12-04-2023 Minutes CITY OF SALINA, KANSAS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
December 4, 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.
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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, City
Clerk.
AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR A CERTAIN TIME
CONSENT AGENDA
(5.1) Approve the minutes of the meeting of November 27, 2023.
(5.2) Approve Resolution No. 23-8170 adopting the Financial Policies for the City of
Salina.
(5.3) Approve the minutes of the special meeting of November 30, 2023.
23-0363 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the consent agenda
with corrections to the minutes of the special meeting as noted. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried.
ADMINISTRATION
(6.1) Consider the request by RAM Contracting and Dirt Works of Salina, Kansas to
withdraw its bid and award the bid for project number 23011, 2023 Sidewalk Ramps,
to Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc. of La Crosse, Kansas in the amount of
$108,616.30 with a $5,430.82 (5%) construction contingency for a total project
authorization not to exceed $114,047.12 and authorizing the City Manager to execute
a contract with Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc. of La Crosse, Kansas upon
fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.
Dan Stack, City Engineer, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action options.
Mr. Stack and City Attorney Greg Bengtson provided further details on the types of bonds
involved in project bids and timelines for when it would be too late to return a bond. Mr.
Stack added that JT Caldwell of RAM is newly in business for himself, and is still learning
the process of submitting bids to the City, but has done quality work as an employee of other
contractors with which the City has a working relationship.
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Norman Mannel, Salina, Kansas, asked about similarities to interstate construction in the
1960s and expressed his concerns about lawfulness.
23-0 ,64 Moved by Commissioner Longbine, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to reject the low bid of
RAM Contracting and Dirt Works on the basis that it is not in the best interest of the project and
w directing Engineering staff to return its bid security. Aye: (4). Nay: (1-Ryan). Motion carried.
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23-0165 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Ryan, to award the bid for project
number 23011, 2023 Sidewalk Ramps, to Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc. of La Crosse, Kansas
79 in an amount not to exceed $114,047.12 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract
with Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried.
(6.2) Approve Resolution No. 23-8175 along with awarding the bid for project number
23037, 2023 New Sidewalk Construction, to RAM Contracting and Dirt Works of
Salina, Kansas in the amount of $124,479 with a $6,223.95 (5%) construction
contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $130,702.95 and
authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with RAM upon fulfillment of all
prerequisites under the bid documents.
Dan Stack, City Engineer, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action options.
Commissioner Longbine asked about completion dates for the two sidewalk projects. Mr.
Stack stated they're aiming for July 2024.
23-0366 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Longbine, to approve Resolution No.
23-8175. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried.
(6.3) Authorize Publication of the Notice of Budget Hearing for the 2023 Amended
Budget which sets December 18, 2023 as the date for public hearing on the 2023
Amended Budget and establishes the maximum limits of the 2023 Amended Budget.
Debbie Pack, Director of Finance, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action options.
A few questions followed on the age and repairs of the irrigation system and carts at the
Municipal Golf Course.
23-0367 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Ryan, to authorize Publication of the
Notice of Budget Hearing for the 2023 Amended Budget. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried.
(6.4) Consider the Salina Airport Authority's request and Salina Community Economic
Development Organization Board of Directors' recommendation regarding the City
of Salina's participation in the funding of a proposed agreement with SkyWest
Airlines for resumption of overnight flight scheduling of Denver flights.
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Mike Schrage, City Manager, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action options.
Tim Rogers, Executive Director of the Salina Airport Authority, provided additional
background on the request.
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Gary Foss, SAA's Air Service Consultant, walked the Commissioners through the costs and
benefits that would be associated with the request.
A lengthy conversation followed on whether or not the added air service would be a good
use of economic development funds, in part due to the inability for many citizens to afford
to or desire to fly outside of Salina. Business travelers were highlighted as a benefactor of
the added service, and further discussion touched on the transient guest revenue brought in
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from the overnight aircraft staff that would need to lodge in Salina to prepare for their
morning flights. The length of time of the agreement and requirements for bringing Houston
service into the fold were also discussed.
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23-0368 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Ryan, to accept and concur with the
SCEDO recommendation; authorize the reallocation of$400,000 of Economic Development Funds
to provide the City's portion of the contribution to the funding of overnight flights on a
reimbursement basis for a period of one year at seven flights a week as recommended; and
authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement for the use of such funds. Aye: (3). Nay: (2-
Hoppock, Longbine). Motion carried.
(6.5) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11187 on first reading relating to prohibitions against
any person obstructing in public places pedestrian traffic, vehicular traffic or marked
vehicular parking.
Mike Schrage, City Manager, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action options.
Much conversation was had on what, exactly, would constitute obstruction and how the City
intends to educate the public on the ordinance. Commissioner Davis was especially
concerned with the possibility that this ordinance could be used to unfairly or arbitrarily
target specific groups of people. Commissioner Lenkiewicz expressed his thoughts that the
Salina Police Department would use appropriate discretion in enforcing the ordinance. City
Attorney Greg Bengtson added that the ordinance was drafted with public safety as its
intent, and with the input of the City Prosecutor.
Norman Mannel, Salina, Kansas, shared his thoughts.
Ben Windholz, Salina, Kansas, explained who he felt would be most at risk of being fined or
summoned to court as a result of the ordinance.
23-0369 Moved by Commissioner Longbine, seconded by Commissioner Lenkiewicz, to approve Ordinance
No. 23-11187 on first reading prohibiting obstructing in public places pedestrian traffic, vehicular
traffic or marked vehicular parking. Aye: (4). Nay: (1-Davis). Motion carried.
23-0370 Moved by Commissioner Longbine, seconded by Commissioner Ryan, to recess for a 5 minute
break and amend the order of the agenda to move item 6.6 to follow item 6.9. Aye: (4). Nay: (1-
Davis). Motion carried.
The meeting recessed at 6:27 p.m. and reconvened at 6:32 p.m.
(6.7) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11185 on first reading authorizing the City of Salina,
Kansas to issue taxable Multi-Family Bonds, Series 2023 (Cedarhurst Project) in the
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aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,000,000 for the purpose of the
acquisition, construction and equipping of a commercial facility and authorizing
certain other related documents and actions.
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Shawn Henessee, Assistant City Manager, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action
options.
It was noted that these bonds are not an obligation of the City if there is default.
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23-0171 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Longbine, to approve Ordinance No.
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23-11185 on first reading authorizing the issuance of Multi-Family Revenue Bonds, Series 2023
(Cedarhurst Project) in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,000,000 for the purpose of
the acquisition, renovation and equipping of a commercial facility and authorizing certain other
related documents and actions. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried.
(6.8) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11184 on first reading authorizing the City of Salina,
Kansas to issue taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2023 (Dominion Project)
in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,729,417.31 for the purpose of
financing the acquisition, construction and equipping of an additional manufacturing
facility addition in the City of Salina and authorizing certain other related documents
and actions and for the exemption of sales tax for material used in the construction of
the project and a 10 year property tax exemption.
Shawn Henessee, Assistant City Manager, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action
options.
Mitch Robinson, Executive Director of the Salina Community Economic Development
Organization, provided updated information on the employment numbers at Geoprobe and
explained the fiscal data sheet in more detail.
Following questions on methods of tracking the jobs created and filled, Miles Walters with
Geoprobe Systems stated they have hired 9 positions out of 17 available. He added that the
jobs are highly specialized and technical, so they are working on reaching out to find
qualified individuals.
23-0372 Moved by Commissioner Lenkiewicz, seconded by Commissioner Longbine, to approve Ordinance
No. 23-11184 on first reading authorizing the issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2023
(Dominion Project) in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,729,417.31 for the purpose
of the acquisition, renovation and equipping of a commercial facility and authorizing certain other
related documents and actions. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried
(6.9) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11183 on first reading updating and modifying where
alcoholic beverages may be consumed on public property in the City of Salina and
restricting open containers at the same locations that are public property.
Shawn Henessee, Assistant City Manager, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action
options.
The only question on this item was to explain what the kiva at Thomas Park is.
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I23-0373 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Longbine, to approve Ordinance 23-
11183 on first reading updating and modifying where alcoholic beverages may be consumed on
public property in the City of Salina and restricting open containers at the same locations that are
public property. Aye: (5).Nay: (0). Motion carried.
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(6.6) City Commission Meeting Schedule and Ordinance Passage Amendments
(6.6a) Approve Resolution No. 23-8174 amending the Rules of Procedure and
Order of Business for conducting meetings of the Board of Commissioners
regarding when regular meetings are held and the manner in which
ordinances are adopted.
(6.6b) Approve Ordinance No. 23-11186 on first reading amending Section 1-5.1 of
the Salina Code regarding consideration of ordinances.
Mike Schrage, City Manager, explained the request, fiscal impact, and action options.
The subsequent, substantial discussion focused on the potential for meetings to run
excessively long, effectively discouraging citizen involvement. There were also suggestions
for an alternative to two meetings a month, questions on what would happen to study
sessions, whether or not to move open forum to a different place in the meeting schedule,
and the ability of the City Commission to revisit the revised schedule in April 2024 to see
how it's working.
Jerry Ivey, Commissioner-elect, Salina, Kansas, added he likes the twice-per-month
schedule, but suggested adding a study session possibly on the 3`d Monday of a month. He
also suggested scheduling items with more public engagement or out-of-town guests to
occur earlier in the meetings.
Norman Mannel, Salina, Kansas, shared that the City Commission is here to serve the
people.
Ben Windholz, Salina, Kansas, worried that reducing the number of meetings would
negatively impact citizen involvement and result in business getting rushed through.
Rosemary Mai, Salina, Kansas, shared that she likes the idea of two meetings per month but
also agreed that study sessions should be scheduled on another day, and that open forum
should be at a scheduled time in the meetings.
Commissioner Ryan wondered if open forum could be moved to different times in the
meeting as needed, much like this item had been moved to the end of this meeting.
23-0374 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Lenkiewicz, to approve Resolution No.
23-8174 amending the Rules of Procedure and Order of Business for conducting meetings of the
Board of Commissioners regarding when regular meetings are held and the manner in which
I,.. ordinances are adopted, amended to be effective January 1, 2024. Aye: (4). Nay: (1-Longbine).
Motion carried.
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23-0375 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Longbine, to Approve Ordinance No.
L23-11186 on first reading amending Section 1-5.1 of the Salina Code regarding consideration of
ordinances. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried.
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DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS
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OTHER BUSINESS
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Commissioner Davis highlighted Kansas Wesleyan's candlelight service at the Stiefel
N Theatre. He also asked about sign restrictions for churches.
City Manager Mike Schrage reiterated that the homelessness open forum scheduled for
December 6, 2023, had been canceled due to illness of the consultant, with intent to
reschedule sometime in January or February 2024.
CITIZENS FORUM
Norman Mannel, Salina, Kansas, spoke on ecosystem hazards and contamination at the air
base as well as added burdens on law enforcement.
Ben Windholz, Salina, Kansas, expressed disdain with incentives given to developers
considering the current buyer's market. He hoped the City would be able to sell and fill all
the housing being built.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
23-0376 Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Longbine, that the regular meeting of
the Board of City Commissioners be adjourned. Aye: (5). Nay: (0). Motion carried. The meeting
adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
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[SEAL] Michael L. Ho.soc , Mayor
ATTEST: '
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Nikki oding, City Clerk
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