Manhattan City Commission Summary
Week of November 4, 2026
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.
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