PODCAST · government
The Hall Monitors
by City of De Soto, Kansas
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!
Episodes
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Mayor’s Minute - October 1st - Beale Agreement Update & 99th St. Water Main Project
Catch the latest Council update from the October 1st meeting. Highlights include: Changes to the Mount Sunflower (Beale) development agreement, including a reduction in water usage and about $30 million in funding for water system and community improvements Updates on the 99th Street Water Main...
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Mayor’s Minute - September 17th - Astra Enterprise Rezoning & Adopted 2027 Budget
Catch the latest Council update from the September 17th meeting. Topics include: Rezoning land at Astra Enterprise Park to Light Industrial Adoption of the 2027 Budget, including a lower mill levy and added services Industrial revenue bonds for the second phase of Residences at Lexington A…
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Mayor’s Minute - September 2nd - Policy Review Process & 12.17 Mill Levy Proposal
Catch the latest Council update from the September 2nd meeting. Mayor Walker shares a quick overview of the proposed 2027 Budget, including a proposed mill levy reduction and some of the key considerations behind the budget. Other highlights include: Hunger Action Month and the De Soto Food…
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Mayor’s Minute: Data Center FAQ, Part 2 - What About Noise?
Over the past several months, a variety of questions have been raised about data centers in De Soto. This special Mayor's Minute series takes a closer look at those questions, one topic at a time. Part 2: What about the noise? In this episode, Mayor Walker explains where data center noise comes...
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Mayor’s Minute - August 20th - Development Policy Discussion & 2027 Budget Proposal
Mayor Rick Walker is back with a recap of the August 20th City Council meeting. 🎧 Highlights include: A KDOT grant agreement to help fund a citywide roadway safety plan Policy proposals related to environmental health oversight, economic development NDAs, and private well permitting A proposed...
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Mayor’s Minutes - August 6th - Digital Realty TIF Proposal & Environmental Oversight Discussion
Catch the latest Council update from the August 6th meeting. Topics include: Design plans to replace Well 12 An update to the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s stormwater pollution prevention plan An initial TIF incentive request from Digital Realty Discussion of additional environmental oversight for...
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Mayor’s Minute - July 16th - Industrial Noise Study & NWCFD Shared Position
Mayor Rick Walker is back with a recap of the July 16th City Council meeting. Topics include: Next steps for an independent review of the City’s industrial noise standards Creation of a TIF district for a proposed memory care facility on Commerce Drive Discussion of a shared fire prevention…
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Mayor’s Minute: Data Center FAQ, Part 1 – Why Did the Project Get Bigger?
Over the past several months, Council has received many questions about data centers in De Soto. This special Mayor's Minute series takes a closer look at those questions, one topic at a time. Part 1: How did the Beale data center become larger than what the City Council originally approved? In...
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Mayor’s Minute - July 2nd - Beale Water Infrastructure & Revenue Neutral Rate Discussion
Mayor Rick Walker provides a brief recap of the July 2nd City Council meeting. Topics include: Next steps in the sanitary sewer easement process The 99th Street water main project for the Beale site and updated water system plans Continued discussion of the 2027 Budget and the revenue neutral…
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Mayor’s Minutes - June 18th - Residential Code Update & Arbor Ridge Rezoning
This week’s Mayor’s Minute covers highlights from the June 18th City Council meeting. This episode includes improvements to Wells 11 and 17, rezoning for future Arbor Ridge development, updates to De Soto’s residential building code, continued work to select a noise ordinance consultant, and 2027...
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Mayor’s Minutes - June 4th - Digital Realty Presentation & 2027 Budget Discussion
In this edition of Mayor’s Minutes, Mayor Walker recaps the June 4th City Council meeting, including plans for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, the 89th Street Culvert Replacement Project, and the first major discussion of the 2027 budget. Beginning at 4:53, Mayor Walker takes a closer...
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Mayor’s Minutes - May 21st - Future Grant Projects & Comprehensive Plan Update
Mayor Walker shares several updates from the May 21st City Council meeting, including: Comprehensive Plan update Future Community Development Block Grant projects Land rezoning near 95th & Lexington to C-2 Business General He also shares a quick reminder about the upcoming State of the City...
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Mayor’s Minutes - May 7th - Annual Sidewalk/Curb Program & Community Rec Center Update
Tune in to the latest edition of Mayor’s Minutes with Mayor Walker, recapping highlights from the May 7th City Council Meeting. Topics include: Reflection on data center comments shared during call to public 2026 Sidewalk & Curb Replacement Program Sunflower Road Shared-Use Path grant application...
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Mayor’s Minutes - April 15th - Swearing-In & Capital Improvements Plan Adopted
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
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Mayor’s Minutes - April 2nd - Riverfest Ball Field Design & New Waverly Water Tower
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:...
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Mayor’s Minutes - March 19th - Sidewalk Contract & Astra Enterprise Park Zoning
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…
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Mayor’s Minutes - March 5th - Zoning Code Updates & Lexington Sidewalk Project
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:...
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Mayor’s Minutes - February 19th - CIP Outlook & Soccer Fields
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...
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City Hall Remodel Project Update - February 2026
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - February 5th - Data Center Terms & Info Sessions
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…
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Bonus Mayor’s Minute: 2025 Year-End Reflections
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.
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Mayor’s Minutes - December 18th - Pet Licensing & Zoning Updates
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - December 4th - Swearing-In & Community Center Masterplan
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - November 20th - Riverfest Plans & Letter of Interest
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - November 6th, 2025 - Water Expansion & CIP Updates
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 &...
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Mayor’s Minutes - October 2nd - Transportation Plan & New Housing
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - September 18th, 2025 - Budget & Bonds
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - September 4th, 2025 - Limestone Project & Infrastructure Improvements
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - August 21st, 2025 - Rowen Road & Data Center Agreement
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - August 7th, 2025 - Car Cruise & Nigerian Dwarf Goats
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…
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The Big Projects Binder: Capital Improvement Plan Update
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - July 17th, 2025 - Official Ice Cream Flavor & De Soto Library Renovation
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…
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Mayor’s Minutes - July 3rd, 2025 - Community Center Update & 80-Acre Rezoning
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...
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Hometown Hall Pass: State of the City
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…
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Mayor’s Minutes - June 18th, 2025 - Special Meeting
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…
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Mayor's Minutes - June 5th, 2025 - CCA & Renaming to Energy Way
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…
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Summer Syllabus: De Soto Events, Rooted in Community
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - May 15th, 2025 - Southwest Growth Area Plan & Councilmember Farewell
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…
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Mayor’s Minutes - May 15th, 2025 - Bonus: Why Growth?
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - May 6th, 2025 - Economic Incentive & Stormwater Management
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...
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The New Kid on the Block (...is 20,000 sq. ft.): Sunflower Fire Station
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - April 23rd, 2025 - Community Donations & Flint Meadows East Housing Project
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - April 8th, 2025 - Sewer Benefit District & Community Center Survey
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...
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Extra Credit: Contain the Rain & Property Tax Relief Programs
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - March 25th, 2025 - Sunflower Recreational Trail, Permanent Traffic Signals
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...
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Mayor’s Minutes - March 17th , 2025 - Downtown Beautification, Property Tax Relief Expansion
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...
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Chalkboards to City Hall: A Historic Renovation in Progress
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,...
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Ding! Was that the bell?
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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!
HOSTED BY
City of De Soto, Kansas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Hall Monitors have?
The Hall Monitors currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Hall Monitors about?
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...
How often does The Hall Monitors release new episodes?
The Hall Monitors has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Hall Monitors?
You can listen to The Hall Monitors on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Hall Monitors?
The Hall Monitors is created and hosted by City of De Soto, Kansas.
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