June 8, 2026

Summary

The Council covered a full agenda across a lengthy session, beginning with approval of prior meeting minutes and routine department reports. Much of the meeting focused on the ongoing water project — including meter installation questions, a proposed water ordinance and fee resolution, and Wi-Fi for the water fill station. The Council also discussed longer-term topics including a possible new city hall building, a proposed technology/advanced industrial overlay district, tiny home regulations, and a range of other items. Two executive sessions were held.

Key items

• Minutes: Motions to approve the May 11, 2026 regular meeting minutes and the May 16, 2026 town hall meeting minutes; both were seconded and passed on voice vote.
• Mayor’s report: Noted the recent town hall went well and a desire to hold more informal sessions (“coffee and cookies with council”). Referenced a document on strategic priorities and a decision framework he had emailed to council.
• Clerk’s report: Reported monthly vouchers of $89,242 and income of roughly $76,000 (figures stated somewhat unclearly). Noted $11,000 in quarterly state street-and-highway money received. A motion to approve vouchers passed. A separate motion approved pay voucher #12 for $497,362.33 for the water fund; passed.
• Building inspector: Reported 20 inspections in May and an increase in permits. Explained that residents cannot submit a connection permit until a water meter is placed in their yard. A resident (Northland Valley Drive) raised concerns about lack of clear guidance on when meters will be installed and how residents connect. Council discussed creating an FAQ on the city website and clarified the 90-day connection window begins after a meter is installed, not after main lines are set.
• Codes enforcement: Report submitted in packet (Paige absent). Noted work reading meters and setting up software; some meters did not register and will be compared against POA records.
• Police/public safety: Discussed a possible ordinance to regulate (not ban) e-bikes and newer electric vehicles such as electric dirt bikes, including definitions, helmet requirements, and adjusting fine language and the “within 100 feet of an adult” wording. No decision made.
• Gun range: Discussed opening the near-complete range to the public on a limited schedule. Noted insurance quote of $688/year, plans for a range master, strict safety rules, waiver forms, online scheduling with up to 10 lanes, and charging a fee (comparison made to a $20/day range). No formal vote; direction was to gauge community interest.
• Fire report: Quieter month. Discussed fireworks sales timing and a change in Kansas law. Noted progress on kennels, dog waterers, and concrete work, plus a fire truck update.
• Sewer report: Lagoon expansion paperwork still pending at USDA, awaiting a state engineer from another state before construction and groundbreaking can be scheduled.
• Water report: Cutover to the POA water system completed with no leaks found; one new (warranty) meter required a repair. Meters are being installed along Holiday Drive. Residents advised to watch for new survey stakes marked “meter.” Reminder that Facebook is not the place to report problems, and that a new .gov website will host official updates.
• Water system spare parts: Two bids (around $26,000–$28,000) for spare/repair parts were discussed. Question raised whether the cost can come from project funds. Item was tabled pending an answer on funding.
• Water ordinance/resolution: Reviewed several items needing correction, including changing the per-thousand-gallon overage rate (discussed as $15, not the $10 currently written), a $20 meter fee, $45 for first 3,000 gallons, $65 monthly minimum, 2.5% annual increase, $2.50 late fee, $50 disconnect/reconnect fee, $2,000 water install fee (meter and tap), $350 meter test charge, and adding commercial meter sizing (a multiplier based on meter size). Also discussed changing the word “decommissioned” for water tanks to clearer language (“disconnected”/out of service). No vote; planned for next meeting.
• Commercial water rate: Consensus leaned toward leaving the residential overage rate at $10 for now and revisiting after a year of data. Commercial meter multiplier still to be added and voted on next time.
• Connection assistance: Discussed ways the city might help residents who cannot afford the ~$2,000–$2,500 connection cost, noting the city cannot directly give money but could help coordinate resources or a donation fund. Also discussed a possible payment plan for the $2,000 install fee (likely without interest) and legal/vetting concerns. Mike volunteered to research this.
• Planning & zoning consultant (Olsen): Contract expired; a new five-year contract and a ~$30,000 comprehensive plan workshop were proposed. Concerns raised about high hourly rates (3.15x multiplier) and P&Z over-reliance on consultants. Council leaned toward putting it on hold and researching what comparable cities (Linn/Miami County) do. A council member volunteered to look into it.
• Tiny homes: Discussed proposed minimum square footage (around 200–599 sq ft). Direction given for the building inspector to draft an ordinance for council review before sending to P&Z. Noted such homes would likely be outside the POA gates.
• Water fill station Wi-Fi: Motion approved to authorize the clerk to enter a contract with People’s for internet at the field station, needed for chlorine testing reporting and camera/doorbell systems. Discussed ~$400 equipment cost plus a monthly fee, and whether to consider Starlink as an alternative.
• Septic/holding tank setback: Discussed amending the ordinance to set a 25-foot setback for holding tanks from water lines. The city attorney advised repealing the old ordinance and creating a new one for clarity; the building inspector will draft it for a vote next meeting.
• Technology/advanced industrial overlay district: The mayor presented an informational framework (no project proposed, approved, or voted on) for potentially allowing facilities such as data centers east of Highway 69, with safeguards (setbacks, dark-sky rules, noise limits, water-use guardrails, developer-funded upgrades, and multiple public meetings). Emphasized education and transparency, and cited potential significant revenue. A draft ordinance is under attorney review. Informational only.
• New city hall: Discussed replacing the leased building (lease up in 2027, expected significant cost increase) with a city-owned structure, possibly a “barndominium”-style building. Preliminary concept: 100’ x 60’ (6,000 sq ft) shell priced around $300,000, with interior work potentially bid out to local contractors. Stated golden rules: no tax/mill levy increase to pay for it, and it must not negatively impact ongoing projects. Build site is to be determined. Planning stage only.
• Adjournment: Motion to adjourn made and seconded; passed.

Follow-ups

• Water spare parts bids tabled to next meeting pending confirmation on whether project funds can be used.
• Water ordinance and fee resolution to be rewritten (including per-thousand rate correction and commercial meter multiplier) for a vote next meeting.
• Connection assistance / payment plan — Mike to research legal and financial options.
• P&Z consultant contract — a council member to research alternatives and what comparable cities do.
• Tiny home ordinance — building inspector to draft before next council meeting for review, then to P&Z.
• Septic/holding tank setback ordinance — building inspector/attorney to draft a new ordinance for a vote next meeting.
• Water fill station internet — clerk to finalize the contract and installation.
• Technology overlay district — draft ordinance, FAQ, P&Z review, mapping, and required public meetings still to come.
• New city hall — continued planning, including build site, final design, and lease negotiations.