The Hall Monitors

Mayor Walker is back with a quick recap of the April 15th City Council meeting. The main highlights include the swearing-in of new City Council Member Lindsay McCracken and adoption of the 2026-2031 Capital Improvements Plan.    April 15th agenda & materials: https://ow.ly/2miI50YJ24y

Catch a quick recap of the April 2nd City Council meeting! Highlights include: Design work for new baseball and softball fields at Riverfest Park Construction of the new 150,000-gallon Waverly Water Tower Appointment of Lindsay McCracken to fill the Council vacancy   Meeting Agenda and Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter   00:00 Welcome and Recap 00:08 Fair Housing Month 00:19 Consent Agenda Highlights 00:31 Filling Council Vacancy 00:45 Riverfest Park Upgrades 01:09 Waverly Water Tower 01:23 Astra Right of Way 01:34 Code Update Barbed Wire 01:50 Rio Apartments Extension 02:03 Meeting Wrap Up

Mayor Walker shares a quick Council recap this week, covering: The Lexington Ave sidewalk project contract, which will connect 95th and Commerce A brief Council vacancy discussion A rezoning of ~425 acres at Astra Enterprise Park to M-1 Meeting Agenda and Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter   00:00 March 19 Update 00:16 Consent Agenda Highlights 00:21 Lexington Sidewalk Project 00:40 Fee Schedule Updates 00:52 Council Vacancy Process 01:04 Astra Park Rezoning 01:41 Growth and Closing

Mayor Walker shares a recap of the March 5th City Council meeting, including several zoning code updates, an agreement supporting planning work for the data center project, and approval of a Community Development Block Grant sidewalk project along Lexington Avenue.   Watch the full meeting: https://ow.ly/9aGj50Yt9Yx Meeting Agenda & Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter   0:00 Welcome and Recap 00:11 Consent Agenda Highlights 00:37 Data Center Planning 00:54 Zoning Code Updates 01:31 Tree Planting Flexibility 01:54 Accessory Building Sizes 02:04 Street District Termination 02:12 CDBG Sidewalk Project 02:31 Sheriff’s Office Update 02:41 Council Vacancy Process 02:50 Wrap Up and Thanks

Quick updates from the February 19th Council meeting! A lot of the conversation centered on the Capital Improvement Plan — the roadmap for major investments in streets, utilities, parks, and public facilities over the next five years. Highlights include: Advancing design work on the 83rd Street Project Supporting the 95th Street BUILD grant to bring in federal funding Moving forward on the Riverfest Soccer Fields Project Launching the Road Assessment Program for 2026 street repairs Meeting Agenda and Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter   00:00 Council Meeting Recap 00:10 Consent Agenda Highlights 00:15 Capital Improvement Plan 00:37 83rd Street Design Push 01:33 Riverfest Soccer Fields 02:00 95th Street BUILD Grant 02:28 2026 Road Assessments 02:51 Hometown Table Invite 03:42 Closing Thanks

Big progress is happening on the City Hall Remodel Project!   The second floor is largely complete with new meeting room spaces, staff work areas, and a full refresh of the long-untouched upstairs from the building’s school days.   On the ground level, the project is nearing the finish line. The ADA ramp is nearly complete, and community spaces are coming together with finishing touches like new trim and interior details.   Focus has shifted to the first floor, where crews have been framing, hanging drywall, painting, and reshaping the layout. If you’ve stopped by recently, you may have seen the progress as this level continues to take shape!   To explore the history of the building and learn more about the project, visit the City Hall Remodel page.

Mayor Walker is back with a recap of the February 5th City Council meeting! The agenda included: Development terms for the proposed Data Center Project Phase 2 of Water & Wastewater asset management Application funding for a 95th Street improvement grant An updated communications agreement for 2026   Meeting Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter Previous Episodes: https://desotoks.us/464/Mayors-Minutes   00:00 Welcome and Black History Month Proclamation 00:44 Consent Agenda Approvals 00:59 New Business: Data Center Project 01:44 Infrastructure and Weather Services 02:27 Communications Agreement and Community Updates 03:08 Council Listening Session and Farewell to Councilmember 04:09 Mayor's Closing Remarks

In this edition of Mayor’s Minutes, we’re taking a step back from the usual agenda items (don’t worry - that’s coming next week!) to reflect on 2025 — and the moments, milestones, and people who shaped it.

Hear a quick recap from the December 18th Council meeting + a shoutout for the new welcome sign at Riverfest Park, reflecting De Soto’s history and community identity.   Resources: Meeting Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter Previous Episodes: https://desotoks.us/464/Mayors-Minutes 00:00 Introduction and Meeting Overview 00:16 Consent Agenda Highlights 00:36 City Hall Remodel Project 01:13 Animal Control Regulations Update 01:55 Land Use and Zoning Discussions 02:36 Agritourism and Local Ventures 03:18 Financial Decisions and Agreements 04:47 Riverfest Park Monument Sign Celebration 07:23 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

Catch a quick recap of the December 4th City Council meeting, including the swearing-in of newly elected officials and recognition of outgoing Councilmembers Rob Daniels and Kevin Honomichl for their service.    Other Highlights:  Public Safety Update: no increase in crime or traffic accidents  Community Center Masterplan: next phase begins early 2026, including public engagement and concept design Capital Improvement Plan Update: review of funding and phasing options for priority projects    Resources: Meeting Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter Previous Episodes: https://desotoks.us/464/Mayors-Minutes   00:00 Welcome 00:09 Honoring Outgoing and Incoming Council Members 00:32 Proclamation for National Wreaths Across America Day 00:51 Fire District Board Appointment 01:07 Public Safety Update 01:34 Community Center Masterplan 01:55 Capital Improvement Plan and Meeting Reschedule 02:13 Annual Mayor's Tree Lighting Event 02:38 Closing Remarks

Hear highlights from the November 20th Council meeting, including a roadmap for future Riverfest Park improvements, incentives for Merck Animal Health, and a letter of interest to learn more about a Kansas nuclear energy project.   Resources: Meeting Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter Previous Episodes: https://desotoks.us/464/Mayors-Minutes   00:00 Introduction 00:09 Riverfest Park Master Plan adopted 01:35 Riverfest cost estimate, phasing & funding 01:53 Incentives for Merck Animal Health 02:23 IRBs for Eagle Creek Townhomes 02:34 Letter of interest for TerraPower nuclear project 03:00 5-Year CIP discussion 03:09 Farewell to outgoing Council members

City Council was back in session on November 6th, and this week’s Mayor’s Minutes has the highlights! Neighborhood streets added to the 2025 Mill & Overlay Program Initial discussion of community priorities for the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan update Approval of 2025 general obligation bonds & special assessments to fund upcoming City projects Tune in to hear the full recap!   Resources: Meeting Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter Previous Episodes: https://desotoks.us/464/Mayors-Minutes   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:27 Consent Agenda Highlights 00:50 New Business and Street Overlay Program 01:09 Water System Expansion and Sewer Project 01:56 Financial Approvals and Bonds 02:32 Future Land Use and Capital Improvement Plan Update 02:57 Conclusion and Community Engagement  

This week’s Mayor’s Minutes breaks down the October 2nd Council meeting — featuring the first look at the traffic study for 95th Street between Lexington & Sunflower. Other items covered include: Cleaning and rehabilitating Well 17 Riverfest Disc Golf Course grand opening Plans for a new housing project     Resources: Meeting Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter Previous Episodes: https://desotoks.us/464/Mayors-Minutes       00:00 Welcome to the Mayor's Minute 00:09 City Council Meeting Highlights 00:24 Water System Maintenance 00:45 Upcoming Downtown Event 01:04 Riverfest Disc Golf Course Grand Opening 01:21 95th Street Engineering Study 02:48 Future Development Plans 03:20 Conclusion and Farewell

Hear the latest Council updates in this week’s Mayor’s Minutes—including the 2026 budget with a 6% reduction in City property taxes.     Catch other highlights, like: Rebidding of the Riverfest Soccer Fields project Sponsorship for De Soto High School students' trip to Make48 Nationals Plans for a Riverfest Park monument sign     Resources: Meeting Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter Previous Episodes: https://desotoks.us/464/Mayors-Minutes       00:00 Introduction and Constitution Week Proclamation 00:22 Riverfest Park Soccer Field Rebidding 00:49 Supporting Local Students 01:12 2026 Budget Adoption 01:39 General Obligation Bonds and Major Projects 02:58 Merck Animal Health Expansion 03:18 Riverfest Park Monument Sign 03:34 City Hall Renovation Update 03:55 Sponsorship for NAACP Event 04:10 Conclusion and Final Remarks

Get a breakdown of the September 4th Council meeting in this week’s Mayor’s Minutes!   Mayor Walker covers a proclamation recognizing September as Hunger Action Month, funding for the De Soto Fine Arts Show, and an update on the Sunflower Road Trail.   Plus new business, which includes: Grata Development incentive package and project plans 2026 Budget presentation—6% mill reduction on City property taxes Agreement for Waverly Road Trail Project   Resources: Meeting Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter Previous Episodes: https://desotoks.us/464/Mayors-Minutes     00:00 Welcome to Mayor's Minutes 00:20 Proclamation for Hunger Action Month 00:39 Consent Agenda Highlights 01:18 New Business: Development Projects 03:00 Infrastructure and Water Rights Agreements 04:01 2026 City Budget Presentation 04:42 Outro

In this week’s Mayor’s Minutes, Mayor Walker recaps the August 21st City Council meeting — including a closer look at the incentive package Council approved for a multi-billion-dollar data center project being privately developed at the Flint Commerce Center.   Also in this episode: A donation request from the De Soto Food Pantry Development agreement with Flint Meadows East for Rowen Road Discussion on Evening Star Road development   Resources: Data Center Webpage: https://ow.ly/qJKx50WNRJo Meeting Materials: https://ow.ly/kSAE50WB0Ba Previous Episodes: https://ow.ly/4yaE50WFnlO     00:00 Welcome to the Mayor's Minute 00:17 Consent Agenda Highlights 00:57 Flint Meadows East Development 01:59 Data Center Project Agreement 04:47 Evening Star Road Improvements 05:02 Stay Informed

Mayor’s Minutes - August 7th - Car Cruise & Nigerian Dwarf Goats   In the edition of Mayor’s Minutes, we’re talking classic cars, community planning, and Nigerian Dwarf goats!   Mayor walker recaps the August 7th Council meeting, which included: The Dean Weller Car Cruise event on August 23rd Rezoning for property on Evening Star Road near K-10 The Arbor Ridge Reinvestment Housing Incentive District + planned improvements Wastewater Treatment Facility Study Regulations for keeping goats on smaller residential lots …and more—tune in for the full update!   Resources: Meeting Materials: https://ow.ly/kSAE50WB0Ba Previous Episodes: https://ow.ly/4yaE50WFnlO     00:00 Welcome to the Mayor's Minute 00:11 Dean Weller Car Cruise 00:38 KJ's Pizzeria Cereal Malt Beverage License 00:47 Planning and Zoning Updates 01:09 Arbor Ridge RHID 01:35 City Services and Infrastructure 01:47 Financial Advisory Services Agreement 02:11 Wastewater Treatment Facility Study 02:37 Nigerian Dwarf Goats on Smaller Lots 03:16 Outro

In this episode, we’re talking about De Soto’s Capital Improvement Plan—what it is, how it works, and why it plays such a big role in shaping the city’s future. City Administrator Mike Brungardt joins us to walk through how major projects like road improvements, park expansions, and water system upgrades are identified, prioritized, and funded. We also talk about why some projects take longer than others, and how community feedback helps shape the plan. This episode is a good starting point for anyone who wants to understand how big projects come together—and how planning today affects what gets built tomorrow. Resources: 2025 Capital Improvement Plan Update Page Capital Improvement Plan (General Overview) Page   00:00 Pre-Intro 00:46 Welcome 03:13 Capital Improvement Plan Overview 05:23 Capital Improvement Plan Projects 08:59 CIP Overhaul 14:08 Grants, Partners, & Outside Funding Sources 17:29 Community Feedback 19:48 Outro 20:45 Bloopers

Catch the latest City Council updates in this week's Mayor's Minutes!    Mayor Walker recaps highlights from the July 17th meeting, including:  De Soto's official 2025 ice cream flavor: Bubble gum!  An update on the De Soto Library renovation project  A law enforcement update    Tune in to stay in-the-know!      00:00 Welcome to Mayor's Minutes 00:11 Official Ice Cream Flavor of 2025 00:40 De Soto Library Renovation Update 01:03 Housing and Development Projects 01:29 Law Enforcement and Safety Report 01:49 2026 Budget Discussions 02:04 Wilderness Park Camping Policy 02:19 Discussion on boutique retail zoning 02:49 Stay Connected

In this episode of Mayor’s Minutes, we’re talking festivals, future facilities, and funding.   Mayor Walker recaps the July 3rd Council Meeting, which included: An increase in City sponsorship for the De Soto Days Festival A financial outlook for a potential community center, presented by the YMCA Rezoning 80 acres near K-10 & Evening Star Road from Rural Residential to Commercial A look ahead at the 2026 budget projections for key special use funds Tune in for the latest updates!   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:12 De Soto Days Festival Sponsorship Increase 00:40 Community Center Update 01:04 Rezoning for Future Development 01:25 2026 Budget Projections 01:39 Red, White, Rhythm & Roots Celebration Recap 02:03 Conclusion and Stay Connected

Couldn’t make it to State of the City? No worries—we saved you the best seat in the house.  The Hall Monitors were behind the scenes on this one to bring you a special podcast episode – “Hometown Hall Pass: State of the City 2025.” Our latest podcast episode brings you Mayor Walker’s address–plus a full-screen view of the presentation slides–so you can see what’s going on and what’s ahead for De Soto. Highlights include: New businesses and services in the community De Soto’s historic property tax cut Local investments and economic growth Current housing development and future rooftops Outdoor recreation and pedestrian connectivity   00:00 Welcome 02:00 Quality of Life 02:38 Riding the Economic Current 04:27 Economic Drivers 06:06 Retail Sales 07:08 Streets, Sidewalks, & Infrastructure 07:46 Infrastructure Upgrades 08:22 Water Treatment Facility & New Water Tower 08:41 Wastewater Treatment Plant 08:54 103rd Street Complete 09:16 Energy Way 09:42 New Fire Station & Aerial Truck 10:38 Housing 13:02 Community Engagement 14:43 Public Safety 15:46 Schools 16:21 Outdoor Recreation 18:14 Community Center 19:04 City Hall Remodel 19:49 Southwest Growth Area 20:30 Transportation Connection 21:16 All Eyes on Us 21:56 Community      

The latest edition of Mayor’s Minutes is here! We’re recapping highlights from the June 18th Council Meeting, including: Donation for a community fundraiser 38 new street lights along Commerce Dr. Sidewalk plans on Lexington Ave. New Council Member: Rhonda Patterson 00:00 Welcome to Mayor's Minutes  00:22 Community Initiatives and Events 01:02 Infrastructure and Development Projects 01:49 Zoning and Property Updates 02:16 Restoration and Connectivity Projects 02:57 Budget and Financial Highlights 03:29 New Council Appointment and Closing Remarks 

In this edition of Mayor’s Minutes, Mayor Walker recaps the June 5th City Council meeting, including the renaming of a portion of 103rd Street to Energy Way and expansion of the Downtown Common Consumption Area (CCA) hours of operation. Meeting agendas and supporting documents are always available at: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter   00:00 Welcome to Mayor's Minutes 00:26 Key Items from the Consent Agenda 01:18 New Business Highlights 02:21 City Hall Renovation Updates 02:52 2026 Budget Focus 03:17 Community Events Recap 04:09 Closing Remarks

Your De Soto Summer Syllabus just dropped. From pool parties to fireworks, we’re sharing what to expect, what to bring, and some behind-the-scenes context on what it takes to bring these community events to life!   Plus, a look at some hometown favorites on the 2025 lineup: Rhythm & Roots (Downtown AND Riverfest!) Movies in the Park State of the City Touch-A-Truck Miller Park games Pool parties at the DAC LearNature Camp De Soto Days   It takes a village (and some great partnerships) to pull off a summer like this. Big thanks to the partners behind these events—and to everyone who plays a part in building up our community year-round.   Want to stay in the loop? View the City calendar & community events: desotoks.us Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/CityofDeSotoKS/ Sign up for our twice-monthly newsletter: desotoks.us/282/Newsletters   00:00 Intro 05:01 Rhythm & Roots 09:37 Rhythm & Roots at Riverfest 11:31 Movies in the Park 13:12 State of the City 13:46 Pop-Ups, Partners, & Parks & Rec 14:00 Aquatic Center 14:34 Touch-A-Truck 15:16 LearNature Summer Camp - City Government Day 16:09 De Soto Days 16:44 Questions 18:39 Where Are You Headed? 19:50 Bloopers

In this episode of Mayor’s Minutes, Mayor Walker recaps the May 15th City Council meeting—highlighting projects and decisions shaping the future of De Soto. From sidewalk and road upgrades to long-term planning efforts like the Southwest Growth Area Plan, this update covers how the City is managing growth with intention.   00:00 Welcome to Mayor's Minutes 00:23 Consent Agenda Highlights 01:32 New Business and Development Plans 03:01 Community Development Initiatives 03:52 Farewell to Council Member Courtney Tripp 04:36 Upcoming Community Events 04:59 Conclusion and Sign-Off

We’ve got a bonus Mayor’s Minute this week — and it’s a little different than the usual Council recap. In this episode, Mayor Walker talks about a topic that’s on a lot of people’s minds: growth in De Soto. Tune in to hear why it’s happening, what it means for our community, and how the City is planning for the future.

We’re back with another Mayor’s Minute(s), recapping highlights from the May 1st City Council meeting, with Mayor Rick Walker! Tune in for updates on an economic incentive agreement with Geiger Ready-Mix Co., changes to the City Hall renovation project, and a stormwater improvement plan for 89th Street.   00:00 Welcome to Mayor's Minutes  00:17 Supporting Education  00:32 Economic Development  01:08 Stormwater Management Project  01:31 City Hall Renovations Update  02:15 Community Development Block Grant  02:45 Rhythm & Roots Event Recap  03:22 Conclusion

The New Kid on the Block (…is 20,000 Sq. Ft.) This episode, the Hall Monitors take a field trip to the Northwest Consolidated Fire District to chat with Fire Chief Todd Maxton about the new Sunflower Fire Station. We talk about how the downtown station - formerly City Hall - has served the community for decades, why it’s time for an upgrade, and how the new station will better serve the firefighters who serve us every day.   Host: Whitney Lange, Communications Director Guest: Fire Chief Todd Maxton, NWCFD   00:00 Intro 04:06 The Station That's Served Us Well 08:30 Planning 14:13 Location 15:05 Station Details 18:18 Staffing 18:49 Funding 21:43 Training 25:07 Rapid Fire Questions 28:14 Closing 29:25 Bloopers

In this episode of The Mayor's Minute(s), Mayor Rick Walker recaps the April 17th City Council meeting that had a variety of agenda topics. Hear about donations to local groups, an update on the CTEC student art sculpture for City Hall, the Flint Meadows East housing project, and other important topics!   For more information on the upcoming summer events, check out the Rhythm & Roots Market webpage!   00:00 Welcome to Mayor's Minutes 00:23 Community Donations & Summer Market Series 01:18 Art & Infrastructure Updates 01:38 Housing Developments & Economic Incentives 03:02 City Hall Renovations & Public Safety 04:04 2024 Audit Report & Conclusion

In this episode of the Mayor’s Minute, Mayor Walker recaps a full agenda from the April 3rd City Council meeting. Tune in for updates on the Sewer Benefit District, insights from the Community Center Feasibility Study, and details about an exciting new Summer Concert & Market Series.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:27 95th Street Sewer Benefit District Update  01:29 Exploring a New Community Center  02:26 Summer Music & Market Series Announcement  03:06 Infrastructure Improvements and Agreements  03:47 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

In this episode of the Hall Monitors podcast, we’re breaking down two impactful City resources for the community: Contain the Rain Program—A City & County program that promotes sustainable landscaping by reimbursing residents and businesses 50% of costs for eco-friendly projects like rain barrels and native plants. Property Tax Relief Program—A program that provides tax rebates to low-income households, veterans, and seniors, helping to mitigate rising property taxes. Host: Libby Johnson, Communications & Outreach Coordinator Guest: Brandon Mills, Assistant City Administrator & City Clerk   00:25 Intro 01:19 Roll Call: Mills, B. 04:57 Contain the Rain Program 09:51 Property Tax Relief Program 19:42 Where are you headed? 20:50 Bloopers

In this episode of the Mayor’s Minute(s), Mayor Rick Walker covers the rezoning request for Evening Star Road, a recreational trail project, and permanent traffic signals!   00:00 Introduction and Welcome  00:17 Rezoning Request for Evening Star Road  00:50 Sunflower Road Recreational Trail Project  01:24 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan  01:49 Digitizing Old Paper Records  02:06 Riverfest Park Master Plan Update  02:30 Timed Downtown Parking Ordinance  03:04 Traffic Signal Upgrades at Lexington and Commerce 04:35 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this first episode of the Mayor's Minute(s), Mayor Rick Walker chats about Youth Art Month in De Soto, downtown beautification efforts, and the expansion of our property tax relief program! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:08 Youth Art Month Proclamation 00:29 Downtown Beautification Project 00:58 New Storm Sirens Installation 01:17 Capital Improvement Plan Update 01:42 Property Tax Relief Program 03:45 Conclusion and Final Remarks

Welcome to the first episode of The Hall Monitors podcast! Since our podcast name honors City Hall’s past as a former schoolhouse, we’re starting by exploring the building’s unique history and its long-awaited renovation. Mayor Rick Walker, who once walked these halls as a junior high student, joins us to share memories from the old school days, how the City bought the building for just $10, and why now is the time for a full-scale renovation. Key Topics Covered From School to City Hall – The evolution of a De Soto landmark Renovation Rundown – What’s changing, what’s staying, and what it means for residents Preserving the Past – How the city is keeping the building’s history alive A special thanks to the De Soto Historical Society for sharing historic photos that bring this story to life!   Host: Whitney Lange, City Communications Director Guest: Mayor Rick Walker

Welcome to The Hall Monitors—a podcast brought to you by the City of De Soto’s communications team, recorded right here at City Hall. It used to be the hall monitors that kept an eye on this old school building. Now we’re the ones keeping up with the big projects, decisions and stories that shape our city. So, grab your hall pass, and let’s take a walk (not a run) through De Soto’s past, present, and future. Let’s get to class!