City manager reports early payoff progress on STAR bond, ARPA grant distributions and public‑works project updates

City Manager Mark Westhoff told the commission that March financial statements show strong STAR bond tax collections and that the STAR bond district may pay off more than a decade earlier than its original March 1, 2036 schedule.

Westhoff said, "We're on pace this year to have as good of tax collection in that district or better as last year, which was the best year that we've had on record, and we're on pace to pay off that STAR bond, within the next year at worst." He and staff are exploring options to capture continuing tax increments in the district for local projects once payoff is complete.

Westhoff also noted that the nonroutine payments over $10,000 reflected in the statements are distributions of ARPA nonprofit grants that the commission previously approved and which are now being disbursed to community recipients. "Those grants that you all approved are getting out to the community now, and you'll see more on the April, as we're processing those multiple a week at this point," he said.

Public‑works and capital updates included: completion of the new gas pipeline relocation at the airport (contractor is sealing the old line and the new section is open), and Patriot Street sewer relocation underway in advance of a KDOT‑led bridge replacement (KDOT will let the bridge contract on May 21 and is funding the bridge work). Westhoff said the city is paying only for sewer relocation; KDOT is bearing bridge replacement costs.

Crews have begun demolition work at Elephant Park in preparation for concrete work; the contractor seeks to finish demolition before Juneteenth and the city will provide tents if new structures are not in place for the event. Westhoff said the contractor accepted a bid to make immediate repairs on a damaged section of the riverfront trail and expects a gravel repair that will make the trail usable in about a month while long‑term options are researched.

Event center leadership also reported staffing changes: Travis Grossman, executive director for ACHSEN Event Center, said the organization hired Isabelle Warden as a shared events coordinator across the event center, Theater Atchison and the Fox. Grossman said the city hopes the new coordinator will increase programming and bar sales and that the event center saw a strong December but a weak first quarter overall.

Westhoff closed with routine reminders and scheduling notes: the Atchison County cleanup days are April 25–26; the city is in its annual audit and will present results when complete; and sewer and airport projects are moving toward spring/summer construction windows.