Wichita City Council Meeting – February 3, 2026
Wichita City Council Meeting – February 3, 2026
The Wichita City Council met on February 3, 2026, for its regular meeting. The meeting included proclamations for the Wichita Public Library's 150th anniversary and American Heart Month, public comment on a campaign advertisement, approval of consent agenda items, bids and contracts, public improvement petitions, water meter replacement funding, and two zoning change requests. The council voted on all items, with most passing unanimously.
Proclamations & Recognitions
- The council proclaimed February 3, 2026, as Wichita Public Library's 150th Anniversary Day, recognizing the library's century and a half of service.
- The council proclaimed February 2026 as American Heart Month, highlighting cardiac arrest statistics (e.g., more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in the U.S., 10% survival rate) and the importance of CPR and AED use.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Bill Stout (District 5) criticized a campaign advertisement by Wichita Forward that he alleged was filmed using a city employee (a firefighter) in a fire station, calling it a violation of city policy and Kansas election law. He demanded accountability, expressed opposition to the special election sales tax initiative, and noted that the ordinance was written by a third-party special interest group.
- City Manager and City Attorney responded that they had not seen the ad but would investigate if it involved city resources.
- Councilmember Glascott later corrected the record, stating that according to the fire union president, the ad was filmed in a studio in Old Town, the firefighter was off-duty and representing the union, wearing a union t-shirt.
Consent Calendar
- Approved consent agenda items 1–16 unanimously (7–0).
Board of Bids and Contracts (February 2, 2026)
- Approved multiple contracts totaling $1,419,416.25, including water/sewer improvements, security cameras, belt press parts, Microsoft support renewal, waste collection change order, and cost allocation plan change order. (7–0)
Petitions for Public Improvements
- Approved three petitions (Arveta Second Edition, Fossil RAM Edition, Hoover Industrial Park Second Edition) for water, sewer, and paving improvements, all located in District 5, with 100% signature validity. (7–0)
Funding for Replacement of Large Water Meters
- Approved $600,000 to continue replacing aging turbine water meters with ultrasonic meters for commercial/industrial users. Staff reported that previous replacements increased annual revenue by over $500,000. The resolution requires a two-thirds majority; passed 7–0.
Zoning Change: 8031 E. Gilbert Street (Senior Living Development)
- Approved a zone change from SF-5 (single-family) to MF-18 (multifamily) for six quadplexes (24 units) for senior housing. Protests totaled 7% (below 20% threshold). Planning Commission and DAB recommended approval. Passed 7–0.
Zoning Change: South of W. 37th Street N, east of N. Ridge Road
- Initial proposal: Change from SF-5 to GO (General Office) for medical office and multifamily (up to ~150 units). Protests exceeded 20%, requiring six votes. Planning Commission recommended GO (8–1); DAB recommended NO (Neighborhood Office) (5–3), which allows office and duplexes but not multifamily by right.
- Council action: A substitute motion to approve GO failed (4–3). The original motion to approve NO (Neighborhood Office) passed (6–1), overriding the Planning Commission and adopting alternative findings. The decision allows less intensive use, consistent with DAB and neighborhood concerns.
Council Member Appointments & Comments
- Councilmembers provided updates: Black History Month recognition (Shepard), Point-in-Time Count thanks and upcoming events (Ballard), Share the Season program (Tada), and correction of public comment misinformation (Glascott).
- Mayor noted a community prayer for victims of the plane crash from Wichita to Washington, D.C.
The meeting adjourned after the final motion.
Meeting Transcript
Yes, I think that's a good thing. That's what I was like, that's why I was thinking about it. I guess if it's just like very much. Oh, so just wrong. Yeah, I can't remember. All right, thank you. Yeah, we don't have to be a different two. Yeah, I'm right now because once you put this out in there, just trying to be down in the track. I didn't think I did it. Yeah, look at the different things. Oh, right. Oh, did I tell you guys that you're another change? Yeah, we're telling me why I just share it down. Good morning, Wichita, and good morning to all of you. Thank you for joining us for this week's City Council meeting. We call this meeting to order. With us this morning is Pastor Mark Usri with New Testament Christian Church to provide our invocation. Following the invocation, we will have our Pledge of Allegiance, and we ask that you please stand for both. Grant wisdom to each district office to Lily, Mayor Willie Lu Wu. Give them courage to act justly and compassion to listen with understanding. May their words be respectful, their decisions be fair, and their actions reflect the integrity and the care for all of our community. Guide them to work together in unity, setting aside personal interests for the greater good. Bless our community God with peace, with progress, with hope. And let this meet in this morning, God and future meetings throughout this year. Help guide our community to growth. Help us to be respectful, as Jesus do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Amen. Any further discussion? I see none. Madam Clerk, please open the roll. Madam Clerk, please call the next item. Awards and proclamations. May I please ask the entire council to join me at the front and the representatives and friends of the Wichita Public Library. The proclamation reads, the City of Wichita, Kansas founded in 1870, whereas for one hundred and fifty years, the Wichita Public Library has served as a cornerstone of our community by providing free and equitable access to information, resources, and programs that support lifelong learning. And since its founding in 1876, the library has fostered literacy, inspired imagination, and championed intellectual freedom for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Whereas the Wichita Public Library has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of Wichita by embracing innovation, technology, and creative programming while remaining a trusted and welcoming public space. Whereas strong community partnerships and volunteerism advance the library's mission by expanding opportunities for learning, civic engagement, and meaningful connection. Whereas the public library remains a vital hub for curiosity, creativity, and community engagement, and the city of Wichita recognizes its lasting impact on generations of residents and its enduring commitment to community well-being. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Wichita City Council does hereby proclaim February third, twenty twenty-six as Wichita Public Library's one hundred fiftieth anniversary day. Thank you, Mayor and Council. Today we're celebrating something truly remarkable. It's where children discover the magic of stories. Students chase big dreams, and job seekers find support, neighbors connect. It's not just information, but it's one another. Wichita Public Libraries spark joy and quiet moments of reading in lively programs and conversations, and in the simple comfort of knowing that there's a place where everyone belongs. Through change, growth, and generations of readers, it's remained a steady, generous presence in our community. We look forward to celebrating this milestone all throughout 2026 because one day isn't just enough. So we invite everyone to come in, especially today. We've got um a display happening, and we're inviting our residents to share their wonderful library stories with us all throughout the year. But on February 10th next week, Michael Threats, who's the new reading rainbows host, he's coming to the library.
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