Emporia City Commissioners have three meetings in one Tuesday.
Commissioners will first convene their regular action meeting with the top order of business being consideration and possible approval of the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas’ reorganization plan. The RDA developed a tentative agreement for the Economic Development Advancement Committee to study potential changes to RDA operations, using metrics from an external partner report to set the baseline for what’s to come.
The tentative agreement was developed as an alternative to the City of Emporia’s letter which demanded changes be made to the RDA’s board structure by January 21, Tuesday, or else additional actions may be taken including the possible cessation of funding by the city to the RDA. Many saw this as a potential power grab by city commissioners, however, City Manager Trey Cocking on the most recent installment of the monthly Q&A With Trey Monday stated it was far from it.
Cocking also noted the agreement, if approved by the city, would institute a new series of timelines and he is hopeful no further actions, including the end of funding, will be necessary.
In other business, commissioners will consider the City of Emporia’s 2025 legislative statement and a resolution that would adopt mandatory contractual provisions for city contracts. Following the action session, commissioners will convene the first meeting of the city’s Public Building Commission (PBC) the formation of which was approved earlier this month.
Items of consideration and discussion for the PBC will include a resolution adopting bylaws of the PBC, the appointment of officers, PBC policies and a municipal advisory agreement for series 2025 PBC revenue bonds with Raymond James and Associates, Inc.
Finally, commissioners will convene for a study session with topics to include a presentation on the Wall That Heals as well as discussions on codes of procedure for commission meetings, the appointment of a commissioner to the Emporia Library Board, a preview of the 2025 Street Rehab projects and discussions regarding new public works employees.
The meetings will begin at 1:30 pm inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
