The Chanute City Commission held two key meetings in September, discussing significant development plans and community events. These meetings addressed the sale of Osa Martin lots, upcoming fireworks displays, and several community improvement projects.
September 9 Meeting Recap
The first meeting on September 9 opened with public comments from Chanute resident Jay Witt, who has lived in the city for 18 years. Witt expressed his desire for his mother-in-law, a librarian in her early 60s, to move to Chanute. He praised the city for its rich history, noting the early introduction of municipal electricity in 1903. He encouraged the commission to consider developing 4-6 new homes on Osa Martin Lane to attract more residents.
Commissioners also discussed plans for the September 11 memorial event, approving a temporary road closure for the ceremony.
A public hearing was held regarding a 1% sales tax for the Chanute Square Community Improvement District (CID). There were no public comments, and the hearing was closed shortly thereafter. Commissioners voted to approve the sales tax, with funds earmarked for improving the shopping center on 14th Street and South Santa Fe Ave.
Next, the commission discussed the sale of eight Osa Martin lots, which require utilities and road construction. Development costs were estimated to exceed $450,000, with utilities and taxes expected to cover about half of this cost within five years. While prices for the lots were discussed, the commission opted to open the bidding process to the public for 60 days, setting a minimum bid of $20,000 per lot. The Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center (NMRMC) Foundation expressed interest in purchasing the lots at $10,000 per lot to build homes but was asked to wait until the public bidding process concluded. The Foundation was given the right to counter any offers.
Other business included the passage of fire protection ordinances for Big Creek, Canville, and Tioga Townships, reflecting a 2.5% increase in contract costs for 2025.
September 23 Meeting Recap In a follow-up to the discussion on the Osa Martin lots, the commission reconvened on September 23. The NMRMC Foundation submitted an offer to purchase the lots at $20,000 per lot, matching the previously set minimum bid. The commission opted to approve the sale without opening it to the public, citing the opportunity to recoup costs while allowing the Foundation to begin construction on eight new homes immediately.
One commissioner expressed concerns about fairness and suggested listing the lots publicly first. However, others noted the availability of other lots in the area and the importance of moving forward. The final decision was to approve the Foundation’s offer, and construction is expected to begin shortly.
The commission also reviewed plans for the 2025 fireworks show, with Mike Miller, the organizer, returning for another year. The display is set for Saturday, July 5, 2025, continuing the successful format from previous years. Miller, who also manages the fireworks for Fredonia and Neodesha, remarked that last year’s Chanute show had the largest turnout so far and they received no complaints.
In other business, the commission voted to move their November 11 meeting to November 12 due to the Veterans Day holiday.
During commissioner comment, one commissioner commented on a recent softball tournament hosted at the Santa Fe Complex by Orizon, which brought teams from St. Louis to Wichita. Positive feedback from the tournament suggests it will return next year. The commissioner also praised the success of the Chanute Mexican Festival, noting the event’s strong turnout.
