City Council Meeting

Documenter name: Ty Davis

Agency: Wichita City Council Meetings/Workshops

Date: March 4, 2025

See more about this meeting at Documenters.org

Notes

Wichita City Council Meeting Summary – March 4th, 2025 (Video) (Agenda)

Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting commenced with an invocation led by Vice Mayor Johnston in the absence of Miss Shaw Woody. The prayer sought God’s guidance for council members and attendees, ensuring their decisions aligned with His will. It also included prayers for the less fortunate, asking for provision and support so they may meet their basic needs and eventually prosper. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

The council reviewed and unanimously approved (7-0) the minutes from the February 25, 2025, regular meeting with no corrections.

Awards & Proclamations

American Red Cross Month–Mayor Lily Wu proclaimed March 2025 as American Red Cross Month in Wichita, recognizing the organization’s 140-year legacy of humanitarian service. The Red Cross was honored for providing shelter, food, blood donations, and disaster relief. A Red Cross representative thanked the council and highlighted the Sound the Alarm"event, a free smoke alarm program in partnership with the Wichita Fire Department. Residents in need were encouraged to call 211 for assistance.

Procurement Month–March 2025 was also proclaimed Procurement Month, recognizing the City of Wichita’s Purchasing Division for its role in ensuring efficient and transparent spending of taxpayer dollars. A finance department representative outlined the division’s objectives, including helping city departments procure necessary goods and services, ensuring wise use of taxpayer funds, and maintaining compliance with regulations. Several procurement team members were introduced and thanked for their service.

Women in Construction Week–The Greater Wichita Kansas Chapter 120 was recognized for its 57-year history of supporting women in the construction industry. The week of March 3 - 9, 2025, was proclaimed Women in Construction Week, celebrating the advancement of women in skilled trades, community development, and workforce growth. A chapter representative expressed gratitude to the mayor and council for their recognition.

Public Comments

American Legion Post 273 Sergeant Lafonda Gray, representing American Legion Post 273, urged the council to support grants, loans, or donations for veterans to prevent the Legion’s closure. He emphasized the organization’s role in assisting veterans with financial and mental health support, reducing crime by providing stability for struggling veterans, and offering education and community programs. Gray presented a petition with hundreds of signatures and stressed the need for local support. Councilmember Tuttle acknowledged his persistence but noted that local American Legion chapters cannot receive city or state funds. She offered to connect him with alternative resources, including the Greater Wichita Veterans Advocacy Board.

Demolition of Historic Home Sybil Strum spoke about the demolition of her historic home, a 1910 landmark that served as a safe haven for children from troubled homes. She claimed she was never notified before the demolition, which resulted in property loss, stolen items, and emotional distress. Strum expressed outrage at city officials for failing to provide answers and vowed to continue seeking accountability.

Housing & Accessibility Issues Arthur Stokes addressed concerns about housing conditions, particularly black mold and health hazards in city housing. He shared personal struggles with illness due to mold exposure and the impact on elderly and vulnerable residents. Stokes challenged the council to walk city streets and address accessibility concerns, especially for disabled individuals in wheelchairs and those with low vision. Councilmember Johnson appreciated his courage to speak and committed to looking into the issue.

Scooter & Sidewalk Obstructions Andrew (no last name given) raised concerns about scooters left on sidewalks and crosswalks, obstructing access for pedestrians and wheelchair users. Councilmember Hoheisel confirmed that scooter companies are required to place them on designated corners and may be fined for violations. The council agreed to investigate the issue further.

Consent Agenda & Lease Agreement for Old Town Cinemas Space

The council approved the consent agenda, excluding Item 4B, which was pulled for discussion.

Old Town Cinemas Lease Agreement (Item 4B) The council discussed leasing a vacant space in Old Town Cinemas under a triple net lease at $19 per square foot for three years, with an option to extend for two additional years. Key discussion points included:

• Triple Net Lease Structure: Ensures tenants cover property expenses, improving transparency and cost management.
• Fair Market Value: Some council members questioned whether the $10 per square foot base rent was below market value (with the triple net lease, the square foot rent would equal $19), while others argued it was fair considering high operating expenses.
• Maintenance Concerns: The city is responsible for major capital repairs, including a leaking parking structure above the space.

Vice Mayor Johnston supported the lease, stating that keeping the space vacant costs the city money, while leasing it generates revenue and shifts expenses to the tenant. The motion to approve the lease passed 6-1.

Wichita City Council – Board of Bids & Contracts Summary (March 3, 2025)

The Board of Bids and Contracts presented approved contracts and purchases outlined by Jason Brogan from the Department of Finance. Major infrastructure projects included stormwater improvements, water main installations, and sewer system upgrades. Other contracts covered city maintenance, snow removal, and communication system maintenance. The council unanimously approved the report 7-0.

City Council Discussion: Multi-Agency Center (MAC) Lease & Operating Agreement

Key discussion points included termination clauses, security access, city oversight, and financial sustainability. The council debated whether a 15-year term would be more appropriate instead of the proposed 25-year agreement. Concerns were raised about security access and whether the city should have formal representation on the MAC Board. The agreement was approved with provisions for future amendments and increased oversight.

City Council Discussion: Community Improvement District (CID) & Parking Management

The council debated a proposed CID in Old Town, involving a 2% sales tax and shifting parking management costs to businesses and property owners. Concerns centered on revenue projections, legal considerations, and fairness in assessments. The motion to waive the city’s 100% approval policy and set a public hearing for April 1, 2025, failed in a 4-3 vote, leaving the CID's future uncertain.

Childcare Licensing Grant Approval

The council approved an annual childcare licensing grant application from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), securing approximately $416,000 for the 2026 fiscal year to support provider licensing, compliance, and professional development.

City Council Discussion: Late Fee Policy and Payment Arrangements

The council reaffirmed the 1.5% late fee on overdue utility bills, emphasizing its necessity for financial stability. Payment plans, waivers, and assistance programs were discussed, ensuring support for struggling customers while maintaining utility funding.

City Council Discussion: Crown Uptown Theater Demolition Permit

The council debated extending interim controls preventing the demolition of the Crown Uptown Theater. Concerns included historic designation, property rights, and economic viability. After extensive discussion, the council voted 6-1 to extend interim controls until August 4, 2025, allowing more time for preservation efforts.

City Council Discussion: Short-Term Rental & Internet Exchange Facility Requests

The council reviewed two zoning cases:

1. Short-Term Rental Request (227 N. Baden Ave.)–This request was denied due to neighborhood opposition and safety concerns.
2. Internet Exchange Facility (21st & Fountain Ave.)--Approved with additional conditions to maintain residential character and address traffic concerns.

Next Steps

Key issues remain unresolved, including the Old Town CID proposal and Crown Uptown Theater preservation efforts. The council will continue deliberations on balancing economic growth with historic preservation and public interests in future meetings.

Summary

• Public Concerns & City Responses – Residents raised concerns about veteran support, housing conditions, sidewalk obstructions, and a historic home demolition. The council acknowledged these issues, with some members committing to further investigation and resource connections.
• Major Council Decisions – The council approved the Old Town Cinemas lease, a childcare licensing grant, and an internet exchange facility proposal, while denying a short-term rental request and extending interim controls on the Crown Uptown Theater demolition to explore preservation options.
• Unresolved Issues & Next Steps – Discussions on the Community Improvement District (CID) in Old Town and parking management funding remain unresolved, as the proposal failed in a 4-3 vote. Future meetings will address potential modifications and alternative revenue solutions.

Follow-Up Questions

• What alternative funding solutions is the city considering for the Community Improvement District (CID) and parking management in Old Town, given the proposal’s failure?

• How does the council plan to address concerns about housing conditions, including black mold and accessibility issues, especially for elderly and disabled residents?

• What specific preservation options are being explored for the Crown Uptown Theater during the extended interim control period, and how does the property owner’s stance impact potential solutions?

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