The City Council met on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, awards, public comments, consent agenda, multiple public hearings, and council business. The meeting recessed into executive session at 11:50 AM and resumed at 12:20 PM.
Public Hearing – Commonwealth Development Corporation Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (District III): Request for ~$9.2 million in revenue bonds (sales tax exemption only) for a 42-unit low-income housing project at 5136 S Broadway. Developer Liz Peterson stated they will apply for federal and state LIHTC in May. Even if tax credits not awarded, they intend to proceed. Project expected to be completed spring 2027. Council members expressed support for affordable housing. Approved 7-0.
Public Hearing – Lange Gen Y, LLC Industrial Revenue Bonds (District IV): Request for ~$3 million revenue bonds (sales tax exemption only) for renovation of former Royal Caribbean call center into corporate headquarters for Lang Companies. Investment adds no new net jobs (relocation of existing employees). Sales tax exemption value: $112,000; city share ~$8,770. Discussion focused on ROI and property tax impact. Current property tax obligation (2023) ~$200,000 on $1.8M valuation; expected to increase significantly with occupancy. Councilmember Glasscock moved to defer to April 22 meeting (pending establishing that meeting) to get solid ROI numbers. Motion passed 7-0.
2025 Wichita River Festival MOU: Sponsorship of $40,000 cash + $40,000 for special program + ~$130,000 in-kind police support. Riverfest dates: May 30 – June 7, 2025. Economic impact reported as $27+ million annually. Early bird buttons $15 until April 26, then $20. Approved 7-0.
Harry Street Design Concept and Funding (127th to 143rd St East, District II): Proposed three-lane roadway with median, sidewalks, mid-block crosswalk. Design fee total ~$499,000; revised budget $1.135 million. Construction expected 2028. Approved 7-0.
2024 Wichita Land Bank Annual Report: Only two properties transferred since 2021 (9th & Ash, sold to Habitat for Humanity). No receipts or disbursements in 2024. Board suspended regular meetings due to staff capacity and lack of properties. Challenges include Sedgwick County tax sale interpretation and CDBG eligible activity requirements. Discussion on future of Land Bank; city manager will bring budget discussion later. Received and filed 7-0.
Establish April 22, 2025 as Regular Meeting: Replaces workshop/consent agenda meeting. Approved 7-0.
CUP2025-00005 Amendment (Warehouse Self-Storage, District V): Request to permit self-storage/garage condos in LC district, exclude architectural controls, waive on-site resident manager requirement. MAPC recommended approval with architectural controls; DAB recommended without. One protest petition (<1% of area). Councilmember Johnston moved to adopt MAPC findings (including architectural controls). Approved 7-0.
Council Member Travel – Councilmember Tuttle: Approved to accept travel expenses ($1,348, not to exceed $1,500) from Community Leaders of America to attend South Carolina Spring National Conference Apr 22-25. No city cost. Approved 7-0.
Council Member Appointments: Tim McQuarrie to Citizens' Review Board; Vanessa Christopherson to District Advisory Board (District unspecified). Approved 7-0.
We're having some technical difficulties regarding the sound, but we will continue. First and foremost, welcome to all of you here to City Hall, and good morning, Wichita. We'll call this meeting to order. With us this morning is Pastor Jeff Gannon of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church to provide our invocation. Following that invocation, we will have our Pledge of Allegiance. Help them. We entrust our city to you. Today we especially pray blessing upon JROTC cadet, Aidan Nienheis, who will be awarded. Bless his life abundantly, we pray. We pray for our world. We pray for peace on earth and goodwill toward all. We surrender this meeting to you. In your holy name we pray. Amen. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. Ound nation, under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor Gannon. Mr. Clerk, can you please call the first item? Approve the minutes of the regular meetings April 1st, 2025 and April 8th, 2025. Are there any corrections? I see none. I move to approve the minutes for both April 1st, 2025 and April 8th, 2025. Second. Motion and a second, any further discussion. I see none. Mr. Clerk, please open the roll. Motion passes 7-0. Mr. Clerk, please call the next item. Awards and proclamations. Proclamations this week are Arbor Day, National Small Business Week, and Fair Housing Month. May I please ask Parks and Rec Forestry Division to please come forward at this time. Whereas advocates say trees in the city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business districts, and beautify the community. Whereas the city of Wichita recognizes the daily benefits of trees and generational legacy of planting trees. Now, therefore be it resolved that the Wichita City Council does hereby proclaim April 25th, 2025 as Arbor Day in the city of Wichita and encourage all citizens to join in promoting the urban canopy by planting trees in your area of influence. Good morning. ICT Trees has been an annual partner during our Arbor Day celebration, and we want to recognize them as well. I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Mayor Wu and to the City Council for this Arbor Day proclamation and for recognizing the critical role trees play in the health and well-being of our environment. Trees are more than just a part of our landscape. They are an essential resource that sustains life. They give us oxygen, reduce pollination, reduce pollution, provide shelter to wildlife, and enhance the beauty of our neighborhoods. Today, as we come together to honor Arbor Day, we are also reminding ourselves of the responsibility that we have to protect and care for the natural world around us. The simple act of planting a tree is a powerful symbol of hope. It's a gesture to the commitment to the future, to a healthy environment, and to a sustainable world. It's about investing in the next generation by ensuring that they inherit a planet that is full of vibrant life like the one that we have today. From schools to local organizations like ICT Trees to volunteers and environmental advocates, everyone has a role to play in making Arbor Day more than just a one-day event. It is about creating a lasting impact that will be felt for generations. As we continue to plant trees, let us remember that we are not just adding to the beauty of our landscape.