The Hall Monitors

Latest Episodes:

The New Kid on the Block (...is 20,000 sq. ft.): Sunflower Fire Station Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

The New Kid on the Block (…is 20,000 Sq. Ft.)

This episode, the Hall Monitors take a field trip to the Northwest Consolidated Fire District to chat with Fire Chief Todd Maxton about the new Sunflower Fire Station.

We talk about how the downtown station - formerly City Hall - has served the community for decades, why it’s time for an upgrade, and how the new station will better serve the firefighters who serve us every day.

Host: Whitney Lange, Communications Director

Guest: Fire Chief Todd Maxton, NWCFD

00:00 Intro

04:06 The Station That's Served Us Well

08:30 Planning

14:13 Location

15:05 Station Details

18:18 Staffing

18:49 Funding

21:43 Training

25:07 Rapid Fire Questions

28:14 Closing

29:25 Bloopers

Mayor’s Minutes - April 23rd, 2025 - Community Donations & Flint Meadows East Housing Project Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Mayor's Minute(s), Mayor Rick Walker recaps the April 17th City Council meeting that had a variety of agenda topics. Hear about donations to local groups, an update on the CTEC student art sculpture for City Hall, the Flint Meadows East housing project, and other important topics!

For more information on the upcoming summer events, check out the Rhythm & Roots Market webpage!

00:00 Welcome to Mayor's Minutes
00:23 Community Donations & Summer Market Series
01:18 Art & Infrastructure Updates
01:38 Housing Developments & Economic Incentives
03:02 City Hall Renovations & Public Safety
04:04 2024 Audit Report & Conclusion

Mayor’s Minutes - April 8th, 2025 - Sewer Benefit District & Community Center Survey Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Mayor’s Minute, Mayor Walker recaps a full agenda from the April 3rd City Council meeting. Tune in for updates on the Sewer Benefit District, insights from the Community Center Feasibility Study, and details about an exciting new Summer Concert & Market Series.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:27 95th Street Sewer Benefit District Update

01:29 Exploring a New Community Center

02:26 Summer Music & Market Series Announcement

03:06 Infrastructure Improvements and Agreements

03:47 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

Extra Credit: Contain the Rain & Property Tax Relief Programs Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Hall Monitors podcast, we’re breaking down two impactful City resources for the community:

Contain the Rain Program—A City & County program that promotes sustainable landscaping by reimbursing residents and businesses 50% of costs for eco-friendly projects like rain barrels and native plants.
Property Tax Relief Program—A program that provides tax rebates to low-income households, veterans, and seniors, helping to mitigate rising property taxes.

Host: Libby Johnson, Communications & Outreach Coordinator

Guest: Brandon Mills, Assistant City Administrator & City Clerk

00:25 Intro

01:19 Roll Call: Mills, B.

04:57 Contain the Rain Program

09:51 Property Tax Relief Program

19:42 Where are you headed?

20:50 Bloopers

Mayor’s Minutes - March 25th, 2025 - Sunflower Recreational Trail, Permanent Traffic Signals Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Mayor’s Minute(s), Mayor Rick Walker covers the rezoning request for Evening Star Road, a recreational trail project, and permanent traffic signals!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:17 Rezoning Request for Evening Star Road

00:50 Sunflower Road Recreational Trail Project

01:24 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

01:49 Digitizing Old Paper Records

02:06 Riverfest Park Master Plan Update

02:30 Timed Downtown Parking Ordinance

03:04 Traffic Signal Upgrades at Lexington and Commerce

04:35 Conclusion and Contact Information

Mayor’s Minutes - March 17th , 2025 - Downtown Beautification, Property Tax Relief Expansion Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this first episode of the Mayor's Minute(s), Mayor Rick Walker chats about Youth Art Month in De Soto, downtown beautification efforts, and the expansion of our property tax relief program!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:08 Youth Art Month Proclamation

00:29 Downtown Beautification Project

00:58 New Storm Sirens Installation

01:17 Capital Improvement Plan Update

01:42 Property Tax Relief Program

03:45 Conclusion and Final Remarks

Chalkboards to City Hall: A Historic Renovation in Progress Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to the first episode of The Hall Monitors podcast! Since our podcast name honors City Hall’s past as a former schoolhouse, we’re starting by exploring the building’s unique history and its long-awaited renovation.

Mayor Rick Walker, who once walked these halls as a junior high student, joins us to share memories from the old school days, how the City bought the building for just $10, and why now is the time for a full-scale renovation.

Key Topics Covered

From School to City Hall – The evolution of a De Soto landmark
Renovation Rundown – What’s changing, what’s staying, and what it means for residents
Preserving the Past – How the city is keeping the building’s history alive

A special thanks to the De Soto Historical Society for sharing historic photos that bring this story to life!

Host: Whitney Lange, City Communications Director

Guest: Mayor Rick Walker

Ding! Was that the bell? Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to The Hall Monitors—a podcast brought to you by the City of De Soto’s communications team, recorded right here at City Hall.

It used to be the hall monitors that kept an eye on this old school building. Now we’re the ones keeping up with the big projects, decisions and stories that shape our city. So, grab your hall pass, and let’s take a walk (not a run) through De Soto’s past, present, and future.

Let’s get to class!

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