City Celebrates Three New Developments

Trio of Celebrations Across the Community
ribbon cutting

On Thursday, April 27th, 2023, the Osawatomie City Council and members of the community celebrated a trio of new developments. The festivities began at 5:00pm in downtown Osawatomie at the currently vacant lots located at 530 Main Street.

Stop and Celebrate

At this spot, with an array of golden shovels propped behind him, Mayor Nick Hampson previewed what's coming for the City-owned property including community engagement sessions for long-term development and temporary amenities to make the space attractive and usable. The two vacant lots were purchased by the City in December 2020 as part of downtown redevelopment planning. Re-imagining the lots was included as part of the first round of Planning Sustainable Places (PSP) planning in 2021, and renderings based on community input were included in the final recommendations presented to the City Council in October 2021. In 2022, as the City applied and prepared for a second round of PSP activities, an investment in the properties was planned to help illustrate what the final space could include and prepare the property for future development. In March of 2023, the City was awarded $10,000 from the Hawkins Foundation and received $10,000 from Greater Osawatomie to accomplish this transitional plan. Main Street Plaza (a temporary name) will eventually reach its final form of development after the latest PSP planning work is completed by the community. The recommendations and desires of the public will work to shape the ultimate look and function of the space.

ground breaking
Two members of the public in attendance were invited to assist with the ceremonial groundbreaking and welcome a new chapter of downtown development to life. Thank you to Donna Eichorn and Derek Henness for supporting and investing in Osawatomie's future!

With the dirt settled downtown, the group made its way to the Creamery Bridge to cut the ribbon on a beautiful new piece of public art sponsored by the Osawatomie Arts Commission. The Arts Commission was established last year to help introduce a variety of arts and culture events, programming, and installations throughout the community. The Commission has seven members serving from the community and two staff liaisons who work behind the scenes. In 2022, the City applied for and was awarded $15,000 from the Allen W. and Gladys Hawkins Charitable Foundation to install more murals in the community. Arts Commission members decided on a fun and funky project for two colorful "greeting" murals on the levee wing walls at 8th Street and 6th Street. A public Call for Artists was published, and the Arts Commission reviewed a number of talented applicants before selecting their preferred finalists. After review and design finalization, the City awarded two contracts (one for each set of walls). Once the spring weather finally arrived, Lynnsey Fletcher of Art by Lynnsey got to work on her site and produced the BEAUTIFUL wildflowers, bees, and "perfectly Kansas" greeting celebrated Thursday evening. She knocked both walls out in less than four days in less-than-ideal weather conditions and city officials could not be more impressed -- or more thrilled!

ribbon cutting
The City Council was joined by members of the Arts Commission to celebrate the new mural. Arts Commission members present include Heather Burke, Nicole Henness, Jordy Goff, Emily Duncan, and Sarah Dorsett. Members Not Pictured: Shay Hanysak and Elizabeth Holmes.

Helping with traffic control at the levee were several members of Osawatomie Police Department, who also had exciting news to share: NEW VEHICLES! For many years, the City of Osawatomie has been plagued with dated or failing vehicles, many of which are lacking modern standard safety features. Older vehicles are also more prone to need extensive or frequent maintenance and lack fuel efficiency. In short, having an older fleet puts our employees' safety at risk and costs more money to maintain. In response to this issue, the City of Osawatomie entered into a partnership with Enterprise Fleet Management Systems to lease new vehicles into the City's aging 28-vehicle fleet. This lease program ensures the City has continued access to safe, reliable vehicles and is estimated to reduce maintenance costs by 64% over the next five years. By leasing newer, more fuel efficient vehicles it's also estimated that the City can save over 20% on fuel costs over the next five years. Police Chief David Stuteville was pleased to introduce the new vehicles to the public in attendance and explained the program from the perspective of the Police Department. He said the Police Department is celebrating the arrival of six (6) 2023 Chevy Traverse Special Service Vehicles (SSV) that are specially designed for use within municipal police departments and will also soon be welcoming the addition of six (6) 2023 Ford F-150 patrol-ready trucks. Other vehicles for Public Works and Utility Departments are scheduled for delivery later in 2023 and throughout 2024.

police chief talks new cars
Police Chief David Stuteville stands with Mayor Nick Hampson and introduces the new lease program for the City of Osawatomie's 28-vehicle fleet, which includes the pair of Chevy Traverses seen behind him.

The City of Osawatomie was thrilled to see so many members of the public in attendance throughout the evening and was glad for the opportunity shine a spotlight on these recent developments. For more information on any of these projects, please reach out to City staff at 913-755-2146 or [email protected].