Wichita City Council Evening Meeting - August 25, 2026

The City Council met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered a public agenda, consent agenda, board of bids and contracts, petitions for public improvements, new council business including budget adoption, and non-consent planning items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• William Glander spoke regarding storm drains.
• Barbara Myers requested a waiver of permit fee for 25 military veteran cemetery markers.
• Kurt Oswald addressed the Wichita Public Library.
• David Braddock spoke on the Wichita Non-Discrimination Ordinance.
• Max Timsah expressed gratitude for Mayor's Youth Council funding and discussed steps forward.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved the minutes of August 18, 2026.
• Consent agenda items 1 through 9 (as listed in Attachment 1) were enacted by one motion, including:
  • Board of Bids and Contracts report dated August 24, 2026 (received and filed, contracts approved).
  • Petition for Public Improvements for Stormwater Drain No. 533 (approved, resolution adopted).
  • Zone changes for multiple properties (ZON2026-00029 through ZON2026-00033 and others) as part of consent planning agenda.
  • Second reading ordinances for TIF districts and budget ordinances (Ordinances 53-076 through 53-086, 53-095, 53-096, 53-098).
  • Licenses for cereal malt beverages.
  • Preliminary estimates, change order for River Corridor Improvements, and minutes of advisory boards.

Discussion Items

• Revenue Neutral Rate and 2027 Budget (Items VI-1, VI-2, VI-3): The Council held public hearings and considered resolutions to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) and for the City of Wichita. The Council also considered adoption of the 2027 Annual Operating Budget, 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Program, and related budget ordinances. Recommended action: close public hearings, approve resolutions, adopt budget ordinances, and authorize implementation.
• Non-Consent Planning Item (VII-1): Zone change request at 6801 East Kellogg Street from LC Limited Commercial to GC General Commercial for vehicle repair. The MAPC recommended approval. The Council was to adopt findings and approve the zone change (requires 4 of 7 votes). Alternatives included overriding MAPC or returning for rehearing.

Key Outcomes

• Public Agenda: No action taken (per agenda notice, items are for referral only).
• Consent Agenda: All items approved as recommended.
• Board of Bids and Contracts: Report received and filed; contracts approved.
• Petition for Public Improvements: Approved revised petition and budget for Stormwater Drain No. 533.
• Revenue Neutral Rate Resolutions: Approved to exceed revenue neutral rate for SSMID and City of Wichita.
• 2027 Budget and CIP: Adopted 2027 Operating Budget, second reading of budget ordinances for TIF districts and SSMID, adopted 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Program, and authorized staff implementation. Also approved amendment to 2026 budget for Century II and Affordable Housing funds.
• Zone Change (VII-1): The Council adopted findings and approved the zone change to GC General Commercial (4+ votes required).
• Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses: Approved subject to staff review.
• Change Order: Accepted Wichita Parks Foundation donation and approved Change Order No. 1 for River Corridor Improvements – West Bank.

Note: Some items, such as council member appointments and comments, were listed but no specific actions are recorded in the agenda.