Wichita City Council Regular Meeting – November 5, 2024

The Wichita City Council met for a marathon session on Election Day, November 5, 2024, starting at 9:00 AM and adjourning around 7:00 PM. Key decisions included approval of a $1.6 million additional ARPA allocation for the Cure Violence Interrupters program, funding for three downtown parking management options, a new veterinary contract, and several housing and shelter initiatives. The council also amended ordinances related to workshop meeting locations and public comments, debated the cost of public restrooms, and dealt with numerous consent items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of October 22 and October 25, 2024 (7–0).
• Proclamations: National Apprenticeship Week and Wichita Age-Friendly Initiative.
• Consent Agenda Items 1–21 approved in bulk (7–0), with items 6, 7, 12, 14, and 20 pulled for separate discussion.
  • Item 6: Minutes of advisory boards; library highlighted community outreach tools.
  • Item 7 & 8: Settlement of claims totaling $71,520; year-to-date claims under $1 million against a $2.5 million self-insurance fund.
  • Item 12: Overestimate bid for downtown two-way conversion ($8.8 million project, on budget, completion before March 2025 NCAA tournament).
  • Item 14: 33 funding agreements for Affordable Housing Fund (6–0; one abstention due to conflict).
  • Item 20: Sale of 33 public housing properties to three entities (6–0; one abstention).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Downtown Parking Plan: Five speakers (Heather Schroeder, Larry Weber, Joseph Tigert, Alan Banta, and George Theoharis) urged the council to adopt Option A for paid parking management, citing revenue needs, deferred maintenance ($12–18 million estimated), and best practices from other cities. Council members noted ongoing complaints about current parking but acknowledged the need for a funded system.
• George Theoharis also requested audits of Animal Services and MABCD, criticized lack of transparency, and proposed two pilot property maintenance programs.
• Violence Interrupters (Cure Violence ICT): Thirteen public speakers, including parents, a state representative, and program staff, testified in strong support of full funding. They highlighted 93 violent conflicts detected, 53 interventions, 62 mediations, and a 30-day truce achieved. Speakers emphasized the program's role in reaching at-risk youth and reducing gun violence.
• Healthy Corner Store Initiative: Six speakers (including health coalition leaders, a farmer, and store operator) supported the pilot, noting food insecurity affects 25% of Wichita residents and the project’s potential to improve access to fresh food.
• Mirror Inc. spoke briefly in support of its appeal for a correctional placement residence spacing waiver.

Discussion Items

• Board of Bids and Contracts (Item III): Approved 4–3 after debate on Item 5 – downtown restrooms and hydration station. The $531,878 bid for two Portland Loo-style restrooms (Naftzger Park and A. Price Woodard Park) was criticized for cost ($250,000 per bathroom) and potential vandalism. Supporters argued the model is safer and easier to maintain. The final vote passed 4–3 with Mayor Wu, Glasscock, and Johnston dissenting.
• Industrial Revenue Bonds for Air Capital Flight Line: Approved 7–0 for a speculative MRO hangar (111,000 sq ft). The developer receives a 95% property tax abatement for 5 years, then 50% if 50% leased. No city funds at risk.
• Center City South TIF District Plan Amendment: Approved 7–0 to remove a 70% cap on tax increment, retaining $370,000 increment for other jurisdictions. Public hearing closed.
• Public Hearings for 333 E. English: Set for December to consider CID and TIF for a $7 million mixed-use redevelopment (42 apartments, retail). No property tax abatement requested.
• Violence Interrupter Program Amendment: After extensive debate (2+ hours), the council voted 4–3 to extend the original $1.5 million ARPA agreement through June 2025 and add $1.6 million to fund through September 2026, contingent on quarterly reports and a sustainability plan. Council members Johnson, Hoheisel, Tuttle, and Vice Mayor Ballard supported; Mayor Wu, Glasscock, and Johnston opposed the full increase, citing limited data (65 days) and budget deficit concerns.
• Healthy Corner Store Initiative: Approved 4–3 ($950,000 ARPA) to create a pilot program with Wichita State CEI, targeting 11 corner stores. Critics questioned long-term sustainability; supporters cited community engagement and a $1 billion annual local food economy goal.
• Quarterly Financial Reports: Received and filed 7–0. Finance director noted a projected budget deficit of $3.6 million in 2026 and $10 million in 2027.
• ERA2 Closeout Plan: Approved 7–0 to use $369,000 remaining for a security deposit stipend program and rapid rehousing bridge for 50 homeless households.
• Multi-Agency Center Sub-Agreement: Approved 7–0 allocating $6.37 million (including $5.76 million ARPA) for renovations at Park Elementary. Project 2 (full MAC) will take 12–18 months from April 2025.
• Affordable Housing Fund Updates: Approved 7–0 to acquire 56 single-family homes from Wichita Housing Authority for $3.67 million, with $25,972 additional ARPA for demolition of two fire-damaged properties.
• Winter Shelter Funding (HumanKind): Approved 7–0 ($600,000 ARPA) for operations at 1025 N. Main Street. Maximum capacity 230 beds; last year saw 1,119 unduplicated individuals.
• Veterinary Care Services: Approved 7–0 with Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital of Wichita after previous contractor terminated. New contract includes safeguards for Good Samaritan cases.
• Mirror Inc. Spacing Waiver: Approved 7–0 granting a waiver for a correctional placement residence at 21st and Broadmoor. The facility will serve juveniles with substance abuse disorders.
• Workshop Meeting Location Ordinance: Amended 5–2 to keep workshops in the first-floor boardroom instead of council chambers.
• Workshop Public Agenda Ordinance: Approved 6–1 to add 25 minutes of public comment at the beginning of workshop meetings (fourth Tuesday). An amendment to allow public comment on pulled consent items failed.
• Zone Change ZON2024-00034: Overrode MAPC 5–2 to deny rezoning from SF-5 to LC at 29th and Salina, citing conflict with comprehensive plan.
• Housing Authority Plans: Approved 7–0 for 2025 annual, 5-year strategic, and capital fund plans. Noted 10,000 households on housing choice voucher waiting list; only 247 with homeless preference.
• Council Travel: Approved 7–0 for Council Member Tuttle to attend the Governor’s Water Conference ($469).
• Appointments: Approved 7–0 – Stephanie Nix to Citizens Review Board; Council Member Glasscock to Wichita Art Museum Board.

Key Outcomes

• Downtown Parking: Council signaled support for a parking management plan; further discussion scheduled for November 19 with five options.
• Violence Interrupters: Funding extended through June 2025 and increased by $1.6 million to September 2026. Quarterly performance reports and a sustainability plan required.
• Healthy Corner Store: Pilot funded for one year; no expectation of continued city funding beyond ARPA.
• Deferred Parking Maintenance: $12–18 million identified but not in current CIP; will be phased.
• Housing Voucher Crisis: Over 10,000 households on waiting list; no new vouchers issued since May 2024 due to HUD shortfall. Council expressed concern about foster youth and seniors.
• Multi-Agency Center: Winter shelter to open by November 28, 2024; full MAC expected in 12–18 months. Operating costs: $4.5 million/year; city to cover $2.5 million/year with ARPA for two years, seeking $2 million in community contributions.
• Budget Outlook: $3.6 million deficit in 2026, $10 million in 2027.
• Workshop Changes: Workshops remain in boardroom; 25-minute public comment added starting November 26.

Adjournment: Motion carried 4–3 at 7:00 PM after Council Member comments on Election Day.