Salina voters reject pit bull ban repeal in special election

Commission denies sales tax exemption for KMEA expansion

City, Boys & Girls Club reach consensus on new Sunset Park location

Commissioners review lease terms for youth facility

Fairgrounds renovations near completion

Masonic Center parking improvements planned

City manager confirms unsatisfactory animal shelter inspection

Deadline looms for breed-specific legislation ballots

Kanopolis Lake outlet construction extends into spring

Salina voters reject pit bull ban repeal in special election

SALINA, Kan. — Unofficial results from the Saline County Election Office show that Salina voters chose to keep the city's breed-specific pit bull ban, with 5,329 votes against repeal and 4,123 in favor. The mail-ballot special election, held Tuesday, asked whether to remove all breed-specific language from Chapter 7 of the municipal code, effectively ending the ban enacted in 2004. Approximately 270 provisional ballots remain to be counted on Monday, March 2, at 9 a.m., though the margin makes a reversal unlikely. Saline County Clerk Jamie Doss encouraged voters who may have forgotten to sign their ballots to contact the election office. The result is binding for at least 10 years under state law, meaning the commission cannot revisit the ordinance before 2036.

Commission denies sales tax exemption for KMEA expansion

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina City Commission voted 3-2 Monday to deny Resolution 26-8336, which would have authorized industrial revenue bonds to provide a sales tax exemption for the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency. The nonprofit quasi-municipal entity, known as KMEA, intends to construct a new $8.5 million facility on five acres on Progress Drive and sought an exemption on construction materials estimated at $250,000, with the city's portion totaling approximately $34,000. Commissioners expressed concern regarding the precedent of granting incentives to a nonprofit entity that is already exempt from paying property taxes, noting that typical industrial revenue bonds are approved with the expectation of future property tax revenue.

City, Boys & Girls Club reach consensus on new Sunset Park location

SALINA, Kan. — Following public opposition to a previous proposal that would have displaced Bondy Field, city commissioners reached a consensus to move forward with a new location for a proposed Boys & Girls Club of Salina facility within Sunset Park. During a study session, staff presented a plan to site the facility north of Bondy Field in the area formerly occupied by tennis courts. City Manager Jacob Wood noted that the new location allows the baseball field to remain in use by the Mexican American Baseball League and local residents while utilizing an area of the park that currently suffers from poor drainage.

Commissioners review lease terms for youth facility

SALINA, Kan. — As part of the Boys & Girls Club of Salina discussion, the commission reviewed potential lease terms for the new facility, which would likely span 50 to 99 years. The city tentatively agreed to cover approximately $40,000 to $60,000 for water and sewer line extensions, as well as routine grounds maintenance and snow removal. A new request from the organization asks the city to assist with parking and road improvements adjacent to the site, which would serve both the club and Bondy Field users; staff will draft a formal lease agreement to present to the commission for action within the next 30 days.

Fairgrounds renovations near completion

SALINA, Kan. — City administration provided an update on the multiyear renovation project at the Saline County Livestock and Expo Center, including Kenwood Hall and the Ag Hall. City Manager Jacob Wood reported that significant progress has been made, including window replacements and tuck-pointing, satisfying the requirements of an agreement between the city and county. Staff clarified that while sidewalks have been improved, the grounds will not be fully paved because the hard surfaces are unsuitable for the horses housed and shown at the facility.

Masonic Center parking improvements planned

SALINA, Kan. — While discussing downtown venues, City Manager Jacob Wood noted that the Salina Masonic Center is currently utilized for community events, including a recent NAACP fundraiser. Wood confirmed that while the building's exterior lighting and entryways have been improved, the parking lot remains in poor condition. He indicated that paving the lot is on the city's agenda for future improvements to support the venue's utility.

City manager confirms unsatisfactory animal shelter inspection

SALINA, Kan. — During the public comment period regarding Salina Animal Services, City Manager Jacob Wood confirmed that the city recently received a state inspection report from the Kansas Department of Agriculture deemed "unsatisfactory" regarding the facility. Wood stated that the Animal Control Advisory Board has recommended the commission discuss the possibility of transferring shelter management to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, a private nonprofit organization, and the commission is expected to hold a study session to discuss the inspection results and the management proposal in late March.

Deadline looms for breed-specific legislation ballots

SALINA, Kan. — City Manager Jacob Wood reminded the public that ballots for the election regarding breed-specific legislation, or BSL, must be returned by noon today, Tuesday, Feb. 24. Because the deadline is immediate, Wood noted that it is too late to mail ballots, and they must be dropped off in person at the appropriate Saline County Election Office locations to be counted.

Kanopolis Lake outlet construction extends into spring

KANOPOLIS, Kan. — During the Lower Smoky Hill Water Supply Access District meeting, staff reported that construction on the outfall line at Kanopolis Lake is ongoing, with completion expected in March. Crews are rebuilding the outfall with riprap and concrete to address significant erosion, keeping the lake at a low water level currently sitting two feet below conservation pool. Officials expressed hope that the work will conclude soon to allow the lake to hold water for the summer season.

Brought to you by

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us