The Wamego City Commission held a Public Meeting for West Highway 24 property at Tuesday’s meeting. City Manager Merl Page reviewed the issues of the Public Hearing on the West Highway 24, Unit 3 property. He said in 2014, the property filed a petition for a Benefit District, the projects have been completed and temporary notes have been issued. Special assessments have been assigned for the four petitioned projects. Page said an ordinance is required to make sure the assessments are assessed accordingly to each owner. A motion was made and approved by a vote of 4 to 0. Commissioner Bob Morse was absent.
The owners of the properties involved, Roadrunner Properties, are asking the City to consider rental revenue bonds to cover additional expenses of the five existing apartment complexes. The new revenue bonds would refund the existing debt and issue new bonds for two additional properties and a club house. They also asked for tax abatement on the property in order to keep rents down. The Commissioners took issue with the tax abatement request while being complimentary of the project. After a brief discussion , Commissioner Bill Ditto made a motion not to approve tax abatement on the property, which passed by a vote of 4 to 0.
Page told the property owners, a resolution of intent to issue the Revenue Bonds will take place at the September 1st meeting, and with the passage of the ordinance, the owners could expect to begin construction by early November.
The Wamego City Commission approved the purchase of property for the Wamego Health Center. The Commission went into Executive Session for the acquisition of property. After reconvening, City Manager Merl Page said the Hospital Board has the opportunity to purchase the property directly behind the Hospital. Page said that in order to stay in conformity with the lease agreement, the City of Wamego should own the property. He asked for approval to negotiate up to $65,000 for the lot and associated costs to close, and to continue with the preparation of a contract. Approval was given by a vote of 4 to 0.
In other business, the Commission approved the closure of Lincoln Street, from 4th to 6th, and a portion of 5th street for Food Vendors, for the upcoming OZtoberfest on September 26th from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. According to Tourism Coordinator, Mikaela Kelley, there will be a car show, inflatables, a street dance from 6 to 9 in front of the Columbian Theatre, and a Beer Garden in the Meinhardt parking lot. When questioned about the requirements for the Beer Garden, Page said the State allows liquor served on private property. Approval was given by a vote of 4 to 0.
The Wamego City Commission endorsed another Wicked Marathon at Tuesday’s meeting. Wicked Marathon organizer, Doug Sellers gave the Commission an overview of the 2016 Marathon. He said the marathon course changed to solve the problems with traffic and out of concern for the safety of the runners. He said this year’s marathon was capped, but they have not capped the 2016 event, and expect 400 for the half and 100 for the full marathon. The 2016 Wicked Marathon is scheduled for March 26th.
City Manager Merl Page complimented Sellers for an admirable job of working with the authorities, and said he couldn’t see any reason not to recommend the event. Commissioner Bill Ditto added that based on the condition of the current governing body, there would be no conflict of interest with their approval. The event was approved by a vote of 4 to 0.
In other business, the Commission approved the recommendation from the Recreation Department to purchase their shirts from the lowest bidder, Stewart’s Sports, for the upcoming year.
