♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> Welcome everybody. And good morning. Well, call the meeting to order at this time with us this morning is Pastor Phillip, more of Eden Fellowships Ministry to provide our invocation following. That indication will have the Pledge of Allegiance. I invite you all to join us for >> Good morning. I want to the mayor and the city Council for this opportunity. Let's pray. Eternal lord in heaven. As we gather here today, we humbly come before you recognizing the importance of unity, wisdom and compassion and our deliberations and decisions. We acknowledge your presence in our mitts guiding our hearts and minds to the common good of all those we serve. Grant O Lord the the grace to listen with understanding to speak with clarity and honesty and to act with integrity and justice. May our discussions be marked with it by respect for differing viewpoints a week. Alright, common ground and our shared commitment to the well-being of our community. Blessed each member of this esteemed council with wisdom to discern what is right and just courage to advocate for the marginalized and vulnerable humility to acknowledge our limitations. May your guiding light illuminated our pad as we seek to addressed the challenges and opportunities facing our city and may the decisions that we make today reflect your divine wisdom and mercy or we not only ex that you covered Lord the city of Wichita. But we pray that you covered the residents of of gas and the surrounding area slow. We offer this prayer and your most precious and holy name. Amen. last. One nation under God. >> And this justice for all. Thank you, pastor. More. >> Madam Clerk, please call the first item. Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 9th. 24 in upcoming meeting of April 4th 2024. Are there any comments regarding either I have correction and a follow-up to for April One of the items missing. We mention where you can find agendas on the Web site that could added to the minute. And then there was a follow-up during public comment. We asked for further information and staff provided that has requested information regarding the Topeka. It's a line that tennis complex is they provided information peak as 18 courts. Celina has 12 courts. And for comparison purposes which toss Riverside tennis Center has 13 outdoor tennis courts, 3 indoor tennis courts and 9 pickleball courts. If that can be added to the minute. Any other discussion. I seen I move that we approve those minutes. Madam Clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, please call the next item. Awards and proclamations proclamations today Prince of alienation awareness. Stay national Small Business Week. Earth Day and Arbor Day. >> May please invite to the front Kelly The proclamation reads, whereas parental alienation deprives children of their rights to love and be loved by their whole family. And it's very damaging to children behavior such as speaking negatively about a parent too, or in front of a child can destroy the bought between a loving parent and a child. And whereas awareness to this issue creates education and understanding to better the lives of the children in our community. And whereas April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month and parental alienation is considered a form of psychological abuse. And whereas this marks the 15th annual parental alienation awareness Day and the caring citizens of our community recognize the state for the sake of the precious children of our community and the world. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I Lily Wu, mayor of the city of Wichita, along with the Wichita City Council, do hereby proclaim April 25th 2024 as parental alienation Awareness Day in the city of Wichita and encourage all citizens to come together to raise awareness. The psychological form of child abuse parental alienation. I'm I'm in chapter 21 and there's another which tell Citizen. >> In Chapter 13 and we're coming out with his second book and its touches this particular subject. Thank you so much for I'm just going to speak for second. that's okay, I'd like to dedicate this to all the parents that allowed me to work with them and all the wonderful dedicated advocates that I get the pleasure to work with. And I'm just going to read a little bit about parental alienation. The Supreme Court has declared parental alienation, a form of child abuse. The United States Supreme Court, quote, questionably recognizes the disruption of parent child relationship as repairable injury. Parents interest in custody. Of their children is a liberty interest, which has received considerable constitutional protection. A parent who is deprived of custody of his or her child, even though temporarily suffers, therefore grievous loss and such loss deserves extension of due process. Parental alienation could take many forms and functions. This pathological behaviors not limited to the abusive parent. It. Behavior is not limited to the parent. However, it often includes relatives, friends turned the Child attorneys. Custody evaluators. Magistrate and judges. And if you are not educated on child abuse awareness and child of parental alienation. I would encourage you to do a little education on it. Thank you very much. Police asked Wayne Bell to please come forward. got a large Oaks. Thank you. >> I will read the proclamation. It reads, whereas America's strongest economic growth in almost 40 years has been driven by the resilience of our small businesses that despite a worldwide pandemic continue to pioneer, innovative solutions to our country's greatest challenges and create opportunities for families and workers. And whereas small businesses remain the heartbeat of our communities and the American economy employing more than half of our nation's workers inventing and innovating to launch new technologies and create New American LED industries in reaching our main streets, making parts and products in America to fuel our supply chains and building our nation's infrastructure. And whereas historic investments made through the President's American rescue plan, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, chips and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act. We'll ensure small businesses have access to federal capital support. Technical assistance contracting up Opportunity contracting opportunities and other resources to help lead the way as we rebuild America's roads and bridges and build a clean energy economy for the future. And whereas when we support small businesses, jobs are created and local communities preserved unique culture. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I Lily Wu, mayor of the city of Wichita, along with the Wichita City Council, do hereby proclaim April through May 4th 2024. as national Small Business Week in the city of Wichita and encourage all citizens to shop local every day. Good morning. Thank you, mayor and members of City Council city manager. >> It's indeed my honor to be with you all here today. I see many colleagues in the room in addition to our resource partners represented behind us. And as the mayor pointed out every year since 1963, the president has recognized small business week is the first week of May. This year we're doing something a little special in our area as we lead up to that first week of May, where we celebrate our local small business week. Winners. And things that we thought it would be exciting would be to recognize again, our ecosystem partners to help us to support small business. They provide vital counseling, mentor and workshops, a host of services and resources veteran supporting small business. Some of the organizations are here with us today. And I just want to recognize the organizations and forgive me. I may not have all of the representatives. But which toss core and Patterson this year. The Kansas Small business development centers here represented by Rebecca. It now International Rescue Committee, who is our community Navigator missed Raime in this year. Wichita State University, their Office of Strategic initiatives. Deborah Franklin is here. Apex accelerators. They're in the room. I'm not sure if they're in the room today, but Apex accelerators. They work with contractors who are looking to to contract with the federal government. So on and so forth. And then there are others in the room. We South-Central Kansas Economic Development District. Perhaps there are Please forgive me if I don't recognize them all. The overarching point here is that our city and our community, we have a great ecosystem that stands ready and actively support small businesses. And we're so thrilled to be here with them today. So let's give them a hand. And now it's my honor, truly, truly my honor. >> To recognize and introduce to you. Spa's associate administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development, Mister Mark Madrid. He serves our as our again associate administrator for the office that actually oversees all of our business development programs, our resource partners, the funding for those partners. On and It's just mendis that he could be here. It's pretty interesting. I talked to him and I talked to maybe just about a week ago and there are a series of visits and things that he was trying to accomplish. Trying to get to Atlanta and everything. He's literally here for 24 hours. Not even quite 24 hours. He wanted to be here for this occasion this morning. And I just deeply grateful that Mister Mark Madrid is here. So for the sake of time, I won't go into his full background. But I do want to recognize this. He is. And I want to thank him for service. Because he is a honorary Colonel. And I'm looking for here. Was it for the arming Honorary colonel for the Army, Mister Mark Madrid. >> It's a beautiful day in Wichita. It's a beautiful, sunny day. Thank you, and by extension your team, Sarah and the entire team that's here from this wonderful office and thank you, mayor, for this proclamation City Council. The most important thing that you should know about me is that I grew up in the world. Small business in the Texas Panhandle. I can relate to bootstrapping a welding business. I didn't know what was going on, but I just knew my parents work so hard every day so that their kids could be educated. So I'm delighted to be here you know, Wayne and I were talking about the spirit of Wichita. I see that city flag everywhere, which means pride for the city. I also understand from Wayne and his team, how important entrepreneurship is here. And Wichita, in addition to aerospace in R and D that's happening. tell you something. The friendliness of the city Don's up on me at the hotel. You know, at you, I'm just here for 24 hours. But there was just a hospitable nature of the city that I appreciate so much. This is my 37th state to travel. Since I join the administration in February of 2021 and I say it all the time. It's the highest honor magic ball to serve our small business owners, the most resilient group in the country. There's been 17 million new business applications that been formed since the president took office. That is truly, truly exciting. And I'll just close with this. Pastor, thank you for those words and that prayer talking about unity, discernment integrity wisdom, respect. That's what it's all about. And I congratulate Wichita for being the leader. Mice leaders. You're one of the first cities have not the first to proclaim National Small Business Week. >> And that is a wonderful testament to the city. I look forward to meeting the small business owners that some of them have graduated from our educational platform called Thrive are emerging leaders re. Imagine. >> look forward to eating at a wonderful restaurant with a wonderful story behind. And thank you to our economic development and our resource partners, our ecosystem partners that are represented here, our sbdc small business development centers are score chapters, women business centers are community navigators. Wichita State University SCAD and others that were mentioned here. It truly takes an ecosystem. There's 33 and-a-half million small businesses now in America. And we need to reach them all. Everyone should have a chance to create jobs and not only pursue their passion, but to put juice in the American economy, the economy here in Kansas and the economy here and what Wichita, it's an honor to be here. Thank you very much. >> May please ask Vice Mayor Ballard to come foward. Our next 2 proclamations made a lot to her. So I thought it would be appropriate for her to be up here. Police asked 3, 1, 6 united to come forward. The proclamation reads, whereas the city of Wichita acknowledges that urgent need to address ex essential threat of climate change. And whereas we recognize that climate change disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and injustices and whereas it is imperative that we adopt a comprehensive approach to combating climate change. One that considers day interconnectedness of environmental, economic and social systems requiring the collaborative efforts of all sectors of our city and whereas Earth Day provides an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, both for the benefit of our present community and for future Generations. Earth Day serves as a poignant reminder for our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the planet. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I Lily Wu, mayor of the city of Wichita, along with the Wichita City Council, do hereby proclaim April 22nd 2024. as Earth Day in the city of Wichita and encourage all citizens to celebrate our planet and renew your commitment to preserving and protecting its beauty and resource us. Since everybody else Tuttle say a couple of words. This is very exciting to have the first Earth Day proclamation passed in the city of Wichita. I myself have been in field of fun out there for a couple of decades, which is nothing compared to those that I've been inspired by continue to work alongside with my woman, Maggie Ballard great job of being the representation that we need when there's a problem that you go through the correct channels of representations and they listen to you and we make change. so I want to say be sure to come out to our event this Saturday called Earth Day United, which is a theme here today. So appreciate that everyone, one to 4 at unity of I do. lot of fun stuff so that place us parks and recreation to come forward. The proclamation reads, whereas the city of Wichita encourages environmental stewardship and the creation of a more sustainable community through the increase of the urban canopy. And that increasing urban canopy is the most cost effective way to combat urban heat islands. And whereas the global pandemic has increased our understanding that investments in trees and outdoor spaces are vital to the physical and mental health of our community. And whereas trees in our city increases property values, enhance economic vitality of business districts and beautify our community. Whereas the city of Wichita recognizes legacy of planting trees is generational in scope and daily and benefit now, therefore, be it resolved that I really mayor of the city of Wichita, along with the Wichita City Council do hereby proclaim Friday, April. 26 2024. as Arbor Day in the city of Wichita and encourage all tons to join the city of Wichita and promoting the urban canopy by planting trees in your area of influence. >> Thank you, mayor. With council members and relate and thank you very much for the support that has been given forestry and the work that we do in the community that generates quality of life for the residents of this great city. Are today's a great opportunity to be reminded of the importance of trees in urban environment and when neighborhoods lack tree canopy cover urban heat islands can develop. And we have seen that in our community. non-profit organizations like ICT Trees were up here with us today are meeting the needs of us neighborhoods by utilizing grant money to supply recently, 50 trees that they gave away in the neighborhood a near Murdoch Park. Other citizens are putting their passion into action as well. This past Friday. SFA students at Southeast High School under the direction of Joanna Farmer. Just the 2, 5, 9, planted over 10,000 seeds. In containers that forestry staff will take care of the summer and those germinated seedlings will be transported back to the students and then given away to people in the most canopy deficient neighborhoods, action such as these will not solve the urban Heat islands in the next week or the next year. But however, repeated efforts such as these. Coupled with the city's efforts on public rights of way and in parks will turn the tide and content which talk continue to be that sought after. place to live work and play. So thank you. And I appreciate the time and I appreciate the proclamation. Thank you. >> Thank you. all of our recipients of proclamations today. these read the polls of public agenda. Thank you, Mayor. Publication are no action will be taken relative to items on the agenda other than referral for information. >> Request repair will be placed on first come first served basis. This portion of the meeting is limited to 30 minutes and shall be subject to the limitation of 5 minutes per presentation with no extension of time, commitment. No speakers should be allowed to prepare to appear more frequently. Then once every 4th meeting members of the public to sharing 2% matters to the council on the public agenda must submit a request in writing to the office of the city clerk, the pair to 12 noon on Tuesday proceeding the council meeting. Matters pertaining to personnel litigation in violation of laws and ordinances are excluded from the agenda rules of decorum as provided in this code will be observed. And our first speaker is Donna Castillo, Garcia, officials to reconsider their rejection of Medicaid expansion by the state Legislature. >> Good morning. I'm Erin move and City Council. My name is Ana Castillo. Garcia. I'm a 30 year a Wichita State University grad student. I'm learning to be a nurse practitioner and I want to come before you today to present perspective of new grads coming into the medical field. Last month, I visited the Capitol with a group of other students and we were there with the other 300 individual strong. Plus, 400 testimonies of a written testimonies in favor of Medicaid expansion. Kansas remains one of the only 10 states in the nation that has not expanded. We went to the hearings. We met with senators we we've met with the proponents last less than a dozen individuals, most of which were paid lobbyists from out of state. Unfortunately, the House voted to move that matter onto the floor for a more discussion. But there's been good news, good The Senate version of that Bill has been consideration. And I'm asking that as the city of Wichita encourage and maybe present documentation in favor of this. This bill. So why we want to do this well, it's is a leader in the And as far as homelessness incentives and business and leadership. So what we have to say matters where one of the largest municipalities in the state and we have 2 of the largest healthcare systems and we don't want them to fail. We we've seen how V a Christie is struggling right now and it's not just our rule. Hospitals anymore is our largest systems. Without expansion. We don't have the ability to provide quality care as providers and providers like myself are not getting compensated for the skill and the years of training that we have as a nurse practitioner, I can see up to 30 patients a day and I might repaid for maybe half of them because insurance or no insurance. The long a lot of the short of it is 150,000 Kansans are predicted to be able to access health care with Medicaid expansion. 90 1% of which is covered by the federal government with funds that we are already paying for. So I would like to refer to the documentation that I have there's details about what Medicaid means. What's covered, what it what will happen for our patients. When we expand. And there's also council like a community initiative document that you can review, perhaps develop and submit to the many to senators that represent Wichita Sedgwick County has a very large proportion of senators. I'm representing us and we would like to urge them to vote yes, on moving this matter to the floor that way. We can have a true debate over whether or not this is going to be a good move for our citizens and our patients. I thank you for your time. And I'd like to remain resource for anyone who has They a clerk has information. So thank you so much. And I appreciate it. Council member Jonathan. >> Thanks, I just wanted to say thank you for your service and the health bill. And I'm speaking up for Medicaid expansions times been passed that we should have done that. We shouldn't a long ago just so, you know, I will reach out to those in the legislature and support. I have been again, it's something that we should have done quite long time ago. It would benefit Kansas. And if we listen to any of the health providers, especially on the state level, they'll tell you we should do it. I've been in several rooms with different people all saying that we should expand Medicaid. So I appreciate your efforts and I will be one of those voices to support. >> Vice Mayor Ballard, thank you here literally set everything that I want say. But I think you so much for being here and being an advocate for Medicaid It will be reaching out to our senators >> I'm sharing the same sentiment. So I really appreciate being here echo everything that Councilman Mayor Johnson. A Please call the next guy. >> That's rush animal control. Good morning. >> Hi, I'm Beth Rush I would like to talking about animal control. she some problems there. I would like to have an of animal control. There are issues that need to be resolved I have spoken to Lieutenant Purcell several times about some issues that I see with dogs roaming at Lar. She doesn't seem think that some major problem. And several neighborhoods continually continually there's problems and he just says we need to educate people on those. >> After time and time and time again, I think things need to be >> These people are continually letting their dogs out letting them roam. And there's a name for their child special needs. The dog keeps shopping. The Phipps. >> And he just doesn't seem to think that that's important. >> He had several people have asked for resignation. Last animal advisory board. They ask recognition for several issues and that really to be looked up. There are several things that needs to be looked at that. I am asking for his resignation. They have asked for is recognition. He is euthanizing dogs. That should not be There needs to be several things looked at. When you call there, you cannot get through. If you have ever called animal control. You cannot get through. You call. If you're getting attacked by a vicious dog like my friend Linda FOX or anyone else. They call say call 9-1-1. Have you tried to call 9-1-1. >> Do you know what happens? You call 9-1-1. You know what happens? >> They put you on hold. >> Then when you come back to what happens, state, ask you. >> 9-1-1 says. Can you tell me? How are you feeling? >> You're getting attacked by dog. You're getting attacked. What going to happen? And no one seems to care. Animal control Purcell doesn't care. He says it's a 9-1-1. Problem. Your family. You're out walking a dog. What going to happen? One of your loved ones, what it's going to happen. But is it going to take? You? Call you call animal control? What is it going to take? I'm asking. I'm asking you, please send someone. We have tried to call the chief. They won't return calls. We tried to call the tenant Purcell. He will not return our phone calls. We've tried to call his buck. They will not return our phone calls. We tried to have meeting with the mayor. Their office would not sit down and talk to us. We sat down with Mike. He's at least tearing our conversations. If the city doesn't want to do with it, don't let someone else still with the dog problems. Take it away from Lieutenant Purcell. Because if it your family, I guarantee you. I guarantee you you would be up here doing the same thing. I am. I would hope. I'm doing this because I. Care about everybody in this whole city. I care because if you're out walking and I saw that you were attacked by a dog. I would help you. I have been through that process. I was called. When there was a small child being attacked by a dog. And guess what? Nothing happened. Lieutenant herself was too busy. He didn't want to come out. want to it. >> thank you, I appreciate you being here. >> We are going to working on these issues. I will speak up for Lieutenant Purcell, some of these things are. Massive issues. I would going back and looking podcast that Maggie Vice Mayor Ballard and Purcell did it regards to the euthanasia rate here a month or 2 ago, he lays out the process just lie. Euthanasia rate is so great. I would also say in regards to Lieutenant Purcell, he's put his life on the line. He's actually been shot in the line of I understand there's frustration with animal control as a whole we're continuing to work on that. We are talking with our legal department about changes. We're talking with wpt about changes were talking with the county about changes as well. So we're going to keep pushing on the communication thing that there's a lot going on there. Our team, you know, we see how many people, how many children are out there engaging in gang violence last night? That's been one of the main issues he's been focused on as well. So is very responsive. We are talking through these issues. I do believe we have a workshop coming up where we will be discussing a lot of these issues and some potential changes that are going to be looking at. So where we're working on this and we're going to continue >> of the projects. >> Thanks, Mayor. I just like to I know what it looks like when I sit here quiet, sometimes. But one of my colleagues takes lead on an issue as councilmember whole Weisel has Typically support that. So I'm in support of all the work Councilmember High-A was And just so, you know, I have involved in one of those dog attacks, a dog, a 2 really big dogs killed my neighbors to and the tech, their daughters and I intervened at. So I do know what you're experiencing and I do care support a vote Councilmember poison. >> of the next. Linda Animal Control. Mayor Councilman, you all know my story. I have 3 dogs killed by 2 pit bulls. If I had quit my job at via Christi 6 months before that, my disabled out in a wheelchair probably would have been dead along with a Thanks have got worse in the neighborhood. And you can defend Latina Purcell, you can defend animal control. You can do whatever you want. I hear his words. Nobody's done anything. The same neighbor that got her dogs taken away because they terrorized our neighborhood for a year killed 8 little for babies. Chase children attacked me a text meet with my dogs and my own backyard. One claimed it one jumped. You cannot get over that. That's nothing you can get over. I a privacy fence now. I feel close and I still don't feel safe, but it's a little bit better. She's got 2 new dogs. As Beth mentioned, February, the last Sunday. In fact, I think it was like the 25th of the 26. I get a call from that neighbor. One of the dogs got out the line for a child that was at her sons birthday party. He has autism. We called it 10%. All he's at church. He can't come. I know church is important. But when a child when a dog be lines for a child, this may and we're just gonna keep on educating this person. Keep educating her and her boyfriend when she then had 2 dogs to sleep because she couldn't control them and keep them in her yard and they as a neighborhood. For your now, we've got 2 more. None of them are spayed none of them are microchip. None of them are up to date on their shot. They didn't. They never put up a proper fans. Expect everybody else to put up a fence or expecting that next door neighbor that the defense just like I put up the fence, we should have to do that. I went into debt. My credit score went from 8.45 to 6.45 because I had put a half a fan, someone credit card and a half offense. Another credit card. I spent over $8,000 to keep my family safe and I don't feel that we're still safe because those dogs are still getting out. I live at 44, 40 one Bel Air across the street. You go over. 4400, those dogs came in, had been wanted on the porch. And then in January, those dog had had a mailman actually trapped in his vehicle. Then we go after a child. Why are we continue educating, take the dogs, make them put up a proper fans, make them pay a big fine and then maybe get the dogs back to that either their training, these dogs or they're buying dogs to have bad genetics. I don't know whatever. I don't think she should be able to rescue a dog. And yes, they seem to be pit bulls. Then on the Nextdoor app, a neighbor he was at Oliver and 13th. He says people, I please beg you. If you cannot control your dogs, get them given to somewhere else to be where there is a brown and white pit bull running around all over 13, he just jet my front fence and killed my little Aussie. You know, these dogs and this grant chilling. Nobody's enforcing the pitbull ordinances. Nobody's enforcing them at all. They should be microchipped. They should have all their shots. They should be spayed or neutered. There's be any breaking of pit bulls, but nobody's doing anything. She was breathing. I even had evidence and gave it to the 10% she was selling the puppies on Craigslist from vicious dogs that were going around. Tacking people and attacking little dots. These fur babies are babies. You know, it's ridiculous. And, you know, and and like a month after might happen, 2 point miles away that. The little pocket police that guy had over 30 bite the lady try to helping there. Then there was. Like a mile away. I don't know if it I think is in Mike's district is on the mice to there is a mailman check by 3 pit bulls. What do we get to do? Are you guys going to do anything? Because I don't feel the last time I came and talk to you guys have done nothing in the control has done nothing. I sent e-mails to everybody. I don't get an answer back. And that's not an excuse. Mike. should answer back but she should answer back. Somebody should answer back. Instead that me having to go up there, then I'm going to end getting kicked out control because I'm tired of trying to help. I have people calling me because I know I'm going around trying to do something on campus. A German shepherd, if it's a Doberman, we need to do something about these stocks. If you guys are not going to do that, then we need to take stands. A citizen is because I guarantee these dogs. If they jump in my backyard get they will not leave. He's now I protect myself even a little better. And before my time is up. We should also recognize multiple stresses. It's a very bad disease. My daughter that Mister, that she was 8, she's been disabled and walk with a Walker and Welsh and Justin Thompson will chair from the age of 10 to the age of 19. Now she's probably in a wheelchair. But doctors at the last stage of MS, except it's a very powerful disease. My daughter was supposed to die at the age 18. She was supposed to be Thank God the doctors wrong. That Saturday as the MS Walk expiration place. If you guys want to go you don't hear anything but on the news, it starts at 9 o'clock. Thank you very much. Lies. >> Thank you, Mayor Linda, Real Just 2 One, I do appreciate you following you care about your community. We care about this issue. You taught me things that I didn't know about animal control as well. So I do appreciate that. just be the government's side. also MS Week is that this week? >> Yeah. The walk is this weekend at that expiration place. It's every year in April. There. If you would like to you can get with Mike. I have site that you can go donate. You know, you walk 3 miles. It helps. Helps people get equipment. The MS Society will help you. When are we did my when I bought my house and made a handicapped bathroom. It was $3,000. They donated $750. So it is a good cause. If you know anybody like Christina Applegate, she's an actor. She's got one of the worst cases, too. I just want make people where you don't see it on the news or anything like that week this week as their special. >> March's MS Awareness Month, a kit that we do a proclamation for MS awareness. Reach out to them. Our our staff, our front office, people give some recognition passed for that as well. Okay. This brings more attention to okay. I thank you and thank >> That and >> Bill, Anderson, Palestine and U.S. support a genocide. >> Morning, Me. >> Before I talk about what I want, what I'm going to talk I want to use extend kudos to the Wichita Fire Department and to separate occasions recently they with that have been chaos very dangerous and to a dog walk. I mean, it was a cakewalk. was good. doing very stormy night. A tree fell on a house across the street from us. It was a woman inside oxygen. A power line came down. It was a very dangerous situation. fire department showed up. That they don't. Or do think you're OK, Elsinore? They really did. A few days later in the morning of fire lines. lookout aside. As a car on fire, 2 houses down from me next to its next to a house that was really potential potential dangers they took care of. But nobody get her the house was fine. So please extend the admiration to focus on Jefferson Street the Wichita Fire Department because they they went above and beyond. Where why? I'm My message today is simply. Do not normalize genocide. For all those 6 months. We have all seen the systematic slaughter slash genocide, which is being done. But Israel in Gaza. Against the Palestinian people with the active support militarily financially and diplomatically by our government. Using our tax dollars. >> Everyone everyone who paid any federal tax at all. A portion of that is going for what's happening in Gaza. We are directly connected to because government is doing it. These abominable unthinkable acts are directly connected to us and cannot be allowed to become normalized. Did not let genocide become a verb. So common that becomes a burden genocide over there. The over there. It's unthinkable. We can I ask you to use the platform that your positions provide to speak out. Please use your voice in that government and that in Wichita, Kansas, is in many other cities. We say no to genocide cease-fire. Now, this must stop. I thought about a lot about this last night really was at a loss for words, someone and with somebody else's words. And February 25th of this year, Aaron Bushnell. A 25 year-old airman Mark it himself. He burned himself to death. In front of the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., protesting what we're doing in Gaza. What country was doing with government was doing and he was part of it. This is what he said. He left the following words on Facebook a few days before he killed himself. Many of us like to ask ourselves. What would I do if I were alive during slavery? Well, the Jim Crow South. Or apartheid. What would I do if my country was committing genocide? The answer is it doing it right now? Please speak out as witnessed as what your as Americans as human beings. We cannot condone this. The 10 were not connected because we are directly. Peace free, free Palestine. Thank you. >> Vice-mayor Valley. Thank you, Bill. I just wanted to say thank you for being here and thank you for I'm getting a shout out to the fire department. We know we don't always hear a lot of I think in general. So appreciate you taking the time to come up in. Basically say thank you. creating here. There's a motion. >> Thank mayor. With a motion to extend public comment on a first come first serve U.S. bases for 7 more minutes until we hit the 30 minute mark for public comment. >> Ocean and >> make my comment the end of public comment. Thank you. >> Motion and a second reasonable. Motion passes 6, 1, Public comment now open anyone to come forward. >> George, the repairs. 21 15 south to talk Vice Mayor City Council to the manager City Legal. I'm sorry, we're wasting the time JP Johnston want to hear from anyone else that. may want to be just stick to one topic I would love to. But this city is bizarro with many issues. Hopefully we can keep our attention for more than one topic at a time. Only in Wichita. case in point on March 19th night version at the very end, they bored appointments. And as if I may there, 69 appointments. A city councilman stated he couldn't vote for the whole group because one person he didn't want to point South. last talk in his divine wisdom. And I mean that special. I don't mean that in a negative way. Wisdom asked city legal should we put poll the one name in vote on him separately? Of course they should have. City battle, whatever the council wanted to do, then without stated reason, a top 50 city. Vice Mayor Bo Snow. Only in Wichita. We then had a 4 and a half hour. Meeting about pickleball. Are you kidding me? People can't walk their dogs. Perry because running at large thaw. has spoken about kids at school bus, big bodied by such dot in Portland. Ahead, 3 of dogs brutally killed by dogs turn killing other dogs prior to her being attacked only in Wichita. A passionate guy comes in here before this council. He says the F word and s word. And although my wife and I feel bad for him, nobody chastised him for using such both the language in this chamber pitch only in Wichita. Pete Meister is pushing for and track here in Wichita. Wait no longer. As there are number train wrecks all the time with this council only in Wichita. My whole life. I am here to tell If given the ability to put a bet all animal advisory board from District I will fall do fall down on my Give up my position due to a point >> Only in Wichita. >> It has been said the reason Beth and Linda comments fake been coming in here. If we if we don't speak anymore and hello, Linda had 3 dogs kill. You really think I need over motivate her to get results from this council. If you thought, you know, if you want, though, I feel like always to come see this nonsense. Would buy out firsthand? Only in Wichita. >> And why I'm here. I've associated with that. On the president her neighborhood, me neighborhood Linda. She's actually brand-new meadowlark boil. I'm the president of that bullet. I do support them. I want to tell no on by Annabelle Boyd has ever said 10% S P 5, no one board. Now, maybe some of the crowd to come speak pastor to people. I don't know, but nobody from our board has ever the tenant Purcell should. He has, I think been the best one so far. So for for I don't believe that anyone on our board I've been there. So no one said to fire it, too. He what he can with what it has help him. Please help him. Only in Wichita. Thank you. >> Council that thanks, Since I was brought up. For those each of those council members has the ability to make a motion. We make appointments a worded how we want. We can at track. People. If a council member wants to make a motion that one of us disagrees with, we can vote against it. And in the case of appointments, that was somebody who was recommended that I don't believe should ever serve in any appointed position or elected office. And I made a decision to vote against the entire slate based upon the motion that was made. That's what we do I stay that those reasons as always do for the votes that are The folks are funded by that. Sorry that you are offended by my decision. And my reasoning. But it was stated for the public. I stand by it. And again, we all can make the motions that we want to make. chose not to make a substitute motion to do anything to my fellow colleagues and if it happened again today, I would do the same thing. So publicly. I made my comments and stand by my comments now. given the opportunity to do the same thing, I would make the same motion. >> But individual >> I did not Anything's my for city Council meeting. I don't even eat breakfast yet. I'm going need more of an acknowledgement that like, hey, thanks, fire department on what my friend like. You just spoke up Palestine. My name is Kennedy. I'm a constituent which top of here. 22 years. A crypt Christian. >> For the past 6 months like I have not been able to function what is going on more. So everybody's silence like I feel like I just woke up in this alternate universe nobody gives. Anything about their fellow human being before any of this. I knew nothing about Israel and you nothing about Palestine. >> Growing a Christian. I think that Israel was a place that wasn't been was again. And that was about But central of this has gone I have so many people over that I care about. >> And I don't know what else to do for This has nothing to do with Anti-Semitism. I looked Jewish people. I want no harm against anyone. I do understand why this is still happening. I do understand. >> Aside from money like I need to know why there has been a recognition for a cease-fire. Yeah, I need to know why more people spoken out about this. >> I need to know what I feel like. I'm the only >> person in my circle. Want to go to therapy. I ask my therapist without breaking Hippa. I need you to tell me how many other people coming in are bothered by I am the only person who speaks like I'm the only way that she knows about anything going because everything is so cents or nobody wants to talk about any think there's genocide, right? you can do something about You can help people. You can help me help these people. >> Please, I need I'm going to need an answer for every one of us to like why you haven't spoken up yet. If you have not. Thank you. Thanks, Mayor. Thank you for coming. >> I did not speak today. I did speak past I think there's a couple weeks ago. And I am in support of a cease-fire resolution. I think the genocide is wrong. I actually after he spoke posted it on my social media as well. I hadn't done that. So I am very vocal about that. I think that I'm not a fan of war. I think genocide is wrong. I think too many innocent people are dying over there, both sides, but especially in Gaza. The number I I think I saw yesterday are up to almost 80,000 people either injured or killed. That's wrong. That needs to stop as soon as possible. So I might not speak up every time someone comes. But I I will continue to post share my thoughts. >> Thank you. And and kind of monitoring the comments and and you, too, for people who are watching virtually and someone did ask the question when the clerk what the guidelines were regarding public comment, they wondered where they could find those. And so if you go to Wichita DOT Gov and you click on the government to section and then you click on city council and on the right hand side, there is a tab where you can click on to get added to the public agenda. And when you click on the form to get added to the public agenda, then all of the guidelines clearly state that they're just wanted to make sure that people understood where they could go and find additional information. Thank you. >> Thank you, next >> Consent agenda items one through. 24. We have any items to people. I have one item number 5. Regarding which helped police department United States marshals, violent offenders, task force. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda items. >> The motion to approve the consent agenda items. >> By item, number 5. Yes, sorry by the side Motion and a second, any further discussion. I see Madam Clerk, please open the role. >> 2 passes 6 event. Mayor with future cast your vote place motion passes 7, 0, That sorry. Item number police have some clarification regarding agenda item. Which help please. >> Good morning mayor and council. That's what most of the executive officer of the Wichita Police Department happy to share some information about number 5. This item speaks to one officer that we have assigned as a task force officer who works with the United States Marshal Service full time. That officer focuses on making apprehensions of a violent people who charged with violent crimes working with the United States Marshal Service to do that. The officer that we have a sign they're actually this year, January 31st was awarded the Attorney General's Distinguished Service Award, which is the second-highest of employee performance through the Department of Justice. So the officer we have there is very dedicated to his work and works very well with the United States Marshal Service. And this is just one example of the way we partner with local, state and federal law enforcement to keep safe and prevent crime. Happy to stand for any questions. >> Thank you. Just had a question about have you seen success with program since it got past a sign back in 2019? >> this is something that we every year and we have seen success. But this program, again, building the partnership between the Wichita Police Department and the United States Marshal Service. There are at times crimes that we have occur in our city where the offender may flee out of state and we use partnership to help apprehend apprehend those criminals. To have a direct have a direct line to the United States Marshal Service. >> I see no further discussion. I moved to pass send to just item up for a fight. Motion and a second. Any further discussion. I seen that that could open the home. Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> For bids and contracts stated April 15th 2024. >> Morning Mayor City Council just Labor Department finance. The board is in contrast convened on April 15, 2024. For the following recommendations purchasing. We have 3 John Deere model. 3.20, voters and accessories for Murphy, tractor and equipment for $545,277.99. We have a 2020 for Caterpillar model him 3.18, wheel. It excavator for fully equipment company and the amount of $477,845. We have the traffic signal, controllers, hardware and software for cubic it S incorporated and the amount of $301,980. We have Patrol East Network hardware for Sh I International Corporation for a $94,795.20. This is how to become a vendor with the city which the top. These request proposals out on the street today. And I'd be happy to try to answer your questions are recommending approval. Vice mayor >> Thank you. aren't questions noticed on some of the slides and they only have the actual So I assume that we've got other. usually they're down below. I just. Curious why they're not. They're not going to be worked >> Councilmember a about a great We didn't have been this week. These are all competitive exemptions. So explicitly we had a competitive exemption for utilizing co-operative agreement. We had sole source and those the only ones for this week. Great. Thank you so much. >> You know, for questions. If anyone has any, I seem bring it back to the bench. Motion to approve the board of it. >> motion to approve the bids as presented. >> Second motion and a second. Any further discussion. I see Madam Clerk, please open the Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the next item. Petitions for public improvements. >> Good morning. Mayor City Council members, Paul comes home public works and utilities for the record morning, I have a few new petitions. Someone revise petition for your consideration. signatures on the petitions represent 100% of the improvement districts at the petitions are valid per Kansas Statute. Pegasus addition located district 2, project will provide water improvements required for a new residential development. The developer will also construct these improvements and or private contract. Comply with state statute regarding to use a special assessment funding. The city must acquire the completed projects. Well, as with Swinney Farm addition located in District 3 project provide water improvements required for new residential development. Developer. Well construct these improvements 100 private contract and again to comply with state statute regarding the use of special assessment funding, the city must acquire the completed projects. The revised petition for your consideration as Falcon false. The second edition located in District one. On October, 10th 2023 to City Council approved a water petition for Falcon East. Second edition, a developer has submitted a revised petition with revised budget to meet current market conditions and to cover the cost of a private bed. With that. And it's recommended that city council approved the new and revised. Titian's and budgets adopt new. And Rick ending resolutions and authorize necessary signatures. And I will stand for questions. >> Any questions for staff? event. Open it I'm hoping that the bench. Is there a motion to proceed. So moved. Motion and a second, any further discussion Motion passes 7 feet out at clerk is called the next. >> Public hearing in transfer a tax extension WS in Industries Inc. >> Good morning, mayor and council members on Tim good pasture with the city Manager's Office of Development Services. The item before you today as a request from Wsm real estate investments to transfer property tax abatement to that entity. Wsm Industries was founded in 19. 0, 9, They are manufacturer and distributor of heating ventilation, air conditioning equipment. They produce sheet metal spiral, pie, ducks and fittings registers and grills venting fiberglass duct Ing and he and more the company is located at 16. 0, one, South Sheridan, which is in the area outlined in red on this aerial. You can see Harry Street running from left to right a little bit above the middle of the aerial and you can see Southwest Boulevard coming in at an angle. And again, the area outlined in red is where Wsm Industries is located. These are some images of the facilities that they have at that location. On November. 21st 2021 Wsm was approved for an economic development exemption or ADX exception for a property tax abatement. The company was constructing an 18,000 square-foot expansion. At that time and remodeling some of their existing buildings. The company invested one and a half million in real property improvements and also invested an additional 1 million dollars in new machinery and equipment for that expansion. At the time, the owner of Wsm had created to legal entities. One to hold the real estate and one for the operating entity in the state of Kansas. The edx program requires that the 2 entities have a majority ownership in the other. Wsm industries employ 233 employees at that time and projected it would add 10 new employees for a total of 143 employees at the 5 year. Mark. Currently, the company is approximately 160 so well in excess of the requisite jobs that it will need, even though we're not at a reporting period for that. They also projected the average annual new wages would be a little over $44,000 a year. Based on the capital investment, the company qualified for a 40% of abatement based on job growth. It qualified for a 30% abatement and because it was accessing state of Kansas incentives it qualified for additional 10% abatement for a total, 80% abatement. We were mistakenly led to believe that the owner of the company and passed away. We learned yesterday that he's simply not in the capacity to operate the company on a daily basis and the family had sold the company because they had a group of local investors that we're interested in acquiring it. There are 8 years still remaining on the property tax abatement. The new owners of the company have created 2 entities as well. But they do not meet the majority interest ownership between the entities that are required by the edx. There is overlap in ownership between the real entity and the operating company entity. But again, not a majority ownership interest in each other. So they do not qualify under the edx abatement, therefore, that the new company is requesting and industrial revenue bonds for the remaining years of the abatement. No additional years are being added and no changes are being made to the originally approved abatement under the Edx Wsm will be subject to a 5 year review based on job creation and wages in 20 20th. Ws and is requesting a letter of intent to issue industrial revenue. Bonds in the mount not to exceed one and a half million and an 80% abatement again, both as originally requested the estimated value of one year of an 80%. A tax abatement is approximately $35,000 with the city share being approximately 9800. The cost benefit analysis was conducted by the Center for Economic Development and Business Research of Wichita State University, which showed an overall ratio benefits the cost of 1.5, 8 to one. 1, to one for the city's general fund. And 1.7, 8 to one for the city's debt service fund. Therefore, it is recommended that the city Council close the public hearing and approved the first reading of an ordinance granting Wsm Industries incorporated and 80% tax exemption on the identified real improvement properties for 5 year term. Plus, an 80% tax exemption for a second five-year term subject to the City Council review and authorizing necessary services. Austin Petersen, who is the president, CEO of the company is here and can speak to any questions for the company. And I would be happy to answer any questions as well. >> Council Jaisol, thank you, did explain the differences between an 88 son and I are sure specifically I'd like to know. >> With the ATX are their separate benefits for each of the groups are too. And it is that our part of the D a yes, that's great questions. So the difference between an ADX, IRB. >> Edx is a state of Kansas program and you have to be in one of 3 industry sectors. You have to be in either manufacturing warehousing and distribution or research and development all with products that are used in interstate commerce. So, yeah, it's a very narrow window in terms of the than the types of companies the can qualify under ADX. The benefit of the edx is strictly the property tax abatement and IRB is much more flexible. The ownership of the property does not have to have any ownership of the tenant or the operating company that is in the building. You can have completely separate ownership of the real state from the operating company and the operating company can still benefit from the incentives under IRB and the incentives under IRB are property tax abatement like under the edx. But you can also benefit from a sales tax exemption under the irp that you cannot benefit from under the edx in this scenario properties already built. So sales tax exemption wouldn't matter. Anyhow, but again, that under the IRB, the fact that the ownership of the real estate doesn't have to have a majority ownership in the operating company allows it to move forward with the property tax abatement. That remains for the last 8 years of the previously approved tax abatement. >> All right. Appreciate it. And he said the expectation when we did the edx was 10 jobs and I think on the slide, we had seen 166 top >> So there are they. They were at 133 when we started the tax abatement and they projected they would at 10 today, they're at approximately 160. And this again is not the measurement period will actually in 2027 becoming back to do the measurement. But we're just reporting that they're well above where they would need to be if we were measuring it I guess, are misread light after she ate that. Thank you. >> And some of time. Thank Tim. Great job as always. I know that by the time an item comes to us and you're standing before us, a lot of work is going into it. So always appreciate it. Could you could just like 39, excuse me. 29. So I just kind of a shameless plug. We've community members say that we don't review these and increments that we promise. So I just wanted to point out that it does say that in 2027, I'll still be here. It will be reviewing this again, correct? That is absolutely correct. Salute. Thank you. Could do just like 31. Thank Again, this is a little redundant from my colleagues folks who visit us often at city Hall or online. But could you just explain to the community you may not be as well versed as you are in economic development with the 1.5, 8 to one really means for the city of Wichita. >> Sure. It means for every dollar that invested in this project from the standpoint of a taxpayer situation, we receive one dollar and $0.58 back. So we're looking what is the return. So we're doing cost benefit analysis. Our cost the project in this case is the property tax abatement that we're giving up, which we're giving up a tax abatement on facility that the time it was built did not exist. So had they not built it, we wouldn't have that tax base any way. So this is looking at the cost of the tax abatement that we're giving up for 10 years after 10 years. That property comes back onto the tax rolls onto the tax rolls. So we now have new tax revenue we did not have before and then the benefits we're looking at and that cost benefit analysis are the jobs and the associated wages. And so we're way too against the benefits against the costs. Excellent. Thank you. And Councilmember Jaisol. I was going to come in about the jobs to >> stick to see. any risk to the city for this? There's no risk to the city. Thank you very much. Have a great thing. >> Some of the class. >> It's in the queue for the presentation asked this question yesterday. So I don't necessarily expect a reply with a quick turnaround is there, too. We research why the state require shared ownership for next. I'm not sure why the state requires It's it's an unusual requirement in terms of the edx program. But it's one that they've long-standing well before. I've Thank you. >> I see no further questions for staff. Open it up for public comment. I I'll bring it back to the bench. Councilmember Glasscock. >> I sort of make a comment. Tim, thank you for the opportunity it or yesterday. And thank you, Austin and also wsm for the ability to walk around your facility. Scuttling pressed with that the return on investment, 27 jobs over the 10 project already the three-year is super promising and some looking forward to hopefully continue to expansions as well. So I just wanted to say thank you and look for supporting this. >> Seeing no further comments which liked I see Councilmember Glasscock motioning >> With the motion of the City Council close the public hearing adopt the resolution granting W some Industries Inc and 80's 80% tax exemption on the identified real property improvements for 3 year term. Plus 80% tax exemption for second fiveyear term subject to City Council review and authorizing necessary signatures. Second. >> Motion and a second. Any further discussion and Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please. next. >> Public hearing and request for a letter of intent, friend us children in bonds. The Timbers. >> Morning, Mayor Councilmembers again, Tim Good. Pastor City Manager's Office Development Services. The next item is a request for a letter of intent to issue industrial revenue. Bonds for the Timbers multifamily housing project. The Timbers Preservation Project to LLC is a real estate holding entity that is owned by the Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Kansas. The Timbers Preservation Project is located at 2021 north old manner near 21st Street North just east of Oliver. They are requesting a letter of intent to issue multifamily housing revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed 12 million, 990,000, $500 just before a sales tax exemption. Only. This is the location of the facility you can see on the left side of the area running from top to bottom. Oliver Street just below the top of the area you can see running from left to right 20st street and the area outlined in red on north Old Manor Street is where the Timbers project is located. The Timbers was constructed in 1979 and was designed to accommodate people with developmental mental and physical disabilities. A recent needs assessment identified an repairable foundation and structural issues. Therefore, the company is proposing to demolish and rebuild 40 units in this face. 28 would be one-bedroom units and 12 would be 2 bedroom units. This project is covered by Section 8 housing assistance payment contract which subsidizes the resident paid portion of the monthly rent. The project is applying to the state of Kansas for 9% low income housing tax credits which helps makes the project affordable through the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation. This deadline is may the 10th for their application projects are scored for all of the various things that they are providing to the city. And one of the things that the company can get additional points for is being approved for a sales tax exemption. So this request is to help them with their application to help them gain additional points because they are approved for a sales tax exemption in advance of their application to the state. This is what they knew. Exteriors of the facility will look like. And this is an example of what the interiors will look like. Many of the tenants who are in this facility have large wheelchairs that you can see could fit underneath the sink and underneath the stove. And as you can see, the oven is elevated off the floor and opens from left to right as opposed to opening top to bottom. These are just some of the amenities that you see in these next phase of the Timbers. Therefore, the staff's recommendation that the city Council close the public hearing. adopt the resolution of intent and authorize the necessary signatures. Pat Jonas, who is the president and CEO of the Cerebral Palsy. A foundation of Kansas is here and can answer any questions specific to the project. And I would be happy to answer any questions as well. >> Questions for staff. open it up public. >> Cows just to take a second. I want to thank you all in Hopefully things will work out. But council Johnson, I want to thank you, especially is that least 2 occasions to come out and visit and learn more about that. The project it's been around for 45 years. We're hoping it will be around for another. 45, I would also like to thank Tim and Sally staying. I think the city which very fortunate to have such a great advocates for for housing. So thank you. >> A senior or their comments from the public get back to that each. Johnson. >> Thanks, Mayor. Appreciate you being here. Pat visiting the was was a also those pictures don't do those units. Justice at all compared to what they used to look like and what the new ones will look like. An excess ability that the residents will have a facility, thoughtfulness and detail that goes into it even having 2 different peoples for different levels of the door. It's it's it's great. I'm really excited about the project and the work you all are doing. I'm looking forward to definitely supporting us and hoping to see the entire thing developed in the timeline that you are hoping for. And before to Sandy. I think this this week again by 3rd visit back out there. But, congrats on on the work of the new units. Again, I'm just seeing the difference between opens in the ones like night and day. And I know the residents will definitely appreciate >> It resides district, but you liked attention. Be happy to. >> I would move that the city Council close the public hearing about the resolution of a tent and authorizing necessary signatures. >> Second. Motion and second, any discussion added the Motion passes 7, 0, Please call the next item. >> Public hearing and requests for a letter of intent for industrial revenue. Bonds. development. South Park Estates. >> Again, Mayor Councilmembers to good pastors, City Manager's Office of Development Services. The next item is very similar to the last one. It is a request for industrial revenue. Bonds for a multifamily housing project, senior Housing LP is a real estate holding entity that is managed by development, which is based in Malden, Missouri. They are looking to develop an affordable housing project located at 55. 35 South Broadway. So essentially 55th Street south on Broadway and is requesting letter of intent to issue multifamily housing revenue bonds in the mount not to exceed 11 million, 700,000 for a sales tax exemption. In this area. You can see running from top to bottom and the middle. You can see Broadway Street and running from left to right a little bit below the middle is 55th Street South. There is a Walgreens at 55. 55 South Broadway. And you can see surrounding that. Walgreens is the area where this project would be developed. Southbrook Estates will compromise will comprise 52 bedroom, single story apartments that are built for individuals that are 55 years of age and older units will have washers and dryers ranges microwave refrigerator dishwasher central heating and air conditioning. There will also be a community building with a fully equipped kitchen. A fitness room, a flat-screen television, and a fully furnished community room as well as a community garden. This project is also applying for 9% low income housing tax credits through the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation. Again, that deadline is may the 10th. So having the project approved for industrial revenue, bonds with the Associated Sales tax will award them additional points. And again, they're competing with projects throughout the state. So it's important that they get as many points as they can. This is an image, an architectural rendering of what project would look like. Therefore, the staff's recommendation that the City Council closed public hearing adopt the resolution of intent and authorize the necessary signatures Dan Sanders, who is the executive vice president of is here and can answer any questions specific to the project. And again, I would be happy to answer any questions as well. >> Any questions for staff? I seen that open it up public comment. The we'll bring it back to the bench. I'll start with asking Mister a question. Good morning morning. At the last items that we found deal with housing. A dire need in our community. Can you please let us know if see more opportunity here to provide that we for our Reds. >> Oh, yes, definitely. I know what I was here earlier this year. and you were approved as for the home award for funds for this property. Again, that questions brought up. And yes, we definitely would like to do additional housing, affordable housing in the city of Wichita. And we believe there's a great need for it here. Yes. >> Thank you very Welcome. Any further discussion. This item recites council member class cooks. >> Thank you, sorry. Councilmember Johnson at. >> Thanks, Due to a personal conflict of interest. I have to abstain from this poll. >> thank you, I move that the city council close-up period adopt the resolution of intent and authorizing necessary signatures. >> Motion and second, any further discussion. I see Madam Clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 6, 0, with one abstention. Madam Clerk, please open call. The next item. >> Renewal of Business Services Agreement was small business outreach and support. >> Good morning. Mayor member City mark over here with the city Mayor's Office Development services. The item for you today is request for an old a business services contract with the which Independent Business Association. The city has been working with. since 2016 to provide small business outreach training assistance in Twenty-twenty. We expand in what the service they provide to not only just continue that business outreach but also expand those to include creation of business resource groups, which they call the business life groups they developed and launched a business solution, seminars. They also partnered with the which asserted we can work closely with Wichita State University to build relationships for coaching and culture for startups. In The city approved a new contract for services which continued on with the efforts already been putting in since the previous contract. But these in a niche also launched the additional business Services Business Solutions Services launched the Level Up, which is formally the Wichita and the Women's Lines then also launched started. Plus, which builds relationships for coaching and culture for which startups. And so in 2023 agreement, there is a one plus one. So allowance for one year renewal, which is what we're discussing today. And so the with the 2024 renewal of the agreement, they would continue the level up, which again, was formerly the women's Leadership Alliance and so continue to move those female leaders for folks the business and professional development. But they continue that mission educate, encourage and foster community women in business. That includes all levels of female leaders. They'll continue their work with the start of plus community to provide the coaching curriculum for the start ups. But this is focused on developing during that committee. That's between 6 months and 3 years old and helping them scale those businesses and the work on his business chapters, which is the small groups that meet monthly of it allows the business owners and leaders to learn address key issues that they're facing. This helps them gain insights from each other and strengthen their connection as well as getting Neil new perspectives on their present business issues. again, the 2023 contract allows for this one year in new world that we're proposing a day and the funding is provided for within the Economic Development Fund. We do have representatives from we've been here today. If you have any questions for them as well, but otherwise, a staff would recommend approving the one-year renewal of the business services agreement for 2024 as well as authorizing the necessary signatures. >> Thanks, Mike Councilmember Thank you, how many years have we $100,000. >> I believe the $100,000 was just last year and this year, I have to look back to see what the 2023 agreement was. Immature. But I don't recall that number And I think there the doing good work in. It's a people come up here, especially some of the >> women's leadership groups. it's really good to see the outreach for a lot of these communities that need to support. >> I see no further questions for staff will open it up public comment. I see will bring it back to the bench I will ask. Wendell with to come forward to answer one question. And looking at the online directory for resources, available for small businesses. Can you tell us about that? >> That that was done a number years ago. there's not a whole lot of updating on online directory that was done. I think, maybe in 2021, the 2020. So it's still there. But we had switch website. So there still is resources there. But we shifted our focus. >> From those resources to more specific resources. >> Councilmember title, thank you. And I don't have any questions for us window, but just some accolades. And I appreciate your vision is that. Every business should I've had the opportunity for see. And I got to come to your winning women's leadership Elaine's last July and speak it was a fantastic event and it was a room full over 100 women who all were there to support each other in to make sure that they have connections and resources and networking opportunities. I believe that businesses, especially small businesses are the heart of our economy. So thank you for all you and your team do. And I appreciate the partnership with we've been with the city of what I wish you all the best thing. Thank you. Appreciate >> Councilmember Johnston. >> Wendell, thank you for the work you're doing. Appreciate it. Run a small business for 20 years and worked in one for 36 years. Yeah, I appreciate the fact that running a small business is about the hardest thing you could ever do for sure. Because you're everything. Sales or HR? Yeah. Everything. So I appreciate that. Appreciate the resources, especially get people started right foot. But don't know what you don't know. So having those resources available is very important. Appreciate it. Also mention that that most of the innovation comes from small So we appreciate the work you're doing. Thank you. >> Yes, not really appreciate the support. you know, about 3 years ago when we kind of reinvigorated we we had about 200 member businesses and the support that the city has provided has and indirectly and directly really helped us. We now serve just right at 700 different businesses and have about 1700 people involved. So these programs that you're supporting are super helpful. These entrepreneurs that are trying to grow in scale. I mean, it's a high failure rate. Like you said, we're trying to provide lots of curriculum and coaching to help those startups and moving our female leaders forward with business and professional development. You know, we've gone from 80% male to 51% female in our organization. So super helpful there. And of course, nearly 50% of a start-up businesses are owned and entrepreneurs are female. So that, you know, both of those programs really help developing business AQIM and as well been involved in the startup community. And the smaller groups really help with a lot of those key business issues. But just a really want to thank all of you for for the support over the past years and for considering this. >> We did have a proclamation today. Nationals speak. It's appropriate to say that the back them up our community and our economy, our small business. thank you very much with that. I will, though, shun to approve. With the recommendation that the city Council approved a one-year renewal of the business service agreement for 2020 board authorized a necessary signatures. Motion and a second, any further discussion. I see then that a clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, That of clerk. Please call the next item. >> Ordinance amending Chapter 11.5 of the code and the city of Wichita pertaining to electric assisted scooters. Good morning, Mayor City Council the Finance Department of Transportation. >> Here today present a proposal to amend Chapter 11.5 of the code of the city Wichita. And that regulates the operation. Electric scooters. The ordinance was first adopted in 2019 and the proposed Amendment narrowly focus is on one part of ordinance which currently prohibits the operation. Electric scooters, nighttime basically of from dusk until dawn and dusk or 09:00PM. Whichever is earlier. Since the ordinance has been in place for almost 5 years. We do have the benefit of being able to look at some data from our current scooter when scooter is the currents here provider and they provide the Huskers to rent downtown and this light. Here is a ridership for the month of September 2022, which interview is representative of a typical ridership. So the X axis down there, it's time of The white access on the left is number of rights and there are a couple of things that might jump out at you. The first being that blue line, which is Sunday and each line represents a different day of the week. And that is when ridership is is that is the best is the highest. And then you're probably drawn towards the end of the chart, which is the end of the day where ridership really increases. And so we're seeing a lot of people consistently get on scooters around 6 or 07:00PM and for the month of September does takes place around 7.45? So then this April. Shortly thereafter. So at the request of the current electric scooter provider, we reached out to the police department to ask if they were comfortable with any revisions to the restriction. And ultimately they they had no problem with removing the current language, which is in that reddish up the top there and they propose the language on the bottom blue box, which basically states that electric scooters should have the same equipment as bicycles do, which is a headlamp in a reflector. And that's a summary of what the change would be. I'm currently the scooters are available for rent. Do have the head lamp and a reflector. So the currently meet that requirement. And has recommended that the City Council place 2 ordinance on first reading not raise necessary signatures. happy to answer any questions. >> Councilmember class caught. >> The penny, this will be a question more for legal. So I I was reading the that was written and I notice we're talk about the liability would be on the operator, but that isn't specified in the ordinance to we need to specify it. >> Kemp's move chair and effort on the ordinance and I'm going to ask her to speak to that. That was the question. >> Some not sure. I understand the question. The operator, the person operating the scooter is going to be who would be cited for a violation of the ordinance. All of these ordinance violations would be an infraction. So it's not going to be the scooter company. It's going to be the person operating the scooter. That's going to take. >> OK, so let's say, you know, headlight was out. Somebody didn't do that. Is it on the provider of the scooter? First, the one operating. >> Under under the current ordinance know it still is going to be the person who is operating or who has rented the scooter, not the scooter company. So the burden is on the operator not to provide or even if the providers headlights route the provider. Yes. >> Just just just like if I'm operating a bicycle or operating a car is the operator of that vehicle. >> Have some responsibility to make sure that what I'm operating is safe for operation. >> question any in our current operator already has had lights installed, correct? >> They do. And I might add that they have a local employee who is responsible for making sure that suitors are not blocking sidewalks and rights of way. And also inspecting the scooters for safety. And so they have someone here who is currently And you can report if you get on a scooter and you notice that it's not functioning properly, that can reported on the app and then the scooter provider would come in. Responsibility for fixing that. Okay. Thank you. >> Were questions liability aspect, but thank you answering a question. Vice Mayor ballot. >> Mayor, thank you, 2 We are the city in the Midwest has a curfew currently correct? my understanding. Yes, okay. And my other question is just because I saw some on within one of the news outlet >> Is it true that they >> they were talking about them getting thrown in the river, but there is they are disabled around the rivers. Can you speak to that? >> Right, right. So scooter recently, I think last fall parking disabled or no parking zones around the river banks. So that when you're parking at, you can't park it very close to the river to stop someone from passing by may be tossing in. And so that's something that they've been working on as well as win there and just doing their regular operation checks. They're moving things away from the river that they think are too close. So I think they're doing a good job, maybe a better job than we had originally monitoring the placement of the scooters that we can make sure they're not vandalized. >> Great. Thank you so much. The member total. Thank you. And Penny, just want to take the opportunity to thank you for what you're doing. Your the interim director the Department of Transportation and just kudos to you for all that you've taken on and all you're doing. I've had the opportunity to work with you with scooters also bikeshare and now some other initiatives. And you just been fantastic. So thank you for stepping up for this opportunity. And it was alluded one of my colleagues, other cities, our peer cities, they don't have a curfew, correct? >> All right. I have a list of the ones that we reviewed. Just, for example, Cedar Rapids Iowa Milwaukee Wisconsin, University of Oklahoma Purdue and Indiana. And Toledo, Ohio. None of those have any curfew and some safety data indicates that even without the curfew, there are not an increase of safety incidents overnight. Okay. That's what I was just going to ask you. The question was raised was. >> You the light that on this good or maybe isn't bright as head late in a corridor with their be summers, risk to pedestrians. But our peers, cities who are already doing it this way, haven't seen increase safety incidents. Correct? Right Okay. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Penney just had a question regarding the to safety issues that were reported in address Sure. So there were 2 safety issues reported via the app, 2 years heater. And so they're going to get those scooters. They do post report inspection. >> And they didn't find anything wrong with that assumption only at the scooters. So >> they didn't have the information as to say why it was reported that way because they couldn't find any malfunctioning equipment or anything of that nature. I see no further questions for staff. >> We will open it up for public comment. >> And train got pause ICJ. I have one question 40 transit director. And Joe with the scooters and walking to sidewalk saying and that has a person that blocks around your great city of downtown Wichita and well known around here and downtown Wichita. The that the scooters have not been picked they are blocking sidewalks. >> they are blocking the bus stops >> And I a little bit >> over a scooters. And you need to be addressed. Polls and >> This the issue. say >> needs to be also. So we >> Not today. Not >> Either not next week or needs to be addressed today. >> George, Harris? I bet I was on bicycle pedestrian advisory boy, and I'm the only person. So this guy might appreciate me. I'm the only guy that voted against this quarters. But my question is since this is about scooters, can you guys get a comprehensive list of where you can ride scooters? We've got everything that we've got electric by schools. We've got gas given bicycles. What a whole variety of things. Can we make sure that that somewhere where we can find what's legal ways us to ride sidewalk, which is supposed to ride on the street. The multipurpose past. Can you guys get comprehensive list so we can make sure that we know where we could drive certain things in even this goat is course all anything that's got wheels. Where can they dry? Where they can is used to be that cool of wichita's business district, which that was funny because you can have good find out where that actually business district was in the ordinance. But that's great. So Ken, can we get that somewhere? So all the public know, send it to newsletter. Incense dogs on the could get some stuff Can you make it all up put in a deal where we poll poll if we don't we poll. >> Might be a little bit off a subject but poll up an appointment so they can vote on it separately because that's what needs to happen. appreciate you thinking about that. But thank you. >> No further public comment will bring it back to the bench. Councilmember Glass. >> I just want to say yesterday I had the chance or lunch and I went downtown to talk to people that were riding scooters. And it was really interesting to see all the different reasons. People are riding scooters. One was just it a launch. Another was they write it for work, fun school. And utilizing all the mode of transportation we have. Our community is incredibly exciting and it was a younger demographic. Those the scooters as well. So I'm very thankful for this and a few of them was had an interview downtown. And so there's a news agency that was interviewing Senate individuals that were riding the scooter around lunch and they are incredibly excited. People do this and they make their life easier in terms of how they transit throughout the city. So thank for your work. I think the transit department and staff of this preparation, I'm very excited to make it easier or more excess people. >> Councilmember, thank First of Mister, do here is if you go Wichita, DOT, Gov, Backslash bicycle. It gives you all the information about bicycling. It tells you the different ordinances attorneys you where you can bike like you can't buy come the sidewalks. All of things. So if you don't find what you need there, let us know my other comment was just going to was intricately involved make CT in 2017 and then this initiative in 2019, I haven't been keeping up with. The data is much. But back when I was and we had ridership from all 50 states on scooters and bikes. Your A C T. So that meant that when people are coming not only local people using it, they were coming down to our city's core, which was the intention. But also it was helping our visitors to get around it to be able turn her surrender community. Not only to get around, but also in a very caught cost-effective way. So I just Im going to be supportive of this. I'm sure that we will monitor it if we see any incidents of safety and increase in safety issues, it's something we can address. But it seems like the precedent has been set. >> Across Midwest didn't really across the nation that this model work. So thank you again. Vice Mayor Valley. >> Thank you, It will be supportive of being that transit doesn't 7 days a And this is the ridership is on Sunday and just kind of proves the point to me that we need >> something else more available Transit's. Not. Running Sundays. So I'm very excited. We this is the more couple for shift workers and such to Don't have transportation said very excited, To offer a opportune >> Is there a motion to prove it? >> Mayor, I would move that the city Council. Place the ordinances on first reading and authorizing necessary signatures. >> Any further discussion? I see clerk please Motion, passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> Design concept, funding and supplemental Design Agreement. Number one for improvements to 37th Street north from Hydraulic Avenue to Hillside Avenue. >> All guns when public works and utilities for the record design here to present a design concept funding supplemental. signed agreement or 37th Street hydraulic to hillside. On January 17th 2023, the City Council approved funding for projects for multiple. Projects in the capital permit. Program. To begin design, including 37th Street North from had rocked hillside. Jen, 6, 2020 3, the city Council approved an agreement with professional engineering consultants to develop design concepts for improvements. 2 37th street. On December 6th, 2023. The district reported one. You know, me in an upset. We have proof. The design concept. The existing roadway is a two-lane asphalt street with on both sides of the roadway. Pros, cons septal convert. 37 straight to a three-lane road curve in Qatar. And underground storm sewer. 3 like figuration includes one lane in each direction with Senator to a left turn. Lane are raised median where feasible. There be a minimum of 6 foot sidewalk coming on both sides of the street. When I presented this to the bicycle pedestrian advisory board earlier this year, they have recommended 8, 12, 8 to 10 foot At least one side. We have instructed PC to investigate. This when they get further into line to see if it would be feasible to do that. Bicycle pedestrian advisory board also recommended that sidewalks be perpendicular to the crossings at the intersection. And I'll show that here in a minute. The supplemental Design Agreement, number one has been prepared for a final design. This is a map of the project limits again from hydro up hillside. And in which both intersections have been improved, the intersection of 37th and hydraulic stop controlled with 4 way stop the intersection of 37th and hillside is currently signalized. Pure the existing conditions along the corridor. This is at 37th and hydraulic looking to the east. This Mid near railroad tracks. Looking back to the West. This is flipped around looking to the east from the railroad And this is looking from the west at the intersection or to the West at the intersection of 37th in Hillside. The again, the proposed concept. We will have one lane in each throughout the corridor. We will have the center to a left turn lane where driveway spacing. Allow us to get to vehicles in another driveways when their stride way spacing. That longer we will try to incorporate race medians and the corridor as well. If you look to the far right of the screen there at the intersection, 37 hillside intersection was constructed number years ago. The wheelchair as you can see, lead the pedestrians and or cyclists out into the center of the intersection. When we get further into the sign we include 2 ramps on each corner. One to a pedestrian strictly east-west across the intersection as well as one too correct. Cyclists and pedestrians, north-south across the intersection and that was recommendation of bicycle and pedestrian board. And that is what our current practice has been in recent years. The funding for the project to design feet. Today is $95,000. The cost of Supplemental design Agreement number one is $392,500 for total design fee of $487,500. The existing budget of $495,000 was approved by City Council on January 17th 2023. And they adopt a twenty-twenty for through 2033 Capital Improvement program includes $550,000 in 2024, which staff requests initiating at this time bringing the revised budget to 1 million 45 thousand dollars. Additional funding is for design right away acquisition and Project Management. It is recommended that City Council approved the supplement design agreement number one. Adopt the amending resolution and authorize necessary signatures. And I will stand for questions. >> Vice Mayor thank you here. he's 7 for the presentations is very And I apologize if I missed this. But the green chief says there will be 60 wide Both sides of the street the email that we got asking you maybe considering need to. 10 foot sidewalk on least one side. I was just wondering if on something that you considered when we are looking at that we have PC to a review that as they get further into >> as I recall, the bike PED Pfizer board asked for a 10 foot sidewalk one side. >> And 8 foot sidewalk on if that feasible, at least look for an 8 foot sidewalk, we believe with the initial conversations we've had with PC that that's feasible with the exception of probably where we cross river tracks, we would need to work. Look at that a little bit closer. >> Awesome. This was just sidewalk and at least one side of the side on the perpendicular to crossings at which yes. So class. >> Thank you, Paul. I too have a question disregarding it's sidewalk. Fiat Anderson by schools currently aren't allowed to operate on sidewalks anyway. >> I believe and I wrote notice as the previous item being discussed and I think councilmember shops I've also discusses. So I think that's downtown. I need to review that ordinance to make sure. 8 to 10 bicycles are allowed. Yes, I I made a note to look. Thank you, >> Councilmember whole >> Thank you, Kind of going often aware. Little tension here. We're redoing the street around the railroad crossing. Are we using wayside ones for that? >> No, we have not considered that in the we do work with the river and on that. And I believe and this situation. We are reducing that back down to 2 lanes as we go as we cross the tracks. I'm part of that with media You know, we have to get the gates to make sure they cross. at this time proposing just British 2 lanes due to limited drive place. They're OK, not considered wayside horns and let us through entire corridor. Yeah, I there's not a lot of residential around. That's I don't think that it's important for that. But just >> cares. As far as policy goes moving forward. If we do do you know, going along corridor where there's a residential area make sure at least consider using the wayside horns and if people a little more peace and quiet they're trying to sleep in the middle of the night. that. >> should wanted to know? What's the for production? >> think. Just Sorry. I think it was right around 5 million dollars for all of that. And that's programmed in 2020 5. But let me check here. >> thank you, mayor. Just to clarify the question about bicycles on sidewalks, the ordinance specifies that no bicycles, sidewalks in the Spence, it's in the Central Business district, but they're not a lot sidewalks unless designee. >> Give me a second layer of us. Ongoing projects choice. Make sure to use the right thing. I just want to We have. 5.3 million dollars construction funding. And 2025. Cip. guess that is correct. >> Open it up ♪ >> Since we opened Pandora's Box. So you can ride a bicycle on sidewalks except for in the downtown business district. Can someone tell me what streets that is from please? Because it's not clear that something about street vendors where the Dow Sound Business District. I had a big discussion about this 8 years ago. Please Street, we know street Washington Kellogg, where please, but you can ride a bicycle on the sidewalk. I'll tell you what I I don't want to go off into the sand bars. So if I'm right down into the person walking, I will tell them, I'll say, hey, are you right on your left thank But they usually get the grass, but they don't have They have the right way. Citizen has the right way to walk down the sidewalk. So but you can ride your bicycle and I'm always appreciative when they get oversight and get Sanders. So please tell us where Central business district where we can't ride a bicycle on the sidewalk. We appreciate it. Thank you. You can find all way. >> Any further public comment? I see We'll bring it back to the bench. I see people trying to figure out the location. >> I see further. >> Comments from the bench this reside out some of front. >> I move that City council approved the design concept. Supplemental Design Agreement number one, adopt them in the resolution and authorizing necessary signatures. >> Further comment. police open the Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the item. >> Which tie employees retirement police and fire retirement systems. Actuarial valuation reports as of December 31st. 2023. >> Good morning. Mayor members of City Mark Manning with the Department of Finance today. It is my privilege to present to you. The actuarial reports for the Witch Star Retirement Systems. I background. The city actually has 2 retirement systems. The Wichita Employees, retirement system, which is primarily for civilian employees of the city and the Wichita police and fire retirement system, which provides a retirement benefits primarily to our commission. The public safety employees system has roughly about 1500 employees contributing to them and the system also has roughly about 1500 beneficiaries right now. Our city pension plans are very well positioned their position much better than many of our peer plans. And they are in very good condition. And on the next going to some strategies that we've employed over the years. That puts our plans in good condition. However, like anything in world are our plans to have risks. Our plans are mature they have some investment ricin, some demographic risk our action or double. Talk about both of those. I think. So. Let's look briefly at some of the strategies that we've employed over the years that have put our plans in good shape. We have a very diversified and well managed portfolio. You don't have to take my word for that. You can look at our investment returns and we consistently beats our benchmark and we are consistently typically in the top court. I'll of our peers. So we have a very well managed portfolio. We also frequently look at our investment assumptions are demographic assumptions and it's important that those are relevant and we do frequently. Finally, over the years, the city prudently the appropriate level of funding to our pension plans based on the annual actuarial review. And that's very important to the strength of our plans. So each year we do have actuarial review. They review both our our plans WR ended up in couple things come out of these plans. They're very complicated. I down to the basic things. We get 2 important metrics. We get the funded ratio, which kind of generally tell you what the condition of our plans is. And we also get the retired city contribution rates. But the plant, reviews, much more comprehensive and they basically forecast are plan assets and our plan liabilities based assumptions. They review our performance compared to those assumptions and they also identify risks and talk about the potential impact that those risks could have on our sons. So with that, I'm going to introduce our action or we have with us today, Jake and Janet and they are from Kyron are actor actuarial provider for the retirement systems. Good morning. Mayor City Council members. I'm Jacob, ask us now with care for the actual or for the system and have been for about 5 years now. >> The purpose of the actuarial valuation is to first calculate the assets and liabilities in the corresponding funded ratio, which is the ratio of the assets to liabilities. The valuation also calculates the city's contribution requirement for next year. So it'll be the contribution rates in effect for 2025. We review the demographic in financial experience of the fund for the last year. So we review the experience that occurred during calendar 2023 this year. And then as Mark suggested, project what the system's outlook is into the future. It's important to know where you're at today, but it's even more important to know where you're headed in the future. And so we do a forwardlooking projection to you know, where system and today and where is expected to be in the future. And of course, we identify and assess the primary wrists and we'll get into some of those risks here in a second. But first, this is a graphic of how a pension plan operates. The tank. represented as the liability of the fund. And we measure that each year based on the data for the members of the plan, both active and retired as well as the assumptions that go into it. And so we calculate the liability of the fund and that's measured against the assets, the liquid in the tank. And ideally the tanks full. But it's not always full. And so the asset the difference between the top of the tank and the levels and unfunded liability is the portion of a liability that's not covered by current assets. And the assets grow with investment earnings each year as well as both city and member contributions. Those of the money coming into the tank and at the bottom of the tank, the assets are used to pay benefits to retirees and beneficiaries as well as the cost of administering the plan. And so each year we re measure the size of the tank based on the experience that occurred last year in the assets and we adjust the city contribution rate to make sure that the pension assets are properly funded in order to ensure that there's assets to pay benefits to retirees and beneficiaries out of work for the city for their career. And so that's the general structure of how a pension plan operates. Getting into some of the evaluation Both plans had a funded ratio last year. That was 90%, meaning that the assets cover 90% of the liabilities this year. They both decrease. The employee plan decreased 89%. So a slight decrease and the police and fire plan decreased 86%. So it's a slightly larger decrease for police and fire. And those are both based on actuarial value of assets. There's a couple different measures of assets, but the actuarial value smooths, investment gains and losses over a four-year period to reduce volatility because the equities market particular can be very volatile. And the valuation is a snapshot of one point in time. So smooth investment gains and losses over a four-year period. So you don't see significant volatility in the city's contribution rate. You want a level expected a contribution or going forward. So we use that smooth texture about of assets. On that basis. The unfunded liability. The difference been the full tank and the asset level is that unfunded liability? And for the employee plan that unfunded liability, right? 8 million dollars this year and for the police and fire planet grew by 47 Million. And you can see both these measures, the police and fire plan had a a larger impact or larger change from the prior year. And that's primarily due to a salary increases. The salary increases for police officers and firefighters higher than we're currently assuming. And so that generated a larger liabilities because those larger salaries are going to produce larger pension benefits when they retire. And therefore, there's a large liability associated with that. And so that's why the a funded ratio and unfunded liability changed more for police and fire. First W we are and we'll see that in the following slides. This page shows the calculation of the city's contribution rate for 2025. There's 2 main components of the contribution rate. The first is the normal cost. Normal cost is the event cost of benefits occurring for active employees during the year. So as they work another year of service, their current benefits will be paid to them when they retire. And that's the value of that, cruel and so for W we are, it's 13.8% of payroll and for police and fire. It's 24.7. Now members contribute to this fund. And so the members for WR contribute 4.7% of pay and for police and fire the country's 7. So the city's portion of that normal crossed is 9.1% for W ER and 17.7 for police and fire. And in addition to that normal cost, there's a contribution to pay down that unfunded liability. portion of the tank that doesn't have assets and for a W E R at 6 and a half percent of pay and for police and fire, it's 10.2%. So the total contribution rate for 2020 fire for W ER is 15.6% of payroll and for police and fire. It's 27.9%. This page shows a reconciliation of the change in the contribution rate from last year to this year. So the top we have the contribution rates that were in fact, when I presented this last year, it was 15.2% for W ER. And 25.2% for police and fire. Then we go for a couple line items of sources of changes. The first is the losses. Both systems out of Samarra because are invested. Similarly. And so they both of loss resulted in about a half percent increase in the contribution rate for both plans. There was a liability loss for both systems, primarily due to higher salaries, although a more significant on the police and fire side. for both the liability loss, increased the contribution rate for W E R by 0.2% and for police and fire by 2.9. Just a fairly notable increase in the contribution rate. There was a minor technical assumptions change for police and fire where we recognizing the salary increases that were negotiated are known for 2024. so reflect were reflecting the known increases that payable this year. And that's technically an assumption tranche. The other bucket is essentially realizing that these losses are going to be paid over a higher payroll. So when you have losses that are paid over a larger to nominate or there's a lower contribution rates all. There losses as a percentage of payroll of their loss or less, which is what the other category essentially covers. So in total, country's Mary for WR increased 0.4% and for police and fire increase 2.7%. This page shows a 10 year history of the contribution rates for both systems, police and fires. The goal line and WR as the blue line. You see the contribution rates have remained relatively stable for most of this 10 year period. The increased for 2024 because they were poor investment returns during Twenty-twenty 2. And then WR remain relatively level this year. What you can see the police and increased again this year, primarily due to those larger salary increases. The next page is a 10 year history of that funded ratio. The other key metric that we talked about and for most of the period you'll see they move in tandem because they generally fluctuate with investment returns. And since they're invested similarly to have similar movement on the funded ratio, you'll see here in the very last year, police and fire dipped more than double Argon due to generally due to the higher salary increases. You can see the funding ratios have remained relatively level. Note that this graphic showing from 80% to 100. It's not a 0 to 100 it on the 8200. So while it looks like it's low, it's still very well funded. You know, this is the first year out of the last 10 years that the funded ratio is dip below 90%, which is not a cause for concern. But it's the first year. It's, you know, it's somewhat noteworthy, but the funded ratio for the last 10 years remained relatively stable in right around the 90 to 95% ranch. This is again, the lowest point. The last 10 years. This is a comparison of that funded ratio to your peers throughout the country. There's a database of public pension plans throughout the country and bar represents the distribution of public pension plans. They're funded ratio for each year. And so being in that light blue with the top. W E R is the gold diamond and police and fire as the black square. They sometimes overlap. So if you can't see right behind each other. There historically in the light blue area, meaning you're among the top court. I love plans as well as as far as funded status. And so that's that's good. That's what you want to plan's been well maintained and there's no bar for 2023 because the data is not available yet. We're just now producing hours. Another systems have not yet done. So, but next you'll see that they're likely still to be in that light blue area. As Mark suggested of these plans do have Ris. Our valuation is based on one set of assumptions as to what's going to happen in the future experience is going to deviate possibly significantly. And so it's important to know that there are risks with this plan. In our full valuation Section 2 covers a lot of talk on the wrist, identifying assessing those risks. But the key ones worth noting our investment risk, the risk that the investment return will be less than assumed over the long term, which would increase the cost of the plan. Interest rate risk if interest rates were to decline back to those historic levels that would put pressure on the assumed rate of return. Longevity in demographic of members are living longer changing behaviors, that the cost of the plan would increase. That has impact on the plan. Obviously is, as we've seen as well as assumptions, change risk, which is basically all of those respect, the impact of changing assumptions can have an impact on the cost, which may increase the cost of the plan. That includes that concludes my with the recommendation to receive an file, the reports and approve the 2025. employer contribution rates. But I'm happy to answer any questions that you have. >> Councilmember whole Jaisol. Thank you, How much of an impact does this have on our credit rating? That is a question for Mark. >> I'm sorry, councilmember, what's the impact on our credit rating? Our credit rating? Fantastic question. Rating agencies are very, very highly tuned into pension liabilities. Across the country. Now, as Jake our pension system is among one of the best-funded in the United So it's not necessarily a concern for them when they look at our system per se. But having said that, there to the end. Everything Jake said they're tuned in to the risks they are tuned into. Are LR unfunded asset and are unfunded liabilities and they take that into consideration and even as well funded as we are. They do point that out in our ratings report that we do have some challenges there. So very plugged into Again are still in good shape, but that they definitely tune in to that. Okay. Appreciate it. >> Councilmember Johnston. Our question for you. How do you side with the city share? Is >> But the city contribution rates are in Tucson. Again, it is based our actuaries for as long as I've been around for 30 years, we have contributed what our actuary has recommended that we contribute based on their study. So it's gone. >> The distribution between employee and employer, though. yes, sir. The distribution to an employee and employer is based on the documents that were created when the plans were created. For example, planned to which is what most of our employees are now on. The civilian side was created in 1981. and the contribution rate was set in that ordinance at 4.1%. That was changed in 1993. When we amended plan to set a 4.7%. But that's contribution rate for WR non the police and fire side in 1979 when the current police and fire pension system was created. But charter ordinance that charter ordinance set the employee rate at 7%. Okay. So 4.7 is for the employee. Is there. What is the city's? 15.6 I think for member judge That's what our offense. That's on the civilian side. outside. It's 20 so that half $0.3 to racial. >> Since going down. Yeah, I think Jake at a slide show contribution rates over time and I think they probably do correlate to the funded ratio. There's the contribution rates slide right there. You can see WR relatively static PS. We're seeing most of the volatility guests over the years. So it's going impact the budget going forward will require increased contributions from the employer or yes, And one quick question pressure, Jake, what you're soon to a rate of return There's a greater return is 7 and a quarter percent, 7 7 in a quarter 7 to 5. Strong That's pretty typical for Yeah. That's one of those things. Councilmember that we looked at I mentioned are some sins are sections are important. Our plans used to have a 7.7 return on investment. So we looked at that. >> With help Rex Ryan R our consultant over the course of 5 or 6 years. And we were a little bit of outlier on the high sides. We've actually reduced that to 7 a quarter in light. Jake said that puts us pretty much in line with all our peers. >> reviewed it most recently, I believe in 2021 and lowered from someone have to summon a quarter. >> That's a number Glasgow. Thank you. Mayor could get a slight 101. So you had mentioned that we're the top of all. Cities top in terms funded ratios. Now, obviously we don't want that trend to continue down. So this will be probably a policy discussion surrounding were Bob. We have conversations about how we can reverse the trend is this worrisome trend keeps going down and will this be a future policy is policy discussion in terms of how do we get to trend upward again? >> the funded ratio fluctuate significantly with investor returns. Depending on how investments, you know, experience emerges as a significant impact on this funded ratio. Regardless of, you know, the policy set that will be the biggest driver of this or future changes in the U.S.. The contributions coming in is somewhat of a policy decision because that how you amortize that unfunded liability. There's not want to answer as many ways you can amortize that unfunded liability in depending how you do so you may, you get closer to fully funded sooner. But there's a cost that's going require additional contributions. And so. To some extent, there could be policy considerations for trying to target fully funded sooner. But to some extent, it's also subject to market experiences on investment side >> further questions open it up for public comment. No from the public. Bring it back to the bench. Any further discussion. I see none. I knew. To recommend that the city Council receive an file which I've police retirement police and Fire Retirement Systems Act where real. >> Valuation reports as of December 31st. 2023 and approved the 2025 Employer Retirement Fund contributions. Brains. >> Motion. And a second. Any further discussion. I see none that of clerk, Motion passes 7, 0, That in please called the next item. Councilmember appointments and comments. Councilmember Jaisol. Thank you, Mayor. >> I'd like to appoint aerial Kerr to the District 3 advisory board. >> Councilmember Johnson. Thanks, Mayor. I would like to reappoint Bryce Graham to the low income sector for the community services block. Grant. >> I would like to appoint Malaika bill to the diversity, inclusion and civil rights advisory board. And I like to appoint Gregory Van Junior to the Wichita Citizen Review board. Both of those subject to background check. >> And some the class caught. Thank you, Mayor. I would like to appoint Jonathan Wald into the District for advisory board would also like to think that you check for her service on the district visor Should some of her resignation this week? >> In addition, I would like to appoint or independents, Affordable Housing Review Board and Rome. Castillo to the Wichita Land Bank Board of Trustees. >> Vice Mayor Valley, thank you, mayor. I would like to a point reappoint clear Lindbergh to historic Preservation Board. I move that we approved the recommendations. Appointments are points. Bush and the second clerk please open. Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, Its comments now from council members. Councilmember Glasgow. >> Thank you, mayor. I took time to try to look up where we defined the congested area or district for the purpose of bicycles. Our Web site is incredible out urge everybody to go look at it, which saw talk Section 11 point 0, 4 point. Oh 602, spines, congested area district for bicycles on the street for the record as well. It is all areas bounded central on the north, including all property abutting central in the north Washington street on the east, including all property abutting Washington, east, the Arkansas River on the west, including all property abutting the Arkansas River on the West and Kellogg Drive on the South, including all property abutting Kellogg Drive from South. >> Councilmember Johnson. >> Thanks, This is a something for the body to consider for the public agenda until larger changes are I would like us to consider maybe change ordinance. A policy that if we have spots that are open a rather than just a motion, every time we have a sign-up sheet like the school board so that if somebody is outside and they see a open spot, they can sign up, get that to the clerk with all the proper information. And then they can speak that way. We don't have to do the motion. Every meeting. >> It's not require legal. Council member. That is a great question because it's a 7 ordinance. I think we really need to look at weather. We're going to amend the ordinance to allow these policies. And I think even the sign-up sheet, well, practical solution. Is not aligning with the current ordinance and we just want to be consistent with the ordinance. So we'll look at solutions T simply. All right. At the to the discussion. I see no further comments. just want to say thank you to everyone who came out to open streets ICT. >> There are 2 more open streets ICT and Nomar on May. The 5th and on Douglas Street on October 17, 13, can someone. ice October 13? Thank you very much. Is there a motion to adjourn? At a clerk? Please open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, Thank you.