Wichita City Council Evening Meeting Summary – August 7, 2025

The Wichita City Council convened on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, approval of consent and business items, and a detailed discussion of the 2026 Proposed Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program.

Proclamations & Awards

• Young Professionals Week (August 3–9, 2025): Recognized W, a community of young professionals, for 20 years of attracting and retaining talent. Julie Collier, chair of W's impact team, accepted.
• National Health Center Week (August 3–9, 2025): Recognized community health centers for serving over 80,000 individuals annually in Wichita. Representatives from Grace Med and Healthcore Clinic spoke.
• Operation Care Connect Recognition: Councilmember Tuttle recognized 30 early learning providers who attended a July 19 event supporting military families. Certificates were awarded to Gigi's Child Care Home and Kids World Child Care Early Learning Center.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–14 (City Council, Planning, Housing, Airport) approved en bloc with one exception: Item II-4b (Design contract for Planeview Community Center, District III) was pulled and deferred to the August 19, 2025 meeting by a 7-0 vote after brief public comment opportunity yielded none.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Dean (Kansas Justice Advocate Inc.) demanded the reparations ordinance be placed on the agenda, citing the city's Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights Advisory Board endorsement and two years of delays. She criticized city leadership for silence and threatened to file a complaint with the UN Human Rights Commission. After her five-minute limit, she was escorted out by security. Councilmember Johnson expressed support but noted the council likely would not consider it before December 31. City Manager Leighton cited a recent letter from the U.S. Attorney General declaring race-based allocations unlawful.
• Michael Austin (The Exchange) presented "Finding a Better Way," a citizen-led budget review. Key findings: a survey of ~300 residents showed 88% want efficiency measures before tax increases; the report offers nine process-oriented recommendations (e.g., centralize purchasing, enforce clawbacks). Council members praised the volunteer effort and noted some recommendations are already in progress.
• Celeste Racette focused on economic development findings: a $23,000 past-due water bill at Stryker Sports Complex (city manager clarified about $8,500 remains), TIF misuse, CID tax collection gaps, and potential savings from bidding tourism services. She urged stronger oversight.
• Denise Morowski (on behalf of Deb and Pat Lucia) highlighted lack of standardized vendor procedures, inconsistent project management, and over $13.5 million in PCard spending. She called for process standardization and accountability.
• John Whitmer (Sedgewick County Republican Party chair) reported property tax revenue increased 228% since 1997 and urged adoption of budget cuts from the report to avoid tax hikes.
• Harold Schlechtweg (ICT Trees) urged a robust urban forestry program, noting Wichita lost more trees than it planted for decades. He distributed tree-watering buckets.
• Elizabeth (ICT Trees) continued the tree canopy discussion, encouraging fall planting.
• Diana Tedlock criticized the budget survey (461 respondents out of 400,000) and argued animal shelter funding is insufficient; she said the city added a captain position without increasing total full-time equivalents (still 31 since 2023). City manager noted some positions were reclassified.
• Margaret Wheeler Shabazz questioned why volunteers uncovered issues at Stryker and CID noncompliance before city staff.
• Faith Martin (District 2) raised concerns about the budget simulator's limitations, lack of SMART goals in the strategic plan, community policing vacancies, unmet Jensen Hughes recommendations (city manager reported 81% implemented), TIF risks, and insufficient housing funding.
• Julie Robinson (District 1) urged maintaining arts funding, citing it as a reason she moved to Wichita.
• Lawanda asked about the Dr. Glenn Dye Sports Complex timeline and cost ($38 million for phases 1–2; $500,000 city funds for design, remainder private).

Discussion Items

• Board of Bids and Contracts (August 4, 2025): Approved all recommendations except one rescinded item due to bidder withdrawal. Contracts included snowplow blades, kitchen remodels, and airport terminal modifications.
• Petitions for Public Improvements: Approved new and revised petitions for Turkey Creek 4th Addition and Schulte-Johnson 2nd Addition water, sewer, paving, and drainage projects, funded by special assessments.
• Contract for Executive Search Services for City Manager: Approved with CPS HR Consulting for a flat fee of $30,000 plus estimated $12,000 for travel, totaling up to $42,000. The selection committee, chaired by Jennifer McDonald, cited 40 years of experience, 95% retention rate, and a 14–16 week timeline targeting hire by late November 2025.
• Osage Park Improvements (District IV): Approved a purchase agreement for a fitness court at $130,000 (after a $40,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas), funded from the Pawnee Prairie Park Improvement Project account. The court is the second in Wichita; Pat Garcia's has exceeded national usage averages (630 vs. 500 daily users).
• 2026 Annual Operating Budget & 2026–2035 Capital Improvement Program: Budget officer Elizabeth Goldtree presented. Key points: general fund balanced in 2026–27 but deficits projected in 2028–29; mill levy will decrease by 0.5 mills; strategic plan tactics include cost recovery study, drone-first responder program, and affordable housing strategies. Public hearing held. Councilmember Glasscock raised a possible city sales tax (0.5%) to reduce property taxes and stabilize revenue. Discussion included potential ballot measure in spring 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Item II-4b deferred): 7-0 vote to defer Planeview Community Center design contract to August 19.
• Board of Bids and Contracts: Approved 7-0.
• Petitions for Public Improvements: Approved 7-0.
• Executive Search Contract (CPS HR Consulting): Approved 7-0.
• Osage Park Fitness Court Purchase: Approved 7-0.
• 2026 Budget/CIP First Reading: Approved 7-0; second reading set for August 26, 2025.
• Mayor's Travel Expenses (League of Kansas Municipalities Conference, October 9–10): Approved 7-0.
• Council Appointments: Braden McCurdy (Affordable Housing Review Board), Nick Stabe (Design Council), Larry Burke Sr. (Sedgwick County Community Corrections Advisory Board) approved 7-0.
• Deferrals/Directives: Councilmember Hoheisel requested a workshop on second-light housing and marketing; Councilmember Johnston requested an update on illegal camping enforcement data (from the Report-a-Issue app) and housing alternatives. City manager will bring proposed workshop dates.
• Next Meeting: August 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM for budget hearing and further business.