Pittsburg City Commission Meeting Recap - February 14

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PITTSBURG, KS – The following actions were taken at the Pittsburg City Commission meeting held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023:

PUBLIC ENTRANCE:

Major Eric Johnson with the Salvation Army shared an invocation prayer.

Proclamation:

Pittsburg Mayor Dr. Ron Seglie proclaimed February 14, 2023 as Dr. Ram Gupta Day in Pittsburg. Pittsburg State University associate professor Ram Gupta was named to the top two percent list of scientists in the world, a list published by Stanford University.

Commissioners voted to approve the following items on the consensus agenda:

Minutes of the Municipal Commission meeting of 24 January 2023.
Approving the Economic Development Advisory Committee’s (EDAC) recommendation to grant a 2023 tax abatement renewal to several companies, including Miller’s, Inc., Kendall Packaging Corporation, Dharma Properties, LLC, Rallison, LP, and E&J Investments, LLC.
EDAC’s recommendation to forgive the last $10,000 remaining on the loan to LeaDen Properties, LLC, to support the renovation of Signet Coffee Roasters, located at 109 North Broadway, as the owners have fully complied with the city’s requirements for loan forgiveness .
An inspection service agreement with Earles Engineering & Inspection Inc. of Pittsburg, Kansas for inspection services on Line 7B of the 2022 Sanitary Sewer Liner Project for a total cost not exceeding $116,015.
A professional services contract with Stantec for the Off-Broadway Historic Survey, in which the city will receive grants of up to $16,000 to support the survey of historic downtown buildings.
Adoption of resolution n. 1262, authorizing the preparation and filing of an application with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) for the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit (KHITC) program (DVLP developer, LLC).
Adoption of resolution n. 1263, authorizing the preparation and filing of an application with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) for the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit (KHITC) program (developer 3P Construction Services).
An agreement with S & H Management, LLC, for industrial fire services outside the city limits for properties located at 2106 West 4th Street.
Appropriation order for the period ending February 14, 2023, subject to release of HUD expenses when funds are received.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Sustainability Advisory Board Chair Denise Fitzpatrick presented SAC’s annual report and shared the committee’s recent completed projects.
Director of Housing & Community Development Kim Froman presented the Pittsburg Land Bank’s annual report.

The following items were considered on the main agenda:

LORENZ HAUS DEVELOPMENT, LLC REQUEST – The Commissioners approved the recommendation from the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) to allocate up to $8,750 to reimburse Lorenz Haus Development, LLC, for infrastructure improvements to the property located at 203 North Broadway. Shawnee Lorenz shared architectural renderings for the building’s future, with plans to replicate some of the original historic features, such as a nod to the early 1900s facade. Lorenz Haus is investing approximately $87,500 in the building.
RESOLUTION No. 1264 – The Commissioners adopted resolution no. 1264, indicating intent to issue certain taxable industrial income bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed six million dollars ($6,000,000) for the purpose of (a) purchasing, acquiring, constructing, supplying and equipping a commercial building plant in Pittsburg, Kansas, and (b) by paying certain costs of issuing same. The purpose of issuing the IRBs will be to support the redevelopment of the Washington School property into a future day care facility. The city is partnering with local community development company Point Forward to repurpose the Washington School and provide much-needed child care in the area.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION – WASHINGTON SCHOOL, LLC – The Commissioners voted to approve the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals recommendation to approve a conditional use permit application from The Washington School, LLC, to permit a day care center to operate at 205 South Locust under the provisions of the 30 of the Pittsburg Zoning Ordinance.
CHANGE REQUEST – TOWNER – 3202 GRAND OAKS DRIVE – The Commissioners approved a recommendation from the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals to approve a variation request submitted by Terrance & Karen Towner to allow for a larger 900-square-foot secondary structure at 3202 Grand Oaks Drive.
CHANGE REQUEST – BEASLEY – 1302 RANDALL DRIVE – The Commissioners voted to approve the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals recommendation to approve a variation request filed by Justin & Anni Beasley to allow for a larger 900-square-foot secondary structure at 1302 Randall Drive.
HOLIDAY REQUEST – FAMILIES AND CHILDREN TOGETHER – The Commissioners approved the recommendation from the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals to approve the application made by Families and Children Together (FACT) to vacate Silver Lake Drive, Mt. Carmel Drive and Green Acres Lane.
PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND MOWERS FOR FOUR OAKS GOLF COURSES – The commissioners approved the purchase of $284,508.32 of lawn mowers and equipment for Four Oaks Golf Course to be used by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
ORDER No. S-1092 – The commission approved ordinance no. S-1092, an ordinance to submit to qualified voters of the City of Pittsburg a proposal to continue to collect a sales tax on city retailers in the amount of one-half percentage point (0.5%) within the City of Pittsburg effective from January 1, 2024 and for a period of ten (10) years. This proposal pertains to the renewal of the city’s existing public safety sales tax and places a question on the ballot for a special election to be held on April 11. A citizen-led committee was formed to coordinate campaign efforts and educate the community about the renovation. A study session has been scheduled for March 28 to discuss the details of the election and answer questions from the community.

THE MAYOR’S MOMENT:

Pittsburg Mayor Dr. Ron Seglie reminded the community of the Spruce Up Pittsburg meeting being held at the Homer Cole Center on Thursday, February 23, 6-7:30pm.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

The Commissioners entered Executive Session to discuss staffing issues of non-elected staff pursuant to KSA 75-4319(b)(1), to discuss the City Manager’s 2023 goals. No action has been taken and no votes were cast during the executive session.

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The City of Pittsburg’s mission is to provide exceptional services, facilities and activities with integrity, professionalism, outstanding customer service and a commitment to economic viability.