2.11.25 City Commission Meeting Highlights
On February 11, 2025, the Manhattan City Commission held a work session regarding a Home Rehabilitation & Repair Program. Mayor McCulloh also acknowledged the political climate and its possible impact on the 17,880 federal employees in Kansas. With 6,000 in the Department of Veteran Affairs, 1,500 in Agriculture, 700 in Transportation, 600 in the EPA, and 400 in the Interior, Mayor McCulloh highlighted, “Those are a lot of our friends and neighbors. Their life situation is up in the air, so let’s see what we can do to make sure that everybody knows that we’re there for them.” However, no specific actions or resources were announced at this time.
At the next Legislative session on 2/18, commissioners will consider finalizing Ordinance No. 7741 levying special assessments (discussed on 2/4). On the general agenda, the city will consider a development agreement for Sunflower Flats with the Manhattan Housing Authority, a Guaranteed Maximum Price of ~$5.5 million for 12th St. construction, and splitting the 12th St. construction into two phases.
Home Rehabilitation & Repair Program Work Session
The Commission discussed a $100,000 Workforce Housing Sales Tax allocation, with 10% to be reserved for emergencies and critical repairs. Modeled after Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs), this program aims to assist owner-occupied units within city limits for residents earning no more than 120% of the area median income.
State-registered non-profit organizations providing repair or rehabilitation services, such as Habitat for Humanity and Shepard’s Crossing, may submit applications for potential projects to request reimbursement. The first round will be in late March of 2025, and approvals are expected to take under a year.
Eligible program categories and limits:
Home Rehab & Repair: Up to $20,000 (mortgage required, funds recouped by city if the homeowner sells within 5 years upon repair).
Manufactured Home Repair: Up to $2,500 (for homes under 30 years old).
ADA Accessibility Improvements: Up to $2,500.
Emergency Repairs: Up to $5,000.
The Commission may allocate additional funds if the initial $100,000 is exhausted. A Habitat for Humanity board member expressed support, noting that 227 homes have been preserved since 1999.
City Manager and Staff Briefing
Warming Shelter & Emergency Response:
A temporary resolution has been reached, though details remain unclear. Chief French reported twice-daily check-ins this week between emergency services and community partners.
The Center of Hope Ministry intends to operate the volunteer-led Warming Shelter through March. Volunteers are encouraged to sign-up for shifts to help keep the Warming Shelter open.
Kansas Department of Emergency Management is offering a 4-hour crisis response training for elected officials.
CDBG’s upcoming Five-Year Plan and discussion on funding priorities.
City’s key issues and concerns for the upcoming Intergovernmental meeting on 2/20:
Revisiting Cico Park and RHID agreeements
Following up on the County’s emergency management plan
Seeking clarity about K-State’s plans for 1,200 cows north of Meadowlark.
Up Next Week (Agenda)
Final approval of Ordinance No. 7741 levying special assessments.
Approval of the Sunflower Flats development agreement with Manhattan Housing Authority.
Accepting a Guaranteed Maximum Price in the amount of $5,439,282.00 and authorize the construction of 12th Street, from Moro Street to Laramie Street, and the alley between Moro Street and Laramie Street from North Manhattan Avenue to 12th Street (AG2202).
Consideration of splitting the project into two phases:
