Wichita City Council Regular Meeting: September 8, 2026

The Wichita City Council met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:49 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Councillors approved the minutes of the previous meeting and recognized multiple proclamations and an award. Public comments addressed a street closure dispute, homelessness, and transportation. The council discussed and voted on several major items, including the termination of a lease agreement for the historic boathouse, funding for the Redbud Trail extension, acceptance of a grant for supportive housing services, and an appeal regarding the Crown Uptown Theatre.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of September 1, 2026, approved 7-0.
• Consent Agenda items 1 through 9 approved unanimously (7-0), including routine approvals for licenses, preliminary estimates, change orders, property acquisitions, proclamations, a community event alcohol request, and second-reading ordinances.

Awards & Proclamations

• Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 – Oct 15, 2026) proclaimed. Gary Torres, President of the Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, accepted, thanking the council for recognizing Hispanic contributions.
• National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept 13-19, 2026) proclaimed. A representative of the Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition accepted, noting 90 suicide deaths in 2025 (one every four days) and promoting the 988 Lifeline.
• Save a Life Day / Free Naloxone Day (Sept 24, 2026) proclaimed. Safe Streets Wichita spoke about supplying naloxone to over 70 businesses and criticized city health department limitations.
• Junior Achievement of Kansas Business Hall of Fame – Dr. Alex Ammar honored as a 2026 laureate.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jason Chaithonh (Dist. I) – Opposed the street closure for Somewhere Fest, alleging the city park department fabricated data and manipulated maps to favor the event over local merchants. He claimed the city never contacted a property owner who signed a protest petition and that the closure would cause financial hardship. He urged the council to reject the closure.
• Sarah Cowling (citywide) – Identified as a homeless citizen, shared her personal struggles (lost ID, phone stolen, eviction appeal in progress). She advocated for more resources for the homeless and vulnerably housed, citing the Alice Report’s 2024 survival budget of $5,500/month for a family of four, while she earned at most $2,800/month. She called for addressing systemic failures in housing and employment.
• Trish Heilman (Dist. I) – Thanked the council for community communications (DABs, breakfasts, newsletters) and asked that MOUs with government agencies utilize these channels to avoid surprises.
• Valerie Haney (Augusta, KS) – Thanked the council for expanding pedestrian and bike access, supporting the Redbud Trail extension. She clarified that $18 million is not just for the bridge but the full project, and endorsed the trail from Augusta to Wichita.
• Public on Boathouse Lease: Cali Estrada (Dist. II) – Worked part-time at exclusive events in the boathouse; described roof leaks damaging ceiling tiles and museum items, urging repair. Myron Ackerman (Dist. I) – Advised the council to fix the roof immediately to keep the building usable while pursuing legal action against the lessee.
• Public on Redbud Trail: Holly Terrell (Bike Walk Wichita) – Supported the pedestrian bridge over Rock Road, quoting 92,300 trail users at Trailhead Park in eight months (380/day). She argued the bridge is needed for safety as Rock Road is a major barrier. John Moore (Prairie Travelers) – Supported connecting the trail from Garden Plain to Wichita. David Robinson (Dist. V) – Shared personal experience crossing Rock Road as a cyclist, noting safety concerns and the positive health impact of trails. Liz Pizer (Dist. VI) – Emphasized compassion and quality of life, comparing to other cities’ infrastructure.
• Public on Crown Uptown Theatre: Joy Robertson (Dist. I) – Urged the council to follow the planning director’s recommendation and uphold the interim control. David Bayouth (Dist. I, Save the Crown Campaign) – Described studying the theatre’s history and proposed permanent nonprofit ownership; asked owner Mike Brown to become interim steward. Mary East (Dist. I) – Shared memories of Christmas performances and asked for time to save the theatre. Kathy Fati (near Central Woodland) – Cited a letter from Stan Longhofer (WSU) warning that demolition would harm property values and the core area. Christine (Dist. I, speaker’s spouse) – Also supported preservation, noting 2,800 petition signatures. Alan (Dist. I) – Argued great cities preserve their spirit; asked for the 180-day hold to remain.

Discussion Items

• Boathouse Lease Termination (515 S. Wichita) – Real Estate Administrator Jerry Ford presented the history: the building (1926 original, converted in 1992) was leased to America Cubed Foundation in 2009 for 99 years at $1/year to house the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. The foundation requested lease termination in June 2026, citing inability to manage deferred maintenance. The sports hall of fame also cited financial struggles, planning to exit by October 2026. Deferred maintenance estimated at $476,504; America Cubed said it cannot pay. The city may issue a notice to cure or accept termination and pursue an RFP for reuse, redevelopment, or demolition. Council debated past leasing practices (lack of clawbacks) and the need for periodic inspections. A motion passed 7-0 to direct the city manager and law department to issue a formal notice to America Cubed to cure deficiencies; if not cured, proceed with termination and an RFP.
• Redbud Trail from Woodlawn to K-96 Phase 2 – Paul Gunzelman (Public Works) presented: the project closes a 3.5-mile gap in the trail, with Phase 1 constructing path and crossings, Phase 2 including a pedestrian bridge over Rock Road (30,000 vehicles/day). Estimated cost: $14.6 million (revised from $18 million due to lower Phase 1 bids). Federal funds from WAMPO ($10 million, requiring 20% city match) and a private donation ($150,000) increase the total budget to $18.2 million, but the city’s general obligation commitment remains fixed at about $7.9 million originally approved. Council debate focused on whether the budget had “ballooned” and whether the bridge cost ($6.67 million for Phase 2) was justified. Some members expressed concern over rising costs, while others noted the city’s share had not increased and that rejecting federal funds would lose them. After public comment, the council approved the donation, revised budget, agreements, and amending resolution with a 5-2 vote.
• Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration (AHSSD) Grant – Steve (Housing) presented: the grant of $300,000 federal ($33,333 city match) would expand supportive services at Park Landing, which will have 25 non-congregate shelter units and 50 permanent supportive housing units. Services include case management, benefits navigation, employment, transportation, etc. The grant is for one year (renewable). Case manager positions are already budgeted in the project pro forma. The council approved submission and acceptance 7-0.
• Crown Uptown Theatre Appeal – Planning Director Scott Waddell explained the appeal: the owner (Mike Brown) had filed a demolition application; the planning department placed a 30-day interim control, extended by council to Jan 23, 2027. After an informal hearing, the planning director upheld the control. The owner appealed. Council held a hearing, heard public comment, and heard from Mr. Brown, who argued the city had exhausted its 180-day hold and that a city attorney letter in July 2025 stated no further holds. Staff contended the letter applied only to the previous hold, and a new demolition application triggered a new interim control. Mr. Brown stated the building is not for sale but he would review formal offers if presented. Council upheld the planning director’s decision (7-0), maintaining the interim control until Jan 23, 2027.
• Veoci Inc. Information Technology Agreement – Airport Director Jesse Oromo presented a three-year, $257,000 extension for cloud-based software used for safety management and records. Approved 7-0.
• Council Appointments – Appointed Kelly Estrada to District 2 Advisory Board, Maria Adriana Curry to the Library Board, and Councilmember Joseph Shepherd to the Northwest Bypass Steering Committee. Passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of Sept 1, 2026 (7-0).
• Approved Consent Agenda (7-0).
• Issued notice to America Cubed Foundation to cure boathouse deferred maintenance; if not cured, terminate lease and issue RFP for property reuse (7-0).
• Approved Redbud Trail Phase 2 funding and agreements (5-2).
• Approved AHSSD grant submission and acceptance for Park Landing (7-0).
• Upheld planning director’s decision on Crown Uptown Theatre appeal, maintaining interim control (7-0).
• Approved Veoci IT agreement extension (7-0).
• Approved council appointments (7-0).
• Council meeting adjourned at 12:49 PM.