use application (6-0)
• Closed public hearing (6-0)
• Approved special use application for 906 N. Broadway office expansion (6-0)
• Approved site plan for 906 N. Broadway office expansion (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

City Commission

The City Commission adopted an ordinance establishing an electric utility generation rider, setting the rate at $0.01344 per kWh for a 15‑year debt service schedule. The commission also awarded the KMW expansion roadway construction contract to Vogts‑Parga Construction for $635,750. Additionally, the commission approved a construction engineering services agreement with Kirkham Michael, not to exceed $75,000.

• Approved ordinance establishing electric utility generation rider at $0.01344/kWh (15‑year schedule) (5-0)
• Awarded construction contract for KMW expansion roadway improvement to Vogts‑Parga Construction, $635,750 (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Kirkham Michael for construction engineering services, cost not to exceed $75,000 (5-0)

City Commission

The commission approved the final plat for the City of Sterling Industrial Park 1 (5‑0). A public hearing on the CDBG grant application was opened and closed with no public comments (5‑0 each). No action was taken on the proposed electric‑utility generation rider.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Appointed Joyce Conrad as Board Representative (5-0)
• Appointed Sheryl Fulton as Alternate Representative (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items: 6/16/2025 minutes, 6/3/2025 accounts payable, Lyons Salt picnic permit (5-0)
• Opened CDBG public hearing (5-0)
• Closed CDBG public hearing (5-0)
• Approved final plat for City of Sterling Industrial Park 1 (5-0)
• No action taken on generation rider proposal

Planning Commission

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, each by a 4‑0 vote. It then conditionally approved both the preliminary and final plats for the City of Sterling Industrial Park 1, with the condition that no zoning changes be made with the plat approvals, each vote 4‑0. The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda (4-0)
• Conditionally approved preliminary plat for Industrial Park 1 (4-0)
• Conditionally approved final plat for Industrial Park 1 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Park Advisory Board

The Sterling Park Advisory Board approved its agenda, designated the City Manager as the Board Secretary, and voted to allocate the $500 #500forGood micro‑grant toward an accessible play feature at a city park. The Board also recommended the City purchase one new backless bench for Dysart Park, created a By‑Laws Subcommittee and appointed three members, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved agenda amendment (5-0)
• Designated City Manager as Board Secretary (5-0)
• Approved April 16, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Allocated $500 micro‑grant to accessible play feature (5-0)
• Recommended City purchase one new backless bench for Dysart Park (5-0)
• Established By‑Laws Subcommittee (5-0)
• Appointed Chairman Nichols, Board Member Anthony, Board Member Bush to By‑Laws Subcommittee (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Commission

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda items unanimously. It adopted an interlocal agreement with the City of Lyons to build and operate a shared animal control facility and authorized purchase of a shipping container for up to $15,000. The commission also voted to receive the Fiscal Year 2024 financial statement and audit. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (6) (5-0)
• Approved interlocal agreement with Lyons for shared animal control facility and purchase of shipping container up to $15,000 (5-0)
• Approved receipt of Fiscal Year 2024 financial statement and audit (5-0)

City Commission

The City Commission voted 5-0 to adopt a resolution creating a water leak utility billing adjustment program, effective June 2, 2025. Commissioners also voted 5-0 to adopt the 2024 Kansas Region G Hazard Mitigation Plan, making Sterling eligible for federal disaster mitigation grants. The commission reappointed Sheryl Fulton and Luke Brake to the Library Board (5-0) and approved the agenda and consent items without opposition.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (5-0)
• Reappointed Sheryl Fulton and Luke Brake to Library Board (5-0)
• Approved water leak billing adjustment program (5-0)
• Adopted 2024 Kansas Region G Hazard Mitigation Plan (5-0)

City Commission

The commission approved the Radio Network Agreement with Rice County Emergency Communications Advisory Board for a five‑year term at a cost of $37,800, with payments of $18,900 twice a year. The meeting agenda and the consent agenda—including approval of the May 5 minutes and May 16 accounts payable—were each approved unanimously. No action was taken on the proposed water‑leak billing adjustment program, which remains for further study. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (including H.2 Radio Network Agreement) – 5-0
• Approved consent agenda (May 5 minutes, May 16 accounts payable) – 5-0
• Approved Radio Network Agreement with Rice County Emergency Communications Advisory Board for 5 years – 5-0
• Adjourned meeting – 5-0

City Commission

The City Commission approved the procurement and financing of a new Rosenbauer pumper fire truck for an estimated $554,136, voting 4-0. A 15‑year lease agreement with First Bank for the truck was also approved, with a 3-0 vote and one abstention. The proposed memorandum of understanding with the Recreation Commission for a Pool Advisor position failed to pass, tying 2-2. Agenda and consent agenda items were approved unanimously.

• Approved procurement and financing of new pumper fire truck, $554,136 (4-0)
• Approved 15-year lease agreement with First Bank for fire truck (3-0, Bundy abstained)
• MOU with Recreation Commission for Pool Advisor position denied (2-2)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (4-0)

City Commission

The commission accepted Country Club Bank's bid to purchase the Series 2025 General Obligation Temporary Improvement Notes and approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of $4,775,000 of those notes. It also selected Bank of the Plains as the depositor for the note proceeds, purchased a $28,974 chopper pump for the wastewater plant, and approved a $15,000 grant‑writing agreement with Governmental Assistance Services.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (5-0)
• Accepted bid for sale of Series 2025 GO Temporary Improvement Notes to Country Club Bank (5-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing issuance of Series 2025 GO Temporary Improvement Notes $4,775,000 (5-0)
• Accepted bid from Bank of the Plains to serve as depositor of note proceeds (3-0)
• Approved purchase of chopper pump from Alliance Pump, cost $28,974 (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Governmental Assistance Services for CDBG grant services, cost $15,000 (5-0)

City Commission

The Sterling City Commission voted 5-0 to authorize an application for the HUD Community Development Block Grant Economic Development program. It also approved a $37,500 agreement with Piper Sandler for financial services related to temporary note financing. A discussion on creating a new Pool Supervisor position was tabled with no action taken. Routine agenda and consent agenda items were approved.

• Authorized HUD CDBG Economic Development grant application (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Piper Sandler for financial services, $37,500 (5-0)
• Tabled discussion on new Pool Supervisor position (no action)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (minutes and accounts payable) (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)