Wichita City Council Meeting Summary - January 13, 2026

The Wichita City Council convened on January 13, 2026, to conduct administrative business, honor community members, and approve key capital improvement projects. A primary discussion item arose regarding the upcoming March 3rd special election on a sales tax proposal; following reports of increased costs and polling location changes, the Council voted unanimously to schedule a special meeting on January 14, 2026, to formally consider delaying the election.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 6, 2026, by a 7-0 vote.
• Approved the Consent Agenda items (one through eight) by a 7-0 vote.
• Approved the Board of Bids and Contracts dated January 12, 2026, covering sidewalk maintenance, vehicle procurement, welding gases, and legal services, by a 7-0 vote.
• Approved the petition for public improvements for the Rancho Third Edition residential development in District Two by a 7-0 vote.
• Approved the initiation of funding and bonding resolutions for the 2025 and 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for park and recreation projects by a 7-0 vote.
• Approved the amendment to the joint resolution and ordinance pertaining to the Wichita Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Advisory Board by a 7-0 vote.
• Approved travel expenses for Councilmember Joseph Shepard to attend Local Government Day in Topeka, Kansas (January 28-29, 2026).
• Approved travel expenses for Councilmember J.V. Johnston to attend the League of Kansas Municipalities Board Meeting on March 29, 2026 (no expense).
• Approved travel expenses for Councilmember Dalton Glasscock, Councilmember J.V. Johnston, and Councilmember Mike Hoheisel to attend the National League of Cities' Congressional City Conference in Washington D.C. (March 13-18, 2026).
• Approved the Mayor's attendance at the State of the State address in Topeka with no expense to the city.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ben Lee: Was scheduled to speak on gangs, guns, and violence but was not present.
• Matthew Butlin: Provided an invitation from the Air Force regarding a public open house for the 2025 Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) study for McConnell Air Force Base, held that afternoon.
• Andrew Crane: Expressed strong concern regarding technical failures with the new transit app preventing bus passes from functioning, urging an immediate fix. He also advocated for the blind and disability community regarding federal legislation and the need for a supportive bond package.
  • Council Response: Councilmembers Hoheisel, Ballard, and Shepard expressed support for Crane, with Hoheisel confirming a similar recent issue he faced. The Council directed the City Manager to resolve the app issues and ensure accessibility needs are met.
• Ben Salceta: Represented the Kansas Aviation Museum, thanking the City for maintenance support and highlighting the successful delivery of over 50 free STEM summer camps and scholarships to underserved youth in 2025. He announced upcoming 2026 events including the AIAA Design Build Fly competition in April and the Frontiers in Flight Air Show in October.
• Levante Williams: A former District One Councilmember, congratulated current leadership and expressed a desire to stand beside the new District One representative, Councilmember Joseph Shepard. He encouraged the Council to ensure inclusive participation regarding the upcoming sales tax conversation.
• James Warfield (District 1): Argued that the Council made a mistake in December regarding the sales tax proposal, citing increased costs ($20,000 more) and potential voter disenfranchisement due to polling location changes. He urged the Council to admit the error and reverse the decision to place the measure on the March ballot.

Discussion Items

• Vice Mayor Selection: Dalton Glasscock was elected Vice Mayor for a one-year term, receiving unanimous support from the Council. Incoming Vice Mayor Glasscock emphasized the city's history of intentional investment and the need to balance progress with necessary reforms.
• Human Trafficking Awareness Month: The Council unanimously proclaimed January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, honoring the 15th anniversary of ICT SOS and the multidisciplinary team working to combat trafficking.
• Park and Recreation CIP: Staff presented a comprehensive plan for 2026 park projects, including irrigation systems ($1.8M in geo-bonded projects), bleacher renovations at Barry Sanders Field, and athletic court renovations at Manissa and Buffalo Parks.
  • Cost Concerns: Councilmember Hoheisel questioned the rising costs of athletic courts (projected at $225,000 for two courts, up from $50,000-$75,000 previously). Staff attributed this to market rates and the need to broaden the bidder pool beyond specialized court builders. Councilmember Hoheisel encouraged more aggressive cost-reduction strategies.
  • Community Feedback: Councilmember Johnston expressed concern over the Swanson Park erosion timeline, expecting repairs by spring/early summer. Councilmember Hoheisel requested the removal of outdated, graffiti-marked signs, specifically near the River Center.
• Sales Tax Vote Delay:
  • Mayor Wu: Proposed delaying the sales tax election due to new information regarding increased costs and polling location changes affecting 26,000 voters. She requested support for a special meeting to discuss a delay until August.
  • Councilmember Shepherd: Expressed that while he did not support delaying the vote (citing the loss of raised funds), he supported a special meeting to ensure the public had a formal opportunity to comment on the process and future CIP spending. He emphasized the need for transparency regarding consequences if the tax fails.
  • Councilmember Hoheisel: Stated support for delaying the vote but expressed frustration with the lack of transparency and the rushed nature of the meeting schedule, noting it feels like "building an airplane while flying it."
  • Councilmember Johnston: Expressed concern that delaying the vote would waste non-refundable money raised by advocacy groups and undermine trust in government, while also acknowledging the critical need for funding for housing and first responders.
  • Councilmember Tuttle: Stated she was "frustrated and baffled," arguing that moving the goal post without clear prior notice damages trust. She questioned whether the City had the authority to rescind the ballot measure without incurring significant costs from the election commissioner.
  • Resolution: The Council determined that a special meeting was necessary to legally vote on a delay. Following discussion on the deadline for mail-in ballots (going out Friday), the Council unanimously voted to convene a special meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at noon to vote on delaying the sales tax election.

Key Outcomes

• Election of Vice Mayor: Dalton Glasscock sworn in as Vice Mayor for 2026.
• Proclamation: January 2026 officially designated as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
• Funding Approval: Approved initiation of $1.8M in geo-bonded projects for 2026 Park and Recreation CIP, including playground renovations at Central Riverside Park, irrigation upgrades, and athletic court repairs.
• Board Approval: Adopted ordinances updating the composition and responsibilities of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Advisory Board.
• Travel Authorizations: Approved travel for multiple council members to Topeka, Washington D.C., and state meetings.
• Sales Tax Action: Unanimously voted (7-0) to hold a special meeting on January 14, 2026, to deliberate and vote on the potential delay of the March 3rd sales tax special election.
• Transparency Directives: Mayor Wu directed staff to add "Keys to the City" voting records to the transparency portal for 2024, 2025, and 2026.