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Meet the City Commission
About the City Commission
The governing and legislative body of the city is the City Commission, comprised of five commissioners who are elected at-large on a non-partisan basis. The commission determines all matters of policy and approves all city ordinances and resolutions, as well as adopts the annual city budget.
Each year, the commission elects one of its members to serve as mayor. The mayor presides over commission meetings, has full voting rights, as do other commissioners, but has no veto power.
Elections are held every other year in odd-numbered years. Three City Commission positions are chosen at each election. The two highest vote recipients receive four-year terms while the third highest vote recipient receives a two-year term.
Related Information
- Ordinance Dictating Composition of Governing Body
- Email the City Commission
- History of Manhattan Mayors and City Commissioners
City Commission Meeting Dates
Agendas & Minutes
- Upcoming Agendas
- Agenda Archives
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Agenda
- Minutes Archive
- Sign up to receive agendas and minutes in your inbox
- Watch a Meeting
- Due process for public hearings
- Meeting Procedures Comment Guidelines
Legislative Meetings
Legislative Meetings of the City Commission are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 1101 Poyntz Avenue, City Hall and adjourn by 11 p.m. It is at the Legislative Meeting that the City Commission takes all formal action on items coming before it. Legislative meetings are open to the public.
Work Sessions
Generally, Work Sessions are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 1101 Poyntz Avenue, City Hall and adjourn by 9 p.m. The Work Sessions are an opportunity for the City Commission to study a particular topic in-depth. No formal action may be taken by the City Commission at a Work Session, but general direction may be requested. Work Sessions are open to the public.
A Briefing Session/City Manager Update follows the Work Session and is an opportunity for the Commission to informally discuss issues of a general nature, review future agenda items, attend training, report on meetings attended as a City Commission representative, and coordinate calendars, invitations/notices and scheduling. Briefing Sessions are open to the public though public comment is not permitted.
Special Call Meetings
Special Call Meetings are meetings at which only the business for which the meeting is called may be considered and acted upon by the Governing Body. Simply stated, Special Meetings are for special purposes. Regular business should be taken care of at regular Legislative Meetings. A Call signed by a majority of the Commission is sufficient warrant for a Special Meeting. Special meetings are open to the public.
Executive Session
Executive Sessions are closed meetings held in accordance with the provisions of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Discussion is limited to topics listed in KSA 75-4319.
Joint City/County/County Meetings
The Joint City/County/County Meetings are an opportunity for the City, Riley County, and Pottawatomie County Commissioners to discuss issues of mutual interest. The agendas for the meetings are mutually set between the City and the Counties as issues arise. There is typically not a provision for public comments as the intent for the joint meeting is for the Commissioners to have a group discussion amongst themselves and may hear presentations from staff on particular projects or subjects. Agenda items are established at the concurrence of the elected officials through their staff and the host of the meeting which alternates between the City (odd months) and Riley County (even months). These meetings are generally the third Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m., alternating location between the City and Riley County.
Intergovernmental Luncheons
Intergovernmental Luncheons are an opportunity for the City, Riley County, U.S.D. 383, Kansas State University, Fort Riley and other regional agencies representatives to discuss issues of mutual interest. Meetings are generally held the fourth Monday of the month at 12:00 Noon. Annually, on a rotating basis, each agency takes a turn in hosting the luncheon. For 2022, City of Manhattan is the host. Meetings have been held at the Bluemont Hotel, 1212 Bluemont Ave.
City Commission Filing Information
Positions whose term is expiring January 2, 2024: Linda Morse, Mark J. Hatesohl and John Matta
If you are interested in filing for City Commission, the necessary forms are available on the Riley County Election site. All forms and fees should be turned into the Riley County Clerk. For questions, please call the Riley County Clerk’s Office at 785-537-6300.
For general questions/information please call the City Manager's Office, 785-587-2404.
Significant Dates
The next city election will be in 2023.
Related Information
- 2022 Election Calendar
- Campaign Finance Due Dates and Forms
- For assistance in completing the Statement of Substantial Interest Form, definitions, information and a guide is available on the Kansas Governmental Ethic Commission's website. Questions concerning the form should be directed to the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission at 785-296-4219 or by email.
- 2021 City Candidate Guide
Campaign and Sign Resources
- Letter to Candidates regarding Signs-Letter from City Staff
- Placement of Signs in the Public Right-of-Way
- What are the regulations regarding campaign signs?
- Handbills-Distribution Restrictions
- Canvassing