♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> Welcome. So all of you and good morning. Wichita will call the meeting to order with us this morning. To provider invocation is pastor and use Mason with Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church following that invocation will have the Pledge of Allegiance. We invite you all to please join us for both master P. >> Let us Ray. In the silence. You hear us. God, we thank you for another day. As we gather this morning in city council, we pray for air. Every council person, families, every person that works for the city to see that things move forward. God, we thank you. Now as we come and hear learn and rejoice, we asked you now got to protect every resident, every person within our city today, there are those that have no. Idea where they will be. So now we ask God that you would provide resources that you would provide incited even in the difficult places. Got that you would provide integrity that you would provide what is needed and when it doesn't go as planned God, that we would still rally around and come back together. Got. >> So God, we thank you. Now. As we embrace our leadership. As listen to each voice as we hear and recede with a glad heart and know that we served together. We pray God now for not only our city, but for our entire world. This we declare in Jesus name. Amen. >> last United States of America the Republic for which it stands. One nation under It is will win every 30 and justice for all. Thank you, At call excited. >> A person. It's of the regular meeting of March. 26 2024. >> Are there any? Motions to approve the minutes? >> Motion to approve second. >> Motion a second and clerk. people. The 6 with At clerk. Please call the next >> Thank you, mayor. Before awards and proclamations, we to have an agenda announcement. That a notice of public hearing was published in the Wichita Eagle on March 22nd 2024. in connection with the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for Spirit Aerosystems. However, the company has asked that his application be temporarily withdrawn. The Spirit team intends to resubmit the application after new date has been identified because the request has been a No item appears on today's agenda and no public hearing will be conducted. So the next item is proclamations. Child Abuse Prevention month. >> Ken of Representatives, all please come forward. The proclamation reads. Whereas children, our nation's most vulnerable members, as well as our nations, most vulnerable resources, valuable rather helping to shape the future of Wichita. Positive childhood experiences P c E S like loving caregivers and safe, stable and nurturing relationships can help mitigate trauma and the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences. A says to promote the social, emotional and developmental well-being of children and whereas childhood trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional and physical effects throughout an individual's lifetime, an impact future generations of their family childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every community in the U.S. and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone. And whereas prevention as possible because of the partnerships created between families prevention advocates, child welfare professionals education health community, and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies and government. And whereas we acknowledge that order to solve the public health issue of abuse and neglect, we must work together to change hearts and minds through story telling and sharing we're committed to advancing system said ensure all children and families are healthy and thriving. And now therefore be it resolved that I Lily Wu, mayor of the city of Wichita, along with the Wichita City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2024. Child Abuse Prevention month in the city of Wichita. And encourage all citizens to recognize this month by building a narrative of hope for children and families through collaboration and the creation of an ecosystem, a primary prevention that does not currently exist in this country. asked cast those numbers of WC kept to come up and join us. WC cap. Is which it and child abuse prevention? >> Which occultation for child abuse prevention? So thank you for inviting us today. And for signing the proclamation declaring April Child Abuse Prevention month. I'm Rachel Harper, the assistant director of the Prevent Child Abuse, Kansas chapter at Kansas Children Service leak. Kansas was the first state to have its own chapter 48 years ago. April has been recognized as child abuse Prevention month since 1983, the blue Pinwheel became the symbol for child abuse prevention in 2008, the panel represents the happy, healthy. The happy, healthy. Childhoods that we all desire to see the theme for Child Abuse Prevention month. This year is building a hopeful, helpful future together we at Kcso strive to a hopeful future every day and the work we do with families, agencies and governments at all levels. Each day is an opportunity to build the foundation for a future prevent child abuse. Kansas and prevention advocates across the state. Are poised to provide families with what they need before they are in crisis. But we know we can't do this alone. We all have a role to play healthy partners in our communities. We all have a responsibility to ensure children have positive experiences and help families have the resources they need when they need them. Community support partnerships can help lighten the burden on families, policies and programs that put families. First all of us up during and certain stressful times, expanding family friendly policies like paid sick leave and paid vacation leave. Help reduce stress on our parents and caregivers, children who live in families with access to economic and country supports are less likely to provide abuse less likely to experienced abuse and neglect childhood experiences help to mitigate the effects of child. That experience as adverse childhood experiences and healthy families and communities to celebrate Child Abuse Prevention month. You can help plan a pinwheel garden. You can't official minder the world we all want for our children to grow up, happy, healthy and prepared to succeed. You can reach out to cancel children's service. Lakefront. Details also follow cancer. Children service like on social media. One more flag Friday is national Wear Blue Day for Child Abuse Prevention Month. So I invite everybody to wear blue that today. Share your pictures on social media and use the hashtag building helpful Futures. Thank you. Thank you again. Can I please ask the folks with the Financial Literacy Month to please come forward at this time? >> You're okay. Thank you for joining us. This proclamation reads, whereas they organization has taught financial literacy in Wichita for over the past 27 years throughout this period of time, they were able to conduct a three-year financial literacy survey of high school students. The results of the survey revealed that it is imperative that financial literacy programs are created for youth targeting younger age groups. And whereas staff and volunteers for you eat place. A special emphasis in lower to moderate income communities, thus empowering them to set goals in order to be financially fit from those productive future. And whereas eat believes that financial literacy should be a core subject taught in the beginning of once educational journey. So that everyone will have the knowledge and resources to avoid bad financial pitfalls that our economy will have also a better future for tomorrow. And whereas will feature its new S financial superhero Billy dollar throughout school and community presentations this year and will open a training facility for all ages to be exposed to financial literacy, education and other interactive opportunities to promote financial success and now, therefore, be it resolved that I lily Wu, mayor of the city of Wichita, along with the city Council do hereby proclaim April Twenty-twenty Financial Literacy Month in the city of Wichita and encourage all citizens to know the life time importance of managing personal finances. Good morning, everyone. >> I want to first thing the mayor, we will and the city council members for except it is my name is Ricky. Last time with the the vice president use as Kristen Partner program. That is a really long titles on the go by you, by the rest of the way. So a good time time I want to say that we've been doing financial literacy since 1997. We've been doing different things as far as teaching financial literacy to to adults to families all over United will not the United States, but we have left the city during that time, we also have. Down a survey. And the survey that we did, we did it over 3 years. A coat, of course, COVID hit and it kind of slowed us down a little bit. But we've got back on track and the purpose of the survey was just to see financial state, the knowledge, the financial state of our teams our community. And what we realize is that we do understand that right now on that you can actually graduate and you have to take financial literacy. But it's in high school, which is great. But unfortunately, some of the students have already had a job or system and calm. And they're already developed past bad financial habits. So we have decided to actually started much younger age, which is why my friend Billy here and we're going to that. We have presentations, port sheets and different workshops that we have put together to actually expand to more lorre's communities. Yeah, just keep I'll force. You know you my says this week on a pit somewhere. Just think about that. So thank you so much again for everything. And I hope that you'll join us as just continue on teaching financial literacy because it's so important in the community. Thank you. >> And the representatives from Asbury Child Development Center. Please come forward. And also Councilmember Becky Tuttle. The proclamation reads, whereas the week of the Young child is an annual celebration of the National Association of the Education of Young Children. The world's largest early childhood education association with the purpose to focus public attention on the needs of young children, their families and to recognize early childhood programs and the professionals that meet the needs of the children who attend those programs. And whereas the first 5 years of a child's life are the period of time, most rapid brain development happens and lays the foundation for all future learning children need skilled, educated, competent and consistent early childhood educators to foster their development. And whereas high-quality early childhood education depends on high-quality early childhood educators ensure that children have that early experience a need for strong foundation. And whereas high-quality early childhood programs provide important benefit to our community. In 2023, Wichita and Sedgwick County had almost 700 programs for children first to 5 years old, serving over 11,000 children. These programs are supported by early childhood professionals make an impact on the children, the families and the community. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I Lily Wu, mayor of the city of Wichita along the with the Wichita City Council, do hereby proclaim the week of April 17th 20 to 20st as the week of the young child in the city of Wichita and encourage all to value and respect educators for the important roles they play in the lives of children here in our community. Thank you. I'm Jeanelle teen. I'm the president of the early childhood professionals organization and how my colleagues with me. >> Tiffany Smith, Sara Spurgeon and gas can the early childhood professionals organization and the early childhood directors organization, our local memberships, that support child care providers in various roles, these professional support children and families to their daily work to provide a strong foundation for children. The first 5 years of a child's life are the most crucial time for growth and development. High-quality childcare support children during the most important period in their lives that benefit the families and the community. We're celebrating these individuals who make an impact on children and families in the community with our 9th annual week of a young child Impact Awards on Sunday April. 28, we have over 200 early childhood serving in various roles in a childcare, Philip that were nominated by families. They served to show the impact they're making on the children. They serve. Thank you to the Wichita City Council and mayor, we for acknowledging the impact of really try to professionals in our community and recognizing their hard work and dedication. Since heavy police have the city of budget office. Please come forward. a truck this. This is heavy. have experience building. >> This is a special award that we want to recognize or our city council meeting the city of Wichita received the distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the government finance Officers Association, 2024 adopted budget. This is a 36 consecutive year that the city of Wichita has earned this award. Criteria for the Distinguished Budget Award are based on budget document serving for purpose. Us as a financial plan policy document operations guide in a communication device. Each year the budget is reviewed by peers to ensure that the standards continue to be met. Outstanding ratings were received on criteria such priorities in issues, financial policies, long-range financial plants, capital program. The 2024 adopted budget received special recognition mission for strategic goals and Strategies. According to reviewers, quote, the budget document did an outstanding job of highlighting the priorities in issues of entity against the constraint and that the document includes an excellent approach to strategic planning. I would like to thank the staff who are involved in the budget process for their dedication to developing the budget each year. And I would love for them to just share one more time that the budget process has begun and they would love to hear from community. Thank you taking the time. Sorry. It really is a heavy, a word for taking time. Yes, and we we have started the budget process. We've already had 2. >> 3 city council workshops on the budget in January, February and March. And if you're interested in catching up on you can find them on YouTube. And additionally, we had 2 great community engagement. Sessions. I'm already this year and the social media town hall events are right around the corner next week and the following week just as a reminder, we really the distinguished that you avoid distinguished budget presentation program we submit our budget every year and it's reviewed by 3, Piers and we also service Kerry viewers. So the program is really given us a lot of ideas had how do approve our as we look at other budgets. And then we also incorporate that feedback into our budget each year its a 480 page document this So a lot of goes into A lot of support from departments and also I'd remiss not to acknowledge other staff in the finance department who are very involved in the budget such as Mark Manning trend. been home an Aurora Gonzalez and then we had 2 interns this summer. The helped a lot with the budget. Sebastien Ruiz and national on that. So just very, very pleased to get the special that was for the policies dock and the policy message, part of budget, which is only 8 pages long and few any part of the budget. That's what I would recommend. It really highlights in as a great think absolution of the budget process each year thank you to everyone. ♪ ♪ ♪ >> Thank you to everyone proclamations. Really, really opportunity to highlight important weeks as well as stays and also highlight our staff here at the city of Wichita. So tending that all the next. >> Twyla parity, FOP contract. >> Good morning, Mayor. Morning Council. My name's Twyla purity. I live in Polo club. I'm in district one. Our district one, our dad meeting last night, but tell well, after 11 o'clock. So my preparation exactly what I anticipated. >> here we go. 0.2. Address in this very limited amount of time. Talk a little bit about the contract, the importance of a crime prevention and policing to the which a time a request for support and a little bit about rest. And it's no secret made no secret about, you know how I'm kind of disappointed in the actual contract document for the FOP. >> And I understand it's not dissimilar to those other collective bargaining groups that the city. I mean and so committed to this. You can't see it. And I like read every page highlighted everything like I would any of my contracts went. I was working and it's I It's just not good not definitions. I mean, it's just so poorly written, you well, drafted contract is a roadmap clarifies the rights obligations and expectations of the parties. Conversely, a portly drafted it agreement can lead to confusion, disputes and costly legal values. All legal it cuts AM legal judgments. So I understand that even right now there's a lot of grievances going on within wpd and some of those could be resolved with just a better written contract. It's not easy, right? You know, starting a new agreement from scratch that I want to encourage that because it can be a good base agreement for the city, collective bargaining units. And another reason that this may be the year and the time to go ahead and do that is, you know, I truly believe when the council said, I think it was last December early January, they can to make sure that everything associated with Jenson Hughes, it's going to be incorporated to the appoint to appoint appropriate within the FOP agreement. mean, that's a huge kind of retrofitting, a something into like a poorly for the written document. So it's another good time to maybe start from scratch and get all that in there. On prior occasions, the racial profiling advisory board has submitted draft contracts from Austin, Baltimore. So there are those are available to take a look at and compare and contrast. I've met with Jason Hood, a couple of timeshare HR director. He's terrific at anybody could do this heavy left. I'm confident that he can. >> No, I'm gonna switch. Oh, my gosh. Good. This time the city National Community survey, you know, it's very clear that policing is important. It fell, though, in the quadrant of quality and importance. So only street but repairs was lower in quality. there was nothing higher in the importance quadrant. So it's important to the city. Since I'm quickly running out of time. I'm going to make my These are really question racial profiling advisory for it. That has to do a public engagement. You know, on this FOP agreement, we're for public town halls, perhaps online surveys, social media, it at the ability for social media and put presentations. We were really like the city leaders to listen to the community's concerns. Review best practice contracts and recommendations and meet with the racial profiling advisory board and community organizations on this topic. But the last comment here is going to be about trust. Trust was important. I read it in the paper. It was unable to attend the evening meeting trust within the community is relatively low. And how do you develop trust there's trust us develop what people feel like they're seeing their herd and what they say matters right. And part of that is also transparency and dialogue. So if you want to increase trust and what's going on here at City Hall, what's going on in the police department? There really needs to be dialogue and transparency and I want to close and it breaks my heart to say this. But in general, I feel like there's a lot of lip service given to transparency not a lot of action. Thank you. thing that was a fast 5 minutes. Thank you very much. >> That of the next. >> Teen like Yousef cease-fire in Palestine. >> Dena, he said. We don't see official present. Madam Clerk, please call the next >> Tracy Mason, senior preparations and pay back. >> Casey Mason. don't see have either. That clerk please call the next item. Don't Tracy traffic lights and left turn lanes needed at May's Road in K 42. >> Don't Tracy? I don't. He don't. Tracy either. clerk, please call the next item. Gabriel Wilson, homelessness and the effect it has on local residents. Gabriel Wilson. >> That's a skip the line a little bit today. little bit unorthodox opening, but you're going to help you You probably don't like me saying that in the chamber. You probably won't like it. 5 are screaming that among other things at you. I call that disorderly conduct has laid out and Chapter 5.24, 0, 1, 0, engaging in noisy conduct, tending to reasonably arouse alarm, anger or resentment. Others. You might not like it. If I were screaming that at you as you get out of your car in for your home, the homer, your wife and kids live. I was informed by an officer of the Wpd after about one hour response time. That this was simply freedom of speech. Our secret for cement. I was a mistake. The elderly homeless woman laying out her tarp. Throwing trash out of a shopping cart, screaming profanities and rambling about God and demons right across the street from my home was an example to all of what liberty really looks like. I wonder I would. If that officer will tell you the same thing if this were going on in your home. You see I was pretty reluctant to call the police after all, what harm could a frail elderly woman really do? Sure. She's screaming loud enough for me to hear her in my living room. But what might just be a nuisance by calling? That I really had to question myself. 2, for those of us, not in the suburbs dealing with extremely mentally ill homeless folks as a matter of daily life. Every major intersection, every park, every QuikTrip. Every store. But this is my neighborhood. It's not just where I go. It's where I live. And if we as residents can ask, it's not have disturbed. Homeless people camping out across the street from us. What rights we actually have. I mean, it's a pretty basic thing to ask for overall peace in your neighborhood. I'm not mad at waiting. Not that the officer. Sure. He told me it was just freedom of speech and she was going to bed down for the night. And basically I should deal with it. And I did. She was there for about 36 hours. At this problem is becoming so prevalent and nothing appears to be getting better. In fact. Pretty obviously appears to be getting worse. To slow solution is simple. It's just not easy. requires work effort and diligence. The city has ordinances and disorderly conduct. Envoy during a public place littering public intoxication and public camping. These ordinances apply to every one of us in this room. It would likely be enforced if we were to violate them. Chapter 5.20, on public camping. It's about as straightforward as it gets. The ordinance does clarify that there's an exception for when the homeless when the individual where individuals urging homeless and there are no appropriate shelters available for But in this circumstance, I'm referring to this. Lee had been contacted by the hot team, the homeless outreach team for the officer. They had to climb accommodations. Of course, we ought to treat homeless folks with respect and compassion. They're human beings with inherent dignity and value. But let's not confuse compassion and respect with appeasement. Tacit approval. We allow for vagrancy. There are laws and ordinances that essentially prohibit that behavior. But we'll allow for this disregard for law and we call compassion. So what compassion as have for the law abiding residents. They're simply going about their daily lives. They're confronted with a mentally ill man on speed at the corner store. What compassion has had for stay at home. Mother taking her kids to local park only to be confronted the demonic ramblings of a man around the playground. What compassion his head for the family going for a stroll down the river. Walk. Only to be met with an encampment. These are hypotheticals. We can do both. We can have respect and compassion for law abiding residents and for homeless people. And I'm not advocating that the police go round up. Homeless population into gels. It will be cool in an assertive for sure what I am advocating for for the mayor for the city council. truck struck the police department to enforce ordinances. See already has that apply everyone who lives here. Combinations have been offered. And they still the current. We are breaking the law. Thank you. Gave a council that the class. >> Mister Wilson. But thing I notice that you live in council district 4. So I appreciate your coming state. Actually. First instance, one from district that spoken to public comments. I appreciate coming and I know it's an issue that >> the council's committed to all connected with you. After the meeting got a follow-up about items as well. I know that I'm with the closure of the emergency shelter yesterday on April. 1st, we're likely probably see an and homeless of the community. you are at the If you're out the shelter the day before, you're probably on the streets And so the city did host a research resource here yesterday to try to help individuals. I know that a council jaisol myself and there were and maybe other members of the council that as well. But it is I think the top priority of this council, I would echo that for probably all my colleagues and I appreciate you coming up and talking I will follow up. I appreciate that. Thank you. >> council member John stunt. Mister Wilson. I think But just we're yeah. Now I'd like thank you for come up to speaking about this. I think this reflects. What most witch hunts are feeling. Yes, when I went door to door that same frustration I heard over and over again. And we're working hard to city council, city manager's office. And and everyone's working really hard to get a comprehensive solution. And plan for the homeless. And that does include and enforcement. So sure. I know my time out of it. But just in the hypothetical scenario that I decided >> have you talked keep myself and then go to a park and scream at people in camp out. I can't do that. So so the idea is that those laws and ordinances should apply to everybody. And that's what makes would make this place. A very unusual place to live by 3 small children. Let's take him to parks, love, going on, walks. And so if you feel like you can't do it. I it's a shame. Israel shouldn't I completely groups That could be the difference between Wichita and communities agree Lake City. So thank Thank you. >> And please call the next mayor will have a motion real fast. Given the intention of this body was open up public comment and we only had 2 public comment speakers if there anybody else that would like to speak on the public comment. I would like to open it up early at 13 minutes out of our 30 And so there's some of that didn't request to speak. So my motion is to continue public comment for the allocated 15 minutes. Unless there's nobody also like to speak. >> Madam Clerk, please open the front. Motion passes 7, 0, This means that anyone the audience who would like to speak right, public agenda do so at this. >> Motion to close public agenda. >> Madam Clerk, please. She passes 7, 0, clerk, please call the next item. >> Consent agenda items, one through 14. >> And I have people. Council member John F. >> Thank you, mayor. I would like to pull item 7, 8, 9.10. >> Any other items? I see >> And motion to approve the consent agenda items one through. >> team. By 70. So moved. Motion passes 7, 0, Item, 7, 8, 9.10. >> Thanks, mayor. Due to a personal conflict. I will be abstaining from items, 7, 8, 9.10. >> A question for staff regarding item 7, 8, 9, 10. This is program. Housing development >> Specifically it said $90,000. Financial consideration. Can you please explain to the But this if are federal dollars. >> It's there and they're getting. property section manager and with the Home Development Loan program, this is funded through, causing or through that federal home fund. These are entitlement funds that the city receives their goal is to assist in home development for and low and moderate income households. So we have a couple of different models that we do. We have one that's a single family housing developments. that is what these are. Within that program. We subsidize up to $90,000 per unit for the development of homes is infill development for lowand moderate-income households. The big reason that we do this is because these are neighborhoods where the appraisal value of the developments often does not to praise out to the cost build. And so. So this is basically subsidize station. scares Wasn't quite So this is basically subsidizing those bills to better utilize the services, the resources, the utilities that are already there. And these are federal funds. There is no impact on the city's general fund budget. These are funds that designated from the federal government for this particular purpose. We have a multi-family model as well. And we brought proposals to council for the multifamily model and that this is is for our proposals from Mennonite housing. And they're one of developers are also a community housing development organization. And so one of our federal requirements is at least 15% of these funds must be used for development through community Housing development organization or do, as we say in the world. Thank you. >> You know, for their products. Council members. Is there a motion to approve 7, 8, 9.10 on the consent agenda? >> I would move to approve 7, 8, 9, 10 on the consent agenda. >> Motion and a second Motion passes 6 with one abstention. But clerk please call the next item. >> Board of its in contract stated April first 2024. >> Warning Mayor City Council just department finance the board of bids and contracts can be 4/1/2024 for the following engineering. We have storms are improvements to serve. Rolling hills addition for dominance and construction company incorporated a man a $220,421. Purchasing may have the lw Klatt park playground equipment for After Co LLC and the amount of $85,049 and $0.70. With purchasing. We have Lou City Asset Management software, annual renewal for Central Square Technologies. LLC and the amount of $112,656. And $0.87. And for airport, we have the runway weather conditions systems for Bay Salah Incorporated in the amount of $84,819. And $0.68. This is how to become a vendor with the city of Wichita. These request for proposals out on the street today. And I'd be happy to try to answer any questions. I recommend your people. >> Any questions for staff? Seeing none. Public back to the bench and further discussion. They'll see Is there a motion to approve? >> I would move that council receive file the report approve the contracts and authorizing necessary signatures. >> Motion and a second 3rd place of Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the next >> ordinance amending section 2.0 4.0, 0, 5, 2 points or 4.0 4, 0, and 2 points here. 4.2, 7, 0, at the code of City was shot pertaining to city Council vacancies. >> Thanks for reading the long title. Given me a chance to get up here and Johnson with the law department. Good to see everybody again today. I'll go through the background that we've got relatively quickly since we've gone through this before. But please stop me if you have any questions as we go through try to highlight the changes that we've made after the guidance that you all provided last time City ordinance currently provides a process to fill a vacancy at City Council on a tear during a term. That process involves the remaining council members as well as the district advisory board in the district or the vacancy occur south of the council level and the District Advisory board level begins this by holding a public forum to screen candidates that nominee 4 or 5 candidates to council for further consideration by a majority vote. The dad after the dab nomination City Council elects a new member to fill the vacancy by a majority vote at a regular meeting. If majority is not achieved after 5 ballots. Excuse me, the vacancy processed is set for the next 2 consecutive regular meetings. And if majority is not achieved after 5 ballots in either of those meetings, either one of those meetings, the tie is broken by a coin toss the current process has some limitations as demonstrated by the December 2020 district, 3 vacancy process during that process, majority was not achieved at the first meeting and was only achieved after 3 votes at the next meeting which risk the coin toss after 2 more field vote that tied. tweet was between 3 perfect candidates which was complicated since a coin only has 2 sites as well as council member shared last time. This does come up a little more often than we would think. So. It's an important issue for us addressed. And we appreciate the guidance that you provided there. The proposal today are proposed ordinance would institute and ranked voting process that the DAV and city Council levels to fill vacancies. That council the proposed ordinance was first presented a couple weeks ago on March 19th to council council provided specific direction to staff to remove the written explanation requirement just how ties are handled at the DAV and city Council levels. So our proposal go through this here as well as try to highlight the places that are a little bit different from current ordinance from the proposal that we made last time to make things as clear as possible for everybody. What we're proposing, the dap with still screen candidates to nominate for council consideration but would express leaked nominee 5 candidates if available ranked voting process. If there are fewer than 5, those 4 are last. But still just go to council for full consideration. There be a public forum, but not a vote since that wouldn't be necessary at the dab level. But this ranked voting process is commonly known as the board account method. The process would with that members eat ranking 5 candidates, one through 5. Among those candidates who filed lawful petitions for candidacy. That could be 3. That could be 10 this process accounts for that. Each first place vote counts is 5 points. Second place for 3rd place. 3, 4th place to 5th place. One and 0 point. If you are not ranked by number. The 5 candidates with the most points are then ranked again by each stamp, DAP member with the cumulative rank information provided to city Council for consideration. So it's narrowed may be from 10 to 5 votes again. So there's full information for council to consider unlike the current ordinance, to Rex Tab to just send the candidates in alphabetical order without further information for council to consider. Here's the change that we have from the prior version that was presented to council. If there's a tie for 5th place at the DAV level, it the lowest-ranked candidate that each candidate tied for 5th place will move on for further consideration by the DAV and City Council. And this is in contrast to the prior version that retained a coin toss for the 5th candidate. The language in the ordinance still allows for consideration of more than 5 candidates of both the DAV and council level. That's why we include a provision to have 0 points for unranked basically to allow for that consideration. we worked a little bit of the language to make sure that was clear for both Davin Council there could be consideration of 5 or more candidates. Of the 5 or more candidates way. I'm nominated from the DAV screening are then subject to the ranks. Voting process by the City Council at council. The candidate with the most points show 5, the highest cumulative rank and be selected to fill that her. Now, a couple things that we worked If agreement is not reached after that first vote, which again, there's a less chance that there will be a tie under the board account method. But we tried to create a few more layers. Tipper prevent the possibility of a coin toss basically as well. So if agreement is not reached the first time, then the vacancy election process is set for the next 2 consecutive meetings except that the lowest rate candidate from that first council vote is eliminated from the next Pope. If agreement is not reached at the first of the 2 consecutive meetings, then again, the lowest rank candidate and that vote shall be eliminated for the last vote. And this is kind of unlike the current code as well where we have a failed vote at either of one of the 2 next consecutive meetings that we go to a coin toss. This mandates that we go through each of those 2 meetings, eliminating a candidate each time as necessary. If agreement is not reached. At the second meeting, though, then we still do have the coin toss option except now there are multiple layers voting before we get there. There's also more specific language in the ordinance that it's between the 2 highest rank candidates of the coin toss could be effective. And this is the same as the prior propose version presented to council but still immense. The code of the current code to clarify the number of candidates that would be subject to the coin toss again, the proposed ordinance at takes the opportunity to address a couple potentially impact U.S. terms in chapter 2 point '04 as well that are members elect is removed in live that her members and that affects quorum. It kind of helps identify who can vote. And when specific language is also added to allow the ranked voting system to be used for the council vacancy process. A quick summary again, proposed ordinance would institute ranked voting process at the DAV and city Council levels to fill Council vacancies. Written explanation is not required under the proposal here today. The process for addressing ties are has been adjusted at the Davin Council levels for the proposal here. And again, potentially ambiguous language with be addressed and relevant sections. Our recommendation is consider the proposed ordinance amendment answer any questions that you all may have. Thank you. >> questions staff. You open it up for public use. A stake in I name is Elaine Stephen. I live in District 5, 15, 13 North Korea's court. >> I present thank Kansas and just want to a couple clarifications. First clarification, while this is a form of preferential voting like last at the last meeting, want to make clear that this is not the same as ranked choice voting. This is a method that is specifically suitable 4 situations and what you have a few voters and very few candidates, it would not be suitable and a general election for ranked choice voting. However, would not be suitable when you have few voters and few candidates that would be suitable and a general election format. The recommendation that I have is to make sure it is clear in the ordinance that council members and Ave members must rank 5 candidates. And the reason for that being the one vulnerability to board account has is strategic. that vulnerability can be remedy when voters are required to rain. 5 candidates. Face. I am in support of this because anything that pushes right choice voting into the public purview is a really great idea because a lot of people are confused about. >> But ranked choice voting is and this may open the door for us to think about just like municipalities all over the country have done in a few states, potentially instituting right choice voting. Our general election. >> Which will allow for. More people are more candidates to get that kind of people and will eliminate some of the bias around a voting against someone at this allows candidates to really let people know who they are. And I just really supportive of any opportunity that you put in front of the dabs to have more streamlined I hope that you a pass this Putin second reading and then also asked staff to maybe think about what it looks like a in center county. If we had general elections that right choice voting say which I think you. >> Any further comments. I see that. We'll bring it back to the bench. And for John Thank you, mayor. >> I do have a question for this. But staff take. As president now. The council have to rank all 5 candidates. they just get a 5? Points? The first place not write another one. And then there by throwing off the ranking system. Yeah, has drafted, it says and >> To be clear at the debt level of the DeVos's, each staff member president show rank the 5 nominated candidates in order of preference to make sure that there is the 5 vote. council level says each member present ranking those nominated in order of preference preference so I think that does direct that council member should rank those candidates nominated in order of preference meeting one through 5. Those that are available. That being said, council members at. I just hesitant to say council members cannot do but there is a directive here, I think, to vote on that. Remember the candidates that are presented to the body? >> Can we make that little stronger? They have to rank all candidates. >> Yes, we can. It part of this, too, was leaving a little bit of flexibility. If there are more than 5. So there might be a and we can but work on that language to try to clarify to include a clear statement. A part of that was thinking that maybe council wanted just more flexibility potentially at the DAV and that there might be more than 5 candidates. So there is an unranked person in that scenario. If there was tie for the 5th place at the debt level. But we definitely can. That's kind of that. The headline happy to add any additional language that council would like to add. >> I would recommend that. Because if I want to just one person to win outright 5, not giving anybody else, any points there by throwing off the whole point system. So I think it's important that we rank all the candidates. 1, 6, 1, option to get 0 point state. >> And that is how I interpret it is just. >> A little more. Again, a little more ambiguous currently. So we could clarify at the council level for sure. >> That's the direction. Yeah. Okay. >> Councilmember Johnson. >> Thank you, To that point, wrote this down earlier would amendment that would modify section 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 6, to remove the phrase at the end and 0.1 unranked. With that achieve what we're talking about. >> I think we should. And I can work try to work at I think it would be better probably to include an affirmative statement that each. A council member or death member vote for 5 candidates if it's there, if those are available again, because the 0 points for unranked helps both that the DAV level when you maybe have 10 candidates and you need to get it down to 5 as well as the situation. If if we more than 5 at counselor dab level to keep it at 5 basically which just helps. I think some consistency between the processes, but yeah, I think again and more affirmative statement might achieve that without additional complications. Okay. I'm supportive of that. OK? >> And again, I think it's pretty clear at the dab level saw Incluidas. We could include a similar statement that. >> So each council member, presidential rank nominated candidates in order of preference, one through 5. >> You know, thank you, Mayor. I'm Nate. Would that be something is me? >> That we vote on this today and then we clear it up before second reading the additional language that you have. >> That's where we can make those changes this week and present it for second reading. If that's OK or you can. To direct the wording specifically from the bench with a motion today. But we also are able to make changes that are clarifying before secondary. I'm just at the staff level. So it's really up to you a specific you want to be If you want to make a motion to direct specific language today that. Appreciate it. Thank you. >> Motion. >> Thanks, Jennifer, I need your help on this. I would. Move that the city Council. Approve the ordinance with the modification of an affirmative statement to ensure that there are candidates. That are signed points. And placed ordinance on first reading. >> That motion It's a vision that will direct staff and will make those changes before second reading. So thank you. >> Motion and a second. Any further discussion. I see that clerk please open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, at clerk. Please call the next item. >> Public hearings for community improvement district and industrial revenue. Bonds, 3.10, East first the other. >> Good morning. Mayor member City Council are colder with development services. The item for you today is a public hearing regarding both the establishment of the community improvement district as well and Arby's for sales tax exemption. Only. This project is rehabilitation. The historic Orpheum Theater at 3.10, East First Street. It includes major updates to the building, on the interior with a total capital investment to be about 9 and a half million dollars. The project will include the necessary demolition to make the improvements as well as other rehabilitation of the decorative features within the theater lighting audiences. Audio system upgrade stage repairs, regain a new CNN, which I hear is a fan favorite as well as the HVAC Electric and historic lighting improvements for the building. This is an that depicts the where the see it would be established the entry lobby and the theater by want to point out, it does not include office condos along Broadway. It's strictly the Orpheum Theater. Just want to show some images of what the Orpheum Theater interior looks like today. So just kind of clicked through the city. You scene the necessary repairs that needed for this building. But then also the finish renderings of how this look like when it's done in reopening the year and a half. So without the project, this is how C which is proposed to be set up with the expenses, the administrative fee, the financing costs. And so it sets a maximum assessment of a million. 95. And so I want to point out this financing costs is what we speak about with one year's worth of debt. Service reserve is held within this financing that basically the 15th year fall. previous specials have been paid that last year's pay. But we have that in there as a reserve. So a little bit more about the financing for this project. So with this special says months would be levied against the property. Then in the bond interest rate would be set by the ball. And so there's going to be sold in repaid over 15 years. I'm the owner does pay this construction costs and they reimburse when the project is complete. I'm approximately about $940,000 for that project and then the special assessments are 11 against the property at that time. Now with this, there's that with the CI de sales tax. And so the revenue would be placed that special assessment that. And MIA 2 per cent sales tax over the 20 years for the project with the maximum. Again, time back to million 95 for the project. There is also request for an extra revenue bonds for this. It is for sales tax exemption. Only and so that exemption is estimated to be about $530,000 or up to that creates additional savings for the project they can 2 in towards more improvements in that and for their funding. But because the property is already exempt as a 5, one C 3 are tax exempt. There is no request or need for a property tax abatement on the property is already the and spate. So with that following the completion of the we would then set this final and making adjustments that they're less than maximum set. We do have members of and represent is of the Orpheum in the But I will also stand for questions. >> Vice Mayor Ballard. Mark, thank you the presentation. I'm very excited about this. Could you unexplainable? What and I are be is that we're not writing and 9 million dollar check No, absolutely. So the ire be is basically the tool that is used to grant the sales tax exemption. So we have to. Adopt the air. Do the resolution 10 for the Arby's for that. But there is no lending involved with that. It's all. >> Recorded with that for the. Issuing of the sales tax exemption. But it's just a tool that's used to provide that there is no additional loan later that It's just the 9 half is allowing. Amount of expenses. It covers that. So because they're expecting to spend up to 9 half million. That's the amount we put in there to allow the sales tax to be accepted up him out. >> Great. Thank you so mayor. If I if I could just add to that, just want to make it clear the debt is issued is issued and the repayment is really is. Pixar. The debt is in the name of institution, Orpheum and they are responsible for repayment. So I want that to be clear that the city is book. They're using our bond capacity or our bonding ability, not capacity which will probably get them a little favorable rate but not significantly off of what commercial rates would be. Mark said it's important to leverage the sales tax exemption. That's why they do it. But they're on the hook for the debt. The city is not so in case of default, it does not come back on the city. >> Councilmember Total, thank you and thank you, mark, for the presentation for all your work on this and also very excited about this project. And I was in and kind Vice Mayor Bill thank you for your question. I was listening to a local news outlet this morning and they actually that the city would be writing a check to theater again. Sorry, we're not just to be a little bit more redundant. Don't I know I've had conversations with prayers, assistant city manager and others about this. But just for the community for people who haven't maybe been involved in the conversations that we've had. What is the risk to the city for doing this? >> Related to the CIA. And without the risk is pretty in again with the fact that we have the assessments against the property for the CI, the amount. And then we additionally late on that one is where the debt service reserve and on. And on top of that, we also have that pledge the sales tax been generated to also make the payments on those bonds too. All take care of the risk involved with this, say that the risk is minimal to none. That I would say that. thank you. That's class cut. >> Now testing. When we look at the 2% CI the sales tax just for the general public at someone asking this question yesterday, what would be the difference of the Orpheum just increasing? Their fees by 2% to be able to cover the cost >> I can let your friends speak a little bit more on that. But I think it might someone be on how that's structured with the. They're kind of a Condit on this tickets for my understanding. So they can always just raise ticket prices. But beyond I and by up to speak when the when we opened hearing, yeah, that would be great. I would love to hear that. And I guess one follow-up question for you is is there a precedent for? >> Doing a project like this? I noticed in the staff report says while a separate cities, general guidelines restrict the use of general obligation, bonds for the finance and based on the pledge of the see ID tax as part of this, it's recommended that we waive the restriction. How often have we waive that restriction? This is kind of the first opportunity provide a program like that for a nonprofit. >> Again, because majority of these projects. On the commercial side of these things. And as a nonprofit, though, this is why we have the opportunity to do a waiver for special situations. So this would be the first on this or precedent, correct? Okay. Thank you. >> Remember tunnel, thank you. And just of open councilmember Glass question when this first came to our attention, I had a meeting with assistant city manager Trey Anderson. Talk about this. It's my understanding that this may be the only non for profit they could be in this situation. So there's trick shuns in the future would probably be few and far between. Is that correct? That's probably a good assumption to Thank you. I councilmember class. >> Councilmember totals questions sparked another question from and why would they be the only nonprofit and this particular situation? >> It's it has to do a lot with the operations and the fact that they general lot of revenue there for the sales tax to to fit that. I'm not also not all nonprofits would be in that situation where they actually have that operating revenue that. Is actually subject to sales Thank you. >> Are there questions for staff? open it up for public. >> Please just state your name and your address. >> Good morning, Madam Mayor Council members. My name is Barney One 50 south hand and for the better part of 15 years, I had the honor and privilege of being the theater director at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center. And I hope in my heart of hearts that I am bitterly preaching to the choir today about the need to do this. There are so many things that the Orpheum does for the community, the breadth of programming. And I'm going to use personal programs or pronouns, even though I retired in January of 23. There's so many things we do to bring a breath to programming to the Wichita and surrounding communities that no one else is in a position to do the size of the Orpheum. We're not drying arena size were not drying club size. There are so many acts. And admittedly, we kind of catching on the way at the catch him along the way down. We don't get artists that can fill Intrust Bank arena, but we get artists to fill a need in the community. I have seen I'll be 70 in July have seen shows where I was a young guy at our show because the demographic was much older. We offered those folks a chance to see something they would have had otherwise. One of the most one of the things that sticks most with me is we're advancing show an artist who a social media sensation. And when in talking to her people. The advance person said you're going to have young teens who have literally and this was coming out of COVID who have literally never been to a public performance. So we have them all across the age and demographic spectrum this is much needed. The Orpheum has getting by on the generosity of the community and ticket sales for a very long time. And that's just frankly, not We have a theater up north. love the community of Selena. That has been the beneficiary of a great deal of goodwill from their elected officials. And I'm not. >> I am not. >> I'm very grateful for the opportunity to get this. It's been a long time coming. There's still a lot that's going to need to be done with the infusion of this investment. But I think that's the best way to look at it as an investment. Not just in the theater, not just in the grand 100 year-old building, which, by the way, there are fewer and fewer there used to be dozens on the Orpheum circuits and not just on your from circuit but historic theaters. There was a time during the 70's and 80's when downtown across America decide we don't need these and they're gone and they're never coming back. That's not the case for the Orpheum. Your friend is here to stay. question is, what can the Orpheum be? What's the best iteration of this venue and how can it best serve the community? I will also say draw the orphan, his unjust Wichita. It's not just Cedric counties, not just South Central. We have had shows and I when I was director, I used to trying talked about the patrons. Were you from bringing in? Admittedly this was from a grateful dead member who perform their and their fans are very passionate about traveling. But we literally had people from 15 or 18 states. Now that's an extreme example. But it's not uncommon to get people from Nebraska, certainly from Oklahoma. There's an economic impact that is heretofore and measured and probably difficult to qualify but is no less real because of that. They're just so many reasons to do this and I am very appreciative that council seems ready to take this step. It has been a long time coming. I want to give a shout out to the Orpheum staff and to the I used to say to my staff, if anyone sees us during a show, something's gone very wrong because our first line. action with the community is always the volunteers. We have a bunch from turned out here today. The theater would not be where it is. Were it not for the volunteers? We have shows where we can have a sold-out performance and will have 30 or 40 volunteers there. And if you just think about paying even minimum wage, those folks. The bottom line be destroyed at the Orpheum. So the Orpheum has operated and of strong financial position. You're not coming in to bail out the week ended. He you're coming out coming in with a commitment to help the theater. Get to the next step. I'm not. I've only got 19 seconds are not going to talk about. We need to make it pretty. But there are technological improvements on the states that 10 seconds won't cover. Suffice it to say they are manifest and I appreciate your consideration of this and hope that you can all get behind Thank you so much. >> Anyone else from the community that would like to speak. Councilmember title. Please, go ahead. I thought you weird story. >> pause until after the community. I'm sorry. Push it too quickly. Said. >> My name is Rachel Banning and I'm in District 5 and I wanted to visit a little bit about having city support shows the rest of the region and with rest of the community, looks like it help significantly with out of state funders to find the rest of the project of what needs to be done. So I I just I'm very, very grateful to be here. I have the distinct honor of serving as the executive director of the Performing Arts Center and the Orpheum holds a special place is party was saying in American history as the first atmospheric theater and United States and the oldest one still standing after closing in 1976. That there was saved from from demolition by a group of local which attendance and subsequently gifted to 1984, to the work and performing Arts center nonprofit are volunteers began working diligently to bring the theater to an operational level and taking what once was an unusable building. open to the elements and transforming it into a functioning and bustling. And although morning updated home for quality entertainment, which the top. It is a testament that's about the allure of this iconic theater and to our guests desire for arts and culture in a unique and historic setting that keeps our light shining bright at first and Broadway. When you visit the Orpheum, you're not simply coming to a show. You are coming for an experience. Thanks to our 124 staff board members and volunteers and the true heart of theater. You will be greeted by a resident dormant, Larry White. Donning his red jacket and and our dedicated volunteers. Can your ticket, sir, few concessions as to your seat. And at the end of the night, they thank you for coming just like they did in 1922, couldn't be prouder of the work that so many in our community have already contributed to. And we're truly humbled to be here in front of are mayor and our city council asking for your help to ensure that the great continues to sign for generations to come. >> my >> name is Mary Pearson. I live in District only take one. Take those 5 minutes. A sham. I kind of want to bring it down from all the numbers and all the needs and just think about or fam. The orphan Orpheus was in Greek mythology a poet and musician. The Orpheum means a place of Mystic Music. And enchantment and a place to just enjoy. When Rachel just said it is the only standing atmospheric theater and the country. I looked up what is an atmospheric theater and it is a theater that draw was the patrons into the performance. And that's what you feel when you're at the Orpheum. And I can say is I love phone tearing there, I see people of all ages and demographics and they enjoy so many different venues that we have. And just don't get pulled into that in a big arena. It's just different at the Orpheum. And our volunteers do make it. It's it's a wonderful place to be. I don't want us to you lose the unique history that your family has given, which took. meets us and we need her. Thank you. >> Any additional public comment? >> My name is a need or little South short-staffed. I think I've seen you guys all at the Orpheum. At one time or another several times. I'm not here to discuss the magnificent history or the importance of our grand old lady that I'm leaving that up to the back the Senate leadership that we have. >> the history. >> And the fun that we have at the Orpheum and it is fun. There's tradition like the Rocky Horror Picture show that everybody goes to. We had its sold out every year. We had another show. When we have magnificent artists They prefer and they say this. They prefer to work and a smaller venue like because they understand the history. They a lot of times the new great the nitty gritty dirt band. Chris, I say Jackson Brad, they wells in their performance at the front of the stage. Turn off all the microphones and seeing at the palace because they understand. The history and stakes that that building was built back in 1922. Jets and Brown was performing one time and in between after intermission, he came back and said that somebody had called him some big star. And Jackson Browne himself told him if you ever get in the area to play the organ because they loved. They love the area. Now you guys all been there. You probably sat in those the balcony seats and the stairs. >> Definitely need. They need a lot of. They made a mean, a lot of help. Okay now like Barney said, we've had. >> People from all over people that come. This is my 15th time. Seen somebody. >> Are they come from Oklahoma where they come from? Kansas City. Kansas City comes here. We go there because he shows they deserve a beautiful place to set. It's a And I think you guys understand the importance of our Grand lady to be there at the We just needed to continue. I don't know whether this has anything to do with anything help get in trouble. But if we do replace that floor, I would like to see that floor would repurpose somehow into something. To carry tradition. I know that floor you know, God only what that more state, but the floor. I like to see that okay, that 2 minutes up the subject, When we when went remember the Orpheum, I mean, interest and this is probably totally different because nonprofit. But I remember when we had a one cent or one percent tax to build the interest and for like 18 months and then it was over and I didn't hurt. I didn't feel offended them. And it wasn't a big deal. Let me know. No surprises. Until I saw in the newspaper that the 18 months over and we got the money to build interest and it didn't even hurt. So that may be something different. I just wanted you to think sorry. I hope hope we do good. Thank you. Any further comment? I see that I will bring it back to the bench starting with council tunnel. >> Thank you. And thank you for everyone for being here today. We appreciate you coming in. This is your city hall. We hope you'll come back often for topics that are important to you. So thank you for being engaged. Community members. I'm a proud member of Arts Council board of directors and so I'm very excited about this opportunity. My friend Lindsey in the back would be disappointed if I didn't mention. We had our economic art and economic prosperity study. We had Randy Cohen from Americans for the Arts come and give several presentations in the community. The total impact of the non-for-profit arts sector in our community is 184 million, 710,000, $568. So about 185 million dollars economic impact in our community each year. And that's also equivalent almost 3,000 full-time jobs. So I really want to applaud the Orpheum for being creative and thinking of a way to get to. Yes, so that you can have the resident renovations that. building is so desperately needed. But also thank you for adding to the economic impact because of that 185 million dollars annually about 78 million of it is organization spending. So what that means is when you do this renovation, you're going to be also investing in Wichita, their goods and services that you purchase and and higher during the remodeling process. So for me, it seems like when and then just on a personal note, I said it a few weeks ago, but I'd like to say it again. I've seen some amazing performances in my life, but the best concert I ever seen was that the Orpheum in May of 2015, Chris body. I wish you all the best and I can't wait for the ribbon cutting. Thank you. Councilmember Johnston. >> First of all, people will travel to go theaters because I've been hit by the couple times too, to slide a Stifel Theater and it's a wonderful theater. So people will travel and bring money into our area. And secondly, I would like congratulate you. Thank you for taking on the the monumental task of the Capital campaign. That has been talked about years and years and years. And you're doing it and thank you very wish you all the success of the world. >> Councilmember Jaisol. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you guys for coming out. Thank you for your advocacy. This beautiful building. It's apparent that you have a lot of love for it. It historical in nature. It's something I believe that we absolutely should support. It goes back just to one of the the foundation, the rocks that Wichita So I appreciate you guys coming out I hope to be a bill in the time warp again. Within a matter of the year or so here. So thank you guys. >> Councilmember Glasscock. I'm I would like to hear from my colleagues and try to Kaminsky about the precedent of this. The 2% tax first. >> The establishment of just paying a higher fee for the use. I'm worried about if we establish a precedent, where does that end of the future? And I'm happy to be convinced. Either way. I just have a concern about that. Very supportive. I love for the Orpheum. It's probably my favorite theater. And I think it's one of those beautiful theaters in the region. And so if staff could talk about it, the difference between the RB first see it for the and why the combine. Combined together with a cost differential between both is as well. I would just be maybe some information like. >> Just into a comment to as Troy takes microphone. The the one positive in my mind on the CI D the uses. ID is that revenue will come directly to the city and so we'll be able to retire that debt immediately without without relying on ticket collection by the Orpheum and then payment to us of that revenue that royal. >> Troy Anderson assistance came out that that was going to be my one of my specifically. So number one, first and foremost, you know, this is a community that we absolutely cherish in our community, right offices. This is historic preservation. This is performing arts. The Suns supporting our community and preserving our heritage dry. And so one of the aspects that I you heard alluded to right is oftentimes in these capital campaigns right? The city's involvement, the city's commitment helps bridge that gap between other investors who are making investment in these projects and these capital campaign right. And so one way doing that is to leverage the tools that we have a tool box, right? So combining the tools we have in our tool box. The industrial revenue bonds for the sales tax exemption, lowers the overall impact that the cost of the project has by exempting those construction, commodities furniture fixtures, equipment or applicable to sales exempting them from lowers the actual construction construction obligation. So that's the sales tax exemption. As city manager alluded to right once the project is complete, being able used to bonding power right? And then interest rates associated with that to show our commitment to the project that the owner operator still obligated to pay for that debt service obligation rights for special assessments as the 1st half. So first and foremost. We're not loaning landing any dollars to the honor, the operator and advance of the project. The operators going go out and capitalized the project and complete the project only upon project completion. Will we leverage those bond dollars? Well, then assess the property owner will be responsible to pay those special assessments every year. But the beauty of combining the 2 projects, right? Want to see it is that they're also pledging those sales tax has indicated, right? Those sales tax receipts will be the first. And align obligation that will go to retiring those which reduces the risk and the city's obligation to. To have to somehow repay those right. And so they're pledging, though, see, it sells tax dollars. So the city manager's point how they just increase ticket cells right them. We don't get that. That first chance to retire the debt service by pledging those dollars. It's a it's a building on a repayment. And so make sure that those bombs get retire by pledging, though, see it sells tax receipts. We can assure that those those bond payments retired. >> Question Troy, a wanted to know how this will not set a precedent. 4 other non profits this in particular, like you mention and multiple times, the community has talked about historic preservation. I'm a healthy, strong financial budget that they currently have. Can you talk about how this is not going to set a precedent for other nonprofits that may not have that same type of financial situation. >> Right. to your point, right, these are we have them as benchmarks of how we respond to request such as these so first and foremost, any type of request comes before for you all for your review and consideration. But to your point, right, this is this is a community partner who owns a historical community asset. Who has a revenue stream that Kim pledged sales tax receipts for that debt obligation. And so when you start kind of walking through the laundry list, ride of of scenarios by which other nonprofits I want to try and come to the table if there is a if there is another community partner nonprofit on the historical asset and House. We would absolutely entertain that, right. We will bring that before you all for your consideration. But as we started kind of going through that. We don't know of too many other nonprofits who have those same types of scenarios, which is why we felt as though this was a good recommendation to come before you all again, preserving historical asset, supporting our performing arts in our community partners. So >> council member John stunt. Thank you, Mayor. >> One thing I would say is they need access to capital do the renovations. So the 2 Asian get that the bank, get a loan repaid with increased ticket cost. Everyone would a bank loan them money. Maybe maybe not. The advantage to doing it this way is that they get like Troy said, this sales tax exemption so will save over half a million dollars. Thank you. Put into the project. And the second thing is a note that it's essentially a user fee. People who buy tickets at like my wife and I go to a concert there. Tickets are $100 total. an extra $2. We're going to pay and sales tax. Probably not going to miss that $2. You know, over 22 years to pay that back. So it's really it's a financing mechanism. That has advantages to it. >> Councilmember Glass thankful for your comments as well as Troy's comments as well. I think for this project it doesn't make for this unique circumstance. I'm I went on the record on cautious about using the power of taxation in order to benefit nonprofits and private sector. I think this project is an exception to that But when we talk about economic incentives, can we kind of include? How this could I know you mentioned up there as well, but to make sure this doesn't the south precedent and make sure that we have guardrails about how we use the power of taxation and certain projects as well. I think that would just helpful. We talk about economic incentives, but I do think this is an exception to the rule and I will be supporting. >> Any further comments from council members. I seen Is there motion to? This actually resides Vice Mayor Ballard's district. >> Thank I just made a couple comments before. First of all, I would like to thank all of the volunteers are being here. I think that is awesome. And I've been a volunteer in the past myself. So I know. How important the volunteer peace. I don't know happened. Sorry. I know how important the volunteer piece of making the Orpheum, what the regime is. So I just want to thank you all so much for being Means a lot to me dishes, your dedication to the thank you. And with I'd like to take the recommended action to close the public hearing place on first. first ordinance adopting the community Improvement District. Adopt the eye of the resolution of intent authorizing necessary signatures. Like second. It. >> motion and a second. Any further discussion. I see none. Madam Clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, Thank you very much. clerk please call the next item. >> Public hearing and approval of the facade improvement project. 26 North Saint Francis. Good Morning Mark colder again with the mayor's Office Development This is a request and a public hearing for facade. Innovations for one. 26 North Saint Francis. This is a project is a bunch of young leaders a group of young leaders together and development to redevelop this Bill, specifically for the request today, they would be redoing the facade, but as part of their project, the overall project, they're also going to be renovate the interior for providing new office and ground for retail and downtown. There are estimated total investment is project is 1.1 million dollars. But for the stuff aside portion of this project, it would include the exterior brick repairs improvements to the front entrance as well as the new when his indoors that are necessary. For the renovation. This is an aerial view of the proper subject property that's going to be renovated. So I mean, it's not a large area that's actually facing a Saint Francis for this. But it does still have a lot of need for those renovations. Just real kind of the photo of what what it looks like today. So we clean that up repainting and replace those windows and doors for the facade. Yes, made a fuss a project for this is $1000 that does include a contingency in there. So, you know, it may come in less, but once you include that with administrative fees, as well as the financing costs, which again on this project does include the one year's worth the debt service reserve for the payments. The maximum assessment proposal be $105,000 for the project. So with this special assessments would be levied against the building. One. 26 toward Saint Francis. the interest rate would be set on sale and repaid over a 15 year period. The owner gun pay would be willing to pay the construction costs up front and be reimbursed for that project is complete up 80 $88,000 for the project and then the special assessments would be levied against the property. So following the completion of the project, that's when the final says movie set. So if that project does come in under the maximum assessment, we would come into just that, too. Set a final amount for that. With that, I would for any questions I did have here earlier today, but he did have to leave to another meeting. for staff. I see that. >> open it up for public comment at this. I see Bring it back to the bench. Tara motion. This is a Vice Mayor Balance district. >> I would like to I moved to close the public hearing place the assessing ordinance for the one. 26 North State brings its facade improvement. >> On first reading. Motion and a second, any further discussion. I see clerk please open the call. >> Sorry merits. President moment. >> Would be a subsequent motion for a voice vote there. We'll have a voice vote those in favor say Aye. All those opposed same time. Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> Public hearing and requests for letter of intent to issue industrial revenue. Bonds sake. >> Good morning, mayor and council members and Tim good pastor with the city Manager's Office of Development Services. The item before you is a request for a letter of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for ball conveyors. Bowl conveyors is a global provider of conveying and elevating products. They're in the business of designing and manufacturing chain conveyors bucket elevators. They're supported conveyors chain breakers and parts replacements for conveying equipment they're located at 3400 North Broadway in this aerial, you can see Broadway running a little left of center and you can see 33rd Street running from left to right. The area outlined in red is where the company is located at 3400 North Broadway. The company proposes building 150,000 Square foot expansion at the southeast corner of 37th Street North and Saint Francis. It will include manufacturing and office space as well as a showroom space. The company is requesting a letter of intent to issue industrial revenue. Bonds in an amount not to exceed 13 Million. These are some of the examples of some of the equipment that the company manufactures. Both conveyors currently employs. 62 people here in Wichita and projects that will add 29 employees over 5 years with wages in excess of $48,000 a year. Based on the capital investment and job creation alone. The company qualifies for 100% property tax abatement. The estimated value of 100% tax abatement based on the 13 million dollar investment is approximately $490,000 a year with the city share being approximately $140,000. These are taxes that are currently not being generated today. There is cost benefit. Analysis was conducted by the Center for Economic Development and Business Research which State University, which showed an overall ratio benefits to cost to the city of 2.1, 8 to one 1, 0.9, 5 to one for the city's general fund and 2.7, 7 to one for the city's debt service fund. Therefore, the staff's recommendation that the City Council close the public hearing adopt the resolution of intent and authorize the necessary signatures. you can and who is the C C f o of the company is here and can answer any questions specific to the company. And I would be happy to answer any questions as well. >> Thank's 10th. Questions for staff beginning with Councilmember Tuttle. Thank you, Tim. Great presentation things for all of your work on the side of By the time something like this gets to the bench many hours and days and weeks have been but still been invested in it. So thank you. Do appreciate that. Would you please go back to slide? 63? United had this conversation many a time and tree in addition again or assistant city manager had this conversation. We understand this. I think, you know, pretty well. But for someone may be in our community of my neighbors watching today or somebody you know, has a question. Can you explain with the 2.1, 8, 2, one truly means for the city. Sure. >> So when we're looking at a cost benefit analysis, the city's cost in this is the property tax abatement that we're giving up our share of the overall property tax abatement, the city, the county, the state school district are all giving up taxes that they're not receiving today. So it's the property taxes that we're giving up. And then to a lesser degree, it's the sales tax exemption that we're giving up as well on this. That's the cost side of things. The benefits side of things are the jobs that we're getting and the wages that are being paid. So in this case, the projected 29 jobs with wages at $48,000 a year or more are the benefits side of things. So what the cost benefit analysis does is it looks over time and says what is the benefit? Does the benefit outweigh the costs? And in this scenario, the benefit outweighs the cost to the tune of 2.1, 8 to one overall for the city. And what's her minimum ratio are minimum ratio. So we run a cost benefit analysis because the state requires us on any property tax abatement to run a cost benefit analysis to show the impact all of the taxing jurisdictions. The state does not require that benefit to be at any particular ratio, 2 to 1, 5, to one 0.5 to one. But we have a local policy. The city of Wichita that says that it has to be at least a one to one ratio. So this is well above that one to one ratio. Okay. Thank you. Great explanations. One last question. Is there any risk to the city there is no risk. The a is being completely funded by both conveyors. The industrial revenue Bonds will provide them a sales tax exemption on construction materials and the furniture, fixtures and equipment. And then the property tax abatement. Once the project is complete. But it's all funded. Strictly Bible conveyors. Thank you. >> Let's remember Glasscock first off. Fantastic bow tie. I'm glad you're sporting that today. Thank Second off, I know for a previous projects we're looking at property tax >> People provided a payment taxes. Pilots for the current cost the land. I know they're working to acquire land is their intention that they would pay the current over the land. Casas. That is correct. And that's a great question. And one since the you've come on to the council that we have not explained. >> We do not abate the land in any scenario. We do not abate the land so they will pay taxes on the land since this is raw ground today, there's no existing building. Otherwise we would be putting a payment in lieu of taxes if the existing building were generating taxes. But since there's no existing building, it will just be the land that has not abated and they will continue to pay that value. So do we know what the values I know it's probably minimal. Now. I do not know off the top of my head. What that is. It is fairly the size of the ground. So it says prop 100% property tax exemption. >> It's not necessarily 100% property tax exemption, its 100% property tax exemption from new costs. >> Not the existing costs for Russia land. Correct. >> For future reference, could we have that information? Absolutely. community knows number like that. It is still being made whole number one. And number 2, I know that it does say that after 5 years, the second 5 years there's going to be and opportunity for the council to reassess. Whenever we have these 5 year opportunities and we have, I a good working spreadsheet so that our community knows that they're coming up or that community can but also see the benefit that has happened in the last 5 years. For many of these projects. Yeah, absolutely. When we do the five-year reviews, those all come to city council just like this in a presentation. >> Where the city get a full review of where the company is that have they met the objectives that they had projected 5 years ago. And the council has the opportunity to weigh in to grant the second 5 years. And that is unique to the city, the state of Kansas. When we apply for a tax abatement automatically applies the 10 year abatement. We actually go back to them. if a company doesn't comply and the council desires to put the property back on the tax rolls, then we go back and say this property needs to go back on the tax rolls. >> Any further questions for staff? I seen Thank you tent. We will open it up for public comment. >> Good morning, sir. Less reset, district 5, thank you for allowing me to speak. I have never seen a 5 year follow-up with a cost analysis benefit. By that. I mean, going to the economic development website and looking to see what was actual. What was estimated and how well those targets were met. In fact, I filed a Cora vantage 3.60, apartments and the cost benefit analysis was so heavily redacted. I couldn't tell anything. I couldn't tell how we came up with that number. I don't know what the discount rate was. I don't know what any of the facts were that supported that analysis. So this is an area that I have never seen transparency on. And I appreciate Mayer was that you're indicating this would be helpful to the public. I would love to see the cost benefit analysis model and I would love to see the 5 year actual results and pay back if there was payback and I would love to see the discount rate and factors that were used in that analysis. This is something used to do in my professional career and I would think that a city of this side would also want to publish those types of financial results. So thank you. Appreciate it. >> There I can. Just make sure the record's clear. The council is is given that information regarding the performance of the 5 years and how they compared to the original projections and especially in terms of the cost benefit analysis. I believe I just want clarify Miss Reset is asking is to see the work that is done by Wichita State, which includes proprietary information. And that's why when she's asked for in the past, it's been redacted because we're not free to give information regarding the business itself. And I believe there's also some concern, a WSU in terms of the probe, proprietary nature of the model that that use by staff can talk more about that. But that's my understanding of the inability to drill down deeply into the model for each project. But we do bring back information before you're asked to act on that last the second 5 years that shows the performance in almost every case would. They far exceed what our original projections were where that hasn't been the case. The council has looked pretty closely at the results when someone has underperformed many times was around performance during the recession by some of our aviation companies. That's probably what I remember most regarding those discussions past. >> Councilmember Johnson. >> Thanks, mayor. Just to follow up what the city manager I remember a few of those. We tend to have those 5 year follow-up since December. Those are longer meetings with those follow-ups, but they are very detailed about items you see today for the initial so creation, proposals. We don't get the proprietary information, but we do see the goals online and then what happened. And there have been times where some of those fell short. That explanation was given the council by staff as well as the company it's all said and the public so people can go back and look at those meetings and then council decides whether or not the body wants to approve another 5 years or If the numbers are drastically even hear from staff that they don't recommend going forward with another 5 years. So it's pretty transparent. Open. My experience. >> Any further comments from the public? I see none. We'll bring it back to the bench. Council members. I seen this also resides Vice Mayor Ballard's district, district 6 so popular today. >> I had the pleasure of bulk of mayors. was an incredible facility after been passed. decades didn't really know that that's what was going on. And they're so I'm very excited for the growth that they're looking And they have some really excited to be their showroom and to bring other people here to all the incredible things that they're doing. So with that, I'd like to take the recommended action to a close the public hearing and on the resolution of intent authorizing necessary signatures. >> Motion and a second, any further discussion. I seen a lot of work Motion passes 7, 0, that a clerk please call the next item. >> Charter ordinance and a resolution naming the city website as official newspaper. >> Good morning. Sure. And to craft the city law department. I'm here today to present a charter ordinance regarding the designation of the official city newspaper. As back ground state statute states that City's a first-class required to designate a newspaper as the official city newspaper for public Haitians. These publications consist of ordinances resolutions, City O City ordinances regarding planning and other city regarding bidding state statutes have a separate section which require certain items to published in the official newspaper and attached to it. The agenda there is exhibit A and exhibit B that break down. What those types of publications are. Additionally, there is a list of I'm sorry. said that currently the Wichita Eagle is designated as the city's newspaper. It has been the city's newspaper since 2019, approximately $150,000 is currently spent on legal publications that contract with Wichita Eagle has been extended for 5 years, which is normally the maximum amount of extensions on a contract. So it is due to be rebid in August, regardless of the council's actions today. This state statute is pretty clear on what types of print requirements there are. Newspaper must be 50 times a year has to be in existence and published the year before needs to be treated as a periodical have a pay circulation and can't be a trade with the Jets fraternal publication has published in the where the city is does not necessarily have to be published in the city. This charter ordinance would allow the city to designate by resolution. The city's website as officials city newspaper since the charter ordinance. It has to be approved by a vote of at least 5 council members. It's not effective until 61 days following the publication of the second reading citizens during that period of the ordinances passed have 60 days to initiate a petition to protest that charter ordinance. The petition would require signatures of 10% of the individuals who voted in the last general election. The attached resolution to the charter ordinance does not become effective until or if the charter ordinance is effective. The resolution is frankly much more detail than some of the other city resolutions that are on this topic requires that the Web site must made available to citizens at no charge. The Clark has to execute affidavit paper copies must be provided to citizens upon request and and in full disclosure, many of these notices are already maintain on the city's website and have been for a couple of years. This is the list that tried to get that lead to earlier. These cities who have use the website as official newspapers is also another city who did not make this list, but they are using their Web site as the official newspaper. It is recommended that the city council approved the charter ordinance and resolution and authorize all necessary signatures. And I would stand for any questions. >> Thank you, Sharon. >> Councilmember class I do have questions for the Wichita Eagle or they president shared a representative. Is there any member of the public that's here to represent the Council >> Thanks, I did have Specific question. So. As you indicated, kind of no matter what happens This could be rebid in August. But if the council were to designate the city website as a newspaper. How would that be bid? >> We would did. We would still have a open. Cannes are open for bids. The bid would be to continue to publish those notices and information that have to published in a newspaper of certain circulation. That's going to your budget. That's going to be a condemnation. Those are going to be the type of actions that are listed in. I think Exhibit B to the gender report. So we're still going to have to have a print newspaper at this point in time. Okay. Thank you. >> Councilmember Home Thank you, Mayor. I just a couple of quick questions here. I take an online publications are not acceptable as official newspapers right? >> Not not unless you designate them so I'm sorry. other online newspapers. Yes, online. Yeah. Like. You would you would have to still charter out of that statute if you wanted to debt. I mean, whatever you want to designate, unless it's a print newspaper that meets those 5 criteria, I read, you're still gonna have to pass a charter ordinance to do that. But that's a Web site whether that's another newspaper or whether that's some sort of online newspaper. >> Exhibit see that you have with packing here. As that included in the contract was at a separate contract. We have. >> will public those It's it's all encompassing any any official notice this point in time that requires publication goes to the eagle. >> So this this stuff is what we are going to have to. We are required by state statute like there's no way out of publishing days and newspaper, no way out of that. >> The reason why we can designate the I'm sorry website as official newspaper is that statute is now non-uniform any became an uniform in 1998. when the legislature added first class cities. So therefore, that particular statute is not uniform to all cities across the state, which is how we can charter out of it. >> That we would still regardless have to have a separate contract for those not says yes, because the statute that requires notices. >> In a newspaper, our our Uniform. Last. >> Or 2 more questions The current contract is entered before 2019. Before that it was still goal going back years and years. >> We have used the Derby reporter since I've been here. 32 years. We've used the Wichita Eagle and those are the 2 primary ones that I know of. I believe such a county still uses the Derby reporter. >> Okay. appreciate that. And feels like I've been here 32 years to do so. >> You have not been >> the last question is, I think a song earlier we are currently publishing these notices on our website, correct? The majority of them. Yes, we are not all of them. But most of the notifications that come through the clerk's office and I will deferred to Jamie, if I say something wrong, the clerk notices are currently going on the website. I think planning has not moved their notifications over to the Web site yet. >> correct? >> Because so removing the as we can do that for free. So removing this would essentially remove another point of access for the public as far as being able to engage and see what's going on with their city. >> That's a policy determination that access has to be paid for versus free. >> Appreciate Thank you. >> I have specific questions for I'd like. >> Either Cheney or manager to talk to me about that. Miranda. That was published on January 6, 2023. More than a year before this council came into office. Can you give me some background regarding this? >> I'm so what what memorandum are you referring I think Jamie start. Thank you, mayor. >> So that the staff had looked into what the saving benefits were. Different issues with publications that we're having. And we research that for a couple years and then provided the memorandum to the city manager's office for further consideration with it. >> Tell me what that recommendation was. So the subject headline says Leaning Savings. Publishing City ordinances resolutions public hearings. And again, this is dated January 6, 2023. >> I believe the recommendation on that was take those legal notice publications that we could out from the newspaper publication and published them on our website save the city money to operate on the budget. >> I think you don't have the memorandum I so. I wanted to just make some clarification for folks may be that don't understand how the process keep about I guess this was a again in 2023. Not this year of a to try to find some cost savings to the city of Wichita and the website which which talk Slash legal notices started publishing these back in 2022. And this project trying to figure out how to find cost-saving started August of 2020. And so this again was something that. Has been discussed least but has never been brought in front of a public body. Again, that that that memo said the cost savings with the approximately $122,000. But it is now increased to $150,000. So to that, we're all on same page regarding that information I would like to know since there's representative from which time you go back and speak on the behalf of the Wichita Eagle. I'd like to get more information regarding their circulation numbers. You do have So we'd like that information, please. This provided to me by our. >> Media departments. There is a USPS statement of ownership that is called Ps 35 26, which is required to be up posted or printed in the newspaper. Addition once yearly. And 2023, the print publications were 11,913 and there were 14,588 paid electronic copies, which is about 26,500. In comparison in 2007, the publication information was right at 100,000 and 1980, was 154,000. And that was provided to me by Megan. And I believe that she's been pulled it out. The newspaper for 2023. >> Can you repeat was 11,000? Perhaps the addition? >> Yes, 11,913 print editions and 14,588 paid electronic copies. >> Thank Vice Mayor Ballard. Thank you, can we get a copy of the summer and they are talking >> like to see it was e-mailed to us. I send it out yesterday Council member John stunt. >> I have a little bit different numbers and you have. >> And as indicated to me that your numbers, we're going to be different. And that's yeah, >> and all I can go by is that making pull these off of what they had reported? >> As part of their requirements to publish newspapers. Yeah. Well, according to the Eagles, only a guide. Okay. Drew an average day I called have tiny agency. >> They pulled it from the media guide. circulation on Sunday. It's 7,772. On Wednesday. It's 6,330 print. It. On Friday, its 5,197, which is relevant because that's when the legal publications are. So 5,197, the eagle has 3 different subscriptions and a six-day subscription. We have a Sunday and Wednesday, only and they have Sunday only. If we just do a little math and we may still have to spend more, not $150,000. Still some spent some. $150,000 divided by the 5,197. People were spent. $28.86 per person. For a print edition. Here nor there. That's just that's just what it is. I realize there's also online editions. And even even the eagle itself. It's Sunday's paper. They have a half a page at. Trying to get people to go digital. Instead of a take. The print edition. Obviously it's in their plans to delete the print edition some time. I would just like to point those things out. Oh, by the way, the Derby reporter Circulation is 2,400. Which I guess which saw as used in the past. >> Councilmember Glass CA but comment. Maybe it question light the difference of the circulation of the 11,000 5,187. That could be that's just printed, correct? That's not. >> Deliver to homes. That's how many they print so quick trips. And I would just say that that's how many that they print that think Fox's. That's my assumption is not broken down. thank you. Appreciate that. >> You know, for the questions for staff will open it up for public comment. >> face Martin District 2 in principle. I do not disagree with with the I mean, homelessness was already brought up in this meeting. We have to find money some wear. So I don't disagree with this in principle. My concern is. We already have a history of a Web site that has broken links. People can't find things just right now I went and had to do 5 clicks down to search for notifications. So my request would be if this is something that we're going to do for cost savings to help fund some other initiatives that we know are important in Wichita. We have to make it more transparent and easy for the public to find it. Having us be our own paper and us charge of it. We have to ensure that it is right on the front. I don't know if it's that have. It has been very open to feedback about the website, but it has to be in the front where people can see at these notifications are the only way people can find out about zoning changes that affect them. And ordinances that are coming up. If we decide to hide it, 5 layers down, which is how it feels when you try to find something on the Web site. We're in a sense saying the transparency and accountability is not important to the city of Wichita because we did our due diligence by putting it on the website. It has to be in the front and has to be where the public can easily access it. Like I said, I am in support of cost saving initiatives that don't damage the public's impression of transparency and accountability with the city which so we may want to find out what that looks like. How hard that would be and maybe get some input from the community. Besides just me about what that might look like as far as access to the Web site is of use and those kind of things. We also want to make sure that anyone that has a disabilities, whatever that might look like, they're being considered so that that's to say things. >> Councilmember sorry. Thank you, Mayor. >> You know, we we discussed this at our district advisory board meeting last night. I think the reform innings last night, a couple council. Members have not had a chance to bring entry District Advisory board. I think they should have the opportunity to do that. I would propose that we. Allow maybe a month maybe go to our may meeting. 7th meeting. Bring this up. And allow them 2, 2 To come up with the plan. And and also. Our city staff come up to clearly articulated plan to how we're going to get us out. If we don't use the print edition. >> They have 2 more counts. As a result. The port are still a public comment. Don't worry. We will still come to you. We'll continue with public comment. And welcome back to the bench after public do have a comment for story on it. Councilmember o'clock this morning, I did talk to the Commerce Department, you know, like the bubbles up here. asking if we could put it as one of the bubbles. So when you go to which Gov, it's the first thing that you see at the front. >> And so hopefully it doesn't look like it's updated now that would be were license and permits rhetoric last. All of those options are that way. The one of the first 8 items someone could find on our website. >> So Leicester said District 5 so Councilmember Glasscock worst list of tests on the website. You know, we have approximately 12 tests districts where those on the website. They're not there. When I see a TIF district created, I go to the paper to find the legal publication. So it's not on the website. It's not in the paper. Where am I going to find those legal publication says my first question. We very selectively look at it. The projects that we put our money into and I'm going to use the ball stadium as an example. When have we ever discussed in December how we're doing on the start? Star Balance. I irby's. The or the tips for the ball stadium. I don't remember there being a December discussion on how we're doing with that Ball stadium. So I would disagree with the previous comment on every December. You look at these projects, know you do. As a matter of fact, when I filed a court to get the start report, we have meet it down. It used to be that the city would attach how we were doing on phase one and phase 2. got a copy of that right here. When I requested last year. Star Bond report. I got 60 pages of worthless information that list vendors. >> Who at one time or another? Sold something at the ball stadium. This has no financial information. In fact, the Hyatt Regency Place is listed as a guest. And then as a regular vendors. So as this 60 some page report, almost all of it is just a list of vendors who have at one time sold Coke or a pop. It doesn't tell me how the star been district did. Nothing. So we have actually stepped back from providing financial information to the public, including TIF districts which are nowhere to be found on the website. And I looked. If you want to save money, I can tell you where to save money. Because visit Wichita filed a court to see where they are doing financially is sitting on 4 million dollars in liquid assets. 4 million dollars. What are they sitting on this for? They planning to build a bridge across the river. Are they planning to build something? We don't Why have we taken the hotel guests tax and given them a surplus that they have built year after year after year, a 4 million dollars when this could have been used to fund the library's leaking roof. Cultural arts facilities. Any other any other purpose besides cash, liquid assets, securities that visit, which stars sitting on? They're paying rent to be in water. Walk over $300,000. The lease comes up next year. Get him out of there. Save $300,000. Put them in the former public library. We talk about wasting money. Kenmore it's a million dollars. Rodney. Steven with a high this a million dollars? Jim courts for filled in took 4 million dollars from the city and we have a balloon payment coming due of almost 2 million dollars. I hope you know that on that debt for the Fairfield Inn. It's not hotel. It's a private developers hotel. West Bank developers which built. Supposedly are going to build development around the ball state him. So the land we gave them for a dollar, an acre for 2 million dollars. We could have made a little bit more on that land cell. Developers in Riverside. We're given also TIF money for private development. 1.7 million. So I can quote for you millions of dollars of my money, taxpayer money that has gone to special interests and developers and we're now involved in 2 lawsuits to try to collect and were arguing over a legal publication that I can find in the paper and I can't find any where else? That to me it's worth. $30 because I waste my time searching trying to find things filing course that are rejected. Listening to you say every December you analyze these projects, one actually the ball stadium is losing money and I have to get those information. And that number now from Topeka. And by the way, the year ends in 2017. This is the bond underwriting agreement on the 42 million OnStar bonds that are non are books. But we're legally on the hook for. I will stand for questions. See a whole boy. >> OK, we'll wait for public. that, I think I do have questions. thank you. Mayor first officer said thank you for proving one of my points. So when we look at which I know that you received because you probably look at those for packets, which I am very thankful of. >> Exhibit Day says our publication official newspaper you it stated that you can't find the a tiff resolutions and the public needs to paper correct districts. Yes. Usually a map is published in the paper. >> That shows the area and shows the detail association it and the ordinance. And you say that's currently have they will find this recently. It's not on the website. But you have to newspaper, correct? Yes. And it used to be on our website at least listed that TIF districts. It doesn't now. So if we were to move to be the official paper record all items on exhibit including item number Ks a 12, 1, 7, 7, 2, tax increment financing districts resolution would be required. >> By law required to have an affidavit submitted to the city clerk to be able to do that. So that would increase transparency. Our Web site that people would be able to access for free. And so these are listed staff as director at 7 said a man Jamie and the so that we do post current or we post some of our notices. But this would require if we become the official paper record. This require I will read the part of the memorandum to and this is a question is I think this is one of your fears. This is the memorandum submitted in 1/6/2023, some common issues with publishing and the print media are inconsistent. These delays an affidavit, incorrect affidavits, an incorrect postings. So clearing up with the resolution offer today that resolution in an affidavit have to be submitted to city clerk to be able to ensure that. So I just want for the record your concern. We be required by law submitting an affidavit of the city clerk to be able to implement tax increment financing districts resolution Ks 12 on something. So 2 of the last have regarding yours. I echo your concerns about finding cuts and finding ways to save money. That is what we're trying to do with the sport. I think we have to look at every single line item budget be able do this. This is one of them. I want you to hold me accountable to make sure that we continue to do that from this bench because that is a priority to make sure a line item by line with the budget and figure out ways we can save cuts. And so I would love an opportunity sit down with you to talk about different items that you would also see a wasteful spending. In addition to this aspect of wasteful spending, think we heard the items are listed in 5. >> Wasteful spending of millions of dollars to developers. Yes, police ball back with me an email us make sure we can do because I echo your concern right. And that TIF districts should be published with the map and the area and see it the same thing. >> Because as you know, I discovered that the CI district and NASCAR Park was not collecting the 2% CI the tax. You may not remember that appear before City Council about a year ago. And also found that the ball stadium was charging a development fee of a percent that I brought before City Council exhibit A would mandate that were required to post that him a mandate it. But there's nothing on the Web site right now that shows anything about art, if districts, nothing. There's a photo of NASCAR park and that's it. >> Real shot. I just like to correct the those listening. When I mention December, I believe I said I Arby's. I don't think I said anything else. Ball stadium or anything. So for the record, I said that we do receive a lot of those reports for IR peas in December just to be clear, also, I believe in the manager can correct me if I'm We do receive a quarterly financial report that may have those numbers were council members can ask about star Bob performance and all of that during those quarterly reports and get that information. >> I know we have information. sorry, we do have information regarding the TIF district performance of the night discuss. That times. We've talked about that during the quarter. Lee's it's included in the quarterly reports. I don't remember in terms of Starbuck performance and and I want we do at the end of the years, we prefer we provide the state with information they request on the performance of the very start but district. And I know we we tend talk about those 2 so that that's a public accounting of that. >> And then there was a comment made that there was 60 pages of useless information. But if if I'm not mistaking sales, contribute to the financial performance of these see ID's are star Bond. So having different vendors and maybe what they're selling actually show that type of revenues being made. >> I again, I'm not sure the nature. The report them is reset. He's talking about If it's the state report, we don't have much control over what they include in it. You're right. performance of the star been district depends on sales occur inside the district. I just wanted to clarify. Thank you. >> Continued public comment. >> Good morning. Mayor and city Council Vince Hancock from District 4. Have special background and information technology and mass communication kind of comes in handy for this. And that I'm sharing the room with 2 former members of the media that I used to work One of them being a mayor. And he may not know this actually teach technology classes for our city, including desktop, publishing. And Web design. My first Web page was created 6 months after the newspaper went online. And 3 years before the city's first website. I've been disappointed to find out that there's significant misinformation and propaganda. It's been published by special interest groups with disingenuous intentions. The Astroturfing group known as Public Notice Resource Center has published a policy document titled Public Notice and American Tradition and the Finest tradition of George Orwell. Thank agent double speak to hide their motives. They redefined paid legal advertisements as public notices compound a few comments about their deceptive claims properly preserved. Newsprint replay remains useful for the future and digital documents are far more fragile and paper. No digital document can live in perpetuity. If we maintain could backups, I do recommend that we work together with the communication department to actually have a policy possibly even amendment to this ordinance requiring a minimum digital retention policy of 10 or more years. So that's something just doesn't disappear. Year from now, very simple addressed policy. One of the other claims was the free market compels publishers to operate effectively site, but not public officials. They also say operating website is merely incidental the primary purpose of government. That may be the case in small town. America. While there are always room for improvement. I'm proud of our city's website, especially with the redesign of last year. We are making it better and easier for our. Patrons to use. That's got some growing pains, but we're maturing. One of the other claims is the publishing notices on the Internet is cheap. Only if it's done poorly. I don't know where their money comes know exactly how much our city spends on its it infrastructure, specifically the website. My website cost me 33 bucks a year. I just did last night. So it can be done on the cheap and still, my Web site reaches exactly as many potential people as the city's website. That's strength of the digital revolution. They also claim that newspapers post legal at on their websites free of charge. Not ours. In fact, the truth is the double dipping. They charge both the city to publish the website and then they charged the visitors to get past the payroll. A project that one of the other claims spread of legal as prevent government officials from hiding information that they would prefer the public not My Alexa, less. If city staff is looking at hiding something, they're going to do that by monkeying around with the open records not by heading things on the Web site. Usually. There are multiple state statutes that require publication of certain types of government information. And some minor structural improvements to the legal notices website will make it much easier to use. And if we come up with what's called a site specific search, then they can search just through the legal notices without finding things all over the city, which a website this will easy to do and thinking about to pitch in. Keep in mind, nothing in this proposed ordinance prevents any newspaper from serving the public by publishing legal ads in print or online. They can get out the city website and put it on their newspaper. And less. The true motivation is really about propping up there and response. A business model, government subsidies. Stand for questions. >> Any additional comment? >> Council, they'll vote reside in Mega Ballard's district. Before you o'clock it like a little Customer times. Tonight. You mentioned the possibility of taking this back. 2 dads for a little more. Background. Is that on the table I would reserve some of what I was going to say. Until that took place. He had a chance to do that. Is that? Going to be done? Are we're still continuing public comment this time. >> all right. Let's I burned 30 seconds the last. Let's get straight from the beginning. This isn't a debate about legal notices is nothing more than a purely vindictive partisan animosity against the Daily newspaper. This is nothing new. Most of my career was spent as a mainstream journalists ring at the Kansas Statehouse. And later for 17 years of public television, I've seen countless such exercises usually by Republican Party trying to undermine media by challenging any public funding had their direction in public. He hit was a constant battle. The national level right-wing fanatics challenging public broadcasting at the state level. There been repeated efforts to do away with a legal notice. Statute always carried up by reason for Republicans comments from the bench 2 weeks ago gave evidence to the true motives behind this attempt. Councilman Brandon Johnson just kind of the value notices by saying he's never read one. desk. I want to step further saying no citizen reads Little loves the newspaper. Customer Johnston tipped his hand. A little thing. I want to be $150,000 or 2 day old news. That's not the point. Leon notices have a reason. To exist and that's established by state law. It's not about the quality of the news product where the notices or read by a mass audience. The Kansas Legislature enacted the public notice statute for reason is because legal notices provide a vital and essential safeguard to protect the public interest. The cancer specialist website have a drop-down menu that displays virtually every public notice published in in the newspapers. It's available to anybody free of charge. See where the KPA website to the top down. You'll see all the legal notices. No firewall. everybody from Wichita Eagle to the Butler County time because it so let's just call it what it really is. A bitter, vindictive retaliatory by disgruntled pitchers councilmember. Okay. Made that clear. Let's move on. I'm ready. I'm here to support I'm here to support us. With one qualification. And that's if you get the same concern to the which tie center and resolve that messy business. Background $150,000 to the Eagles. Nothing compared to million dollars on the table with the ICE center. The loan was made around the state and for 750,000 requirement. Payback here by here for 10 years, payment of 14,000 never made another one now are in court after 10 years expired finding going to court to collect it. And the lawsuit also recover 300,000 Y 300 knot 7.50, because the contract stipulated that can't go back more than 3 years for delinquent payments. How the heck that happen? Are ever going to ask that question of the gentleman here who put that contract on the table in the law department that signed off on it. That doesn't make any sense if you're serious about and that lot of nitpicking today about various financial projects and integrity of Here's 400 grand that apparently is in the pocket Friday's team is I don't blame him. They signed this agreement. He never made one payment first year came when my he didn't make a payment second know, you know, notice from the city third-year fourth-year 5th year. Why would you pay for intellect? So you get my support for this kind of eagle thing. When you demonstrate a concern for financial responsibility and demand an answer from the city manager widened to try to collect this note. The 3rd year in the 4th year in the 5th year. Why you let it run that that that course events and wanting to do something about just close with a quote from one of my favorite public officials. Mayor, Lovely one. A campaign event. You stated when something doesn't work like the Eye Center, which was something that the community was an open enough to understand because local government wasn't transparent enough in this deal. We didn't make sure that communicating those deals must communicated. Well, transparent air time to walk the walk. appreciate those comments and I appreciate your concern. But if you don't do something, my recommendation is my support for this is contingent on that revoke the payer is for the sky for this incompetent execution of the contract. Asked the question, why was the collected asked the question, why was there three-year look-back instead of the 10 year? How did that evolve and why if get if you can get that money back. Murray right behind you trying to get that $150,000 for legal. Thank you. >> I will start by name. Was brought so first and foremost, I would like to regarding there's a lot of allegations. The problem is we are in lawsuit and several of these specific situations. So from the law department, can you just give us a? A legal guidance on what we can and cannot say. And one more correction is this. The family has t E p e not 2 different families. >> Mayor, of Jennifer Medallion City law department. That is correct. There is current lawsuit in which with City Wichita is a party that involves the the contractor, the ICE Center. And it's our advice We any comment due to the nature of pending litigation. >> I think the other one was regarding the candy bar also project. Thank you. >> That is also another pending case in which the city which has a party, law department's advice that the city Council refrain from any public discussion of that matter? Well, the lawsuit is pending. >> I just want you to as a community. There are certain things that we again are not able to speak on. Current moment, but don't the full to think that we're not asking those questions because we are. But I just want to refrain from speaking about 2 specific lawsuits because they get they are pending litigation. >> If you're guarding that, understand the lawsuit is in place. It deals with a certain amount of money. It deals with the last 3 payments. It deals with request for damages from the Stephen. Manager. It does not address the previous 7 years. That's not in the lawsuit. You can talk about that. That's not part of a lawsuit or not. They're not suing for that. You can. doesn't keep them from asking what happened to those for 7 years and that 400 and some 1000 that's outside of the That should be a public discussion there. We deserve an answer that now because there's nothing to do with a lawsuit. That was matter of policy execution by the manager. At that time and how that contract involved has nothing to do with a lawsuit. if I that the contracts in question is is the substance and the subject of the lawsuit and I would again. >> BP, my advice to refrain from public discussion. matters pending in litigation. Thank you. Councilmember Tunnel. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. And I'm just going to few quick comments and apologize a few. These may be redundant from March 19th meeting for different people who are here. Different people who are tuning in and then just to reemphasize some things that are very important to me. I have received several e-mails from more than a dozen emails community members concerning this. I've received phone calls and almost every meeting go into whether this was the intention of that or not. I had people make comments to me and so far everyone has been in favor of supporting print notification of our legal notices. And not just from one specific age genre I've had from every age group of people much younger than me who also say they see the the rationale for having it. I also think that this brings equity issues, not everyone has Internet access, not everyone is computed, as you know, technology savvy, not everyone can get to facility that has the computers. They don't. So I do have concerns about that. As I mentioned at the March 19th meeting, everybody gets their information a little bit different. And I think we should provide as many opportunities as we can for receiving information. Our goal is always be transparent. And I understand this is not community engagement. This is cute. Just purely communication and information dissemination. And so I think we still need to look at how do we get information out to the community so that they know what we're doing and they have faith in us that we're being consistent and transparent as I know. That's always circle. I agree. And thank you Councilmember Johnston that this is not going to my dad. And I recommend that if it does, we do so in a consistent manner. We have a presentation. We have legal president. We have communications president because how information a conversation is started can skew the outcome of that conversation. So I'd like to see a little bit more consistency in that I do. And and Vincent, thank you so much for your e-mail and thank you for sending its that. We have the copy. I really learned a lot. I do believe, though, that prevent at that print a copy is providing more consistent record. I've heard from several people here today. I heard from people in the last week or so that while our Web site is great and the revisions are on the right track, it's still in place is a little bit challenging to find information that we need. so with that, I'm going to move that the city council delayed this item until May 7 and direct staff to take this to staff to me too. The dabs in a consistent presentation format. Develop a communication plan for information dissemination that has emphasis on equity of all members of our community and develop a minimum digital retention policy to ensure our communication with our residents is consistent for the future. Mayor point information, we're still in public comment, correct? >> We are still in public comment about Toms River Tunnel to I'm sorry. I didn't know we were. I thought it was done because you asked if anybody else was going make comment. >> So I have a question for Mister. Go to cover public comment chair go to Wrigley >> you had stated up here that this was a quote, Republican attack on the newspapers. That correct? >> I said has the same appearance as those efforts in the past various media, often not exclusively, but most often led by the Republican Party, which is often been at odds with the media. What is so in terms of who voted for this and I know you're aware of this to bring this up before the board. What is the partisan affiliation of the 4 individuals that brought this? >> To be on today's agenda item? >> I think it's pretty clear with the partisan affiliations been published in the in the media. What it what is that? You tell me, what are you? I'm asking you the question. I know you're wary of sitting here. What is germane to this? All? There is no person up here that is mentioned parts affiliation until you came before board is actually right. There's not one person that's mention that up here. >> And for the record out of the individuals that brought this before the board, there's Republican 2 Republicans, one libertarian and one registered Democrat. And so I want that on the record because I don't think that was reflected in your comments that this was a bipartisan action that were non partisan board. This is a bipartisan actions. I went on the record. I also do want to correct or comments. We have incredible staff and thankful for the work this asked and I know you offer disparaging comments towards them. So I want that on the record as well. >> Well, then put on the record as well. $400,000. out the window through the incompetence of staff and being able to get to the contract is pending litigation and whatnot. And as far as where this originated, it originated. I'm pretty sure with council heard only last Cup. I think this discussion because you put it on the table that, I'm I'm proud. so I for you. Your time has expired. I You bring it back here answer your questions. So, you know, that's my motion with the Republican is. >> It would be you. Yes, there are 2 Republicans return. One Democrat knowledge that you are the person that initiated this discussion. Yes, that's public record, OK? That's just don't want Thank Thank you. And some of Johnson. >> Thanks, Just to add to the record as well. I I went back and checked my voter registration. I saw that I'm still a registered Democrat. I support this actually that initial report that this body received from years I was also in support of that and really want to at least for me, while much has been said about one particular news source. To me, it's more getting better information out. So as we talk about the agreement we have with one publication, I have said for years that there are multiple publications within the city of Wichita we're publishing these things that. Those who read the community voice, which is now statewide. you don't get legal notifications and the folks who may only read that, not the Wichita Eagle. It's not fair to them. You might say, oh, by the evil well, you get the community voice for free. Some people may not want to pay for that with our library carts. Of course, you can go read that for free, but not everybody knows that. I have long said that the funding that we spend for simple legal notices, it's not about one company, but the funding that we spend for legal notices we could use to increase our engagement amongst multiple publications both online and print, I believe, is a city that we also can work with our library to have a print record that people have been concerned about. The already archive things on our website. We did have this presentation of our dad last night of people have concerns about how that looks on the website. Happy to hear those out and see if we can fix that. But these funds could be better spent not only highlighting that we have a link or a landing page for legal notices and again and multiple publications. Our Web as was presented last night, actually has over. Probably 100 languages that you can read it and you cannot do that. multiple print media's. But there is an it will cost So I'm not saying cut $150,000 and say say and use that money to get the word out even more if we're and the boys were in the beacon for and these other spaces. And there is a link that is presented both any printed copy and a line that goes to a page with these legal notices. We are, in fact, increasing our engagement throughout the city. I think it's better if we do that way. As far as transparency because it's not one plus company. There are no paywalls. If somebody does want to have a pay wall, that's fine will be another spaces as well. But we can increase our engagement. Probably 10 fold multiple ways. If we use these funds and that way for me, that's why I supported it up and saying that for a number of years, opportunity has presented itself for us to consider. I hope that we do go forward and look at it again using these funds in a better way that would not cut off any one particular company because we would still be advertising in various places. But we also could, again link to where this information can be found. Both on our website which would be designated as an official site or point people our libraries where these records could be kept long term. Again, for me, it's about engaging more people communicating in better way to more folks continuing to improve that. I've also been a voice of saying we should communicate multiple languages have been saying that from day one. I continue to say that and I think this would provide us an opportunity to also be in those spaces where maybe in English is not the first language will have some advertisements to talk about our legal notices. What the city is doing and what people can expect from the council. So I am supporter of of of this today. I know we're not back to the bench it, but I just wanted to put that out there. I really hope as we look at building a plan for monks community throughout our city that we put together a plan that will reach out to people in multiple languages have multiple spaces and in the various things that they read and not everyone Reese's. One source. And I would hope to see if council does go forward with this, we can actually take that type of plan to engage more and more with the Thames. What the city is doing because it's it's unfortunate the good things we do don't get out there. And I don't blame in the media source for that. It's always said if it bleeds it leads and giving rebates and stuff don't bleed. But if we can get the information out that what we are doing and the services that we do provide as well as the legal notices. So people know when these meetings are. When ordinance or charred charter ordinances as well. I think the more that we can spread that around throughout community, the better off in the more engagement that we will see. >> were council members on the board. I want to make sure that public comment is still going on right now. Are there any other individuals who would like to speak behalf of the public as an individual? I seen So we will officially and public comment to bring it to the bench. Councilmember Total. Thank you. And I apologize to my colleagues. I thought we were out of public comment. So I'm very sorry for that. >> I do want to echo the thoughts of Councilmember Johnson and again, you just reinforced my rational for delaying this so that we can develop a plan. I also think the community voice active aging Eastside news at the Beacon. There's lots of different opportunities. We mentioned that there are 26,000, approximately people who get the print or electronic version of the Wichita Eagle. And if we cease renewing the contract with them, what's going happen? How do we communicate with those people? We can just assume that they're all just going to go to the website. Maybe we have some sort of hybrid blend. I don't know. That's why we have a fantastic communications department. We have a fantastic legal department and they can help us make sure that we disseminate the information and the most effective and transparent way. And so with that, I had an original motion. Jennifer legal, do I need to restate it or can you restate it? And then I I would hope that we could consider second and that that motion. >> Tunnel, there's no need to restate your motion you'd like, we can. But it just needs a second to move forward. If at this point, that's all that's necessary. Okay. Thank you. >> Their second or her motion. Okay. I'm sorry. My bad. Every So my motion is that we delay this agenda item until May 7th and direct staff. >> That we take this to the U.S. district advisory boards with the consistent presentation from legal in communications. So that information can be requested from them. We develop a communication plan for dissemination of information with an emphasis on equity and healthy information is transparently communicated and we develop a minimum digital retention policy. >> Question if I may, madam Mayor but the 7th is that enough time for every right now some dads of got moved around here lately. So everybody's states and first week of the month. And thank you. I just went out 30 days Councilmember Johnston had mentioned 30 days. >> But I'm I'm flexible. I think 60 days is great to get more public engagement and more public input and very flexible. And to date, if you'd like to make a friendly amendment be happy to hear it. >> Yeah. I'm just trying to make sure that everybody's fits with schedule. Everybody within the first leak. I don't. I will just offer a friendly amendment that we just take this back out to public Biden party heard this yesterday. So the added directive. >> We would have to hear it again. Good point. Thank you. So just that we're taking a public comment for Taps. Okay. >> That's that's great. I appreciate that. And so I would accept the friendly amendment of the different data. If you have one council member who and then also that we don't have to have a formal presentation. But every death has the opportunity to hear it. The most important partner for me and I'm sorry, making sausage. You're from the bench and not falling parliamentary procedure. Sorry, But developing a plan for dissemination of information with equity is the focus is then also the minimum digital retention policy is also very important to me. So. Love to hear more discussion. >> Looks like I have a motion from. Councilmember total and on the board, it says seconded by. I'm stunned. We're still open for discussion, correct? Yes. So now it is that too comments regarding this motion? I see councilmember whole high seltzers. >> Thank you, mayor. And we are out of public comment right? Just want to double check their yeah, I I support sending it back to the DAV. It's always good for public discussion. One thing I just like to say is I don't. believe that the eagle necessarily has to be the focal point of this discussion. That's more about the ordinance change, whether or not we're going to continue to have different accessibility to the public. So I said a cold and just a couple weeks ago for 20 minutes, I saw 3 different people come and that is the computers because they don't have access to the Internet. So there is concerns about if we do just go digital. And it's also but not same lines some of our demographics or agents. Some of our residents who are aging. For those of you who are on council. We have been pelted with complaints about parking the tree, too, because people don't want to use their smartphones to download an app. To to do the parking the way that we have laid out or they haven't laid out down there. So there's a group that is just averse to technology. So that is something I do think that we have to consider as well as part of this conversation. So yeah, I I support councilmember titles motion here. I want to see options. I like to see options. I like to see you where we can Part of it is I think we're going to have to still publish some things paper and the newspapers. The physical copies. That's something learned here So we really have to see what the savings could be, what the other options are. Do we have other options? So with that, I do support councilmember totals. A motion. >> Councilmember Glasscock. >> Thank you, Mayor. I just for the record read what publications will still be required by state So the publications, city website not sufficient for at least purchase land acquisition. Public improvement of a public hearing. Utility deposit transfer general fund treasures are poor neighborhood revitalization here in the Transportation Development District in that domain court. You're noticing domain appraiser here. Notice revenue neutral intent to exceed and budget public hearing. Those are all required by K statutes. In addition, we will be adding 28 requirements to our current newspaper or our if we were to do this to be adding requirements to our publication online so that citizens can do it. I councilmember highs Ul's concerns in particular about people without limited access to the Internet. That's why we also have a public library system to help encourage that. I'm not saying that anybody that may not be able to for public access to our Internet does not subscribe to the Eagle. I would believe it's hard pressed for your pain. $1000 a year on average. So for an eagle subscription of those individuals who pain for an Eagle subscription. But it's If get a yearly subscription illegal. So now are there concerns whether or not that access to it? But in terms of paying for access, I think there might be a difference there as well. I did want to read some components of the memo from January 6, 2023 to echo again that this was not. A decision brought in short supply that it wasn't considered for multiple years prior to this. Our city clerk said that conversations regarding this began in 2020 that this report commissioned Twenty-twenty to this report is done in 2023. This is done in 2024, I understand the government can be slow. That is 4 years that we have at least debated this as an internal body. Some of the components there, quote, this will give greater visibility allowed for greater reach and grant more control over the timeline of publications. Some common issues of publishing print media during consistent fees. Blaze an affidavit incorrect affidavits. An incorrect postings. The recommendation has presented over a year ago from city staff is our recommendation is to discontinue publication and print media and only publish ordinances resolutions and public hearings on our website Seth and gave it to develop a Web page, an interface to house ordinances resolutions and public hearings that would normally post in the newspaper. The Web page has been live since May and is located on the city which website requirements and guidelines for posting have been established and departments of Post on Web site since February. They give wmbb dot Gov. Slash legal notices. Other benefits include more control over the publications are posted. Publications remain on the website for a longer period of time and publications are easily searchable with greater visibility. And again, that was a staff memo that was sent in 2023. So this is not something that staff hasn't considered. So with the councilman a motion. I'm hopeful that we can also bring those the body as well. In addition, I ran some numbers currently of the paid $3. If you get an eagle the QuikTrip, you can. It's $3 in comparison. Last night I was at my district advisory board meeting and in our public library where people can access online. The community voice was provided for free El Para Cone newspaper, which provides access to our Hispanic population, was also presented for free. Let's say that you still have to charge for I did ran the numbers long-term. So this is just for the record. we can talk about dabs Iran, the number. And this is not with negotiations with the community voices, not negotiations Para Co but what it would cost for a staff to include location on publications that say you can access our city legal notices here you can request it airport help. Erica would come out to $7 or $7.20 per individual to subscribe to the newspapers. The community voice would come out only $3.63. per individual that subscribes to the community voice. And again, you can access these for free so that if you had to pay for the coffee, but you can access these for 3 for free. What Councilman, JB Johnston's it was $28 for the Wichita Eagle for publication of 5,100 and 97. I'm also very disappointing to the Wichita Eagle did not come today. We're not here to answer questions regarding the publication. If the city is giving $150,000 of taxpayer money, this is not the city Wichita money. This is taxpayer money that is being used to subsidize a publication. And I have a challenge of low-income residents in my district subsidizing individuals that could publication. We can access for Free. Councilman Johnson said make sure that we encourage greater access to individuals. I think that is all of our mission up here. That's all of our goals. So I want that for the public record. Lastly, about examples of what the legal notices because there might be some confusion with legal notices. First, what a that we could offer for amenities and programs offered by the city. I would be hard pressed that this to the left does not have more benefit for our citizens to encourage property tax relief and those things are going continue to do. Those are good things that we're trying to help our citizens with. The one to the left is legal notices which people can access again, free of charge already of and I'm very appreciative of Faith. Martin's comments about making these really are easier to expand access on our website and are hopeful that we can continue to do that and continue to figure out what more ways. And again, we articulate almost everybody in every single language, high-pressure, this conversation. This is what the messy process of democracy is supposed to look like. And I looking for here and recommendations. We talked to my dad yesterday and there's a lot of positive feedback of moving away from the legal notice not only to save taxpayer money, but also to make sure that we're better serving our citizens as well. So thank you for the discussion up here. And I'm appreciative of I'm just the thoughtfulness of that. >> Vice Mayor Balick. Thank you >> Tyler, I don't mean to put you on the spot, but do you know? >> Or I'm sure that there's some data can track how many people like click our legal notices on our. City website. Do you have? I mean, I'm you don't know that the growth, the top your head, but is there a way to track that? Yeah, they are members of City Council. We can track that I don't have the numbers right up my head pulled numbers for March yet. But you we can pull that information. Okay. Thank And I would be curious. >> Just to see what that looks like To just see how many people are actually going to our website. So if >> we do eliminate the eagle, like is there 50 people that are checking it? If so we need have a lot of work to do to learn to teach people driving that way. Thank you very Also, I just wanted to point out that the Wichita Eagle doesn't pay will of the legal notices. So while there are its free access on our city page, it's >> Free access on the Wichita Eagle Page. And also I think it 2 weeks ago that we were talking about them. Somebody mentioned that 27% of the public trust City Hall. You need. >> talking $150,000. I feel like any good. >> Way to cut any communication and whether it's legal notices or whatever it may be is a step backwards. I am not in favor of You know, cutting any type correspondence with the public I do think that there's other ways you councilmember stoppage Councilmember Johnson. You know, I love the act of age has a 41 year-old. It probably should be reading that quite yet. But they have some credible information in there. And I do know that a lot of people read that. >> And a couple of the other different publications that come to talk to us. I am open to potentially looking at some outlets. I just wondered if there's an appetite at all to know this doesn't come up until August, but if there's an appetite appetite for the council to. >> In the >> eyes of the public Transparency is so that this doesn't look right. >> To maybe over the next year. We come up with that play moving forward. If you know, we decide to I'm not I will moving forward. That light really take some time and actually get some community engagement and involvement and have some serious discussions of the public over the next year and come up with a good plan instead of just over the next 60 or 90 days. Come up with something that appears to be on the fly to the public and to cut the contract with the Eagles. So as just kind of idea is to really come up with a comprehensive over the next year. If that's what we decide to So all right. It was kind of messy, but those are my thoughts. Councilmember Johnson. >> Thanks, to this discussion. Thing that we did learn. This will come up in August anyway, again, for potential rebid councilmember Total suggests. And listen, the councilmember hizo and Councilmember Glasscock about looking planned. I would love to see us have very detailed plan. One that may show what we could do. Expansion wise with $150,000. how many others, media sources can connect with 4 promotions? Again for solely looking at legal notices that I really think we could freeform and show as Councilmember Glasscock has the exhibits behind him. I think we could make those more attractive as a city and promote. I'm not only the legal notices but also the various things we're doing, whether his property tax relief or propel are the things that are really going to benefit community. And again, always have a link there. So anyone who does have a print subscription would still get that type of a view from us that probably won't cost us 150,001 source. But again and multiple sources that more people will be able to engage with the city. And since this is coming up in August, whether we do the 30 or 60 days or by the time this comes up for rebid, think it would be worthwhile for this body to see what it would look like to really engage in these other spaces. We're doing some work already with influencers, which has been highly successful. And I think we can continue to do that and get that information out. While a comment was made about what I and in an informed way, the point I was making before about the legal notices were I just came to the city and never looked in the newspaper for a legal notice. just always reached out to my councilmember or look at what was going on and follow. The council did not know that those were in the newspaper. And I know a lot of folks who are in space. There are also people who just never connect with city government. And if we are in multiple spaces, if people are looking at Wichita by he be in there, some something about a legal notice and they go to look at There's in there that strikes their interest and they go, oh, I didn't know that this is coming up and they engage with us. That's one more person engage with government that I think should be. And right now they may not be if they don't know where to find these or they don't have a subscription. And so I think it is beneficial. If we look at building a plan that is really going to reach all of these different spaces potentially in different languages as well. And for those who do have access to Internet point them back to the Wichita Dakota website, which you can at the lower left-hand corner select your language and you can see over 100 languages so we can communicate better with folks. So I would just hope that we could come up with that type of plan as we move forward. And again, for the record, this is not about one new source. I have always been supportive of trying to get as many news outlets involved as possible. Councilman Protect. >> Thank you. And Kuzma are Johnson come to Glasgow. Well said. Thank you for that is coming to been fantastic and cancer or Glasgow think fried in your research. And I think that just demonstrates why we could take this pause point did develop a plan, right? Because there's lots of different entities and what a different options so What I see is an opportunity that's blooming from this discussion. And that if we we do, as I asked in my motion direct communications staff and legal to develop a communications plan for dissemination of information. I would like to see that plan go back out to the dep's, right? Not just kind of organic discussions that we've had. So. Since this doesn't have to be renewed until August. That does give us a little bit more time. So Jennifer, I wanted to extend it a little bit further. Would didn't. I just make an amendment to my motion. Okay. So I would like to consider my same motion with the district advisory boards asking staff to develop a communications plan and then also having the minimum digital retention policy. Thank you. Convinced that that was a fantastic idea. But I would propose that we bring this up at the July second meeting just to give us a little bit more time to make sure that staff can develop this plan with all this great information, get it out to dep's, get it out to the community and then really have a great product that we're all proud of. So I would need a second to coming up again. Jennifer, is that correct? >> That's correct. Okay. Mayor, I would be open to second that before I do. Would that give us enough time if we decided to approve, the charter decided to name the city is the official newspaper. With that, give us enough time to cancel the agreement with. The newspaper currently. >> 30 to 60 days, 60 days. So it would So we would need to bring this up before June. Ask the question of that. So what we're voting on today isn't still yet to whether or not the eagle is going to be the official in it. We're not having we're not voting today. If work. >> Renewing the contract or not with the motion was is that we're going to develop plan to be able to come back and then make that decision. only they just want make sure we're on the same page today. Isn't the decision of whether or not we are and I'm I'm kind of back face tough to make sure because there's been lots of discussion. This is of the conversation of whether or not the website is the official newspaper read. My motion was purely that we have staff development plan. We take it to our dads. We bring it back and then we decide what do we want to do? I just want to make sure we're >> If I can, please, I believe by default. Your use of the July second date would force us to have some kind of extension with the equal. >> I'm willing then to amend motion to a date that best accommodates. I don't think today is the day that we decide in the contract with the Eagle. I think today is the day when we're trying to figure out the best way to develop plan to make that thoughtful decision. So give me the date that you recommend. And then I'll put that in my amended amended. And thank you. Councilmember Glasscock for pointing that out. >> Some date in June. We're looking calendars. >> June 4th, we had meeting. That week. >> It seems to me if you want keep all of your open option is open, it would have to be. June 4th or 11th right? >> That would give staff a month to be able to pair some things be presented meetings. So then come before us June uncomfortable so I would amend my amended. >> Motion. Haha too, June thank you. And thank you all for that. The patients were kind waddling through this. >> We still have councilmember So there's motion by Councilmember title. Is there a second before we continue with council second that. Council member class caucus second inning that. Any further discussion of the looks like Councilman caught. >> I just have one last comment. I was reviewing what the ordinance would look like. And I do want to point out for the public as well. Item D of the ordinance says whenever individual is unable to access electronic publication, a legal notice, such individual shall be provided a copy of such legal notice. Free of charge from the city clerk. And so there's an option written that somebody could obtain a legal notice, run out if they needed. I would probably just one clarification to bring up. How would they obtained? That would be speedy. They mailed the city and then are they on a current list or what they need to do? It? Request an application every single time. Just clarification of maybe what that would look like. If somebody wanted to get we had a spreadsheet of people that couldn't access or legal notices and an individual I wanted to put himself on a regular occurrence or it's not a notice and open to that. So just maybe clarification. What D I'm glad he's in their clarification. What that could look like. Last thing mention regardless of what happens in June, any public Haitian can still print this for free without a subsidy. I'm from the city and taxpayers any individual currently, there's nothing stopping someone from printing these publications currently as it So I saw that on the record as well. So thank you. And thank you council for thoughtful motion. >> Councilmember Johnston. Thank you, Mayor. >> I don't want to keep pushing us down the line down the line down the line. >> It's already been looked at January 2023. Apparently no action was taken or port was done January of 23 over a year ago. The second thing I may say that we're talking about legal notifications. How many people really? Not very many. Is the answer. So we need to making it available to people. But do we need to make them available on multiple? It is. I don't think so. I would rather have things like property tax relief. Made available on multiple mediums. So that actually people who don't have the means. Have an opportunity to apply for this because I bet you most citizens don't even know about this Houses of $100,000, less. They probably have no idea if this program even available. Put that up or a co. But that the committee voice. That's where it should be. You know, that's what we should trying to help people instead of worrying about legal notices. Legal notices need to be published. Let's publish him. Let's get some positive things out to people that we have 2 great programs. People don't know about. Let's let publish those that will help the city council, the city's image more than anything. Just my opinion. Councilmember Johnson, thanks, mayor. Not to continue to extend the dialogue too much, but just wanted to >> this was a great with our colleagues and what really appreciate what this going back to district advisory board and talking through. What we've talked about today that it's also being if this passes on evening meeting which is meant to engage more people. So more people who >> may have thought about this will be able to show up and let us know in the evening after work. I think that's a great thing. So definitely appreciate that. just want to highlight that for the record even more people would be able to come here in the evening and engage with us on this. But hopefully give us some feedback on how we communicate and what we reach out to. >> Vice Mayor Valley, thank you, Make a quick. just wanted to explain my I'll be voting no on this and not because I don't want to encourage going to dads are including more community engagement. But I'm not going to be for cutting you public notices anywhere. We want to have a discussion about adding more money to the budget. I'm more than happy to have that discussion, but I will not cutting legal notices from any publication. Councilmember Johnston. >> Got about appreciate that. Vice mayor dollars me. I appreciate that. But I will remind you that we do have budget crisis coming swimming down the road. So why wait till the train hits us, let's let's get less and prepare and try ways to save money. To think that anyone. Who doesn't have the means. It's going to pay 5 over $500 a year for the Eagle. I just don't think that's going to happen. If we want people. It's Eagles. Very expensive to get in the print edition. Very expensive. If look online, you can look online just as easily at the city website. You can go up site. So. I think we should really. Be mindful of budget crisis. It's coming pay attention to it. Secondarily, find ways we can put a positive message messages for citizens to that take advantage of a lot of programs that we already have. Councilmember title. Thank you. Just one last point of clarification. >> Today we're not deciding whether or not were not renewing. contractors were cutting funds for legal notifications. Today we're just directing staff to develop a plan that then we can look at what's the best way. Maybe it's the exact same thing we have now. But when additional venues being included. I'm not sure, but I just want to make sure that that I'm understanding right. And we're on the same page today is just and directing staff to please. Gather much information so that we can make a better decision in future. Thank you. >> We'll have a few comments that these are actual staff directions first. Thank you for the comments from the public because these are Web site improvements that we will and now able to ask direct them to do faith, asked treat these ear that occasion regarding our legal notice us. So for the sake of consistency, I know it has been available in 3 different waste. There are 3 different ways you can access legal notices. The simplest is to add a at the home page. And I believe that that is one of the directions that council member Class Cup action earlier. The second is the consist the consistency of the website link being Todd Dot Gov. Last legal notice U.S.. And so that would directly get you there. And faith also our population who possibly disabilities. Our Web site is a handicap accessible and has multiple ways if someone has a visual impairment or a disabilities that they're able to modify their experience with the website. From Mister He asked for site specific search. So right now, currently our legal notice it's based off of years. wanted to know if that would possible for you to have a search engine or you could just ask for say, for instance, I R B and it would pull up. All eyes are piece from our search engine. That 3rd one on what's improvement from Celeste is a list of our tip districts. I would like that. Also to be back on the website. And number 4, this is tale I would like to direct staff to give us a list little pending litigation that is on the website so easily accessible for people to understand that that's why we are not able to speak more specifically regarding that specific topic because these are litigation. It is record of people can look that up. But I would rather it easily accessible for on our website. So people know why we are not able to were specifically because it is pending litigation. So those are for directions for staff. And then. Final a comment regarding this. Then tension has always my intention has always been to create greater engagement with community it makes me happy to see that on June 4th and evening meeting which the last eating. We had a great But unfortunately, lasted until nearly So I am going to actually direct staff to make sure that this item is one of the very first items on the agenda so people can have that opportunity earlier in the process. And those are by direction I have asked for staff. We do have a motion and a regarding a pause and also developing a plan do we have any further discussion? I see none. clerk please open the role. Motion passes 6, 1, Due to it being almost 12, 30, set of asking for the next item. It asked for a short recess 15 minute recess to return at well, 40. 40 would at the time return. Thank you.