Wichita City Council Meeting – August 4, 2026

The Wichita City Council met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on the 2027 proposed operating budget and 2026-2036 Capital Improvement Program, discussion on a charter ordinance amendment, approval of multiple consent items, and public testimony on police accountability and homelessness. The council recessed at 12:49 PM and reconvened at 1:10 PM, concluding with an executive session at 1:50 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the July 28, 2026 regular meeting (7-0).
• Approved consent agenda items 1 through 15 (7-0), including liquor licenses, preliminary estimates for various improvements, agreements for aquifer storage, Hess Reservoir improvements, Central Riverside Park playground, Flix North America lease, property acquisitions, advisory board minutes, proclamations, community events with alcohol (Autumn and Art, Wichita Wagonmasters Chili Cookoff), encroachment agreement with Vantage 906, LLC, KDOT grant, and several consent planning items (Ignite 96 zone change/CUP, Cadillac Lake PUD, vacation order).
• Received and filed the Board of Bids and Contracts report and approved the listed contracts (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cynthia Fitz (Wichita Police Accountability) – Expressed that her son DeAndre Hill was killed by Wichita police and called for truth, transparency, and accountability. She stated that officers failed to follow training and protocols, and that District Attorney Mark Bennett has not ensured meaningful accountability in officer-involved shootings.
• Daisha Hill (sister of DeAndre Hill) – Voiced frustration over officer-involved shootings, lack of transparency, and unanswered questions. She asked why officers remain on duty during investigations and called on council members, including Mayor Lily Wu and Councilmember Joseph Shepherd, to demand accountability.
• Sybil Strum – Alleged that her house was seized without her knowledge or permission for the Home and Exploration Park, detailing personal hardship and calling for justice.
• Helen Reicher – Spoke as a member of the homeless community, stating that homelessness is a human rights issue and that help with strings attached is control. She urged the council to stop spreading stereotypes and to treat homeless individuals with dignity.
• Bryan Frye (former council member) – Criticized the proposed 2027 budget for not providing property tax relief, noting that the budget draws down $7 million from reserves and captures full valuation growth. He argued the budget maximizes spending rather than limiting expenses.

Discussion Items

• Charter Ordinance 228 Amendment – Staff proposed increasing the change order approval threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 for public improvement projects, and increasing purchase/bid limits accordingly. Council debated transparency vs. efficiency. After discussion, the motion to approve failed 4-3 (Councilmembers Tuttle, Johnston, Hoheisel, and? Actually vote was 4-3 against: the transcript shows motion by Tuttle, second, then vote fails 4-3. Let's check: "Motion does not carry four to three." So 4 opposed, 3 in favor. The amendment was not adopted.
• 2027 Annual Operating Budget and 2027-2036 CIP Public Hearing – City Manager Dennis Marstall and Finance Director Mark Manning presented the proposed $825 million all-funds budget. Key proposals: stable mill levy of 32.34 mills, $3 million draw from stabilization reserve annually, $5 million from reserves for homeless solutions, 2.5% merit and general pay adjustments for most employees, new police vehicle cameras (50 vehicles), fire station 23 staffing, library increase of $375,000, animal shelter increase of $180,000, and $300,000 for encampment cleanup. Council discussed alternative compensation models (3% general pay adjustment without merit), police cameras, fire leadership development contingency, tuition reimbursement, and the need for property tax relief. Public comment included support for funding libraries and preserving merit raises. The council voted 7-0 to receive the public comment.
• Wesley Medical Center IRB – Approved a resolution to issue up to $150 million in industrial revenue bonds for hospital improvements, including a new parking garage and emergency room relocation, with a sales tax exemption and no property tax abatement. Vote 7-0.
• Delano Common Consumption Area Renewal – Approved renewal of the permit for alcohol consumption in the Delano area daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, with an annual fee of $100. Staff reported no significant change in calls for service or citations. Vote 7-0.
• Veterinary Consulting Services – Approved a contract with Kansas Humane Society at $11,250/month for daily veterinary care at the Wichita Animal Shelter. Only one proposer. Vote 7-0.
• Zoning Case ZON2026-00022 – Denied a request to rezone 2901 N. Fountain Avenue from SF-5 Residential to GC General Commercial, upholding MAPC's recommendation. The property owner sought to use shipping containers for outdoor storage after a notice of violation; the court case is pending. Vote 7-0.
• Textron Aviation Lease Agreement – Approved a consolidated use and lease agreement covering 222.4 acres at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, replacing 13 older leases. Textron employs approximately 10,700 in Wichita. Vote 7-0.
• Appeal Panel Selection – Selected Councilmembers Hoheisel, Ballard, and Shepherd to preside over an administrative appeal of an entertainment establishment license suspension. Vote 7-0.
• Council Appointments – Appointed Helen V-Hein to District 5 Board, Elder Joaquilla Martinez to Sister Cities Board, and Pete Jansen to Parks and Recreation Board. Vote 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Failed Motion: Amendment to Charter Ordinance 228 increasing change order/bid thresholds failed by a vote of 4 to 3 (4 opposed, 3 in favor).
• Public Hearing Held: The 2027 budget and CIP public hearing was held; no final action taken. Further hearings scheduled for August 18 and August 25.
• Approved Resolutions: Wesley Medical Center IRB (7-0), Delano CCA renewal (7-0), veterinary contract (7-0), Textron lease (7-0), zoning denial (7-0).
• Appeal Panel: Councilmembers Hoheisel, Ballard, and Shepherd appointed to hear the license appeal.
• Executive Session: Council recessed into a 5-minute executive session at 1:50 PM to discuss real property acquisition.