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 ramp is nearly complete, and community spaces are coming together with finishing touches like new trim and interior details.

Focus has shifted to the first floor, where crews have been framing, hanging drywall, painting, and reshaping the layout. If you’ve stopped by recently, you may have seen the progress as this level continues to take shape!

To explore the history of the building and learn more about the project, visit the City Hall Remodel page.

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 2026

Meeting Materials: https://desotoks.us/AgendaCenter

Previous Episodes: https://desotoks.us/464/Mayors-Minutes

00:00 Welcome and Black History Month Proclamation

00:44 Consent Agenda Approvals

00:59 New Business: Data Center Project

01:44 Infrastructure and Weather Services

02:27 Communications Agreement and Community Updates

03:08 Council Listening Session and Farewell to Councilmember

04:09 Mayor's Closing Remarks

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:

00:00 Introduction and Meeting Overview

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: 

Resources:

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:

00:00 Introduction

City Council was back in session on November 6th, and this week’s Mayor’s Minutes has the highlights!

Tune in to hear the full recap!

Resources:

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:

Resources:

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:

Resources:

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:

Resources:

00:00 Welcome to Mayor's Minutes