Ottawa was incorporated in 1866 and in 1867 voted to become a
city of the second class under the guidelines established by the
State of Kansas. During the same time frame, a bridge company
was formed, and constructed a suspension bridge across the
Marais des Cygnes River at Main Street, purchased by the City in
1874.

City Hall was constructed at the corner of Fourth & Walnut in 1911
and remained at that location until August 1996 when it moved to
101 S. Hickory.

CITY MANAGER & COMMISSIONERS
Ottawa was governed by a Mayor-Council system until 1913 when
the City became a Commission form of government. In 1970 voters
established the City Manager form of government with a five (5)
member Commission, which annually selects a Mayor from its
ranks. Three seats on the Commission are open every odd
numbered year. Two Commissioners are elected to four-year terms
and one is elected to a two-year term.

The City Commission is the legislative and policy making body of
the City. Regular City Commission meetings are held on the first
and third Wednesday of each month. The first Wednesday meeting
is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. and the third Wednesday is set at 9:30
a.m. The City Commission also meets at 4:00 p.m. every Monday
afternoon in work session and in joint session with the County
Commission and members of the U.S.D. 290 School Board every
third Wednesday at noon. All meetings are open to the public.
The City Manager is appointed by the City Commission to serve as
agreed upon by a written employment agreement. The City
Commission may remove the City Manager from office at any time.
The City Manager serves as the CEO of the City and is charged
with the responsibility of supervision, coordination, and
administration of the City, and carrying out policies of the City
Commission.