Direct from City Hall

Your twice-monthly source on city news, decisions, and projects —  all in one place.

Each edition gives you:

• What’s Been Decided
  Key actions from recent City Commission meetings and other decisions affecting our community.
• What’s Happening
  Updates on projects currently underway.
• What’s Next
  A look ahead at upcoming projects, opportunities for input, and other things on the horizon for Abilene.

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Looking North: Finding Beauty Through a New Lens

This week, Interim City Manager Jon Quinday captured a photo of the northern lights from his home in Russell. What’s interesting is that, standing outside, the sky looked completely normal. To the naked eye, it could have been any other night in Kansas.

But when he switched his phone to night mode and took a picture, the sky told a different story. The aurora was there all along — he just needed a different lens, a small adjustment, to see what was right in front of him.

It’s a good reminder of where we are as a community. We’ve been going through a period of transition, exploring new ideas and ways of doing things. That can feel uncomfortable, especially when the familiar is easy to trust. But sometimes the path forward becomes clearer when we’re willing to look through a different lens and adjust how we look at things.

We may be standing in the same place, looking at the same sky, but with a different perspective, we can see a beauty we never thought possible. 

As we continue moving forward, staying open to the possibility that small shifts in how we do things can reveal opportunities we didn’t realize were there, we may just find ourselves seeing new beauty in our community. 

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CVB Spotlight: Your Guide to Community Events

If you're looking for information about events, activities, or things to do around town, the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a great place to start. Their website, www.AbileneKansas.org, keeps an updated calendar and provides helpful details for both residents and visitors.

Here are a few upcoming events the CVB leads or supports:

American Flag Sponsorships
Each year, the CVB coordinates sponsorships for the American flags displayed along Buckeye Avenue and NW 3rd Street. These flags fly from April through Veterans Day and are a long-standing Abilene tradition. Sponsorships begin at $25. 

More information is available at https://abilenekansas.org/blog/2025/09/24/2026-american-flag-sponsorships

Pink Friday – Shop Small in Abilene
On Friday, November 21, Abilene businesses will participate in Pink Friday, a day focused on supporting local shops before the holiday season kicks into high gear. It’s a simple way to show support for our small businesses. 

More information can be found at https://abilenekansas.org/blog/2025/11/05/pink-friday-2025-shop-small-in-abilene-on-friday-november-21

Cowtown Christmas: December 5–7
The community can look forward to a full weekend of holiday activities, including the Homes for the Holidays tour, Santa Express train rides, Cowboy Christmas at Old Abilene Town, and more. The CVB keeps all the event details together so planning is easy. 

More information can be found at https://abilenekansas.org/events/cowtown-christmas-2

We appreciate the work the CVB does throughout the year to help keep our community connected and welcoming.

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Christmas Tree Lane

The Public Works Department will soon begin setting up cedar trees along Buckeye Avenue and NW 3rd Street for the annual Christmas Tree Lane.

Weather permitting, crews plan to:

• Cut trees: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• Install trees: Thursday and Friday, November 20–21, 2025. As in previous years, trees will be placed about 5–6 feet behind the sidewalk in residential front yards.

To assist with installation and ensure a smooth process:

• If you have underground sprinkler lines or heads, please place small markers or stakes to help crews avoid them.
• Property owners who prefer not to receive a tree, or who wish to provide their own, are asked to contact the Public Works Department at (785) 263-3510.

Residents are encouraged to decorate and light their trees by December 1st to help spread holiday cheer throughout the community.

Thank you to property owners along Christmas Tree Lane for helping keep this cherished holiday tradition shining bright!

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Supporting Our Community: Two Upcoming Police Department Events

The Abilene Police Department is teaming up with local partners this month to help support families and brighten the holiday season.

Pack a Police Car – Saturday, November 15

The department is partnering with Kids in Crisis to host a Pack a Police Car food drive at West’s Plaza Country Mart.
Officers will be onsite from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. collecting non-perishable food items for the Kids in Crisis Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway. If you're able, please consider stopping by to make a donation. Every item helps a local family enjoy a holiday meal.

American Legion Riders Toy Run – Sunday, November 16

On Sunday, the Police Department will provide an escort for the American Legion Riders’ annual Toy Run, an event that brings together a few hundred motorcycles each year.
All toys collected are donated to the Abilene Toys for Tots organization, helping ensure local kids receive a gift this Christmas.

Thank you to our officers, Kids in Crisis, the American Legion Riders, and everyone in the community who continues to step up and support local initiatives.

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City Representatives to Participate in Dickinson County Historical Society Preservation Program

The Dickinson County Historical Society will host its annual Preservation Program on Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Heritage Hall at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., with speakers beginning at 10:00 a.m.

While this is not a City of Abilene event, two community members who also serve on City boards will take part in the program:

• Nanc Scholl, a member of the Abilene Heritage Commission
• Trevor Witt, an Abilene City Commissioner

Both will participate in a 1:00 p.m. panel discussion alongside other local preservation advocates to share their experiences with restoring and reusing historic buildings in Dickinson County.

Schedule of Presentations

• 10:00 a.m. – Trevor Witt: Repurposing the Duckwall Racket Building into the Racket’s Taphouse
• 11:00 a.m. – Diana Staresinic-Deane: Researching Your Home and the People Who Lived There
• 1:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion with Dale and Sonya Anders, Nanc Scholl, Jim Medina, and Trevor Witt
• 2:00 p.m. – Murl Riedel: Architecture of the People’s House
• 3:30 p.m. – James Holland: Tax Incentives for Preservation

The City appreciates the time and expertise of those who serve on boards and commissions to help preserve Abilene’s historic character and community heritage.

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Lead Service Line Annual Informational Mailer

Residents whose water service line materials are categorized as lead, galvanized, or unknown based on Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) criteria will soon receive the annual Lead Service Line Informational (LSLI) pamphlet.

This mailing is informational only. Unlike the initial service line inventory forms, no response is required. The pamphlet includes general health information about how lead exposure can occur and steps residents can take to reduce potential exposure.

KDHE provides the content for this pamphlet, and all water systems in Kansas are required to distribute it each year.

If you have any questions about the information or the material of your water service line, please contact the Public Works Department at 785-263-3510.

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November is Carbon Monoxide Safety Month

As temperatures drop and heaters kick on, it’s a good time to review how to keep your home safe from carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly, and it often goes unnoticed until symptoms appear.

The Abilene Fire Department encourages all residents to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and their families:

Carbon Monoxide Safety Basics:

• Install CO alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Test alarms monthly and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never use ovens, stoves, or grills to heat your home.
• Make sure fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters are properly vented and maintained.
• Keep generators outside and away from windows, doors, and vents.
• If a CO alarm sounds, move outdoors immediately and call 911.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers helpful resources, including safety tips, printable guides, and information on common CO sources. You can explore those materials at:
www.nfpa.org/carbonmonoxide 

Staying informed is one of the best ways to stay safe this season.

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City Crews Prepare for Winter Weather Season

Public Works crews recently completed their annual Snow and Ice Removal Training as they get ready for the upcoming winter season. The training covered safe equipment operation, what to watch for along curbs and gutters, and how to properly prepare the brine solution used to treat roadways ahead of winter storms.

This yearly preparation helps ensure crews can respond quickly and safely when winter weather arrives. 

As we head into the colder months, here are a few reminders that help everyone stay safe and keep things running smoothly.

Snow Routes

Abilene has several designated snow routes that receive priority during winter storms. When possible, please avoid parking on these streets during snowfall. Keeping these routes clear allows crews to plow curb-to-curb and maintain safe travel for everyone.

Per Section 5-405 of the Abilene City Code, emergency snow routes include:

• Northwest Third Street from North Buckeye Avenue to Van Buren Street
• Northeast Tenth Street from North Buckeye Avenue to North Brown Street
• Buckeye Avenue from the north city limits to the south city limits
• East First Street from Buckeye Avenue to the east city limits
• North Brady Street from East First Street to Northeast Twenty-first Street
• North Fourteenth Street from the east city limits to Vine Street
• Washington Street from Northwest Third Street to the Municipal Airport
• Northeast Twenty-first Street from North Brady Street to North Buckeye Avenue
• North Cedar Street from Northwest Third Street to Northwest Fourteenth Street
• Northwest Tenth Street from North Buckeye Avenue to North Cedar Street
• 900 and 1000 block of North Brown Street
• Northeast Seventh Street from Brady to Buckeye
• Northwest Seventh Street from North Buckeye Avenue to Northwest Eighth Street, continuing to the Water Treatment Plant

Central Business District:

• North Spruce, North Broadway, and North Cedar from NW Second to NW Fifth
• Kirby Street from NE Third to NE Fourth
• NW Second Street from Buckeye to Cedar
• North Third and North Fourth from Kirby to Cedar
• NW Fifth Street from Buckeye to Cedar

In the event of a declared snow emergency, parking on these streets is prohibited under City Code 5-406.

Sidewalks

A friendly reminder that property owners and occupants are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks. Per City Code 6-310, sidewalks must be cleared within five hours of snowfall or ice accumulation, or within five hours after sunrise if snow falls overnight. Keeping sidewalks clear helps neighbors, schoolchildren, and visitors walk safely throughout the winter.

Travel & Emergency Reminders

If you must travel during winter weather, remember to check KanDrive.org for real-time road conditions and make sure your vehicle has a winter emergency kit with blankets, water, and essentials.
For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergent assistance, contact Dispatch at 785-263-1212.

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2025 Holiday Hours

Non-essential city offices will observe the following hours for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Please note that emergency services remain available at all times.

For emergencies, always call 911.
For non-emergent needs, you may contact Dispatch at 785-263-1212.

City Hall
 • December 24 – Closed
 • December 25 – Closed
 • January 1, 2026 – Closed

Community Center
 • December 22 – 7:00am to 8:00pm
 • December 23 – 7:00am to 8:00pm
 • December 24 – Closed
 • December 25 – Closed
 • December 26 – 8:00am to 5:00pm
 • December 31 – 7:00am to 5:00pm
 • January 1, 2026 – Closed

Senior Center
 • December 22 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
 • December 23 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
 • December 24 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
 • December 25 – Closed
 • December 26 – Closed
 • January 1, 2026 – Closed

Recycling Center
 • December 24 – Closed at 3:00pm
 • December 25 – Closed
 • December 26 – Closed
 • December 31 – Closed at 3:00pm
 • January 1, 2026 – Closed                                                                                                 

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Strengthening Recovery Court Through Continued Education

On November 5–6, Police Chief Jason Wilkins joined members of the Dickinson County Recovery Court team at a professional development seminar in Kansas City, Kansas, hosted by All Rise.

The seminar focused on updated best practices for treatment courts and offered the team helpful insight as they continue to fine tune the processes used in our local Recovery Court program. Staying current on training like this ensures that participants in our local treatment court receive the tools, guidance, and resources they need to support their recovery journey.

We appreciate Chief Wilkins and the entire team for continuing to invest in ongoing education that strengthens local programs and services.

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City Commission Actions: November 10, 2025  

The following is a brief summary of action taken at the November 10, 2025, City Commission meeting, and does not represent the official minutes. This recap highlights Commission actions and provides background for context. Full details, staff reports, and supporting documents are available in the official agenda packet in the Agenda Center.

CONSENT AGENDA:

• October 27, 2025, Meeting Minutes – Formal record of actions taken at the previous City Commission meeting. [Approved]
• Appropriation Ordinance A-102725– Routine approval of scheduled city expenditures. [Approved]

• AP Payment Register – 102725– List of accounts payable (vendor invoices and bills) authorized for payment. [Approved]

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

• A resident addressed the Commission regarding a missing lease agreement for concession stands at the fairgrounds and asked about next steps for selling them. Staff confirmed they are actively working on the issue.

BUSINESS ITEMS:

• Resolution No. 111025-1 – FY 2026 Financial Statement. Authorizes FY 2026 financial statements to be prepared per Kansas cash-basis and budget laws.  [Approved]
• Temporary Exception – Vacation Leave Carryover Policy.  A temporary exception to the vacation leave carryover policy.  [Approved]
• Temporary Suspension of Water Service Disconnections. Penalties were waived for water accounts scheduled for shutoff on November 5. Staff will return with a proposed policy for future suspensions connected to federal government closures.  [Approved]

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:

• Use of City-Owned Property – Staff provided updates on reviewing and updating lease agreements for City-owned properties.
• Prioritized Stormwater Drainage Project List – Staff presented known drainage concerns; the Commission will provide project rankings at a future meeting.
• Draft Revised Purchasing Policy – Continued review of proposed policy updates.
• Use and Investment of 2025 Temporary Note Proceeds – Discussion of possible uses for note proceeds not already allocated to major projects.
• 10-Year Capital Improvement & Equipment Reserve Needs – Staff reviewed long-term capital and equipment needs, including possible equipment replacement using note proceeds.
• Disposal of Surplus Property – Staff outlined methods used for disposing of surplus City property.
• Permanent City Manager Search Proposals – Commission voted to begin engagement with the Kansas League of Municipalities for the recruitment process. [Approved]

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 

The Commission recessed into executive session for 13 minutes to discuss real estate and property matters with legal counsel. [No Action Taken]

For more in-depth information on agenda items, including staff reports and supporting documents, visit the full agenda packet in the Agenda Center.
A recording of the meeting is also available on the city's YouTube channel. 

• November 24, 2025 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting & Study Session
• December 8, 2025 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting & Study Session

Residents are encouraged to be active participants in their city government by attending City Commission meetings at the Abilene Public Library or by watching live on the city's YouTube channel on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 4:00 p.m.

Meeting agendas are posted on the city website the week before each meeting. Each agenda includes time for general public comments under Item 6, allowing residents to address the Commission on topics not listed on the agenda.  Many agenda items may also allow time for topic specific public comment.  

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