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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
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
- Public Comment Sign Up Form
Legislative Meetings
Legislative Meetings of the City Commission are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 1101 Poyntz Avenue, City Hall. It is at the Legislative Meeting that the City Commission takes all formal action on items coming before it.
A Discussion/Briefing Session precedes Legislative Meetings at 5:30 p.m. in the City Commission Room. Discussion/Briefing Sessions are an opportunity for the Commission to receive last-minute information for the Legislative Meeting and to informally discuss issues and coordinate scheduling.
Work Sessions
Generally, Work Sessions are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall. 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.
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.
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 form 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, and Kansas State University 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 2021, Riley County is the host. Meetings have been held virtually due to COVID-19.
City Commission Filing Information
Positions whose term is expiring January 4, 2022: Wynn Butler, Aaron Estabrook, and Usha Reddi
Positions whose term is expiring January 2, 2024: Linda Morse and Mark J. Hatesohl
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
| Filing and Withdrawal Deadline | Noon, June 1, 2021 |
| Return Statement of Substantial Interest | June 11, 2021 |
| Primary Election [If ten (10) or more file] | August 3, 2021 |
| General Election | November 2, 2021 |
| Oath of Office/City Commission Meeting | January 4, 2022 |
Related Information
- List of candidates who have filed
- 2021 City/School 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
Additional Information
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. What to expect from City Administration as a candidate
- Packet materials and other documents (City Commission packet available Thursday evening preceding the Tuesday meeting on the City's website.
- Agendas and Minutes
- Sign up to receive e-mail/text notifications
- City Manager's Office is available to answer pertinent questions
- Information requests will be forwarded to all candidates to ensure fairness in sharing documents and reports
3. City of Manhattan Form of Government
- Role of City Commission, Article II
- Section 2-12. Terms as amended by Ordinance No. 7467 Relating to Elections and Terms of Office
- Role City Manager, Article III
- Resolution No. 050118-B relating to Governing Body Meeting Procedures
- Public Comment Form and Procedures
4. Manhattan City Government
- List of 2020 Legislative Meeting Actions
- 2020 Departmental Accomplishments
- Department Priorities and Key Initiatives PowerPoint
- 2020-2021 Commission Goals
- 2021 State Legislative Program and PowerPoint Presentation
- 2021 Federal Legislative Program Summary
- 2021 Chamber of Commerce Power Lunch Presentation
5. 2021 Financial Overview
- 2022 Budget Work Session Packets
- Debt Disclosure Statement
- City Budget Calendar for 2022 Budget
- Comparative Kansas Cities of the First Class
- Annual City Budgets
Additional financial information can be found at www.cityofmhk.com/Finance, including Budget Information Center, Bond Ratings, Comprehensive and Popular Annual Financial Reports, Residential and Commercial Property Tax Calculator, etc.
6. Code of Ethics
7. Boards and Committees
8. Commission Schedules and Types of Meetings
9. 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 and Campaigning
10. Overview of City Government and FAQs: Campaigning
11. League of Kansas Municipalities: City Candidates Guide 2021
12. Questions and Answers
Helpful Links
Chamber of Commerce Contracts
City of Manhattan Code of Ordinances
Manhattan Development Code (MDC) Website
Strategic Plan Project Website