08-28-2023 Minutes CITY OF SALINA, KANSAS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
August 28,2023
4:00 p.m.
Mayor Hoppock asked the Clerk for verification that notice had been sent for today's City
Commission meeting. The Clerk replied yes.
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners was called to order at 4:00 p.m. in
Room 107, City-County Building. A roll call was taken followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Those present and comprising a quorum: Mayor Michael L. Hoppock (presiding), Trent W.
Davis, M.D., Greg Lenkiewicz, Bill Longbine, and Karl Ryan.
Also present: Mike Schrage, City Manager; Jacob Wood, Deputy City Manager; Shawn
Henessee, Assistant City Manager; Greg Bengtson, City Attorney; and Nikki Goding,
Deputy City Clerk.
AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
(3.1) Recognizing the month of September, 2023 as National Recovery Month. Valarie
Hicks, Senior Peer Mentor with CKF Addiction Treatment, read the proclamation
and discussed related activities.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR A CERTAIN TIME
(4.1) 2024 Budget Process
(4.1a) Conduct a public hearing to consider exceeding Revenue Neutral Rate and the
proposed 2024 Budget for the City of Salina.
Mayor Hoppock opened the public hearing.
Debbie Pack, Director of Finance, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action
options.
Jim Vint, Salina, KS, shared his thoughts on municipal naming guidelines as they
relate to the City budget, dissatisfaction with the processed food manufactured by the
sponsor of Tony's Pizza Event Center, and comments on local police's response to a
blown tire caused by a downtown storm sewer.
Chad Farber, Salina, KS, asked why we are raising taxes when the public is
struggling. He also pointed out that the proposed cost of living adjustment for City
employees is not sufficient to match the current 7% inflation rate.
Mayor Hoppock closed the public hearing.
(4.1b) Approve Resolution No. 23-8144 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the
Revenue Neutral Rate.
23-0243 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve Resolution No. 23-
8144. A roll call vote was taken. Aye: (5). Nay (0). Motion carried.
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Commissioner Davis added a few additional thoughts on the need to increase the
budget because of inflation and to take advantage of the City's economic growth.
Commissioner Ryan also pointed out that the mill levy has decreased from the
previous year which will likely result in slightly lower property taxes.
w (4.1c) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11168, on first reading, adopting and
appropriating the 2024 annual budget.
23-(€44 Moved by Commissioner Longbine, seconded by Commissioner Lenkiewicz, to approve Ordinance
No. 23-11168 on first reading. Aye: (5). Nay (0). Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
(5.1) Approve the minutes of the meeting of August 21, 2023.
(5.2) Approve Resolution No. 23-8148 appointing members to the Business Improvement
District Advisory Board.
23-0245 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the consent agenda
as presented. Aye: (5). Nay (0). Motion carried.
ADMINISTRATION
(6.1) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11172, on first reading, unconditionally approving the
issuance of General Obligation Bonds by the Salina Airport Authority for the
purpose of financing the cost of certain capital improvements located at the Salina
Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center.
Debbie Pack, Director of Finance, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action
options.
Tim Rogers, Executive Director of the Salina Airport Authority, detailed the need for
the bonds to update their vintage fuel farm and bring it up to date with current
regulations.
A short discussion on the method of delivery of fuel to aircrafts, inspection of
facilities, and whether removal of the existing facility is included in the costs ensued.
23-0246 Moved by Commissioner Longbine, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve Ordinance No.
23-11172 on first reading. Aye: (5). Nay (0). Motion carried.
(6.2) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11171, on second reading, approving the Salina On Tap
as a special event and authorizing the consumption of alcoholic liquor within the
boundaries of barricaded public areas at such event.
Mayor Hoppock stated that Ordinance No. 23-11171 was passed on first reading on
August 21, 2023. Since that time, no changes to the event have been proposed and no
comments have been received.
Leslie Bishop, Executive Director of Salina Downtown, Inc., shared that she's had
concerns from other downtown businesses about the proposed road closure of Santa
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Fe Avenue from Walnut Avenue to Ash Street and asked if Iron Avenue to Ash
Street could be considered instead.
City Manager Mike Schrage asked if consideration of this item could be postponed
until City staff who processed the permit and the event organizer could be reached
for their input.
23-047 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Lenkiewicz, to table Ordinance No.
23-11171 on second reading until after Citizen's Forum at this meeting. Aye: (5). Nay (0). Motion
carried.
(6.3) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11170, on second reading, relating to Application #M23-
9, filed by the Salina City Planning Commission, requesting an amendment to the
Future Land Use Map of the Salina, Kansas Comprehensive Plan to change the
future land use designation of property located on the west side of North Ohio Street
south of the 1-70 Highway from a future Conservation and Commercial land use area
to a future Employment Area.
Mayor Hoppock recused himself due to a conflict of interest and turned the meeting
over to Vice-Mayor Longbine.
Vice-Mayor Longbine stated that Ordinance No. 23-11170 was passed on first
reading on August 21, 2023. Since that time, the City Commission has initiated
expansion of the North Ohio Gateway Overlay District to include the future Beck's
Hybrid Seeds facility but this action will not impact zoning regulations. No
comments have been received.
23-0248 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve Ordinance No. 23-
11170 on second reading. A roll call vote was taken. Aye: (4). Nay (0). Motion carried.
Mayor Hoppock rejoined the meeting.
(6.4) Bill Burke Fencing and Ballfield Improvements
(6.4a) Consider awarding the bid for Fencing and Ballfield Improvements for Bill
Burke Park to Vogts Parga Construction, Inc. in the amount of$802,606.78
with a $40,130.22 (5%) construction contingency for a total project
authorization not to exceed $842,737.00 and authorizing the City Manager
to execute a contract with Vogts Parga Construction, Inc. upon fulfillment of
all prerequisites under the bid documents.
(6.4b) Consider authorizing the solicitation of bids for Berkley Family Recreational
Area drainage improvement.
Jeff Hammond, Director of Parks and Recreation, explained the request, fiscal
impact, and action options.
Mr. Hammond added that parking, while not on the original scope of work, has been
discussed with Engineering staff and their design would add additional spaces while
still being far enough away from the fields to protect vehicles from foul balls.
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Other items discussed were shade structures, rotating use of the fields to create even
wear on the turf, magnetic locks for the fields similar to the ones used at the new
tennis facility, and new bleachers.
W Mr. Hammond discussed the drainage at Berkley Family Recreational Area and the
constant need for maintenance by City staff there. However, the full scope of the
co
work to improve the drainage would exceed the budgeted amount. He outlined
alternatives where only parts of the area were improved, rather than all of BFRA.
Mr. Hammond then showed a video highlighting the extent of the issues during a
rainy day in July 2023. A second video taken in 2022 showed the swale area at right
field of Matson Field.
Mayor Hoppock asked about whether the $842,737.00 figure included the items
remaining for consideration. When Mr. Hammond stated they were not, Mayor
Hoppock asked if we should complete those items first. Mike Schrage, City
Manager, explained the costs both with and without bleachers or the drainage
improvements.
Mayor Hoppock pointed out that the parking previously discussed was not included
in the items remaining for consideration and asked about costs for that. Mr. Schrage
stated the City would like to test the public's use of overflow parking by having them
L park on the grass first.
Commissioner Davis expressed a strong desire to finish Bill Burke Park since the list
of additional items for consideration is short.
Commissioner Ryan asked if one of the alternative options for drainage
improvements were chosen, could the leftover funds then be used for parking? Mr.
Schrage said it could be, but any other items using those leftover funds would need
to be put out for bid and he was reluctant to make any major changes to the drainage
improvement plan without Salina Athletic Partners input.
Mayor Hoppock concurred with Commissioner's Davis's desire to finish Bill Burke
Park before tackling the issues at Berkley Family Recreational Area.
Norman Mannel, Salina, Kansas, shared his thoughts on the closure of other
recreational areas in other municipalities due to rising costs and asked about the size
of the fields' holding pond—can that water be reused?
23-0249 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Longbine, to award the bid for
Fencing and Ballfield Improvements at Bill Burke Park to Vogts Parga Construction, Inc. Aye: (5).
Nay (0). Motion carried.
23-0250 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Longbine, to direct City staff to solicit
Ibids for the remaining items for consideration at Bill Burke Park, excluding the bleachers but
including magnetic fence locks. Aye: (5). Nay (0). Motion carried.
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23-0251 Moved by Commissioner Longbine, seconded by Commissioner Davis, not to authorize the
solicitation of bids for Berkley Family Recreational Area drainage improvements at this time. Aye:
(5). Nay (0). Motion carried.
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DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS
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W None.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Davis observed that in Washington DC, traffic lights had the yellow
boxes around them, making them more visible at night, which he appreciated.
City Manager Mike Schrage brought up that the study session on September 11,
2023 will be on the Animal Shelter concerns brought forward by citizens.
CITIZENS FORUM
Rosemary Mai, Salina, Kansas, said the Granny Brigade is collecting items until
September 9, 2023 for the victims of the fires in Maui at Vanderbilts, Salina
Embroidery Works, The Blind Pig, Reynolds Law Office, Cleve's Marine, and the
KNIA radio station. She added checks can be made payable to Hawaii Catholic
Community Foundation.
Debrah Corrales, Salina, Kansas, expressed her concern with dogs being wrongfully
euthanized when identified as pitbulls without DNA testing.
Norman Mannel, Salina, Kansas, talked about the Cheyenne Bottoms water rights
lawsuit.
Chad Farber, Salina, Kansas, stressed that his property taxes still went up and was
disappointed that the City Commission lobbied not to drop the food sales tax in
Salina. He highlighted the Battle of the Badges Red Cross Blood Drive is taking
place August 28, 29, and 30, 2023.
Linda Reynolds, Salina, Kansas, expressed gratitude that Commission will be having
a study session about the Animal Shelter but still asked they visit the shelter in
person to see citizens' concerns ahead of time.
ADMINISTRATION
(6.2) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11171, on second reading, approving the Salina On Tap
as a special event and authorizing the consumption of alcoholic liquor within the
boundaries of barricaded public areas at such event.
Mayor Hoppock brought this item back for discussion, as Hannah Holt, the organizer
of the event, Dean Andrew, Director of Planning, and Lauren Driscoll, Director of
Community and Development Services, were now in attendance at the meeting.
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Dean Andrew, Director of Planning, explained the application process and the
conversations leading up to the event with Salina Downtown, Inc. resulting in the
event as presented to the City Commission at first reading.
Commissioner Ryan asked if admission is being charged to people entering the
closed blocks and whether the businesses in the closed blocks would still be
accessible.
Hannah Holt, event organizer with Meridian Media, stated that the event is meant to
help encourage visitors to downtown businesses while also improving visibility of
the Salina on Tap event by bringing it outside for the first time while keeping the
safety of the attendees a priority. Ms. Holt explained that admission wristbands are
not required to get onto the closed streets; citizens just cannot park in those areas.
Ms. Holt also stated much of the proposed closures were at the recommendation of
the Salina Police Department. Commissioner Ryan wondered about which
businesses specifically were bringing the concerns to Salina Downtown, Inc.
Leslie Bishop, Executive Director of Salina Downtown, Inc., apologized to the City
Commission and City staff for bringing her concerns to them without time to
prepare. She had heard comments from business that closures to Santa Fe Avenue
during business hours, especially Saturdays, affect businesses negatively.
Mike Schrage, City Manager, asked if SDI supports the application or not. Ms.
Bishop stated she does not like closing Santa Fe Avenue but recognizes she does not
have the authority to say a public street cannot be closed.
Lauren Driscoll, Director of Community and Development Services, added that this
is the first time this event has been outside, and it needs a chance to happen so that
changes can be made in the future if this first year outside does not work well for the
downtown businesses. She stressed starting with safety first, then finding where the
event can be flexible going forward.
Commissioner Lenkiewicz agreed that the road should be closed. He noted that the
event organizers have already changed the time of the event and removed a block
from the original closure plan to accommodate SDI's requests. He felt the event
should occur as is.
Ben Windholz, Salina, Kansas, shared that he also agrees with Hannah Holt about
closing Santa Fe Avenue and that the event is only 3 hours long. His concern was
that, when the barricades go up, how will the organizers get traffic out of the street?
Ms. Holt did not have an answer but Ms. Driscoll added that other similar events
with road closures have staff and volunteers out about an hour ahead of time letting
people know to move their cars, and traffic barricades are monitored so if the cars
111 need to leave, they can. Leslie Bishop added that SDI alerts the downtown
businesses about the hours of the event in order to prepare and let the public know.
Dean Andrew, Director of Planning, pointed out that Phillips Plaza is also part of the
request area and the ordinance would need to be amended to include it.
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23-0252 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Ryan, to approve Ordinance No. 23-
L 11171 on second reading including the amendment as stated by Dean Andrew that Phillips Plaza is
also an authorized area. A roll call vote was taken. Aye: (5). Nay (0). Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
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23-0;53 Moved by Commissioner Lenkiewicz, seconded by Commissioner Ryan, to recess into Executive
Session for 30 minutes following a 3 minute break to discuss with special legal counsel the subject
of confidential legal considerations relating to points of negotiation with Salina Destination
Development, LLC, regarding the City's multi-family housing project, based upon the need for
consultation with an attorney for the public body which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-
client relationship pursuant to K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in this room at
7:05 p.m. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
The City Commission recessed into executive session at 6:33 p.m. and reconvened at
7:05 p.m.
Also present in the executive session were Mike Schrage, City Manager; Jacob
Wood, Deputy City Manager; Shawn Henessee, Assistant City Manager; Greg
Bengtson, City Attorney; special legal counsel Stephen Sparks and specialized
financial counsel Matt Webster were in attendance online.
L No action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
23-0254 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Ryan, that the regular meeting of the
Board of City Commissioners be adjourned. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried. The meeting
adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
7Z. -
[SEAL] Michael L. Hopp ' ayor
AT ST:
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ikki Goding, Deputy City Cle !�
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