Ulysses City Council opened its meeting January 7, with an impressive 23 members of the public in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ken Warner, followed by an opening prayer from Mark Diaz.
Before addressing the agenda, City Administrator Luke Grimes acknowledged the vacancy in the office of mayor and reviewed the city code outlining the procedure for filling the position. Ken Warner was formally sworn in as mayor by City Clerk Sarah Britton. Following this, Caleb Woods, Bravane Phelps, and Mark Diaz were sworn in for their respective City Council positions and took the oath of office, pledging to uphold both their duties and the City’s Code of Ethics.
Council President Selected After Tie Vote
As part of the Consent Agenda, Grimes noted the need to appoint a City Council President. Mark Diaz nominated Terry Dimmitt, while Terry Maas nominated Caleb Woods. At Mayor Warner’s request, both nominators offered brief remarks.
Diaz cited Dimmitt’s respect for public input, steady approach, and work ethic. Maas highlighted Woods’ community involvement and understanding of business matters. The vote resulted in a 3–3 tie, prompting Mayor Warner to cast the deciding vote. Warner selected Caleb Woods as Council President, citing Woods’ financial savvy as a key factor. The Consent Agenda was then motioned, seconded, and approved as printed.
Appointments and Community Foundation Discussion
There were no public comments during the visitor comment period. Grimes recommended Kelly Wilson for appointment to the Planning Committee. Wilson briefly addressed the council regarding the Board of Zoning and Appeals before being approved.
Discussion followed regarding the upcoming Community Foundation Gala and whether the city should provide support. Council members emphasized caution when using taxpayer funds to support organizations. Dimmitt suggested individual board members support the gala personally rather than through official city action. Woods mentioned the possibility of providing tickets to city employees, while Diaz encouraged individual donations.
City Administrator Presents 2026 Roadmap
Grimes presented a detailed 2026 Roadmap, outlining both his philosophy of municipal governance and specific goals for the year ahead. He began by noting Ulysses citizens are the council’s stakeholders, and outlined the city’s core responsibilities, including water, streets, safety, nuisance prevention, refuse services, and public spaces. Additional areas such as housing, economic development, retail, tourism, and environmental land use are supported through partnerships with other entities.
Grimes also clarified services such as elder care, health care, recreation, fire/EMS, electricity, social services, and public transportation are primarily provided by the county or private organizations rather than the city.
2026 Priorities
Housing was identified as the top priority. Grimes discussed efforts to expand housing options to attract larger employers, including the Miller Skies project, which would add eight three-bedroom units for young families and seniors. The city is pursuing economic housing development grants and may contribute $70,000 toward the project.
The second priority, Systemization, focuses on improving city processes and transparency. Grimes noted coursework from his master’s program—funded by the City of Ulysses—has influenced this approach. He emphasized the importance of honesty, transparency, and improved public information. City payroll has been outsourced during a transition period following staffing changes, and work is underway to stabilize city billing operations. Grimes also noted plans to explore a new city website, including a more searchable city code.
The third priority, Community Engagement, aims to increase public involvement. Grimes stated, “Uninvolved residents are underrepresented residents.” Ideas discussed included forming a Youth Council, expanding Latino community outreach, strengthening a downtown collective to attract new businesses, and encouraging broader community partnerships.
The fourth priority outlined major projects for 2026, including sewer infrastructure improvements pending a KDHE report, future park improvements with no set timeline, and a Highway 160 project that includes converting portions to concrete with a $200,000 city contribution. Additional projects include a potential Bentwood Community Center, improved aesthetics along commercial corridors, and addressing weed concerns along railroad and private properties.
Additional Council Comments and
Adjournment
Diaz emphasized the need for new water rights and drilling an additional city well, with Grimes agreeing on its importance. Diaz also highlighted the need to prepare for employee retirements by ensuring adequate training and succession planning.
There were no staff comments. Grimes encouraged council members to attend a Kansas Open Meetings Act webinar scheduled for February 26, and mentioned an upcoming Law Enforcement Appreciation event. Several council members noted appreciation for the strong public turnout to the meeting.
Dimmitt expressed optimism for the coming year and a commitment to transparency.
A motion was made, seconded, and the meeting was adjourned.
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