District 2 Advisory Board Meeting

Documenter name: Lance Carrithers

Agency: Wichita City - District Advisory Board 2

Date: May 13, 2024

See more about this meeting at Documenters.org

Notes

21 persons present including 11 DAB members:  Council Member Becky Tuttle,  Jim Groff,  Stephanie McCurdy, Jennifer McDonald, Aaron Miller, Tracee Adams, Chris Broadrick, Tim Johnson, Tyler York, and  Bruce Gass, (who arrived after the meeting was in progress).  

Not present:  Faith Martin, and John Baker.  

Also present were 8 city staff members, and three guests.

No livestream or video recording of the meeting was available because of the city’s recent cyber attack.

No one requested to speak during public comment time.

City Manager Bob Layton provided an overview of the city’s current financial environment, stating that there are challenges ahead. The City has enjoyed a surplus in recent years, however there are projected deficits beyond 2026 if trends continue.  “The challenge is to do some things now to close projected deficits.” Layton said.  “With reserves, there is time to strategically realign expenditures.”

Layton said the City Council relies on public feedback in the budgeting process in May and June, so that a budget can be finalized in July.  A budget simulator will soon be available on the City Website that the public can use to determine where spending cuts might be proposed. A similar simulator is used for the city of Greensboro. https://greensboro.abalancingact.com/greensboro-recommended-budget-fy-2023-24 

Councilwoman Tuttle thanked Manager Layton, saying that she believes the budget is one of the most important votes she makes each year on the council. “Where you allocate your treasure is a reflection of your values,” she said.

In staff reports, Wichita Police Department Officer Allie Erickson (cannot confirm name–name given ws different from agenda) told how WPD is working with businesses who are experiencing increasing incidents of shoplifting and larceny.  Specific numbers of crimes were not available because of the cyber attack on the city.

The Fire Department Report was given by Battalion Chief Michael Crosby. Chief Crosby  reported on activity in the District, including high profile fires at two apartment complexes, one of which resulted in a death. https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article287390585.html 

Several personnel from the Wichita Fire Department have gone through officer development training, and a list of promotional candidates will be forthcoming.

Crosby also encouraged members of the public to enroll and participate in the Citizen Fire Academy. 

Jon Sidwell, Assistant Recreation Supervisor at Boston Recreation Center highlighted the upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration for the Keeper of the Plains this Saturday.

Sidwell also reported that pools and splash pads across the city are preparing to open, and outlined several upcoming summer camps.

Rockwell Branch Library Manager, John Cleary,  reported that the library was still able to check in and check out materials despite the City of Wichita cyber attack, and was still able to provide Internet access and free wi-fi to patrons.  

He reported that the Wichita Library is launching its new “Experience Passes” (Many Wichitalibrary.org links unavailable due to cyber attack)  where patrons can obtain a pass to 11 area museums or attractions, which they can utilize for up to one week.  

Summer reading programs are beginning in May and will last through August 1st.

Public Works & Utilities Report Engineer Mike Armour provided a quarterly report of several projects.  The Bicycle Plan just completed another round of public engagement and information should be compiled soon from that. He also reported that the Wichita Transit Multi-Modal Facility plans to open bids in early June.

Wichita Transit Network Plan Interim Transit Director Penny Feist presented information about the Wichita Transit Network Plan 

Feist said the Transit Plan is in the second phase of Community Engagement.  A survey is open through all of May.  She reported there are already emerging themes, including increasing service with the highest ridership, simplifying routes to reduce travel time, and improving access to grocery stores.  

The next District 2 Advisory Board meeting will be held at 6 pm Monday, June 10 at the Library.  However, because of planned remodeling taking place later in the summer, the DAB 2 will meet beginning in July at Fire Station #20 on South Greenwich Road.

Summary

Summarize the 3 most important outcomes or takeaways from your notes....

• The city is still being affected by the recent Cyber Attack.  Including access to this meeting by remote means.  Nearly every presenter remarked how their departments are still being affected.  Many links to city programs are not working currently on the city website.
• After enjoying surpluses in the past several years, it is expected that without strategic cuts in the budget in coming years, there will be growing deficits.
• Public input for the City Bicycle Master Plan, the Wichita Transit Plan, and the City budget is currently being sought.

Follow-Up Questions

What are you left wondering? Ask up to 3 of your own follow-up questions...

• When will the City Budget Simulator be up and running given the Cyber Attack recovery?
• What has been the cost of the Cyber Attack recovery to the city of Wichita?

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@citybureau.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.