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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Wichita City Council Regular Meeting - June 17, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, June 17, 2025

BodyWichita, Kansas

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, June 17, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:23:24

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

30:19

Marcia Haney from St.

30:20

Mark's United United Methodist Church for invocation.

30:24

Marcia.

30:27

Please rise.

30:33

Good morning, everyone.

30:35

Let us be in an attitude of prayer.

30:41

Almighty Creator, we come this morning and say thank you for life, for health, and for strength.

30:49

Thank you for the mayor, each city leader, all staff members and city council.

30:56

Lord, we thank you for this morning.

30:58

It's a rainy morning, but we thank you for the shower of blessings.

31:04

We ask that you give this city council wisdom and knowledge for today's decision.

31:11

We thank you for always providing Wichita to be a great place to live, a great place to do business.

31:19

So we ask your blessings upon every business owner, small and great.

31:25

Guide this meeting for the rest of the time in Jesus' name.

31:29

Amen.

31:51

Thank you, Pastor Haney.

31:58

Uh roughen it.

32:00

So she's working hard for the city, so we appreciate that.

32:04

At this time, if we have any changes to the minutes from last meeting, we're meeting uh June 10th.

32:14

Changes hearing none, I will move to approve the regular meeting minutes from June 10th.

32:20

Second.

32:24

Clerk, please uh put the vote up.

32:32

Motion passes 6-0.

32:36

Proclamations, uh World Refugee Day, or Clerk, do you say that?

32:41

You say that.

32:42

Let you say that.

32:44

A proclamations of World Refugee Day, and the award this week is the mini MPA certificates.

33:10

Today we have a uh a proclamation which is pretty special to me because when the uh Vietnam war ended, uh my family, my mother and father sponsored a family from Vietnam that came here.

33:23

So I got to experience that for uh many years.

33:26

So with that, a proclamation of the city of Wichita, Kansas, founded in 1870, whereas World Refugee Day is observed globally on June 20th each year to honor the courage, strength, and resilience of refugees around the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters.

33:48

And whereas the City of Wichita proudly recognizes the invaluable contributions of refugees in the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our community.

34:13

And whereas these individuals and families have enriched Wichita through their talents, traditions, and perseverance, becoming business owners, students, workers, and neighbors who enhance the strength and diversity of our city.

34:43

And whereas World Refugee Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the global refugee crisis, celebrate the achievements of refugees in our community, and reaffirm our commitment to compassion, inclusion, and human dignity.

35:01

And now, therefore, be it resolved that the city that the Wichita City Council does hereby proclaim June 20th, 2025 as World Refugee Day in the City of Wichita, and encourage all residents to honor and celebrate the strength and contributions of refugees in our community and continue working towards a welcoming and inclusive city for all.

35:32

Thank you.

36:52

Thank you.

36:56

Thank you, Aya, for reading that in um Arabic.

37:00

Good morning, everyone.

37:02

On behalf of the International Rescue Committee and the refugee community, I want to thank the City Council and the Mayor for recognizing World Refugee Day.

37:10

This proclamation is more than a gesture.

37:13

It's a statement that Wichita stands with those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes in search of safety, freedom, and a better life.

37:24

Today, over 114 million people around the world have this been displaced due to conflict, persecution, and natural disaster.

37:34

Among them, about 35 million are recognized as refugees.

37:51

World Refugee is a time to honor their resilience.

40:00

Fellow City Council members, esteemed faculty of the Hugo Wall School, supervisors, and the many MPA graduating class of twenty twenty-five.

40:08

Today marks a significant milestone in your life, a milestone that the many MPMPA program has played a crucial role in role in.

40:19

You have stayed the course, attended the classes, and celebrating the completion of the program.

40:26

As the vice mayor, I am thrilled to stand here on behalf of the mayor to celebrate this moment.

40:35

Today is not just a day of celebration, but a day of gratitude.

40:40

We are grateful your for your hard work, your resilience, and for being great ambassadors of the city of Wichita.

40:48

I encourage you to use the knowledge and the tools you have learned from the program to contribute to our community and beyond.

41:02

Remember that it's not just about making a living, it's about making a life.

41:07

A life filled with service, passion, and purpose.

41:24

Congratulations to you all and thank you.

41:39

Good morning.

41:41

On behalf of the Hugo Wall School, I want to thank the Wichita City Council, Mayor Wu, for having us here today to recognize some outstanding public servants that are enabling and serving our communities in such extraordinary ways.

42:10

Thank you so much.

42:20

Yes, as we call each um student to come up, um take their plugin with a handshake.

42:28

Okay.

42:28

Yeah, I think.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety██████████████████████████████████34%

Procedural███████████████15%

Public Engagement██████████████14%

Immigration Policy████████8%

Youth Programs██████6%

Transportation Safety██████6%

Homelessness████4%

Public Works████4%

Animal Welfare███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Wichita City Council Regular Meeting - June 17, 2025

The Wichita City Council convened on June 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting opened with an invocation, pledge of allegiance, approval of minutes from June 10, 2025 (passed 6-0), and recognition of World Refugee Day through a proclamation. Awards were presented to graduates of the MiniMPA program. Public comments focused on neighborhood safety concerns regarding unlicensed mini bikes and motorbikes. The council approved consent agenda items, accepted bids, approved petitions for public improvements for a new residential development, and placed two ordinances on first reading. The meeting recessed into executive session.

Consent Calendar

Approved minutes of regular meeting June 10, 2025 (6-0).
Consent Agenda Items 1 through 12 were approved as one motion with the exception of Item 4A (partial acquisition of 2501 North Hoover), which was pulled for separate discussion (6-0).
Item 4A: Approved partial acquisition of 2501 North Hoover for the Hoover Road improvement project, including a temporary fence installation, after Councilmember Ballard received clarification on the process (6-0).
Board of Bids and Contracts (June 16, 2025): Approved contracts and authorizations (6-0).
Petitions for Public Improvements: Approved new petitions and resolutions for Courtyards at Jacobs Farm Second Addition in District V, covering multiple phases of water, drainage, sewer, and paving improvements (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

George Theoharis (President of three neighborhood associations, Mead, Grandview Heights, and Medalark) spoke on three main issues: (1) criticized the city for not acting on a prior MABCD study that proved proactive inspections work, calling it a "waste of money"; (2) urged changes to the Animal Advisory Board voting structure, citing a history of 4-4 votes and his rejected request to serve on the board; (3) raised urgent concerns about unlicensed mini bikes, scooters, and motorbikes driven by youth in neighborhoods, stating that police cannot chase them due to lack of ordinances. He also noted a personal health analogy and referenced a homeless encampment cleanup that cost taxpayer money.
Beth Rush (scheduled speaker on three wheelers and motorbikes) was unable to attend due to being trapped in her garage.
Claude Hethner (Mead neighborhood resident for 62 years) requested council help to control unlicensed mini bikes, four-wheelers, and motorbikes driven by children and teenagers on city streets, noting no lights, no licenses, and police inability to pursue. He warned of impending serious accidents.

Discussion Items

Motorbike and ATV Enforcement: Councilmembers and Law Department staff discussed the growing problem of non-conforming vehicles. Jan Jarman (Law Department) reported she is creating a guidebook for WPD to clarify applicable ordinances and state statutes, as current enforcement is limited. She noted that existing ordinances cover about half of needed violations. Councilmember Ballard added that complaints are common at the "big ditch" and other locations, and encouraged continued reporting. Councilmember Hoheisel requested sharing of the draft guidebook and further tightening of local ordinances.
Ordinance Amending Sections 5.12.020 and 5.12.030 (Unauthorized Operation or Removal of a Motor Vehicle): Sharon Dickraff (Law Department) presented the ordinance to address rising motor vehicle thefts (2,700 stolen in 2024) and unauthorized tows. The ordinance clarifies that permission from the owner or lienholder is required to operate or move a vehicle. Councilmember Johnson asked about proof of permission; Dickraff noted it would be a factual issue for court. The ordinance sets a fine range of $100-$1,000. Approved for first reading (6-0).
Ordinance Creating Section 11.38.215 (Move Over for Vehicles with Hazard or Caution Lights): Jan Jarman presented a mirror of a 2025 state law requiring motorists to yield to disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights, applicable to two-lane roads (move over) and single-lane roads (slow down). Fine up to $500. WPD Captain Rakestraw expressed support. Approved for first reading (6-0).
Council Member Appointments & Comments: Councilmember Ballard appointed Aaron Sacito Redonte to the CDBG board (approved 6-0). Councilmembers praised city staff (Parks and Rec, Public Works, Utilities, Fire, Police) for their response to storm damage and flooding that morning. Councilmember Hoheisel reminded about his District IV breakfast on Saturday.

Key Outcomes

Approved minutes of June 10, 2025 (6-0).
Approved Consent Agenda Items 1-12, with Item 4A handled separately (all 6-0).
Approved Board of Bids and Contracts recommendations (6-0).
Approved Petitions for Public Improvements for Courtyards at Jacobs Farm Second Addition (6-0).
Placed Ordinance 52-753 (unauthorized vehicle operation/removal) on first reading (6-0).
Placed Ordinance 52-754 (move over for hazard lights) on first reading (6-0).
Approved appointment of Aaron Sacito Redonte to CDBG board (6-0).
Recessed into executive session at 9:55 AM for 25 minutes for legal consultation (6-0).

Meeting Transcript

Marcia Haney from St. Mark's United United Methodist Church for invocation. Marcia. Please rise. Good morning, everyone. Let us be in an attitude of prayer. Almighty Creator, we come this morning and say thank you for life, for health, and for strength. Thank you for the mayor, each city leader, all staff members and city council. Lord, we thank you for this morning. It's a rainy morning, but we thank you for the shower of blessings. We ask that you give this city council wisdom and knowledge for today's decision. We thank you for always providing Wichita to be a great place to live, a great place to do business. So we ask your blessings upon every business owner, small and great. Guide this meeting for the rest of the time in Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you, Pastor Haney. Uh roughen it. So she's working hard for the city, so we appreciate that. At this time, if we have any changes to the minutes from last meeting, we're meeting uh June 10th. Changes hearing none, I will move to approve the regular meeting minutes from June 10th. Second. Clerk, please uh put the vote up. Motion passes 6-0. Proclamations, uh World Refugee Day, or Clerk, do you say that? You say that. Let you say that. A proclamations of World Refugee Day, and the award this week is the mini MPA certificates. Today we have a uh a proclamation which is pretty special to me because when the uh Vietnam war ended, uh my family, my mother and father sponsored a family from Vietnam that came here. So I got to experience that for uh many years. So with that, a proclamation of the city of Wichita, Kansas, founded in 1870, whereas World Refugee Day is observed globally on June 20th each year to honor the courage, strength, and resilience of refugees around the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. And whereas the City of Wichita proudly recognizes the invaluable contributions of refugees in the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our community. And whereas these individuals and families have enriched Wichita through their talents, traditions, and perseverance, becoming business owners, students, workers, and neighbors who enhance the strength and diversity of our city. And whereas World Refugee Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the global refugee crisis, celebrate the achievements of refugees in our community, and reaffirm our commitment to compassion, inclusion, and human dignity. And now, therefore, be it resolved that the city that the Wichita City Council does hereby proclaim June 20th, 2025 as World Refugee Day in the City of Wichita, and encourage all residents to honor and celebrate the strength and contributions of refugees in our community and continue working towards a welcoming and inclusive city for all. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Aya, for reading that in um Arabic. Good morning, everyone. On behalf of the International Rescue Committee and the refugee community, I want to thank the City Council and the Mayor for recognizing World Refugee Day. This proclamation is more than a gesture. It's a statement that Wichita stands with those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes in search of safety, freedom, and a better life. Today, over 114 million people around the world have this been displaced due to conflict, persecution, and natural disaster. Among them, about 35 million are recognized as refugees. World Refugee is a time to honor their resilience. Fellow City Council members, esteemed faculty of the Hugo Wall School, supervisors, and the many MPA graduating class of twenty twenty-five. Today marks a significant milestone in your life, a milestone that the many MPMPA program has played a crucial role in role in. You have stayed the course, attended the classes, and celebrating the completion of the program. As the vice mayor, I am thrilled to stand here on behalf of the mayor to celebrate this moment. Today is not just a day of celebration, but a day of gratitude. We are grateful your for your hard work, your resilience, and for being great ambassadors of the city of Wichita.

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