♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> Welcome to City Hall. And good evening to all of you. Thank you for attending our very first evening meeting of the This again will be one of 4 evening time me that here at City Hall to increase engagement with our citizens. We will call this meeting to order now and with us today is Pastor Dot poultry of Saint Paul's United Methodist Church following the invocation will have the Pledge of Allegiance and we invite you all to join us. Pastor I also have something special for you that will come up. Thank you very Few will and I'm mindful presence with Holy one. As we gather tonight at the reemergence of the long-dormant. >> Practice of meeting in the evenings tonight's Council meeting via vision cast and received as one of inclusion. Of inviting those who spend their days laboring at work or school or businesses to participate within the community more fully. And as our elected leaders weigh all the various varied voices that they are going to hear. May they be mindful? Of the complexities and the importance of the actions that they must take into account when they're making their decisions. May they listen to us from staff that they have received, but they cast an eye to the future, not to the future. That is just at the end of this day or this year. But for the community for many years to come. And may the decisions always be mindful. Of justice for neighbors guide us to keep those universal rules of our neighbor and seeking justice at the forefront. We're grateful. For those who have committed their time and talents to governing. Wichita. Both those elected to these positions as council members and those and the staff who served them and all the citizens who bring their voices to be heard together. May they seek lowered? The balance of opportunities for growth in safety and living well in the city Wichita. And so we by saying so be it. last the United States there and to the Republic for which stands. One nation God, indivisible, with and justice for all. >> Thank you. Get past her goal >> Before we begin the rest of the procedure for today's meeting, I would like to move that public comment be allowed during that councilmember agenda item. And this just requires a simple majority to allow this public comment took her second. Motion passes 7, 0, This will allow public comment during the council. But Bridget item regarding public comments and public agenda items. clerk please call cited. Approve the minutes the regular meeting of March 5th 2024. >> Do we have any changes or corrections? Seeing none. I move that we approve those minutes. any other discussion? Seeing none clerk, please open role. Motion passes 7, 0. clerk please call the next item. Proclamations prepare month. Thank you for joining us. I had an opportunity to visit the 12 for where our procurement resides. >> And got to learn about of their efforts and what these professionals do to help us as a community to make sure that taxpayer dollars are utilized properly and most efficiently and effectively. So it is my honor to proclaim on behalf of the city of which was founded in 18, 70. Whereas the public procurement profession plays an important role in obtaining the greatest value for each taxpayer. Dollar spent in care meant of goods and services. And whereas the purchasing division of the city of Wichita provides logistical and operational support to all departments within the city of Wichita and works to ensure fair and transparent procurement practices procurement in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and whereas the purchasing division is committed to providing high-quality services efficiently and effectively strengthening supplier, relationships and promoting emerging and disadvantaged business enterprise program. Opportunities. And whereas the Institute for Public Procurement has proclaimed the month of March has procured But to further expand the awareness of the procurement professionals role to governmental officials, the general public businesses and corporate leaders. And now they're for. Be it resolved that I Lily Wu, mayor of the city of Wichita, along with the city Council. Do hereby proclaim the month of March 2024. As procurement Month in the city of Wichita and encourage all citizens to join us in recognizing the role of the procurement and supply chain profession within business industry and government. Thank you. Mayor City Council. >> As we pass the halfway point in March, it's with immense gratitude that I stand before you and express our collective appreciation and recognition at the purchasing office. The staff's continued efforts and unwavering dedication to city and its citizens. I want to thank the city manager, assistant city managers, director finance and City Council for their continued support and commitment. Thank you to the department's and vendors who without we're not give us a reason to support facilitate an advocate for the city's investment demonstrates the belief that we do not just purchase, but we seek the greatest value for each dollar spent while ensuring fairness and integrity. commitment highlights our profession, but more importantly, it recognizes the actual people who make this investment materialize. People who embody the city's achievement of excellence and procurement for 22 years. People who completed in 2023 445 million, $588,352.79 an actual purchases overseen 31,817 1000 peak, our transactions administered 1821 purchase order issues and 530 new and renewed contracts 377 solicitations published my deepest gratitude and respect. Go to our staff. >> Valerie Fallow Backstrom Casey Jordan, Chris Hayes, let we Hendricks about me. and Jason Brogdon. >> You directly contribute to the city of Wichita being the leading edge organization that serves a dynamic and inclusive community. Thank you. Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> Recognition of missed Kansas teen. May please have the contestants and our current and former Miss Kansas teen. >> To the front place. We often talk about young people and these young people being the future of our community. I want to give each of these young ladies the opportunity to tell you their community service initiative because young ladies serve our community through community service initiatives and these young ladies represent the good of our use. And I'm really grateful for the opportunity to have been at the Miss Kansas organization, competition last The team competition was held here in Wichita, Kansas, where they celebrated the 20th anniversary and we said goodbye to the 2023 titleholder Aaron Ralph and said hello and welcome to our new Miss Kansas teen Twenty-twenty for a free mountain. So I would each of these young ladies telling you their community service initiative. Hello, everyone. I'm Erin Ralph. I Miss Khan says teen 2023 and my Community Service initiative is meant to wellness. >> It starts with few which encourages on which encourages you to find out what the helps you stay mentally happy and healthy and through cancer, a station which is a part at the Miss America opportunity that names to a testament to what the organization is. It's given me opportunities to spread my community services shouldn't really make an impact with mental health. throughout my career, I was able to reach over 250,000 people with my Community Service initiative. And I'm really glad that the organization gave me the opportunity to really make an impact to do that. Thank you. >> Hello, everyone. I'm Avery Mountain. You're miss can Steen 2024 and my community Service initiative is just a kid like me. I educate others about children with additional needs and the importance of looking past differences and moving them for who they are. I also have my very own just a kid like me camps, which I have that founded in hosted at the age of 12. After 4 camps hosting 50 campers and 70 of my typical peers as my volunteers, I had the opportunity to learn that 42% of my campers had never been and inclusive environment such as the ones I treat with my camps. So my mission is to change the way the world looks individuals with additional needs and remind everyone that people are just like snowflakes. No 2 are ever the same. Which makes us all unique each in our own special way as an award-winning advocate for children of all abilities, I'm creating a world where every child feels free to be just a kid like Thank you. >> I I'm Bella Andhra actually just placed 3rd runner-up at the Miss Kansas teen pageant this past weekend. And my community service initiative is my nonprofit. She speaks. I created it to help prevent assault and spread awareness by sharing my story and I've accomplished this by meeting. Self-Defense Workshop said partnered with local sheriff's deputies here in Wichita. And these workshops consists of stories being told about my personal stories and things I'd experienced. I'm able to share that with girls of all ages throughout the community and then also being able to leave the itself and being able to have the opportunity to educate girls on this across my community and across my state someday hopefully across my country is really, really meaningful to me because I feel like it's something not necessarily talked about enough. And I want to be able to make that change. Thank you. >> Hi, all my name is Chad a hard well, and I am a candidate for MS Kansas teen actually place of not. finalist top town. It Mattel is hip-hop dance, which I'm very proud of. My community service initiative is the empowerment projects. So I empower project to help other young girls like myself see their self worth and to get them to also overcome cyberbullying. So I'm very proud to have talked to more than 150 students, Wichita and Derby. And I want to continue my work because I really believe that if we advocate for others we can empower everyone. So thank you. Hello, everyone. My name is luxury. She should become art. I and your UNMISS Wichita, Asian Festival, 2023 and I had the honor of being your second runner up at MS Kansas teen. >> 2024. My Community Service initiative is called No Place left empty, advocating for food insecurity in children and throughout my pageant journey, I've had the honor of collaborating with multiple nonprofit organizations such AS Humankind Ministries, The All India mission for educate to empower and many more and that Humankind Ministries. I've been able to host Dan Sessions meditation sessions, Tricia, cooking classes and just be able to provide meals for those in need to help combat, not just the form of food insecurity, but the mental health effects that come after it. Well, also be able to collaborate for Stephen educate 10 power to provide a sustainable solution to food insecurity by educating those in need to empower themselves and their own feet. I'm so honored for this opportunity. And so so proud of not runoff, but also Avery Mountain. This packet of energy, just the most beautiful person. I know. Thank you so much. >> Thank you again to our youth in our community who really do make an impact in that you could hear from their community service initiatives. These are young people. We should be proud of. And so it is my honor to recognize the outgoing titleholder Aaron Ball for the certificate of recognition for a year of service has Miss Kansas teen 2023 and an advocate for mental health awareness through her community Service initiative, Mental Wellness. It starts with you. Aaron embodies the values of Wichita through her leadership and service to the community. Thank you for your commitment to our home. Before we continue the rest of the meeting, I will make an announcement that for those who came and had ticket to get into the parking lot. >> The gates will be open to leave. So you will not have pay when you city hall. That clerk please call the next item. Public Kitchen, Shayne Turner Building projects downtown. >> Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Shane Koehler. I'm 43 years old and I have high functioning autism. I want to thank you for having me here. Willing to listen to me in regards to my project, I'm going to talk about. As we all know, Wichita as the air capital of the world. Wichita's a beautiful city, but I can't help but notice how there's a lack of tourism during the day, especially during weekdays. And there's no place to go to get to go to get views of city from high up. The epic center is a nice tall building, but there is no observation area at all in that building. As a person who left observation areas and views Of the city. It it can be quite frustrating when there is nowhere to go in which a tall. So I have an icon I would like to share with you. I came up with this icon about 2 years ago. I call it the Wichita skyrocket. It would be similar to something like St. Louis Arch, the Space Needle in Seattle. The Washington Monument and you are the reunion Tower in Dallas. The PA the project will possibly consist of a couple buildings. Several small planes that cold but 5 to 10 people and a cable that will take them to the top to wear a large plane will be. And the observation area will also However, this is a go shovel. And I would like be back from other people possible renderings as this project. It's an stuff. This project would roughly around 500 feet to the observation tech DEC and around 550 feet to the very top. This high is also ghoshal and will be dependent on others. Feedback. So for your information. I got this information. Epic center is 320 feet to the top floor. 325 feet to the rough weather snow and 385 feet tall to the tip. The iconic I had a drone company that resides in the garment center. Called roads Roughy who was kind enough to measure the epic center with their drones. They told me from the ground to the highest point. On the They're they're drones showed 387 feet above ground level. So the 385 feet figure. It's pretty accurate. official height of the epic center is listed as 325 feet. That that is only at the bottom of the road where there is no. I do wonder why the official high is not the actual height, which is significantly higher. I would like to see this project if it were a to be starting around, maybe the spring or summer of 2025. and finished around the summer of 20 20th for the spring of 2028, of course, this is also negotiable. I'm not sure how. This project will be funded, but I was thinking maybe through a raising maybe a half percent tax on the people of the metro. That's if they're for a couple years or maybe being part of the Wichita Legacy master plan. I believe a group out of Kansas City, Missouri. A call populace is actually assisting with Wichita Mask, which tall legacy master plan. So I wonder if they would be able to some possible rain my project. I would like to see this project built. Maybe downtown are a few miles wherever it can be built. I think all is ready for change. And I believe this would help with tourism. There are other cities such as Oklahoma City and Omaha. All. That are building up. And I also believe my project would help competition. Lastly, I would like to bring your attention. I had a petition and a change dot org under the Wichita skyrocket and has gained nearly 1000 signatures. Once again, I was like to say thank you for your time. Vice Mayor Ballard. >> Sir, I would just like to say thank you so much for coming to share your project with us. And if you have any documentation that you for each of us to look over, I'd love to take a closer look. Thanks for coming. Councilmember Jobson. Thanks, mayor saying thank you for being here appreciate your engagement over the years as well. I think that's a great idea. >> I did not know that the epic center was 387 feet and you want to go above that. My fear of heights, I probably would never go up there. But I think that's a great idea. And I think it would be great for east or West Bank development think it would be something unique that have downtown so appreciate add into that conversation. And hopefully when get that conversation going again, that could be a part of it. >> Councilmember Glasscock, thank you for joining us this evening. And if you haven't been to the top of the 13th floor City Hall, love to take you some time. It's one of the best views of the city as well. And you can see all the angles from every corner of the city and in and please reach out of up to take you up there some time. Councilmember Jaisol. Thank you, >> Thank you, sir, for coming. I appreciate Like to follow up on a council member class. S suggestion we can go ahead and ran out the 13th floor. There's not a whole lot going on up there. So. But time you guys would like to come up and take a few players, get a hold of us would be glad to thank you up and just let you look at the skyline. >> I will just that. Thank you very much for your comments today and all of our e-mail addresses are on the website. So just let us know and we'll get that set up. Thank you. clerk please call the next item. >> Janice Bradley, illegal U.S. actions supporting genocide in Gaza. >> Good morning. My name is just partly on with district 6. The first thing I'd like to do to just let you know that we just passed an on March. 16th. Was the 21st anniversary of actually the murder Rachel Corrie. Rachel Corrie was an activist in at from Olympia Washington. She 20 3 years old and she with an international organization fighting against housing demolitions in Gaza. And she had a bright red orange vest on there was a bulldozer saw her clearly but ended up backing over her and killing her. And I'm just bringing this up because it's an example of that kind of acts that have been carried on in Israel, Palestine, for so many years. And this was a 2003 March 16th. her parents tried to take some action. the fact Israel. Military commits these acts with impunity. Nothing happens too. As a punishment or correction. life's are lost and this is happening today. As well with an enormous scale. But I wanted to say something about Rachel, because I've known about this for many years. On January. 26 to 2024, the International Court of Justice Pound that it is possible that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The court said Israel must. Do more to prevent civilian deaths and 2 and the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Almost immediately. Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel accused about 12 to which is to u N Relief and Works Agency accused that number workers Gaza working with Moss and the October 7 7th massacre Israelis. Which started this most recent conflict. No evidence was provided, but that didn't stop numerous Western governments led by the U.S. A to stop sending all funding to UNRWA the largest aid organization in Palestine with 13,000 workers. So President Biden, Biden is violating currently violating the foreign assistance. Which bans military support from going to any nation that restricts the delivery of humanitarian aid. And Israel has been doing this. This is one of the reasons they were at that international Court of Justice accused them are ruled that they were plus a polling committing genocide. The Netanyahu government's failure. To immediately and significantly expand human access. Organize safe deliveries. Oliver Gas in violation of this act. The act states that want us president informed of the country blocking the delivery, American humanitarian assistance. Then no military aid can be provided. In the past 6 months of the war. Numerous people have come to the Wichita City Council asking the council to pass a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. majority of both parties support the call for a cease-fire. Some 70% of Americans. The polls tell us support a cease-fire. So reading this famine, spreading the costs, Casa. And Israel's blocking of 8 deliveries to the border with Israel. I ask you, the Wichita City Council. Also on that resolution to please call for the end of U.S. military aid to Israel in accordance with U.S. law. >> the next item. >> Give that Henri on legal actions supporting genocide in Gaza. >> Hi, my name is to that First time here. It's going to something in which a just a list. Yes. First I'm here is want everybody to listen. He massacre 1929. Not sure if I pronounced correctly case gives me. Hi from massacre in 1937, some massacre in 1937. Haifa massacre in 1938. by law. A chic massacre in 1939, half a massacre in 1947. Bah Abba CM massacre in 1947. I ca I keesus excuse me again, massacre 1947. I moved massacre in 1947. massacre in 1947. Chic. But very weak massacre in 1947. Jeff, a massacre in 1948. Tend to a massacre in 1948. the year. Yes, the massacre in 1948. Khan Yunis massacre. 1956. Jerusalem massacre 1967. and massacre in 1982. FOX a massacre 1990, Abraham mosque. NASCAR, 1994. Jenin refugee Camp, April 2002 Gaza massacre, 2008 to 2009 Gaza massacre, 2012 Gaza massacre, 2014 Gaza massacre 2018 to 2019. Gaza 2021. Gaza genocide, as we know going on today from 2023 and still going on going and don't let anybody convince you. all started October 7th. I just read you everything. When it started 1929. 1929. Palestinians have been during massacre for over 75 years. From the hands of the Israelis. Design us determine the difference. We are not. Saying that Jews are bad. It's designed this. They're not good for our world in the community. There are was are taken and doing the settlers of that land taken the land. But you appreciate if somebody came into your home. >> 2 o'clock in the morning banging on your door. Tell you to get whatever you can get out. Whatever you can. And they say this is your home. Can you? Great. Great. Great, great, great grandmother dating back to Jesus time. And while you're moving your stuff at the what you can grab at 2, 3 o'clock in the morning. Another family is moving Not even Jews descent to coming from New York America. British. >> Our tax money is being used over there for all that. We need to stop our tax money. News views here for our community. All the schools being closed for our tax money could provide, schools to stay open. These kids to be crammed into a classroom, not get their education. Let's use our tax money here for our community. Our community, these kids don't get a good breakfast and dinner at school compared to other countries. Our tax money goes to occupied Palestine because I'm not going let Israel it is occupied Palestine. Because occupied Palestine, they've banned from another country on the boat, came on a boat. But the banners that please do not do to us. But the Germans did hit And doing exactly. That was done to to the Palestinians. And open air prison. badge and your child having to go to a doctor appointment but to go through these checkpoints. Just get to talk to prime boy 5 years or had cancer. They had go by himself that with his mother and it is mother the checkpoint. How disgusting is that? God forbid it comes over to America because what happened over there, it come to America. Mark my words, it This is not going to be peaceful, but they're never be peaceful. And as we're speaking right now, they're selling real estate property. On land that's got bled. Nothing but lead. Is women and children dying, has nothing to do with Hamas. Nothing to do with Hamas because it's been going on. But 70 plus years. Let's keep our tax money here. Please in our community where it's needed, where it's needed. >> That important, please call the next item. >> Mayor speakers, 4, 5, have switched spots. So we have William Anderson cease-fire in Palestine. >> Good evening. Can everybody hear me? Thank you. >> I'm not going to get you with more stories about what's happening there. If you don't for you. Thankfully. I want rather than regale you with stuff like that. I'm going to ask you each a question. One question for same question everybody. Council members total. What are your thoughts on passing a resolution asking for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza? >> This is just a reminder. You have 5 minutes and unfortunately the council about the speaking tour, all that I've I'm going to hazard each and every one of you can silence is complicity. Councilmember Johnson. What are your thoughts on passing a resolution asking for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza? >> I'll respond after 5 minutes. Thank you. Councilmember Ballard. What are your thoughts on passing a resolution asking for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza? >> respond after Time's Thank you. Same question. What are your thoughts on passing a resolution asking for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza? >> After 5 minutes, the council may be able to speak. I hope you do. >> Councilmember Glasscock same question I have my colleagues, ardent. I echo my colleagues. Okay. Let me ask the question. want to make sure you that. Councilmember gas blast back. What are your thoughts on passing a resolution asking for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza? I echo my colleagues. Thank you to my colleagues. Thank you very much. Mister Johnson, Councilmember Johnston, same question. What are your thoughts on passing a resolution asking for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza? That was a nod of the head Silence is complicity. Thank you, council member whole title. What are your thoughts on passing a resolution asking for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza? I respond after your comments. Thank you very much. I have and a half minutes when setting aside that way and hope think about what what you're going to say. Free Free Palestine. Thank you. >> remember >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Bill. Let me answer your question. I can't speak for the body. We do have a resolution in front of us. For some time now. I thought about. The someone who is loved and celebrated today. But was hated by 80% of America when he was assassinated. That's doctor King. He had a speech a time to break. Silence actually have it on my desk right now. And in that speech, he not only condemned the protest of the Vietnam War. I think as American citizens, though, many online have e-mailed us and talk to us about what our job is. Elected officials each of us over 300 million citizens. Are Americans. We all have an opportunity for old enough to vote. Have a say so in this country in our direction, therefore, I think each of us has a voice. We're the we're local or not and that means that these issues do matter. We have a presidential election this year. Congress is up. And personally, I think that all of the civilians have been killed as Either side. I have Israeli friends. I hear their perspective. I have a lot of Palestinian friends as well. I've seen more from their perspective. Then. But media normally shows you. There are atrocities happening over there. Thousands of people die. I would hope that this administration and others would support a cease-fire. I think all of the death should stop. What we've been saying is heartbreaking. There's been several MPR reports really are hurtful to me to see whole families are being wiped out. I think that's a tragedy. With that. I am in support of that, that this body does have a resolution. vote for. Aside from that. I think it's important that. You know, there's there's always a time to do what's right. History sometimes comes upon us in the moment. We can be silent and watch or we can take a side. My side is for. Safety. I'm not a fan of for the last time I spoke about war publicly was at a ministerial league event and I took the King approached. I just do not support war any way, shape or form. What we're saying is more like actions from people with bad intentions and I'm not in support of So. for resolution comes before the If it does not, I do support a cease-fire. I will say that publicly. I think that should happen. And I think it's a shame that more humanitarian aid is not going to the people who need it. That's not right. And I think I hope I answered your question. But I think Doctor King had it right. I know that some people see that and may not want to speak because he was hated after that. He was killed after that. Sometimes you get killed for doing what's right. We only got one shot life. >> Lysol. Thank you, Mayor. Boy, do I hate following John? >> no, I I agree with this with the and I think an important part of it is also making sure there's Israeli hostages go home. And I've seen that for most of the the request that we've had I just like to bring up the 20 year-old that are fighting over there now were not even born when 9.11 happened. There's there's things that we need to look at as far as actually winning hearts and minds and how we go about doing that and how we bring people into the fold instead of doing the same things that we've done for years and yes, I I do support something like thank you, sir. >> So that's valor. Thank you, And I don't like to follow either one of appreciative a pre. She and speaker. Appreciate coming to speak week after week after week. I hear you I have very similar feelings and sentiments as council member John City Councilmember Jaisol we have discussed a resolution. If that came before me, I would be supported and I do support a cease-fire. >> Councilmember class caught. >> As I said, and I would say my comments for afterward, I believe that there's different levels of government. We all different functions. I believe we all different roles and responsibilities and I don't shy from any question or direct question. What's it I would not support the resolution. at this point. And so I do appreciate you. But I want be able to offer you my thoughts and be answering directly to you as well as you did post a question about would not support a resolution of came before this body. >> And I will answer that question because I have in my inbox 489 else vote no on a cease-fire. While we have public comment every week where we allow 5 minutes per individual to come and share their thoughts on any specific item. And we patiently lesson for 5 minutes. But we asked for that type of for the speaker as well as respect for the council as well. And I would like to let you know that there are people that sometimes don't come to our city council meetings, but they do reach out to us whether percent the email or simply when we're out in community and that what I hear from individuals on both They keep reminding me actually something even more pressing and we have local issues that we need to take care of from crime prevention to street maintenance, 2 things that help move Wichita forward. They asked me to keep the focus on those items. So I will remain thoughtful and listening. But I will also be mindful that I have a focus. I'm taking care of local government with my fellow council members. Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> Markets are about clerk. Please call the next item marked Carlo Flock cameras and Wichita. >> Before I get started, I recently suffered a tremendous personal loss and it was an effort just to get here this evening. I hope I can rely upon your sympathetic attention even as I begin to get more heated towards the end. I'm here to talk about the flock cameras again, let's just get a few facts out of the way, right up front flock cameras are purchased using public treasury flock cameras are installed on public infrastructure. Wichita police have been trained to protect flock cameras, the public's movement throughout the metropolitan area is being tracked by Flock. Wichita. Police refuse to release a location map of where the cameras we paid for. Our. The public is being is paying taxes to be spied upon. Is part of a wider program called Talon a national program further expanding the reach of warrantless surveillance on a massive scale. According to multiple sources, more than 500 police departments and more than 1000 cities now have access to flock camera data as far as I know, Sedgwick is the only county in Kansas engaged with flock. But that's bound to change. I've spoken with Wichita PD and flock and in both instances and in every piece of material I was given when my core a request went through great care was taken to obscure what precisely these license plate readers are actually capable of detecting, according to promotional materials there. Surveillance cameras detect cars as well as individuals, animals and even bicyclists. You don't need to be driving to be tracked, 10's? Congratulations. Millions of taxpayer dollars flushed into spying on ourselves. This isn't just criminals that are being tracked. It's all of us ICT more like I see the all that data captured Co laid spun up and stored into some data base in Florida, then sold off to the unscrupulous corporate overlord or petty billionaire want certainly says with the city are set to expire. Wichita, we have an immediate problem right here at home. Flocks web of surveillance technology is a digital dragnet made up of private cameras purchased with public dollars. We are being fleeced not only of our taxable incomes, but our rights to privacy. Time and time again. Defenders of this program have claimed that flock helps the police track bad people after they commit heinous acts. So on a day where nobody gets murdered or blown away or abducted were just racking up hundreds of millions of personally identifying data points for what no reason. The violent crime rate in Wichita for 2023 was 9 out of 1000. For every bad guy. There are 991. Good guys. 31 murders last year. Presuming each of those crimes happened on different days. That comes out to 334 days last year where nobody got murdered. And yet the flock cameras. We're tracking all of us anyways. Citizens can find these invasive parasitic manifestations of tyranny just about anywhere in our city. Keep your eyes out for rectangular black solar panels tucked away underneath traffic lights and power poles. Me personally, I've had to repeatedly resist the urge to go on a baseball bat wielding vigilante camera swatting spree. It's actually running fantasy of mine. So if I ever really lose it and you all start losing cameras, sorry in advance. But that's not the reality. I want to live in. I want us to voluntarily stop violating our own rights. I want the people to stand up against more than just flock and Talon. But the general insistence on hate over love, distrust over unity and partisan politics over progressivism. Talent and the third-party cameras. They proliferate are an attack on core American values. They are unjustifiable unconstitutional and they are wrong. To those watching who wish to learn more or to get a copy of my camera deployment map. I can be reached at nobody needs nukes at G mail dot com or on the Wichita suburb. Reddit, just ask for the sign of the Times. Thank you. >> Last time it's the Thank you for joining thank you also engaging in a public input as well. >> I know you listen to speak about flock cameras. So we asked which a police department for some comments. I know you've had a conversation with them for more than 40 minutes as well. Some guy that they took the time have the conversation with you for everybody else in the room as well. We have about 160 flock cameras and We have transparency portal. So many of you want to write this. You're welcome to find more information and transparency, dot flock, safety dot com backslash Wichita. I K s hyphen PD where you can find more in addition about how we implement our flock system. Wpd so that they don't enter personally identifying information. It's not used for traffic. Information flock has no facial recognition capabilities. know that I have no concerns. Larger concerns big brother and being watched as well. I've been I've had conversations with our Wichita Police Department. I'm not a concert of how they're implementing flock right now. I'd be happy to sit down with you one on one as well. But I want to make sure to have some talking points tonight after having a conversation with them. And I know they may have articulated some of those similar points to you as well. But I appreciate being here. I would also urge you police told a story about that would be a crime. So come and talk to before. Please destroy any of the cameras. So thank you very much. >> Councilmember Johnson. >> Thanks, In the show of bipartisanship like my colleague him support of a flock also want to highlight one of the facts that was mentioned is not accurate. Not every flock cameras paid for and owned by the city. There are neighborhoods they purchase their own cameras. Some H.O.A. says, well, that's not city dollars. That's their dollars. They do plug into the system. So it's not every camera. to have concerns about big brother. But Flock has been highly successful here in the city of Wichita. For But I never made this public. Someone into too much detail. But I witnessed a domestic violence situation. After intervening. I made a report about that. And within 2 minutes, they figure out where this car was going because the car of a me was able to find shortly later kind of address that situation. There was another situation I talked about last time where, again, Sandy's license plates tracking throughout the city. We're able to recover stolen vehicles, other things, millions of dollars of stolen things have recover here in the city. It is working in the way that it was present. It may sound scary that your license gets a picture taken. But honestly, you're not doing anything, no one is bothering you and wpd is not bothering you. I know that may not make everyone happy, but this system has been a highly effective. Also we have folks who have concerns about our car chase policies with wpt. These flock cameras are a way for officers not to have to speed through the city limits putting people's lives at risk. You can just follow the cars electronically figure out where they're going wpd do make an arrest. So the is probably going to continue to expand the different parts of the city. There have been concerns that they're all in one area. They're not. They are all over and their SWAT cameras throughout the state of seniors who have. Memory challenges have been found using flock cameras and other counties and other cities. So while we also have concerns about Big Brother. This is a program that is not harmful to our community. And the day that it is. I'll be one of the loudest people speaking against it, but I have not seen evidence of that at this point. >> Councilmember jobs done. >> Barlow, thank you for speaking. I would hate to. Go to a mother. And say we cannot find. Their child has been kidnapped. Because we don't have flock cameras. It's happened before found children that have been kidnapped. For whatever reason. they have to find them. Same thing murders to it. If you're really worried about big brother, I don't know if you carry. One of these are not. Then they probably don't follow you, but they're falling. Everybody else. They already know everything about You know what we buy, what we say where we go, what we do. Yeah. Thank. So anyway. Thank you again for speaking. I don't agree with you, but thank you. >> Councilmember Jaisol. Thank you >> I know we've got a full schedule workshops and the next couple of months. I wonder if maybe we can. But something on there at some point to give the public an update as to what what the ins and outs of law car. I think they they should now. Also, I'd like to echo Councilmember We have at least 2 children have been recovered. Using flock. So I I got a nice libertarian streak and they believe it or not. that one is as tough to kind of square that when they can be helpful and recovery of children who happened abducted. on a personal note, I'm sorry for your loss and thank you for being here tonight. >> And last minute, just to reiterate that website so everyone can look at the lack transparency portal that is transparency, dot flock, safety dot com backslash I thin K S hyphen PD and there's 3 points I want to make so that we have correct information being disseminated in community. This is again after speaking with police and as a former reporter who has reported on the health flock has assisted in child abductions Flock has assisted or been directly used in that location and apprehension of at least 18 homicide suspects. In addition to any and all search us must have a legitimate law enforcement purpose. This is almost always in the form of a police case. Number when one is not readily available, the type of crime and the reduced. And finally, lock data is retained for 30 days. It is stored in Amazon government Web server following the highest government corruption standards. Flock cannot access the data. That data is completely delete it and white from the server on a rolling deletion on day. 31, it is no longer accessible by anyone. Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> Consent agenda items one through. 29. >> Any comments regarding consent agenda items? Items to people. council member of U.S., our vice mayor. Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to apply 18. Any Councilmember Glasscock just to confirm is that the second reading of ordinances? >> Yes, the cave-in finance ordinance. Any other items. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda items? Councilmember Johnson first. >> Thanks, Mayor friendly Amendment Councilmember Johnston to approve the consent agenda items minus item. >> We have a motion Is there a second second? Councilmember Jaisol seconds. Any further questions or discussion? I see that I'm clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 6, 1, We are now back to agenda item number 18 on the consent agenda. Thanks, Mayor. >> I staff a question I think probably for you mate. I've gotten several emails text messages asking if about this part ordinance, if you could just clarify what allowing for even a little sees to contribute to campaigns, if you could just clarify that. >> For sure. Anybody because kind of been used, they think in different contexts that the different points in this conversation. So initially we drafted a proposed ordinance amendment for consideration by counsel that distinguished between Domestic LLC, zinn corporations and foreign elsie's and corporations that term for and in this business entity, part of the legal world is a lot more about referring to out of state corporations. It does refer to corporations or else sees that are organized under the jurisdiction of another country. But really when we're talking about business entities, the term for an especially in state law, Israeli practically talking about out of state corporations and we drafted that way to try to distinguish between the different types of corporate entities that might be affected by the proposed prohibition on contributions and city elections and potentially insulate us from a legal claims are challenges that might occur afterward. Now with that. Second reading version that is currently before council. Now, there is not any explicit reference to domestic or foreign corporations and LLCs. It's just for a first a state law which maybe provide some clarity in that regard. But brings up the question of how foreign corporations, meaning out of country, corporations might relate contributions and city elections. 7. this aspect of it actually is governed by federal statute, which indicates that and dictates that foreign nationals that term foreign nationals, including both people, corporations, other business entities are prohibited from making contributions as well as expenditures in federal state and local elections. So there are not many federal laws or statutes that apply to the local level. Lot of them are about federal law. >> This is a situation, though, where it does apply. And again, foreign nationals, including for individuals and for out of country corporations and other business entities are prohibited from making contributions under that law. There are a few exceptions. I probably talked enough on this question. If anybody wants to know what those but that that's kind of where we're >> Thank you so much. I appreciate it. She Councilmember Glasscock. >> The motion to approve a second ring ordinances from March 1920, 24. Any further discussion. I see that a clerk, please open the Motion passes 7, 0, That of clerk. Please call the next item. >> some contracts. Dated March 18th 2024. >> Morning. There's All right. Good evening. Mayor City Council has that too much. Josh Lover, Department of Finance, the board of its convene on March 18, 2024. >> For engineering, we have the golf courses, pathway improvements for PPG a construction incorporated for aggregate did total of $137,247. And $0.25. The delay. No pathway Osage to exposition for Pride of Construction, LLC and the amount of 2 million, 688,993 dollars and $0.6. And the Lw Klatt part bridge improvements repair a construction, a path bridges. grass and sons. Construction company incorporated for aggregate bit total of 602,000, $911. And $0.33. That the water line extension on Southeast Boulevard from IDA to 4 a for utility maintenance Contractors, LLC in the amount of 600. I'm sorry. 63,000, $419.50. For purchasing. We have the batteries, automotive and commercial for wind better incorporated and the amount of $81,640. We have the furnish and install auto glass for vehicles and equipment for North star Automotive Glass incorporated. 56% discount next price list. They have the tree stump removal for out for its a Pear Tree Service Incorporated and Shawnee Mission. Tree Service incorporate for the groups listed. They have the network equipment for Branch library locations furlough callous incorporated for $365,249. And $0.62. The furnish and install new furniture Patrol East Substation for Marshall Company. The amount of 255,000 turned $42.17. We have the lw Klatt part crate playground equipment be creative incorporated and the amount of 1 million, 14,561 dollars. We have the fiberglass storm, water hinged frames and lit for virtual polymer Compounds, LLC for the rates listed. We have lender Gearbox Radar Unit VO USA LLC and the amount of $173,182. We have the Wichita Art museum Camry model for Center for Engineering Controls, Incorporated and the amount of $239,668. And $0.48. They have a human resources applicant tracking and management software annual renewal are government jobs dot com incorporated dba got for 50,000. $563. And $0.55. We have the crime, intelligence and analysis software, accurate virtual crime center annual renewal for Lexus. Nexus. And then a $57,413. And $0.86. This is how to become a vendor with the city of Wichita. These request proposals out on the street today. And I'd be happy answer your questions. And that is it. >> Councilmember Johnston. >> Quick question on the Clyde Park. Bridges and passed there such a discrepancy. And the It double each other. All 3 of them. You do worry about that. contractor can can handle that or clearly understands the focus of what is needed so excited. You asked because I told the buyer to check that. >> we did have 10. Kelvin and public works verify that the vendor Snodgrass specifically stated that they're not worried about that work because it's very straightforward. But I did confirm with them. I see a huge discrepancy on that. Are you okay with that? As Snodgrass stated, there are no concerns. They had full confidence they would achieve the work at that price point. >> One more regarding the cameras. You talk what that will replace at are these security cameras also? >> I'm gonna need public or someone but me on that. >> Good evening here. And heading with public works and utilities. Yes, it's basically replacing outdated. system, security cameras and the network. 30. >> Almost I guess this is a comprehensive look at it. All the cameras, including the with for the artwork insight. I just yes, a little right? I think it's the believe it's the entire system. Yes. I can get more details on that. If you buy for sure. I see no further questions. her motion to approve. >> I would move to take staff's recommended action to receive and file the report approved the contract and authorizing necessary signatures. >> Motion a second any further discussion. Seeing that clerk please open the role. Motion passes 7, clerk, please call the next item. >> ordinance amending section 2.0 4.0, 0, 5, 2.0, 0, 4, 0, 4, 0, and 2.0 4.2, 7, 0, of the code of City of Wichita pertaining to city Council vacancies. >> I get so what we're focusing on with this one is a bit more. The procedure for the council itself when there's a vacancy of an unexpired term, what should be the voting process for to fill that vacancy? I currently city ordinance provides a process to fill that vacancy. That's a code section. 2 point '04 point. 0, And we're talking about unexpired terms of someone has to leave face it, leave their position for a variety of reasons. But really, it's any situation more last where the term does not end and we hold a normal a city election, the process to fill that vacancy involves the remaining council members as well as the district advisory board in the district where the vacancy occurs. The first level of this includes the DAV holding a public forum that functions as a screening for candidates in the current code directs the dab to nominate 4 or 5 candidates by a majority vote for further consideration by council. After that dad nomination City Council elects a new member to fill the vacancy again by a majority vote of the council, which would be. Probably 6 remaining members if a majority is not achieved after 5 ballots, the vacancy process is set for the next 2 consecutive regular meetings. If a majority is not achieved after 5 ballots, that either of those 2 meetings on that 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 to fill the vacancy at the first meeting and was only achieved after 3 boats at the next meeting, which risk the coin toss potentially and that high was between 3 candidates which all had different vote. So it's kind of legally complicated had to toss a coin between at 3 different people with different votes. This is just the same slide. Apologies for the poor editing on my part. The proposed ordinance, though, would institute a ranked voting process that the DAV and city Council levels to fill vacancies at at council. This proposed ordinance would also require a written explanation votes by DAV and council members. The goals of this proposed change would be to facilitate consensus and transparency. It would work in this way. The dad would screen candidates to nominate for council consideration the same sort of thing. A public forum but would express Leno many 5 candidates if 5 or poor are available rather than 4 or 5, 3 ranked voting process. This ranked voting process is commonly known as the board account method. And I do want to quickly distinguish between this and ranked choice voting which we presented to the council workshop in October 2022. for the council level of this process instead of a voting process where each of the remaining candidates is ranked and then the lowest is eliminated until we achieve a majority. This process instead ranks the candidates and points are assigned and then tallied to determine the winner. And this was the DAV level of the presentation in October 2022. So we went through some of this before, but after discussing with rank, the vote supported some of this, valuation research and thinking it through, especially with the number of people voting, which is 6, it makes it difficult to achieve a majority of 4, risks of ties, things like that at a board account, a ranked voting method is an effective way to achieve consensus. The proposed ranking process would require dad members first to each rank. The 5 candidates, one through 5 with each of the first place votes counting U.S. 5 points. Second place votes is 4 points. 3rd place is 3 points. 4th places to 5th place. This one and 0 points for unranked. If we have more, then 5 candidates. So prepared, hypothetical to try to run through this a little bit and give an example of how it might look, let's assume we've got 7 candidates that have filed lawful petitions to fill a council vacancy of an unexpired term and each tab member would rank their preferred candidates first through 5th, leaving 2 candidates. Unranked. Then the rankings are assigned points which are tallied to determine the 5 candidates nominated for council consideration. Now, this chart looks a little confusing, but I think it all comes together relatively easily. So we've got the 7 candidates a through G up top and then we're just assuming a tdap members to kind of demonstrate that sometimes maybe it is difficult to achieve majority. We've got an even number of folks president and other situations, too. So each of the 8 members has ranked 5 of the candidates with the rank listed next to the points in print. The seas. Those points or than tally below with the corresponding total rank and total points with those highlighted as green as the 5 to move on for further consideration by City Council. And again, this looks a little complicated. I will know thinking about this. This is actually how we use rank high school forensics speech and debate tournaments. When you've got 6 kids going up against each other and figure out who want among different judges. So this is, you know, I'm not going it's not always easy to calculate it all, but it is relatively straightforward and done all the time. Now, those 5 would go to council the remaining to vote on 5 by the dad to get one winner. And I provided another example here where the 5 remaining candidates ABC E and G are there with a district's one through 5 in the mayor. My apologies for District But just I just went by So. We end up there. even though there's and we can kind of look a little more closely at this, a lot of different I candidates got first place votes. A variety of candidates got last place votes and that might be difficult to distinguish if we're just going on a bear majority. But in this way, we're able to get gradation between each of the candidates where there is a first-place through 5th place. One other thing I will note you'll see district for a vote for candidate G includes no points. One thing that we did with drafting it was still to leave the authority to council members members of the governing body to not break a candidate that's before them. But I didn't just want to highlight that for potential consideration by council as well. So in this instance made easier on myself the Canada Day, I'm urges after the council vote. You know, this was different. Then ranked 4th at the DAV as well. And the proposed ordinance but also institute a written explanation requirement. just want to keep bringing that up because it's kind of the other a component of this as well for each vote by DAV and council members. I will note that written explanation is not further defined and that was intentional when we're drafting it provides some flexibility to members of DAV and council to decide what they would like to provide is their explanation. A coin toss is still used as a tie. For first, the lowest rank nomination of dab at the dab level. In case we've got 6 that end up in. There's a tie at 5 or 6 and then also though, if council does not reach agreement after 5 votes, that multiple meetings and it's significantly less likely. But there is still in extreme possibility that it might happen. But there's not a clear winner. The 2 highest rank candidates are then are subject to the coin flip with one winner out of those 2. I don't know, too, that we're taking opportunity if this is passed, also reconsider some potentially and biggie was language in chapter 2 point '04 at the term members elect is used a couple of times and we're proposing to remove that in lieu of that, her members to make it who can vote on Corum. A man who counts as a member different times. We also provided some language in the terminology section that just clears up the council's allowed to use different voting systems. That majority when specifically designated our recommendation. my apologies. A quick summary again, just to bring all of this together, the proposed ordinance would institute a ranked voting process at both dabbing Council levels with a written explanation requirement that addresses some potentially ambiguous language in the relevant sections as well. We're asking for consideration of the proposed amendment that motion language is available on the green sheet as well. And I will note that Elaine Steven from rank, the vote with me as provided a lot of support through this process and happy to answer questions, too. So thank you. >> Councilmember title, thank you. And thank you for the Your work and this. I went through this process and 1/8/2019. I'm keenly aware could you please connect us like 32 for Thank you. And looking at Page 3 of the ordinance and it says in the event of a tie. For the 5th candidate, the lowest-ranked candidate nominated that high should be broken by a coin toss. So if it's at the dab and they have to pass 5 through let's say 2 of that is both have a 17 whatever it may be. Then they'll be a coin toss between those 2 and whoever. And that's so we're still going going to stay here somewhere. Exactly it. >> This process will make it much less likely that there are ties. Okay. I had to make sure you We believe that just in case. So then my other question I have and I may have more. if I miss it, I apologize. I tried to read thoroughly. >> But the Briton comment from council right? So. The vote happens at the council meeting. So did the council members provide the written testimony of why they voted for someone a missing somewhere? >> It is because, you know, it's just English, the timing. So it goes to the dab, right? And then council members come and they get I think I do a 3 minute presentation before council and then council So does the council then provide their written comments on the 5 people who presented 5 or less kids? It could maybe only be 3 if 3 people, their name. when does that written testimony from council member? It happen. >> I don't think that is determined in the ordinance. I think as written then we could potentially as Paul see decide when. But we're also happy to clarify. >> In the ordinance as well, trying to think of all these potential complications of when a written explanation would be provided. Think normally the idea and again that speak, try to turn and we can adjust things based on the council would be to vote and provide who wins through the rank and then a written explanation from council members to be more available for the pub to the public for transparency. >> I know in the past it's been the practice and it's not a policy or procedure, but it was the practice that council members did. Current council members did not make comment during the appointment process. They just voted. They didn't lobby year, you know, advocate for someone. If that changed council members could say, you know, I'm voting for. So and so because it would become written testimony because it would go in the official minutes even just wondering if that's a thought that I just wonder about. You know, do you just have to say I'm my written cut and want to get you are in the weeds. But just something to think about is it just I voted for. Thank you, Valerie, because where you have write comments on everybody who actually came before the bench. >> That is. I think it's written to be about each person that comes before the bench. As written. It says a written explanation with the rank boat consistent with the vote registered. At the same time, it is written to allow some flexibility on what the explanation And it doesn't. I will say there's nothing that says your vote doesn't count. Also, if there's not a written explanation to tally who wins, but it is supposed to be provided with the vote and it does as currently written, it's tied to each of the candidates. That is right. Okay. >> And I'm and supported that. The rank to a I think that's great of the coin from the bench seemingly, you know, not a good idea at all. The written part to me just doesn't seem to make a lot sense. It's like an afterthought and I'm not sure who would you know, want to hear how it would be used. But I you know, not going to perfection get in the way of great. So thank and appreciate the comments today. got us on this. >> Councilmember class to echo some But Councilman Ted or tunnel shared as well. Is there any other precedent for any other folks that this body takes where there's a written explanation required? >> Not that I'm aware Okay. Now. >> To show president. Okay. Yes. And then a different There's the second question that too. If the body was to consider the ranked choice voting aspect, we could separate that from the explanation aspect and talk about the mayor to those independently and vote on those independently, correct. >> Yes, if the body wants to and yeah, just it's written to kind of keep those a separate components throughout. So it would just kind of take out the word spread and written explanation at the different pieces of the ordinance when it comes up. >> The next question, is there any comparable city had do it in a research about how other communities still vacancies. Is there any city that feels they can seize like this opposed to the process that we fill vacancies currently. >> and I can. Maybe escalate as well. But a lot of and. All these for not including that information from the workshop presentation a long time ago. But we do a lot of background research on what other cities, Hughes and it is becoming increasingly common for things like filling vacancies. If not general elections and not. I don't want to say it's a majority or anything like that. But increasingly common to use ranked choice are ranked voting methods to avoid situations where majority is maybe not. Entirely likely because of the number of people voting. So and I'm trying to think back to some of that presentation materials are more than happy to share that again, especially because there's different members of the council. So apologies for not having that here, but it is increasingly common to fill things like council vacancies are governing body vacancies as opposed to full general elections that. >> I Elaine Steven District and make that Kansas. I am not sure million with how other fill vacancies. However, this particular method is ideal because it is designed for when you have a few very few voters. So in this case, 6 and if you can so 5. This situation, board account is designed to. Minimize the likelihood of a tie and also take into account the full picture of candidate preference voter preferences for the candidates. OK, thank you. Thank you for work on this. I find it interesting that 2 of the 7 members of this body had to go through this process. >> I went through a special election process on the county side as well. And so this actually happens far more often than people expected, too. >> Councilmember whole Jaisol. >> Thank you, Yeah, I went through this process as well. quite make it to the top 5. I think maybe if I were money tie, I would've the naval escort through it. Start to bring up old I don't think it was that much. I'm here now, sir. A quick question about Are there having gone through this? Are they're still going to be pretty written questions from the city managers office provided to or are they free too? And a vast questions that day they see fit. >> This ordinance amendment is not intended to affect that. The same. think the question process from the manager's office would continue in the same sort of way as before. >> Okay, they did allow him some leniency on that. And I think that's good. It's not with the district Advisory board. can also ask questions that they feel and see on a personal level throughout the district. So I would definitely recommend just giving them some leniency in some leeway to the kind some of the questions that they're thinking about as well. Now, here's here's the one part. I do kind of struggle with here. It's tied after the first week. You know, if I'm making a vote based off of who I think is, you know, I rank and the way I think they should. I don't think it's going to change from week to week. I say that there might be some points moving if we do a lemonade, one or 2 of the, you know, the 4th and the 5th. And then there might be some points that provide a little bit of discrepancy there. But we're voting according to how we feel they should. It should be the same week to week the week as opposed to swapping one into or anything like that. So I know you we did talk about this a little bit. A lifetime ago, you know, year and some change ago. So what was the reason that we eliminating may be the 5th place and then the 4th place after consecutive votes, maybe just week to week. And I'm sorry. >> State the question again, but we didn't change the week or the consecutive meetings afterward component, right? All right. I think that what we were talking about is if you're in 5th place after week, one, maybe we drop to 5th place. Not if there is a Tyson that way points can be distributed a little differently because that might affect a little further up the band. That and my apologies. That is a bit more of a ranked choice style voting for says. >> This method we propose, which more of a ranked her board account method where you tally the points that are associated with that and I think that it's included to provide, you know, reconsideration at 2 consecutive meetings after the first foe to potentially allow council to reconsider based on consensus. And at that point. I think also if there's a tie, I think the code is kind of written to be. There's not a lot of options necessarily at that point to get past that high, which is why we are. Proposing a method that will not risk a time nearly as often either but understand that perspective as well. And if if you'd like to for us to consider potentially changing the way that. Thais are dealt with, particularly with other meetings that we're happy to as well. But that piece we didn't change. The piece was just switching from the ranked choice. Elimination style to more cumulative ranked board account style. Yeah, I support this. I think this is an improvement over what we have now. >> I would like to see something a little. I mean, I think it's pretty unlikely that we do have a tie with this new system. But if we can work on possibly looking at a process of elimination from week to week or from boat to boat. Just in case, you know, there is a tie. Don't want to go through it. I still see we have a coin toss at the end. If it's tight after a couple of boats, I want to play that as much possible. >> Of course it again. That is definitely the whole point of putting in place the system. There's a very significantly less likelihood of that high. But again, we don't want a situation where we can act if there is a tie basically. I thank But yeah, we can look at that as well. Is that if that's the direction of the body bank? >> Councilmember Johnston. Thank you, Mayor. And they thank you very much. Appreciate presentation. I don't like coin flips at because I lose the most the time. >> Would be possible if the district advisory. 5 people, a number 5, 6 were tied to just send the top 4 to the council. >> Yes, yes. After that way for sure. I'm there. Yeah. That's easy enough to draft in the code. It just. And again, we're happy to take guidance on that high component. We tried to kind of drafted in a way that would avoid that as much as possible. But understanding that is kind of the tricky part. So we're happy to provide different options on that for sure. Thank you. I do like Councilman idea of eliminating the it's not it is usually like a change from one week to second leak to a 3rd week. >> Eliminating maybe the lower. The lower place ERs well as place one. So maybe maybe that would change things us to vote, which same? I think each and every week. Then if it does tie after 3 weeks again, I don't like coin flip. Would be possible to send it back to district advisory board. Help them decide. Because that's that's who people that some people live in the district represent the people in the district. >> That I would need to maybe think about a little bit more because it's not the governing body to citing who fills the vacancy. Ultimately. But if that is the direction of the governing body, it's possible that we could drafted. would be my one concern because then council's not the one to sighting who fills the vacancy. And there might be some other issue. But again, we can definitely look into that as an alternative to the coin toss as well for sure. Thank And regarding the comments. >> I worry about. Things getting personal candidates. I don't think that's the place for it. Should make anybody feel bad for during their name in the hat. I prefer not >> Council member John Cent. >> Thanks, mayor. great transition right there. Councilmember Johnston, I just wanted to highlight for everyone. comment piece was my suggestion. I don't think anyone else does that. But it came from the district 3 Several members of district 3 questioned why some of us on the governing body at the time voted the way we did. There was accusations of partisanship and all of that and I thought it would be good if we explained why we supported folks. I'm not tied to that. If we want to remove it, but that's fine. But it was just a way to add to the transparency piece of someone wants to know why support someone. I don't have to be negative about the other candidates. Just this is why I supported this person. These are the things I thought good about him. And I have no problem chairman, even if it's not in here because think it's important for folks to know. But that's a that's all that came of if we don't want to put that in their apartment that but that's why it's in there. >> Councilmember title. Sorry, just one more thought. Maybe they do So I I appreciate the ranked. The brink, at the council because I think that's where the opportunity for ties comes in right. So thank you for being a forward thinker on that. And looking back at the screen shot from January 4th of 2019, where the 7 candidates who went to the District to advisory board were ranked and they were all given point system right? It would be much harder that way. Not like a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, but they C 544 point. And then the next was 488 points. Whatever that system kind of seemed to work at the death because it would be much less likely. I think, to have a pie that way. This system almost seems more likely to have a tie. So I wonder if it's you and I don't make too much closer to the bench that some sort of a hybrid of just a scorer like we used to do with the DAV and then do the great choice up to it for the council level. So. To some extent what saying. >> And just to clarify in the prior example, the dad members would give maybe like 100 score. Yes, if that what it is. Okay. Okay. >> So they were questions. I think the worst like I don't know. 5 questions how many questions. And then it was a score of one to 20 year. I have little somewhere to finally could find it. But so 8, I just worried that at I think at the council level, this is a good solution. I just wonder at the debt level if more of an opportunity for ties using this system. I just want to stay away from the coin toss? That's what thinking. Oh, my apologies. I think in general the more. >> Again, gradation we add to the points that are assigned. >> The less likely that there will be a tie. But under the current ordinance, it is written that it is determined that the dab level by majority vote. So if we want to change that, we're happy to kinda draft, especially the number of points that might be available. And that's relatively easy to change and make it more flexible but this would again decreased. The likelihood of that high by introducing some sort of point system under the ordinance or code. But yeah, I get the more numbers we have. The less likely. I think it heightened Thank you. Chair. >> I see no further questions for staff Thank you very We'll now open it up for public comment. Are there any individuals like to comment? Please come forward state, your name and on where you reside or which district you represent. >> I'm Susan Cunningham. I'm from District 6. And I'm a former inmate PC. And he said that no other city had to write up comments. If you have another governing body in Wichita, that does. It may not be the same thing, but it does have a lot of authority in win. person sitting on a PC. Vote. To change an ordinance or zoning law to accommodate. Any development that has to change. As you do all the rest of us. You have to give a reason if they vote no. So. I think you should give that a little bit more thought. I appreciate excuse me. I appreciate the the transparency of knowing why somebody chooses somebody that maybe don't want to write one up for every single Percy from the beginning. I would assume that when you're right, a little synopsis of what qualities are of this person. That's not going to change throughout. So maybe you don't have to do it over and over. if you change your mind and decide. This was not in the running for me anymore. should be able to relate to us. That's a thank you. >> But it's called it a live in district 6. I just thought off the top of my head. If it's a tie instead of a coin flip. You can send those to people for a vote right at the City Council. That way. It wouldn't be a coin flip. I don't think you're ever going to end up that high anyway. setting backed are thinking that I'm glad this was never on a bike tests and college. This ranked choice voting. All right. Thank >> Elaine, Steven, think about Kansas. would like to make clear the difference that procedure that we're talking about is Florida count, which is very distinct from ranked choice voting. Board account is where it is a form preferential voting. You do read your candidates in order and then they are assigned points and it points are tallied up. therefore it comes up with a consensus candidate ranked choice voting is totally different. And that's the system that is used in Maine, Alaska and about 60 cities across the country. And just because ranked choice voting is so prevalent across the country. What we want to make very clear Borda count is recommended like we said, small numbers voters with small numbers of candidates. It would not in any way be appropriate for a general election with the public. >> I see no further public comment will bring it back to the bench. Councilmember class caught. >> Is Mister Tenet's option a viable option? Where if you did the board account and there's 2, there's a tie of 2 individuals than those 2 individuals just become before the council. >> Yeah. And I think that kind of gets to the idea. I view that's similar to eliminating candidates for more narrow considerations so we can definitely do that kind of narrowing language to maybe break it down a little differently to if that's the direction of counsel at that. >> I prefer than Aaron Languages. Jaisol said so we don't get to a place where it is a coin toss or if we do, there's a lot of states cooler ways to be able to pull it. I think some people pulled out Abraham Lincoln's hat or something. So there might be a better way than just a coin toss >> I'm >> supportive of the aspects of the board And I think it's unique system. I think it makes sense among the body of to see the works among the body of 7. I'm not supportive of explanation as we saw in public comment today. Even asked the question, happy to provide an explanation about And I think that everybody on council should provide an explanation of how they're voting from the bench. But I think requiring a written explanation, it sets a precedent of every vote. When we stop with a written explanation of every single vote, I think we should explain are votes to people. We can do that from the bench. But I will not be supporting explanation. Opponent I I will be supporting the board account explanation trying to use the right language. >> Councilmember Total, thank you. And and this a question to my colleague Councilmember Johnson. I don't mean to put you on the spot, but it sounds like we're having some robust discussion. I see some consensus regarding the comments. There's another thought. With there be any appetite to maybe post quoting this just so we can potentially clean it up a little bit. Otherwise, I think there's going to be a whole lot. A substitute motion is going back and forth and it might just be an opportunity to make it the best product that we can. So I know this was your work until certainly want to give. You know, comment that this might be one of those where we just give it a little bit more time and have legal work on it in Tulsa continue to work with our friends and maybe we can make it the best can. >> I'm happy to do with body wants to do on The main things I've heard those concerned about the comment piece. think they're just listening. There may be consensus to remove that. And just some questions about coin toss. I don't want a coin toss either, which is why I was pushing for for this. But whatever the body wants to do, I'm I'm happy to do that. I think we most of us have said that this aims to be a better process than what we have now. So everybody wants to proceed. >> That's a member Glass Cup. >> I was going make a motionless. was for the comments. I can take that off. Councilmember Jaisol. Thank you, So I I'm curious, do we want to strip the comment part today passes and then come back Some cleanups. what happens in case of a tie or maybe the process. This is as something that the rest of the body would entertain at this time. As I am. I mean, I'm a little maybe 41 the this job ages, you terribly. And I hate to you know, just something happens in the next 2 weeks or You guys will be flipping the coin. So. So, yeah, I I think if we can do that, just remove the language and passes today and then we can come back here in a couple of weeks and kind of clean up some of the other stuff. But if that's the will of the the body. >> Before I go to council that brick law, Scott, can I ask staff if that is a possibility to clean this up first before it actually comes to >> That I will say you can do this. Yes, you can. Today moved to strip the language regarding written comments. And before second reading, we can have a new clean version that incorporates what we believe we're hearing today. And we could put that second reading on next week or we could delay second reading for a couple weeks to give maybe time to to really get that. think Thank you. Councilmember Glascock. So I this correct. >> So I would move. >> That. >> The council Johnson, you're always better at making sausage from the bench that you need So I would recommend that the City Council. >> Table the ordinance know to me it came to run charting a sudden when it. >> We want to if you want to for we differ, but we don't want a table could differ. >> So I would move that the city council to for the ordinance amending sections. 2 Point '04 point. Oh, '05, 2 point '04, 0, and 2 point '04 to 7 of the code of the city which to pertains to council vacancies with the understanding to have staff draft draft, an ordinance that would eliminate the tie breaking component by a coin toss and remove the language regarding a written explanation. To our meeting on April 2nd. Haha. >> We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion. I seen that. Madam Clerk, please open the Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> Child Advocacy Center of Central County. >> Bubbling city members of council talk tonight about child advocacy center and an expansion project that the senator is planning. Back in 2015, the city Council approved $250,000 for the Child Advocacy Center there for 2 of the CAC going forward to move from the 50 state Office building into more to help better accommodate their mission. And what was previously known as the Lincoln Elementary School. The houses, community agencies that provide services to children who are survivors of abuse and neglect. The program. Some of programs are barred services. They offer include advocacy, mental health services case, coordination, community education, administrative support, and they also provide a facility for partner each apply each client for child it goes through the program as a sign child family advocate to assist with questions referrals crisis, intervention support and free of charge. I'm sure you're the the COVID pandemic had a significant impact on families, especially children. And the CAC saw a sharp increase both the number and severity of cases. A post COVID. In 2021, the number of clients served increased by over 1000 to almost annually. And then in 20 to the they still stay ahead of the PRE-COVID numbers it had about 4500 clients. As you can imagine, this is put a lot of pressure on the staff and on the facility to be able to accommodate the needs of the community. The impact mistreatment or maltreatment of a child is even for many reasons, of course. But if you want to put in financial terms, if we lose a due to maltreatment the cost lifetime costs for that child's lost or death is 16.6 million dollars. The lifetime additional health care costs for every child that survives maltreatment is over $800,000 and annual cost for abuse know your children, United States averages 60 almost $64,000. Other direct That that were used in those calculations include investigation, criminal justice, mental health expenses, special education needs and disability support. You can imagine victims are more likely as adults to be unhoused unemployed and have increased involvement our criminal justice system. To help a remedy. The problems that have been created a post-pandemic child advocacy center has proposed to 37,000 Square foot expansion to create additional interview private family rooms, therapy offices and group therapy space. The interview rooms would be used by local law enforcement partners that are in center as well as for child protection specialist. cost of the project is estimated to be 12.8 million dollars. terms the asked the child Advocacy center leadership asked if the city would consider making a contribution of 2 million dollars for towards the expansion project. We are fortunate in that the council allocated 20 million dollars in arpa previously and also included in your current operating budget. 20 million dollars for community initiatives and not all of that money has been committed or spent at this point. You know, they're Ford's recommended that 2 million of the arpa funds that set aside for those initiatives be allocated for the CAC expansion. To center has collected pledges of 4 point. Almost 4.4 million dollars for the expansion project with City's contribution that taking up to the court. Almost 6.4. The law department prepared a the expansion project since we're using arpa funds is a fairly detailed agreement that spells out all of the arpa requirements that the city contains in allocations requires for its allocation. The recommended actions city council approved the sub recipient agreement with the Child Advocacy Center authorize the arpa Project Budget authorize the necessary signatures and authorize staff to approve future budget revisions within the agreements. Budget categories. Better be glad answering questions are also representatives from the center that I know would be glad to talk more about the project. >> I will start off. We would like the opportunity for the folks at the CDC to to talk to us about this project. Good evening. >> So like to be here with you. Thank you, sir, very much for your time. This is obviously a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to continue to meet the needs of children within our community. We really thought when we moved into the former Lincoln Elementary School building in 2016 that we had anticipated growth that outlive my stay anyway. There and have found ourselves in a situation that is both wonderful and difficult. A wonderful and the fact that we're able to provide the services that are needed to children within our community and their family members, but difficult in the fact that we know that child abuse is not going away. I think that that kind of carries a double edged sword in many of our views. Does that really mean that we have more violence in our community? Are does that really mean that more children are coming forward with reports of abuse? And I don't know that we'll ever have the true answer to that. My opinion is as long as the numbers remain somewhat similar or increasing, I know that we're doing our jobs by raising awareness, empowering people to come forward when there is a concern for abuse and being able to address the needs that they specifically have when they come to us or advocacy program or therapy. Our case coordination and got ongoing. Education are instrumental components to the health and safety of our children. And as we have the opportunity to work with our partner agencies that are Co located in our facility, we know that we're making a difference on a daily or have the delight of the opportunity. To really see that impact on a daily basis when children walk out with their heads held high. And we have no in knowing that we've made an impact in regards to their safety and their future. So thank you again for this consideration. I would be glad to answer any questions. >> Thank you again for giving it tore the that and I really appreciate it. Separation between a child and their alleged perpetrator. So the building is set up so that the child will not have to see your perpetrator. So again, I appreciated that. also appreciate that. You have come forward to tell us the need in our community. Absolutely. I see no further questions from the bench that will open it up to public comment this time. Anyone from public who would like to speak. I see none. We'll bring it back to the bench. Councilmember title. Thank you. And thank you for being here today. I really appreciated in. I've requested some information return investment in and you sent me everything that I requested. >> all done very well. And so I'm splitting and highlighting so that those grading the power point. I used to be a school counselor. So I was a mandatory reporter. have proud member of the Wichita Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention. As mentioned in our staff analysis during COVID. One of the things that I worry the most about was the lack of children being in schools to be able to the monitor didn't potentially reporting so. This is something that's near and dear to my I can't tell you how much I appreciate the work that you do. Respect the work that you too. I could not do the work that you do. So thank you for stepping up taking care of our most vulnerable. This may be one of the votes that I'm most proud of while a certain city council. So good luck to you. Thank you. >> Vice mayor about Thank you, Mayor. I just like to thank you guys for being here. You guys do incredible work and I'm excited that. able to help you guys expand mission to help our children. >> Councilmember, Thank you, >> yeah, this this is a personal with me as well. This is my district. Lincoln was I attended their elementary school for year. So when I got the tour, I knew automatically where the principal's office woes. Big surprise but it's very striking to see just the things that the children have to go through the services that you provide and the jobs that you guys are over there doing because I'm Lourdes assist. One of the most difficult things to see day in and day out. So my heart goes out to you guys. Thank you so much for everything you do. And this is councilmember said quite often that you look at your your budget, you see where your your morals are. And so this is definitely a great thing that we're able to support. You submit thank you guys for everything that you >> Council member John stunt. Thank you, Mayor. >> also like thank you very much for the work you do. tough work. Work is very much needed. I really just appreciate all over. Thank you. >> I see no further discuss reside. Councilmember whole high district. >> Thank you, this is a pleasure here. I move that the city council approved the subversive it agreement with the child Advocacy center authorize Arpa Project budget authorizing necessary signatures and authorize staff to approve future budget revisions within the agreements. Budget categories. >> Second. Motion. And second, any further discussion, I seen a put police open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> North Industrial Corridor contamination site project groundwater monitoring professional services contract. >> Good evening, Don. Henry public works and utilities item for includes contract for professional services for routine groundwater monitoring services in the North Industrial corridor. Remediation site the North investor Corridor, Project area encompasses roughly 4,000 acres. In an area from about Second took 37th Street North. From the canal route west to Waco Street at its widest extent on the South it includes commingle, Plame's volatile organic compound in a with result of industrial processes and activities in the area over time. The city manages remediation, according to Kdhe soap and agreement there's agreement Kdhe the sea and the and the city that the layup processes and procedures in the things that we have to do. the site like groundwater monitoring as a routine part of that agreement. In addition to cleaning up the groundwater, additional public protection has been provided. This is include indoor air studies were conducted in 2001 2010, 2012 2000 and 14. And according to the studies in Katy, a cheese analysis, it was determined there are health concerns with vapor intrusion from the groundwater contamination into buildings. In addition to that, the city's water will ordinance and inspection program provides additional controls in the area. For instance, no drinking water wells are allowed within the next I permits are required for lawn and garden wells before they're constructed. There's a follow-up that that takes place after the wells are drilled and then prior to any. Title transfer that that includes a well. There's a inspection is required for that as well. And staff distributes a informational packets is part of that program. years. After brown water cleanup efforts and monitoring began in the 1990's. Us included. The beginning of cleanup roughly 2 dozen. Active sources. The city is responsible for the downgrade clean downstream of the sources and completed construction of the actor mediation system in 2021. the remediation efforts are projected to be completed by 20 36 when the extraction wells are anticipated to be shut down with monitoring through 2048. The scope of the contract includes for sampling events in 2024. and 2025. That's that's a total of 4 events. A manual advance for water levels as well as samples will be analyzed to determine. concentration the contaminants, the reporting services will be provided under the contract according to the Kdhe approved plan and monitoring. Well, Mina Services may be provided at the discretion of staff, for instance, if the service provider finds that one of the monitoring wells has been damaged, we'll have the resources to make those repairs. If staff gets on the go ahead to do that. Pick your money included a 4 proposals that were received. The 2 companies were interviewed by the staff screening selection committee. Scs engineers was selected based upon their experience to schedule and pricing. The contract price includes a not to exceed price of $289,680, which was below the engineers estimate. Funding for this project is included in the approved Northeastern corridor operating budget. Therefore, staff recommends the city council approved the contractor Nick Groundwater monitoring services authorizing necessary signatures and approve any necessary budget adjustments. Stanford questions that you have at this time. >> Questions for staff. I see Thank you. >> We will open it up public comment. >> Good evening, Sir. Lester set native? I've always wondered about this north industrial corridor because it's one of only 2 Decker, a mental test that the city of Wichita has. So here's my question. I've never got this answered, but I've always worried about groundwater contamination of talked about it before. How do we get the results of the well testing by these engineers? Can I do a kora? Is it posted anywhere? Obviously, we're hiring these engineers to clean up this contaminated area. So someone's interested, how would we get the results to see how many contaminants are currently in the water and how that improves under the terms of this contract. Thank you. >> The reports that are filed with Kdhe are available for public information via the Kdhe website. And I believe we do have links on the city's website as well. Anyone that would like to have that information is is welcome to request it and go through the process work or we can do that that as well. >> Can you play second that link and community. But first of all, last follow-up I can for that information We can do that. Thank you. Any additional public comment? I see will bring it back to the bench. Councilmember Jaisol. >> Thank you, Real quick, Don, often is that updated? How often do we get reports on the current levels? >> The don't know that we have to work scheduled yet, but there will to sampling events this year. And the information will be available as soon as the report is approved by Kdhe and published. And the same for 2025. Soon as we know what those schedules are, we can provide you with that information. creative thinking. >> Councilmember Johnson. >> Thanks, I just want to encourage anybody who is watching to truly look at that map. consider if you find someone who knows how to drill a well and they are looking to do that without getting a permit to not do that. Please go through the process. Groundwater is contaminated, especially over and the 2019 grow site. I have been hearing of folks haven't just want continue to encourage people not to do You should not have long contact with some of the ground water because of TCE and anytime I can encourage people to not do that. I want to yes, there are people out there know how to wells. Do not use those folks. Please get a permit and more most importantly do not true wells and the contaminated area so that you're not exposed to contaminated water and especially in that area, there are cancer rates that are twice that of the county 3 times that of state. It is dangerous. So used to city water. Yes, it does cause some money, but it is safe for you. >> I see further questions or comments from council. resides in Boca. Council member Vice Mayor Balance. I'd like to take staff's recommended action that the city council approved the contract and authorizing necessary signatures. Any further discussion. I seen Madam Clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> Climate pollution reduction grant application. >> marriage counselors, chance and public works utilities. The item before you this evening has quest for some middle of climate pollution reduction grant application. This grant program is a competitive grant competition. From the EPA. That funds projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, especially disadvantaged communities, project ideas we're for submitted to kdhe in December of last year for inclusion in Kansas is Purdy Climate Action plan only projects include that plan are eligible to apply for the grant. 5 projects where source from multiple departments including public works Parks Library in transit. We're told total funding requests just over 17 million dollars for 5 years. Staff were close with other departments and our internal environmental team ultimately the Sustainability Integration Board approve these projects at their February 2024. Meeting focus was for implementation funding the for near shovel ready projects. That was something is brought to our attention. The 5 projects that could be. Brought to a point of construction soon. The application deadline is April of this year up 8 anticipates announcing words this summer. This is a highly competitive grant submissions expected from across the country. A quick look at the proposed projects just are $750,000 for city building of its improvements. This clear that includes energy efficiency audit of 18 buildings. Which includes wreck community Center's park shoulders and the city arts built-in building. Ultimately to find ways to lower energy costs. Long term. Next project for purses of 4 new electric vehicles for use by libraries and parks and to install and operate up to 16 public charging stations, some of the city's libraries, cultural centers and rec and rec centers. Another project is just under 9 million dollars for a enhanced months to the redbud trail. pedestrian bridge is a project that council has heard about recently. This would include upgrading 3 propose street, great crossings, 2 pedestrian bridges, which should increase trail, uses, improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. These are located with on 11 Greenwich, the trails effectively along 17th street along fiscal rail corridor. These are considered areas of high traffic stressed by OnePoll. Talk about that real quick. This map. If you see the yellow axes where the red but rail is at between 13th and 21st Street, the one to the left as Woodlawn Brock Someone without the yellow axed. The plans already include pedestrian bridge, that that location because of the significant high traffic counts, Rock road. And then weapon Greenwich. What this does and Munson so than less traffic counts, speed limits. Another conflict overall to improve air quality from reduced vehicle. Idling. Because they don't have staff rebut across in there possible reduction in car so that people will be more inclined to use the path. Leads to more recreation, ultimately reduction in carbon. So so pride. Improve safety in Grady says for the past get help with your quality. Next project for saw some solar pilot projects. Almost 3.9 million dollars would include insulation, solar panels that the multi-modal facility that will be going up for bid soon. If the council approved funding for this evening. The final funding for also. So that. Project for the hub would provide 30% of facility. Energy needs and all of the energy needs for electric vehicle charging. At the facility. This project, this portion of the project was also perform an audit city buildings to identify the best locations for future solar. And to the same 3 city buildings work closely with Evergy on us. A look at capacity to the grid in certain areas to make sure that could come a day. What's being recommended? Last project is almost 2.3 million dollars for tree canopy expanse and providing funding for the purchase planning a maintenance of 2600 new trees. To be planted in 17 years. and that have been identified as suffering from Heat island effects. This would also include some level public tree planting and giveaway events. Each of these projects will include educational elements to inform the public and ways to both save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Total funding request again is just over 17 million dollars over 5 years. There is no mask requirement for this grant funding from the city. 3 Fte is would be funded also by the grant overseeing implementation lessening the burden on existing staff. Staff recommends city council. Approve the CPR G application authorize staff to make necessary budget adjustments based on the final word authorize staff to reallocate funds between projects is necessary and authorize necessary signatures. So in the event that this funding is we would certainly it could get some other levels is what we see on quite a few of these grants. It's a pretty big ask right? So we would expect that there could be a possibility that there would be a lesser grant award if need be. We come council that point to talk about prioritizing where the funding needs to go. If you stand for questions. >> Councilmember Glasscock. >> A few regarding sustainability. The first off number 3 to number one, items, number one, number 2, number 5 or sorry, 1, 2, 4, seeing that they would be able to be compete are completed during the distinction of the grant options. Number 3 in options. Number 5 seem that they would perhaps go out of the 5 term or 5 year term of the grand has planting. 2600 trees seems like a heavy Esther the time and also the construction of 3 bridges seems like a heavy asked during a five-year period. We believe both of those projects could be completed during the 5 year grant application. >> We the redbud path project. Those bridges will be all completed during the period of time for that project, which is scheduled over the next 5 years. >> I know in working with our Park Department on what their plan is for annual trees. They said that find a way to make work. So yes, That can fit within the 5 years. So we don't have any worry that the sustainability of these 3 positions that extend beyond the 5 year blanket agreement as >> from the grant process, we do not at this time. Okay. >> Another question the survey questions last comment about the installation. So I didn't before the installation of the solar energy system at animal to mobile center. Great love that. And also looking at other city buildings and installations of those on the building's. I would also >> ask staff we could look at installation on parcels of land that we have as well. I know that Will Brooks might have capacity. It's near the Buffalo Flats, interconnect. And so there might be options aside from just buildings. If there is a race that could produce more comprehensive energy for long term as well. >> I appreciate that will will make that part of the consideration. Sure. >> Councilmember whole life. >> Thank you, mayor. All things scary for your work on this play questions. How competitive expect this grant to be. say there's quite a bit of money, but they're looking to give away. Is it? Do you think? Most of the applicants will receive something? >> Not necessarily. It's kind of hard to compare what happens on the federal level. When you look at the bipartisan infrastructure law over 1 trillion dollars of what's happened the last 3 years. And we've been fortunate to receive a few grass. But there are some of these but what we were told is there's an expectation that there could be an up 200 grants. But with the spin across the country, there could be thousands of these Ali thousands of at different levels and aviation say thousands. But there will be a lot more applications than the resort, which which we see all these types of grants are highly competitive. helps with these types grants is support that state and federal level right as the application what we would hope for is some level right. And and I think that's what we would push for us. We're asking for a lot. I think over that we get some part of it. >> then that leads me to the second on the kind of alluded to might come back and we just haven't adjusted amount that we actually received from the grant. Do they look at it and tell us what projects possibly that they they think that would be appropriate for for the gram force are there. They're going to get to some back like don't do this one. this one, I think it's probably a little bit of. >> Both all of the above. >> These and ice in this program is the That is generally are multiple years. >> So even if the opportunity is and there's a begin with, we usually get feedback. But that please explain that. Well, that's typically what we've seen in these. They may be willing to order in one area, but they may want to change something with a so we're open to discussing those parts. Was them. All right. Appreciate it. >> It's title. Thank you. Thank you for your work. And extremely appreciative for all your staff does. And then adding something like this. In addition, I think it was light. 66 is where you talk about the electric vehicle stations. Just curious thank you and I think it's going to be like 16 different public stations and it will be at our facilities, correct. But I wondered if there when PO has electric vehicle charging station task force and then also I think he's done some evaluation in community input. It just hopeful that there's some coordination with when Poland, when we're selecting sites because some of our sites might be states that they have identified to that. And that means that, you know, the funding that they receive for this could allocated for somewhere else. Is that helpful? absolutely agree. And and appreciate you We would certainly want to do that because of that effort that's happening. >> Thruway the discussions, as you obviously know that we've had we need to stay in very close collaboration that I just want to. And I know kids less congested. But I I just want make sure understand the answer said there's 3 new staff positions. >> That would be added during the five-year period. This grant, what would happen to those staff physicians at the completion of this 5 year funding. >> Well, it's really good We talked about that, too. But I mean, it's we would have to turn point. The one thing I would tell you is we would not have to accept that part of offers there. It kind of depends on where we I don't think there's much of a chance are going 17 million dollars here. And so it's I think it's probable. That whatever the award would be, we probably could handle staff and moving up to take on that risk. It's nice to have staff and But at some point in time, we probably won't be able to keep right. >> This is just a comment. I hope the front but just ended 5 federal legislation. I know that between we putting in cip and this we have lots of different opportunities to try to make that project come to fruition. But thank you for all. You do appreciate. Thank you for the presentation. >> Vice Mayor Ballard. Thank you, Gary, ask about the trees. >> I'm I'm very excited about this number one, because it's giant grant, but also all of the different areas that is covering solar the pedestrian bridges and all that. question is, do you have any idea on? You know, like some of our other tree initiatives have been? The Heat islands. Is there like a game plan for entities that some of these might be to pass out to the community? But you guys have like a project in mind or for that trees or >> so on the for the 2600 trees. We've got 17. >> Tracks, if you will. And then a fight that were part of the the he I was also the nest very park has a really good bead on the U.S. because they've already got their program in place for annual funding. That's already got trees going in those areas right? This will enhance and provide additional trees. So I think that a little bit hard to see on this map at those tracks are done a fight. >> But it is working cohesively with an absolutely it is. And that's where that information comes from. That is. >> Right now the plan is to look at 150 trees to be given at public events. >> For with people to plan on their own property. And, you know, I think spark some flexibility and to those good place to start. >> I appreciate questions from the other council members about that 3 full time positions. But I'm going to advocate for the positions to water. The trees. Because, you know, we have to you know what? That's a great point. It kind of depends on what part would come out of this. If anything, that may make more sense on something. Another show. >> Do you think you? I see no further questions for staff. Thank you. It is now time for public comment. Any comment? Please come forward with your name and the district. he look at? >> Andrew Train District 5. And just I to mention day, you guys did mention in there about transit. Hopefully you guys are thinking about the transit mobile and and that show that better be included because transit needs help. Big guy. >> I see no further public comment will bring it back to the bench. That's a member >> I'm leaning support of application process. I do have concerns about the 3 full time positions and just extenuation of that. After 5 years. I know that should be a conversation for later. Only been here 3 months of year. The processes. Bob, can you? >> Call my fears regarding that. Council member? Yes, I can. I would. This if you the wind is granted structured. It's on a project basis. So I would not anticipate that the 3 positions would be continued past the grant period or that any created in support of the grant would be continued unless the council were to adopt some type of plan going forward where those positions could be utilized. For instance, if you develop to some kind of energy conservation sustainability plan, something like that that goes beyond what we have today. Those positions may have the right expertise. >> That to help implement that plan. But again, because this product project specific, I do not anticipate that position to be continued past the grant. >> Thank you. That does help calm. So my fears, my only additional to that would be I want the public to know that there's no match requirement from the city for this. This is federal The facts do need to make sure that they cutting expenses, not adding 4 billion dollars. What this project that's about 100 to $1000 of the tax burden or a debt burden per citizen in the country. So while the federal government still run away, spending, I would support some of that coming to Wichita until they can solve it at the national level. >> Councilmember high. thank you, Just to speak to councilmember concerns. One of the things that we find particularly difficult with planting trees as the actual maintaining and getting him to two-year or three-year age where they can kind of take off on their own. So I think that's part of the the grant here is that we would plant the trees and then for a period of time, have the manpower to actually maintain and water them. I know that's something our park staff there. They're over overworked right So I know that they would appreciate probably have a couple of extra staff members to help get our tree project off the ground. So I or see it necessarily extending beyond the period up the actual grant. >> You know, for their questions are comments from the there's some of that would councilmember class caught with a motion to I move that we approve the S P R G application authorize staff to witness the necessary budget adjustments based on the final word amount authorized the staff to allocate funds for the projects necessary authorize the necessary signatures. >> further discussion? I see none. And again, this is the CP The comment. We have a motion and a second. And the more discussion. Madam Clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, I'm going to use my point of privilege at this moment. We have been in session nearly 2 and a half hours. I will request a 10 minute break so we and we will come back in 10 minutes. >> I 18. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> Funding for improvements to the menace of bridge of a little Arkansas River. >> In thing called guns public works and utilities. The item before U.S. funding for improvements that bridge with a little Arkansas River. The Federal Highway Administration, Kansas Department of Transportation requires structural inventory and appraisal of all bridges maintained by the city of Wichita. To be completed on a bite. And you all basis. Most recent bridge inspections for the minister, Brigitte completed 2019 2021. identified some depression surface. Driving surface as well as the inspections also identified sidewalk areas hand railing bridge contemplating put need repairs. This is a map showing some of the areas identified the brick driving surface, a repair and multiple locations on the bridge. I fixed repairs. Sidewalk repair along East Corner. And Rails and columns sidewalk support repair underneath side of the bridge, as well as some bank erosion. The pictures before you. So some of the photos that were taken during bridge inspection. picture on the left, his show, some of the depression of the on the driving surface. Middle Pictures show some of the sidewalk that has settled as it approaches the bridge. And then the picture on the right shows, the sidewalks with. Cracking and spalling of of concrete. If approved this We are her consultant to evaluate the bridge further determine necessary repairs. Plants will develop will be developed accordingly to make the repairs. Regarding financial considerations to up to 2024. Through 2033 Capital Improvement program includes 1 million dollars 2024. For funding bridge rehabilitation and repair staff recommends initiating the full amount for design project oversight and repair of the branch elements. It is recommended the city council adopt a resolution and offer necessary signatures and I will stand for questions. Thank you, Paul. >> Council member Klaas Com. This is just a quick This as rehabilitate the 2 years ago. How often do we rehabilitated? You know, it that kind of depends on the bridge inspections? But this one is mostly just cosmetic. So I think we're, you know, to the point as it is right now, again, the inspections that have been done recently, we don't have the 2023 report yet. >> you can see some of the baseball. >> I see no further questions for staff. now open it up for public comment. If you have a comment, you can come The homeless. >> I I'm Susan Cunningham with the Little Arkansas Community Coalition. And we've been working on trying to get this bridge repaired for quite a while or at least a systematic maintenance preserve the art work. Really in favor of spending money on the bridge. However, a little taken aback that. Slideshow shows nothing about the artwork, which is unique to this area. It is on the historic. The local historic registry in last February. It was accepted to be It was certified to be eligible for the National Historic Registry. It's the only bridge in the country that uses car to light. There are places in in this bridge where the mortars gone. You can you can slide your whole hand in there. And that means water is still trading behind those. our relieves those, those of them. Little Bella stirs with that with the Buffalo's on them Philly. They fill with water to get something in a haze of. Of a mineral You can see just like in a basement where you see the water, you see water seeping through them just because it's not pointed and took on a regular basis. order is softer than regular mortar and that that so that it can be removed easily. and that the monuments replaced in case of an accident or settling. In 2019. I contacted okay, my councilmember at the time and I talked about. And I came here and I went to the dads. I talked about a crack that formed on the subsequent the substructure of the southwest corner that had started at the ground and gone up the bridge abutment. It went clear through the monument through the Native American Indian up through his head and and snapped his nose right off. And it has been that way since 2019. So. I know that structure the bridge is important. And I know that. I know from living there and living on the river, my whole life that the velocity of the of the floods are very intense and until. The summer of 2022, there wasn't any maintenance on picking up the big wood debris. The piled up on the pylons. They were tall and of course. I don't know how far up. They were. Compared to help far below, but they're probably deeper than they were high and that causes a lot of scouring a lot of. Substructure damage. So. I encourage you to please vote for but I don't want it to be know what the artwork to be a well as money allows attitude because that's what happened last time. A lot of people. A lot of you are here when that a multimillion-dollar partnership between the state and the city happened. A lot of the repairs needed on on the artwork. Was in complete by 2 2000. I started in 2007. And I think the last report went out on to 2009 with the punch list of things. It didn't get So want to make sure that we catch this up because deferred maintenance is really not fiscally sound idea. We know that it's going to cost a lot of money. Maybe down down the way we can help get some grant money because I'm pretty sure it's going. Going to be on the National Historic Registry. That application is in the works. I'm almost done so. That's all I just want to make sure that. But you know that we support this. This is a process in this proposal. But we would like a little more emphasis on saving the car full light. Yes, that's all. Thank Any questions. Vice Mayor Ballard? >> Call or Gary Year. If you speak to any of >> The art, portion of this just focusing the structure or will there be any type of >> we catch up on the our work. We will do both. And that's what we want to get a consultant on board for. We want to boost. We can get And that's what part of the plan would be would be to get a consultant board to further. Look at some of that and any other art components attached to the walkway. You know, we would restore those Houston repairs we approved the least we done when rehabilitated bridge 15 years ago. So yes, we want to get a consultant on board and look at these elements as well as we go through the design. >> And assuming or if this passes, do you have any idea when you guys hire consultants and a quick timeline? Looks like. >> We would. If this this evening, then we would make we've right to request for proposals to get a consultant on board as soon as we could. Okay. Thank you. Thanks, Paul. >> Any further public comment? >> Hello, I'm my name is Beth Harsh field and harsh filled holdings. We have several properties in with an Wichita and in Riverside area. And concerned about the parks as a whole. I think the bridge is very important. But I come to the parks all the time. And it seems like there isn't. I mean, we're talking about all these trees. I didn't see parks written anywhere. And that may be because they're not a Heat island. Anyway. I don't want our parks to get into disrepair. So we have to hire consultants to come in and do that. I think if we a new mentality or more people working for the park's, maybe the dead limbs, the trash, the dirt that anyway, it's it's a sad state. I invite you all to come to Riverside Park, some of But I want to read something from my Madeleine. have to come leave to get her son. She says in 1979 Minister Branch was added to the which Times story registry. In 2007, the city spent millions on repair, which says he was talking about. And then since we started reporting damage, nothing was Not only interested in another repair been much needed repair, but funding for maintenance. And she also mentions that we're so proud of this branch that we have a lot display in the lobby talking about how everybody brought their old. Glassware so that we can prepare it. But we don't maintain that. I think it's very important to maintain what we have some of that people want to come to the city. People want to go to the parks anyway, thank you very much. I do hope that you approve out. >> And some of class caught Just a brief I know from this bench, we've got conversations about the for maintenance for park facilities and making sure that we're maintaining those. And that's a priority of this council is something that we talked about pretty often from his bench. So thank you for bringing that up. >> Any further public comment? I see none bring it back to the bench. I see none. reside and Vice Mayor Balance. >> Thank you, mayor. I would like to take staff's recommended action, adopt the resolution authorizing necessary signatures. Motion a second. Any further discussion. Seeing none that a clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, that a clerk please call the next item. >> Wastewater Treatment Plant to Grant Channel repair. >> For the record public works and utilities before you at the would approve funding to carry out necessary repairs. It wastewater plant number 2 plan to city is as the city's largest surgery on planets located near 57th Street South and hydraulic in district 3. The plant processes approximately 30 million gallons of wastewater daily, great removal of the plants had works is necessary to pumps and other sensitive treatment equipment. Grit just what the word says is gravel course. Ann's other hard materials that make its way into our collection system and out of the plant. It's necessary to screen that out at the head works and dispose of it. And then the great channels actually direct efland are influence on into the treatment process. The channels are more than 20 years old and the floors and walls are beginning to deteriorate. Their native impair a repair. This is the extensive damage this due to the highly corrosive environment in which they operate. And repair the concrete channels and application of the corrosion resistant linings is necessary at this time. adopted 2024. To 2033 Capital Improvement program includes 13 million, $900,000 in funding for wastewater treatment plant improvements. Staff request initiation of $300,000 for design and construction and city oversight of the project therefore staff recommends that the city council approved the budget, adopt a resolution and author us the necessary signatures. Stanford questions you have at this time. >> Thanks, Councilmember whole high school. >> Thank you, Thank you, Don, for the presentation. I know you're working this project is going to happen concurrently with the be in our project. >> It it will dovetail nicely. It's not going interfere with that. And they're actually could be some some benefits securing those at the same time with the way that we dress clothes and do other things created. >> I see no further questions. Yeah. Any comments from the public? I seen will bring it back to the bench. I see none councilmember whole Jaisol. >> Thank you, I recommend that the city council approved the budget adopt the resolution and authorizing necessary signatures. >> Motion. second, any further discussion. quickly, something the role. Motion passes, 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> Quarterly financial reports for the year ended December 31st. 2023. >> Good evening. Mayor members of City Mark Manning with the Department of Finance. Today. I want to go over tonight. I want to go over with you, the 4th quarter financial report for the city for 2023. Just reminder, the quarterly report is unaudited activity in this case to December 31st of 2023. What we do with that, that is we'll take a look back and compare how we perform to what we expected to happen, which is our budget. >> And then we'll take that information. Also look forward as to what we might expect to happen in the future. Based on what we now know happened in the past. So we have a variety funds with the city where I think we have 38 or 39 funds focused on one fun tonight, which is the general fund. It's the one that most of our property tax revenue goes into. And it's the one that is by far the most dynamic. I would just tell you that the other funds all performed relatively well. Our enterprise funds did very well. Water and sewer utilities are golf and I did well and there's really no concern with the performance of any of our other funds. So again, I want to focus on the general fund tonight. So how did we do last year? We did very well last year I'm going to boil it down to your very succinctly. 2 things happened last year that boosted our performance. We had abnormally high interest earnings revenues which are cyclical in nature. But that was a huge benefit to us on the revenue side on the expenditure side, we benefited from something we really don't want to benefit from. But we had continued challenges filling positions, particularly on the not on public safety side, which is to say we understand it in that area. Again, probably more than what we wanted to, but because we collected a lot more interest earnings and because we spent less because we can fill positions, we had a sizable surplus. Now we knew we would have a surplus last year, but we had a surplus that was considerably larger what we expected. So we transfer those extra dollars into our stabilization reserve based on the reserve policy that you prove last year. And because of that performance with transferring about 13 million dollars into that reserve. We'll talk about that. A couple But that's basically what happened. So just a little bit of a drawdown, I stratified our revenue portfolio in the 5 buckets. The way to read this is Blue Bar is what happened in 2022. The Orange bars. What we expected to happen in 2023 and the green bars what actually happened. So property taxes we over collected compared to budget, which is good. And we collected more than we did in. 22, I just draw your attention to 2. We missed on franchise fees. I think a little bit talked about a few weeks ago. volatile. It's probably the most difficult one for us to project. And we missed last year. So we under collected pretty significantly in franchise fees. Look at interest earnings because that's what is the most important thing that's going to drive our future. We collected 4 times the amount that we collected in 2022. And interest earnings we collected 26 million dollars. 5, 6 years ago we collected $400,000. And we over collected what even what we expected. We increased our budget. We over collective debt. So that is what is driving our performance mostly on revenue side. Let's look at expenditures again. A stratified into 3 simple buckets. The first bucket is public safety, which in this case as police and fire and then the second bucket is everything else. And then the 3rd little bucket over. There's transfers out to the reserve. So look at public safety. We spent pretty much mostly what we expected somewhere in 173 million dollars. Public safety is our priority were spent. Most of our money. But if you look at what we spent last year compared to what we spent the year before, you see a fairly significant increase and that's primarily due to wage inflation. Again, not no surprise to us, but keep that in mind because that's going to be really important here in a couple slides, too. So why did we have such a good year? Will look at all other operations. We expected to spend 122 Million. We spent 112 Million. If I can use round numbers. So we understand there by 8, 9 million dollars. That is what is driving our over performance on the expenditure side. So you combine those 2 together and what that means is instead of 6 and a half million transfer to permanent reserve or the Stabilization Fund Fund. We actually transferred closer to 13. That's really good because we're going to need that in the future. And I'm going talk about that in just second. So let's look to the future now. I we do this. It's important to recognize what we're trying to do. All we're trying to do is tell you not what will happen in the future, but what could happen based on everything we know today. We live in a dynamic environment. So, you know, we're pretty much guaranteed probably not be accurate. But we want to give you an idea what could happen based on what we know today without any presumptions about any policy changes or strategic budget realignment, any decisions like that? We know those decisions are going to happen, but when I got my perception, sir, so this is all predicated on what we no today and what that would tell us. The future looks like. And the short version is that we expect or hope that savings from position vacancies decrease because we need to fill these positions to maintain service levels. What Councilmember Jose has Hope Council member Mike just mention a few minutes about a park. That's that's a challenge for us. I mentioned public safety. We definitely expect continued wage inflation and public safety so and then compounding, that is the fact that we expect interest earnings to peak and then start decreasing. So the future we're going to interest earnings declining, which is going impact our revenue growth. And we're going to have 2 items increasing our expenditure growth portfolio a lot. That's our that's our forecast. That means no more transfers to the stabilization fund. And in fact, it means utilization of state stabilization fund. Again, this is redundant, but I want to put this up to show the interest earnings. 5 years ago. That little box there that I've got the arrow pointed to what ally, not a box, but a line that box is going to shrink. You can see the enormity of public safety spending. It's well over half about 60% of what we spend and that box is going to grow significantly, which means the box I have a narrow 2 is going to disappear. That's the transfers to the permanent reserve. So lets finish up here and talk about and I'm sorry, could Department reserve because several names, it's really the stabilization reserves, probably the most appropriate name. But apologize for that. But based on the reserve policy, the city Council last year, we scrape off excess earnings to put into the stabilization reserve and its available too provide a bridge in the future. If we have any budgetary challenges and that's a good thing that gives us time to make adjustments. Gives us a more deliberative process and all that was done intentionally. And dissipation is that we may need that in 2025. What I would tell you is using the permanent reserve is not recommended long-term solution for a couple reasons. One, it will disappear eventually and 2, it's a bad look for a lot of people that scrutinize our financial statements, particularly rating agencies. So I Councilmember Johson ask about the the amount of the permit reserve couple weeks ago. You can see on your we expect it to 2023 about 32 0.4 million dollars, which is really good. We think we'll get a little bit of a bump next So we'll be in good shape. But you can see that we expected to decline significantly beginning in 2025. again, not a bad short-term strategy. That's what it's there for to use for things like that to provide. Can continuous and stable service levels. But probably not the best long-term strategy do. do with slide here would suggest. So. That's all I have to say on our general fund in particular. I just have a couple more slides. I'll talk about our debt levels in Arp and I want to talk about our property tax relief program briefly, this slide we always show takeaway is our debt is end of the year. About 1.4 billion with a B. That's a lot. The vast majority of that utility debt. Utilities are a capital intensive business. And that means that we issue debt, as you just heard in previous item renovate and expand and and maintain those assets. The portion of our debt portfolio that is paid back by property taxes is. 4%, 4%. 5, 59 million dollars. A very, very, very small fraction of portfolio. Let's pivot arpa. Just briefly. We submitted our report with Treasury that we're required to do each quarter. Super high level overview we spent about 14 million dollars in quarter 4, which is good because our objective is to inject money into the community as quickly as possible. So we're up to about 24 million dollars in expenditures. A reminder, I think we were allocated 72.4 million summer. That neighborhood. So we still ways to go. But we're definitely accelerating the pace of expenditures for Arpa. I just want to wrap up briefly and give you a quick update on the property tax relief program. We have a finalized our our strategies for implementing that so far we received what I produce a slide today about new. We've got 221 applications. We've got another. 25 in that afternoon mail. So we're up to put 2.45 some around. And there. Well, over 200 applications. Again, we just geared up. We started paying last week so far we paid 21 folks. And average payments are about $200 a piece, which is pretty much exactly what we expected. So we paid out about $4,000 so far. So there's plenty of money left and we would encourage every one that's eligible to apply. I would point out one thing, one challenge that we're seeing now is people probably applied prematurely. They're providing us the required information for the state. But what we need also for them to do is wait until they receive their refund from the state before they actually apply because we need a copy of your refund. Check to prove that the state process year refined so what we do is we take the refunds now and we just e-mail out to our applicants and tell them, hey, this is great. We have your application on file when you get that information provided to us. But anyone is listening and needs to plywood expedite our process. If you just wait until you get your refund back from the state and then apply. So. And I'd also like point out our neighborhood city Hall staff has been extraordinarily helpful in this endeavor. There really are frontline in this and they've done a fantastic job of working with our residents and guiding them in the right direction. We can see that in the applications that we do so. That's the information I have today or Sorry for the brevity of my presentation. Again, 23 was a really good year for the general fund. 24 be a good year. We had challenges on the horizon. We have a permit. We have stabilization fund to help moderate impact of that. But long-term solutions would probably be a good idea. I point out the quarterly and the ARPA reports are both available online. And with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thanks, Mark. Vice Mayor Ballard. Thanks, Mayor Michael, just a quick I had a couple people asked me about the property tax rebate that we're doing. >> What is the turnaround time when they send it into the city? What should they We never committed to turnaround time. Our goal was to process within 5 to 6 weeks. We hope to exceed that. And now that we're geared up, we have a lot better procedures. So I would tell people 5 to 6 weeks. But our goal is to do vastly better than that. Okay. Great. Thank you. >> Councilmember Johnston. >> Thank you, Mark. What counties straight are you getting on here? Many now? It depends whether go short or long, course. But I would tell you right now, my portfolio is has yield about 4%, which, of course, shorter than my benchmark, which is the 90 day Treasury, with the yield curve a little bit unheard of that spending not to. >> Best benchmark that what are we buying now? Depends on again with arrest a short or go long. But some are enough for 60's. If I go out 18 months or 2 years somewhere, maybe more towards the Five's. If I stay short. It but a short term. Yeah, okay. But then again, I'd rather buy river lock immigration. So that have interest alter. >> appreciate presentation. I know that. But pretty quickly, I can you just one more time get or 8 real challenge that I think to understand that right now it looks good next year. Looks good but not so good. think that word. I think that our community needs to realize we're going to have some tough conversations and the budget process is beginning right now. We've already had public comment areas where a civic engagement Academy alumni have come moving forward. We'll have more of that budget process. So really it's an opportunity for people to tell us again, what are the aspect local government that we need to focus and that's exactly right. We are in some expensive businesses. Public safety is a >> priority business. But it's an expensive business. And with wage inflation. >> Fundamentally, our expenditure portfolio grows faster than our revenue portfolio. And that's problematic for us. And again, that's going to be aggravated. When interest earning start decreasing, it's going to make our revenue portfolio grow and it even slower rate and are our public safety expenditures are going to grow at a greater rate. So what that means is we will have a challenge to fund our current level of services in the future. Now the good news is again, due to the council's adoption of the reserve policy last year, we have a buffer. We've got a stabilization reserve and that's a really good thing. And that will help us be deliberative in our processes. We trying to strategically or realign and prioritize our expenditures. But again, that's a short term. You know, 12, 18 months solution is not a long term. So it is imperative that we get the feedback that you suggested, mayor in that way, consider options in order to realize strategically so we're sustainable. >> Also going to add one more that community look at our Web site which talk got specific specifically look at our community survey that and the results that came out January. look at that. A run to the The top 3 things that community said they wanted us to focus for crime prevention, street maintenance and economic development. Thank I just am. open it up for public comment. >> Well, I'm here for the evening. So comments on this is my favorite topic, finance accounting. Major. So I was deft, Helen, something that didn't show up in that chart. It's not marks fault. But I want to point out to you so that you're aware of it. >> That debt does not include 42 million instar bond, football stadium. Hope you all know that. So are debt is higher. Then what he showed and yet there's a backstop in those bonds that is the ball state and does not perform. We're going to pull that money out of the general fund to make those payments. Mark, correct me if I'm wrong. So this is another fiscal responsibility that's going to hit us that you don't see in those charts. 42 million in debt. First, our bones on the new ball stadium. And that's why in 2025 we've got to worry because we're tagging on to a previous start on district right now to carry us through the debt levels. But in 2025 that previous start a streak, some lights, it sunsets and we're on our own to carry the new ball stadium. So one problem there is the West Bank development has stalled. It's not giving us the revenue we projected. So I'm just going to caution you. We have a lot of debt that's going to start coming due and a very short period of time. I did file a Cora to get the 2023 star Bond report and staff is busy. So they've delayed that Cora. But I'm anxious to see how the ball stadiums performing. And I'm waiting on that report. You all should read it too. It's the start report for the city of Wichita. And you need to look at it and understand if we're meeting our targets are losing money. Public buildings need repair. So when you do the budgeting process, you need to look at the Capital Improvement Project plan. Central Library, the former public library. I know that will part of the RFP process Monday March 25th, you all know I send you e-mails with pictures. The ceiling is leaking. There's extensive water damage it 2 to 3 South main. You all saw that in my e-mail. This children's theater destroyed. Tiles in the basement from flooding destroyed that library probably needs 50 million dollars in repairs on the roof. The eye center. You know, that's in disrepair because of the previous private maintenance contract we have with the Stephen Family that we're currently in a lawsuit with. That's also needing repairs. You guys have got to start focusing on fiscal responsibilities facing you now with our city budget. Property taxes have already been shooting up. I see them where I live. They go up 10 to 15% every year. Property taxes go up. So be cautious about property tax abatements with economic development. You're really hitting middle class people. Taxpayers of Wichita. When you give property tax abatements in economic development. So be wise about those abatements. But I am truly concerned. You've heard me speak before some of you are new, but the rest of you have heard me speak before. really concerned about the city which financial situation. So please remember that Ball stadium read the Starr Bond report when it comes out in our buildings need repair. Thank you, Mark. Thank you. All too. >> Curled District 6. I would just like to shoot out an idea. That may be when and if and I think it's going to be when the ballpark plan does not generate enough revenue to pay for the bonds. That's draw it straight from the general fund that you create a temporary one percent sales tax. To cover the shortfall. And that way, everyone in the whole city would pay for that. Damage instead of a I don't mitigating it. So everyone helps out on that and what you could possibly do is just one percent sales tax. Go back and being the ballpark owners to pay back that shortfall that they were supposed to pay for the first place. So I don't know. It's just an idea that I put it out there. All right. Thank you. >> further comment, will have just come up to the podium just to address the ballpark itself. would like community to the facts regarding what will happen regarding that. That. >> Yes, ma'am. A lot of what us less said is We do have about 42 million dollars in outstanding debt on the baseball stadium. I will point out that we I'm a principal payment last year about a half-million dollars. Our debt is beginning to decline. We file a disclosure statement which were required to do based on our bond covenants. And so I can I relay this information to you because it's public information. And I'm hoping that my memory is going to serve me correctly. But if members correct last year, the district generated about 2.9 million dollars and start on revenues and our debt service last year. It's about 2.3 million dollars. In other words, we covered our debt service last year. And I think so asked mention that Mister Resendiz Mitt mentioned that phase one will expire in 2025. Thanks, Ashley Twenty-twenty a butter concept. She's accurate concept phase one expires. What we definitely need development in phase 2. To be mature. But like I said at this point, recovered in service last year that's that's that's what I want. I so. >> again, mistress that the start, John report what that is available to her. You also forward that to all of us. Yeah, that's actually produced by economic development staff. And I'm sure they'd be happy to do that. >> no further public comment will bring it back to the bench. Any comments from the bench? I see not. >> This. >> Early I will ocean to and accept and file receive and file the quarterly financial report. Second. Bush and a second. Any further discussion. I seen place hope in the rubble. Motion passes 7, 0 that clerk please call the next item. >> The CEO in 2023, Dash 7, 6, so change requests in the city from in our neighborhood, retail to LC Limited commercial located on the southwest corner of West 13th Street north in north Waco Avenue 13, 51 north Waco Avenue. >> Scott, we know from the planning Department. But this case the applicant is requesting as you heard to change zoning from in our neighborhood, retail and be multi-family to LC limited commercial. This item is being heard today because the District Advisory board and the Planning Commission recommendations both recommended approval, but they're slightly different in how they recommend that approval. In terms of the property. As you can see here, the site is generally located southwest corner of 13th in Waco. The site consists of one parcel. It is just over half an acre in size. It is zoned, as you heard in our and be multi-family and he's dealt with 2 commercial buildings and a parking lot. In terms of context. Property to the north is zoned LC in developed with a learning center property. The South Zone T F 3, 2 family residential and dealt with a single family dwelling. Property to the east is zoned has a protective overlay on it and is developed with commercial retail properties to the West are zoned in AREN T F 3 there are developed with a furniture store in single-family dwellings. Terms of the staff report. The staff report provides information about property development standards, screening and landscaping. In terms of review. On February 8, the Planning Commission held a public hearing for this item recommended approval unanimously 11 to 0. That recommendation included a protective overlay which is listed in the staff report. On March 7th. The District Advisory board recommended approval unanimously 8 to 0. Of the zone change and the protective overlay, the DEP protective overlay differed slightly from the him. A PC recommended overlay over way overlay and that was in 2 ways. The recommended prohibiting financial institutions and also recommended prohibiting signage adjacent to residential. No members of the public spoke on the U.S. item at the dead meeting or at the end, the PC public hearing. No protests were received for this case there for the zone. Change request can be approved with a simple majority vote. 4 of 7 votes. So that will take you through some of the graphics. So here is the aerial showing site outlined in red. Here's the zoning map which you can that it's located there on the corner. This is a map from the comprehensive plan recommending commercial use that area. Here's a photo of the site. And surrounding properties. And with that, I'll stand for any questions. >> Any questions staff? see you? >> Because this is a item from planning. There's no public comment on So this sight Vice Mayor Ballard's district. >> Thank you, I moved ride in the PC approved a zoning change request per the dab recommendation with the protective overlay recommended by the dad Laci ordinance. On first reading, authorize necessary signatures and then struck the city clerk to publish the ordinance after approval of the secondary in support of this motion. I offer the following findings, the additional land use restrictions and the recommendation. Recommended protective overlay will help reduce potential negative impacts to nearby properties. >> Motion second, any further discussion. I see none that piece metal. Motion passes 7, 0, at a Please call the >> CEO in 2023, Dash 6, 1, conditional use request in the city for crew presidents generally. General generally located on the east side of North Korea Avenue within 100 feet north of East 10th Street North 11, 10 North Emporia Avenue. >> Hello again, Scott. We know from the planning Department for the record. And this case. This is a case you've seen before The applicant is requesting a conditional use in order to allow for group residents. General at the site. Yeah, it was being heard because dab initially the DAV recommendation Planning Commission recommendations were different. Second reason is because this item was deferred by the City Council both the January 16th meeting and the February 20th meeting. In terms of the The applicant indicated that they're requesting the conditional use in order to allow for the owner to House 24 individuals, including staff at the site. About the property where the site is located at 11, 10 North Emporia generally located north and east of the intersection of important 10th. subject site consists of 3 parcels. It's just under half an acre in size zone be multi-family district currently developed with a multi-family building that is used drop-off center drop-in center for youth. 21 years and younger. This is a former Ronald McDonald House. If you're familiar with the site. Under the current zoning property can use his group. Residents limited by right, which allows up to 15 individuals including staff to reside at the location. Hence the conditional use, request to get up to 24. In terms of contacts, property. The North Zone. T F 3 and developed as a park. To the West as properties owned the multifamily developed with a parking lot. To the south as properties of the multi-family develop with a single family dwelling and to the says property, Zoned B, multifamily and developed with parking lot. Terms of the staff report. Staff report provides information about parking at the site. In terms of review on December 14th, the Planning Commission held a public hearing for the item reviewed the request recommended approval unanimously 11 to 0. With the conditions included indicated in the staff report. No members of the public spoke on the item. On December. 11th. The District Advisory Board review the application. Neither the applicant know the agent was present at the meeting. The dab recommended by 9, 0, vote. The city Council to for the item. Send it back to the dad. The applicant could be present to answer questions. No protests petitions were received for the requests conditional use. On January 16th February, 20th City Council for the item in order to allow an opportunity for the applicant who attended meeting and answer questions from various stakeholders. On March. 12th, the District Advisory board consider the application again. The applicant was in attendance unanswered. Multiple questions. At the end of their deliberations. A dab voted unanimously 7 to 0 to recommend approval for the staff recommendation, which was the same recommendation ultimately that a P C had taken. So in terms of council actions, Recommened City Council dot the findings of epc approve the request a conditional use authorize necessary signatures instruct city clerk to publish resolution after approval. And this requires 4 out of 7 votes. Alternatives include that you can override him. A Botha 5, 7, votes. Always always. You can return it back to epc requires 4, 7, votes. And again, general note, as was noted with the last case of the public hearing, public comments take place at the Planning Commission. So that will stand for any I'm sorry to take you to the graphics. Real quick. So again, here's the aerial. Here's zoning map showing a much be family, multifamily and T of 3 in the area. Comp showing recommendation for commercial in the area site plan submitted by the applicant showing where parking would occur. Photos from the site and the surrounding area. And that stand for any questions. Thank you. >> Any questions for staff? I see this resides in council up. Vice Mayor Ballard's district. Thank you. May hear a Scott. Thank you to you and staff for being patient with this case and making sure that everyone also questions. >> Answered so >> with that, I move to adopt the findings of ABC approved the request of conditional use place. The ordinance on first reading authorize necessary signatures. >> And it struck the city clerk to publish ordinance after approval of a second reading. Second. Motion a second. Any further discussion. I see that that a clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, That in please call the next item. >> Hanger LLC Hughes at agreement to license and Access Agreement. I'm James Tupper Airport. >> Good night. Mayor Councilmembers. Just director of airports. Happy to be here today to talk about your bar development on the east side. For a long time. We've looked at developing on the east side to Barra. There's been opportunities identified through master plans. Airport Leah plan updates. But there's always been challenges as relates to row taxes, utilities and additional airfield infrastructure that's needed. So we were approached by a local company and pitch an idea was mutually beneficial. And Coleman into 3 different agreements to the agreements are ready for you today. That would be the lease agreement. Access agreement. The last piece of this puzzle will be the land acquisition that's still under a negotiation. Let me jump a little over 2 bars planning efforts. This was part of our last airport Leah Plan update that was done. This is one of exhibits shows a concept on how developing can look not is on the east side of the West Side. And I'll just take a moment since I've got you here. There you go. A movement. just kind of bring up to speed on a couple things happening along this. We've been following along with this plan for development. Clemons aviation has been developing out in this area. We just got a K DOT and FAA grant to help us realign and redesigned this tax Make a little bit bigger for bigger aircraft. And so we're already seeing a development applications come in on this parcel. We also went after grant from the State Department of Commerce to get airfield infrastructure set up in place south of the current in campus. And so we have been trying to get creative as possible and try to get these things done and moved. And you'll notice here there's 60 acres or so identified 4 a development that could occur in the future. According to this exhibit. Said, leads me to the developing that we're here to talk about, which is on the east side. And it was very close to where I will show you and have another picture that to that end. But this one, this agreement is negotiate with yellow sea. It's got a 30 year with 2.10 year options on it. It's approximately 17.4 acres of land. It will be a large hangar and some minimal a 7 million dollars to be invested. So it's not just the leased premises investing and the ramp and tax connection, but also that actually connector extend all the way to the runway, which was vital for us for a development. In the future. And so with this to just want to make the point clear that this is not a through the fence operation through the fence is a term that's quite a bit by FAA. It's also not always warmly welcomed by FAA to from private park property onto airport property for development. But what we did with this situation is we're developing strictly airport property and we're allowing for axis from private property on to airport property to get to their lease. All presidents. And so there's an access agreement and it covers little area there that it circled. And the last piece set will come back to you later. Really addresses if you recall that big green rectangle. That was part of the earlier showed it really addresses this center 3rd portion of property that was identified us for us to acquire. And so not only are we negotiating that, but we're also a negotiating whether or not we can get possibly an easement or connection to Greenwich Road from that area, too. And this one is going to follow FAA standards, which is why it takes so long to get done and then we'll be able to file for reimbursement from the FAA at a later date. The financials. LSU has agreed to the current publish land rental rates for to our airport. agreement does result in new annual revenue of over $182,000 with one percent escalation occurring every year. And a facility run for the hair will 40 years at the then current market rates experienced by excuse me has to turn experience aviation presser. With that. It's a recommendation that airport authority prove the necessary the the agreements and authorize necessary signatures. I'm happy to stand for any questions they may have. >> Any questions for staff? I see councilmember just doesn't. Jessie, thank you. Why is there only one percent escalation? Tie it to inflation rate are costly. That's kind of us. I don't want to see a standard. We negotiate with this. Inflation rates are going to be for the agreement. So >> some agreements are in his favorable and don't have as much escalation. And so we're pretty happy with getting to one percent. And that's where that's how our rates increase anyway. The ones that we have published and those are based off of the market studies. And we can charge too much. We need to have a fair market value. Comparisons done by FAA standards. So one percent is really just kind of a standard approach that rate, I could jump in. Also, mayor >> just so you may want to talk about ownership of the buildings the situation. The airport's unique and that you have someone building a building which we will eventually own. So they're not only pay is the least. That's one of the reasons why do the interest rates are lower? Our the escalations lower because we're area, NASA's well. >> Has an excellent point. Mister Manager. Sorry and my just not it's late fast at this hour. there's different ways approach ownership. When you do airport development and what the Witch Fire Port Authority has historically done his own things on the front end. And so if something is going to be developed on our property, we own up front. It does it for the tenant, a property tax exemptions. So there are 40 some some good benefits out of that. There are only a couple small cases dealing with government entities that we don't on the front end, we use a reversion clause which is reverting ownership to the airport. 3 at the end of an agreement. But as the city manager point out, we have this one set up a normal course which is we take ownership as soon as it's constructed. You have a couple of those coming down. Something else bill reverse back. No, as matter of fact, Eisenhower. We have a couple that are owned by us but are owned by the federal government. So some of that is FAA on. And then there's another one that's a post office on. But at a bar met with the county for in cat. There is a reversion clause. >> I see no further questions. >> This item is public comment is allowed. Public comment. I seen will bring it back to the bench. Councilmember. thank you. Jesse, I just want to say thank you for your presentation. And then for all of your work on this, I knew that and you have definitely work to get to. Yes, so I appreciate it. And there's a next phase, but thank you for what you've done so far. >> I had the pleasure of sitting on your interview committee when you're joining us. But the city of Wichita and one of the things that I went into that interview process was the lens of Jabara and the economic impact that it could have. I've lived here for almost 23 years and hadn't seen much development until the couple years. And so so excited to see the Web quarter really grow, really expand lots more infrastructure into this is just a wonderful new additions. So thank you for all of your work at the site. Really appreciate you. Not only taking care of Eisenhower, but also taking care to Parra. >> This councilmember total history. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. So with that, I will enthusiastically move that the which airport authority approved the agreement and authorize the necessary signatures. >> Motion a second. Any further discussion. I see none that workplace opened the role. Motion passes 7, 0, Madam Clerk, please call the next >> Public participation at council meetings. Good evening. Mayor and city councils Jimmy Buster with the city manager's office. Currently public comments are lot at city council meetings and various ways as outlined in our city code, which is section 2 point 0, 4.1, 9, 0, One avenue is the public agenda that is handled on a first come first served basis and citizens must sign up by noon. The Tuesday before says 7 days before the meeting. It's speaker is allowed 5 minutes. Citizens wanting speak on agenda items. It's open for discussion. They can come up after that item has been presented in the mayor opens it for discussion. They're also allowed 5 minutes to speak per agenda item. At the request of council member Glasscock. >> city did a analysis of 5 peer cities. Tulsa, Fort Worth to morning Oklahoma City Kansas City, Missouri. And we found that not all review allow public comments during meetings, Kansas City, for example, only during their standing committee. Right now, in Kansas City to not have a pre registration process. 4 items. Aside from public agenda for which show you 2 have signed up in advance again for the public agenda that regular agenda items you do not have to sign up in advance for Tulsan Des Moines. You do have to to advance registration to speak on agenda items. Wichita and Tulsa have the longest. Public comment period of 5 minutes. Here is a graph that kind of shows you so Oklahoma City and Fort Worth or 3 minutes and Des Moines and can se Missouri are both too. There are no financial considerations with this item. Any ordinance changes relating to public comment must comply with the First Amendment. It's recommended that you're see report and myself and the city manager available for. >> Thank for public. These are of the press I also know that there is supposed to be a regarding public each meant. I'd like to help themselves to get that at the same time and have further discussion after that. We have a >> Yes, mayor, we weren't sure how you want to handle it. Whether you want to do with council proceedings first or whether you wanted to hear all that. So we are prepared talk about what we're doing. A good at this point. >> Look at my council members. We'll go ahead and Take it as a Okay. >> And so at the request of council Talisha City was stopped occasion. So we were asked give an overview of what we've done with communications throughout the years. Kind of what we're doing now. This just background information. We're always open to new ideas and trying different things. And realized that landscape changes because 22,008, when I was hired on City 7 was a primary thing and that's what we focused on. That's no longer the deal. You know, we've come Facebook next or live streaming COVID. This was the way we do things in our focus. More on online and social media. Through that. So just it changes and we have to be able to adapt. And so that's something we're always looking at. Different platforms. Have different audiences want face challenges we The messages and content need to be different on different platforms. So what works on Facebook doesn't necessarily work on TikTok and Twitter and LinkedIn. So we got to evaluate each one of our communications channels and make sure the message is fitting. audience that we're targeting there. Who are we communicating with the city? So as we know, we have the very engaged, rather presidents are always here always. engage getting information. They know a lot of what's going on. We have a lot of people who are only communicating reaching out when projects are different initiatives affect them or their area. So that's when they get involved. And then we have people like issues. My wife, for example, has no idea what's going on with city. She doesn't care too honestly, I started talking about what's going on and she's like I no idea what you're talking about. So we've got your how we reach more of those people and say we want everybody involved in everybody's voice coming to the table. So we talked earlier in meeting about the National Community survey. This helps drive our efforts on communications and we talk about street repair being in that lower right quadrant. We're talking about. And public information is on that side as well. And so we look at the real versus perceived perception can be reality for someone. by Evie was social media influencer did a a the post on street improvements. And that's where things said, okay, if you look the streets in Colorado and Oklahoma and all the sudden all the comments were positive. People thought our streets were pretty good. Look at other places. You know, that do the same comments from a television Same thing. It was more negative light and everybody kind of pause on to say we have horrible street. So it's that perception and what information, what tools, what information we need to get out to reach. Those people say this is what we're doing. So that's where communication can come into play with some of those as well. So some of the channels getting into that. We have council meetings. I'm not going to run through everything on the sliding. See what we're here have here. He too, talk of city, 7. We broadcast agenda review and we've done multiple evening council meetings over the years we found that turnout is usually low is nice to see a good crowd here But typically what we've seen is turn up. Turnout goes up when we have hope. High-profile items are contentious items. More people show up for those. So that's something that we've noticed over the mayor and council, you speak have different. Speaking of age engagements. That's one way we can reach out. We have the mayor's media briefing district advisory boards with 6 every month that are in the evenings that public can come to. We have a lot of community members serving on those and other We have district breakfast and then there's direct email, phone interaction, Council members, community service rep representatives. You can get all that information on our website to reach out and communicate. So just different avenues we have for communication talk a little bit about boards and committees. We have 39 of them that we can we know of. I'm sure could be more out there. All of those are listed on our website. Each one of them have their own page with different information about those and contact information. Many of those are also be there live stream or record and uploaded to YouTube as well. I just wanted to highlight budget engagement because it can be a little bit that some of our other engagement that we've done over the years, lots of community budget workshops and the daytime and evening. This is one of those we're talking about earlier tonight at starting library about a week or 2 ago. We do social media post. We have social media town halls, budget simulator, dad meetings, council meetings and then there's a budget questions with stock of, you know, you can ask questions about the budget and obviously information on the Web site. Speaking of website, this is something I could talk about for a very long time. So try to keep it brief. There's tons of information there. We just did upgrade back in December. Lots of good information. There are lots things you can sign up for. E-mail list. Newsletter a directory to get all sorts of staff information and context there to reach out if you're needing something, we have an to report issues with the calendar so you can see any and public meetings or events were holding. We have different tools. A snowplow trackers, one that got picked up on CNN for Megan for naming the snowplows. So that was something that went viral as kind of cool. But you see where the snow plows have been and where they're And then find my councilmember. That's something we a little more prominent on the council member Web site, a Web page. can find out which district you live in see who you which councilmember you need to contact for issues. Social media and We have 55 plus social media avenues across multiple platforms which held social media town halls. We do live video Q and A's so either whether it be on YouTube, Facebook, we do a live topic. So say budget work. Whatever other topic and we can take comments from Facebook, YouTube and answer those live on the air with also you soon for that. Now we have former online engagement or we put projects on there and get discussion Online services and emergency alerts. We have ready that we partnered with Sedgwick County so you can sign up to receive alerts on just different notifications of might not raise to the level of alerts to get sent out to everybody and then we also came up with the boil water advisory alert for all water customers. We figured that was we found that that was in need. And so we now have a system to lure all water customers if we have another boil water advisory. Says citizen engagement and the civic and get that Civic Engagement Academy. I know some of you have participated in that. There's a photo one of the classes right there. We've had the police academy says the fire Academy Councilmember Glasscock in long time ago. You were on the youth council and then we have a city staff or the city president to hosting community events such as open streets. Riverfest farmers market and then we have a presence that presentations and neighborhood meetings. So we've held lots of town halls over the years. We just had the successful homeless town hall couple weeks ago. And then just I'm not going to read them all off. You can see there's just different items over the years that we've done different town halls with say that assisted with Kdhe on 29th the Grove that ours. But we put forth a lot of effort and to assisting them with our own. Media relations. So this is one. You know, we have standing appointments with news outlets and media partners where the mayor or departments are council members will go out and meet with media and talk about different things. We also respond to media They are almost every day emailing us calling us asking for information. Rick, what responding to those requests pitching different story ideas and we have media briefings, Vance, ribbon cuttings, groundbreaking, that sort of thing. Wichita Eagle, we have legal publication so for ordinances and that sort of thing. we pay them to promote our legal publications in the newspaper think that's required to be able to publish those. But we also publishes on our website. This is one side we like to bring up with our challenge, working with the media. Is it the Civic Engagement Academy? They pull up the slide mask all the participants. What of these topics, which of these topics and you heard about and most of the time, the raise their hand on the water boil advisory or proposed changes the firework or done something that as a little negative connotation to it. So the media is more. In general. They will cover more of the stuff that's negative. And it paints a stunning that picture. But a lot of these good stories are things we promote it. People haven't heard bad as much. So that's something we have a challenge you know, that we would like to see a little more of that positive news coverage being covered. Some of the good stories. It's a challenge we continually face. So this is again evolve. ING were freezing influencers promote some of our messages and get information out there which stopped by a bee just to the post today talking asking people how they get engaged with city. What communication look like then. So that's feedback. We're getting to see. Okay. How do they want to engage with us? And we're using that and say, OK, what do we need to try this or go after this? So and using influencers and the media to get our message out there. The public might see that not see that the city communicating with them, but somebody else. But that message is originally coming from us. And I think that's what's most important is we're getting that information out there. Paid media. You guys all know what that is and how expensive that can be. You know, we do have a huge budget. So it's hard to pay for every one of our, you know, initiatives to go out there and get information. But we try to be very strategic in what we do and promoting our services. Recruitment. Another thing we have a career fairs just promote the another before District Advisory board meetings and may well have more career fairs. So encourage people to get out to those. We have employed because we speak at high at military bases, colleges and we also do media buys for recruitment signage. One thing we started doing several years back is a throughout different areas of the city where there will be a construction are resurfacing going on. There will be a sign. Hey construction coming sooner. lanes coming. Something like that along those sign it saying we will be in your area. streets will be improving. We do bus wraps yard signs, all sorts of thing. We have digital and print signage at city facilities promoting different thing. We had like the monitors here at City Hall outside of security. We're trying to more information. We're trying to get out in front of people. Here's just a list of some of the other communication say we've had added podcast last year's including Spanish, speaking podcast with a Wpd and neighborhood services. So another way to reach out to individuals in a different Water Bill communications. That's something we've utilizes at times messages on hold another week and as people call and they can get information as are waiting on hold. Internal communication. That's something we're starting to look at now we believe if the better informed all of our employees are about to cross the organization about all of our topics, the better it is and they can get and go out communicating past that much as long. So we're working human resources right now in other departments come up with good internal communication plan. How can we best get that message spread out throughout the organization and then they'll be able to pass it along. So that's just one more thing we don't so that's very high level like trying to speed through that. I know it's late. So stand for questions to the site. >> This is a time for. To questions from. The bench again, we want to reiterate that this was that we would not normally have public comment on. >> But at the beginning of this meeting, we said we would have public comment at the will start at the of 2 public comment. Council that the class. thank you very much for the presentation that was more slides. Some very thankful for that. And thank you for doing both. I think public and also public goes hand in hand. So glad that we have that conversation holistically as well. >> I was very hopeful. So the reason originally this is a brief comment and I have a question. Richard reason originally brought this up was to make sure that we were engaging the public and it is less restrictive for first free speech as possible. And so I'm very glad that we compared to our parents. A comparison cities are really good job have comments about second. So welcome back in the second I'm going to go with the public engagement questions. Real it seems are engaging the public in a host of and everybody has the opportunity to engage they can find a capacity to engage the 2 that stood out to me as antiquated ways that we're engaging with residents is city 7 number one. I remember being on that when I was like 15, I don't think I've ever turn that on. Since then. And I do have concerns about city 7, 0, we'll talk about that more probably in the budgetary process and about whether that's a priority or not from residents. But the second question I have that I have regards Toledo that the legal notifications clashing newspaper how much on average, you know, it's Do we pay them per year as part of our long-term contract. >> I think answer second question first, I think it's about 150,000 a year for to December, get more follow-up the city 71 is fine. I know that will address longer. That's more internal, the city more external. So we have a larger contract in addition with our legal notices of the Clash E they publish it in a newspaper, correct? Yes. And my understanding is that on their website, it is only hosted for 2 What I want review this week is that correct? You know, I'm not 100% sure off to get back to you on that one, those same legal notices can be published on our website at with no cost of $150,000. Correct? Yeah. Yeah. It's no cause. They're already there they're already there. And I also noticed when I went, are you that this week that they go back to all the way to 2016 and some regards already? So thank you for staff. We're also proactively keeping that information on there. So I have plenty of other comments, but I want to leave if there's any other questions from fellow council members. >> I have further questions regarding that $100,000 per year contract is the legally required of us to have his contract and that can you tell us if this is see with our which talk DOT website. >> take the first Staff proposed to There's an option to modify the ordinance where we could go to online publication. That's an option legally outlet talk to >> was the other party question. >> I'd like to know more it. It's currently a redundancy or to legal. do we have to have it? >> That we're doing both. It's a redundancy this time. >> And currently our which taught Dot Gov website goes all the way back to 2016 in terms ordinances. So people can outbreak now. I believe I haven't checked the day, but it does go back a while. So, I have to get the exact date for you. >> Councilmember Johnson. >> Thanks, mayor. About what was going to joke that that probably wasn't too long ago. Councilmember Glasscock and the Mayor's Youth Council. >> Tyler, it said it was a long time I I do take concerned >> one appreciate presentation. And I think the comparison our most of our peer cities, I know we're talking about communication to get the word out. But we really could highlight that because that's something that was pretty awesome to see that we're but doing so good and being so open and councilmember Glasscock said, but really supports First Amendment rights of people to engage. I'm looking forward to hear more conversation about that. Also, appreciate the conversation about how we are reaching out, whether it's the legal notifications and our Citizen survey show that some of our other resources actually reach more people and a better way. But then, you know, how could we maybe even do some of those resources to reach even more people or build upon what we're already doing? Well, make it better. So love to have that conversation as well amongst the body and also the community. >> Councilmember, whoa. I think you one thing that stuck out to me. We have 5 open slots for public comment. We ended Tuesday and sometimes we might have a couple of open slots still. So that's something we can look at. Maybe just opening that until agendas go out that way. There's if we have extra slots may be weakened. If those fail. >> Yes, that's something we can look It would need to ordinance change. okay. Thank you. Councilmember Time. >> Thank Lake Erie dented. Just want to jump in. And I appreciate the comments from my colleagues. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that we're among the top as far as allowing for public comment. And I say all the time, this is the community city hall and we should be here to listen to them. We need to listen to their concerns and help to make good and informed decisions. I did all sit and you can Johnson mentioned it. But the National Community Survey is as many options as you provided in the the wonderful overview of everything that we do to engage the community in so many different levels. Only 27% of our community members that were surveyed said that they feel we're being open and transparent to the public. And only 31% said that they feel that we are informing residents about issues facing the community. So I hope that we can this discussion and moving forward. We don't think about limiting anything or changing anything that diminishes that. I hope we'll only think about ways that we can enhance community engagement and have more. I think redundancy and communication to community is just because everybody gets their message in a little bit different way. And so the more that we can do the better. Thank you. >> Any further questions? I seen We will now open it up for public comment. Thank you for staying. >> Good evening, Sir. Lester set native for generations grew up in Kansas. I love which that's why we take care of the Joan of Arc flare beds. That's why we did a price water park with lows, help and treetop nursery. You can see that we love the work we pour into downtown. Citizen engagement. Councilmember title. Thank you so much for what you said. I would repeat it word for word. It's so important that we have read and it's a it is so important that you look at the survey and see that 73% of citizens. >> Don't trust City Hall. That's appalling. So anything you do to cut citizen engagement. Our public conversation is going to reflect poorly upon you. As a city council member. But I want to have my point. So I'm going to read what I wrote tonight. I wouldn't be standing here if there had been a lack of communication by that riverfront master legacy that was presented by city backed coalition city back funds and that first public meeting in July 2019, they did not allow questions from the public and they did not allow discussion a century to. And here I am save century to 5 years later, I'm using my FDIC examiner background, my chief internal Auditor, Mike counting skills to watch over you all. Now because I've realized I can't trust what's always put out there for me to read. It was not storm water, utilities that took hotel guests tax and put it into the Fairfield Inn at that was mislabeled. That's debt that we it was not a 1 million dollar loan that had been repaid on the which to ICE entering. There have been only one repayment in 10 years, but I couldn't tell that from my core, there have been so many instances in the past 5 years where I've used my skills to look at information the city gave me that was incorrect. Misstated or lacking and telling the truth about the situation. So anything you do to limit citizen engagement? I will throw it right back at you and fight you tooth and nail over that because this is our forum. This is where we ask you questions. This is where we talk to you as a constituent. And the amazing thing about this discussion tonight, which I've state to what 10 o'clock to talk to you about this. It's not once when you all ran in your campaigns to die here. This is a priority citizen engagement and public participation is my campaign never heard that. So why are we spending staff time? Thank you for the information and staff salaries to look at this issue. The more ways you can communicate the better so don't limit it. Keep doing what you're doing to try to reach people. That's why only 17% of which voters voted in the last election because they've lost faith and our government. So you've got to do your best to over backwards and help us understand the budget, the finances, our money, where it's going to. And I don't care what Oklahoma's join. I don't care what Tulsa is doing because you know what? We're one of the last cities ask for medical marijuana. Our Medicaid expansion. So compare us to other cities because on some skills we're at the bottom of the list and it's never matter. Now. So why is public engagement now? The overriding concern tonight, we have to stay till 10 o'clock to try to say what are you doing next to limit our input to you all the city of Wichita has pressing needs address several of them tonight. So I want to praise you for addressing that. The child advocacy center absolutely must be done. Homelessness. domestic violence. We have a declining density and our city core, which is reflected by populations shifting west and east and we're closing public schools. We're facing a financial deficit. You heard that from Mark many tonight. You guys, you women, you men have so much on your plate. I don't know why we're talking about this. But all I can say is don't disrespect the voters who voted for you don't change our ability to speak to you in this format and 5 minutes on the agenda items I listen to for 40 minutes debate City Council vacancies. So now mutual respect, allow me to speak for 5 minutes at the end of those agenda items. So please don't change it. I hope the report. Let's move on to more important issues. But thank you for your service. I do appreciate it. Good evening. Percent. councilmember class. >> Mister Can you come back up real fast? I want offer a brief comments you sitting down to what it originally brought this up. I would urge you to go back and watch that meeting as well. The reason I brought up was not because we want increase barriers that we wanted to lessen barrier. Should people people to be able to speak. >> And that was the impediments for bringing us up as that. I believe that should be easier speak that it shouldn't be on the public agenda. You have to come and present present prior sign of week prior. And so that was the reason the initiative being that's brought up. So I'm sorry that you're under the assumption that was far more strict. If go back and listen to that meeting and I was to figure out ways to encourage public engagement and I just wear that. But thank you for correcting. That's not what I heard Friday. And I did listen to the agenda meeting. Yes, so that that is the reason that we were. I mean, we I don't think we spoke about it on Friday. there at least I don't think that the council that but reason is how can we be better at public engagement? How can we offer more opportunities for speech in this room? Not the other way around social. Make sure that's clear before we have this discussion as well. >> Thank you. Councilmember jobs. >> Thanks, Councilmember Glasscock. Thank you. You. So a lot of what I wanted to say response, I I think and when these items come out, good to engage council and maybe ask, you know, before the assumption piece, all of us are looking for more ways to support First Amendment free speech allow more opportunity to engage and the reason why I know what Councilmember Glasscock I wanted to have this conversation. The reason I wanted to have this conversation is because of some of the things that mistress S a there's a lack of trust with us. People say that we're not engage and they don't know things. And I will say for district one in my campaign, I actually did talk about engagement, which is why I always talk about knocking doors. And I said that van. And that's why it's still not doors to that point. We've not doors. We put flyers. We put door hangers on doors and people still talk about not knowing. So for me, I want to have this conversation to see again what the people say we're doing good and what we could do better the things that we're not doing well, we can talk about maybe not doing that anymore. If so, but it's about trying to rebuild that trust with people to engage more, maybe a new ways, maybe different ways. We haven't talked about offense saying I'm just trying to find ways in which we can reach people where they are oftentimes even with some of the folks we appoint. We'll tell them the information stops there. But the goal is to get more of that information out. Much like Tyler said, we have good things going on. You don't always see that talked about in the media about everybody signs up for our newsletter. So again, this conversation for me was looking at how can we be better about that to councilmember glass Point if you don't have to sign up but we can advance and you sign up what does that look like? Will people like it people not like it. Those are the things I think that. We should be talking about. And for public meetings like the one that was mentioned when you have a public presentation, which is a public-private partnership in a public space. And all conversation that's supposed to happen upstairs and conversation is a tempted to be had downstairs. There may be people to say go upstairs and maybe we need to by better ways to communicate wary conversations actually happening not wear. It's not supposed to happen. So I think there's a lot of lessons we can learn from and we can continue to have those conversations. And I'm hoping to hear from more people not only are tonight, but those who might be watching reach out him. >> Councilmember Johnston. >> Thank you. Mayor said thank Appreciate you done that. A question for you. The $150,000 for publication. Legal Notices. How do you feel about that? spend 250 grand? Okay. I have a problem with that because it's taxpayer dollars. I would rather not spend it on that. So. may disagree on that. $1000. >> There's there are inefficiencies right now like we pay rent and water walk for offices where we could have him in the former public library and we say $300,000 right there a year. >> think that before 50, that another 150 for at legal publications. I appreciate Councilman Johnson's mission of geo fencing. We're doing that in district 5 you're getting some of those on Facebook. Doing. That's try to get the word out about what's going on in city and district 5. So we are doing geo-fencing already. We've been a lot budget of $600. I think it should be $1000. That is it is what is. So I appreciate that. That $600 bettors zeroing >> Thank you. Get this reset for coming forward. I just want to make a couple comments because I did on restoring trust in City Hall was my 3rd point. The 4th one was building a United Committee that deals with community engagement. So those 2 points have been by entre for running for this office because I fell that we need to communicate better and we need to restore the trust that our community has lost or perceived or not perceived. And so. My attention again at the very beginning of this meeting to make sure that we had public comments regarding the section which usually drink councilmember agenda items. There is no public comment. So that shows again our good faith and use our vote. We want that engagement in addition to yes, it is late and I really do appreciate those who are still tuning in online and those who are here present. I really appreciate it. Just a few weeks ago, we started. A process where we asked can we have time things because we understand not everyone attend our Tuesday. 09:00AM things. And this council voted to have 4 evening type meetings. And so there will be 4 during this year. One each quarter. And again, it's to increase community engagement and public comment but it does make me sad because I know that at the beginning at 6 o'clock, this room hat many more individuals and I would love to hear their comments during this specific section section because it is about. Public comment how to engage better. So does make me realize that we need to have maybe this school back to I'm just speaking that we need more information regarding how we can better communicate with our community, whether it's providing that these are the outlets that we do communicate. How can we be better at communicating with all different age groups, all different backgrounds from all different areas of our community. this is not agenda item or where a certain voting on something. But this will give us an opportunity to direct staff to get more information or I put it back on an agenda item or DOT agenda item so I just want. This reset to know that that's the reason why. And in addition to I I do have to say that we brought this up for this specific meeting to have engagement on this topic. It was because we were trying to figure out how can we allow individuals become to city council meetings. But we're not on the public agenda item and don't have a specific comment an agenda item. But rather something else how they can address the city council because we don't have that opportunity right now. opportunities are for people to sign up on the 5 public agenda item slots or you must one of the topics. Whereas if you have it additional or concern, you don't get to do that right now. You don't get to talk about it. So Dan Tension was to increase public engagement that allowed those who do come to our city council meetings, the opportunity to actually address the council. What we're all here. So that was the intention and get this usually would have been workshop. But instead we wanted this to be part of the evening agenda item. So again, thank you for letting us how the process worked and we'll continue with public comment. >> By public comment is have to bear U.S. myself and apologize. >> Because at the agenda meeting. I looked at the what is it when you click on the blue thing and you go to the other page. The report. It talked about cutting at I saw that was all short minutes like 2 minutes. So I made the assumption that you guys want to cut Public comment. And so I spent all day trying to set sluss hair on fire about it. spent the whole meeting. Right? My best. Enter Tom Payne to free speech. find out it was all much ado about nothing. So I apologize. And like they say, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. So. >> They're a council member. Glasscock. Sorry. Thank you. Pay in the future. Feel free to reach out to us before and I'm happy to a conversation before this meeting at any point. give you my personal cell and I'm happy to taking your calls any time. So we don't have to come up here angry when maybe we could solve this prior. So I appreciate coming up in a gauge, I want more people to engage. Maybe could have a lot of these conversations prior and solve a lot of the ahead of time, too. So thank you for coming up here. Thanks for expressing that, too. ♪ >> Words you probably said. Good evening. I just have a couple comments. One, I appreciate this evening meeting. I think that's going to really has more from happened going to give people more opportunity. They come up and the and get engaged. Observation I can make having attended several of the morning meetings is parking is horrendous and city Hall. Particularly when you have were 19 vehicles that were city vehicles park out here on the surface lot. Why can't they be moved over to around some Porter number one? And number 2, there were another 8 spots that are reserved by OEMs so that city vehicles could park there when they came back in for today, the access to parking, which is another obstacle for people coming to the meetings. But I do appreciate this for staff. I perhaps no one parking in in the past and by bringing it maybe corrective action can be taken. Thank you very much. And again, thank you for tonight. >> Any further public comment? I see I will bring it back to the bench. >> Councilmember Glasscock all job in since I was on the proposed this I have copious amounts of notes and comments but I will leave colleagues talking. I'll probably come back to some as well. First off, the reason we're talking about this is because the status quo wasn't working. Councilman Tuttle says people don't have faith and city hall. So how do we restore trust and faith and city hall? That's why we're having this conversation today. We also have to figure out how people get their information and make sure that we're just not doing the same old same old because that's how we've always done when we can engage better and also save taxpayers money in the process as well. >> The fact that we're having evening meeting right now shows good faith that we want to engage more people that we want to engage other voices. I know I've talked with my colleagues as well. >> About, hey, maybe we take these meetings outside of City Hall was a look like or is that better to have town halls? And when the mayor has said her town hall homelessness over 3 people to that was probably the largest town hall that I had seen. It was because he went outside of the stores. Sometimes it's intimidating to come to city Hall. Sometimes she will don't even know that if we're going into their neighborhoods in the evenings, people can engage in different ways as well. We don't want to just talk the talk, walk the walk. In addition to that again, this may be a little bit chaotic. I will be happy. I think bring is a doubt to have further conversations. A very positive thing. I will be making a motion at some point tonight we removed the 7 days in advance of any person that comes to city Hall can sign up to speak that day. So I will be making that before even going go to that for a lot of people. They don't how to navigate the The system's heart. Obviously we have frequent flyers that come every single week. The know when they can speak want to sign up to speak, how long they can speak and they're meeting their minutes or you are. Their remarks are usually exactly 5 minutes. Most people do not do that. And most people to the intimidating process. Most people also don't want to send it lecture and be able to speak to city council. Know that's record and no dense and work that it's being promoted elsewhere. So how do we engage those people that don't want to come up? I know Mister set us in front of Mike, which is great. We all do, too, because we're up here. But a lot of people don't feel comfortable doing that. So how do we engage those unique voices as well to steel aks up kale seat. Her I am. thankful that staff to present this. I think it shows that we're doing a lot of things. Well, that doesn't mean we can't continue to engage more people. In addition to that, I'm almost done with my original first comments and then all again, open it up to everybody else as well when it comes to time limits. I'm open whether it's 3 to 5. I want to make sure that we're gauging voices and not stifling people's free speech. Right? And so at the start of meeting one thing my mother actually brought up to me before I even have this conversation with her is she is she watches every meeting. So hello, A couple of the meetings people had to leave before their business item was hurt because of discussion of the prior. So how are we doing the business of this body first and then how are we also creating space where people can engage and not have their voices stifled every single person of this bunch. I know it's 10, 15 at night. If we started this week at 9 o'clock. Our job is to say here until 02:00AM and hear from individuals, if that's what we wanted to. And so is there a way that you maybe have? You know, 5 individual speaking the beginning and then, you know, limit that's a business could be still still be done. But opening of the end of the meeting that if someone still has a grievance there and they're still around us later on, they can stay here. And our job is to set here. Listen to them until their comments are made as well. And so how can we balance the business of the meeting at the beginning, but also still have an opportunity that every single person can have their line and can air their grievances are air. Hopefully the positive stuff. Some time at the end of the media as well. So I think that that's the conversation that I would be interested in hearing about. And then last comment I and I know that we do disagree with is that I think it's a waste of resources for the $150,000 that we're spending currently when there's a redundancy and how can we better engage with citizens that are actually going to work? People are instead of reading something that you have to have a subscription to that limits individual. So we are ready do it online. And so how can we make it more accessible for citizens No citizens reading a legal notice in the newspaper anyway, I've never done that. I guarantee no citizens are not doing that anyway. And so there are very, very few people but we can also access that online by and individuals can do that. Any of our public libraries condition of that, too. So those semi rambling comments, I might have more. But my colleagues ability speak as well. Vice Mayor Ballard. >> Thank And I have lots of first of all and appreciate everyone that he's continued to hang in there with us. I really wish this site. It was the first one when we had. Half of a full this have been much more of a conversation to have her going on over 4 hours. But I do appreciate everyone that is that is still with us. I think. We had this town hall for homelessness and I don't think you can always expect people to come to us. That has been proven over and over and over whether we're having. Dabbs people come to those or our breakfast or coffees or whatever think it's important for us to take some of our focus on going to the people and not always expecting them to come here you know, no matter what time we have meetings, it's not going to be convenient for everybody. So I just want to keep that in mind. I do struggle a little bit with Councilmember Johnson made the comment that, you know, he didn't think it was. Worth spending the money, but it's not about us. It's about everybody else. And that's what this whole conversation is about. His community engagement. And I know you're not want to spend the money, but some people do still read paper and I've been doing a big push on. If you go get your library card, you read the Eagle for free. >> Along every other magazine and newspaper under the sun. So maybe we can focus more on getting people to read the paper and supporting our local newspaper. All the same time. So I really struggling with I'm not >> the contract that we have on that. The And now also at the end of the day, it's our job to listen. So I'm struggling with. >> And having people like, for example today say here for 4 hours and 15 minutes just to have their 5 minutes. They have their 5 minutes to come speak to us whenever they sign up and they have their vote. Actually, I was reading the evil from from a car. And that's what he said is that we get to vote and we get to come speak at City Hall and by taking that away. Or making someone say here, you know, my dad come her for 4 or 5 hours and wait to speak for 5 minutes, but not everybody has time for that. So when they signed up for it and it's the first 25 minutes of the meeting and then they can go to work. I think at least they know when they're going to be getting out. Instead of sitting here and waiting for the meeting to get And I think that's all I have for now. >> Councilmember total. Thank you. Also want to thank for being here. Appreciate it very much. Thank you for staff for being here. >> And anybody who still in line, he's watching. And I just wanted to be preemptive, a legal. Jennifer, I heard Councilmember Glasscock say he's going to making a motion. It's my understanding that no actionable item will be coming from this that we can direct staff maybe for future consideration. But we want to actually be making a motion or vote this evening. Am I correct in that assumption? >> Councilor with that's correct. There's no ordinance before you here You are correct. It council can direct staff to bring an ordinance with changes as But we don't have to make a motion or vote on it. Correct clean if you do want to direct staff to to have that Okay. Just want to make sure real because we have a policy and in policy that says nothing goes in the agenda. >> That isn't on there. The Thursday prior by 05:00PM. So it just wanted to make sure it take you Lots of discussions. Lots of things have been said. I think this is the beginning of many conversations. Again, just a few comments regarding the Wichita Eagle the contract in a comment that was made that nobody reads legal notices in the Eagle. I don't know that. so I want to make sure and I live in a neighborhood. I live in an established neighborhood. I'm actually one of the youngest neighborhood and I'm And so all of my neighbors to describe to the newspaper and active aging and they do use the Internet. That's not their means to get their information. So I think having a blended mix of making sure that people get information I'm from or publications, I think we should have our information and every publication that we can. We should have a deadline. We should have that social media, but we should also utilize our print media, even if its print and that its online. I just I absolutely for more public engagement and not in any way limiting the amount of access that people have to the information that we try and disseminate them. So thank you. >> Council member John stunt. >> Thank you, Mayor. I will respectfully disagree with some my colleagues. I am an advocate of using taxpayer dollars efficiently. And paying $150,000 for. 2 or 3. Dale News is not a good way to I don't think that's people to be a line. Could be made available at libraries, printed copies Libraries, City Hall. There's other ways that they can get that information and a and save $150,000. So. I just think if you ask, which attends if they want to spend $150,000 for legal publications and which do you go? I think you'll get a resounding no. >> Before I come back to council member Glasscock. Can I have I have a question staff specifically what other avenues that we? Any print media to share, whether it's community events >> other. >> Citywide information besides public notices. How else do we for what reasons do we pay? >> Megan to come up here, I think should be a better chance of that tonight. >> Council, Megan, that city communications period of times we will pay to either. Print things or or run radio ads, traditional media is what we call that. don't have a set. Budget really does depend on what's going on. Some of those things are grant funded. We might in the Wichita Eagle acted age. We just didn't activate actually at your request. Councilmember Jaisol for tax abatement so year. So it really does depend. But it really does run the gamut. >> have we had a conversation about maybe upper tuna tease, take a traditional media. I e radio print TV. >> On that, maybe >> specific Wichita News being published. So we currently publish which top which use on twitch 0, dot and like Councilmember Tunnel mentioned, not everyone uses the Internet and I very much respect. I come from traditional media. So I wanted to know how else can we share the information like there was a whole in the U.S. like that. things that our city information, the free public libraries just any other specific city views. How have we thought about other opportunities to engage tradition? >> Tyler showed a slide on some of the things that we do on a weekly monthly basis in terms of our our regular appearances on news that the things that we answer and if your question is whether we'd be open to doing like a paid placement or advertising. We'd be open to anything are only limitation is funding. >> She currently spent regarding traditional media. it really depends not all of that comes out of the street communication budget. >> Some of it is departmental budget or grant funded. So direct staff to give us that information may over the last 3 years. >> How we have utilized traditional media take each community, whether it's by department or just from the communications budget because of what I'm hearing right now is that we want to publish information in whether it's radio, whether print, whether it's TV, we want these traditional media to still provide that information but at what I'm also hearing as that may be, I'm not everyone gets just public notifications. And I think maybe people need to understand public notifications are for those ordinance. Us that we pass they go on first reading second reading. But what I think people are asking as public notices about activities that are going those are 2 different things. Can you explain those to for me? >> So public notices in the terms that we and discuss this evening and please correct me are in terms of like ordinance changes Aurora zoning public notices. We actually have an option on our website which Tyler can touch on. If you're interested to sign up for city events, meetings, all sorts of fun stuff. We also put that on our social media and we do share it with our our media partners. Further. Expand on that. >> So, yeah, as far as public notifications and all that, I don't think there's anything to sign up for getting alerts every time that's updated. But that's something we can look into yeah, we have a whole wide variety. I think I had a slide in there somewhere. But showing different things you can sign up so you can get alerts on a different calendar invites every time we put a news release out there. If there's alerts news flash items, there's tons of different things you can sign up for for alert every time. A post the website along with news letters and e-mail distribution list. All that. >> Thank don't know they need to do something official, but I would like has a council to get the information regarding how much we spend on traditional media to try to outreach to community on radio TV and print. Councilmember Glass Cup. So thank you, mayor us up. Her totals distinction. >> if I were direct staff to date is that require a motion and a second orders that require just a direct ask for me. >> If like what the mayor was just requesting just and mistreated asking does not require a motion to get that information. For example, councilmember too ask staff to prepare an ordinance to bring back. That is a legislative action that would require by ordinance. Your motion here with the majority to bring that back to a Councilman. Do council meeting. Fantastic. Thank you that I have a >> most Council Johnson's your comments first. Also a >> Thanks, I was just going to say not to be too redundant because it is 10. 28, I agree with my councilmember class talking Councilmember Johnston $150,000 for legal notice I think is a bit much. But I do like the creativity. But I just heard what councilmember and getting good information out in different sources. One of the examples I've always used is I know a whole lot of people who read the community voice and they may see something there. Maybe not a legal notice that interest them and engage them. And if we can look at again, better ways of using money to taxpayer funds to reach taxpayers. I think that's always a worthwhile conversation. So I appreciate that. And again and maybe this is bad, I didn't even know that there are legal notices. And in a newspaper in till like close when I was running. So maybe there's other people who know more than me on that. But I think that we're doing a really good job of using our resources. Our Web site and city related stuff for the legal notices from the city. But I think engagement in other ways for events or other information that we want to get out. And as we talk about some of the good things we're is not getting out as much as we thought. I think it's worth having that conversation. >> Councilmember agree Councilman Johnson Johnson, Ohio Mayor will when it comes to this as There's one quote from here the presentation that staff presented, but I think is a testament staff and our our commitment also engaged people civically. So terms of limitation, the number of people can comment on agenda item. The city of Wichita adoption, unrestricted approach reflects a commitment to moss to foster robust discourse and Democratic participation. That should not just be your Never individual agenda item. That's your goal. Holistically. we're trying to hear and hopefully can optimism from our citizens as well. also love Councilman Johnson brought up if we were to look at other ways to gauge. I think mayor, this goes with Mayor one Jaisol, suggestion how better can we spend $150,000 to also hit more diverse subsets and then also a diverse publications where one individual memory, the eagle that we're in the community voice that we're in another publication and offering substantive information regarding a rebate programs that we And I think there's better ways that we could look at spending 150,000 still in traditional mediums are still offering the legal notices that individuals want. We our website and other platforms as well. So I think there's a lot of optimism there on how we can better engage people also engage more diverse voices, that unique voices, which is the purpose of this people that regularly engage or city council know how to engage or city council. How do we engage people that don't know how to engage or city council and the projects no programs that we're trying to implement. So with that and seen there's nobody else on the board. I have 3 different that I would direct staff. So I'll do one to read them all 3 and then offer each one for an up or down number one. I would knew that we removed the seven-day advance requirement for people come to come to speak before council that anybody it's first come first Individuals can show up and we still limit it to a 30 minute public engagement period at the start. Looking at other ways that we can engage people. I will that's not the direct motion right now. >> I guess I'm confused because I didn't think tonight could be an actionable item like removing the 7 day requirement to sign up. I'm directing staff to do that. Not that we're making that decision currently. Thank you very much. Yes, directing staff to do that. I'll clean that language up in a second. The second one that I would look at is that we direct staff to present before district advisory boards. How we do engage people better. And so I think those conversations can result in, you know, time limits comments before after if we have both engagement opportunities limitation on the number of people or do we have an unlimited number? I would prefer lean towards an unlimited number. But I'd be interested hear from a district Pfizer reports. So that would be the subsequent motion. But I really do think that we have to a separate thing that if individuals want to show up, they should be able to speak before the body without sign up in advance. And so I'm going make those into different motions. And then the 3rd is that would be a direction toward staff move that we review the contract for the Clash, company on April 2nd and decide whether or not we're renewing and how we can better spend that. I think that gives the McClatchy company time to look at it. I had the contract INS on August 31st. We have a 30 day out by also don't want to wait until then for them to be able decisions regarding publication. So I know nobody is on the board. So I'm going offer each individually. The first one as I move that we direct staff to renew the 7 day requirement to speak before the council. And that's a first come first basis. Survey says for the first 30 minutes, still the by minute time requirement. can tell that up. I think you just language and to prepare an ordinance amendment prepare an ordinance for that. >> Yes. >> Motion to prepare ordinance regarding the removal of the 7 Day advance. Notice and instead moving it to first come first, serve for the heart, which is the public agenda item. So this is a staff direction. We have a motion and a second, any further discussion. Vice Mayor Valley. Sorry, thank Will there still be a limit how often they can speak? >> Lets wish to change it. Okay. Currently, what is What's not? So we have a motion a second. No further discussion. Madam Clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 7, 0, Council member. >> Yes, I think I believe this should answer council Vice Mayor Ballard's a comment about that. I make a motion that we direct staff. >> 2. >> Take this to the district advisory boards in terms of how we engage the public differently. >> Specifically questions regarding time limits comments before after limitation on the number of speakers. How often someone can speak and then open it up for other comments from dad. >> Motion and a second. Any further discussion. I see none. That importantly something the role. Motion passes 7, 0, Councilmember Glasscock and 3rd, I knew that at the April second meeting, we review our contractor, the McClatchy company regarding a list of public notices and to be more direct, I'm going to change that motion. I make a to direct staff that in April 2nd we. Deny extending the contract to begin August 31st of 2024. With McClatchy companies. >> Excuse me for at that to further just to legalize Yes, we would need to look at the city's charter ordinance to make that change. So if that's part of your motion, I would add to consider a revision to the chartered ordinance came so direct staff to consider a vision of the charter ordinance regarding our contracts. >> 2 with the intention to cancel the agreement with classic companies in the city of Wichita, effective August 31st. 2024. And so the big John's thanks, friendly amendment, not renew rather than cancel. >> now, yes, not canceled second. >> Motion. And second, any further discussion. >> Councilmember whole Jaisol. Thank you, You know, I'm I'm kind of in the air on on this one. I do think it's worth. The conversation and he was so I'll be supportive of bringing it's worth of discussions. I can appreciate having that discussion. >> We have a motion a second. I see no further discussion that clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 5 to 2. Any further directions for staff council members. I seen that. Madam Clerk, please call the next item. >> Retroactive approval of travel for Councilmember tunnel to attend the House Welfare Committee meeting in Topeka, Kansas, on March 14th 2024. >> And if to prove. Motion a second. At clerk, please. Motion passes 7, 0, clerk please call the next item. Councilmember appointments and comments. Councilmember thank you. And I'm just going to my district advisory board tickets for for time and then catch the rest next week. >> But I would like to appoint 2 district 2 advisory board, Tyler York. I would like to re appoint 2 district, 2 advisory board. Tracy Adams, John Baker. Chris Brown, Drake. Yes, Tim Johnson. Martin. Jennifer McCAnn, McDonald, Jim Girl. Stephanie McCurdy and Sand Lindemann and I have sent these to the clerk. Thank you. Councilmember Glasscock. >> Hello also with nominations. I nominate an 8th in a clerk to the parks board to my District Advisory board. Alan Oliver Gentry. Gauge Hunt, Harry Wilson, John, Alex Garcia, a lot of Roe, Judy Johnson, Jim Kelly, Wally Bell, Rebecca Jannik, Alex Martinez and a youth member. Jaisol to the library nominate Karen Shorter. The transit advisory board an Echo Jaisol to which Citizens Review Board a Martin to the airport advisory boards here. Scott, the community Service Block Grant Review Committee. Stephanie Acre in Cheryl back up to the diversity inclusion, civil rights biser Ybor top of the Lehman to the Ethics advisory board. Clark Owens, the Food and Farm Council, Chris Repair show the Historic Preservation Board in the study, bomb Dixon to a PC and Bza Tony's in Pullman to PF are being Nathan Schwindel into the animal Advisory board. Nancy Bradley, I will have nominations next week. >> That's sure. Your will send that list of all the names to Jamie. I will give you the list. Councilmember Johnston. >> Thank you. Mayor elect to reappoint to district advisory Dave Sanford. And I'd like a point the District Advisory board 5, Jennifer Salvo and Shawn Baldwin. And like to point to the library Michelle Garrett and Historic Preservation Board Chad Land. >> Council Jaisol. I think the city manager was trying to get an award and that was probably about all the That mess up again. Getting point. It was really quick, but I think you appointed a city employee which is not allowed under our polls. >> She was the current appointee. So I was for what was the board. My list. >> PR FB. Police close to retirement board yet. He's the current one. But if there's a problem with that, no, that's fine. If it's in the retirement I know that. >> The employees have I didn't know the council can appoint a point. Okay. I was just reacting it's a real point would just let it Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Councilmember Johnson. >> Thanks, Just a clarification. Councilmember Glasscock was one of those names down with her. >> Yes. I personally cannot be supportive time with just can do. >> Councilmember whole jaisol. >> I can't wait to see the judgment on by appointees of are there. Then. Okay. Saw to that. Janet Johnson and Richard Ruth. My clue that the prior Jesse would doll tone when Terry McGraw and Geneva Chambers. Those are all reappointments Markle. A closer to airport authority reappointment Philip Simon reappointed the parks board. Thank you, Jane. The little to reappointed to ethics advisory, first appointment, the historic preservation. Lauren reappointed the library sending Miles. We appointed him a PC Diana stand reappointed to transit. Janet Johnson reappointed crb. I'm Garrett Foster, pointed to by and and Emory reappointed to diversity, inclusion, civil rights. I'm Bob Becker. First appointment to employee retirement Paul. Far reappointed to see BC S P G Mike Hastings. First appointment to police and fire. still here is a appointment reappointment to animal control. Gerry Mulgrew first appointment to fill them from council and Ibrahim Abdullah. First appointment to sustainable. >> before I make my appointments. >> For the folks who are still here and those who are still watching. Police go to our website dot Gov to look at. The board expects currently have vacancies because we would like to fill those vacancies with community members that are wanting to be engage and care about specific topics and these appointments are individuals that advise us on those specific topics. So this is an encouragement to get again to go to our website dot Gov. And look at the boards excitement, Councilmember Glasscock support of clarification for legal because Councilman Johnson will be. >> Not voting for one. Do I need to remove him and we vote on individually. >> That's up to the council. How you'd like to handle that. >> Thank you. know you can. >> I don't know what the process was ready to move in that we have to go individually. Oh, no, no, I I I am supportive of everyone, but that one individual. So I will be voting no, because of that. But everyone Okay. >> This will make sure. Thank you. >> And now I will make my appointments. I'm going to reappoint to the transit ports. Tuesday Santo represents visit, which top and 2 new appointments to the transit Port. Eddie broke Michael and the Citizen Review board. Robert I have motion for these appointments? >> I move to accept. there a second? We have a motion in a second. Any further discussion. >> Seen But a clerk, please open the role. Motion passes 5 to 2. Do we have any comments from council members? >> There are no comments I asked way past my bedtime. Sorry. >> So then it goes to that Do we have a vote? motion a second to adjourn. >> Council member I just wanted read 100 page report for all of us tonight. >> We opened the role to adjourn the meeting place. I make a motion that we adjourn second ocean and the second that a clerk open the rule. Thank you so very much to everyone this year, motion passes 6. What? All right. Have a good night. Everyone.