By John Huxman
Freelance reporter
Special to the Tribune
The City of Pratt had its first regular commission meeting of 2025 on January 13. This first meeting is always centered on reorganization for the coming year. This year, Mayor Zach Deeds stepped down after six years on the commission and three as mayor. Deeds was replaced as mayor by Kyle Farmer, who was already serving on the commission and, by profession, teaches government at Pratt High School. The empty seat left by Deeds’ departure from the commission was filled by Monte Hostetler who was elected to the commission by the public after previously serving on the Planning and Zoning Committee for the City of Pratt.
City Manager Regina Goff presented the outgoing mayor with a gavel on a plaque during the reorganization ceremony.
“Zach, I want to honor your leadership and service, not just from the last year, but from the last six. You have truly led with integrity and conviction,” Goff said. “You were bold and courageous and you addressed difficult things. You were a true leader. You led with humility. Because of your servant leadership, we accomplished a lot together over the last six years. A few of those are the pool, greater transparency in the government (we have really taken care of our finances and cut a lot of pork and invested our idle funds), you saw through the term-limit change, and you survived three city managers. So, my friend, thank you for serving us. You will be missed.”
Seated commissioners also thanked Deeds for his service.
“Your unwavering commitment to the betterment of Pratt has left a mark on our city,” said Farmer. “Under your guidance we have witnessed significant progress and positive change from enhancing public services to fostering economic growth. Your genuine care for our community has truly set you apart. Your contributions to the city will never be forgotten.” Commissioner Doug Meyer said that Deeds was the kind of mayor who stuck to the agenda.
“You kept us honest with KOMA and KORA. You didn’t overstep your bounds. And you put the time in and you got the work done,” Meyers said. “And you’ve given more than I think any mayor we’ve had in the past.” Commissioner Jeanette Siemens echoed these sentiments and Commissioner Gary Schmidt added that Deeds always stood up for what was right but was willing to change his mind when it needed to be changed.
After bidding Deeds goodbye, Hostetler was sworn in as a commissioner and Kyle Farmer was formally nominated and elected mayor by the commission members.
The first business of the newly constituted commission included:
*Hearing CEO Mike Reed of Sunrise Oilfield Supply as he sought incentives, such as a reduction of his business’ property tax or utility bill. Reed is combining his business’ two locations, in Spivey and Greensburg, into a single location and is considering Pratt for that location. He is daunted by the high property taxes which are over twice as much as he pays in Spivey for just over half the acreage. City Manager Goff informed him that any forgiveness of his taxes was unlikely but that the city might consider other incentives.
*Approved the Water Department to solicit bids for a new backhoe to replace their current 2005 model that has 9,200 hours on it.
*Nominated Doug Enick to the Planning and Zoning Commission to replace Monte Hostetler.
*Reappointed Bryan Barnard and Steve Mills to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
*Approved Bev Aldrich to remain on the Travel and Tourism Committee.
*Heard a recommendation by high school student Gabriel Heredia during open agenda that the pair of parking places nearest the intersection of 6th and Main (in front of Cottonwood Dental) be removed in order to allow better visibility in the intersection and prevent potential t-bone accidents. The commission felt that removing the parking spaces was indeed more economical than adding another traffic light. There was discussion about possibly turning the two spaces into a single parallel space or into a loading zone. More discussion and communication with Cottonwood Dental was deemed necessary before any firm decision could be reached.
*Heard an announcement that Interim Fire Chief Todd Hoffman will be accepting the role of permanent Fire Chief.
*Heard an announcement that the city has installed between 40 and 50 new security cameras to monitor city property and prevent or help in the prosecution of crime.
*Commended city employees for their response to the recent winter storm.
