[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6477951,"mediaKeyId","5711032-f3397b4651932b7f04e001a944a63264","parentId",5711032,"title","Valley Center council approves budget, levy and multiple contracts; adopts measures on payments and software","audioSeconds",846,"startMs",5529000,"endMs",6375000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711032-f3397b4651932b7f04e001a944a63264&start=5529&end=6375","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711032-f3397b4651932b7f04e001a944a63264/thumbnail_5529000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6477951/Valley-Center/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Valley-Center-council-approves-budget-levy-and-multiple-contracts-adopts-measures-on-payments-and-software","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477951-9e9f5e7b4167f11b4cfc2c71e5132eb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773682095&Signature=nA8x1GjpFSfSYGWwPKEw6pen6ehbe5a7k6FGbudv9zWJgRZoUsgNXJTpCutouM7zjql-ArVBFRJJ0i9yFMIrPPSPsufAsg9SWB8gAc~6ETwnjih5qlD6tamhRWH~TNZvEVpl1KsFiNyXzLVooQQYasG1pxYXdd92rbtXPif-iwRBLDyPpSLJIRWvWcB4gOWEgUC3JQvOlfS02oE-YwL3LakDo28CCQX4wGAEosc56idZ8cTMp~D7HdRIDksNz9bAIxHPF8-ApUnKFdQvy3QBRNeHv56FUdMQzAXLUTt2s7PlkPkCBtghzVM0hmZOvNMSiWecQ2hgtsXw3wqqJpUl1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Valley Center, KS","date","2025-09-03T02:34:02Z","article","Valley Center — At its regular meeting the Valley Center City Council took a series of fiscal and capital actions: it adopted the 2026 budget, approved a property-tax levy exceeding the revenue-neutral rate, awarded bids and contracts for infrastructure projects, authorized a major software procurement and approved equipment purchases. Several ordinances and first readings also moved forward.

Budget and property tax
- The council opened and closed a public hearing and approved Resolution 796-25 to levy a property tax rate that exceeds the revenue-neutral rate. The roll call on the resolution recorded the following votes: Colbert — yes; Wilson — yes; Reid — yes; Anderson — yes; Gregory — yes; Evans — yes; Stan — yes. The resolution set the amount to be levied at $4,708,938.

- The council then opened and closed a public hearing on the 2026 budget and adopted the 2026 budget as presented. City staff said the budgeted ad valorem amount matches the levy and noted the city’s budgeted reserves and enterprise fund plans. The budget as presented showed a small negative gap in initial figures that staff said is typically managed through year-end adjustments; the council adopted the budget by majority vote.

Infrastructure, construction and equipment
- Abilene Lift Station pump station: Council approved purchase of a prefabricated duplex above-ground pump station from Ray Lindsay Company for $126,825 and authorized a construction contract with Hickman Environmental Services LLC for wet-well and installation at $45,840.43 (subject to KDHE approval of lift station design plans). Votes were taken by voice and the motions carried.

- Trails End Phase 1 (Tanner Trail / roundabout / utilities): The council awarded the low bid to Andale Construction for $1,849,829 for Trails End Phase 1 improvements and authorized SEH to provide construction engineering services for $148,900. The motions carried by voice vote.

- Vacuum Jetter (combination vacuum/jetter truck): Council authorized purchase of a vacuum-jetter truck under a Sourcewell contract from Armor Equipment in the amount of $605,440.20. Staff said the vehicle will allow the city to perform sewer cleaning, lift-station cleanouts, potholing and other services currently contracted out (staff estimated prior annual contract costs around $50,000). Motion carried by voice vote; delivery and buildout planned after Jan. 1, 2026.

- SERP / ERP (enterprise resource planning) software: Council authorized staff to pursue an agreement with Cassell (ERP vendor) to replace the city’s existing Tyler systems. Staff reported negotiations and a proposed go-live target of Feb. 1, 2027; staff proposed one-time conversion costs in the $134,000 range and an annual subscription in the neighborhood of $70,886 (negotiations ongoing). Council authorized proceeding with the vendor agreement.

Administrative and finance policy changes
- ACH payments: The council approved expanding the city’s acceptance of ACH payments across departments, at no direct charge to customers, based on a negotiated bank arrangement.

- Credit-card fees: The council approved increasing the fee the city charges card users from 1.75% to 3% for credit-card payments across departments. Staff cited rising processing costs and noted that cash, check, money order and ACH remain free of charge.

Other contracts, agreements and ordinances
- Garage sale sign waiver: Council approved the Chamber of Commerce request to waive right-of-way sign restrictions for the October citywide garage sale (Oct. 2–5, 2025). Motion carried.

- Rezoning and land-use readings: The council approved first reading of Ordinance 1433-25 to rezone a vacant lot at 525 South Abilene from C-2 (General Business) to R-1B (single-family residential). Motion carried on first reading.

- Plat agreement and industrial park: Council approved a platting agreement with PEC for creation of the Valley Center Industrial Park (replatting about 14 donated acres near Ash and Cedar); the city will cost-share with an adjacent business on part of the platting expense. Motion carried.

- Fire agreement with Sedgwick County: Council approved authorizing a formal agreement with Sedgwick County allowing county fire and plan-review staff to perform commercial fire inspections and plan review on the city’s behalf; the county’s fees are recovered through permit fees. Motion carried.

- Park Street vacation and Ford/Seneca annexation: The council approved first reading of an ordinance vacating a portion of Park Street (cleanup of a previously vacated area) and waived first reading to annex right-of-way along Ford and Seneca (Ordinance 1432-25), a step staff said was necessary to secure KDOT trail funding for a Seneca trail alignment. Motions carried.

Process notes and follow-up
- Staff said they will include a compliance timeline and KDHE contact results for the pallet-facility special-use item before second reading.
- For equipment and software purchases, staff said one-time conversion or build costs will be managed from equipment reserves where necessary and will be reflected in 2026 budget documents.

Votes at a glance (selected items)
- Resolution 796-25 (levy exceeding revenue-neutral rate): approved; roll-call yes votes by Colbert, Wilson, Reid, Anderson, Gregory, Evans, Stan.
- 2026 Budget: adopted as presented.
- Abilene Lift Station pump purchase (Ray Lindsay Co.): approved ($126,825) and installation contract (Hickman Environmental): approved ($45,840.43).
- Trails End Phase 1 bid award (Andale Construction): approved ($1,849,829); SEH construction services: approved ($148,900).
- Vacuum jetter truck purchase (Armor Equipment, Sourcewell): approved ($605,440.20).
- Cassell ERP agreement: authorized to proceed.
- ACH expansion: approved (no fee to users).
- Credit-card fee increase to 3%: approved.
- Garage sale sign waiver: approved (Oct. 2–5, 2025).
- Ordinance 1433-25 (rezoning 525 S. Abilene): approved first reading.
- Ordinance 1434-25 (special-use, 201 S. Cedar pallet facility): approved first reading, contingent on compliance (see separate story).
- Plat agreement with PEC (industrial park): approved ($47,500 agreement amount for plat work, cost-share with adjacent business).
- Fire agreement with Sedgwick County: approved.

Provenance
topicintro: “Good evening, mister mayor, and member of the council. ... This, is the notice of the hearing to exceed the revenue neutral rate.”

topicfinish: “Have a motion and a second to approve the resolution 7 96 dash 25. ... Motion carried.”","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting 9.2.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Valley Center — Council adopted the 2026 budget, approved a property-tax levy above the revenue-neutral rate, and authorized multiple purchases, contracts and ordinances, including lift-station equipment, Trails End Phase 1 and a vacuum-jetter truck.","taxTitle","Valley Center, Sedgwick County, Kansas","taxId",61696,"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},6477956,"Council gives first reading to special-use permit for pallet recycling facility at 201 S. Cedar, conditions set after neighbors raised fire and dust concerns",1614,3379000,4993000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711032-f3397b4651932b7f04e001a944a63264&start=3379&end=4993","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711032-f3397b4651932b7f04e001a944a63264/thumbnail_3379000.jpg","/articles/6477956/Valley-Center/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Council-gives-first-reading-to-special-use-permit-for-pallet-recycling-facility-at-201-S-Cedar-conditions-set-after-neighbors-raised-fire-and-dust-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477956-1417586304080e936eb399b813cba271/orig.mp4?Expires=1773682095&Signature=Du-DlTYW-6yQ-ChF6gyEYub7Fl5WQKJGk4FRYy2vVDtHwKu0crKkAOWP8TMbHPeowhJfbm1mAXyE1xUghGkQ~RxcyMC5d~rIvfVJDRqkeG5~CbaMLYfhWGOvZLhXbbSs5EY--teyoG7P~fXk~gmwET4lncnPKYUMV~ZOCopuEM6yKHQTF5YSK1OjYLsMEQf0j2BtgTs72AizBHXIkMzPEB4eqB7GVTqC7~K7d5i6U3cRa4W27cYgealHE9-kM622it7Eycb0CMa5t0k1EEwtC9tFOXxjzhUCpfL-FuwiAZkYrZ7SCB3KnHLXGtJGsgzSJ1UEOLKhdrOHASPhAruduA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Valley Center — The City Council approved first reading of an ordinance to issue a special-use permit for a pallet recycling facility at 201 South Cedar, but attached conditions and a closely worded timeline after nearby residents and staff raised safety and nuisance concerns.

Zoning staff summarized inspections and outreach
City zoning staff told the council that inspectors first became aware of operations at the former Martin Solvents building earlier this summer. Inspectors and fire officials reported multiple compliance items: substantial outdoor pallet piles, partial use of the property outside the building while electrical and fire-suppression work were pending, portable buildings placed on-site that require anchoring, and an incomplete sprinkler system that staff said must be expanded to cover the entire structure because of the planned indoor activities.

Staff recommended approval of a special-use permit only after the facility comes into compliance with building, fire and zoning codes and with ongoing quarterly fire-department compliance inspections. Staff also proposed that the business notify the zoning administrator if ownership changes so the city can ensure any new owner also meets the permit conditions.

Neighbors raised dust and fire-safety concerns
Neighbors who spoke at the hearing said dust and sawdust had landed on vehicles and porches, and expressed concern that large outdoor piles of pallets and mulch posed a fire risk. Zoning staff said the week notices went out for the public hearing a malfunction at an adjacent business’s dust-collection system caused dust to settle in the neighborhood; staff said they had not received complaints since that event and believed the neighboring plant’s collection system had been repaired. Still, residents and some council members pressed the city to obtain outside agency review for health and environmental issues.

Owner says cleanup and safety work are underway
Howard Hancock, who identified himself as a part owner and operator of the facility, told the council the company has engaged a fire-protection contractor and an architect, submitted electrical plans for review, and hired an industrial grinder to mulch a large pallet pile so it can be hauled off. Hancock said work was underway and that he expects the remaining visible mulch piles to be mulched and removed within days (he told the council he expected haul-off to begin the next day and aimed to complete removal by the end of the week). Hancock also invited KDHE to inspect and said he welcomed outside review.

Council conditions and next steps
Council approved the ordinance’s first reading with explicit conditions: the special-use permit would not be issued until the facility demonstrates compliance with all applicable building, fire and zoning regulations; the fire department must conduct quarterly compliance inspections; and the business must notify the zoning administrator if ownership changes. At the meeting staff agreed to provide a timeline of required corrections to council for the second reading and to contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) at council request to document any health-related concerns.

Outcome
The council passed first reading of Ordinance 1434-25 to issue a special-use permit for pallet recycling at 201 S. Cedar subject to the conditions above. The ordinance will return for a second reading; staff committed to providing a compliance timeline and to documenting KDHE communications before that vote.

Provenance
topicintro: “Back in roughly May, city staff had noticed that, Alex has started arriving at that facility.”

topicfinish: “Move to approve for first reading ordinance 14 34 dash 25 ... contingent upon the facility coming into compliance with building, fire, and zoning regulations and codes ... Motion carried.”","Valley Center — The City Council approved first reading of an ordinance to issue a special-use permit for a pallet recycling facility at 201 South Cedar, but attached conditions after staff and residents raised dust and fire-safety concerns.",{"_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},6477961,"Valley Center council approves letter of intent for Elevate Senior Living on city-owned Harvest Place parcel",2909,296000,3205000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711032-f3397b4651932b7f04e001a944a63264&start=296&end=3205","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711032-f3397b4651932b7f04e001a944a63264/thumbnail_296000.jpg","/articles/6477961/Valley-Center/Sedgwick-County/Kansas/Valley-Center-council-approves-letter-of-intent-for-Elevate-Senior-Living-on-city-owned-Harvest-Place-parcel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477961-0439cd36a1c813205ab05a005c345ed6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773682095&Signature=Fmxq~fUTzJgI5jNAjU~2J5X0Cxs7Y-7b7ipTuOBpgJTsGATAHTDO9YGnHMxkbkbaM7qahf~Qk1YBexnOelSQLq0KccFw8W-UXzsM2lppY5Ak9ajjxQ~i0HaTL9dMg18F9cLOLjJsQpbWWFCID0VPE4oSsB~YnomeXUNIl-e93j04HKf3Qzscm-mLXhISfBTjnuMRgF0KHd2L1H2UnJbzDev7HuTnUu7VOhh6zSWz-k3XkbaTZzWvW6SsiFNMiMJta7TPs4oWbP0vaDH~yzTw8qSQCAlpswoGfyCp4hY9py0s00SvmMTbntCUTNV0wPK~9uHoO5m5M8q9uxr-~fUj5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Valley Center — The Valley Center City Council voted to enter a letter of intent with Elevate Senior Living to explore development of a senior living community on city-owned land at Harvest Place, council members agreed at their regular meeting.

Elevate’s presenter, Bruce Henches, described a mixed project that the team says would combine independent living “hybrid homes,” assisted living and memory-care neighborhoods. Henches said the proposal now before the city envisions roughly 160–180 total units, with about 96 units for assisted living and memory care; construction would be phased, and the developer estimates the first phase (independent living) could open in about 18 months, with full buildout and licensing completed in roughly 18–21 months.

Why it matters: Council and staff said the parcel has been identified for community use and that the project could keep Valley Center residents from having to move away as they age. Council members also cited potential job creation and local investment as reasons to pursue the LOI rather than turning down further conversations.

Project outline and operations
Bruce Henches, who identified himself as representing Elevate Senior Living and Spellman Breeding Company, said the firm’s model targets what it calls the “forgotten middle market” for seniors — housing priced below high-end retirement communities but above substandard options. Henches said Elevate opened its first location in Clearwater, Fla., and that the Valley Center development would be based on a prototype design intended to limit wasted square footage, use neighborhood-style staffing and offer fresh-prepared meals and onsite services.

Henches said the team expects to create about 40–50 local jobs, including an on-site executive director, director of nursing and other team leads; he said local hiring and ties to job-training programs would be part of the plan. He also described a “founders” or booster-club model that would invite local investors and volunteers to participate in community life at the facility.

Site, land and local participation
City staff and the developer discussed a parcel of roughly 6 acres on the northeast portion of the Harvest Place site that the city owns. The presentation identified that 6-acre parcel as the likely footprint for the project and described a path in which the council’s approval of the LOI allows Elevate to pursue equity commitments and to return later with a formal purchase or donation agreement and development contract. The city estimated the 6-acre parcel’s value at about $186,000 in the presentation materials; council members emphasized that a formal donation or sale would require separate council action.

Timing, approvals and next steps
Council members asked about licensing, local management, parking, trails and integration with the recreation center. Henches said assisted-living/memory-care portions require state licensing (hence a later opening date than independent living) and that the company would hire a local executive director and local staff. He also said the plan includes walking trails that tie to the existing Harvest Place trail system and that parking was planned to meet code; one slide referenced about 180 total parking spaces for the full site plan.

The letter of intent is an initial, nonbinding step, staff said. The LOI sets a framework for Elevate to finalize financing and equity contributions; after that the developer will return with a formal purchase or donation agreement and construction and license plans for council approval. The council passed a motion to approve the letter of intent and authorized the mayor or city administrator to sign the LOI; the motion carried by voice vote.

What remains unresolved
The LOI does not finalize land transfer, detailed financing, the project’s final unit count or precise phasing. Henches and staff said several items remain to be negotiated and documented, including: final site engineering, additional equity commitments (including local investor opportunities), state licensing for assisted-living and memory-care, and a schedule for community outreach events the developer said it intends to hold in October or November.

Council action
Council approved entering the letter of intent with Elevate Senior Living and authorized the mayor or city administrator to sign. The approval was a preliminary step; the council will review any formal purchase/donation documents, development agreements and licensing materials when they return to the city for final approval.

Provenance
topicintro: “Here before you, this evening is a proposal, letter of intent proposal to develop a senior living community, on the parcel that the city owns, on Harvest Place.”

topicfinish: “Move to enter to letter of intent with Elevate Senior Living and authorize mayor or city administrator to sign. Second. ... Motion carried.”","Council approved a letter of intent with Elevate Senior Living to pursue development of a mixed senior living complex on roughly 6 acres of city-owned land at Harvest Place; proposal calls for 160–180 units (about 96 assisted-living/memory-care), phased construction and local equity participation. Council approved the LOI by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Valley Center council approves budget, levy and multiple contracts; adopts measures on payments and software

Council gives first reading to special-use permit for pallet recycling facility at 201 S. Cedar, conditions set after neighbors raised fire and dust concerns

Valley Center council approves letter of intent for Elevate Senior Living on city-owned Harvest Place parcel