Wichita City Council Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Wichita City Council met on February 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss and vote on multiple items including the approval of minutes, proclamations, public comments, and a detailed debate on the implementation guardrails for the proposed 1% sales tax increase (ballot question on March 3). The meeting also addressed the Webb Road widening project, a community improvement district for Mammoth Clubhouse, and other routine business.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of February 3, 2026: Approved 7-0.
• Consent Agenda Items 1–12: Approved 7-0 after pulling item 9 (Webb Road) for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christina First (Wichita Riverwalk Cleanup Crew): Expressed opposition to paid parking interfering with volunteer river cleanups, noting 2,791 bags of trash collected since 2019, including 697 bags at the affected location. Proposed solutions such as designated parking or special event tags.
• Dina Boleyn (District 3): Called for government accountability, support for SB 313 (banning state legislators from stock trading), and a convention of states resolution.
• Chief E.S. Lewis (Royal Holy Kingdom of Judah): Requested coordination for a gun buyback program and asked for a council-sponsored agenda item for the District One Wichita Judah Restoration Committee.
• Helen Riker: Criticized the Wichita Police Department’s fatal shooting of DeAndre Hill on January 20, 2026, demanding release of body camera footage and full transparency. Stated the sheriff referred to Hill as a “suspect” seven times, while she argued he was a man in his own home.
• Hannah Hudson (sophomore): Discussed environmental and social harms of AI, including water pollution, mining, and energy consumption, calling for more regulations.
• Public Comments on Sales Tax (23 speakers total):
  • Supporters: Kent Miracle (sober 17 years, shared personal story of homelessness, urged funding for Second Light shelter); Jennifer Zambeki (supported the plan as progress); Susie Santo (Visit Wichita, emphasized economic impact); Jeff Fleur (Greater Wichita Partnership); Brecken Morel (Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce); and others.
  • Opponents: Expressed concerns about regressivity, lack of detailed project plans, rushed timeline, inadequate property tax relief for renters, and distrust of future councils. Notable speakers: Lawanda D. Shazer (District 1, criticized lack of community input), Faith Martin (District 2, argued $55 relief is insufficient), Kean Calavier (District 6, first-time speaker, concerned about harm to low-income residents), and Joseph Tex Dozier (District 1, noted guardrails can be changed by future councils).

Discussion Items

• Webb Road Widening (Central to 13th Street):
  • Councilmember Wu pulled item 9, questioning the need for sidewalks on both sides (east side adjacent to a lake). Public Works Director Paul Gunzelman explained the project ($8.8 million) includes five-lane widening, sidewalks, crosswalk improvements, and a traffic signal at Collegiate High School. Councilmember Wu expressed opposition to two sidewalks; Councilmember Todd supported the project citing safety issues (four serious accidents since August). Public comment: Jason Wood and Max Timsaw (Mayor’s Youth Council) opposed the east sidewalk. Councilmember Shepard supported sidewalks for walkability. Vote: Motion passed 6-1 (Wu dissenting).
• Sales Tax Guardrail Resolutions (Eight Items):
  • The city manager presented a series of resolutions to set implementation parameters for the proposed 1% sales tax (estimated $850 million over 7 years, if approved by voters on March 3). Council debated and voted on each:
    • Resolution 26-053 (Property Tax Relief): Initial motion by Mayor Wu for option two (four-mill reduction starting FY2027). After amendment, passed 4-3 (Councilmembers Hoheisel, Tuttle, Shepard dissenting? Note: Transcript shows roll call as 4-3, but earlier it was 4-3? The transcript says "Motion passes four to two" then corrected to "four to three" – likely 4-3. We'll record 4-3.)
    • Resolution 26-049 (Prioritization): Mayor Wu moved option one with alternative language: first $21 million (or amount sufficient for four-mill reduction) to property tax, then next $280 million split among property tax, homeless/housing, public safety until each gets $100 million. Passed 7-0.
    • Resolution 26-051 (Public Safety): Councilmember Tuttle moved option two with amendment (deferred maintenance prioritized, but with “may” instead of “shall”). Passed 7-0.
    • Resolution 26-050 (Performing Arts Center): Substitute motion by Vice Mayor Glasscock to keep option one (requiring $50 million in private pledges before city funds). Passed 6-1 (Councilmember Johnston dissenting).
    • Resolution 26-052 (Century 2): Option as presented. Passed 7-0.
    • Resolution 26-054 (Housing and Homeless): Option one (endowment for Second Light and wraparound services). Passed 6-1 (Councilmember Hoheisel dissenting, citing lack of guarantee on endowment amount).
    • Resolution 26-055 (Sales Tax Relief): Councilmember Hoheisel moved to adopt relief programs (LEAP-style and homestead refund). Passed 7-0.
• Mammoth Clubhouse Community Improvement District:
  • Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson presented a CID for a multi-purpose golf/sports venue near 1010 N. Webb Rd. Estimated investment $12.8 million, maximum eligible reimbursement $2 million via 2% sales tax over 22 years. Council set public hearing for March 10, 2026. Vote: 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: All items approved.
• Webb Road Project: Approved 6-1, with sidewalk on both sides.
• Sales Tax Guardrails: Eight resolutions adopted with specific votes:
  • Property tax relief (four-mill reduction): 4-3.
  • Prioritization (first $21M to property tax, then $280M split): 7-0.
  • Public safety (deferred maintenance priority): 7-0.
  • Performing arts center ($50M private funds required): 6-1.
  • Century 2 renovation: 7-0.
  • Homeless/housing endowment: 6-1.
  • Sales tax relief programs: 7-0.
  • General oversight and guardrails: 7-0.
• Mammoth Clubhouse CID: Public hearing set for March 10, 2026.
• Council Appointments and Comments: Councilmember Shepard highlighted Black History Month and a Black Business Tour on February 28. Mayor Wu noted that guardrail details will be posted on the city website.