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WICHITA DISTRICT V NEWSLETTER |
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A message from Council Member Bryan Frye...
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Recently, I took a new job with the
Kansas Chamber of Commerce as their Senior Director of Investor Relations. My role is to help expand new and existing investor relationships, particularly in south-central and western Kansas.
The mission of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce is to continually strive to improve the economic climate for the benefit of every business and citizen and to safeguard our system of free, competitive enterprise.
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Pictured with Jim Lee of Lee Aerospace and
Council Member Jeff Blubaugh
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So why this job and why now? As I said in the news release, I believe Kansas is a great place to live, work and play. The best way to continue this is by improving the economic climate for every business in the state. As part of the Chamber team, I will work to support a pro-business environment that helps create more jobs and greater profits for our Kansas companies.
A perfect example of how this job and my job as a Wichita City Council Member align is the importance of growing the quality and quantity of our
workforce. It's the number one issue for both the Kansas Chamber and the City of Wichita as private employment growth in Kansas has struggled in recent years.
A big part of the issue is the "skills gap" with technology forcing massive changes in how all our industries operate.
Creating a pro-business environment at the local government level allows the private sector to do what it does well - job creation, innovation and workforce development.
Every city in Kansas and every state in the union has the same challenge: quality and quantity of workforce. Perhaps Wichita, Kansas can be a national leader in common-sense solutions to this major issue. I'm thrilled to be in a position to help both as a public servant and in private enterprise.
Bryan Frye
Wichita City Council
District V Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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Road Construction Updates
Kellogg & I-235 Interchange
Traffic Impact:
- Eastbound US 54 is reduced to two lanes from Dugan to West Street
- The westbound US 54 exit ramp to northbound I-235 is CLOSED to construct a new ramp
- The Northbound I-235 ramp to WB US-54 is CLOSED
- The south clover leaf ramps are CLOSED
- Elder St. at Maple is CLOSED
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.
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.
167th West between Kellogg and Maple
This project will provide left and right turn lanes for the high school and extend water mains from Apollo to Maple and along Maple to 162nd Street.
Traffic Impact:
Southbound traffic is CLOSED with detours provided. One lane southbound is open for access to the schools.
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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Westlink Neighborhood Association
What It's Like to Live in Space
by the Kansas Cosmosphere
Sunday, July 22nd
3:00 - 5:00 pm
Country Acres Baptist Church (in the Gym)
8810 W. 10th
Each attendee will have the opportunity to make ice cream out of liquid oxygen.
This event is for all ages and the cost is only $5 per family.
EVERYONE WELCOME!
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Fall Gardening: Composting 101
Explore why composting is important to the individual and the environment. You will learn how to build a bin, work a bin, and harvest great compost, based on Kansas State's "best practices" for composting.
Connie Gaston has been an Extension Master Gardener since 2012 and a member of the Master Gardener compost committee for five years. She composts at home, using both bin and tumbler compost methods.
Registration is required.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Wichita District V Facebook Page 
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Getting to Know City Staff:
Mark Elder
Development Analyst
Office of Economic Development
Mark is a development analyst in within the Office of Economic Development. His job focus is on real estate development, economic development and redevelopment opportunities. In his time with the City, Mark has been involved with multiple Tax Increment Financing, Community Improvement Districts and Façade Improvement projects. He performs research and support functions as well as other special projects for Economic Development.
Mark earned a Masters of Business Administration from Wichita State University.
He received an undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance from Wichita State University. His degree includes an emphasis in Real Estate through the WSU Center for Real Estate.
Prior to his position with the City of Wichita, Mark was a Personal Banker with Emprise Bank (2005-2007). His responsibilities included providing customer service, loan applications and submissions, training new tellers and personal bankers, and periodic supervision of the branch and employees. He also partnered with his father for several years buying and rehabilitating real estate in the Wichita area (2000-2007).
Some of the key projects Mark has worked on for the City include:
- Center City South Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District (2007+): Analyzed the financial data and supportable debt for the Exchange Place project. Completed the financial feasibility study for the expanded Center City South. Completed financial feasibility studies and Project Plans for the Arena Neighborhood Phase I and Ambassador Hotel projects.
- Community Improvement Districts (2010-present): Created City web page to identify CID areas with project descriptions and maps. Provides ongoing management of the nine current CID's.
- K-96 STAR Bonds District (2012-present): Management of STAR bond project related to K-96 and Greenwich commercial development and Wichita Sports Forum.
- Lawrence Dumont Rehab (2016 - present): Completed feasibility studies and Project Plans for STAR and TIF bond projects related to the rehabilitation of the stadium and Delano Area.
- Key Development Sites (2016): Production and distribution of Requests for Qualifications/Proposals regarding key development sites within the City.
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Storm Drainage Repair Ongoing
The Lincoln Street Dam was lowered this week in order to complete a repair on the storm drainage pipe north of 1st Street. Located on the east bank, this 78" pipe carries much of the runoff from the downtown area to the Arkansas River. The pipe is over 60-years-old and during the past couple of years, has begun to show signs of distress. This week's repair includes spraying a concrete liner to address deficient areas within the pipe. The cost of this repair is about $25,000 and will extend the life of the pipe by approximately 50 years. 
In order to accommodate activities planned for this weekend, such as kayaking, the Lincoln Street Dam will be raised in order to provide a suitable river level and then will again be lowered Sunday to allow repair work to resume Monday morning. The project is expected to be completed by Wednesday of next week.
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Fire Safety Tip: Sleep with your Bedroom Door Closed
There are many things in life which can be replaced. You, your family, your pets...are not on that list. That is why we spend so much time and money to keep our families safe. Yet one of the safest things anyone can do to keep protect our family members during a fire costs nothing. Simply closing the bedroom door when we sleep is free and effective at saving lives.
Why is closing our bedroom door so important? Because fires have become more dangerous than ever. Modern synthetic construction materials, home furnishings, and contemporary open layouts allow fires to spread and become toxic much faster. However, a closed door can slow the spread of the fire, reduce toxic smoke levels, improve oxygen levels, and decrease temperatures dramatically. Each of these could make a life-saving difference in your home.
www.closeyourdoor.org
The research video below, from the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute, shows the possibilities of what a closed door can do. The bedrooms in this video are side by side, adjacent to the burning living room.
Remember, toxic smoke is the real enemy, not just the flames. A closed door can provide you with a critical barrier against heat and smoke, giving you and your loved ones the precious additional minutes to escape or be rescued. It also helps to protect your property.
Other findings from UL's research on the importance of a closed door in protecting occupants and property in a residential fire include:
- Historically, escape times from residential fires averaged 17 minutes. However, with the introduction of synthetic materials and components in construction products and furnishings, average escape times have dropped to just 3 minutes.
- In a residential fire, rooms furnished with synthetic materials and fabrics reach flashover an average of seven times faster than rooms furnished with natural materials.
- Residential fires often generate indoor temperatures as high as 2000o. However, behind a closed door, recorded temperatures can be as low at 100o.
- A closed door can provide protection against potentially lethal levels of carbon monoxide (CO). CO levels in a room with an open door can be as high at 10,000 parts per million (ppm), compared with approximately 100 ppm in a room behind a closed door.
- A door of almost any construction affords an effective barrier against the effects of a fire. Even a hollow-core door can withstand a fire for up to five minutes, while a solid wood door can last as long as 10 minutes.
Along with closing the door, there are other things you can do to protect your family. Having working smoke detectors is your first line of defense.They should also be tested regularly to ensure they are working properly.
You should also establish a fire escape plan for your family. An escape plan helps to ensure that everyone knows exactly what to do in case of a fire and identifies a meeting place outside of the house. It certainly doesn't hurt to review the plan twice a year, and even to conduct periodic fire drills to practice escape plans and identify potential problems.
Be proactive and start safety habits now. Make sure whenever you leave a room, close the door behind you. Same with your kids, make sure they are always closing the door behind them. In case of an actual fire, your good habits will be your default mode.
Finally in the event of an actual fire, the goal should always be to get out as fast as possible. If the doors are closed it will help limit the flow of oxygen. Doing so can keep the fire smaller, and help protect property. And, for those who can't escape, a closed door between them and the fire can buy priceless additional minutes for firefighters to effect a rescue.
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The Center for Project Management is leading the project to create educational "You're Not Helping" signs to be placed in the right of way that panhandlers frequent based on data collected by the Wichita Police Department's (WPD) Homeless Outreach Team Team. The project includes the Communication Team, Law Department, Public Works and Utilities and WPD. The signs will also include a webpage for citizens to learn about the city's ordinances. The signs will include links to service providers in the area to provide opportunities for citizens to contribute in a positive way.
While Union Rescue Mission's primary focus is on homeless men, its services reach throughout the community. From providing free meals and food boxes to low-income families and individuals to offering free diapers and baby formula to new mothers.
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It's Your City - Help Keep it Pretty
Volunteers Sought for
Illegal Sign Removal
Citizen volunteers are being sought by the City of Wichita to address the issue of illegally placed signs. The program has been successful since 2016 with a cadre of trained volunteers who physically remove illegally placed signs and turn them in to the City for disposal.
A brief synopsis of volunteer requirements:
- Must participate in a mandatory training session
- Must be able to pass a background check
- Must have a valid driver's license
- Must be willing to maintain and turn in a log of collected signs
- Must wear an issued city identification badge while collecting signs
To learn more about this project please contact Janet Johnson at 352-4879 or e-mail jcjohnson@wichita.gov
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NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR THE NEXT CLASS!
The City of Wichita CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ACADEMY is for community members wanting to learn more about interacting with local government!
Click here to watch testimonials from the most recent class of graduates.
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Eisenhower Airport Adds
Indoor Potty Pad for
Service Animals
Eisenhower National Airport opened its new federally-mandated Service Animal Relief Area in the terminal concourse across from Gate 1. As a cost-saving measure to avoid constructing an entirely new room as many airports have done, Airport facilities staff converted a former family restroom that was minimally used into the relief area.
The room contains a self-draining "porch potty" with artificial turf that has two pop-up sprinkler heads to keep the turf clean after a dog uses the facility. A user just presses a button on the wall to activate the sprinklers. Since the area was formerly a restroom, the sink, paper towel dispenser, and hand dryer were left for users. The entry door was also left in place so that owners can unleash their dog inside the room after going inside.
This new relief area is in addition to the existing outdoor facility at the west end of the baggage claim area that was installed when the terminal opened. Both areas offer pet waste bags and trash cans for owners to pick up after their dogs use the facility. Even though the relief areas are required by the FAA for service animals, both areas are available to any traveler with pets who are using the terminal.
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FREE Throwback Movies at the Advanced Learning Library
711 W. 2nd St
Tuesdays in July from 2-4 p.m. in Conference Center A
July 17: The Karate Kid
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Nostalgic for the good ol' movies from the 80s? The original version of The Karate Kid (the only one that counts!) is a story about a bullied teen who learns self-defense and self-confidence from a sage handyman. The film is 126 minutes and is rated PG. For children ages 6 and up.
July 24: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial -
Nostalgic for the good ol' movies from the 80s? The Oscar award-winning film from 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is the story of a lonely boy who befriends a homesick alien stranded on Earth and attempts to help him find a way home. Meanwhile, a group of government scientists attempt to capture the benevolent visitor for research. This film is 115 minutes and is rated PG. For children ages 6 and up.
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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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Could you live next to this? |
NUISANCES
City Code: Sec.8.01.010
The purpose of the
Neighborhood Nuisance Enforcement Code is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Wichita, Kansas, and to protect neighborhoods against physical, visual and economic deterioration. To that end, the city intends this Code to prohibit nuisances that:
(1)
Contribute to or cause injury or endangerment to the health, safety or welfare of others;
(2)
Are contrary to community standards of decency;
(3)
Are offensive to the senses;
(4)
Obstruct the free use of property so as to essentially interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property by the public; or
(5)
Damage or contribute to the deterioration of property or improvements in the community.
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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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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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