Emporia City Commissioners have approved the first steps towards establishing a Public Building Commission.
During their regular action meeting Wednesday, commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance exempting the city from provisions of certain state laws related to the establishment of a PBC. The PBC is a state-authorized alternative funding mechanism for local municipalities which has the authority to issue bonds for various projects that do not count against the city’s bonding authority.
City Manager Trey Cocking spoke with KVOE News following Wednesday’s meeting and explained the two projects the PBC could oversee in the immediate future if it is established.
The commission’s action Wednesday now begins a 60-day petition period following which a local PBC could be approved by Emporia City Commissioners. If established, Cocking says the city commission will likely make up the PBC.
In other business, commissioners approved a license agreement between the city and developers of the Gazette Collective Building for White Park which is connected to the Gazette building. According to Assistant City Manager Tayler Wash, the license agreement will only encompass a portion of the park.
Wash says the portion of White not encompassed by the agreement will continue to operate as a public park. The agreement will have an initial term of 10 years and is applicable for automatic renewals up to 50 years — five 10-year terms — with developers paying a $1,200 annual license fee.
In separate action Wednesday commissioners also approved the commencement of an evaluation and master plan for the city’s water treatment plant, an airport apron expansion design agreement and a resolution from the City of Wichita regarding intent to issue health care facilities revenue bonds.
The Emporia City Commission will next convene on Wednesday, October 2nd inside of the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium for their regular action session before adjounring the Emporia Municipal Airport for their regular study session.
