Wichita Documenters

District Advisory Board #2, led by Council Member Becky Tuttle, discussed drought concerns, crime statistics, and the Wichita Climate Action Plan. Updates were also given by the Fire Department, Public Library, and Police Department.

Notes by Documenter Sharon Ailslieger

District 2 Advisory Board — Wichita Documenters District 2 Advisory Board Notes by Sharon AilsliegerDistrict Advisory Board #2, led by Council Member Becky Tuttle, discussed drought concerns, crime statistics, and the Wichita Climate Action Plan. Updates were also given by the Fire Department, Public Library, and Police Department. Notes by Nancy...

Watching the Calder come down.

Two zoning agenda items drew significant public interest, with over 80 attendees present in the meeting room. The commission deferred a multi-family zoning request and denied a light commercial request, both in response to strong community concerns.

Notes by Documenter Judy Winters

Metropolitan Area Planning Committee — Wichita Documenters Metropolitan Area Planning Committee Notes by Judy WintersTwo zoning agenda items drew significant public interest, with over 80 attendees present in the meeting room. The commission deferred a multi-family zoning request and denied a light commercial request, both in response to strong community co...

The September 9 meeting featured a report on the Wichita Climate Action Plan, outlining goals like reducing emissions and increasing access to green spaces. Fun news from the fire department included a partnership with Domino’s to offer free pizza for with working smoke alarms.

Notes by Documenter Mike Swan

District 4 Advisory Board — Wichita Documenters District 4 Advisory Board Notes by Mike SwanThe September 9 meeting featured a report on the Wichita Climate Action Plan, outlining goals like reducing emissions and increasing access to green spaces. Fun news from the fire department included a partnership with Domino’s to offer free pizza for wi...

The council proclaimed events like the Wichita Asian Festival, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Fire Prevention Week, while recognizing the Wichita Purchasing Department's national award. Updates included USD 259 goals, consent agenda approvals, law amendments, street and riverbank improvements, Open Streets ICT, a new City Water Works building, and a firefighter memorial.

Notes by Documenter Ty Davis

Wichita City Council — Wichita Documenters Wichita City Council Notes by Paige KoeppenThe City Council recognized BOMA Day, Junior League Appreciation Month, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, while also discussing public art budgets, Cheney Lake repairs, and accessibility issues in downtown Wichita. Notes by Sharon AilsliegerThe Worksho...

A proposal to rezone a property in the Ashley neighborhood from single-family to multi-family sparked strong public opposition, citing concerns over safety, traffic, and community impact. After nearly 90 minutes of public comment, the board voted 9-1 to deny the rezoning.

Notes by Documenter Donna Castillo-Garcia

District 5 Advisory Board — Wichita Documenters District 5 Advisory Board Notes by Donna Castillo-GarciaA proposal to rezone a property in the Ashley neighborhood from single-family to multi-family sparked strong public opposition, citing concerns over safety, traffic, and community impact. After nearly 90 minutes of public comment, the board vot...

The Student Board, representing all Wichita high schools, gives students a direct role in shaping policies & initiatives. In response to the recent shooting near Cessna Elementary School, staff were praised for keeping students safe, and voter registration efforts are underway.

Notes by Documenter Bill Hoag

Wichita School Board — Wichita Documenters Wichita School Board Meetings Notes by Bill HoagThe Student Board, representing all Wichita high schools, gives students a direct role in shaping policies & initiatives. In response to the recent shooting near Cessna Elementary School, staff were praised for keeping students safe, and voter registra...

The Wichita Fire Department is assisting with Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Wichita Police are monitoring Textron strikes and addressing a staffing shortage with 33 trainees in the academy. The Wichita Climate Action Plan is focusing on emissions reduction and sustainability.

Notes by Documenter Brett Foraker

District 1 Advisory Board — Wichita Documenters District 1 Advisory Board Notes by Brett ForakerThe Wichita Fire Department is assisting with Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Wichita Police are monitoring Textron strikes and addressing a staffing shortage with 33 trainees in the academy. The Wichita Climate Action Plan is focusing on emissions r...

Sustainability efforts were presented, including a Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce emissions and increase green spaces. The dismissal of Parks Director Troy Houtman was criticized as heavy-handed by an attendee, raising concerns about deterring future applicants.

Notes by Documenters Nancy Davis

District 3 Advisory Board — Wichita Documenters District 3 Advisory Board Notes by Nancy DavisSustainability efforts were presented, including a Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce emissions and increase green spaces. The dismissal of Parks Director Troy Houtman was criticized as heavy-handed by an attendee, raising concerns about deterring...

The City Council recognized BOMA Day, Junior League Appreciation Month, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, while also discussing public art budgets, Cheney Lake repairs, and accessibility issues in downtown Wichita.

Notes by Documenter Paige Koeppen

Wichita City Council — Wichita Documenters Wichita City Council Notes by Sharon AilsliegerThe Workshop included an update on the ARPA Recovery Plan, highlighting the Violence Interrupters Project and concerns about its financial sustainability. A proposed amendment to the solar zoning code was also discussed, with no action taken. Notes by T...

The September 30 meeting was canceled and rescheduled for October 28, and the city website displayed an "unauthorized access" message so our Documenter was unaware of the cancellation. For the next meeting, the board continues working on a second round of funding.

Notes by Documenter Jacinda Hall

Affordable Housing Review Board — Wichita Documenters Affordable Housing Review Board Notes by Jacinda HallThe September 30 meeting was canceled and rescheduled for October 28, and the city website displayed an "unauthorized access" message so our Documenter was unaware of the cancellation. For the next meeting, the board continues working on a second....

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a request to expand a deck in Willowbend and discussed updates to their bylaws, which delayed the vote. The MAPC approved a zoning change for an off-road vehicle course in Mulvane, with conditions addressing neighbor concerns.

Notes by Documenter Sharon Ailslieger

Metropolitan Area Planning Committee — Wichita Documenters Metropolitan Area Planning Committee Notes by Sharon AilsliegerThe Board of Zoning Appeals approved a request to expand a deck in Willowbend and discussed updates to their bylaws, which delayed the vote. The MAPC approved a zoning change for an off-road vehicle course in Mulvane, with conditions add...

The Workshop included an update on the ARPA Recovery Plan, highlighting the Violence Interrupters Project and concerns about its financial sustainability. A proposed amendment to the solar zoning code was also discussed, with no action taken.

Notes by Documenter Sharon Ailslieger

Wichita City Council — Wichita Documenters Wichita City Council Notes by Sharon AilsliegerThe Workshop included an update on the ARPA Recovery Plan, highlighting the Violence Interrupters Project and concerns about its financial sustainability. A proposed amendment to the solar zoning code was also discussed, with no action taken. Notes by T...

The forum featured Sedgwick County Commission candidates Jeff Blubaugh and Sarah Lopez, with housing as the main topic. Both candidates discussed property taxes, homelessness, and Rural Housing Incentive District, RHID, offering different approaches to address these issues.

Notes by Documenter Linda Shriver

Local Election Forums — Wichita Documenters Local Election Forums Notes by Linda Shriver The forum featured Sedgwick County Commission candidates Jeff Blubaugh and Sarah Lopez, with housing as the main topic. Both candidates discussed property taxes, homelessness, and Rural Housing Incentive District, RHID, offering different approaches to ad...

Celeste Racette and Stephanie Wise discussed affordable housing, property taxes, and homelessness, with both supporting the Housing First program. Racette focused on her financial expertise and government collaboration, while Wise emphasized tax reform and real estate experience.

Notes by Documenter Debbie Haslam

https://wichitadocumenters.org/meetings/local-election-forums #:~:text=Notes%20by%20Debbie%20Haslam

Monday and Tuesday next week. Documenters will be there to take notes.

Wichitans speak on County Commission Candidate forums The forums will focus on housing issues within the commission’s purview

WSU SGA reps expressed concerns about the Transit app and missing key locations on the updated map, with suggestions for improvements like a video tutorial and pop-up training. The ground breaking for the Multimodal Center is set for next month.

Notes by Documenter Sharon Ailsleiger

Transit Advisory Board — Wichita Documenters Transit Advisory Board Notes by Sharon AilsliegerWSU SGA reps expressed concerns about the Transit app and missing key locations on the updated map, with suggestions for improvements like a video tutorial and pop-up training. The ground breaking for the Multimodal Center is set for next month. Notes...

New accessibility features for the City website were presented which place it in the top 3% nationwide for accessibility. Michael Irvin provided updates on the Board’s Strategic Plan, including a DEI climate survey for city employees and forming Employee resource groups.

Notes by Documenter Susan Miner

Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights Advisory Board — Wichita Documenters Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights Advisory Board Notes by Susan MinerNew accessibility features for the City website were presented which place it in the top 3% nationwide for accessibility. Michael Irvin provided updates on the Board’s Strategic Plan, including a DEI climate survey for city ...

Wichita's efforts with the MAC move forward, but concerns remain about whether these efforts will be enough. The City Council approved changes to the Water Works project and discussed the new 2025 housing payment standard, which could impact HUD voucher families.

Notes by Documenter Ty Davis

https://wichitadocumenters.org/meetings/wichitacitycouncil-95kdz #:~:text=Wichita%20City%20Council-,Notes%20by%20Ty%20Davis,-Wichita%27s%20efforts%20with

ANNOUNCING! Wichita Documenters local website! Visit to read the latest notes and new Documenter notes inspired articles. It is your one stop shop to keep up with what is happening in Wichita local government.

www.wichitadocumenters.org

Bryan Frye and Bob Aldridge were unanimously elected as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission. Three cases involving zoning and land use changes were heard and unanimously approved after concerns were raised and addressed by speakers.

Notes by Documenter Paige Koeppen

Metropolitan Area Planning Committee — Wichita Documenters Metropolitan Area Planning Committee Notes by Paige KoeppenBryan Frye and Bob Aldridge were unanimously elected as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission. Three cases involving zoning and land use changes were heard and unanimously approved after concerns were raised and a...

Wichita firefighters completed a symbolic stair climb at the Epic Center, reflecting the bravery of the 343 firefighters who died in the 9/11 attacks. Sedgwick County Park will host National Cleanup Day on 9/21, while Goddard celebrates new initiatives, like Meals on Wheels.

Notes by Documenter Ty Davis

Sedgwick County Commission — Wichita Documenters Board of Sedgwick County Commission Notes by Linda ShriverThe Commission debated the Berkeley Group's solar farm proposal, with concerns raised about property rights, environmental impact, and the size of solar farms. Ultimately, the Commission approved the MAPC's proposal with a 4-1 vote, rejecting...

The Council addressed parking issues, focusing on insufficient funding, enforcement, and fees for downtown visitors and students. They also reviewed Ethics Policy 39 changes, clarifying gift limits and responsibilities, with calls for more transparency.

Notes by Documenter Sharon Ailslieger

Wichita City Council — Wichita Documenters Wichita City Council Notes by Ty DavisThe council celebrated Wichita's award for best-tasting water and approved an ordinance regulating parties at short-term rentals. Concerns about Clapp Park's tenant agreement and future investments were discussed, along with plans for the MAC in order to open by...

We need your feedback! We are developing a new Student Code of Conduct to create greater clarity and consistency in our practices. There is an in-person opportunity to provide feedback 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the School Service Center, 3850 N. Hydraulic. Learn more at https://bit.ly/wpscode

Do you live in District 2 and have housing questions for the County Commission candidates? The Wichita Journalism Collaborative is hosting a forum with Sarah Lopez and Jeff Blubaugh on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. in the Alumni Auditorium at Friends University. Join us and share this with others!