OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Wichita City Council Meeting July 8, 2025: Bonds, Water, and Common Consumption Advances

City Council — Tuesday, July 8, 2025
BodyWichita, Kansas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 8, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
31:39

You may speak one time per agenda item.

31:43

Please refrain from clapping after other speakers.

31:47

Thank you again for joining us today.

31:49

Let's pause a moment for our television audience to join us.

32:44

With us this morning is Pastor Ryan Emmons of Friendship Baptist Church to provide our invocation.

32:51

Following that invocation, we will have the Pledge of Allegiance, and we ask that you please stand for both.

33:35

And I ask that you just help us to have complete understanding from you and what you would have us to do to keep our city to be moral, to keep our city to be honoring you.

33:45

And Father, I thank you so much that we have a relationship with you because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross for our sins and his resurrection that gives us life eternal.

33:54

We are thankful for the people of this city and the ones that are trying to help us to follow you more clearly.

34:00

We ask all these things in your son's name, Jesus Christ.

34:02

Amen.

34:47

Any further discussion?

34:50

I see none.

34:51

Mr.

34:51

Clerk, please open the roll.

35:02

Mr.

35:02

Clerk, please call the next item.

35:04

Awards and proclamations.

35:06

The proclamations this week are Guadalupe Clinic's 40th anniversary, Wichita Lineman's Day, and the award is recognition of WSU Tech Students National Recognition at the 2025 Skills USA Championship.

35:23

May I please ask the Guadalupe Clinic friends and supporters to come forward, including Vice Mayor JB Johnston.

35:53

The proclamation reads, the City of Wichita, Kansas founded in 1870, whereas Guadalupe Clinic was founded by five nurses who worked at St.

36:03

Francis Hospital and Doctors Dan and Olga Tetti soon after began providing medical care.

36:10

Whereas Guadalupe Clinic provides free medical and vision care to those living at or below 200% of the federal poverty line without Medicare, without Medicaid or any insurance of any kind.

36:27

Whereas over 60 medical professionals consisting of 38 physicians and additional health care workers give their time and services to care for the working poor and the poor.

36:41

Whereas Guadalupe Clinic partners with the KU School of Medicine, the Kansas College of Medicine, Wichita State University's physical therapy program, Newman University's nursing program, and many others to provide quality medical care to the underserved and education for students entering health sciences.

37:04

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Wichita City Council does hereby proclaim Guadalupe Clinic's 40th anniversary.

37:21

Thank you, Lily.

37:22

My name is Tom Sanders.

37:24

I'm the chairman of the Guadalupe Clinic Board of Directors.

37:37

And I I certainly want to thank uh JV Johnston.

37:41

As you can imagine, he's a fantastic leader, and he and his team uh do a tremendous uh job at the at the clinic.

37:51

But most of all, I'd like to thank the Wichita community.

37:54

Without your support, uh we would not be in existence.

37:57

We depend on the Wichita community for volunteers.

38:01

Most of the work that is done at the clinic is done by volunteers, uh serving the poorest of the poor in our community, and uh and the and our many, many, many uh donors who we depend on.

38:16

All of our funding comes from uh donors in our uh community, and uh of course we uh we work very hard to get whatever uh grants uh we can, but we have no no revenue from uh uh other organizations, no revenue from the diocese, no revenue from the city, no revenue from uh insurance organizations, as Lily mentioned, no revenue from Medicaid or anything else.

38:43

So it depends on the support of a community and uh thankfully uh Wichita is a very generous community.

38:52

And I thank you very, very much for your support.

39:17

Thank you, Tom.

39:18

May I please ask the Alzheimer's Association as well as Travis Campbell and his family to please come forward at this time.

39:43

The proclamation reads the City of Wichita, Kansas, founded in 1870, whereas Wichita Linemen, written by Jimmy Webb and popularized by Glenn Campbell in 1968, has become one of the most iconic and enduring songs in American music history.

40:02

Whereas Wichita Linemen has helped place the city of Wichita in the hearts and imaginations of listeners worldwide, highlighting the spirit, resilience, and dedication of the working men and women of America.

40:20

Whereas the songs stand as a timeless tribute to the strength and priest perseverance of the American worker, especially those whose labor often goes unseen, but is vital to the success of their communities.

40:36

Well, as a national tribute concert, Branson's tribute to Glenn Campbell will be held on July 13th, 2025, honoring the legacy of this celebrated music and supporting the Alzheimer's Association through all event proceeds.

40:55

Now therefore be it resolved that the Wichita City Council does hereby proclaim July 13th, 2025 as Wichita Lineman Day in the city of Wichita, and encourage all citizens to celebrate the enduring legacy of this remarkable song and the cultural pride it continues to inspire.

41:21

Before we have our guests come and speak, we'll just play a little bit of that iconic song, Wichita Linemen.

41:34

I am a lineman for the county.

41:54

Thank you very much.

42:00

Thank you.

42:38

He must have, you know.

42:40

But um back to back to my father growing up with dad as who he was, I didn't realize it when I was a kid, um, what an icon he was.

42:50

Um back, you know, back in in in Los Angeles, um, you know, in the living room at any one time, there'd be Mel Tillis, uh Johnny Cash, um, you know, Buck Owens, and I had no idea as a child the icons that they would later become.

43:04

And I I at that time I didn't even understand, you know, the icon that dad was.

43:09

I mean, Wichita Lineman was one of the first songs that I remember hearing on the radio as a kid.

43:14

And then it wasn't until Rhinestell Cowboy came out when I was a little bit older, that I kind of realized, you know, what was happening.

43:20

And I also wanted to thank Marshall, who is Mel Tillis's um grandson in in Branson.

43:28

He's a city council member in Branson, and he's the one that kind of coordinated this with you guys.

43:33

And um, and then basically with with dad, um, you know, who he was, and and with Alzheimer's, obviously I want to recognize you know the the the awful disease of Alzheimer's.

43:45

Um it was it was sad because towards the end of his life, you know, we we you could sit there with him, and for those of you that have had family members that have have Alzheimer's, you could sit there with him for a long time.

43:56

I mean, I'd be sitting there with him for a couple hours, and and he wouldn't you don't think he was really there, but then all of a sudden he would look into your eyes and you'd see something click.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement███████████████15%
Procedural███████████11%
Financial Management███████████11%
Cannabis Regulation████████8%
Public Works███████7%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Water And Wastewater Management██████6%
Economic Development██████6%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Wichita City Council Meeting - July 8, 2025

The Wichita City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included awards and proclamations, public comments, approval of consent and regular agenda items, and discussions on water conservation, transit, housing bonds, and a new common consumption area ordinance. All votes passed 7-0.

Awards and Proclamations

  • Guadalupe Clinic's 40th Anniversary: Recognized for four decades of providing free medical and vision care to those living at or below 200% of the federal poverty line who lack insurance. Over 60 medical professionals volunteer. Chairman Tom Sanders thanked the Wichita community for support.
  • Wichita Lineman Day: July 13, 2025, was proclaimed in honor of the iconic song, with a tribute concert in Branson benefiting the Alzheimer's Association. Travis Campbell, son of Glenn Campbell, spoke about his father's legacy and the impact of Alzheimer's.
  • WSU Tech Skills USA Champions: Five students were recognized for earning medals at the national Skills USA Championship. The program has 445,000 members nationwide.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Arthur Stokes (topic: black mold) spoke about disaster preparedness using the Titanic analogy. He did not make a specific request; no council action was taken.
  • Bill Anderson (1227 Jefferson, Wichita) urged the council not to enter any agreement allowing Wichita police to assist ICE under the 287(g) program, calling it "terrible." He also asked the council to speak out against war crimes in Gaza. No council action was taken.

Consent Calendar

All items on the consent agenda (1-11) were approved by one motion with the exception of items 3A and 7, which were pulled for separate discussion. Items approved without objection included:

  • Applications for cereal malt beverage licenses
  • Preliminary estimates
  • Agreements/contracts (several, including Logicalis Agreement)
  • Design services agreements (McAfee Pool House preservation)
  • Proclamation votes report
  • Settlement payment of $195,000
  • Federal Transit Administration grant resolutions (Section 5339(b) and 5339(c))
  • Second reading ordinances (lot clean up, zoning changes at multiple locations)
  • Planning consent (Makers Park Addition plat)
  • Housing consent (First Amendment to 1989 Declaration of Trust)
  • Airport consent (Perimeter Fence change order at Colonel James Jabara Airport)

Discussion Items

  • Consent Item 3A – Water Treatment Plant Update: Public Works Director Gary Jansen reported that mechanical issues with six clarifiers at the new water treatment plant have been resolved at no cost to the city. Confidence testing has resumed; full city ownership is expected by the end of 2025. He also noted Cheney Reservoir is at 97% of conservation pool (within 0.43 feet of normal), but the 12-month running average is 63%. The city plans to remain in Stage 1 drought restrictions until the 12-month average reaches 90%, projected around March 2026. A detailed discussion is scheduled for the July 22 council workshop. The item was approved 7-0.
  • Consent Item 7 – Transit Grant Applications: Transit Director Penny Feiss reported the city has 50 buses (11 electric) and 38 vans (8 electric). Local match for the FTA grant applications is included in the proposed budget; an implementation item for the transit network plan will come before the end of July. The item was approved 7-0.
  • Board of Bids and Contracts (July 7, 2025): Contracts awarded included electrical gear replacement ($315,600), pavement preservation ($99,109.80), fire trucks ($4,658,144.48), and landfill services. Approved 7-0.
  • Hill Haus, LLC Multifamily Revenue Bonds (District I): A request for $3 million in bonds to develop 36 workforce housing units at 200 S. Hillside, with rents averaging under $1,000/month. The project includes demolition of a vacant building. A 40% property tax abatement (~$31,000 first year) and sales tax exemption (~$112,000 total) were approved. Applicant plans to replicate the model in other walkable neighborhoods. Approved 7-0.
  • Lease Agreement for 307-309 N. Mead (Sabor Restaurant) (District VI): The city-owned retail space (4,384 sq ft) was renegotiated from a modified gross to triple net lease at $19/sq ft (base $10 + estimated expenses $9). The lease is year-to-year with four one-year renewal options. A 3% leasing commission ($12,494.40 over five years) is due. Approved 7-0.
  • 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: Finance Director Mark Manning and auditor Brian Stavanger (ID Bailey) presented a clean (unmodified) audit opinion with no findings. The report is available online. Approved 7-0 (received and filed).
  • Leadfoot Express Industrial Revenue Bonds (District IV): A request for $3.65 million in bonds to expand the courier/manufacturing facility by 32,000 sq ft at 1651 S. Eisenhower. The project qualifies for 100% property tax abatement (~$97,000 first year) and sales tax exemption (~$139,000 total). The cost-benefit analysis showed returns up to 31:1. The applicant also secured a special assessment paving petition. Approved 7-0.
  • Mt. Vernon & Hydraulic Intersection Design (District III): The council approved the design concept and revised budget of $450,000 (total project $3,450,000, including $2.2 million KDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program funds). The project will reconstruct the intersection with concrete, add turn lanes, bike lanes, and ADA upgrades, completing 4.5 miles of on-street bike lanes from Greenway to Woodbine. Approved 7-0.
  • Common Consumption Area Ordinance (Chapter 4.08 Amendments): The council placed the ordinance on first reading. It allows the city to hold a Common Consumption Area (CCA) permit, removes the street closure requirement, reduces the permit period from one year to six months, and permits CCAs within 300 feet of a church/park/school with council approval. Councilmember Glascock moved to direct staff to develop a permit application for a Delano CCA bounded roughly by Seneca to the river, alley to alley, with a connection to the ballpark. The motion passed 7-0. Insurance cost estimate is $25,000/year; state permit fee is $100/year.

Key Outcomes

  • All votes: 7-0 in favor of every motion taken.
  • Next steps: Staff will bring a detailed Common Consumption Area permit application for Delano in approximately 30 days. The council will hold a workshop on July 15 (budget) and July 22 (water conservation). Councilmember discussions began regarding formation of a commission to plan Wichita’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday in 2026.

Council Member Comments

  • Councilmember Johnson reported that crime in Wichita is down in nearly every category year-to-date compared to the five-year average, citing investments in Cure Violence, libraries, parks, and law enforcement retention bonuses. He encouraged continued investment in quality-of-life initiatives.

Meeting Transcript

You may speak one time per agenda item. Please refrain from clapping after other speakers. Thank you again for joining us today. Let's pause a moment for our television audience to join us. With us this morning is Pastor Ryan Emmons of Friendship Baptist Church to provide our invocation. Following that invocation, we will have the Pledge of Allegiance, and we ask that you please stand for both. And I ask that you just help us to have complete understanding from you and what you would have us to do to keep our city to be moral, to keep our city to be honoring you. And Father, I thank you so much that we have a relationship with you because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross for our sins and his resurrection that gives us life eternal. We are thankful for the people of this city and the ones that are trying to help us to follow you more clearly. We ask all these things in your son's name, Jesus Christ. Amen. Any further discussion? I see none. Mr. Clerk, please open the roll. Mr. Clerk, please call the next item. Awards and proclamations. The proclamations this week are Guadalupe Clinic's 40th anniversary, Wichita Lineman's Day, and the award is recognition of WSU Tech Students National Recognition at the 2025 Skills USA Championship. May I please ask the Guadalupe Clinic friends and supporters to come forward, including Vice Mayor JB Johnston. The proclamation reads, the City of Wichita, Kansas founded in 1870, whereas Guadalupe Clinic was founded by five nurses who worked at St. Francis Hospital and Doctors Dan and Olga Tetti soon after began providing medical care. Whereas Guadalupe Clinic provides free medical and vision care to those living at or below 200% of the federal poverty line without Medicare, without Medicaid or any insurance of any kind. Whereas over 60 medical professionals consisting of 38 physicians and additional health care workers give their time and services to care for the working poor and the poor. Whereas Guadalupe Clinic partners with the KU School of Medicine, the Kansas College of Medicine, Wichita State University's physical therapy program, Newman University's nursing program, and many others to provide quality medical care to the underserved and education for students entering health sciences. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Wichita City Council does hereby proclaim Guadalupe Clinic's 40th anniversary. Thank you, Lily. My name is Tom Sanders. I'm the chairman of the Guadalupe Clinic Board of Directors. And I I certainly want to thank uh JV Johnston. As you can imagine, he's a fantastic leader, and he and his team uh do a tremendous uh job at the at the clinic. But most of all, I'd like to thank the Wichita community. Without your support, uh we would not be in existence. We depend on the Wichita community for volunteers. Most of the work that is done at the clinic is done by volunteers, uh serving the poorest of the poor in our community, and uh and the and our many, many, many uh donors who we depend on. All of our funding comes from uh donors in our uh community, and uh of course we uh we work very hard to get whatever uh grants uh we can, but we have no no revenue from uh uh other organizations, no revenue from the diocese, no revenue from the city, no revenue from uh insurance organizations, as Lily mentioned, no revenue from Medicaid or anything else. So it depends on the support of a community and uh thankfully uh Wichita is a very generous community. And I thank you very, very much for your support. Thank you, Tom. May I please ask the Alzheimer's Association as well as Travis Campbell and his family to please come forward at this time. The proclamation reads the City of Wichita, Kansas, founded in 1870, whereas Wichita Linemen, written by Jimmy Webb and popularized by Glenn Campbell in 1968, has become one of the most iconic and enduring songs in American music history. Whereas Wichita Linemen has helped place the city of Wichita in the hearts and imaginations of listeners worldwide, highlighting the spirit, resilience, and dedication of the working men and women of America. Whereas the songs stand as a timeless tribute to the strength and priest perseverance of the American worker, especially those whose labor often goes unseen, but is vital to the success of their communities. Well, as a national tribute concert, Branson's tribute to Glenn Campbell will be held on July 13th, 2025, honoring the legacy of this celebrated music and supporting the Alzheimer's Association through all event proceeds. Now therefore be it resolved that the Wichita City Council does hereby proclaim July 13th, 2025 as Wichita Lineman Day in the city of Wichita, and encourage all citizens to celebrate the enduring legacy of this remarkable song and the cultural pride it continues to inspire. Before we have our guests come and speak, we'll just play a little bit of that iconic song, Wichita Linemen. I am a lineman for the county. Thank you very much. Thank you. He must have, you know.

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