MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson City Council opened its first meeting of the year with a new council member sworn in, new leadership selected, and a wide-ranging agenda that included approval of industrial revenue bonds for a major local business expansion, a disputed rezoning request tied to domestic farm animals, and updates on floodplain mapping and city policies.
Early in the meeting, city staff and council members recognized outgoing Councilmember Jon Richardson for his service. City Manager Enrico Villegas thanked him for his time on the council and spoke to the working relationship between a city manager and council, calling it “a very unique relationship,” and said he looked forward to continuing to see him in the community.
The departing council member also addressed colleagues and staff, saying the first two years on the council were “pretty rough,” while expressing appreciation for city staff professionalism and saying the last two years “have gone much better.”
The council then administered the oath of office to newly elected at-large council member Darrin Truan.
In subsequent votes, the council elected Scott Magers as mayor and Greg Fast as vice mayor. Both were then sworn into their leadership roles.
PrairieLand Partners IRB approved
Council members held a public hearing and approved a resolution determining the advisability of issuing taxable industrial revenue bonds for the PrairieLand Partners project.
Finance Director Angela Richard told council the project involves an expansion of a commercial facility of about 32,000 square feet at 1800 S. Lorraine, with an estimated $6 million in proposed IRBs. Richard said the city would serve as the leaseholder under the IRB structure and PrairieLand Partners would be the lessee, with the city not responsible for project costs, debt payments, or expansion expenses. She added the applicant is also requesting a 10-year property tax abatement.
No public comment was offered during the IRB hearing, and the council later approved the resolution unanimously.
Rezoning request for animals approved after debate
Council also approved an ordinance amending the city’s zoning map to change a property at 503 Cloverdale Drive from R-4 residential neighborhood conservation to R-1 single household suburban, allowing limited domestic farm animals.
Community Development Director Matt Williams said the applicant wanted to keep goats, sheep and potentially one horse or donkey, which are not permitted under the current R-4 zoning. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5-0, with a protective overlay limiting use to single-family and limiting animals to 10 goats or sheep and one horse or donkey.
Williams noted that after the Planning Commission meeting, the city received six valid protest petitions within the protest calculation area, totaling 61%—above the state statute threshold—meaning approval would require a supermajority vote.
Council discussion included questions about enforcement, which staff described as complaint-driven, with violations addressed through letters and potentially court action if not remedied.
During public comment, property owner Ryan Ragosa said opposition was based on “90% false” information in an unsigned letter included in the packet, and described steps he said he has taken to improve and maintain the property. Ragosa told council he currently has “three” goats or sheep, about “24 or 25” chickens, and is investing in fencing to prevent issues.
Several residents spoke in support of the rezoning, with one neighbor urging the city to consider a broader rezoning for the area due to the larger lot sizes and rural character.
After hearing from speakers, council members indicated their views shifted toward acting on the Planning Commission’s recommendation rather than returning the matter for additional review. The council approved the rezoning ordinance unanimously.
Floodplain map update: reduction in affected area
In a floodplain map update, city staff reported progress in challenging and refining floodplain mapping data in coordination with the Kansas Division of Water Resources and two consultants, JEO and EER.
Staff said they identified infrastructure differences—such as larger pipe diameters than originally reflected in state data—and provided historical information, resulting in an estimated 25% to 35% reduction from initial floodplain mapping projections.
Officials said the city will continue work before maps are finalized, and will use updated maps—expected the following week—to help prioritize future stormwater projects, including planned ponds and drainage improvements.