Wichita City Council Meeting - December 2, 2025

The City Council convened on December 2, 2025, to conduct business regarding the approval of the next City Manager, adoption of water and sewer rate increases for 2026, and the sale of public housing properties. The meeting also included public testimony on affordable housing, food deserts, and the need for affordable housing, as well as approvals for various commercial development projects, including historic renovations and industrial expansions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes for the special meeting on November 24, 2025, and the regular meeting on November 25, 2025.
• Approved Consent Agenda items 1 through 22.
• Approved the Board of Bids and Contracts dated December 1, 2025, including engineering bids totaling $487,894.50 and a $47,000 software subscription.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Natalie O'Dor: Invited the Council to the Jamhuri Day celebration for Kenyan Independence on December 6th at Newman University.
• Nora Sadiqi: Expressed support for the creation of new grocery stores to combat food deserts, proposing that the city offer financial incentives or fee waivers to attract grocers to underserved areas.
• Reverend Wade Miller (Justice Together): Stated full support for a sales tax dedicated to the Wichita Affordable Housing Fund, specifically requesting $10 million annually. He expressed opposition to any sales tax proposal that fails to include this amount or shifts wealth from low-income individuals to the wealthy, noting that a faithful vote must prioritize the vulnerable.
• Deacon Lori Mills (Justice Together): Expressed full support for restoring the "Housing First" vision for the Multi-Agency Center (MAC), arguing that shelter alone is insufficient. She strongly advocated for at least $10 million in annual funding for the Affordable Housing Fund to permanently end homelessness.
• Esau (Service Employees International Union Local 513): Expressed support for fair compensation for the new City Manager but voiced strong opposition to the selection process, citing concerns about the consulting firm's conduct and the withdrawal of the qualified candidate, Dante Martin. He requested an investigation into why Dante Martin withdrew and emphasized the need for wage parity for public works employees.

Discussion Items

Appointment of City Manager

• Mayor Wu moved to approve the employment contract for Dennis Marstall as the next City Manager, citing his qualifications and experience in local government and non-profits. CouncilMember Hoheisel and CouncilMember Johnson expressed support for Marstall but voiced concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the selection process, particularly the withdrawal of candidate Dante Martin. CouncilMember Johnson offered a substitute motion to rescind the offer and restart the process, but it failed by a vote of 5-2. The original motion to approve Marstall passed 5-2.

Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments for 2026

• Staff Presentation: Gary Jansen presented three options for 2026 rate increases driven by chemical costs, staffing needs for the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) project, and future loss of wholesale revenue from Derby and Valley Center. Option 3 was introduced to maintain a debt coverage ratio of 125% for better financial resilience, compared to the minimum 120%.
• Council Debate: CouncilMember Glasscock proposed setting rates for five years to provide predictability, aligning with the original intent of long-term infrastructure planning. CouncilMember Hoheisel expressed concern that the rate increases disproportionately impact seniors and fixed-income residents, urging more protective measures. Vice Mayor Johnston argued for annual reviews to maintain oversight. CouncilMember Tuttle and CouncilMember Glasscock expressed interest in a multi-year rate structure, with a preference for Option 3 to ensure financial safety.
• Outcome: CouncilMember Glasscock moved to approve Option 3 for a five-year period (2026-2030) with an amendment for a three-year pilot and an annual workshop. The motion passed 4-3. The adopted rates project increases of 7.11% in 2026, 7.52% in 2027, 6.98% in 2028, and 7.0% in 2029.

Affordable Housing and Development Projects

• Interdale Marjoy Apartments LLC: Requested revenue bonds for two historic apartment complexes (Interdale and Marjorie). Developer Shane Pullman stated that the projects are financially infeasible without Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHC) due to the high cost of historic renovation and disrepair. If LIHC is not approved, the projects will not proceed, leaving the buildings vacant. CouncilMember Hoheisel noted the historical context of failed attempts to revitalize the buildings and supported the project as a win for the community.
• Envision Incorporated: Requested revenue bonds for a $15 million consolidation of facilities. CFO Mark Eaton explained the organization's commitment to employing individuals who are blind or visually impaired and how the sales tax exemption ($615,000) is critical for funding services that do not generate direct revenue.

Golf Course and Public Works Funding

• Golf Course Irrigation: Approved $4.5 million in funding for irrigation improvements at McDonald and Arthur B. Sim golf courses, with completion expected by Spring 2026.
• Heavy and Snow Equipment: Approved funding for the replacement of aging heavy equipment ($3.9 million) and snow removal equipment ($112,000) over the next 10 years.
• Park Infrastructure: Approved reallocating funds for Finley Ross Park (delayed due to fundraising issues) to A Price Woodard Junior Memorial Park and Chester I Lewis Park to address deferred maintenance and improve pedestrian safety.

Labor Contracts

• Firefighters (IAFF Local 135): Approved the 2025-2028 memorandum of agreement, including a 3.5% GPA increase, 2.5% merit increase, and new maternity leave provisions. Union President Ted Bush expressed support for the progress made but called for future acknowledgment of firefighting as a carcinogenic occupation and broader sick leave coverage for cancer.
• Transit and Airport (Teamsters Local 795): Approved memoranda of agreement for transit and airport employees, featuring general pay adjustments, increased longevity pay, and new leave provisions.

Zoning and Property Sales

• PUD 2025-17 (944 South Topeka): Delayed the rezoning request for a church conversion to use shipping containers for housing by one week to allow council members more time to consult with the applicant and neighbors regarding design and parking concerns.
• PUD 2025-22 (Trinity Park): Delayed the rezoning request for a new Planned Unit Development until December 16th pending further negotiations between the applicant and neighbors.
• East Side Community Church (CUP 365): Approved the zone change and Community Unit Plan after a successful compromise with residents, which included height restrictions and the creation of a residential cul-de-sac.
• Public Housing Sale: Approved the sale of 29 public housing properties to three private entities (Patterson Home Solutions, Seek First Rentals, and large enterprise entities) to generate funds for Section 8 rental projects, as individual home rehabilitation was deemed financially infeasible.
• Cell Tower Easement: Approved a renewed Verizon lease and a 40-year term with a $550,000 lump sum payment for a cell tower at McLean Manor, intended to fund future building operations.
• Hangar Dynamics: Approved a sales tax exemption associated with airport special facility bonds for an 18,000-square-foot hangar expansion.

Key Outcomes

• City Manager: Dennis Marstall approved as the next City Manager (5-2 vote).
• Water/Sewer Rates: Approved a five-year rate plan (Option 3) to maintain a 125% debt coverage ratio, passing 4-3 with amendments for a three-year pilot and annual workshops.
• Labor Contracts: Three labor agreements (Fire, Transit, Airport) approved unanimously (7-0).
• Housing & Development: Approved revenue bonds and tax abatements for Interdale Marjoy (two properties) and Envision Incorporated.
• Zoning/Property: Approved the sale of 29 public housing units and the East Side Community Church development; delayed two other PUD projects for further review.
• Administrative: Council voted to craft a resolution for a symbolic key to the city for retiring council members (7-0). Councilmember Johnson was granted a delayed recognition for the Key to the City. CouncilMember Glasscock successfully moved to extend common consumption hours in the Delano district for future consideration.