Manhattan Assistant City Manager, Keil Mangus, presented updated language to city noise ordinances to the Commissioner’s meeting. City Attorney, Katie Jackson, stated they were antiquated – originally written in 1989. However, the proposed updates left Commissioners and local business owners with more questions than answers.
Commissioner Mike Dodson asked, “What is reasonableness?”
The new language provides required decidable levels and time constraints for residential, commercial, and industrial zoning areas. What was originally intended to help residents and Riley County Police Department, turned into a public debate.
In a 4 to 1 vote, Commissioners decided to table the noise ordinance amendments until more information has been gathered and more input has come from community members.
Manhattan City Commission approved the first reading of an Economic development agreement with Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC). MATC is requesting $300,000 to increase their instructional space by 11%.
MATC also requested a 2011 loan forgiveness of $291,000, stating original negotiations do not reflect current financial trends. Commissioners expressed concern and proposed to revisit the performance standards for potential modification.
A second reading will be considered on July 19th.
The first reading of private-public partnership was approved for the The City Auditorium and Peace memorial Project. The project asked for an additional $37,000, and was meet with some resistance.
All commissioners support the project, but Commissioner Wynn Butler cautioned as the amount requested has continued to increase.
The Manhattan Area Chamber of commerce for Economic Development services, which includes Fort Riley Promotion/Military Relations also presented at the commission meeting. They requested $143,080 from the Economic Development fund for economic development recruitment and retention services.
The Chamber also requested $40,000 from the Economic Development Fund for the promotion of Fort Riley and management of issues relating to its impact on the City of Manhattan.
