Public Meetings - Wichita, Kansas

The Wichita City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The meeting included public testimony on four topics, unanimous approval of a 15-item consent agenda, re-approval of travel expenses for the National Civic League's All-America City Conference due to date corrections, and an appointment to the Affordable Housing Review Board. The meeting adjourned at 9:31 AM. Consent Calendar - Approved Consent Agenda items 1 through 15 by a 7-0 vote. These included applications for cereal malt beverage licenses; preliminary estimates for paving and sewer improvements; a supplemental design agreement with Iteris; a change order for hydraulic bridge repair; multiple property acquisitions for drainage and road projects; minutes of advisory boards/commissions; a community event with alcohol consumption for Central Standard Brewing's Sunday Funday Pop Up Market; an overestimate bid and change order limit adjustment for Minisa Bridge Rehabilitation; and two planned unit development (PUD) zone changes. The consent agenda also included the sale of a property at 838 North Grove Street, an amendment to the Wichita RAD Senior L.P. partnership agreement, and two airport agreements (a USPS supplemental agreement and a Reynolds Logistics use and lease agreement). Public Comments & Testimony - Bryan Clark (retired Wichita Eagle marketing employee) spoke in support of the Wichita Public Library, sharing personal experiences: he checked out 42 books and over 100 DVDs in 2025, and participated in classes such as 3D printing and sewing. He emphasized the library's role in providing equitable access and lifelong learning, and urged continued support. - Earl T. Anderson spoke about the South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) program, which provided a new roof, ceilings, repiping, and HVAC replacement for his home. He praised the program and urged the city to publicize it. He also described mentoring local youth, asking only that they graduate high school and show respect. - Wyatt Sheeter, Executive Director of Senior Services of Wichita, highlighted Older Americans Month and the importance of services like Meals on Wheels and senior centers. He commended the city's AARP Age-Friendly Community Initiative and called for continued investment in programs for older adults. - Holden Woodward (District 1 resident) voiced opposition to Flock automated license plate readers, arguing they circumvent the Fourth Amendment and represent a privacy risk. He also criticized paid parking at City Hall as a tax on the poor. Council Member Tuttle responded by directing him to the city's transparency webpage for Flock camera data. - Following public testimony, Mayor Wu and Council Member Hoheisel acknowledged community service representatives and promoted an upcoming budget town hall (May 27 at 5:30 PM) and a district breakfast (May 30 at 9 AM). Discussion Items - Travel Authorization Re-approval: The council re-approved travel expenses for the National Civic League's All-America City Conference in Denver, Colorado (June 25-29, 2026) because the dates in the May 12 approval were incorrect. Approved were Vice Mayor Glasscock and Council Member Ballard (June 25-29), Mayor Wu (June 25-29), and Council Member Shepard (June 27-29). Council Member Shepard noted his later arrival due to prior commitments. All three motions passed 7-0. (Council Member Tuttle indicated she would submit a separate request; Council Member Johnston is not attending; Council Member Hoheisel's travel was not voted on in this agenda item.) - Council Member Shepard's Update on Social Work Practicum: Shepard reported submitting a contract with Wichita State University's School of Social Work to place a practicum student at the Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center, with no fiscal impact to the city. City Attorney Magana stated the contract is under review and expected to be finalized by the end of the week. Shepard also mentioned working with an intern for District One. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda passed 7-0. - Three travel authorization motions passed 7-0 each. - Vice Mayor Glasscock appointed Traci Terrill to the Affordable Housing Review Board; approved 7-0. - Council Member Shepard's practicum contract is under review; update expected by end of week. - The meeting adjourned at 9:31 AM via a 7-0 vote.

The Wichita City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting covered proclamations, consent agenda items, new council business (including fire station alerting and paratransit software contracts), a housing authority recovery agreement status report, and public comments on homelessness and encampment policies. All votes were 7–0. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the May 12, 2026 regular meeting. - Approved Consent Agenda Items 1 through 17 en bloc, including: cereal malt beverage licenses; preliminary estimates for drainage and water improvements (Meridian 53, Monarch Landing, etc.); KDOT supplemental agreements; HVAC upgrades for the Historical Museum; Change Order No. 1 for the Multimodal Facility; proclamation votes; Visit Wichita quarterly reports; resolutions for debt financing at Jabara and Eisenhower airports; funding for a generator at the Wichita Art Museum; a public exigency for WWTP2 emergency generator radiator repairs; community event approvals (Automobilia Car Show, The Rain's Pride Party, Blessed Sacrament Parish Festival); second reading of seven zoning ordinances; and consent airport items. - Received and filed the Board of Bids and Contracts report (May 18, 2026) and approved the associated contracts (7–0). - Approved petitions for public improvements (Arvada Second, Bridger @ Central, Young East 2nd) and adopted the amending resolutions (7–0). Public Comments & Testimony - Darcy Smith (Park City, KS; Hope on the Streets Love In Action ICT) expressed support for unhoused individuals, stating that Second Light shelter turned away a woman because there were only 25 beds. She asked the City to show grace to grassroots organizations that feed and assist people experiencing homelessness. - Doug Ballard (District VI) raised concerns about the high cost and long delivery times of fire trucks, citing a bipartisan Senate letter that links private equity consolidation to higher prices and dangerous production backlogs. He urged the city to use its legal resources to address the issue. - Dr. Donna Castillo Garcia (co-founder, Grassroots Bridgebuilders) described the three-phase process to house individuals from encampments, noting each phase can take 4–6 weeks. She stated that Second Light currently has only 100 program beds (50 men, 50 women) and 24 overnight beds, with perhaps 8–10 additional emergency beds. She argued that closing an encampment and expecting people to resolve homelessness in 48–72 hours is unrealistic, and urged the City Manager to work through the summer before posting any encampment closure. - Sara Cowley (2116 South Seneca; founder, Grassroots Bridgebuilders) reported that people in her neighborhood are signed up for housing services but remain in encampments. She described incidents where individuals in police uniforms destroyed belongings of unhoused people. She asked how the council can help address harassment of unhoused individuals who are not causing crime, and called for more understanding and employment opportunities. Discussion Items - Fire Station Alerting and Automated Dispatch – Fire Chief Tammy Snow presented a new station alerting system to replace the current outdated, non-standardized equipment across 21 fire stations. A selection committee (including a non-voting member from Sedgwick County Emergency Communication) chose Purvis out of six bids. The contract cost will be covered by remaining funds from the fire station alerting project ($2.72 million) and fire radio equipment ($55,805). Annual maintenance starting in 2027 ranges from $38,870 to $43,740, fundable within the fire department budget. - Contract with RideCo Inc. for Demand Response Software – Transit Director Penny Feist explained that the current paratransit scheduling software contract expires in August 2026. The new software will improve efficiency, reporting, and lay the foundation for future microtransit service. The RFP was issued October 28, 2025, and this is the first of several software contracts to be brought forward. - Public Housing Recovery Agreement Status Report – Housing Director Sally Stang reported that all physical condition requirements of the HUD recovery agreement have been met. As of May 5, 2026, of the 352 public housing properties, 267 have been sold, 28 are pending sale, and one occupied unit is still closing (expected by end of May). The city used a mixed methodology to dispose of properties, including open-market sales, RFPs with affordable housing subsidies, and sales to public housing tenants (eight so far, with a ninth pending). Of the 267 sold units, 194 remain affordable through deed restrictions, rental subsidies, or market-rate affordability. The city received an additional 167 vouchers from HUD and expects $14 million in sales proceeds to be invested in project-based voucher projects, potentially creating 70 to 1,400 additional units depending on deployment. Park Landing, a 75-unit building with non-congregate shelter on the first floor and project-based voucher housing above, is expected to open June or July 2027 after a 13-month build. Capital fund projects are complete. Key Outcomes - Fire Station Alerting Contract: Approved 7–0. - RideCo Paratransit Software Contract: Approved 7–0. - Public Housing Recovery Agreement Status Report: Received and filed 7–0. - Mayor’s Travel Authorization: Approved 7–0 for travel to the League of Kansas Municipalities Board Meeting in McPherson, KS, June 4–5, 2026. - Council Member Johnston requested that the City Manager install signage at City Hall parking lots to direct visitors to free parking at Rounds and Porter, and signage at the Rounds and Porter lot indicating free parking for City Hall. The City Manager will follow up. - Next Steps: The Affordable Housing Review Board’s recommendations for 20 Country Acres properties and five vacant lots will be brought to the council in June 2026.

The Wichita City Council met on May 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM, adjourning at 10:56 AM. The meeting included four proclamations, public comments, approval of consent agenda items, discussion and votes on several zoning and contract items, and approval of travel expenses for council members to attend the National Civic League's All-American City Conference and the Farnborough International Air Show. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless otherwise noted. Proclamations - Law Enforcement Memorial Day (May 15, 2026) – Recognized by Deputy Chief Danny East, Deputy Chief Paul Duff, and Deputy Chief Travis Easter of the Wichita Police Department. A ceremony will be held Friday morning at the Morial Central in Maine. - Law Week 2026 (May 16–22) – Presented to the Wichita Bar Association and attorney Jennifer Magania, who also won the Howard C. Klein Distinguished Service Award. - Aproxia Awareness Day (May 14, 2026) – Presented to Meg Graham and children affected by childhood apraxia of speech. A parent shared that the proclamation helped their child receive a diagnosis and speech therapy. - Wichita Facility Management Day (May 12, 2026) – Presented to the Wichita chapter of IFMA and Rachel Camacho, recognizing facility managers for their role in keeping buildings safe and efficient. Exceptional Young Leader Video - A video highlighting Landon Huslik and his Wichita Life initiative was shown. Huslik was recognized for bringing people together and promoting local businesses and community engagement. Public Comments & Testimony - Monica Marks (244 South Erie, District 1) – Called for the firing of a Wichita police officer who caused a serious injury accident at First and Hillside on April 18, 2026. She alleged the officer was driving over 100 mph, violating department policy by not slowing below 15 mph at a red light, and was not wearing a seatbelt. She argued the officer’s response to an officer-assist call did not justify the recklessness. - Andrew Creamer (3626 North Ridgeport Street, District 5; co-founder of Sunflower Privacy Alliance) – Discussed the Flock Safety ALPR camera program. He corrected a prior statement about grant expiration (extended through March 2027) and noted that ongoing costs are funded via internal reallocation without council vote. He raised concerns about lack of oversight: WPD does not scrutinize every search, audit logs were denied to the public, and Flock Safety removed officer names from records. He called for four specific actions: complete accounting of cameras and costs, council vote on budget reallocation, future expansion subject to public process, and regular structured reporting on system usage. - George Theo Harris (president of three neighborhoods representing over 6,000 people) – Cited the Andrew Finch swatting case as an example where the city eventually settled after persistent calls. He suggested the city partner with Habitat for Humanity to buy a house for a citizen (Sybil) whose home was allegedly torn down by MABCD. He also defended the Flock camera system, arguing it helps catch murderers or abductors. He then described a personal road rage incident where a vehicle with lights off attempted to ram his car, and contrasted the quick arrest of a person who threatened the mayor with the lack of action on his own case. Consent Calendar - Approval of May 5, 2026, minutes – Approved 7-0. - Consent agenda items 1–15 – Approved 7-0 after pulling item 3B. Discussion Items 3B – Central Riverside Park Inclusive Playground Contract - Councilmember Ballard pulled this item. Reggie from Parks and Rec explained the $700,000 project includes community engagement via presentations, online feedback, and neighborhood associations. The selected vendor is SWT Design Inc. Previous playground projects (OJ Watson Park $292,000, Ailey Park $161,000, Meadows Park $172,000) were noted. The motion to approve the contract and authorize signatures passed 7-0. Board of Bids and Contracts (May 11, 2026) - Presented by Josh Slover. Items included water distribution, liquid CO2 purchases, a record truck, cabling for multimodal transit facility, security system for rounds/porter building, utility billing print services change order, grounds maintenance change order, and audit services extension. Approved 7-0. Petitions for Public Improvements - Presented by Paul Gunzelman. Revised petitions and budgets for Cedar View Village Second Edition (District 2), an unnamed development (District 2, revised sewer budget), Oak Tree Edition (District 4, revised sewer budget), and Pure Point Acre Second Edition (District 6, revised paving budget). All represented 100% of improvement districts. Approved 7-0. Public Hearing – Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (Midwest Housing Initiatives) - Corey Nisley (Development Services) presented. Midwest Housing Initiatives seeks a sales tax exemption for a 32-unit affordable housing project at 449 South Holland Street (two- and three-bedroom units). Financing includes 9% low-income housing tax credits. The city would issue $12.5 million in bonds with no taxpayer risk. Developer Sam Tavis (Excel Development) noted a partnership with Habitat for Humanity for six for-sale homes on the adjacent site. The project serves tenants at 30% to 150% of area median income. The increased assessed value from $780,000 to $3.6 million would bring $32,000 in additional property tax yearly. The motion to close the public hearing, adopt the resolution, and authorize signatures passed 7-0. Online Catalog Solutions for City Departments - Presented by Elizabeth Goldree (Finance). The city expands catalog purchasing to five vendors for small-dollar items (up to $5,000) with negotiated discounts and rebates. Implementation includes integration with the city’s financial system. Rebates go to the general fund, but department budgets remain intact so savings from discounts stay within departments. Council members discussed incentivizing local purchases and ensuring cost savings benefit departments. Approved 7-0. Contract for Public Transportation System Advertising Management - Presented by Penny Feist (Wichita Transit). A three-year contract with two one-year renewal options with HOUC Advertising. Minimum annual guarantee $100,000 plus revenue share. Includes bus wraps, interior/exterior panels, and a new Wi-Fi splash screen advertising. Bus shelter advertising may begin with a pilot of four shelters in commercial zones. Council discussed pricing (full wrap $9,000 for first year, tail panel $550 for a year) and restrictions (no politics or religion). Approved 7-0. CUP 2026-6 Amendment – Dollar Tree Loading Area Screening (District 6, Vice Mayor Glasscock) - Scott Waidell (Planning) presented. The applicant requested waiving the masonry screening requirement for the Dollar Tree loading area at 135th and Maple, citing access issues. The Planning Commission recommended approval (8-2-1); the District Advisory Board recommended denial (5-2). A protest (under 40% of area) required a supermajority (6 of 7). Councilmember Glasscock offered an amended motion: either maintain the existing CUP screening or, as an alternative, require a six-foot wood fence and a landscape buffer (1.5 times the landscaping code, i.e., one tree per 30 feet) on the west side of parcel four (adjacent to homes). The motion passed 7-0. Zone 2026-9 – Rezone for Duplexes/Single-Family Homes at North Janet Avenue - Applicant initially sought MF-18 for two duplexes but later clarified intent to build two single-family homes (one for himself, one for in-laws). Planning Commission recommended TF3 (one duplex); DAB recommended MF-18 with protective overlay for single-family homes and architectural standards. Councilmember Ballard moved to override the Planning Commission, adopt the DAB recommendation (MF-18 with protective overlay limiting to single-family homes, max height 35 ft, hip/gabled roof). Passed 7-0. PUD 2026-3 – Rivington Planned Unit Development (District 2, Councilmember Tuttle) - Rezone from SF5 to PUD on 70 acres at 37th and 127th Street for a mix of single-family, duplexes, townhouses, accessory apartments, assisted living, pool, and clubhouse. Planning Commission and DAB recommended approval unanimously with no public comments. One protest (15% of area, under 20% threshold). Councilmember Tuttle noted the case should not have come to council due to low protest and requested a review of the trigger process. Approved 7-0. Council Member Agenda – Travel Approvals - Vice Mayor Glasscock and Councilmember Ballard – Travel to National Civic League All-American City Conference in Denver, June 25–28, 2026. Approved 7-0. - Mayor Wu – Same conference, June 25–28, 2026. Approved 7-0. - Councilmember Shepherd – Same conference, June 27–29, 2026. Approved 7-0. - Councilmember Hoheisel – Same conference, June 26–29, 2026. Approved 7-0. - Mayor Wu – Travel to Farnborough International Air Show in London, England, July 16–24, 2026, for economic development. Approved 7-0. - Council member appointments and comments – Approved 7-0. Councilmembers congratulated Josh on graduation, thanked participants in district breakfasts, and announced upcoming town halls. Key Outcomes - All votes were 7-0 in favor, including the supermajority required for the CUP amendment. - Meeting adjourned at 10:56 AM.

The Wichita City Council convened on May 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM UTC (10:00 AM CDT) for a regular meeting lasting over seven hours. The agenda included proclamations, public testimony on renewable energy, multiple public hearings on housing bonds and special assessments, approval of a first-responder wellness facility, a safe haven baby box initiative, and a contentious debate over federal CDBG funding allocations. The meeting concluded with a vote to draft an ordinance repealing the 2008 prohibition on backing into parking stalls. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the April 28, 2026, regular meeting (7-0). - Approved consent agenda items 1–20, excluding item 5A (Douglas pilot program), which was pulled for discussion (7-0). - Approved the Board of Bids and Contracts report (May 4, 2026) (7-0). - Approved petitions for public improvements (Clear Ridge, First Furlong, Stoney Point) (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Renewable Energy Advocacy: Five students from Independent School presented detailed arguments for solar, wind, and hydropower, citing statistics (e.g., 65% sunny days in Wichita, 150,000 bird deaths from wind turbines vs. 1 billion from cats, 71% of Earth is water) and urged the council to adopt clean energy incentives. - Douglas Pilot Project: Tex Dozier, chair of District Advisory Board (DAB) 1, spoke in favor of the pilot but urged consideration of back-in angle parking to increase safety and parking capacity, citing examples from Tucson and Potstown. - Special Assessments: Gabe Schultz and Jeff Roberts, residents of affected improvement districts, expressed frustration over delayed project closeouts (up to 5–6 years) that increased interest costs and added unexpected assessments. - HUD Annual Action Plan: Multiple speakers addressed the CDBG public services allocation. Amanda Myers (Wichita Family Crisis Center) and Levante Williams (former council member) advocated for funding for the YMCA after-school program and domestic violence services. Mark Quayle (board chair, Wichita Family Crisis Center) and Ron (YMCA) emphasized the importance of proven programs. Cindy Miles (GRC member) explained the committee’s rationale for prioritizing newer, smaller organizations. - Safe Haven Baby Box: Cindy Miles, Samantha Oaks, David Alexander (Via Christi Foundation), Claudio Ferraro (St. Joseph Hospital), and Brent Worthington (Ridgepoint Church) spoke in strong support of the baby box, emphasizing its life-saving potential and the collaborative partnership. Discussion Items - Proclamations: Recognized National Small Business Week (May 3–9), Goodwill Week, Wichita Heights Women’s Basketball Day, and Provider Appreciation Day (May 8). Honored Harlow Aerostructures as Kansas Small Business Persons of the Year ($35M annual sales, 120 local employees). - Douglas Pilot Program (Item 5A): Public Works Director Paul Gunzelman explained the $1.4M pilot (including $105,000 design and $300,000 construction) to restripe Douglas from Washington to Grove with bike lanes and preserve existing parking. Councilmember Shepard noted collaborative work with USD 259 to remove school buses from the corridor. The pilot will run six months starting July 2026 with data collection. Councilmember Tuttle highlighted alignment with the new Biomed Center revitalization. Approved 6-1 (Mayor Wu dissenting, citing consistency with previous vote). - Public Hearings – Housing Revenue Bonds: - Knox Court East (District 2): Conversion of church into 27 senior affordable units at 831 E. Gilbert, financed with 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). Approved 7-0. - Knox Court South (District 4): Conversion of church into 20 senior affordable units at 1522 W. 27th St. S. Approved 7-0. - Vicino Bond Group (District 3): 50-unit supportive housing complex at 1130 S. Broadway, with 10 units for individuals exiting homelessness, plus a planned co-op grocery next door. Approved 7-0. - Special Assessments (91 Projects): Public Works presented $41.5M in assessments for paving, water, sewer, and storm sewer projects. Residents raised concerns about delays (e.g., Auburn Lakes took 4 years) and increased interest costs. The city acknowledged staff turnover contributed to delays and agreed to cover some cost overruns. Council directed the city manager to explore process reforms to prevent future delays. Approved 7-0. - Pinnacle Wellness Facility: First-responder wellness center at 3rd and Broadway, a joint effort with Sedgwick County and the Crime Commission. The Crime Commission will fund $5M renovation; city and county each pay $94,000 annual operating costs. The facility will offer physical training, mental health services, and confidential consultation. Approved 7-0. - Safe Haven Baby Box: Approved lease and service agreement with Via Christi Foundation and Ridgepoint Church to install a baby box at Fire Station 9 (350 S. Edgemore). The box provides anonymous, climate-controlled surrender for newborns up to 6 days old. The city will conduct outreach and public service announcements. Approved 7-0. - Police Vehicle Storage Buildings: Authorized construction of four storage facilities at patrol bureaus (East, West, South, North) to house specialized vehicles. First two at Patrol East and Patrol West, funded by repurposed $500,000 and $600,000 from CIP. Approved 7-0. - Wichita River Festival: Approved MOU for May 29–June 6, 2026, with $80,000 cash sponsorship and $350,000 in-kind services (public safety, parking, park use). Approved 7-0. - HUD Annual Action Plan 2026–2027: Approved the overall plan (including $2.98M CDBG, $1.41M HOME, $260,932 ESG) but after extensive debate, the council voted 4-3 to amend the $475,000 public services sub-recipient allocations. The final motion allocated $50,000 each to seven organizations (Catholic Charities, Stepstone, Wichita Children’s Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Prime Fit, Colvin Kids Club, Masters and Mentors) and $75,000 to Wichita Family Crisis Center, with United Methodist Open Door receiving $50,000 (no strings attached). The motion removed the YMCA and Prime Fit’s higher amounts, overriding the Grant Review Committee’s recommendations. Councilmembers expressed frustration over process and transparency. Key Outcomes - Douglas Pilot Program: Approved 6-1 (Mayor Wu dissenting). - Three Housing Bond Projects: All approved 7-0. - Special Assessments: Approved 7-0 with directive to reform process. - Pinnacle Wellness Facility: Approved 7-0. - Safe Haven Baby Box: Approved 7-0. - Police Vehicle Storage: Approved 7-0. - River Festival: Approved 7-0. - HUD Action Plan and CDBG Allocations: Plan approved 4-3; CDBG public services reallocated by council vote 4-3, diverging from GRC recommendations. - Backing into Parking Stalls: Council voted 5-2 to direct staff to draft an ordinance repealing the 2008 prohibition, with a public hearing scheduled for June 2, 2026 (evening session). - Board Appointments: Approved appointments to the Animal Advisory Board, Sustainability Integration Board, Affordable Housing Review Board, and Arts Council (7-0). - Executive Session: Entered into a 20-minute closed session for legal consultation on pending litigation (7-0).

The Wichita City Council met on April 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM UTC (10:00 AM CDT) to approve minutes, hear public comment, and act on consent agenda items, board of bids, and petitions for public improvements. The meeting concluded with a recess into an executive session for legal consultation. All votes were unanimous except where noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Approved minutes of the regular meetings on April 14, 2026, and April 21, 2026 (7-0). - Consent Agenda Items 1–11: Approved with item 10 pulled for a district correction (originally listed as District 3, corrected to District 1). Council Member highlighted that items 9–11 are housing properties selling above appraised value; item 10 (828 North Poplar) was valued at $69,000 and sold for $78,000. Approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Brad Heagler (speaker, no address provided) addressed the council regarding the Flock camera implementation. He expressed concerns about: (1) lack of independent oversight for network-connected cameras with external ports, (2) hard-coded unencrypted network credentials, (3) unclear data retention policies (citing independent studies showing images of people stored for months), and (4) reported misuse of the system by officers in Kichai and Cedric. He urged transparency, accountability, and independent oversight. Discussion Items - Board of Bids and Contracts (April 27, 2026): Jason Rong (Department of Finance) presented recommendations for multiple contracts, including: stormwater drainage engineering (rejecting all bids), street preservation (Conspect Inc. doing business as Kansas Paving for $2,538,407), police department parking lot reconstruction (Kansas Paving for $136,000), dump trucks (Rush Truck Centers for $1,171,308), herbicide spray rig (Opex Technologies for $171,225.50), tree and stump removal (Shiny Mission Tree Service for $148,575), fire engines (Conrad Fire Equipment for $5,404,868.27), asset management software renewal (Central Square Technologies for $118,360.10), housing software renewal (IFASIS Computer Solutions for $160,976), mattress recycling change order (Mid-Kansas Service LLC for $120,000), liquid chlorine delivery change order (Rin Tax Southwest for $3,513,024), ground maintenance contract extension, and identity verification subscription change order (Online Informational Services for $30,000 annual usage). The council approved the recommendations 7-0. - Petitions for Public Improvements: Paul Gunzelman (Public Works and Utilities) presented new and revised petitions for water, sewer, drainage, and paving improvements in several districts: Craner Edition (District 5), Northgate Fifth Edition (District 5, with revised sanitary sewer budget), and Reverse Second and Third Edition (District 2). All budgets remained as previously approved or revised. The council approved the petitions 7-0. Key Outcomes - Approvals: All action items (minutes, consent agenda, board of bids, petitions) passed unanimously (7-0 or 6-0 for the executive session motion). - Executive Session: The council voted 6-0 to recess into executive session for 20 minutes at 1:45 PM CDT to receive information about a construction project and legal consultation under KSA 75-4319(b)(2), with the session expected to end at 2:05 PM. - Next Steps: The meeting was adjourned after the executive session (not covered in the transcript).

The Wichita City Council met on April 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM UTC (convened at 9:00 AM local time). The meeting opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the April 7, 2026 minutes (7-0). The council considered proclamations, public comments, consent agenda items, bids, petitions, a tourism district budget, a transit network redesign, a zoning change, and other routine business. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Proclamations & Awards - Arbor Day (April 24, 2026): John Bacon, City Arborist, accepted the proclamation. He noted Wichita's 40th year as Tree City USA, a recent 100-tree giveaway, and plans to plant over 2,000 trees by next year. - Arkansas River Cleanup Day (April 25, 2026): Libby Albers, Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, accepted. The event attracts over 1,000 volunteers and removes an average of 2.7 tons of debris each year. - National Apprenticeship Week (April 26 – May 2, 2026): Crosby Branham, Workforce Alliance, accepted, highlighting the growth of registered apprenticeships. - Celebrate Trails Award: Prairie Travelers presented a plaque to the city for supporting the Prairie Sunset Trail. The trail has 90 average daily users, 3,500 volunteer hours annually, and 75+ miles of trails in Wichita. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Barlow (District 2): Opposed Flock cameras, calling them an “Orwellian surveillance system.” He argued that 99.4% of queries originate outside the city and that the system can classify people by race and gender. He also announced his campaign for Kansas House District 99. The city attorney noted that political campaigning during public agenda may require further legal review. - Jack Gehrig (Parking Reform Steering Committee): Expressed frustration that the steering committee has not met since September 2025 and no updates have been posted. He urged the council to accelerate parking requirement reforms to encourage downtown development. - Sybil Strum (326 North Monet): Complained about mistreatment by the city's central code enforcement and Mount Carmel, alleging trespassing without a warrant and retaliation. - Donna Castillo Garcia (621 Laramie Circle): Described her nonprofit's work closing encampments (Pepsi, John Mack Bridge) and housing individuals. She warned against a rushed closure of the Chapin encampment, urging a careful, trauma-informed approach. - Edward Barfield: Criticized the police department's use of $3.4 million in bonuses that led to 48 officers leaving, and called for a helicopter program to address crime across the city. He noted that 70 positions remain vacant. Discussion Items - Consent Agenda Items 4B & 16: Penny Feist (Wichita Transit) presented the Section 5310 sub-award agreements (4B) for elderly/disabled transportation and the Veterans Ride Free program (16). Veterans ridership grew from 57,500 in 2024 to 60,800 in 2025. The program is funded by United Way and VA ($10,000 each) and subsidized by the city. Council approved both items 7-0. - Board of Bids and Contracts (April 20, 2026): Six items approved, including a $4.44 million engineering contract for 135th Street West and a 90-day extension for veterinary consulting services for Wichita Animal Services. Approved 7-0. - Petitions for Public Improvements: Three petitions approved (Ballman 6th, Cadillac Lake 2nd, Hawthorne 4th) for water, sewer, and paving improvements. Approved 7-0. - Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) 2027 Scope of Services: Susie Santo (Visit Wichita) reported that 2025 generated $300 million in economic impact. The proposed budget allocates hotel assessment revenue (2.75% nightly) to leisure marketing and group sales. New events include USA Judo, WBIT, USA Badminton, and the President's Cup soccer (three-year commitment). Major conventions booked: American Jail Association (2029) and SAMPE (2029). Approved 7-0. - 21st Street North Intelligent Transportation System: $3.89 million project (federal and local sales tax) to install fiber optic cable and synchronize traffic signals from 119th Street West to downtown. Approved 7-0. - NOMAR International Play Plaza Stage and Public Art: Initiation of $200,000 for design and $50,000 for public art. The project will build a permanent stage and lighting/audio infrastructure. Councilmember Ballard suggested functional art providing shade. Approved 7-0. - Apex Site Soil Excavation Contracts: Two contracts totaling $268,282 (well under the $468,120 estimate) for removal of contaminated soils at 1234 North Wellington. Don Henry noted this will save $750,000–$1 million and 10 years of remediation time. Approved 7-0. - Transit Network Redesign Plan: Penny Feist presented the redesign transitioning to a new hub (opening May 23, 2026), consolidating routes, and increasing frequency on high-ridership routes (21, 22, 16). Ridership was 1 million bus rides, 75,000 paratransit rides in 2025. Farebox recovery is 9% (national avg 13%). The Q-line circulator (40,000 annual rides) will remain fare-free for now. The plan is budget-neutral within existing resources. Council discussed partnerships with Wichita Public Schools (800 students), the work release center, and future microtransit pilots. Approved 7-0. - Zone Change 2025-71 (McLean Boulevard): Request to rezone 0.3 acres from SF-5 to MF-18 for duplexes. The DAB initially recommended denial, but after a second meeting recommended approval with conditions. With 47% protest petitions, a supermajority (6 of 7) was required. Councilmember Ballard moved to approve with a protective overlay limiting the site to two duplexes (4 units) for senior housing. Passed 7-0. - Public Housing Recovery Agreement Status Report: Monthly update from HUD recovery plan. 264 of 352 properties sold; one occupied unit remains (tenant purchasing home). Capital fund projects underway. Report received and filed 7-0. - Initiation of Rezoning Process for Delano Neighborhood: Council voted to begin a study of rezoning a portion of Douglas Avenue (McLean to Glenn) to Central Business District to align with the 2019 Delano Neighborhood Plan. Since 2015, 30 rezonings have been approved. Approved 7-0. - Appeal Panel Selection: Council appointed Councilmembers Ballard, Shepard, and Mayor Wu to hear a tobacco and CMB license suspension appeal. Approved 7-0. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items (including 4B and 16) approved 7-0. - Board of Bids and Contracts, Petitions for Public Improvements, TBID 2027 budget, 21st Street ITS, NOMAR stage initiation, Apex soil contracts, and Transit Network Redesign all approved 7-0. - Zone change 2025-71 approved with protective overlay (7-0). - Public housing report received and filed (7-0). - Delano rezoning study initiated (7-0). - Appeal panel appointed. - Council member appointments approved (6-0 with one absent). Meeting adjourned at 12:29 PM.

The Wichita City Council met on April 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM UTC. The meeting included four proclamations, public comment on Flock safety cameras, approval of a parking garage purchase and lease agreement, updates to the city ethics ordinance, actuarial reports for retirement systems, funding for cultural institutions and affordable housing, changes to zoning notification procedures, and a supplemental agreement for behavioral health crisis response teams. All votes were 6-0 unless noted. Proclamations - Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Holocaust – Proclaimed April 14, 2026, as a day of remembrance. A representative from the Wichita Jewish community offered brief remarks. - National Volunteer Week – Proclaimed April 19–25, 2026, as National Volunteer Week. - Child Abuse Prevention Month – Proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Rachel Harper, Assistant Director of Prevent Child Abuse Kansas at Kansas Children's Service League, spoke about statewide efforts, including distribution of approximately 150 gun locks and a child care workforce event attended by 120 people from 60+ businesses. - City of Wichita Drug Endangered Children's Awareness Day – Proclaimed April 29, 2026, as Drug Endangered Children's Awareness Day. Sarah Robinson from the Sedgwick County Alliance for Drug Endangered Children described the coalition's work, including providing Lamby dolls and books to help children cope with parental substance use, and a free community conference. Public Comments & Testimony - Zachary Knopp (2330 South Prescott Street) spoke against the Flock safety camera system, criticizing its cost ($500,000/year) and citing concerns about mass surveillance, technical vulnerabilities, and mistaken identity. He pledged to return monthly to raise further issues, including auditing and security flaws. Consent Calendar - Approved without discussion or polling of items. Board of Bids and Contracts - Approved (6-0) the following items from the April 13, 2026, Board of Bids and Contracts meeting: - Pump station repairs to Atlas Electric LLC ($166,820) - Cab and chassis dump truck to Truck Center Companies ($186,983) - Canopy Media Streaming Subscription renewal ($55,000 estimated annual usage) - Park point of sales system change order to Vermont Systems (four-year total $271,111.36) Discussion Items - Parking Garage Purchase and Lease Agreement (WBDLLC) – Jerry Ford (Manager's Office) presented the item, deferred from the previous week. The city would purchase a 300-stall parking garage for an estimated $9.6 million ($32,000 per stall) upon substantial completion of a mixed-use development at Maple and McLean. The purchase would be financed with general obligation bonds (20-year maturity). The city would lease 85% of stalls to WBDLLC at $60 per stall/month, increasing annually by CPI. Maintenance costs would be the city's responsibility. Excess TIF revenues (estimated $3.3 million) would be available to service debt. Councilmember Hoheisel noted that failure to develop would require general fund payments for ballpark debt, potentially affecting staffing. Councilmember Shepherd emphasized learning from past maintenance issues. Public comment raised concerns about missed deadlines, reduced retail space (from 65,000 to 10,000 sq ft), lack of a 30-year budget, and unclear responsibilities for the pool atop the garage. Approved (6-0). - Update to Ethics Ordinance – Kathy Sexton (Ethics Officer) presented changes recommended by the Ethics Board, including: - Replacing broad language about honor/integrity with specific conduct prohibitions (criminal acts, fraud, deceit). - Expanding whistleblower protection to witnesses and evidence providers. - Clarifying that volunteer board members may accept complimentary food/admission (same as council). - Removing the term “moral turpitude” and replacing with specific language. - Adding a preponderance of evidence standard for findings. - Permanent retention of complaints, responses, and board reports as public records. - Councilmember Hoheisel raised concerns about board member decorum and strengthening whistleblower protections. Councilmember Shepard asked about cultural competency in investigations. Approved (6-0). - Police and Fire Retirement System Actuarial Reports – Mark Manning (Finance) and Jake Labowskis (actuary, Chiron) presented the December 31, 2025, valuations. Funded ratios: Employee plan 91% (up from 88%), Police/Fire 89% (up from 87%). Unfunded liabilities decreased by $21 million and $15 million respectively. Recommended 2027 employer contribution rates: 27% for Police/Fire (down from 28%) and 15.5% for Employees (down from 17%). Staff recommended transferring a small portion to the pension reserve fund to smooth rates. Approved (6-0). - Legacy Cultural Institution Operating Partnership Agreements – Lindsay Benacka (Arts & Cultural Services) presented 8.59% allocation adjustments for five legacy institutions: Wichita Art Museum, Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum, etc. Economic impact data was provided. Councilmember Tuttle noted her role on the Arts Council but clarified no conflict. Approved (6-0). - HOME Program Funding for Arc River Residences – Carmen Hoffein (Housing & Community Services) presented a $420,000 HOME loan to Commonwealth Development Corporation for a 42-unit affordable apartment project at 5136 South Broadway. The project will serve families, with 10% of units for special needs populations. Construction expected to begin within two weeks, completion June 2027. Approved (6-0). - Amendment to Zoning Code – Public Notifications – Scott Weddle (Planning) presented a change to mailed notices: the city will now send notices to both property owners and tenants (where addresses differ) for zoning cases within city limits. The change applies only to city cases, not unincorporated county. The alternative motion (effective June 2, 2026) was adopted to allow time for applicants with existing lists. Cost to applicants increases by $5 per property; city postage costs will increase minimally. The Planning Commission recommended 8-0-1. Approved (6-0) as alternative motion. - Supplemental Agreement with Sedgwick County for Behavioral Health Workers – Captain Jason Cooley (Wichita Police Department) presented renewal of the ICT1–5 program, which pairs behavioral health professionals with police officers and paramedics. Year-to-date 2026 statistics: 853 requests for service, 647 field responses, 479 patient contacts, 60% treat-in-place rate. No new funding required. Approved (6-0). Key Outcomes - All votes passed 6-0 except where noted. No dissenting votes were recorded. - Appointments: John Williams Bay to the MAPC board; Josh Stevenaller reappointed to the Citizens Review Board. Approved 6-0. - Council Comments: Councilmember Hoheisel reported on a budget listening session; Councilmember Ballard highlighted ICT Trees’ tree giveaway; Councilmember Shepard addressed gun violence as a public health crisis and called for prevention investments; Vice Mayor Glasscock recognized the passing of Wes Gallion, former head of Wichita Area Builders Association. - Executive Session: The council recessed into executive session from 11:50 AM to 12:10 PM for legal consultation on two civil lawsuits.

The Wichita City Council met on April 7, 2026, for a regular meeting covering a wide range of topics including proclamations, public comments, a controversial parking garage agreement, approval of a police robotic dog, and dissolution of the Wichita Land Bank. The meeting lasted from approximately 9:00 AM to 4:10 PM, including two executive sessions. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the March 24, 2026 regular meeting (7-0). - Approved consent agenda items 1 through 31, except item 3A which was pulled for discussion (7-0). Awards and Proclamations - Proclaimed April 2026 as Donate Life Month, with representatives from Midwest Transplant Network speaking. - Proclaimed April 2026 as Fraud Prevention Month, with AARP Kansas State Director Glenda Du Bois highlighting $196 billion in national fraud losses (2024) and $81.5 billion stolen from older adults. - Proclaimed April 7, 2026 as Leadership and Health Care Summit Day, recognizing WSU Tech and the Kansas Leadership Center. Public Comments & Testimony - Harold Schlechtweg (351 N. Fern St., ICT Trees board) presented data on rising temperatures in Wichita, citing the 2022 NASA urban heat island study. He urged the city to protect and expand the tree canopy, noting that neighborhoods with mature trees can be up to 12°F cooler. - Andrew Kramer (3626 N. Ridgeport St.) questioned the funding source for 191 Flock ALPR cameras after a $1.6 million DOJ grant expired on March 31, 2026. He requested a written accounting of the annual subscription costs (estimated $500,000) and a formal council vote. Councilmember Hoheisel asked that Kramer receive a response. - George Theo Harris (neighborhood president of three neighborhoods) raised multiple concerns: lack of police response to a neighbor threatening him, an assault allegation during door-to-door canvassing, and lack of transparency at the animal shelter. He criticized the police chief and city legal. - Celeste Reset (2239 N. Tea Time Court) objected to the new paid parking system at City Hall, arguing it discourages public participation. Councilmembers expressed support for revisiting the parking policy, with Vice Mayor Glascock noting a majority of council opposed charging for parking at City Hall. Discussion Items Parking Garage Agreement with WBD LLC (Item 3A) - Councilmember Johnston pulled this item from the consent agenda. The city would purchase a 300-space parking garage at $32,000 per stall (not to exceed $9.6 million) upon substantial completion of the adjacent apartments and hotel. The developer (EPC) confirmed the garage would cost more than $32,000/stall, with the difference reimbursable via TIF. Councilmembers raised concerns about the wording (“equal to” vs. “up to”), the lack of a contingency on vertical construction by July 31, 2026, and incomplete green sheet dates. After public comment from Celeste and Vince Hancock, the council voted 7-0 to delay the item to April 14, 2026, for additional documentation and a public website timeline. Police Robotic Dog (Spot) - Captain Jason Cooley presented the need for two Boston Dynamics Spot robots (cost $629,647.56) to replace aging tracked robots. He cited 43 SWAT and 61 bomb squad activations in 2025, noting limitations of current robots (e.g., inability to climb stairs, open doors, or traverse clutter). Public comment included opposition (Reed Harder questioned spending priorities) and support (Nancy Bradley highlighted officer safety). Council debate centered on policy, cost, and community input. A substitute motion to purchase one robot (approx. $330,000) with a requirement for policy and data updates by July 7, 2026 passed 4-3 (Councilmembers Tuttle, Glascock, Ballard, and Hoheisel in favor; Johnston, Shepard, and one other opposed). Short-Term Rental License Online Application - The council approved an ordinance (first reading) to remove notarization requirements for short-term rental licenses, enabling online submission. Finance Director Mark Manning outlined the digital licensing roadmap, which includes tobacco, lodging, pools, and drinking establishments. Approved 7-0. Lease Agreement for 329 N. Mead - The city approved a 3-year triple net lease for a 2,910 sq. ft. retail unit in the Old Town cinema garage. Annual rent: $19/sq. ft. (up from $14.09). Parking remains at $7.50/stall/month, a rate unchanged since the 1990s. Councilmember Ballard questioned the lack of parking cost recovery. Approved 7-0. Wichita Land Bank Annual Report and Dissolution - Staff recommended dissolution due to lack of funding and minimal activity (only two properties sold in 2025, proceeds $13,375). Councilmember Hoheisel proposed a substitute motion to receive and file the report without dissolution, but the motion to dissolve passed 4-3 (majority in favor). The council directed staff to prepare a dissolution ordinance. No active properties remain. Partnership Agreement with Wichita Collective Impact - The council approved a non-binding partnership supporting kindergarten readiness and third-grade literacy. The YMCA serves as backbone organization; no financial obligation to the city. Approved 7-0. Key Outcomes - Parking Garage (Item 3A): Delayed to April 14, 2026, by a 7-0 vote. Staff to provide corrected green sheet, timeline website, and address council concerns (e.g., “up to” language, vertical construction contingency). - Robotic Dog: Approved purchase of one Spot robot (approx. $330,000) from Radico Inc., with bonding resolution. Council required a policy update (non-weaponization, recording) and data presentation by July 7, 2026. Vote: 4-3. - Land Bank: Dissolution approved 4-3; ordinance to be prepared. - Short-Term Rental License: First reading of ordinance passed 7-0; final adoption expected at next meeting. - Lease (329 N. Mead): Approved 7-0. - Collective Impact Partnership: Approved 7-0. - Travel Approvals: All travel items (Mayor Woo to CLA Forum and Hunt Institute, Councilmembers to Greenwood Rising Tour) approved 7-0. - Council Appointments: Approved 7-0. - Executive Sessions: Two closed sessions held for employer-employee negotiations and legal consultation.

The Wichita City Council met on March 24, 2026, for a regular meeting that included updates on the water treatment plant clarifier repairs, a comprehensive presentation on 21st century policing technology, a detailed report on downtown paid parking implementation, a review of the 2025 Polco community survey results, and an initial budget forecast for fiscal year 2027. The meeting also addressed ongoing legal discussions regarding plant delays and included citizen-facing data on crime prevention and parking enforcement. Water Treatment Plant Clarifier Repairs - Gary (City Staff) and Ron Coker (Wichita Water Partners) provided an update on the repair of six clarifiers at the new water treatment plant. One clarifier was temporarily repaired and operational since late February, allowing city staff to begin training. Approximately 15 city staff have rotated through day and night shifts, and operations team meetings occur three times a week. - Permanent repairs are underway; the timeline anticipates all permanent repairs completed by summer 2026, with performance testing to follow. The plant remains the responsibility of Wichita Water Partners until all repairs and testing are accepted. - Ron Coker detailed the status of each clarifier: clarifier 1 and 2 have completed washdown and mixer inspections (no repairs required per vendor criteria); clarifier 3 is the first to be returned to operation for testing; clarifier 4 washdown complete; clarifier 5 (temporarily repaired) is operational; clarifier 6 inspections complete. - Discussion of upper draft tube replacement: material arrived in pairs, installation expected in April/May 2026. Coatings repairs are ongoing and weather-dependent; corrosion was noted, some areas earlier than expected in the clarifiers’ lifecycle. - City expressed concern about a WestTech repair criterion regarding 1/16-inch material loss allowance, stating they requested additional detail and are not yet satisfied. Gary confirmed the city will not take ownership of the plant until all contract performance testing is met. Legal discussions on cost recovery for delays are scheduled to begin April 2026. - Councilmembers asked about warranty (two-year warranty after possession), ongoing maintenance budgets, and training timeline. Staff noted that operating costs are included in the rate structure and future CIP budgets. Police Department: 21st Century Policing Technology - Chief Sullivan presented on the department’s alignment with the 2014 President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing pillars, emphasizing trust, technology, community policing, training, and officer wellness. - Drone program: 43 trained pilots; 308 drone flights from September to December 2025; 208 arrived first on scene; 50 calls cleared without a physical officer response. DFR (drones as first responders) hive at Fire Station on South Broadway operational, second hive at QuikTrip on East Douglas expected April 2026, with federal appropriation requested for more. - Gunshot detection (Raven system): live in 4 sq mi since 2025, as of March 18, 2026 – 300 verified alerts, 54 shooting victims, 14 arrests, 1,313 cartridge casings recovered, 28 firearms recovered. - Real-Time Information Center (RTIC): first phase completed Sept 2025; second phase summer 2026. Staffed currently by light-duty officers and Captain Hutchins; plans to add professional staff and interns. Will integrate with FUSUS, bodycams, license plate readers, and third-party cameras. - Discussion of Spot robot (grant-funded): used for de-escalation, barricaded suspects, hostage situations; 70 other departments use Spot, including NYPD. - Staffing: authorized for 700 commissioned officers; 235,724 radio calls in 2025 (up from 219,289 in 2024); 4,000 more calls year-to-date March 2026. Chief voiced need for a new staffing study (last done in 2017), citing 31 open commissioned positions. Councilmembers expressed support for a comprehensive public safety staffing study integrated with strategic planning. - Chief noted that technology does not replace officers but enhances their capabilities. He highlighted partnerships with mental health teams, HOT (Homeless Outreach Team), and collaboration with other city departments. - Privacy concerns addressed: drone transparency dashboard, Flock data sharing policies (no federal sharing, 30-day data retention), and vendor background checks. Captain Moses confirmed city owns license plate data; Flock cannot sell or share it. Downtown Paid Parking Update - Troy (Assistant City Manager) reviewed the implementation of the 2019 Parking and Multimodal Plan. All equipment standardized (pay stations, signage, enforcement hours: Mon–Thu 8-6, Fri-Sat 8-9, Sun free). Rate $1/hour, with event rates up to $35. - Parking fund performance: 2024 year-end deficit of $232,000; 2025 unaudited net loss of $3,800 after $540,000 one-time implementation costs (meter removal, concrete, electrical). Recurring annual management fee to Car Park: $1.3 million (2025), decreasing as equipment is amortized. - Event rates will be activated in 2026; councilmember expressed concern about $35 rate being high. - City Hall paid parking: infrastructure replaced with same system; validation codes available for departments but will require internal transfers to parking fund (previously $200,000 in foregone revenue). Discussion of accessibility for cash users: coin/bill pay at key locations (Century II, Intrust Bank Arena). - Enforcement: backing into spaces is prohibited (ordinance 20+ years old); fine schedule approved. Council requested signage and education. Towing ordinance coming for repeat violators. - Capital improvements: security cameras RFP for garages this year; deferred maintenance plan being developed. - Council emphasized need for balance, user-fee transparency, and ongoing community education. Polco Community Survey Results (Video Presentation) - Residents rated cost of living above national benchmark; safety from property and violent crime improved from 2024; 70% plan to remain in Wichita for five years. - Governance ratings saw declines: only 42% rated government treating residents with respect as excellent/good; fewer than 30% rated transparency, honesty, and value for taxes positively. - Safety perceptions: 80% felt safe in neighborhood during day; 60% felt safe from violent/property crime (improved). Police services, animal control, and crime prevention below national benchmarks. - Downtown safety concerns: top reason for not feeling safe was presence of unhoused individuals (33%); 80% would visit more often with more police/security and better lighting. - Mobility: 75% rated ease of travel by car excellent/good; public transit rated low (20%). Street repair, sidewalk maintenance, and street cleaning rated lower than benchmarks. 2027 Budget Workshop - Elizabeth presented initial General Fund forecast: revenues expected $4 million higher in 2026, $5.5 million higher in 2027, $5.2 million higher in 2028 (compared to previous plan), driven by sales tax growth (3-3.2%) and higher assessed valuation growth (7.1% vs previous 5.6%). - Interest earnings declining from $31M (2026) to $22M (2028) – a $9M reduction over three years. - Expenditures updated for police and fire contracts; base budget currently balanced in 2027 after a $3M annual stabilization reserve transfer. 2028 shows a deficit; no new service expansions modeled. - Shrinkage (vacancy savings) assumed 3.7% in 2028. Staff noted potential for favorable changes in pension rates. - Councilmember questions about shrinkage methodology and reserve levels (total reserves $96 million); planned transfers from stabilization reserve are systematic and disclosed to credit rating agencies. - Next steps: CIP workshop in April, operating budget in May, final projection in June, budget adoption in August. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the workshop portion; the meeting included presentations, discussion, and direction from council. - Staff will continue legal discussions with Wichita Water Partners regarding delays; next meeting set for early April 2026. - Council expressed support for a comprehensive public safety staffing study to be incorporated into 2027 budget discussions. - The parking enforcement ordinance update (hooding fees, towing) will be presented for council action in coming weeks. - Budget workshops will continue monthly, with resident engagement at District Advisory Boards in May. - The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time after a motion and second (recorded as 6-0).