Wichita City Council Meeting: September 16, 2025

The Wichita City Council met on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 9:00 AM in City Council Chambers. Six members were present (Councilmember Hoheisel absent on civic leadership tour). The meeting covered a wide range of topics including sidewalk width standards, public art approvals, housing development bonds, false alarm management contracts, and a park master plan. Nineteen consent items were approved en bloc, with one item pulled for extended discussion. All votes were unanimous except where conflicts of interest required abstentions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of September 9, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items 1 through 22, except item #10 (6-0)
• Consent items included: cereal malt beverage licenses, preliminary estimates, KDOT supplemental agreements for 17th Street and 21st Street ITS projects, encroachment agreement with Black Hills Energy, design services agreements for Redbud Trail, change orders for pavement preservation, proclamation votes, STEP agreement, daycare zoning code amendment (first reading), multiple zoning changes (PUD, zone changes), vacation of utility easement, USDA wildlife services work plan, and Saab license agreement at airport.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Underwood (142 South St. Paul) spoke on Zoom attendance safety, requesting audio-only policy or automatic abstention for those driving during meetings. He noted five of six people at a county board meeting were driving. Mayor Wu directed City Manager to issue guidance for city staff and to share it with volunteer boards.
• Alan Kailer (Bike Walk Wichita, vice chair Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board) testified in support of the 10-foot multi-use path on 135th Street, emphasizing safety and connectivity. He stated the 10-foot path is the nationally accepted minimum for shared-use paths.
• Bryan Frye (Wichita Parks Foundation board member) spoke in support of the Park & Recreation Master Plan, noting the foundation's $51,250 donation to cover the budget gap.

Discussion Items

• Consent Item #10 – 135th Street West Sidewalk Project: Mayor Wu pulled this item to discuss sidewalk width. She questioned the transition from 4-5 foot to 6-foot and then to 10-foot multi-use paths. Public Works staff explained the historical evolution and noted the 10-foot standard aligns with the 2013 Bicycle Master Plan. Cost comparison: 6-foot sidewalk = $174,240/mile; 10-foot path = $290,400/mile. Mayor Wu emphasized prudence with tax dollars and maintenance costs. Vice Mayor Johnston and Councilmember Johnson supported the 10-foot path due to high usage near the Northwest YMCA. Councilmember Glasscock expressed concern about the cost being excessive for low-traffic areas. The item was approved 6-0 after discussion.
• VI-1: Enclave West Multi-Family Housing Revenue Bonds: Public hearing held. Project: 60 units (32 two-bedroom, 33 three-bedroom) at 13th and West. Rents: $1,250-$1,300 for 2-bedroom, $1,350-$1,400 for 3-bedroom. 10-year property tax abatement with 5-year review. Currently $56,000/year in property taxes; improvements will double that. Approved 6-0.
• VI-2: Kansas Water Office Grant Application for Botanica Water Journey Project: Grant request of $7.295 million for water learning center at Botanica. No matching funds required. Application due end of September 2025. Approved 6-0.
• VI-3: False Alarm Registration and Management Services Contract: New contract with PMAM Corporation at 76/24 revenue split (city 76%, vendor 24%). Current contract with CentralSquare was 80/20 but service was poor. Council debated the 4% reduction; Mayor Wu wanted to negotiate higher, but others noted better collection likely. Approved 6-0.
• VI-4: Bond and Note Sale: Ratified award of $95 million in notes and bonds at favorable rates (2.25% to 4.41%). Approved 6-0.
• VI-5: 2026 Group Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance Premiums: 3% health premium increase, 3.5% dental. City pays 96% of costs; single employee pays ~$49/month. Approved 6-0.
• VI-6,7,8: Public Art 30% Design Concepts: Three projects approved: Arkansas Riverfront West Bank ($700,000 art budget, total project $12.7M), Redbud Trail from Woodlawn to K-96 ($300,000 art, total $12.1M with $4.4M federal), and Douglas from Seneca to Meridian ($400,000 art, total $11.897M with $3.9M federal). All approved 6-0.
• VI-9: Park & Recreation Master Plan: Selected RDG Planning and Design for $301,250 (donation from Wichita Parks Foundation covers $51,250 over CIP). Approved 6-0.
• VI-10: HOME Program Funding for Mennonite Housing: $630,000 for seven single-family homes in District VI. Councilmember Johnson abstained due to conflict. Approved 5-0.
• VI-11: 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER): Approved submission to HUD. Councilmember Johnson abstained. Approved 5-0.
• VI-12: Airport Hazard Zoning Code Update: Updated heights and zones per new FAA guidance. Adopted findings, placed ordinance on first reading. Approved 6-0.
• VI-13: Applicant Appeal of Delano Design Review Committee Denial: Overrode DDRC denial to allow Douglas Flats Cedar project (workforce housing). Council noted design standards are outdated (2003). Approved 6-0.
• VII-1: Conditional Use Amendment for Event Center Hours: Extended entertainment hours on Fridays/Saturdays to 11 PM, with guests required to vacate by midnight. Overrode MAPC denial. Approved 6-0.
• VIII-1: Public Housing Recovery Agreement Status Report: Received and filed. Update on property sales and disposition. Approved 6-0.
• X-1: Exceed Gift Limit for Councilmember Tuttle: Approved travel to CityHealth Initiative in Washington D.C. (October 15-16, 2025, estimated $1,740). Approved 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• All votes passed 6-0 except where abstentions occurred (VI-10 and VI-11: Councilmember Johnson abstained, votes 5-0).
• Consent item #10 (135th Street sidewalk funding and change order) approved after extensive discussion.
• False alarm contract awarded to PMAM Corporation with 76/24 revenue split.
• Three public art concepts approved for riverfront, Redbud Trail, and Douglas corridor.
• Park & Recreation Master Plan approved with donation from Wichita Parks Foundation.
• Airport hazard zoning code update placed on first reading.
• Delano design appeal approved, allowing workforce housing development.
• Event center conditional use amended with new hours and vacate requirement.
• Executive session held from 1:45 PM to 2:06 PM (extended to 2:21 PM) for legal consultation on civil action. Meeting adjourned at 2:23 PM.