Wichita City Council Regular Meeting - March 18, 2025

The Wichita City Council held its first evening meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, convening at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, a special presentation by NXTUS, public comments, approval of consent items, and discussion on golf cart regulations, emergency water plant conversion, a municipal ID program, and multiple business service agreements. Votes were recorded on all action items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of March 4, 2025 (7-0).
• Approved Consent Agenda items 1–14 with two items pulled for separate discussion: Item 3D (Wholesale Water Service Agreement with Park City) and Item 11 (vacation of right-of-way for a bike trail). Both were later approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Andrew Crane and Mary Weber (Novulence) : Presented new QR-code-based technology for accessibility for blind and low-vision individuals, calling it Wichita's "sliced bread moment." Councilmember Hoheisel expressed interest in attending the upcoming event.
• Jami Scott and Dulcie Palna (Salvation Army) : Described transitional housing, a recovery home, emergency social services including ID assistance, and an urban farm. Councilmembers thanked them for their work.
• Amya Williams (Mayor's Youth Council) : Reported on youth council activities including voter registration, business interviews (Wichita Gems Uncover), sustainability fashion show, wellness baskets for homeless, and a youth-led unity event. Councilmembers praised their leadership.
• Sarah Calling (Grassroots Bridge Builders) : Shared personal experience with homelessness and ID barriers, asked for further consideration on municipal ID requirements, and suggested ways to make IDs more accessible.
• Faith Martin : Expressed support for transgender community and urged council to uphold libertarian values.
• Additional speakers on the golf cart ordinance and municipal ID (noted in sections below).

Proclamations

• Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31) : Proclamation read by Councilmember Glasscock after five council members voted in favor. A transgender woman spoke about the importance of visibility and criticized efforts to erase transgender identity.
• Developmental Disability Awareness Month (March) : Proclamation read by Mayor Wu. Speakers from Ability Point and a parent highlighted the "See Me For Me" campaign and the joy of employment.
• Into the Light Day (March 20) : Proclamation read by Mayor Wu. Andrew Crane and his father promoted the event at Garvey Center focusing on blindness awareness.

Special Presentation: NXTUS Reporting

• Mary Beth Jarvis, President/CEO of NXTUS : Presented annual data for programs supported by the City's $100,000 matching fund (10% of federal/regional funds). Key metrics (three-year totals):
  • Technical assistance sessions: 200/year goal, actual exceeded.
  • Startups served in-depth programs: goal 25/year, actual ~250.
  • Group education events: goal 30/year, actual ~240.
  • Private capital mobilized: goal $500,000/year, actual $4.685 million.
  • Leveraged additional capital: goal $2 million/year, actual over $227 million.
  • Angel group members: goal 30, actual 49 members, 78 active investors.
  • Jobs created/retained: goal 50/year, actual ~1,200 ($84 per job of city investment). Councilmembers commended the results; Mayor Wu linked to economic development priority.

Discussion Items

• Wholesale Water Service Agreement with Park City (Item 3D) : Councilmember Glasscock pulled for questions about expired agreement. Staff explained continuity language and ongoing negotiations. Approved 7-0 after brief discussion.
• Vacation of Right-of-Way for Bike Trail (Item 11) : Councilmember Hoheisel pulled citing opposition from cycling community and staff recommendation to deny. Councilmember Glasscock proposed a compromise requiring a 30-foot easement to preserve future bike path. Motion passed 7-0.
• Board of Bids and Contracts (March 17) : Approved 7-0. Included multiple construction contracts (e.g., $4.43 million water/sewer for Bridger at Central Addition, $1.56 million pump station upgrade, pavement preservation projects).
• Petitions for Public Improvements : Approved 7-0 for Prairie Glen Addition (water, storm, sewer, paving).
• Ordinance on Golf Cart Operation (Chapter 11.51) : Second reading after revisions from workshops. Key provisions: allowed on streets ≤30 mph, can cross higher-speed roads only at controlled intersections, no registration fee, no sidewalk operation (due to AG opinion), age 16+, night operation with proper lights, penalties ≤$200. Public comments from golf course communities asked for more flexibility on crossings and sidewalks. Councilmember Hoheisel raised child safety concerns but no age limit added. Motion to approve second reading passed 6-1 (Councilmember Tuttle opposed).
• General Obligation Note Sale : $43 million in notes sold March 13 at 2.87% interest (six bidders). Ratified 7-0.
• 2025 Sidewalk Maintenance Program : $1.2 million budget for repairs; property owners billed. Approved 7-0.
• Main Water Treatment Plant Conversion to Emergency Use : Staff (Laura Quick) presented five options; recommended Option 5 (groundwater, disinfection only, 45 MGD capacity, 1–2 day startup, 11–16 million capital cost, plus $300k/year maintenance). Concerns raised about cost, redundancy, and procurement process. Councilmember Ballard made motion to approve initiation. Passed 6-1 (Vice Mayor Johnston opposed). Also discussed warranty extension for new plant – staff recommended declining extended warranties and using $1.75 million for internal repairs.
• Air Capital Municipal ID (Ordinance No. 52-634) : Low-barrier I-9 compliant ID for residents 14+. No address required, fees waived, name changed to "City of Wichita Municipal ID", added "not valid for voting". Public comment: support from Justice Together, concerns from Sarah Calling about barriers. Motion to approve with amendments passed 7-0.
• Business Services Agreement with Create Campaign, Inc. : $5,000 for Spark Community Business Academy (entrepreneurial education). Approved 6-0-1 (Councilmember Johnson abstained).
• Business Services Agreement with Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) : $100,000 for programs (Level Up, Startup Plus, Business Forward, data research). Approved 7-0.
• Change in Council Meeting Schedule : August 26, 2025 changed to regular meeting for budget hearing. Approved 7-0.

Council Appointments & Comments

• Reappointments to District Advisory Boards and appointments to Sustainability Board approved 7-0.
• Councilmember Glasscock requested staff work on an ordinance for a common consumption area in Delano.
• Vice Mayor Johnston invited to Westlink Library opening March 22.
• Councilmember Hoheisel urged responsible gun storage after two child deaths; Councilmember Johnson promoted new grocery store, library hours, and driver's license reinstatement program.
• Mayor Wu thanked staff and community for State of the City address, and encouraged volunteering for Meals on Wheels.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved 7-0.
• Proclamations issued.
• Consent agenda (with two items pulled) approved 7-0.
• Board of Bids and Contracts approved 7-0.
• Petitions for Public Improvements approved 7-0.
• Golf Cart ordinance (second reading) adopted 6-1.
• General Obligation Note Sale ratification approved 7-0.
• Sidewalk Maintenance Program budget approved 7-0.
• Main Water Treatment Plant conversion to emergency use approved 6-1.
• Municipal ID ordinance adopted 7-0 with amendments (fee waived, name changed, voting disclaimer).
• Business Services Agreements with Create Campaign (6-0-1) and WIBA (7-0) approved.
• Meeting schedule change approved 7-0.
• Council appointments approved 7-0.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:31 PM.