[{"_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",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6065540,"mediaKeyId","3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d","parentId",3198554,"title","Commission certifies special assessment costs, sets hearing and approves Johnson Addition plat","audioSeconds",435,"startMs",6379000,"endMs",6814000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d&start=6379&end=6814","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d/thumbnail_6379000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6065540/Kansas/Commission-certifies-special-assessment-costs-sets-hearing-and-approves-Johnson-Addition-plat","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6065540-a1bd515089d8dff246edeed70e8b5fb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951859&Signature=W9vHz1hYYAx0bok1f68vosp5G5QcqrZ0Yh9n0gAUl~bKa1SYEVJ0IhDpUelvBW2L238j4LIoVlbFs8r8LJBAzlX13THpEpZeg~A3yhacQis9938hH2CBi2uY3W6Rg3Z~eU0RU0XUgPY2VjbZ26TpbXRbgDSMlLKl4Nefy85Zdh3V5IvzXrCizuM9OZUZbfpQapzyvdpPg-lSSTScaujmostGxzqW9DHUkKhwBou9Lx3bjY~JVhlyYYThFLXxCodpUymLEDpwGxflJxeNzSzaJolqsSvI9fLrvIpLAial9y3CzN1pCq4b4iXyaBWoNiNWMh0sDhPFOont5WhEB2le-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Salina, KS","date","2025-04-14T00:00:00Z","article","The commission took routine land‑use and assessment actions April 14, certifying final costs for two 2025 special assessment projects and setting a public hearing date, and approving a replat to create three lots from a former single parcel.

Deputy Public Works Director and City Engineer Jim Kowach presented the annual certification of final costs required under Kansas assessment statutes for two projects: Stone Lake Phase 3C (a subdivision infrastructure assessment) and Markley‑Magnolia sanitary‑sewer improvements. Kowach said staff revised the table of assessments to reduce costs by about $26,000 after discovering that a portion of the Markley‑Magnolia project had been financed through a KDHE loan and should not be double‑counted in the city’s bond calculation.

The commission accepted the revised certifications and set April 28, 2025, as the public hearing to consider authorization of special assessment financing. Staff said the assessment installments can be issued with terms up to the maximum authorized period and that developer guarantees or bonds are in place where required. The motion to accept final costs and set the hearing passed on a 4–0 vote; Commissioner Hopke had earlier recused himself from the item.

On a separate plat matter, staff reported that Kansas Wesleyan University recently acquired Church of the Cross and requested a replat of Block 2 of the Johnson Addition into three lots so the church campus and two parsonages could be separately owned. Planning staff noted an access easement would be recorded to preserve driveway access for one property that uses the church parking lot for ingress/egress. The commission accepted utility‑easement dedications and authorized the mayor to sign the Johnson Addition Number 2 plat; that motion passed 5–0.

Ending: The commission set the special‑assessment hearing for April 28 and authorized plat signing; staff will publish notices and return at the hearing with final documentation and any public comments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Salina City Commission Study Session and Meeting - April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission set April 28 as the public hearing date to authorize special‑assessment financing for Stone Lake Phase 3C and Markley Magnolia sewer improvements and approved a replat creating three Lots for the Johnson Addition; commissioners also approved utility easement dedications.","taxTitle","Salina, Saline County, Kansas","taxId",55343,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6065543,"Commission accepts $300,000 CDBG housing grant to fund home repairs in target neighborhood",0,10801000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d&start=10801&end=10801","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d/thumbnail_10801000.jpg","/articles/6065543/Kansas/Commission-accepts-300000-CDBG-housing-grant-to-fund-home-repairs-in-target-neighborhood","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6065543-729891449fc6af054dade94afa0f211e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951859&Signature=jgSMRq84Uh~3ABsPsWY-4v8RywjB8~i8KzWnde~3i3gb1L2kEze3t3dQ2Z8GzH6UnAIpt51yc9p-R4wZmSL~eMBSaTC3Q6AL06V92Fn-AR66JiZ7MbylJ9yY6H~Dkkoydykun73BlkOePkiQoQR5oanY-5mnq0s7A1E1TA4HLmdiom3XqFuVrWpafopohe2t1NT7qMHtvR417YDNaZiJAE0bXBq~PtTHjXMcc9uBv-d8drrvdwWpBZhkJi8V02ZfOPhTOG4Olrj0xkSWPibm2XvRztRxF8qEmUekAegUlsV70TPRNNr8JLU18R5Mt5~Z64CzF3QirIW35CWuKR0SdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission voted unanimously April 14 to accept a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award from the Kansas Department of Commerce to fund housing rehabilitation within a defined downtown target area.

Michelle Martin, the city’s Community Relations supervisor, described the award and the program design. The grant will support repairs and rehabilitation with a typical project cap of up to $25,000 per property; staff estimated the award could assist roughly 12 homes, subject to eligible scopes and applicant qualification. The target area for the program is bounded by State Street (north), Ninth Street (east), South Street (south) and Broadway (west), as presented in meeting materials.

Martin said the CDBG award requires a soft loan structure: the city places a three‑year lien on each property receiving assistance. If the homeowner (or, for rental projects, the tenant in an income‑restricted unit) remains eligible for the term, the loan is forgiven and effectively converts to a grant. Contracting rules under the program also require contractors to complete federal lead‑safety/work‑practice training; Martin said the city plans to host training sessions (tentatively May 10 in Spanish and May 30 in English) and is working to recruit contractors.

The program allows owner‑occupied assistance and, under additional conditions and matching requirements, work for landlords who commit to renting units to low‑ and moderate‑income households. Martin noted the grant term begins April 30 and runs for two years, and that staff will open applications April 28 to begin intake.

The commission adopted the required certifications and housing plan documents and authorized the mayor to sign the grant agreement and related certifications.

Ending: Staff will open the application window on April 28, host contractor training to ensure an adequate bidder pool and return to the commission with program implementation updates as projects move forward.","The commission unanimously authorized acceptance of a $300,000 Kansas Department of Commerce CDBG housing grant to finance owner‑occupied and eligible rental rehabilitation within a downtown target area; the program requires 3‑year liens that convert to grants when program conditions are met.",{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6065548,"Commission directs staff to rebid Gerry Ivey splash pad project with alternates after previous lone bid exceeded budget",2619,7251000,9870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d&start=7251&end=9870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d/thumbnail_7251000.jpg","/articles/6065548/Kansas/Commission-directs-staff-to-rebid-Gerry-Ivey-splash-pad-project-with-alternates-after-previous-lone-bid-exceeded-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6065548-29fdf449b3c184740221ee88ef737160/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951859&Signature=gWvGhcE5RA34R78pPDcm3Fn2ZXnpSDviICQKLAv16yN5pfGVPr9FNQd52DhU1nx8TX6ypJvDnYmJBrMO0F~KCZc5N8gadfl~89lC0l1lnPRXJSl50uQa5hHrOByBYONIaTv49Yv2nQ1tBTB~eNYadcyILScMmOMZDn1DMqYlOGd-E3Iq69039X451WSy3P5ZLsNa01vUubg4HLI7r8m-zGk47pI8R-zNgjIUP7kTlSb~M~F-Au4XMe8Z0ZnPWnk7etuNiY-CREpyZ8XFokqRL-T5oWVOBCvHHagT6KwZoS2DSmw5QisCNhggUPdh2AMP~Vi2KO3vGIwim5Fsk9V6sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission voted 4–1 April 14 to rebid a previously designed water‑playground proposal for Gerry Ivey Memorial Park, asking staff to include add‑alternates for a water wall feature and a law enforcement memorial.

Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond summarized a review of recent splash‑pad projects and presented three options: a like‑for‑like replacement of the former 2,500‑square‑foot splash pad (estimated $650,000–$750,000); rebidding the larger “water playground” design (~3,000 square feet, 15–18 features) at an estimated $950,000–$1.2 million; or abandoning the project. Staff said the city previously received a single bid for the larger project that came in materially above budget, which led the commission in January to reject that sole bid.

Hammond said consultants surveyed comparable municipal splash pads and found wide cost variation depending on size, mechanical system (recirculating vs. pass‑through), theming and whether restrooms or shelters were bundled into the bid. A recirculation system that filters and chemically treats water on‑site was recommended by staff because it fits the city’s existing aquatic staffing and provides warmer water than a pass‑through domestic system.

Landscape architect James Schuessler of GBA (George Butler Associates) told commissioners that the water wall and other features can be designed as plug‑in alternates so the splash pad and those features can be bid and built separately if the commission later chooses to add them. Schuessler said the city could expect roughly 10–12 weeks for manufacturing after an order is placed and that staff could return a bid package within about 30–60 days for public solicitation.

Public comment included support from market and event organizers who said shade and covered features would increase downtown usability, and from the marathon festival chair who said utilities and power access are important for events. A few public commenters urged caution about maintenance costs; one speaker pointed to other local water features with maintenance challenges.

The motion before the commission asked staff to rebid the previously designed water‑playground project and include add alternates for the water wall and memorial. The motion passed 4–1; the meeting record does not list named roll‑call votes for each commissioner in the audio transcript.

Ending: Staff will prepare a rebid package with alternate bid items; GBA and city staff said they will seek a broader contractor list for more competitive bids and return to the commission with results.","After a year of discussion and a lone rejected bid, the commission voted 4–1 to rebid the previously designed water‑playground concept and include add‑alternates for a water wall and a law‑enforcement memorial.",{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6065554,"Commission approves $1.4M shade structure and $267K temple parking upgrades using downtown TIF and parking funds",2504,3817000,6321000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d&start=3817&end=6321","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d/thumbnail_3817000.jpg","/articles/6065554/Kansas/Commission-approves-14M-shade-structure-and-267K-temple-parking-upgrades-using-downtown-TIF-and-parking-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6065554-44a19beba76702438c2678994cb54813/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951859&Signature=cDmS8T~ujVWkGsykn9dxyfyV~-UV3dY4pUmesjPj0BgdWeirQ8qkUmYBS2bF~dRczdWELiRRCc0l2EXUn4quAt1L~mUVTt81Hacc2QuPEyu2V8lSKbFZly98ejOkfGHJgZZS3I8WAhdnVQr21Laf6dtqW4utrYTi97DqqERzbSIWY2H~5O5hsKa00N~NiudM1xeOKxxD3FcrpF0PV1Ka8lpRAAmdzMwZyOukEEyxMFgQUdAZ5KvalfLl7btbKCpeR01OBkH1vqpGLTICOWKrxOd3F7QcOkYROPPin12ZJtwzSSf8ff26ippsGAlVSIY0zCCur42TMb-nScS3n5yNQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salina City Commission voted 5–0 April 14 to approve a proposed shade structure at Santa Fe and Ash streets and to fund an upgrade to the nearby Temple parking lot, drawing on a combination of field‑house off‑site parking funds and the downtown new‑business TIF account.

Interim City Manager Jacob Wood presented the plans and a cost estimate for the shade structure developed by Salina 20/20 and architect partners; staff described the shaded steel canopy and shade sails as an effort to increase downtown event capacity and comfort at the City Lights stage and the farmers and art market. Salina 20/20’s Guy Walker and Salina Downtown’s Leslie Bishop spoke in favor of funding the structure, noting downtown foot traffic, market growth and future private redevelopment that incentives could spur.

The two‑part funding plan approved by the commission used $463,000 remaining in the field‑house off‑site parking fund and drew the balance from the downtown new‑business TIF account, which staff said currently holds about $2.5 million in fund balance with roughly $1.7 million already committed to previously approved projects. Staff told the commission the TIF continues to grow (roughly $1 million annual collections were cited) and that payments to prior transferees are paid out over time rather than as a single immediate draw.

The shade‑structure estimate presented at the meeting was $1,400,000; staff estimated the Temple parking lot improvements at approximately $267,000. Temple representative Mary Landis said the congregation is running a capital campaign (about $230,000 short of a $1 million goal) and asked for city support because the lot is heavily used by the public for events and hospital visitors.

Finance Director Debbie Pack described the mechanics of the downtown TIF and clarified that recent commitments previously set aside are paid out across the life of the TIF; commissioners discussed the fiscal availability and the long‑term plan for the downtown funds. Commissioners emphasized that the parking lot project was closely allied with downtown activation and public uses, including parades, festivals and nearby hospital foot traffic.

The commission also discussed several design and timing items: electrical lighting and fans included in the shade‑structure estimate, a likely 10–12 week manufacturing lead time once ordered, and sign/branding options for the entry arch. Salina 20/20 said it could proceed to order after execution of the development agreement amendment and noted the electrical budget could be altered to reduce cost if desired.

Votes at a glance:
- Approve repair/upgrade of Temple parking lot (estimated $267,000) and approve shade structure project (estimated $1,400,000); fund with field‑house off‑site parking funds ($463,000) and downtown new‑business TIF balance; direct staff to draft agreements — Motion passed 5–0.
- Consent agenda (minutes and three construction awards totaling not to exceed amounts listed in agenda) — Motion passed 5–0.
- Plat and other individual votes listed later in the meeting are recorded in the meeting record (see Votes at a glance, below).

Ending: Staff will return with the amended development agreement and schedule for fabrication and installation; Salina 20/20 and downtown organizers said the canopy will be managed as a new downtown amenity expected to increase event usability and foot traffic.","The City Commission voted 5–0 to fund a downtown shade structure at Santa Fe & Ash and to upgrade the nearby Temple parking lot, using a mix of field‑house off‑site parking funds and downtown TIF new‑business funds.",{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6065560,"City staff warned of steep municipal insurance increases, levy-certification risk for flood coverage",505,63000,568000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d&start=63&end=568","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198554-c4c9fbc7d63eb2f90dd7a5367d70861d/thumbnail_63000.jpg","/articles/6065560/Kansas/City-staff-warned-of-steep-municipal-insurance-increases-levy-certification-risk-for-flood-coverage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6065560-c56544db7bf1b4438f34ee60e482f0b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951859&Signature=At-2VIyJHXUYyPVGjiEPqDI5VNR0Knmy7uKj2uGTxeuddn-EUYauw3ACIC0hkaI8TCNw8rC1wBLocMFT978Zux6MgdBgvXEspYfZu863C0D~zW9-5ToVmQ9GY083yrAdQzTSzt6V0ZRdp9jmTE8ED6gsaX1g-lvCBqni~mMILBpHkLe3Gp1TatijoLK-shCeS8BXPy9Cm4EVDTCJGNfkFdqDbXjWXraHJowoE1gkezfWwF8VEwfTQBU0k8o4gPQd-jHcpucudQ9OyCw4lbs7x08HKya8roOfsc0wCrpuhkXjbxYHoS~eA0Tass-l-GPY7JmLSvOb6Wor9MYPHTTDGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City risk management staff and outside brokers told the Salina City Commission at a study session that the city’s property and casualty insurance renewal this summer is likely to be markedly more expensive and carry much higher deductibles.

Nancy Schussler, the city’s risk manager, said Travelers — the city’s current insurer for many lines — has signaled an expected 25% price increase and changes to deductible structure for the renewal that takes effect at the end of June. Mark Skidmore, president of Iron Insurance Partners, and Bob Charlesworth of Charlesworth Consulting briefed the commission on the state of the marketplace and what the changes would mean for the city.

The report to the commission said a number of national trends are pushing increases: a rise in the frequency and cost of billion‑dollar weather events, higher construction costs from inflation, and growing litigation and so‑called “nuclear verdicts” that are driving casualty (liability and auto) pricing across the market. Charlesworth and Skidmore argued that those market‑wide pressures, combined with the city’s recent loss experience, explain Travelers’ renewal position.

Travelers told staff it may exclude coverage tied to levee failures if the city cannot produce current, certified levee inspection reports. Schussler said public works has engaged a third party to inspect about 20–25 levee segments and that Travelers will restore coverage once the insurer receives the certified reports. The commission was told the city’s levy work previously was done in-house but was delayed when inspection equipment failed.

On vehicle coverage, staff said auto physical‑damage exposure has pushed some deductibles up sharply. Schussler said the city’s current “catastrophic” fleet deductible — the level at which the city’s capped exposure applies — could be increased from about $75,000 to $750,000 for auto physical damage under Travelers’ renewal terms. The city reported nearly $900,000 in auto claims in 2023 and said two recent hail events damaged dozens of city vehicles (89 vehicles in one 2024 storm; 39 in the most recent storm reported during the session).

Schussler and Charlesworth outlined options staff and brokers plan to pursue: market submissions to other insurers, a property‑only pooling concept, and reworking deductibles. They also recommended revisiting a risk‑management reserve or “self‑insurance” approach to help absorb higher deductibles (Charlesworth noted the city has considered and previously used a health‑benefit reserve model as precedent).

Commissioners asked about the city’s budget treatment of deductibles and reserves. Schussler said claims and deductibles are paid from a line item in the general fund and enterprise funds when equipment is involved, but that the line item has not been sufficient in large years. Staff and consultants urged considering a dedicated reserve that could be used to cover larger, infrequent losses and allow the city to take higher deductibles in exchange for lower premiums.

No formal action was taken at the study session; staff said they will return with firm renewal figures in late June and present alternatives the city can consider before the policy effective date.

Ending: The city’s insurance renewal remains in negotiation. Staff will pursue alternative markets and present options to the commission once final proposals are in hand; in the meantime public‑works inspections to recertify levees are underway so the city can seek to avoid an exclusion for levee‑related liability.","City risk manager and outside brokers told commissioners the city faces an insurer-driven renewal that could raise premiums roughly 25%, sharply boost deductibles — and temporarily exclude coverage for levee-related claims until levee inspections are recertified.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission certifies special assessment costs, sets hearing and approves Johnson Addition plat

Commission accepts $300,000 CDBG housing grant to fund home repairs in target neighborhood

Commission directs staff to rebid Gerry Ivey splash pad project with alternates after previous lone bid exceeded budget

Commission approves $1.4M shade structure and $267K temple parking upgrades using downtown TIF and parking funds

City staff warned of steep municipal insurance increases, levy-certification risk for flood coverage