Wichita City Council Meeting Summary - September 9, 2025

The Wichita City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the City Council Chambers at 455 N. Main Street. All seven council members were present: Lily Wu (Mayor), JV Johnston (Vice Mayor), Brandon Johnson, Becky Tuttle, Mike Hoheisel, Dalton Glasscock, and Maggie Ballard. The meeting included proclamations, a public speaker, a consent agenda, a board of bids and contracts report, and several new ordinances. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless noted.

Proclamations

• Recovery Month (September 2025) – Recognized by the Wichita Recovery Coalition. A speaker noted that Sedgwick County overdose deaths have doubled over the last decade.
• Opioid Abuse and National Suicide Prevention Mental Health Awareness Month – Recognized by AGC of Kansas, representing 300 construction firms and 20,000 employees, in partnership with OSHA and the Kansas Mental Health Association.
• National Literacy Month – Recognized by Storytime Village, which is building a literacy center in the northeast area and celebrating its 16th anniversary.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Samantha Anaya-Rader (2030 S. Lulu, District 3) – Presented a creative, artistic proposal for "Camp Sam," an invite-only camp on 650 acres of parks, offering to purchase Northwest Sedgwick County Park for $1 per acre. She also invited council members to Pancakes in the Park at Linwood Park on Saturday at noon (rescheduled from Tuesday). She stated she was formerly the Wellness Coordinator for the Health Department and expressed interest in a health and wellness center. Council Member Hoheisel clarified that the District 3 breakfast is not this month. Mayor Wu noted that Sedgwick County owns the park. No action was taken.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the September 2, 2025 regular meeting.
• Consent Agenda Items 1–16 were approved by a single motion, including:
  • Cereal malt beverage licenses
  • Preliminary estimates for water and sewer improvements (Courtyards at Jacobs Farm, Districts V)
  • Deeds and easements
  • Collaboration Agreement between Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita
  • Developer’s agreement for Young 2nd Addition (District II)
  • Design agreements for Swaney Farm Addition (District III) and Greenwich Legacy Addition (District II)
  • Contract amendment to extend term with Empower Retirement
  • Acquisition of a temporary construction easement at 1631 E. 17th Street (District I)
  • Minutes of advisory boards/commissions
  • Proclamation votes
  • Consent to easements (Presbyterian Manors, Inc.)
  • Grant of permanent easement across flood control levee (County)
  • Overestimate bid for sewer improvements for Swaney Farm Addition (District III)
  • Second reading ordinance (zoning change on West 2nd Street North)
  • Consent Planning Agenda items (utility easement dedication, plats of Provines Addition and Summers Addition)
  • Consent Housing Agenda items (sale of 6901 W. Fraizer and 3120 E. Stadium Drive)

Board of Bids and Contracts (September 8, 2025)

• Approved contracts (all 7-0):
  • Swaney Farm Addition Phase 1 rebid: Nomac Construction, $3,768,216.70
  • Storm water sewer No. 800 (Old Town slotted trench drains): All bids rejected (exceeded engineer’s estimate; will re-solicit)
  • Water main line replacement (St. Paul and Newell Streets): Wildcat Construction, $533,249
  • 2025 Outsource Paving Preservation Program: PSE Contractors, $734,490
  • Skylight replacement at Westlink Library: Icon Structures, $74,200
  • Fire station outdoor antenna installation (21 stations): Gateway Wireless, $93,132.09
  • $1 phosphate bulk delivery: Shannon Chemical, $398,520 annually
  • GVWR restriction dump trucks: Omaha Truck Center, $377,138
  • Roof and gutter replacement at 25 residential sites: AR Commercial Roofing, $249,000
  • Licensed track software annual renewal change order: Progressive Solutions, $7,500/year
  • Fire Department radios and equipment: Motorola Solutions, $909,226
  • Mayor Wu and Council Member Ballard asked about the Old Town drains and fire station alerting upgrades. Chief Tammy Snow explained that the new alerting system will use cardiac alerting (gradual tones) to improve firefighter health and allow selective alerting, reducing sleep disruption. (7-0 vote)

Petitions for Public Improvements

• Approved a new petition for sanitary sewer improvements for Northwest High School Addition (District V). The signatures represented 100% of the improvement district. (7-0 vote)

New Council Business

1. Ordinances Relating to Mapping Restrictions (Old Town Entertainment District)

• Background: Existing ordinances (since 1995) restrict individuals convicted of prostitution offenses from certain areas. The proposed amendments extend mapping restrictions to diversion agreements and add offenses such as public urination, defecation, and public nudity in the Old Town overlay.
• Discussion:
  • Council Member Glasscock asked about exceptions (e.g., driving through, working, attending a farmer’s market). Sharon Dickgrafe (Law) said the court can grant exceptions; police contact only occurs if there is a problem.
  • Council Member Johnson asked about 24/7 restrictions and residency in Old Town. Dickgrafe said restrictions are for the duration of probation or diversion (typically 1 year) and can be excepted by the court; she has never seen a requirement to move.
  • Council Member Ballard asked about the success of mapping restrictions. Dickgrafe said they are rarely violated, and the change is to allow use as a tool for diversion agreements.
  • Mayor Wu asked about the frequency of offenses. Captain Moses (Police) referenced a recent high-profile battery case in Old Town but said specific data on the added offenses could be provided later.
• Outcome: The ordinances (No. 52-807 and 52-808) were adopted unanimously (7-0).

2. Amendments to Chapter 5.44 – Illegal Dumping

• Background: Since 2018, the city has cleaned up 10,944 dump sites at a cost of $1.5 million. Only $3,689.16 in fines were collected, with 6 convictions (out of 72 charged). The proposed ordinance increases penalties, holds vehicle owners liable, creates a new offense for rummaging and spreading waste, and includes restitution for cleanup costs.
• Discussion:
  • Council Member Hoheisel supported the changes, noting the challenge of prosecuting vehicle owners. He asked about the rummaging offense and the proposed MABCD inspector position. Chris Labrum (MABCD) said the 6-month pilot will use existing staff; a new position would cost about $150,000 (salary + benefits + vehicle).
  • Council Member Johnson and Mayor Wu advocated for higher fines: first offense increased from $500 to $1,000, second offense from $1,000 to $1,500–$2,500. The motion carried with those amendments.
  • Council Member Ballard expressed concern about low collection rates, but City Manager Layton and Captain Moses noted that the ordinance changes strengthen prosecutions, increasing potential collections.
  • Council Member Johnson asked about evidence from addresses in dumped waste. Dickgrafe explained a presumption rule: if three or more items with the same address are found, the owner may be presumed responsible.
  • Mayor Wu emphasized that alternatives exist (Brooks Landfill fees are low, and neighborhood cleanups provide free options).
• Outcome: The ordinance was placed on first reading with amended fines (7-0 vote).

3. Ordinances Relating to Noise Nuisances and Loud Vehicles

• Background: The ordinances move noise violations from Title VII to Title V (criminal offenses) and add a new traffic infraction for loud vehicles (minimum fine $500, maximum $1,500). The standard remains "noise that interferes with a person of reasonable sensibilities."
• Discussion:
  • Council Member Ballard asked about enforcement. Captain Moses said special assignments will continue in entertainment districts, focusing on education first, and the department uses decibel readers in Old Town.
  • Council Member Glasscock asked about prosecution versus enforcement. Dickgrafe said the standard is objective, requiring corroborating testimony.
  • Council Member Hoheisel asked about decibel readers. Moses said they are available but not widely distributed; the department will consider expanding their use.
  • Council Member Johnson noted that officers have discretion to educate before citing.
• Outcome: The ordinances (No. 52-810) were adopted unanimously (7-0).

4. Ordinance Authorizing Use of Hyatt Proceeds (District III)

• Background: Hyatt Regency sale proceeds have been used for District III projects. The Starlight Drive-In loan (original $200,000) has been partially repaid; $52,022.33 in principal and $12,125.07 in interest are available for reallocation.
• Proposed allocations: $25,000 to Wichita Animal Action League (WAAL) for spay/neuter clinics; $20,000 to Legacy Works ICT for youth employment/development; $7,000 to beautification grants (murals, trees, signage).
• Discussion: Council Member Hoheisel praised the organizations and noted additional needs: Starlight Drive-In fence repairs and debris removal, and murals in Linwood Park and Hilltop.
• Outcome: The ordinance was placed on first reading (7-0 vote).

5. Funding for 2025 Park Signage

• Background: The CIP includes $100,000 for new metal park signage to replace old wooden signs. The project will focus on pool entrances first, with potential additional signs at Harrison Park, dog parks, and the Kansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park (which may be donated).
• Discussion:
  • Mayor Wu asked about sign costs. Tim Kellams (Parks) said each sign costs $4,000–$10,000 depending on size; the $100,000 is for up to 9 signs, not just 4 (as implied by the agenda). He emphasized that the goal is to maximize the number of signs.
  • Mayor Wu raised concerns about vandalism. Kellams said metal signs resist graffiti and are easier to clean; wood signs require frequent replacement.
  • Council Member Johnson suggested adding red to the firefighter memorial sign. Council Member Hoheisel noted the sign may be donated.
  • Mayor Wu asked about QR codes; staff said they are not appropriate for traffic signs but are used on park kiosks.
  • Reggie Davidson (Parks) noted that the city tracks graffiti on a public dashboard and is installing cameras at problem locations.
• Outcome: The project was initiated, resolution adopted (7-0 vote).

Council Member Appointments and Comments

• Appointment: Cole Schneiders was appointed to the Affordable Housing Review Board (7-0).
• Council Member Hoheisel: Announced that the Grandview Neighborhood Association meetings moved to Hope Church; thanked Pastor Beeson; congratulated Garrett Foster on becoming chair of the Bicycle Board.
• Council Member Tuttle: Delayed travel request; reminded that September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month; recognized the Protecting Wichita Firefighters Initiative receiving awards from the Kansas Hospital Association and Wichita Business Journal.
• Mayor Wu: Thanked Public Works Director Gary Janzen for holding two meetings on the water schedule (starting September 15).

Executive Session

• The council recessed into executive session from 11:10 AM to 11:25 AM for legal consultation on one action (KSA 75-4319(b)(2)). The meeting then adjourned.