District 5 Advisory Board Meeting

Documenter name: Sharon Ailslieger

Agency: Wichita City - District Advisory Board 5

Date: April 7, 2025

See more about this meeting at Documenters.org

Notes

The meeting was called to order and a roll call occurred with nine members present.

Comments by Councilman J.V. Johnston

Johnston spoke about the proposed Northwest Passageway. It would benefit the westside of Wichita and Sedgwick County. Next he spoke about the upcoming search for a new City Manager as Robert Layton is retiring at the end of the year. He has been the Wichita City Manager for sixteen years,so it will be a new experience for all the City Council members.

Community Reports

1. Citizen Review Board (CRB)

This is a city advisory board that works with the Wichita Police Department. The aim is to enhance the relationship between the WPD and the City of Wichita and promote accountability. There are thirteen members on the Board–seven are appointed by the Mayor and the City Council and six are appointed by the City Manager. They review policies and certain solved cases. Currently, they are working on a Strategic Plan for the CRB. Each member is expected to attend the Citizen’s Police Academy. The Board meets on the fourth Thursday of the month.

2. Police Report

The most recent Second Chance Thursday was held and deemed successful. One of the main complaints that is being received in District 5 are RVs, Campers, and other large vehicles are being parked on the street. A ticket can be given if the vehicle is parked for over two hours. There has not been a big change in stats from last month.

Finally, the new software that will recognize gunshots and tell what area they are coming from was discussed. It has been in the test phase since 2023 and is now being installed around the city except for in the west part of town. At this time, there is not a need on the west part of town. It will be used mainly in District 1 and District 3 and will be installed on light poles and telephone poles. The range is roughly one mile. Discussion followed with both citizens and DAB members asking questions and expressing concerns.

3. Fire Department Report

Battalion Chief Ritter spoke about the burn ban which is enforced during April. This is to offset the burning in the Flint Hills and on farms. Air quality is a problem if everyone keeps burning.

There were 16 fire alarms in March and one was a house to the tune of over $200,000 in damages. Someone threw a cigar on the ground and did not make sure it was out.

The fire hydrants will continue to be tested, even with a drought, to keep them in good working condition. Finally, he reminded everyone to keep all leaves, sticks, etc. away from houses and buildings.

4. Westlink Branch Library Report

The newly remodeled library opened on March 24,2025. It has much more space, study rooms, class rooms, and meeting rooms. She reminded everyone that the Maya Angelou Library has been remodeled and reopened, also. Rockwell Branch Library is currently closed for an update and the Angelou Branch has expanded its hours. The big event for the coming weeks is The Big Read and the author will be here in Wichita later in April.

5. Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO) 

The topic of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan-2050 was the main topic. WAMPO is a county wide organization which includes Butler and Sumner Counties. A video was shown on transportation that included goals, safe and reliable transportation, equitable transportation, environmentally safe transportation, and providing multimodal transportation. There are 22 cities in Sedgwick County that have WAMPO services, with some in Sumner and Butler Counties.

6. Planning Deptartment Report

 The following two Zoning cases were presented:

1. CON2025-34

The request was not to change the zoning but rather to edit it and enable

Conditional Zoning so that the land could be used as a parking lot. Both the Church and the Veterinarian Clinic want to be able to use the land as a parking lot. It was determined that it fits into the Comprehensive Plan. Also, landscaping will be required. There were no protests. The motion passed for approval.

2. CON2025-40 (The land is approximately one and half acres).

The parcel is located near Maize and 21st Street. The applicant is requesting a protective overlay. The goal is to build a hotel which will be behind the WalMart at New Market Square. The applicant has requested that architectural control be excluded. There will be a masonry wall. They still need to study the parking situation to see what is needed. They also want to have an entertainment zone within the hotel and a 50 foot sign for the hotel. Slawson Company is a local company and cares about the city. There was some discussion between the Board members and the citizens over the wall and the quality of the hotel. Many of those questions could not be answered at this time. IT was determined that they must have zoning issues resolved before they can really move on. A Motion was passed for approval.

Meeting adjourned

Summary

• The Northwest Passage may finally get some momentum.
• The search for a new City Manager may take some time.
• The Police Department is really trying to get control of the drive-by shootings.

Follow-Up Questions

• Do the people of Sedgwick County/Wichita really see the positive aspects of the Northwest Passage?
• What will the final requirement for a new City Manager look like?
• Is there anyone local who might be considered?

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