The Emporia City Commission is set to engage in a series of three pivotal meetings on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, beginning at 1:30 pm in the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium. These sessions aim to address significant developments concerning the city’s economic and infrastructural landscape.
Regular Action Meeting
The initial meeting will focus on the consideration and potential approval of the Regional Development Association (RDA) of East Central Kansas’ reorganization plan. This plan emerges as a response to the City of Emporia’s earlier request for modifications to the RDA’s board structure, with a stipulated deadline of January 21.
The city’s proposal suggested that failure to implement these changes could lead to actions such as the cessation of municipal funding to the RDA. City Manager Trey Cocking has clarified that this initiative is not a power grab but a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency.
The reorganization plan includes the formation of the Economic Development Advancement Committee, tasked with evaluating potential changes to RDA operations based on metrics from an external partner report.
Additional agenda items for the action meeting include the review of the City of Emporia’s 2025 legislative statement and a resolution to adopt mandatory contractual provisions for city contracts.
Public Building Commission Inaugural Meeting
Following the action meeting, the commissioners will convene the first session of the newly established Public Building Commission (PBC).
The PBC, approved earlier this month, serves as an alternative funding mechanism authorized by the state, enabling local municipalities to issue bonds for various projects without impacting the city’s bonding authority.
Discussions will encompass the adoption of bylaws, appointment of officers, establishment of PBC policies, and a municipal advisory agreement for the 2025 PBC revenue bonds with Raymond James and Associates, Inc.
Study Session
The final meeting of the day is a study session covering several topics:
- A presentation on the “Wall That Heals,” a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
- Discussions on procedural codes for commission meetings.
- Appointment of a commissioner to the Emporia Public Library Board.
- A preview of the 2025 Street Rehabilitation projects.
- Deliberations regarding the recruitment of new public works employees.
Meeting Schedule Overview
| Meeting Type | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Action Meeting | January 21, 2025 | 1:30 pm | Municipal Courtroom, White Auditorium |
| Public Building Commission | January 21, 2025 | Following Action Meeting | Municipal Courtroom, White Auditorium |
| Study Session | January 21, 2025 | Following PBC Meeting | Municipal Courtroom, White Auditorium |
These meetings underscore the City Commission’s commitment to addressing critical issues and fostering community development through structured and transparent governance.