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06/16/26 | Hutchinson, KS, | City Council Meeting
Published: Jun 16, 2026
City Council Approves Development Agreement with Takaco for Expansion, Creating 15 New Jobs
The City Council considered a development agreement between the City of Hutchinson and Takaco for operational expansion and the addition of approximately 15 new jobs. Takaco anticipates these jobs will start at a minimum of $18 per hour, with potential to reach up to $22+ per hour, and will include benefits such as health insurance. The agreement is structured according to the city's current job incentive policy, offering $1,000 per job created and expiring in 2031. Council members discussed the wage standards and benefits, noting that while the starting wage might be low, the company's rapid raise schedule and comprehensive benefits package were highlighted. The Greater Hutch Economic Development Partnership and a representative from Takaco provided background, emphasizing the company's long-standing presence, growth, and commitment to employee development through training and raises. The council ultimately approved the development agreement.
City Council Discusses Proclamation Policy Refinements
The City Council discussed a proposed policy for proclamations, aiming to establish clear parameters for their issuance. Key points of discussion included the role of city staff versus the Human Relations Officer (HRO) in vetting requests, the potential for a tiered system for proclamations (e.g., read, published online only, signed but not read), and the need to ensure proclamations are considered government speech and do not create First Amendment issues. Council members expressed concerns about the tiered system and the potential for perceived unequal value of proclamations. Suggestions included designating one recognition meeting per month, encouraging early submission, providing standardized templates, and ensuring broad community participation. The HRO's role in reviewing discrimination-related proclamations was also discussed. Ultimately, the council agreed to refine the policy based on feedback and to potentially incorporate elements like allowing proclamations to carry over to the next meeting if they don't fall within a designated month. The council also considered the possibility of making proclamation discussions more efficient and clear for future meetings. Public comment included a resident's concern about the city proclaiming contradictory viewpoints and another resident's detailed recommendations for proclamation guidelines, emphasizing inclusivity and community relevance.
City Council Debates Proposed Proclamation Policy, Focusing on Fairness and Efficiency
The City Council discussed a proposed policy for proclamations, aiming to establish clear parameters for their issuance. Key points of discussion included the role of city staff versus the Human Relations Officer (HRO) in vetting requests, the potential for a tiered system for proclamations (e.g., read, published online only, signed but not read), and the need to ensure proclamations are considered government speech and do not create First Amendment issues. Council members expressed concerns about the tiered system and the potential for perceived unequal value of proclamations. Suggestions included designating one recognition meeting per month, encouraging early submission, providing standardized templates, and ensuring broad community participation. The HRO's role in reviewing discrimination-related proclamations was also discussed. Ultimately, the council agreed to refine the policy based on feedback and to potentially incorporate elements like allowing proclamations to carry over to the next meeting if they don't fall within a designated month. The council also considered the possibility of making proclamation discussions more efficient and clear for future meetings. Public comment included a resident's concern about the city proclaiming contradictory viewpoints and another resident's detailed recommendations for proclamation guidelines, emphasizing inclusivity and community relevance.
APAC Kansas Awarded Contract for K-61 Resurfacing Project
The City Council reviewed bid results for the K-61 resurfacing project from US 50 to 17th Avenue. This project involves resurfacing the southbound lanes of K-61. The initial engineering estimate for the project was $550,756.01. Only one bid was received from APAC Kansas in the amount of $437,617.41, which is favorable and below the estimate. The council recommended accepting this bid and awarding the project to APAC Kansas.
Council Reports Highlight Community Growth, Infrastructure Progress, and Ongoing Data Center Debate
Council members provided their reports, with Councilmember Garza sharing his experience at a county meeting regarding data centers and reiterating his call for a moratorium. Councilmember Fast thanked staff and acknowledged the positive community developments, including the new YMCA, the Fox Theater video, and the Smallville Festival. She also commended the progress in code enforcement leading to property improvements and business openings. Councilmember Magers also praised the YMCA and other community investments, highlighting the importance of holding property owners accountable through code enforcement. Cecil Weibel, Director of Public Works, provided updates on the Woody Seat project and a successful grant application for bridge repairs at Six-Ton Keys, which will be 100% state-covered. He also mentioned a potential large contribution for tree removal across town. Councilmember Fast also noted that the Takaco expansion aligns with the city's outreach efforts during her trip to Japan.
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06/16/26 | Hutchinson, KS, | City Council Meeting
06/16/26 | Hutchinson, KS, | City Council Meeting
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