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WICHITA DISTRICT V NEWSLETTER |
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A message from Council Member Bryan Frye...
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Here we are...the dog days of summer with 100-degree days, 30+ MPH winds and no rain in site. Now that everyone is in a happy place, let's talk city budget!
Staff is projecting budget shortfalls in the coming years, so we have some tough decisions ahead - raise taxes, reduce expenditures &/or restructure certain services. The proposed budget is nearly $600 million. It addresses public safety, city infrastructure maintenance, quality of life, cultural arts, economic development and other proposed expenditures.
For 2018, the City has budgeted expenditures of $236.7 million with 76% for Police, Fire, Public Works (Streets and Buildings) and Park. That leaves 24% for everything else: Library, Cultural Arts, Municipal Court, Transit support, Administrative functions (City Council, City Manager, Finance, Law, HR), paying jail fees, etc.
Although it typically gets the most attention, the City budget picture is much larger than just the General Fund. To see the big picture, one must look at other areas of the City budget that are nearly all funded by user fees, or dedicated revenue streams:
- Enterprise Funds: $207 million - This area accounts for City operations that generate revenues. Examples are the Water and Sewer utilities, Golf, Airport, Transit and the Stormwater Utility. Essentially these are separate City-run businesses, with user fees funding expenditures.
- Debt Service Fund: $93.7 million - This accounts for the remaining property tax dollars that are levied (combined with special assessment revenue, and transfers in from other funds). This fund pays the financing costs of capital improvement projects - like streets, police stations, bridges, swimming pools, etc.
- Special Revenue Funds: $107.7 million - This area accounts for revenue streams that are dedicated (usually by State Law or local ordinance) for a specific purpose. Examples would include Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, the Hotel Bed Tax Fund, Special Alcohol Tax Fund, Landfill funds, Sales Tax CIP fund, etc.
If you add all those up, then add in the General Fund, then subtract out some internal transactions between City operations (deducted to avoid double counting), you get to the total City budget of $590.9 million.
As we begin to look at ways to reduce our expenditures, your input is so important!
I'd like to extend an invitation to you to join us for the Social Media Town Hall meeting about the 2019-2020 Proposed Budget on Thursday, June 21 from 2:00-3:30 pm.
Have a good weekend!
Bryan Frye
Wichita City Council
District V Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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Road Construction Updates
Kellogg & I-235 Interchange
- The reconstruction of the Elder and Maple intersection should be completed by the end of May
- On June 11, EB US 54 west of I-235 will be reduced to two lanes for 120 days to finish bridge work over the Wichita - Valley Center Floodway, the EB US 54 Ramp to NB I-235, overhead signs, and other project work
- On June 12, WB US 54 Ramp to NB I-235 will be CLOSED for 120 days to finish reconstruction of the ramp. A detour will be signed
- Maple St. under I-235 is reduced to one lane for each direction. ENDS SOON
Stay up-to-date with construction of the improvements to the Kellogg/I235 interchange. KDOT has established and is maintaining a website to keep citizens informed.
KDOT Maintenance
1) EB US 54 left lane at Ridge Road closed Wednesday (May 30) for pavement repairs. Possible overnight closure.
2) Crack sealing on lanes and ramps of I-235 is planned this week. Watch for closures between 9 am and 3 pm.
3) STARTING SUNDAY NIGHT, JUNE 3- Night work on WB US 54 through the Central Business District will take place Sunday night, June 3 through Wednesday night, June 6, from 8 pm - 6 am each night with multiple lane closures.
Kellogg and 111th Street West Improvements
The City of Wichita has contracted with Cornejo & Sons for pavement improvements to westbound Kellogg between west 111th and 119th streets and for removal of the traffic signal at 111th Street West.
Construction has restricted westbound traffic to one lane between 111th Street ant 119th Street.
Pavement improvements will help accommodate westbound to eastbound u-turns at 119th Street, including additional left-turn lane capacity.
An illustration of the coming improvements can be found here . Upon completion, businesses near 111th Street can be accessed from frontage roads through the Maize Road and 119th Street intersections.
21st Street North, 119th Street West to Teal Brook
This project will perform asphalt street repairs along 21st Street North, between 119th Street and Teal Brook Street (1/2 mile west of 119th).
Traffic Impact: 21st Street will be one lane throughout the area of construction. Flagging of traffic will occur during work hours.
21st Street North, Tyler to Ridge Road
This project will perform asphalt street repairs in preparation of a surface treatment along 21st Street North, between Tyler and Ridge Road.
Traffic Impact: 21st is one lane in each direction throughout the area of construction.
Outsourced Pavement Preservation Program (OP3)
The City of Wichita's paved street network is comprised of more than 5,100 lane-miles of residential, collector and arterial streets and expressways, representing a total paved area of more than 325 million square feet. In order to cost effectively maintain this vast network of assets, the City supplements the critical preventive, corrective and emergency maintenance efforts of its internal staff by leveraging the resources and expertise of private contractors. Each year outsourced pavement maintenance efforts are proposed and submitted for approval in the Outsourced Pavement Preservation Program (OP3).
WICHway traffic alerts available by text or email
WICHway, the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) on Wichita's highways, offers a new feature sending subscribers texts and/or emails that share special traffic alerts created by operators at the WICHway Traffic Management Center. The alerts are created when a traffic problem such as a major crash, a highway closure or a similar event causes a significant disruption on a Wichita highway. The alerts are an extension of the WICHway website (
www.WICHway.org), an informational resource the public can consult before traveling on Wichita's highways.
The website adjusts to the type of device being used - a computer, a tablet or a smartphone - and can be bookmarked on a smartphone so that it performs similarly to an app. A short video showing how to bookmark any page from the site can be viewed at
KDOT's YouTube page.
WICHway shares information that is gathered from 55 roadside cameras and 63 traffic sensors. Messages are displayed on 25 electronic message signs, shared on the website and can now be sent to subscribers so that travelers, commuters, freight operators and others using Wichita's highways can make informed decisions about their route.
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Wichita District V Facebook Page 
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Getting to Know City Staff:
Harlan Bascombe
Neighborhood Field Inspection Supervisor
Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department
Harlan Bascombe has worked for the City of Wichita since 1984. He currently supervises the field inspection staff for the east side of Wichita with the Neighborhood Inspection division of the
Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department, formerly the Office of Central Inspection.
Harlan began his service to the citizens of Wichita as an Animal Control Officer. He later was the Quartermaster for the Wichita Police Department. Harlan began working in code enforcement with the Office of Central Inspection in 1995 as a Housing Inspector. He was promoted to supervision in 2008.
Harlan was born at McConnell Air Force Base and was raised most of his life in Wichita. In 1972, his family moved to Enid, Oklahoma. After graduating from Enid High School, he moved back to Wichita to attend Wichita State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration.
Harlan has been blessed to be married 42 years to Marge. She works for the City's Water Department. Harlan and Marge have three children; sons, Steve and Ben, and daughter, Megan. They also have two grandchildren, Lex and Ellie.
Harlan earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a youth and has served 20+ years as a Scout Leader. He has an explosive part-time job as a Fireworks Display Operator for Western Enterprises out of Carrier, Oklahoma. He has set up firework displays since 1995 in Kansas, Texas, Colorado and New Mexico including shows for Wichita's own Riverfest.
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City Manager's Office Welcomes
New Management Fellows
Established in the early 1980s to attract and develop talented employees for the organization, the
Management Fellowship Program exposes participants to the challenges confronted by local governments, as well as the innovative approaches used to address these challenges. Although based in the City Manager's Office, Fellows work on projects throughout the organization including the City's award-winning Budget & Research Office. Fellows are also invited to observe and participate in high-level management meetings, gaining exposure to department directors and division leaders.
Allie Salz, grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, and went on to graduate from Colorado State University (CSU) with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration.
As an undergraduate, Allie completed multiple internships, including one with the City of Fort Collins where she provided research on a variety of proposed legislation. She was a Senior Associate in the Center for Public Deliberation at CSU where she facilitated conversations between policy experts and citizens. She also served an Associate Justice for CSU's Supreme Court.
In 2017, Allie moved to Lawrence, Kansas, to earn a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Kansas (KU). During her time at KU, she served as an intern with Johnson County where she coordinated the Johnson County Citizen's Academy and learned the fundamentals of county management. During the second year of KU's MPA program, students work full-time in local government to gain practical working knowledge in the field, which Allie is completing as a Management Fellow with the City of Wichita.
Currently, Allie coordinates the 2018-19 Mayor's Youth Council, while working on a variety of special projects from the City Manager.
Tavon Watkins is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He earned a Master's in Public Administration from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. He also holds a Bachelor's of Science in Sociology from Central Michigan University.
Tavon studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea, doing an immersive case study involving the management of their municipal services. After obtaining his MPA, Tavon relocated back to Detroit where he worked for Focus Hope, a community development nonprofit, as a Community Safety Specialist. During his time at Focus Hope, he worked with district managers to develop innovative community engagement ideas.
Prior to moving to Wichita, Tavon worked with the City of Royal Oak as a City Manager Fellow. He was in charge of developing a Smart Cities Initiative to incorporate more technology in the City. Tavon worked with Royal Oak's Transit Authority where he assisted with the development of bus terminals.
Tavon prepares the Weekly Report for the City Council and Department Directors while working on a variety of special projects from the City Manager.
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The Boys are Back In Town!
Each summer,
Crestview Country Club opens its doors to welcome the
Wichita Open.
Named the
Web.com Tour's best pro-am and most outstanding event by the PGA TOUR, the Wichita Open enters its 29th year. Over 44,000 spectators enjoy the 10 days of event and
Web.Com Tour play. The 17th Hole has been named the "best party hole on TOUR" and has achieved national attention for its party atmosphere.
- Credit Union of America Children's Miracle Network Classic
Friday
June 15
Monday
June 18
- Select Pro-am for Public Officials
- The Hatchett Hyundai, GMC, Buick Wichita Cup
Tuesday
June 19 
- Marge Page Jr. Clinic
- Marge Page Jr. Pro-Am
- Marge Page Pro-Am Pairings Party
Wednesday
June 20
Friday
June 22
- Sponsor Breakfast presented by Westar Energy
Thursday - Sunday
June 21 - 24
- Wichita Open Tournament Play
Sunday
June 24
- Championship Presentation
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Intake structure
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Cheney Pump Station Repair
On Tuesday, May 29, the Cheney Pump Station was shut down for the replacement of the North Intake Gate Shaft. This required the Water Treatment Plant to be operated on 100% groundwater from the Equus Beds for 6 hours. Divers were needed to install the shaft in Cheney Lake and were able to successfully do so.
Originally constructed in 1965, when the lake was empty, gates on each side of the intake structure are the mechanisms that allow the water to be taken out of Cheney Lake and delivered to the pump station. One gate, on the bottom, has been inoperable for 15 years. Several methods of repair were investigated, but repair was deferred due to lack of resources and the impact to water supply. At the time, two methods were being considered for this repair: drain the lake or build a large coffer dam to dewater the area around the intake structure, both of which would impact water supply to customers. The latter option would also cost $1.6 million. In addition, there were many unknowns: no detailed plans existed from 1965; it was undetermined if parts were broken or bent; materials were unknown.
Staff devised a plan that included the use of divers to remove the gate shaft so that the damage could be identified. The gate shaft was removed in September 2017 and new parts began to be fabricated. The new gate shaft was installed on Tuesday and further structural issues, related to corrosion, were identified. The project to replace the gate shaft has been successful and regular operations have resumed. Total cost should be approximately $300,000, far less than previously expected.
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Force Main Construction Progress
The force main that conveys approximately 60% of the City's wastewater was deemed to be in need of significant rehabilitation following a condition assessment in 2015/2016. Following a design period, construction began in July 2017 and generally includes construction activities starting at Sewage Treatment Plant One and progressing south towards Sewage Treatment Plant Two. As the project enters Phase Two, the following activities have been completed:
- A diversion structure at Plant One, which controls flow between two 48" mains and the extraneous flow basins at Plant One, is complete.
- The junction structure which connects the new extraneous flow pipe to the existing is in place.
- Dual 48" fiberglass force mains have been installed from the diversion structure across the Arkansas River. This required the construction of a coffer dam and open trenches in order to complete.
- The 54" fiberglass force main is installed from the recently installed cross-connection assembly through Chapin Park, across MacArthur Road and the Kansas Turnpike. The force main extends through a 72" steel casing pipe that was installed underneath the Kansas Turnpike utilizing a tunnel boring machine.
The next steps of construction include the installation of 60" fiberglass pipe to complete the connection from the diversion structure to the existing Plant One Pump Station and further installation of the 54" force main south to Plant Two. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2018.
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Wichita Police and Fire Departments Engage Community Youth
Fire and Police Department personnel participated in the Awareness Camp held at McConnell AFB. This three-day adventure involves over 150 area youth who get to experience a wide range of outdoor activities including fishing and rockets through the guidance of their leaders. Part of the experience is becoming part of a team and sharing the good times.
One key element is the surprise factor which comes into play on the last day of the camp. The youth learn then that all the leaders they had been working with are members of the WPD, WFD, Sedgwick County Sheriff, Sedgwick County Fire and Sedgwick County EMS, and military. During the "big reveal" the camp leaders arrive at the camp in emergency vehicles to surprise the campers.
This exposure to varied experiences under the guidance of "local heroes" is aimed to make a significant positive impact on the youth who would not ordinarily have this kind of opportunity. It is also a great experience with positive role models.
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WPD Rolls Out New Crime Mapping Technology
for the Public
The Wichita Police Department (WPD) is offering a new service to help residents stay informed and safe. You can now check crime in real time by visiting the
LexisNexis Community Crime Map. In partnership with LexisNexis, WPD is offering a crime-mapping service, which provides up-to-date crime data through online filtered Community Crime Mapping. Specifically, the Community Crime Mapping provides specific searchable crime data to residents, allowing them to have a greater awareness of crime in their neighborhoods.
The goal is to empower residents to have an active role in combating, addressing and resolving crime in their neighborhoods. The Community Crime Mapping includes several features to help citizens stay on top of crime.
Crime alerts are also available through the LexisNexis Crime Alerts app.
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Join the Library Books & More Brigade June 16!
Celebrate the grand opening of the Advanced Learning Library by joining in a ceremonial Books & More Brigade to replicate the 1967 passing of books from the Carnegie Library to the Central Library. Our new route is longer so we need your help.
More info can be found here.
More grand opening details coming soon!
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Join the Wichita Parks Foundation for our inaugural Dinner in the Park, a fundraiser for our scholarship fund. The dinner will be held at Reflection Square Park on Douglas in downtown on Friday, June 29, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Learn about the Foundation and listen to local jazz and blues band Skinny Slim and the Fat Tuesday Brass Band. We'll also have a special guest joining us. Dinner will be provided by Corporate Caterers, with a cash bar from Xclusive Events- Tin Shaker.
Proceeds from each ticket sold will go toward the Wichita Parks Foundation Scholarship Fund. Annually, we provide financial assistance to area children to attend the park department's Summer of Discovery Program. However, we want to serve more children and more programs. We hope you will join us and make this goal a reality.
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Start Neighborhood Night Out Planning Now
The City of Wichita will celebrate
Neighborhood Night Out from
5:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14, and Mayor Longwell is encouraging residents to start their planning now.
Neighborhood Night Out, formerly celebrated as National Night Out and Celebrate Safe Communities, is in its second year. It's an annual event that promotes neighborhood safety and combats crime by encouraging neighbors to get to know one other through neighborhood parties, picnics, cookouts and other social gatherings over one designated evening.
"Neighborhood Night Out is a great way to get to know your neighbors, so you can look out for one another and keep your area safe," Mayor Jeff Longwell said.
To encourage participation, the City will waive park fees for groups who want to hold their gathering in a neighborhood park. While supplies last, the City will also provide barricades at no charge to groups that want to block off a portion of the street for their event. The registration form for parties is available online, as well as information on how to plan a block party that includes the form for street closures.
It's up to neighborhoods to decide how to celebrate. The options are limitless; they can hold a block party, picnic, ice cream social, cookout, etc.
Police Officers, Firefighters, elected officials and other City staff will attend as many of the neighborhood parties as possible. For more information, please contact the Wichita Police Department at (316) 268-4165.
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Senior Wednesdays in Wichita
Senior Wednesdays are always fun and there is something different to do; someone new to meet. There are also many senior activity centers in Wichita and the surrounding areas, so be informed.
Be entertained. Be active.
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At the Center of It All
Downtown is everybody's neighborhood, the nexus of activity and exploration for locals and out-of-towners alike. Explore the sights and sounds of local life around some of Wichita's favorite attractions, historic landmarks and public spaces. Plan a creative daytrip, find a green space to relax in, or unwind with an evening of live entertainment: Downtown's diverse scene has something for everyone.
Within easy distance of world-class entertainment, buzz-worthy dining, craft coffees, cocktails and microbrews, richly colored with street art and offering a full calendar of unique local events, Downtown is where you want to be.
Building on a thriving history of innovation and creativity as old as its signature warehouses and brick alleys, every city block offers a new adventure. Come down for a show, a casual afternoon or a meal with friends, and find yourself swept away by the colorful energy and Midwestern hospitality of our city's core.
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| A job board with local, Wichita Area jobs only! |
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| JOB SEEKERS, TRAINING & EDUCATION, RESOURCES, AND PROGRAMS |
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CLICK ON ANY OF THE THREE LINKS ABOVE TO FIND A JOB THAT WILL SUIT YOUR NEEDS!
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From National Parks to the Windy City
Where are you heading this summer? Maybe you want to experience nature in some gorgeous national parks. Where else can you see an active volcano or walk through a forest of stone? In this issue, we'll take you on a journey to two unique national parks and show you how to get there from ICT.
Maybe a city escape is what you're craving. Chicago boasts big city attractions and small town hospitality. Learn how to take in the Windy City like a local, from a local. From must-see landmarks to elegant dinner cruises to enjoying America's favorite pastime, this city has it all.
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 District V Advisory Board Information
The District V Advisory Board (DAB V) meets the first Monday of the month at Fire Station #21, 2110 N. 135th W., Wichita, KS 67235. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
To see a listing of the District V HOAs and neighborhood associations, click here.
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The booklet is designed to provide you with important tips and information on a variety of community issues.
By working together, we can help prevent and solve crimes, improve and make neighborhoods safer, resolve conflicts and enhance our quality of life. You can download the booklet for future references
HERE!
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Online Reporting for
Animal Control Problems
Wichita Animal Control has launched an online form to report non-emergency animal control problems as part of an ongoing effort to improve services. The form can be accessed
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Don't be left in the
dark
If
you notice outages within
your neighborhood, fill out
Westar Energy's website
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What is Curfew For Minors?
Sec. 5.52.010 - Curfew for minor children (not accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other adult having lawful care)
It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen years to loiter, idle, wander, stroll, or play in or upon the public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds, or other public grounds, public places or public buildings, places of amusement or entertainment, eating places, vacant lots or other place unsupervised by an adult having the lawful authority to be at such place during the following periods of time:
(1) For minors age fifteen and under, between the hours of eleven p.m. on any day and six a.m. of the following day, except on Fridays and Saturdays when the hours shall be twelve midnight to six a.m. of the following day;
(2) For minors age sixteen and seventeen, between the hours of twelve midnight on any day and six a.m. of the following day, except on weekends when the hours shall be one a.m. to six a.m. of any Saturday or Sunday.
AND NOW YOU KNOW!
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CRIME STOPPERS OF WICHITA/SEDGWICK COUNTY
Still completely anonymous, tips submitted through the P3 mobile app, unlike SMS text tips, have no length limitations and allow images, video and documents to be uploaded with the tip. Anderson Software's sophisticated encryption processes obscure any and all identifying information and provides assured anonymity for tipsters.
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TO CELEBRATE
Click on the provided links to learn more about each day!
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8515 Bekemeyer
533 N Country Acres
Southeast of Central and Maize
965 N. Redbarn Lane
1851 N Keith
1011 N. Maize Ct.
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
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F
ind out about Park and Recreation Summer 2018 Classes by
clicking here!
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I
CT SOS is a project-based human trafficking organization that acts as a liaison between specific local professional groups who work with trafficked youth and the Wichita volunteers who seek ways to be involved in finding solutions to fight sex trafficking. You can help in so many ways. For additional information, read more.
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City of Wichita, Office of Community Services | 316-352-4886 |
City Hall, 455 N Main St.
Wichita, KS 67202
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