City Council members met in regular session April 12, and opened their meeting with an introduction of a non-profit organization to Ulysses.
Tracy Tanking, representing Southwest Miracles, began by introducing his organization, which is based out of Liberal. Tanking shared plans of the non-profit to begin its expansion into Grant County.
Southwest Miracles provides avenues for families in need of medical equipment and care.
"We can't do what we do without donations and volunteers," stated Tanking.
Southwest Miracles has made it possible for children to receive medical care in hospitals in Kansas City and Denver, provided furnishings, and hosted banquets among many other community-focused endeavors.
Katrina Peters will be the Ulysses representative for Southwest Miracles.
New business was then discussed by the council, opening with the condemnation hearing for 1225 East Texas Avenue. The property owner’s brother asked council members for a timeline to take care of the condemnation. After discussion, a 90-day time allowance was agreed upon.
Madison Bitter spoke to council members about permitting utility task vehicles (UTVs) within city limits. She mentioned that, currently, Lakin, Garden City, and Syracuse have ordinances that allow such vehicles on city streets. Mark Diaz expressed concern over four-wheelers being driven in city limits, given that these types of UTVs do not have restraints or overhead coverage.
“I know that’s going to be a big thing," said Mayor Tim McCauley. "Everybody wants a golf cart on the streets, but we really have to look after the safety of the people as well.”
McCauley also acknowledged the allowance of ATVs would benefit sales for Chase Trahern of Great Plains Autoplex, a local ATV dealer. Council members agreed more research and communication would be necessary to come to a conclusion.
Paul Rosales and Chris Faulkner approached the council with separate housing development proposals. Rosales shared an aerial view of his design that is set on a vacant block, located near South Main Street and East Miller Avenue. The eight lot property would be re-purposed for six manufactured homes.
The property’s infrastructure would undergo a dramatic face lift, developing the alley into a street, creating a sidewalk, and building a two-foot concrete starter fence around the homes. Rosales asked the council to consider investing into the housing development by implementing a special tax on the street and sidewalk.
Bob Dale Passini, Director of Economic Development, offered insight to the council.
“If you want your community to grow and you want housing for your work-force, you’re going to have to invest in your own community," Passini said. "You cannot rely on outside people to do all the investing.”
Mark Diaz inquired about the possibility of Economic Development providing aid to Rosales’s project.
“Well the chances are 100 percent," Passini responded. "It depends on what he (Rosales) needs or wants. That’s what we’re here for is to help those things along.”
Chris Faulkner, a local real estate agent, followed Rosales with a housing development proposal set near the golf course at Frazier Park.
Faulkner has been in the real estate business for 22 years. The development would consist of rental townhomes fit for residents coming to work in executive positions within Grant County.
“I am not looking at a project to make money," Faulkner said. "This is not something I am doing to profit from. I make my money from real estate everyday. What I was looking for is a project to improve our community, give me something to brainstorm and daydream about. It’s what I do. I’ve done a lot of them and I do it for fun but it has to make financial sense.”
Each rental would have three bedrooms, with a master suite on one side and the other bedrooms on the opposite side. A carport would be on each housing unit with a 30-foot-long patio.
“I think it would be a neat way to link the community to the driving range and the golf course,” said Faulkner. “I’ve been going down there since I was a kid, riding my mountain bike and running. We’ve had a lot of events there so it’s close to my heart.”
Faulkner said having housing in the golf course area would give the city more development opportunities. The possibility of a clubhouse was suggested, providing potential tenants with amenities such as a pool and fitness gym.
Terry Maas was the first to give feedback.
“We only purchased this property five months ago," Maas said. "I like what you’re doing. I like the design. It has a lot of merit. My position is, are we ready to turn and flip this when we haven’t really had a chance to see where we want to go with our own expansion?”
Faulkner reassured the council he is not pressed to get the project done as soon as possible but wanted to share his idea to put the possibilities out there.
There are grants available to fund housing development projects, but the eligibility requirements between each vary. The applications should open in May with an answer anticipated towards August.
The council agreed further meetings and discussions will need to be scheduled to create a more substantial, concrete decision about each housing development proposal.
The next city council meeting is planned for 5 p.m., April 26, at City Hall.
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