2.4.25 City Commission Meeting Highlights
On February 4, 2025, the Manhattan City Commission held a public hearing regarding levying special assessments in 14 districts. During general public comments, speakers opposed proposed changes to the public comment structure and highlighted concerns about the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Manhattan. The next city commission meeting on February 11, 2025, will consider a Home Rehabilitation & Repair Assistance Program.
Public Comments
Four individuals spoke against the proposed changes to the public comment structure. Currently, speakers are allotted five minutes each, with no overall time limit or cap on the number of speakers per item. During the Work Session on 2/11/25 and the Legislative Meeting on 2/18/25, a trial run will be implemented, limiting public comments to three minutes per person and capping discussion at 30 minutes per item. Opponents argued that government is not a business and that public feedback is limited to either voting— which occurs every two years— or providing public comment. Several expressed concern that the change signaled a lack of interest from city commissioners in their constituents' voices.
Two individuals spoke regarding how the presence of ICE in Manhattan may negatively impact the community’s well being and sense of safety for non-white residents.
An excerpt: “When people are forced to live in constant fear—of family separation, of being targeted, of simply existing in public—it takes a toll on their mental health… It is alarming to see how some in Manhattan speak of their neighbors—reducing human beings to nothing more than the word “illegals.” Dehumanization isn’t just hateful rhetoric; it is an early warning indicator that a community is psychologically preparing itself to carry out violence… Right next door, Missouri lawmakers are proposing a bounty-hunting program, encouraging people to hunt another human being. Last week, a Missouri man impersonated an ICE agent, broke into someone’s home, choked the resident, and demanded they prove their citizenship. When fear and dehumanization take hold, this is the outcome… It is not just undocumented immigrants who are affected. Will every nonwhite person have to carry their birth certificate and passport just to prove they belong? [The city] needs to take real steps to ensure all our residents—regardless of immigration status—feel safe, supported, and valued. At the bare minimum, we need to keep our schools and churches safe…”
Public Hearing: Levying Special Assessments
Outcome: The Manhattan City Commission unanimously approved (5-0) levying special assessments for: Candlewood Shopping Center turn lane street improvements; The Highlands at Grand Mere — sanitary sewer, street, and water; Stagg Hill Golf Course waterline improvements; Elijah Addition — sanitary sewer, street, and water; Henry Addition — sanitary sewer, street, and water; Genesis Health Club sidewalk improvements; and Stagg Hill Business Community Addition sewer and water extension.
Public Feedback: At least three citizens raised concerns about special assessments after their real estate agents and developers underestimated their payments by $1-2k.