[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6097015,"mediaKeyId","2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26","parentId",2829565,"title","City manager gives overview of active capital projects, AMI meter work underway","audioSeconds",441,"startMs",4383000,"endMs",4824000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26&start=4383&end=4824","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26/thumbnail_4383000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6097015/Ottawa-City/Franklin-County/Kansas/City-manager-gives-overview-of-active-capital-projects-AMI-meter-work-underway","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097015-c220993f23ba8a9e55a88eaf3f348054/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176128&Signature=an~Z1XILKL0gp7NLL8wXhcO4pG6yTf12QfcSaGamJOZVA3DGdloaszEO97pk~7wHLlWzgM8hLoIvyQ9xD63rQsXrg8YGfjb4z0i6o9aT~zP620iqGy45hLDKt2dPb~cCjERSbW5y5vZasd8GmJdy6wu8GNmFUeRVJ5utDO2H84dgYVduV8kEJel1gCogYZvmXbqtkjSNzh49VytDk-iGS9Tt4J6IO6zCESRIeKQLz2SFrDd7l9ycPCScqjBcsqzFQ-FaGzEPUxq0xuO4BA6eCbt4UoGS~wLeZb5fjmuG~rl6VCb7CMHlrEOQ9dAauYowyWtscLY7sh0sw1UBTel9GQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Ottawa, Kansas ","date","2025-03-19T00:00:00Z","article","City Manager Silcott briefed the Ottawa City Commission on March 19 about active capital improvement projects and near-term milestones, reporting progress on multiple infrastructure efforts.

Silcott said the Proximity Park water tower and water pump plant upgrades are in progress (tower and pump delivery items remain) and noted the tower project was about 62% complete with a projected completion in the first quarter of 2026. The water plant generator project is roughly 89.4% complete with a fourth-quarter 2025 target. Residential AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) meter deliveries had arrived and installation work was under way; the city expects to complete residential installations in the third quarter of 2025 and commercial meter replacements in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Pin Oak sanitary sewer lift station had one change order and was expected to complete the following month, and the commission chamber technology upgrade is scheduled to begin construction May 5 with a 60–90 day window for completion.

Nut graf: The manager framed the updates as monthly high-level items across water, electric and facilities work; staff noted some projects are behind original schedules but said contractors have been secured and that the city is coordinating sequencing to minimize service impacts.

Commissioners asked about delays for the commission chamber work and contractor availability; staff said a subcontractor had been secured and that May 5 is the projected start date. Silcott closed with community items and operational highlights including pothole patching metrics and upcoming public events.

Ending: Staff said more detailed engineer presentations (water treatment study) will be provided to the commission at upcoming meetings and that several projects remain on active timelines through 2025 and into 2026.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ottawa City Commission Meeting 03-19-2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager Silcott provided an overview of active capital projects including the Proximity Park tower, water plant upgrades, AMI meter installations and a commission chamber technology upgrade; timelines and percent-complete figures were reported.","taxTitle","Ottawa City, Franklin County, Kansas","taxId",70737,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6097020,"Commission amends electric rate schedule; one commissioner votes no",1752,2801000,4553000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26&start=2801&end=4553","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26/thumbnail_2801000.jpg","/articles/6097020/Ottawa-City/Franklin-County/Kansas/Commission-amends-electric-rate-schedule-one-commissioner-votes-no","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097020-a713ba203955fcafe24fae212edc661e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176128&Signature=nsraNfKYWZI8Avu2ia4Gg3pjO1g8tP3REDFpv~PL89QBNEvm7tzcV6bE1WTI6nCutFoIA2Y6jCLap7vpcXSPnl~mwLIVH49KuOWhSYTMTnjFq~SLo-U6FgfA75itQsfsIAkj9LVr5zCtzr4Hjo-XDOE-tJGp1fMOPye3dbkLPOYS2Btmju3SWxROwwqk~QvqRWtt2Gpy2Ak2Bnt3N0ccGyBRVhVerJ1WgBk49qG38LoXhbePgMf1kFglmqdJD7ODcjVu-t7qPWgIUa~5H9nnXWmvHvXM1iia4uG83KGNyHC7gq4JL8plF2i7uQ5G-PnfQW0shEbHOusH4GGyhoBlJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ottawa City Commission on March 19 approved an amended electric rate resolution that shifts the multi-year rate schedule after staff said a planned 2024 adjustment did not occur. The measure passed by roll call with one dissenting vote from Commissioner Skidmore.

Director Landis and the utility management team reviewed the background and recommended amending the existing electric rate resolution originally adopted in January 2023 (resolution referenced in the staff report as 19 28-23) to reflect that the 2024 increase was not implemented and to extend the schedule so the originally intended annual adjustments remain intact over a longer period. Staff described the change as an administrative adjustment to match the resolution’s year-by-year schedule to actual practice and to preserve the multi‑year approach used for capital planning.

Nut graf: Staff said the change does not create a new policy beyond what the commission approved previously; it shifts the timing because no increase occurred in 2024. Staff cited major upcoming electric capital needs — including an estimated $1.5 million construction cost for a river crossing and a multi‑million dollar design estimate (staff stated an $8–10 million range as a planning-level number) — to explain the rationale for restoring the multi-year revenue plan rather than relying on reserves.

Staff presented illustrative customer impacts using example monthly usages: a 1,000 kWh residential customer would see about a $12.20 monthly increase under the plan; small-business and large-business example impacts were also presented. Commissioners asked whether increases could be timed for a particular month; staff said the resolution specifies an on-or-after-March‑1 implementation window but that staff could implement around May or June if the commission preferred. Commissioner Skidmore voted no; other members voted yes and the motion carried.

Ending: Staff said the amendment restores the previously planned multi-year increase schedule to meet long-term capital and maintenance needs and that the utility will continue reporting on projects, reserves and rate impacts to the commission.","The commission approved an amendment to the electric utility rate resolution to account for a missed 2024 increase and extend the multi-year rate schedule, with Commissioner Skidmore voting no.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6097025,"Commission awards 2025 nuisance‑mowing contract to KB’s Lawn Care LLC",527,2356000,2883000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26&start=2356&end=2883","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26/thumbnail_2356000.jpg","/articles/6097025/Ottawa-City/Franklin-County/Kansas/Commission-awards-2025-nuisancemowing-contract-to-KBs-Lawn-Care-LLC","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097025-f86ec5fc86ab792261e22d1302e2e719/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176128&Signature=oE4NXSf0ICXGVUZ78uuLw8~XHEthsya2UJsny3ryLBUu33nsW3HZtYxf6yVtgYtyGZWK~rDtZsgjGutI2yhPhFBiDPC~IZ9k2XHDQaGS~pxZBCXhpUZ~kJ7anfyR5DpbfTrSY0rjODLhuTuoRAoJeBooqzzeBqrM-0ZeMjpVH44G13hYMOIaDtWaWJw~yOR1XCR1iakg7u~8u~2c7qc2iqfHQ3Blf6w1TYKX7AtIFVveRIQy6AoCKehBv8bNQqtqzRX5E1GVhgA32LFUCKHcIcHl76nkUDO~fZfGweL79d3jWvHA~Tu4Y3Vnni8mbAkxm3MM0s9e060LgZPIkcOVdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ottawa City Commission on March 19 voted to award the 2025 nuisance mowing contract to KB’s Lawn Care LLC of Olathe and authorized city staff to execute the service agreement.

Director Nees presented the request and credited the city’s property‑improvement partner, Colson Bean, for the RFP work and vendor vetting. Nees said the RFP was published Jan. 8 with responses due Feb. 14; staff evaluated registrations, insurance and references and recommended KB’s Lawn Care based on experience (KB’s registered with the state in 2013 and serves local customers including Victory Dodge and Bank Midwest).

Nut graf: Staff described nuisance mowing as a code‑enforcement tool that begins with a courtesy letter to owners; if the city must abate, costs are charged to the property owner and, if unpaid, recorded as a lien. Staff said the number of abated parcels fell in recent years and suggested better early outreach and courtesy letters played a role.

Staff said complaints in prior years included brush, glass and other debris that make abatement work hazardous and costly for contractors. Director Nees said the draft service agreement has been reviewed by city attorney Finch. The commission approved the award and authorized the director to sign the agreement; roll call was unanimous in favor.

Ending: Director Nees and staff said the city will continue to emphasize courtesy letters and community referral options for residents unable to mow, and that abatement charges will be billed to property owners and may become liens if unpaid.","The commission approved awarding the city’s nuisance mowing contract to KB’s Lawn Care LLC of Olathe; the city will charge abatement costs to property owners and place liens if unpaid.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6097030,"Commission approves updated cemetery fees; baby‑land fee waived",1211,1200000,2411000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26&start=1200&end=2411","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26/thumbnail_1200000.jpg","/articles/6097030/Ottawa-City/Franklin-County/Kansas/Commission-approves-updated-cemetery-fees-babyland-fee-waived","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097030-20284bdeb5f0d636ec547b3bf952d64e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176128&Signature=heHfI2urcxnJ2OfoX3iwOLG6ty2nXpDk0I0TTZQD5PAd-42WYE1HrU4vOgOQ~lr0DD9ZuAtrfSIdWNdFdtG2buzj0asFKBsKw~qB-i1T0pfq4I2ldoWCRlikrCon6U~404Oun71JUEYHkBhd4VwOI2KrERE3fh4ghAN3LqpWlf0SEJObxhTe-qljHAMfxsCXaUVtt8hnvY2nDsEMvXBk2D1sedDapPpHfv9yddvz08csJ0Oc6HJaxvCXah4DBiZwPcYly1PcybJm31pkKQEeyHEGBeo3DrRlvQbEXWbFIZmTynG3PEMmYKy-7fOJz6KOx5Fm3Zijngq3KsjHU-QJOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ottawa City Commission on March 19 adopted a resolution updating fees for city‑owned cemeteries, approving immediate changes city staff said will better align charges with the actual cost of services and bring Ottawa closer to surrounding communities’ rates.

Director Welsh presented the staff analysis of five years of cemetery activity and costs and proposed fee adjustments, noting that traditional burials take more staff time and equipment than cremation interments. Staff recommended increasing the sale price for cemetery spaces from $300 to $400 and retaining a $100 overtime weekday surcharge and an additional $100 weekend surcharge for labor outside regular hours. Cremation opening-and-closing fees would increase from $175 to $200, keeping the same overtime structure, and the fee for the area called “baby land” — currently $150 — would be eliminated. Staff also recommended reducing the opening-and-closing charge for placing two cremated remains in a single grave from $400 to $300 to reflect lower labor requirements.

Nut graf: Staff said Ottawa’s current cemetery fees are below those of nearby communities and do not recover the full cost of services; the commission voted to adopt the resolution after staff presented usage and cost data and answered commissioners’ questions about payment processing and public access to fee information.

Commissioners asked about who pays the city directly (families or funeral homes), whether funeral homes bundle the city’s fees into larger invoices, and how the city communicates fees. Director Welsh said payments can come from either funeral homes or families, that cremation burials do not legally require a funeral director, and that staff will update the city website with fee information to improve transparency. On the frequency of updates, staff noted the last fee resolution was dated February 2007.

The commission approved the resolution by roll call; all members voted yes. The resolution takes effect immediately upon passage.

Ending: Staff said they will post the updated fee schedule on the city website and continue working with funeral homes and families to ensure clear communication of the city’s charges.","The commission adopted a resolution updating cemetery fees, raising plot and some burial charges, changing cremation charges, and eliminating a fee for the cemetery area known as “baby land.” The resolution takes effect immediately.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6097035,"Ottawa City awards KOWI taxiway contract contingent on FAA grants",1113,145000,1258000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26&start=145&end=1258","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2829565-6fb87e60de9fc03b13009c93152ffd26/thumbnail_145000.jpg","/articles/6097035/Ottawa-City/Franklin-County/Kansas/Ottawa-City-awards-KOWI-taxiway-contract-contingent-on-FAA-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097035-050d1991a27676f374cc8650b22630a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176128&Signature=C9TadIse99NSnZFEFeIImS5vuu4EwzhEj5RoCi3QQln~JM5ke2iyFu4IauIjSbuY6fQH3BjU85RZ9vEY4~53kW6Gorm0qyUdPbV~xjWyu6bRoZfru2ireZZnsNy74jtEXK7hRphLAFTwWrSzhlehDdAyh0-G-92EoDeEs-85sb3p~qXkkkuqhvhcoP90~GcLH9UESQCMHP4ECNim1EK59bfLoScd74qYtjFbvrDFtnbR14qy6y5VLlR0gMVAr8O~We-~e~Jo57rVRlnPZlpgIz4ng14XWPauRYX7lT8koh7xfZ2CvJwKNVuN8jrH6HIDx5nZkGlul4nyjXBOmUW6aA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ottawa City Commission on March 19 voted to accept bids and authorize submission of related grant paperwork for a reconstruction of the airport taxiway at KOWI, awarding the contract to Amino Brothers Incorporated contingent on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concurrence and grant offers.

City Manager Silcott and Brad Waller, project engineer for Alfred Benish and Company, presented the airport bid package and staff recommendation. City Manager Silcott recommended the commission “accept the base bid in the amount of $1,160,881 and make that contingent upon FAA concurrence and receipt of the authorized FAA grant” and to award add-alternate work, for a combined total recommendation of $3,380,483.25, if federal funding is available.

Nut graf: The work was placed in the city’s adopted 2025 Capital Improvement Program and the 2017 airport master plan; staff said in testing the existing pavement the taxiway required full reconstruction rather than the previously planned mill-and-overlay approach. Staff asked the commission to authorize the city manager to submit and pursue FAA grant offers by the April 1 application deadline so contract execution can follow FAA concurrence.

Staff said the base bid (the blue phase) would proceed regardless of additional grants; add alternates (red and green phases) depend on securing additional FAA or other grant funding (including a referenced “thud” grant). Project engineer Brad Waller told commissioners that initial tests showed structural deficiencies requiring reconstruction, and that Amino Brothers submitted the low and responsive bids for both the base and add-alternate work. The base bid noted in the staff presentation was $1,160,881; the add-alternate amount cited was $2,219,602.25 for a total of $3,380,483.25 if funded.

Commissioners asked about federal funding risk and local exposure. Staff said the FAA typically funds a large share of the base work (staff cited a 95% federal participation figure for the base phase) and that the city’s direct exposure on the base phase would be roughly 5% (staff estimated approximately $55,000–$60,000 if some grants were not awarded). Staff also said bid bonds and a longer bid-hold period (120 days) were used to limit city risk while awaiting federal decisions.

The commission approved the motion to accept the bids and authorize submission of the grant application and related documents. Roll-call votes were recorded as yes from Mayor Allen, Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, Commissioner Kaler, Commissioner Crowley and Commissioner Skidmore.

Ending: Staff said, if the FAA concurrence and grants are received, the city will return to the commission with contract documents and proceed with construction—staff projected construction could begin late summer 2025 for the base phase and, if fully funded, the entire project could take roughly a year under the multi-phase schedule. The airport master plan and related materials were referenced as available at ottawaks.gov/airport.","The Ottawa City Commission approved awarding the KOWI taxiway contract to Amino Brothers Inc., accepting a base bid of $1,160,881 and an overall award contingent on FAA concurrence and grant funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City manager gives overview of active capital projects, AMI meter work underway

Commission amends electric rate schedule; one commissioner votes no

Commission awards 2025 nuisance‑mowing contract to KB’s Lawn Care LLC

Commission approves updated cemetery fees; baby‑land fee waived

Ottawa City awards KOWI taxiway contract contingent on FAA grants