Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Annexation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves amended annexation request from Tonganoxie to accommodate Evergy substation and development
Summary
The county reheard the city of Tonganoxie’s amended annexation request tied to a planned Evergy substation and agreed the amended proposal addressed prior county concerns about access and maintenance; the commission adopted findings and moved to approve the annexation as amended.
Leavenworth County commissioners opened a rehearing on an amended annexation request from the city of Tonganoxie related to property adjacent to the Tonganoxie Business Park and a planned Evergy substation intended to improve electrical service in the southern portion of the county.
Anna Krastelich, city attorney for Tonganoxie, summarized the request and told the commission the landowners requested annexation to enable the substation and spur development. She said utilities are stubbed across the street, the annexation logically extends the city boundary and the city has amended its request to annex the center line of 220 Second Street to address access and maintenance concerns.
County staff reported city and county staff met on March 13 and that the meeting answered many outstanding questions. Commissioners closed the public hearing after hearing from the city attorney and discussed the issue. One commissioner read a set of findings concluding that the city’s amended annexation, including annexation of the center line of 220 Second Street, satisfied prior county concerns about access and maintenance obligations and would not hinder the proper growth and development of the area or other cities in the county.
The board voted to adopt those findings and approve the amended annexation request based on the record and the staff report. After the vote, commissioners invited a city representative to speak briefly about anticipated economic benefits to the county from Hills Pet Nutrition and other development in the area.
Why it matters: The annexation facilitates construction of a utility substation and supports planned development adjacent to the Tonganoxie Business Park. The county noted the amendment specifically addresses road access and maintenance obligations that were earlier points of contention.
Actions and next steps: The county adopted findings and approved the amended annexation; county and city staff will coordinate implementation of access and maintenance responsibilities tied to the annexed portion of 220 Second Street.
