Wichita City Council
Notes by Paige Koeppen
The meeting covered several topics that warranted debate, including the mayor's response to the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation, the possible outcomes for the Crown Uptown Theatre, regulations enforcement of food trucks, and the police location in Old Town.
Notes by Francie Foster
Council approved items on biological nutrient renewal, city property rental fees, & unsafe structure processes. They reviewed ongoing dirt road paving priorities and the city's continued efforts in drought response. The meeting concluded with an executive session on litigation.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
The City Council faced controversy over the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation, with only four members publicly supporting it, while a vocal group of citizens cheered its passage. The municipal ID program received strong support and only found debate on the best name.
Notes by Ty Davis
Residents raised concerns about veteran support, sidewalk obstructions, & a historic home demolition. The council approved key measures, including the Old Town Cinemas lease and a childcare licensing grant, while delaying decisions on the Old Town CID and Crown Uptown Demolition.
Notes by Rami Stucky
Mayor Wu questioned city staff about a fire in a city-owned building, while presentations on water conservation rebates, budget updates, a disc golf lease, & arts funding. When questioned about federal funding, City Manager Robert Layton said most funding was directed to Transit.
Notes by Paige Koeppen
A lot of discussion focused on golf cart regulations. Other discussions included a $36 million drainage project, a city lot transfer, department cuts, and ARPA fund allocations. Council member Johnson suggested a 1 to 2-point mill levy increase to help with budget issues.
Notes by Josh Bernat
Council approved the 2025 Water Rebate Program with a $150,000 budget, shifting focus to indoor water conservation, offering free showerheads & sink aerators. The Q4 Financial Report showed property tax growth, a decline in court revenue, and $11 million transferred to reserves.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
City Council approved initiatives, including drainage improvements, police technology upgrades, and a zoning change for an entertainment venue. Discussions also covered concerns about software functionality and upcoming plans for opioid settlement funds.
Notes by Paige Koeppen
The City's Finance Department received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award. Discussion around Little League Football changes, deferred lease amendments for North Mead properties, approved funding for sanitary sewer upgrades and denied increasing Crown Uptown Theatre’s Occupancy.
Notes by Paige Koeppen
The council reviewed the 2024 Community Survey, which showed improved governance ratings and highlighted public priorities like safety, economy, and infrastructure. City Manager Layton and the council discussed strategic planning pillars, with differing views on shared services.
Notes by Ty Davis
The council approved the consent agenda, public improvement petitions, and travel authorizations for Councilmembers Johnson and Tuttle. Discussions covered the National Community Survey results, strategic planning priorities, public safety, and defining goals for a well-run city.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
The Wichita City Council discussed key issues, including the Golf Cart Ordinance, a reparations commission request, and cleanup efforts at the 29th & Grove contamination site. Updates included increased graduation rates in USD 259, parks impacted by the K-96 project, and federal funding for environmental testing.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
Councilman JV Johnston was selected as the new Vice Mayor, succeeding Councilwoman Maggie Ballard. Key discussions included zoning changes, public comments on city projects, and the approval of the updated Bicycle Plan with future safety and funding considerations.
Notes by Paige Koeppen
The City Council discussed various issues, including homelessness, the future of a historical property, and funding for public housing programs. Key votes included passing Ordinance 12a on illegal camping (4-3) and approving the demolition of the historical property.
Notes by Wyatt Barmann
Discussion occurred regarding amending the 2013 anti-camping ordinance, including reducing fines & mandating police involvement in relocating the unhoused to shelters like the MAC. Despite passionate public opposition & hours of debate, the amendment was approved 4-3.
Notes by Judy Winters
The Council approved Option A of the Paid Parking Plan(5-2) launching in 2025 & fully implemented by 2025. It excludes Delano and will be reviewed in 2028. Stricter rules on encampments faced opposition over concerns of criminalizing homelessness but the city promised assistance.
Notes by Taliyah Winn
The City Council approved multiple policies. The Mayor voted against a raise, despite the Councils statements regarding the need. Community concerns focused on police transparency, public comment limits, and the proposed homelessness ordinance.
Notes by Donna Castillo-Garcia
Further discussion regarding the Multi-Agency Center and it's purpose to address homelessness, with plans for an expanded board and leadership by April 2025. Proposed 2025 water and sewer rate adjustments and changes to Council meeting structures aim to support civic engagement.
Notes by Ty Davis
Key council actions included deferring the downtown parking plan for revisions, approving funding for the Holocaust Memorial, and addressing financial challenges tied to the Medical School parking infrastructure and city deficits.
Notes by Judy Winters
A Public Works steering committee presented recommendations for the future of the Main Water Treatment Plant, which the council will review. The City Council Workshop's location has changed which sparked debate over which place offers the best transparency and public engagement.
Notes by Ty Davis
The City Council made key proclamations to support homelessness, after-school programs, and juvenile justice reform, while also approving affordable housing development and expanding public safety technology. Cultural Funding for 38 organizations were made.
Notes by Ty Davis
The council proclaimed events like the Wichita Asian Festival, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Fire Prevention Week, while recognizing the Wichita Purchasing Department's national award. Updates included USD 259 goals, consent agenda approvals, law amendments, street and riverbank improvements, Open Streets ICT, a new City Water Works building, and a firefighter memorial.
Notes by Paige Koeppen
The City Council recognized BOMA Day, Junior League Appreciation Month, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, while also discussing public art budgets, Cheney Lake repairs, and accessibility issues in downtown Wichita.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
The Workshop included an update on the ARPA Recovery Plan, highlighting the Violence Interrupters Project and concerns about its financial sustainability. A proposed amendment to the solar zoning code was also discussed, with no action taken.
Notes by Ty Davis
Wichita's efforts with the MAC move forward, but concerns remain about whether these efforts will be enough. The City Council approved changes to the Water Works project and discussed the new 2025 housing payment standard, which could impact HUD voucher families.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
The Council addressed parking issues, focusing on insufficient funding, enforcement, and fees for downtown visitors and students. They also reviewed Ethics Policy 39 changes, clarifying gift limits and responsibilities, with calls for more transparency.
Notes by Ty Davis
The council celebrated Wichita's award for best-tasting water and approved an ordinance regulating parties at short-term rentals. Concerns about Clapp Park's tenant agreement and future investments were discussed, along with plans for the MAC in order to open by Thanksgiving.
Notes by Josh Bernat
The City Council approved bids for traffic signalization on 135th St, paving at the Courtyards at Moorings, and re-roofing two city buildings. Budget increases for the Bunker Hill Addition will be addressed on Sept. 10.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
Following key discussions on the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and its impact on city services, the Council approved the proposed budget. Councilmember Glasscock then guided the Council through a detailed line-by-line voting process aimed at identifying significant cost savings.
Notes by Taliyah Winn
Heated discussions centered around the paid parking plan and the budget led to a marathon meeting, lasting more than 10 hours.
Notes by Sharon Ailslieger
The City Service Employees Union tentatively agreed to a new contract, with concerns raised about the impact of privatization on city jobs. The Council reviewed the upcoming budget and many people shared their various concerns, including parks and rec, the arts, police and fire.
Notes by Tenay Mathis
The Park and Recreation Department launched a mobile app on April 1st, receiving 2,283 downloads and positive user feedback. The city is addressing drought conditions with a 10% water usage reduction goal and encouraging residents to limit outdoor irrigation.
Notes by Paige Koeppen
Key topics included the 2025 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program, with debates on addressing future budget shortfalls and a vote to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate. The proposed budget prioritizes crime prevention, economic development, and housing insecurity.
Notes by Verdell Island
The meeting covered various topics, including the proclamation of Wichita Wheat Hawks Day and approvals for public improvements and contracts, emphasizing city safety, economic sustainability, and homelessness improvement as key priorities.
Notes by Judy Winters
Mayor Lily Wu led discussions on crucial community issues, including cybersecurity grants and the sale of Park Elementary. Council members engaged with passionate public comments on homelessness solutions and zoning amendments.
Notes by Debbie Haslam
The decision to designate the city website as the "official newspaper" generated significant debate, with concerns raised about transparency and access, culminating in a compromise amendment for supplementary print sources.
Notes by Isaac Roads
Reparations and disability access took center stage at the City Council meeting, with calls for action on both issues highlighting systemic challenges in Wichita. The council also debated transforming Park Elementary into a MAC for the homeless.
Notes by Carli Harmening
From heartfelt talks on Pride Month to young students passionately advocating for climate change solutions, the meeting showcased vibrant community engagement.
Notes by Cecilia Rogers
City talks about fireworks ordinances for the upcoming July 4th holiday and fireworks business owners voice concern about the danger of certain higher-grade explosives. Local company, Diversified Services, Inc. requests tax abatement for new facility in North Wichita.
Notes by Bill Hoag
The Wichita City Council conducts the weekly City Council meeting despite a Cyber-attack that effects the process. Public comment shares concern for Palestine and encourages the City to establish an ordinance calling for Peace.