Hutchinson - Week of March 23, 2025

County Approves Solar Regulations, Debates Future of Moratorium

County Approves $100k for 2029 U.S. Senior Open

City Officials Travel to DC Seeking Airport Rehab, Remediation Well Funding

Hutchinson City Council Greenlights Commercial Facade Improvement Program

USD 308 Board Awards Daycare Construction Contract to Wiens & Company

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1. County Approves Solar Regulations, Debates Future of Moratorium

The Reno County Commission took significant steps toward regulating commercial solar development at their March 12 meeting, unanimously approving a prohibition on commercial solar installations within the Ninnescah River watershed's zoned portions. Commissioner Bogner, who resides in the area, described it as "a very fragile area" requiring protection. The commission also approved Article 26 establishing comprehensive commercial solar regulations for zoned areas of the county, which prompted discussion about the county-wide solar moratorium set to expire May 1. Public Works Director Don Brittain suggested the moratorium might no longer be necessary for zoned areas now that regulations are in place, while commissioners debated how to handle the approximately two-thirds of Reno County that remains unzoned. The commission split philosophically on whether to extend solar regulations to unzoned areas, with Commissioner Parks firmly stating, "They've made the choice to be unzoned," while Commissioner Hirst noted some unzoned area residents had expressed interest in solar regulations similar to those previously established for wind energy. The commission will address the moratorium's future at an upcoming meeting.
Source: Reno County

2. County Approves $100k for 2029 U.S. Senior Open

The Reno County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 on Tuesday to approve a $100k contribution to Prairie Dunes Country Club for hosting the 2029 U.S. Senior Open. The funds, which will be distributed over several years leading up to the tournament, will come from the county's economic development reserve fund, which currently holds over $1 million. County officials noted that when Prairie Dunes hosted the same tournament in 2006, the county saw a $50,000 increase in sales tax receipts during the event month.

Representatives from Prairie Dunes, including co-chair Brad Pryor, emphasized the tournament's projected $22 million economic impact and the significant national exposure it will bring to Hutchinson. "This is our World Cup," Pryor told commissioners, noting that the prestigious golf course has attracted new residents to Hutchinson in recent years. Commissioner Ron Vincent cast the lone dissenting vote, citing constituent concerns about allocating public funds to a private club. The commissioners supporting the measure stressed the importance of leveraging the tournament to promote other local attractions and accommodations for the expected 75,000 attendees.
Source: Reno County

3. City Officials Travel to DC Seeking Airport Rehab, Remediation Well Funding

Hutchinson officials are laying groundwork for substantial airport improvements in anticipation of the upcoming US Senior Open golf tournament, City Manager Enrico Villegas reported at Tuesday's council meeting. Following meetings in Washington DC with federal legislators, Villegas indicated the city is pursuing federal funding to enhance airport capacity through projects including tower rehabilitation, taxiway improvements, and runway upgrades. "What can we do to build up our airport capacity?" Villegas said, describing the dual purpose of supporting tournament logistics while spurring broader economic development. Villegas emphasized the city's strategy of leveraging outside resources to minimize local costs while maximizing potential economic benefits from the golf event. On the same trip, Villegas met with federal lawmakers about remediation well funding that could lead to significant savings for the city. Villegas and Councilman Fast met with Senator Moran, Senator Marshall, and a representative from Congressman Mann's office to discuss federal assistance for the city's remediation efforts. "If that plans out the way we're hoping, it would be $500-600k annualized that we would save," Villegas told the council. The city is actively working to get out of the business of operating these wells, with potential federal support representing what Villegas described as "real money" that could be saved from the municipal budget.
Source: City of Hutchinson

4. Hutchinson City Council Greenlights Commercial Facade Improvement Program

The Hutchinson City Council unanimously approved a new Commercial Facade Improvement Program on Tuesday, designed to combat blight and enhance community aesthetics. The initiative, slated to begin in 2026 with $150,000 allocated over three years, will provide matching grants covering up to 50% of eligible improvement costs with a maximum award of $10,000 per project. Commercial properties located on arterial streets south of and including 11th Avenue will be eligible to apply, provided owners are current on all taxes and fees. Modeled after successful programs in Derby and Salina, the initiative addresses a key recommendation from Hutchinson's 2017 comprehensive plan. "I've seen this be successful in other communities of our size and larger, and I look forward to this just being one more agent of change in our fight against blight," noted Mayor Stacy Goss during the council meeting. The Community Development Department will oversee the application process, with the Planning Commission assisting in project selection based on code compliance, property condition, and compatibility with adopted city plans.
Source: City of Hutchinson

5. USD 308 Board Awards Daycare Construction Contract to Wiens & Company

The USD 308 Board of Education has selected Wiens & Company to construct the new Lil' Hawks Daycare facility, accepting their bid of $2,205,000 during the March 10 board meeting. The winning proposal was chosen from among five construction companies that submitted bids during the March 6 opening. The project, which will serve children ages 0-3, will be built on the northwest corner adjacent to Morgan Elementary School. Funding for the new daycare facility combines $1.6 million in capital outlay funds, approved by the board in October 2024, with $872k in previously accepted grant funding. The Lil' Hawks Daycare represents a significant investment in early childhood services for the Hutchinson community, with construction expected to begin soon now that the contractor has been selected.
Source: USD 308

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Sources

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6L3LE55J3Q
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6L3LE55J3Q
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Ec8PZf_MM
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Ec8PZf_MM
5. https://go.boarddocs.com/ks/usd308/Board.nsf/files/DEHV887F779B/$file/Cover%20Page%20-%20Daycare%20construction%20bids.pdf
   https://www.usd308.com/o/hec/article/1829091