[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6631213,"mediaKeyId","2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47","parentId",2680259,"title","Commission approves agenda change, recesses into executive session for legal advice and later closes special meeting","audioSeconds",2548,"startMs",584000,"endMs",3132000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47&start=584&end=3132","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47/thumbnail_584000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6631213/Kansas/Commission-approves-agenda-change-recesses-into-executive-session-for-legal-advice-and-later-closes-special-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631213-23a80f9d52d7b1dc56504955db022c4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770679304&Signature=UNSgnbc8lt-1i0xWsQdshq3aV3OOTkwvkJsteFBMADGNnXhz2S1RJ19LjOaB8uU7GQpeKXjK2hDna6~cMlsHu04YnVY7ayGxi2xn42I4vHP1lwfakcbT6ilfEpUUNH-8eJQ6nnkMAaHtWRljP60bx-q-k8ooEt9hCzIGGaDTPq3-MlF0Aqdv03T1swdk7cSOU0BfvigQO4A8JyLzLvA8XFwxdvY93uEVzUiUGl9ITWQa~QG-6eNnyaYG4CpM6bg5PJfyLSm1D3ILmF5Cptp3LfxDC9veFZ3YYYAVeJtmoo1oAeWVCsl9hNWe8yz4M0sRmmKaFJk3LQog6myLy7NgoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Leavenworth, KS","date","2025-03-19T02:20:21.18Z","article","The Leavenworth City Commission voted to change the published agenda and later recessed to an attorney–client executive session to receive legal advice, then closed the special meeting and resumed study-session business.

At the start of the meeting a motion was made and seconded to move agenda item 5 to number 4 and to proceed to an executive session afterward. The motion was approved by voice vote and the mayor announced, “Motion passes.” The minutes record multiple “Aye” votes during that action.

Later the commission made a motion to recess into executive session for 20 minutes to consult with the city attorney regarding a legal matter, citing KSA 75‑4319(b)(2) as the statutory justification. The motion specified that the city commission, the city manager and the city attorney would be present and that the open meeting would resume at a stated time. The motion passed on a roll-call voice vote with commissioners voting “Aye.” The commission returned to open session and made a subsequent motion to extend the executive session for an additional 20 minutes; that motion also passed.

After returning from the executive session the mayor sought and obtained a motion to close the special meeting; the motion passed by voice vote and the commission resumed the previously scheduled study session.

Actions recorded in the meeting minutes (procedural):
1) Motion to change the agenda to move item 5 to item 4 and proceed to executive session — motion seconded and approved on a voice vote (recorded as “Aye” votes; mayor announced motion passes).
2) Motion to recess into executive session for 20 minutes to consult with the city attorney under KSA 75‑4319(b)(2); motion seconded and approved by voice vote (multiple “Aye” votes recorded).
3) Motion to extend executive session for an additional 20 minutes; motion seconded and approved by voice vote.
4) Motion to close the special meeting; motion seconded and approved by voice vote.

Clarifying details: statutory justification cited for executive session was KSA 75‑4319(b)(2); the motions were procedural and recorded by voice vote with multiple “Aye” responses; the city manager and city attorney were named to attend the executive session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Leavenworth City Commission meeting March 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Leavenworth City Commission approved a requested change to the meeting agenda, then recessed into attorney–client executive session under KSA 75‑4319(b)(2) for legal consultation on zoning matters and later closed the special meeting on returning to open session.","taxTitle","Leavenworth City, Leavenworth County, Kansas","taxId",53903,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6631218,"Commission hears overview of Reinvestment/Housing Incentive Districts; staff to pursue targeted housing-needs study",1341,5580000,6921000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47&start=5580&end=6921","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47/thumbnail_5580000.jpg","/articles/6631218/Kansas/Commission-hears-overview-of-ReinvestmentHousing-Incentive-Districts-staff-to-pursue-targeted-housing-needs-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631218-7d8371370c85cfa0d4ea4bcb2774fd96/orig.mp4?Expires=1770679304&Signature=H0vCjEsUccBd7LQhM24DshM5RPrv1HzRkwE0xhtoAZhiVT2zJMqTvo~PlYgta3xi4ATl1ujtc7m0Mu~PR-IgkNV4-tFucbJYLudNjRY6qoXAt-tEPG1ln0mBJ1Q9-i2Q4TQyso2L~YXnCNBGp7d2uZsPo8sSQPOFtgU8iAgPv1s-0WV-dkvsUnug23RB0tYOJDpEhxzyRjPfhxo714iLL7hW2JAIQci5n6nqAB2Vx1ph8S2aaB9WN78W-JMjLnJDoZnppwWmRWuvOY4jPCTOauNsnLvY4Je9tjGDK6uXcFwdi0FkjSWifTVNbVC3V7jJ~TZfXbDu~hWBbh4dh8LdWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff reviewed the Reinvestment/Housing Incentive District (RHID) program and asked the Leavenworth City Commission whether to pursue a targeted housing needs assessment before adopting any RHID boundaries.

Staff described two RHID formats: a subdivision-infrastructure RHID, which funds site and utility infrastructure for new single-family or multi-family subdivisions, and an upper-story RHID designed for housing in central business districts that can help cover remodeling costs for units above ground-floor commercial space. Staff noted the upper-story option is limited to properties inside the central business district and may cover work such as HVAC and interior upgrades.

The briefing explained how RHID functions: the baseline property-tax amount for properties inside the district continues to be paid to taxing bodies, while tax growth (the increment) generated by development is redirected to reimburse developers or finance infrastructure for an agreed term. Staff said RHID agreements can run up to 25 years and require local legal descriptions of the district, county and school-district concurrence, and approval from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Officials discussed trade-offs. Commissioners asked whether RHID would reduce revenue to the county or school districts; staff said the districts must approve and that some counties and school boards nationally have become less willing to participate because they view the redirected increment as foregone revenue. Staff said RHID is best used to address locations that would not develop without incentives and cautioned that the city should not apply incentives to greenfield sites that already attract private development.

Staff recommended the next step be a targeted housing-needs assessment and said they would issue a request for proposals to obtain a longer-form study that would include recommendations and targeted geography for any RHID. A developer-provided housing study previously shared with staff offered a cursory look, but staff and commissioners said they want a city-specific analysis before proceeding. “We will probably conduct our own housing needs assessment,” staff said.

Commissioners expressed particular interest in applying incentives downtown for upper-story housing and in North Leavenworth for residential redevelopment; they also asked staff to analyze why the existing Neighborhood Revitalization Area (NRA) program has not yielded the same developer interest. Staff said they will return with procurement options and a scope for the housing study.

Clarifying details: RHID can run up to 25 years; two RHID types are subdivision-infrastructure and upper-story (for central business districts); approvals required include county, school district and Kansas Department of Commerce sign-off; staff will issue an RFP for a housing needs assessment to target any potential district boundaries.","City staff briefed the commission on Reinvestment/Housing Incentive Districts (RHID), explaining two RHID types, approvals required from county and school districts and the Kansas Department of Commerce, and recommending a targeted housing-needs assessment as a next step to determine whether RHID or existing incentives better meet local needs.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6631222,"University of Saint Mary tells commission enrollment and program expansions are driving campus growth",448,73000,521000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47&start=73&end=521","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47/thumbnail_73000.jpg","/articles/6631222/Kansas/University-of-Saint-Mary-tells-commission-enrollment-and-program-expansions-are-driving-campus-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631222-049c3dea2fe3a5fe728995fe1adff3a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770679304&Signature=idrJFaAovwsInO~-yIPJJ-MqPMIZTRxN-MwWmbu5KUuzBUe~UHs6z~YGuSTdVkSPLSUhGrDPbgqLUeds-pwAMawv597butbefU2qqq8zYBH3lpi-hqUhJSfiBkhqxKSYtim6O2ESeCIVHRrJMZul5BIoPWimpbH7ZI~x-lwVp8oaGseuJXbI5nrbFvoaAT0UeTQC06R-4XSm8SPy1795wJ4y7ueRO-go~vmgSTo7v6lLYaQbAiv~kKNyJoYO8wsZ6BGGte-2eCjOFtEbXJmWuUzjMTZea5jWpLDgmWtZfY2Tu898IFNMGDLFpiBFjibNKov2njiG5tBJtF1E2bu6iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A representative of the University of Saint Mary gave a semiannual update to the Leavenworth City Commission highlighting academic program growth, campus plans and community partnerships.

“Sister Diane” (the university representative) said the university’s business department is sending 10 students to the Future Business Leaders of America national competition and described an applied trading program that now operates as the Saint Mary Fund, managing $3,000,000 in investments after growing from a $1,000,000 portfolio; she said earnings help pay student tuition and room and board.

Sister Diane reported that the university’s master of social work program is fully accredited, is offered fully online, has about 80 students and now accepts students from Missouri. The accelerated nursing program will move lecture/didactic components online while keeping on-campus clinical skills sessions for hands-on training, the presenter said.

The university said it continues to expand a prison-education program, with about 20 incarcerated students enrolled across facilities including the Lansing Correctional Facility and a federal prison; the program assigns full-time staff to manage the work and brings modified academic ceremonies into the facilities.

Campus projects detailed in the report include a multi-year master plan that proposes renovations to Xavier Hall (flattening a theater floor for flexible ballroom-style use), new HyFlex classrooms, a larger simulation lab for nursing, expanded broadcasting facilities and more flexible instructional space. Sister Diane said fall enrollment was “over 1,400.”

The commission and university staff discussed local practicum and internship placements for social work students; Sister Diane said local students generally complete placements in Leavenworth-area nonprofit partners, shelters and nursing homes, and that program leaders hope local placements increase retention.

Clarifying details: Saint Mary Fund investment pool reported at $3,000,000 (previously $1,000,000), MSW fully online and accredited with ~80 students, prison program enrollment ~20 incarcerated individuals, fall total enrollment over 1,400, and a multi-year master plan targeting Xavier Hall and simulation/broadcasting upgrades.","University of Saint Mary representatives briefed the commission on program growth including a now-accredited online MSW with 80 students, expansion of trading and investment activity at the Saint Mary Fund, prison education enrollment and plans to update campus facilities including Xavier Hall.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6631227,"Leavenworth Historical Society outlines public ‘buffalo herd’ public-art project; 20 statues planned by fall",722,666000,1388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47&start=666&end=1388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47/thumbnail_666000.jpg","/articles/6631227/Kansas/Leavenworth-Historical-Society-outlines-public-buffalo-herd-public-art-project-20-statues-planned-by-fall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631227-cc3c090ca4dacafc00a6e6ee03f39796/orig.mp4?Expires=1770679304&Signature=Pr1FZnk0CWyprBkripzbQPtgQKcs-xRaRSACO2AYTolSCYEsWKcq1YleIw3wZu8DGLaQQbOdG0dA4VUVguR~ySFiGZgLdUemjR6Qb4Z2kqiOdvFfoMq0VbS5Kjaqqzq71d6S4lMtBYyyl0vdCuvLZBOrYlkNh6n0VzaGzZhtfefLKlZby8R8NpYb30T7jjfU9JXa96RmsMAeX68Z~R5bZlJYTyOV~e4eXYgMlcWDHBvvvTt~TUL3ir1PVt9S0dnLXMeikAYlkxMGkdxE8Kevtp0uLNJXQPR3cDfRN5EuMG2S6gSEkeZLwDZWffszPKoNuqqLHo~QfT7lz~0TjZLn8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leavenworth County Historical Society updated the Leavenworth City Commission on a public-art program that will place painted metal buffalo sculptures at downtown and off-site locations to promote tourism and local history.

Carol Ayers, speaking for the historical society, said the project received a $16,000 (60/40 match) grant from Kansas Tourism and was one of 14 awards out of 43 applicants. The sculptures are metal, about 4 feet tall and 5 feet long; with concrete pads they will weigh roughly 125 pounds, Ayers said.

Ayers said local artists are being commissioned to design and paint the statues to reflect themes including historic Leavenworth, Kansas statewide history and the Old West. Each statue will be accompanied by signage and a QR code linking to digital narratives about Kansas Plains natives and buffalo ecology. “There will be maps available online once they’re installed, so visitors and locals alike can see where they’re at,” Ayers said.

The society described an initial “first herd” with nine statues completed and sites approved on city property downtown, including Haymarket Square, Main Street parking adjacent to the mural, Tenpenny and Union Park. Sponsors for completed or committed statues include Kansas Country Store, JF Denny/Third & Delaware, Heartland Dental, Culver’s on Eisenhower, Suburban Restaurant, Midwest Horizons Marketing, University of Saint Mary, Main Street and others. Lansing City Hall, Tonganoxie Historical Society and other nearby locations will also display statues.

Organizers said the city and the historical society drafted a memorandum of understanding to set maintenance and siting expectations; the city removed a required insurance condition after the society told staff it would be cost-prohibitive, though some cities (Lansing) added statues to their insurance coverage. Ayers said the society and sponsors will manage maintenance and repainting as needed and have committed initial sponsorships for five years with options to renew.

Due to demand the society ordered 12 additional statues (a “second herd”) and expects the manufacturer to deliver them next May; the society said several of those already have sponsors. Ayers said Home Depot and other partners will pour concrete pads for sites once ground conditions allow.

The commission asked about safety, vandalism and insurance. Ayers said sponsors and the nonprofit will carry insurance where feasible, signs will note liability disclaimers and the society will plan maintenance and removal for wear or damage.

Clarifying details: grant amount $16,000 (60/40 match) from Kansas Tourism; statue dimensions ~4 ft tall by 5 ft long, assembled weight with pad about 125 pounds; nine statues completed in first herd, goal of 20 statues by fall; 12 additional statues ordered for second herd with manufacturer delivery planned in May.","The Leavenworth County Historical Society described a public-art initiative to install painted metal buffalo sculptures across Leavenworth and surrounding cities, funded partly by a $16,000 state tourism grant and local sponsors, with maps and QR-enabled interpretive content planned.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6631230,"Guidance Center reports sharp growth after CCBHC certification; crisis beds, rides and school clinicians expand",1374,1612000,2986000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47&start=1612&end=2986","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2680259-388a451541a432961e1bb640bc315a47/thumbnail_1612000.jpg","/articles/6631230/Kansas/Guidance-Center-reports-sharp-growth-after-CCBHC-certification-crisis-beds-rides-and-school-clinicians-expand","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631230-8ef5380bffb669abc6e63504b8d02794/orig.mp4?Expires=1770679304&Signature=bRe3Rsj3hSR2T9gL9vEYzwruUPQZUL5suatJGPX9zSnU3RTnviXt0sR18IavRSm81rOl7ZVZaNhv26vJ9n5c2kIE7LhOCU89yFzbapnykfbhraWzk3JwxXEDayIjIal3s6BgGcBL1Phu939mKdt1W5INRPDZAlFVy3S2~FH8S8-NRYzRz2H4wy8KiFepUpnmEDCSG25mdBv6LE4rDIqgmRu0ApDUX8r0jSZdH8CeLuMkIcUJ6fxlhjoy9YKeKwPmhKNBUlixXcz7pgbrlnZcUMBZsq0f-xCvphsb4g6bQ9FPxqLxoDE1N4DD4~YejdMESLl45zk7v0P~Y6Qy4gCFhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Guidance Center reported substantial growth in services to Leavenworth and neighboring counties after transitioning to the certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) model, CEO Stevie Durkin told the Leavenworth City Commission during a March study session.

Durkin said billable community services rose from just over 41,000 visits in 2023 to more than 61,000 visits in 2024, and that the Guidance Center’s total visits including non-billable care exceed 77,000. “At the end of 2024, we were over 61,000 visits,” Durkin said, citing claims-driven data.

The center reported growth across several targeted programs: transportation rides increased (from about 41,352 rides in February 2023 to 45,782 rides in 2024), assertive community treatment has an active caseload that staff estimate at about 50 individuals, and the Individual Placement and Support employment program grew from seven to 64 participants. Crisis services and the crisis stabilization center reported major increases — emergency services rose about 81 percent and crisis stabilization 71 percent — in part because the agency recently hired additional clinical staff.

Durkin described the Guidance Center’s community and school-based work. The agency now places licensed clinicians inside schools and said youth services grew by more than 50 percent. She said the clinic is working with local partners on co-responder and jail-liaison programs to divert people from emergency rooms and jails into treatment.

The center also flagged operational constraints: it currently has a 12-bed crisis stabilization facility and said it needs roughly 70 additional staff across its three-county service area to meet demand. Durkin said space is a limiting factor and that the agency is exploring expansion at its current campus and off-site options.

Durkin asked the commission for continued engagement on strategic planning, data collection and potential local support. She said the center has recently hired a chief information officer to improve data capture and plans community engagement for a forthcoming strategic plan.

The commission asked about staff safety during field work, placements for practicum students and whether the Guidance Center can host internships. Durkin said staff do not go into situations where they feel unsafe, co-responder pairings are common, and the Guidance Center partners with multiple universities for internships.

Clarifying details: the Guidance Center serves Leavenworth, Jefferson and Atchison counties; assertive community treatment caseload ~50; IPS program expanded from 7 to 64 participants; crisis stabilization capacity is 12 beds; reported billable community visits rose from ~41,000 (2023) to >61,000 (2024), total visits including non-billable ~77,000; transportation rides rose to 45,782 in 2024.

The center asked the city for help identifying space and said it will return with data points the commission may request.","The Guidance Center told the Leavenworth City Commission it has expanded services after becoming a certified community behavioral health clinic, reporting large increases in billable visits, transportation rides and school-based clinicians and saying it needs more staff and space to continue growth.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves agenda change, recesses into executive session for legal advice and later closes special meeting

Commission hears overview of Reinvestment/Housing Incentive Districts; staff to pursue targeted housing-needs study

University of Saint Mary tells commission enrollment and program expansions are driving campus growth

Leavenworth Historical Society outlines public ‘buffalo herd’ public-art project; 20 statues planned by fall

Guidance Center reports sharp growth after CCBHC certification; crisis beds, rides and school clinicians expand