Leavenworth City Commission on Dec. 10 approved a package of motions and resolutions ranging from a special-use permit for an accessory dwelling unit to a commercial insurance renewal and a replacement HVAC system for Fire Station No. 1.

The commission voted 5-0 to adopt minutes from its Nov. 26 regular meeting and later approved Ordinance No. 8254, a special-use permit to allow an accessory dwelling unit at 303 North Esplanade Street; the item was described by staff as unchanged from first consideration and carried on a roll-call vote. The commission also approved cancellation of the Dec. 24 city commission meeting and directed city facilities to close at noon on Dec. 24.

Commissioners approved the 2025 cereal malt beverage license renewals for 21 establishments after a police records check and granted approval to amend the 2024 budget to increase expenditure authority for the recreation fund, the library fund and the library employee benefit fund; staff said none of the changes will require additional tax levies and cited state publication requirements for budget amendments.

On housing-related items the commission adopted a resolution deleting uncollectible tenant accounts, as required by HUD rules, and adopted an updated Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy and the Section 8 Administrative Plan, which staff said reflect recent federal changes and new inspection processes.

In procurement and capital works, the commission approved an award to Rane Construction (listed in staff materials as Rand/Rane Construction) for replacement of the Fire Station No. 1 air handler and related work in a contract not to exceed $129,896; staff said a Department of Energy grant application could offset a portion of the project but that reserves or the CIP would cover the balance if the grant is not awarded. The commission also approved the city's 2025 commercial insurance renewal package with Travelers after broker Mike Riley explained the proposed increase in premiums owing to recent catastrophic losses, supply-chain cost increases and higher reinsurance costs.

Financial matters concluded with approval of claims from Nov. 22 through Dec. 5, 2024, in the amount of $1,846,301.65 and payroll net amounts as listed on the agenda.

Votes at a glance
- Approval of Nov. 26 meeting minutes: motion passed, 5-0.
- Ordinance No. 8254 (special-use permit, 303 N. Esplanade St.): approved, 5-0.
- Nomination and approval of financial claims reviewer (Griff Martins nominated): approved by voice vote.
- Cancellation of Dec. 24, 2024 meeting and closure of nonessential facilities at noon: approved by voice vote.
- 2025 cereal malt beverage license renewals (21 establishments): approved by roll call.
- Publication and amendment of the 2024 budget (recreation fund, library fund, library employee benefit fund): approved by roll call; staff cited KSA 79 29 29 a for amendment authority and confirmed no tax levy increase.
- Resolution deleting uncollectible tenant accounts (HUD-required tenant write-offs): adopted.
- Resolution adopting Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy: adopted.
- Resolution adopting Section 8 Administrative Plan: adopted.
- Award of Fire Station No. 1 HVAC project to Rane Construction: approved; amount not to exceed $129,896.
- Approval of city commercial insurance package (Travelers): approved; commission received detailed presentation on market conditions and a 31.4% increase noted in staff discussion.
- Claims approved: $1,846,301.65 (Nov. 22 '6 Dec. 5, 2024).

Why it matters
The bundle of approvals covers routine municipal operations (licenses, claims, budget adjustments) and several items with direct budget or service impacts: a sizable insurance premium increase that staff said will be absorbed across funds, a capital HVAC replacement for Fire Station No. 1 with potential grant offset, and routine HUD-related housing policy updates. The votes keep city services moving into 2025 and set up project work and policy compliance required by state and federal rules.

Meeting context
Several items were presented as routine with limited public comment. The insurance renewal prompted an extended presentation by the city's broker, who described industry-wide drivers behind premium increases and outlined limited alternative markets.

Ending note
Commissioners indicated continued attention to service delivery and cost pressures in 2025, including potential grant outcomes and further analysis of insurance options.