> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Manhattan City Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/manhattan-city-commission-summary-32/ - Published: 2026-11-04T13:05:14.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-04T13:05:14.000Z - Description: Week of November 4, 2026 - Author: Greg Loving - Tags: Manhattan, #summary # Commission approves downtown district expansion to Ninth Street # Nonprofit exemptions limit downtown district expansion # Aggieville Business Improvement District renewed for 2027 # City approves $175,000 utility truck after budget debate # Water utility fund remains stable despite revenue dip # International artists submit designs for partner city mural # New skate plaza opens to Manhattan residents --- ### Commission approves downtown district expansion to Ninth Street MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday expanding the Downtown Business Improvement District boundary along Poyntz Avenue from Juliette Avenue to Ninth Street. Downtown Manhattan, Inc. requested the expansion to match the aesthetic and infrastructure improvements brought by a nearby development, including new pedestrian lights and crosswalks. The expansion will capture six or seven new businesses, which will pay district fees in exchange for services such as sidewalk trash collection, business promotion and a community flag program. --- ### Nonprofit exemptions limit downtown district expansion MANHATTAN, Kan. — State statutes exempting nonprofits, government agencies and churches from paying business improvement district fees are forcing Downtown Manhattan, Inc. (DMI) to expand its boundaries cautiously. Responding to commission questions about why the newly expanded downtown district didn't extend further down Poyntz Avenue to 17th Street, DMI Executive Director Gina Snyder explained that taking on additional territory without a high density of fee-paying retail businesses would overextend the organization's budget for services like trash collection and beautification. --- ### Aggieville Business Improvement District renewed for 2027 MANHATTAN, Kan. — Commissioners voted 5-0 to continue the Aggieville Business Improvement District and authorize the levying of service fees for 2027\. The annual ordinance allows city administration to execute agreements with the Aggieville Business Association, which uses the collected funds to perform marketing, maintenance and other services to support businesses operating within the district. --- ### City approves $175,000 utility truck after budget debate MANHATTAN, Kan. — The purchase of a 2027 Ford F-550 service truck was pulled from Tuesday's consent agenda after coming in $25,000 over its initial budget, though commissioners ultimately approved the purchase 5-0\. Public Works Director Randy DeWitt explained the city rejected a single public bid because it exceeded the budgeted amount, and instead utilized the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program to secure the $175,000 vehicle from Olathe Fleet Sales. The specialized truck features a power-pack utility package with power-take-off hydraulics and generators needed for water main repairs and hauling heavy excavation equipment. --- ### Water utility fund remains stable despite revenue dip MANHATTAN, Kan. — The city's water utility fund remains financially healthy with approximately $15 million in reserves, despite a projected $400,000 decrease in revenue. Public Works Director Randy DeWitt confirmed the financial status during Tuesday's debate over the purchase of new utility trucks, assuring commissioners that the fund's overall budget and cost savings could comfortably absorb the over-budget equipment purchases without negatively impacting ratepayers. --- ### International artists submit designs for partner city mural MANHATTAN, Kan. — More than 60 designs have been submitted for a new public mural on Fort Riley Boulevard celebrating Manhattan's partner city relationship with Dobřichovice, Czech Republic, city officials announced Tuesday. The Partner City Advisory Board received submissions from local artists as well as international entries from countries including Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Colombia and Mexico. --- ### New skate plaza opens to Manhattan residents MANHATTAN, Kan. — Local skateboarding enthusiasts have a new venue to practice their sport following the completion of the city's new skate plaza. The city announced during Tuesday's meeting that the plaza, located within CiCo Park, is officially open for public use. --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)