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

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