Greetings District 6 Friends,
Welcome to the latest edition of the District 6 biweekly newsletter! We hope you find items of interest in the articles and at the links provided. Please let us know if you have ideas, information, or events you would like to see featured in a future edition. We always welcome your feedback and suggestions.
Please enjoy my weekly video updates on our District 6 Facebook page. Here are the video links from the past two weeks:
Please stay safe and healthy,
Cindy Claycomb
Wichita City Council
Vice-Mayor
District 6 Council Member
|
|
Evergreen Neighborhood Resource Center
-
2700 N. Woodland
|
|
Temporary and Upcoming Changes to Evergreen NRC Services
Due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the City temporarily closed its 3 Neighborhood Resource Centers (Atwater, Colvin, and Evergreen). The centers are tentatively scheduled for a phased reopening starting on Tuesday, May 26.
We know this is a scary, stressful time for our patrons and understand our closure and upcoming service limitations may be an additional burden. We remain committed to our mission of safely serving residents by connecting them to needed resources and helping them navigate and access services. We encourage individuals to call us at (316) 303-8042 to talk through issues, questions, and concerns.
The following services/programs at Evergreen NRC are currently impacted by its closure to the public:
- City Services: Staff will be on site during regular business hours to answer questions and assist people over the phone at (316) 303-8042.
- DCF Services: Starting March 17 until further notice, the Evergreen DCF worker will not be meeting with clients. For immediate service, clients should call the DCF main line at (316) 337-7000, drop off forms at the DCF main office at 2601 S. Oliver, or visit the DCF website at dcf.ks.gov to apply for programs. Evergreen's DCF worker will be monitoring her email during this time. Clients can reach her at Frances.Vanderhoff@ks.gov
- Tax Appointments: Regrettably, all AARP Tax-Aide appointments have been canceled for the year. Any individuals who scheduled a tax appointment at Evergreen NRC (or any other AARP site) will need to make other arrangements to have their taxes done this year.
- Park & Recreation Programs: We have not yet determined if the summer activity camp will be held at Evergreen Recreation Center this year. We will provide an update as soon as we are able.
- Workshops and Events: TRIO-EOC, Healthy 4 Evergreen and Butler Community College GED program are currently canceled.
The following guidelines will be implemented when Evergreen NRC reopens to ensure public and staff safety:
- The building doors will remain locked at all times. Customers should call (316) 303-8042 for instructions and to schedule computer use.
- All individuals entering the building (both staff and customers) will be required to wear a face mask or covering. Homemade coverings are acceptable.
- To ensure a 6-foot distance is maintained between individuals, Evergreen NRC will be limited to 4 members of the public (3 computer users and 1 additional patron) in the building at any given time. Floor markers will indicate proper social distancing.
- Patrons are discouraged from bringing children but will be allowed to do so on a case by case basis. Children will count toward the total number of non-staff individuals (4) allowed in the center.
- Anyone displaying symptoms of illness may be prohibited from entering or asked to leave the building.
- There will be no public restroom.
- Frequently touched items will be cleaned and disinfected in compliance with EPA guidelines. Computer stations, the public phone, and hot spots will be disinfected between each use. Hand sanitizer will be readily available.
The following services/programs at Evergreen NRC will be impacted May 26-June 30:
- City Services: Staff will be on site to assist people over the phone. In-person assistance will be limited and is further outlined in the following bullet points. Building doors will remain locked and patrons are encouraged to call ahead to discuss and schedule service needs.
- Copying, Faxing, Notary, and Resource Services: Staff will collect documents for faxing, copying, and notarizing and/or provide resources and applications at the door. Customers will be required to wait outside.
- Public Computers: There will only be 3 computers available for use to comply with social distancing guidelines. Residents are advised to call ahead to schedule a time for use. Computer use will be limited to 30 minutes for essential needs (job searches, education/school, applying for benefits/services, banking and paying bills, filing taxes, etc.). Recreational computer use (social media, YouTube, games, etc.) is prohibited. Computer stations will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each use.
- Hot Spots: Hot spot rentals will continue with few modifications. Returned hot spots will be collected at the door and customers checking out a hot spot will be asked to wait outside. Staff will disinfect all returned hot spot devices and equipment.
- DCF Services: Until further notice, the Evergreen DCF worker will not be meeting with clients. For immediate service, clients should call the DCF main line at (316) 337-7000, drop off forms at the DCF main office at 2601 S. Oliver, or visit the DCF website at dcf.ks.gov to apply for programs. Evergreens DCF worker will be monitoring her email during this time. Clients can reach her at Frances.Vanderhoff@ks.gov
- Park & Recreation Programs: We have not yet determined if the summer activity camp will be held in Evergreen this year. We will provide an update as soon as we are able.
- Workshops, Events, and Special Programming: All AARP Tax-Aide appointments have been canceled for the year. Accommodations for future programs, such as the Filling the Gap free lunch program for youth and Operation Holiday, will be addressed at a later date. TRIO-EOC, Healthy 4 Evergreen and Butler Community College GED program are currently canceled.
These guidelines were established to best protect our residents and employees’ health and safety. Though we are unable to provide a specific timeline, we hope that as our community’s response to COVID-19 develops, some of these guidelines can be relaxed as we ease into a new normal. The City will assess further loosening restrictions and limitations as early as July 1. It is not our intention to unnecessarily burden customers. If a resident feels as though any of these guidelines hinders their ability to access services, they are encouraged to call us to discuss their concerns.
|
|
District 6 Advisory Board
|
|
Meeting Information
The District Advisory Board (DAB 6)
meets the first Monday of the month (third Wednesday of the month is optional) at the Evergreen Branch Library (2601 N. Arkansas). Meetings start at 6:30 p.m.
NOTE:
The next DAB meeting will be held on-line. Once the agenda is posted for this meeting, instructions on how to watch and participate will be included.
|
|
Vi
rtual swearing-in of District Advisory Board members. Preparing for a restart of District 6 DAB Meetings. For a list of
the Board Member Roster
Click Here
|
|
District 6
Neighborhood Associations
Benjamin Hills | Delano |
El Pueblo | Historic Midtown Citizens Association | Indian Hills | Indian Hills Riverbend | La Placita Park | North Riverside | Northwest Big River | Old Town Association | Orchard Breeze | Orchard Park |
Riverside Citizens Association | Riverview | Sherwood Glen | Sunflower
|
|
Please check with your Neighborhood Association for monthly meeting and event cancellations.
Neighborhood Associations are a great way to get involved in the community! NA's organize annual neighborhood cleanups, host community events, address "problem properties," advocate for neighborhood improvements, and keep close relationships with local businesses, organizations, City staff, and elected officials
|
|
Ad Astra: A Plan To Reopen Kansas
Update- May 14, 2020
|
|
City and Department Updates
|
|
One-stop resource created for businesses and non-profits to find local personal protection equipment (PPE) vendors
A group of organizations has created a resource for area businesses and organizations which want to purchase personal protective equipment related to COVID-19. The list of local vendors making face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, gowns, Plexiglas barriers and more can be found at
wichitachamber.org/covid-19-suppliers
.
While the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce volunteered to host the page on the Wichita Resource Center, the resource has been the work of multiple organizations, including the Chamber, Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA), Visit Wichita, Non-Profit Chamber of Commerce, Wichita Community Foundation, City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and others. The Wichita Regional Chamber, WIBA, Visit Wichita and Non-Profit Chamber of Service also surveyed their members about ongoing PPE needs.
“As the state began reopening businesses, we knew that some businesses were able to procure the type of equipment they wanted while others were asking for guidance and ideas,” said Gary Plummer, President and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Working through our weekly task force, we formed a smaller work group to find a solution. This helps our local businesses find needed equipment and supports other local businesses which stepped forward to help meet these new needs.”
Additional local and regional vendors will be added, as well as additional information on existing vendors through outreach from the group.
“We worked quickly to compile this initial vendor list from a variety of sources many of the group had already heard from or knew about, and we’ll keep adding to this as we move through each phase of opening to meet needs because this is vitally important to all our members and businesses,” Susie Santo, President and CEO of Visit Wichita said.
“We quickly surveyed our members because their connection to ongoing PPE needs was an important consideration in opening and ensuring that especially smaller businesses and non-profits can continue to serve their clients,” said Cindy Miles, Executive Director, Non-Profit Chamber of Service.
The work group came out of a group of community organizations working together to address the economic challenges in the Wichita region related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The COVID-19 Community Task Force is meeting virtually to share information, work together to streamline efforts and find solutions, and organize and initiate efforts for short, mid and long-term economic responses and recovery for individuals and businesses.
The public and private groups represent local, state and federal partners. Each organization continues to lead specific efforts related to missions and roles, with the COVID-19 Community Task Force connecting those efforts.
The COVID-19 Community Task Force was initiated by the groups that came together to form the Aerospace Task Force in January that launched the Air Capital Commitment, with the goal to keep Wichita’s world-class talent affected by the Boeing 737 MAX production suspension.
Additional organizations key to this new economic challenge have been and will continue to be added to the COVID-19 Community Task Force and sub-task forces and work groups. All organizations are also proactively listening and working with their stakeholders to bring issues forward.
Each organization continues to communicate directly with its stakeholders and the general public.
Organizations – public and private groups represent local, state and federal partners (alphabetical order):
- Child Start/Child Care
- City of Wichita
- Greater Wichita Partnership
- Information Technology Representatives – Cox Communications and High Touch Technologies
- Kansas Department of Commerce
- Kansas Department of Labor
- Kansas Gas Service
- Medical Society of Sedgwick County
- Nonprofit Chamber of Service
- Regional Economic Area Partnership
- United States Representative Ron Estes
- United States Senator Jerry Moran
- United States Senator Pat Roberts
- Sedgwick County
- Sedgwick County Association of Cities
- Small Business Association
- State of Kansas
- United Way of the Plains
- Visit Wichita
- Wichita Community Foundation
- Wichita Independent Business Association
- Wichita Public Schools
- Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Wichita State University
- WSU Tech
- Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas
|
|
MAPC to Hold Virtual Meeting May 21
The next Metropolitan Area Planning Commission meeting will be held on Thursday, May 21. The meeting will be held in 2 parts with one beginning at 10 a.m. and the other beginning at 1:30 p.m. MAPC Commissioners will be on-site within the City Council chambers or across the hall in the Council Board room to officially call the meeting to order, while limited staff will be present to present the cases. Members of the public will have 3 options to participate in the public hearing. Members of the public may submit comments ahead of time via email, letter, video, or audio message. They may also participate remotely by phone, or computer via Go-To Meeting. Lastly, they may attend a virtual connection site in-person. This virtual site will be located at Century II and will allow attendees to participate in the meeting remotely with assistance from staff members.
As always, the Metropolitan Area Planning Department remains responsive and active in operations, fielding a number of phone calls and zoning requests. The majority of staff are teleworking and the department continues to accept applications for the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) and Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).
For more information,
click here
or contact Planning at (316) 268-4421. A list of cases scheduled to be heard on May 21 can be found by
clicking here
.
|
|
Snow, Sand, and Storms, Oh My!
Public Works and Utilities says farewell to snow and ice and sand – and hello to spring storms.
In early March, as winter storm season came to a close, PW&U shifted attention to cleanup efforts for remaining sand on the roadways. Street sweeping began Monday, March 9, and was expected finish by June 1. We’re excited to report our Streets division put final touches on winter cleanup yesterday, completing a little more than two weeks ahead of schedule!
In preparation for storm events, PW&U Stormwater division evaluated related standby and internal communication procedures. A standard operating procedure (SOP) was developed to document the outcomes of this evaluation process. Stormwater has actively utilized this SOP during several smaller rain events so far this year and is making preparations for future hazardous weather events. For example, staff are continuing with regular duties while monitoring flood hot zones, dams, pump stations, and the floodway in preparation for possible severe weather on Friday and Saturday of this week.
There has been approximately 3.25” of rain since Monday with 3058 structures cleaned, 1500 structures inspected, and 417 hours spent responding to storms (9.75 hours were overtime). Standby plans have also been prepared for the forecasted hazardous weather events. A total of 17 employees will be on standby, for 12 hours at a time, beginning tonight and continuing through Saturday at 5 pm.
|
|
The Wichita Public Library began curbside and drive up window service on Monday, May 11. Customers with holds placed on materials before the Library closed in March were notified beginning Monday to retrieve their materials. Beginning Monday, May 18, customers can begin placing new holds on materials through the Library’s
online catalog
. For more information about Library operations during COVID-19, visit
https://wichitalibrary.org/covid-19
.
|
|
Kids and teens ages 0-17 can celebrate Wichita’s 150
th
birthday with the Library’s Summer Reading Program, through July 23. The Summer Reading Program is designed to support literacy and exploration during the summer months, to avoid “The Summer Slide,” or learning loss during summer break. Visit
https://wichitalibrary.org/summerreading
to learn more.
|
|
The Wichita Fire Department wants residents to stay safe and healthy, especially during this pandemic. That's why they are encouraging residents to utilize face coverings when going out in public. This recommendation is also strongly emphasized in Governor Laura Kelly's
plan to reopen Kansas
.
Growing evidence suggests COVID-19 can spread before people show symptoms (pre-symptomatic) and from people who have coronavirus but never show symptoms (asymptomatic).
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2 or others unable to remove the mask without assistance.
A CLOTH FACE COVERING SHOULD:
1. Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
2. Be secured with ties or ear loops
3. Include multiple layers of fabric
4. Allow for breathing without restriction
5. Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
Q: Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?
A: Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.
Q: How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?
A: A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
Q: How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?
A: Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
HOW TO MAKE A FACE COVERING:
·
Click here
to download an informative document on how to make your own face mask.
·
Click here
to watch an informative video from the CDC on face mask do's and don'ts.
|
|
|
|
The Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita, along with the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, and community partners are in the process of creating a Food System Master Plan.
They have gotten good feedback, but they need more of it!
To learn more about what a Food System Master Plan is and why Wichita and Sedgwick County need one, visit
wichita.gov/foodplan
.
|
|
|
|
We’ve been hearing amazing stories of people going out of their way to help other people in need. Will you help us recognize them? The next time you spot someone doing a good deed, grab your phone and take a quick picture.
Post it to Facebook and Twitter with
#ICTresponse
. We’ll be giving them a shout out on social media and on the City7, the City’s cable channel.
|
|
Understand Severe Weather Alerts
Do you know the difference between a National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning? Check your knowledge below.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch:
Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning:
Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
Find out what you can do when severe weather strikes. Acting quickly is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.
- Stay Weather Ready: Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.
- At Your House: Go to your secure location if you hear a severe thunderstorm warning. Damaging wind or large hail may be approaching. Take your pets with you if time allows.
- At Your Workplace or School: Stay away from windows if you are in a severe thunderstorm warning and damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums.
- Outside: Go inside a sturdy building immediately if severe thunderstorms are approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly. The tree may fall on you. Standing under a tree also put you at a greater risk of getting struck by lightning.
- In a Vehicle: Being in a vehicle during severe thunderstorms is safer than being outside; however, drive to closest secure shelter if there is sufficient time.
What should you do when the lightning and thunder stops and it looks likes the severe thunderstorm is over?
- Stay Informed: Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. More severe thunderstorms could be headed your way.
- Contact Your Family and Loved Ones: Let your family and close friends know that you're okay so they can help spread the word. Text messages or social media are more reliable forms of communication than phone calls.
- Assess the Damage: After you are sure the severe weather threat has ended, check your property for damages. When walking through storm damage, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be aware of insurance scammers if your property has been damaged.
- Help Your Neighbor: If you come across people that are injured and you are properly trained, if needed, provide first aid to victims until emergency response team members arrive.
|
|
District 6 & City Road Construction Update
|
|
Check out these resources for road construction updates in District 6 and around the city.
|
|
|
|
Street Projects with Major Traffic Impacts:
W
aco, Douglas to Central:
This project will convert Waco from a four-lane roadway to three-lane with on-street bike lanes. Pedestrian safety improvements will be made at each intersection. Waterline improvements will also be made along Waco.
Traffic Impact:
Waco is one lane northbound only. Southbound traffic is detoured to Main Street at
Central.
Estimated completion:
Summer 2020
|
|
Waco, Douglas to Central:
This project will convert Waco from a four-lane roadway to three-lane with on-street bike lanes. Pedestrian safety improvements will be made at each intersection. Waterline improvements will also be made along Waco.
Traffic Impact:
Waco is one lane in each direction.
Estimated completion: Summer 2020
17
th
Street N, from Broadway to I-135:
This project will reconstruct 17
th
Street to a three-lane roadway with one through lane in each direction and a center two-way left turn lane. The intersections at Broadway and Mosley will be reconstructed to include left turn lanes in all directions, new traffic signals, and pedestrian enhancements. The project will construct sidewalk on both sides of the street and provide a bike route. The project also includes drainage improvements and water main replacement
.
Traffic Impact:
17
th
Street is CLOSED in three block segments at I-135 and will move west towards Broadway. Traffic is detoured to 13
th
Street at Mosley and Hydraulic.
Estimated Completion: Summer 2021
Ridge Road, 21
st
to 37th:
This project will perform asphalt repairs in preparation of an asphalt overlay on Ridge.
Traffic Impact:
Ridge will be reduced to one lane in the area of construction.
Estimated completion: Spring 2020
|
|
Helpful Links and Community Resources
|
|
The City has compiled a comprehensive list of resources to help individuals and businesses respond and recover during this tough time.
|
|
Individuals interested in applying for Stand with Wichita can call The Salvation Army at (316) 263-2769 x148.
|
|
Free COVID-19 Test
Drive-Thru or Walk-Up
HealthCore Clinic is offering FREE COVID-19 TESTS throughout May from their mobile clinic in the WSU Metroplex Parking Lot every Monday - Thursday in May from 2-5 PM!
|
|
Contact 211, United Way’s information and referral service. Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. They can answer your questions about the coronavirus. We’ve partnered with local and state officials to have accurate, current information.
United Way 211 is conducting coronavirus screenings for Sedgwick County. The Sedgwick County Health Department asked us to screen patients who think they might need COVID-19 testing. If you think you might need testing, dial 2-1-1.
|
|
|
|
WICHITA AREA FOOD SOURCES
Thanks to the generosity that Wichita is known for, there is an abundance of
food pantries and prepared foods
throughout Sedgwick County that will help you makes ends meet.
|
|
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.
LIEAP is a Federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs. DCF is adding a second opportunity for Kansans to apply for the LIEAP program. The new application period begins May 1 and runs through May 29.
|
|
Wichita Habitat for Humanity is not holding information meetings about our affordable homeownership program at this time. However, we remain committed to partnering with people in need of safe and affordable housing.
Thank you and we pray you and your family and friends stay healthy.
|
|
Primary Election - August 4, 2020,
Partisan Primary Election
(Democratic Party and Republican Party)
General Election - November 3, 2020, Presidential General Election
If you would like to VOTE BY MAIL,
click here
to download an advance ballot application. Please note, a separate application is required for each person and for each election. Clear photos of applications may be submitted via email to
voterinformation@sedgwick.gov
.
If you would like to register to vote or update your voter registration,
click here
. If you need to download a voter registration application,
click here
. Clear photos of applications may be submitted via email to
voterinformation@sedgwick.gov
.
To check your current voter registration information,
click here
|
|
Help shape Wichita State by taking brand survey
Help us better serve you by letting us know what you think through our new Wichita State University brand survey. Your thoughts are important in this time of change. Help us make the right decisions to ensure everyone finds value in Wichita State and feels welcome in the Shocker community. Your next few minutes will make an important difference! Share your thoughts on our survey at
https://wsu.news/survey
. A Spanish-language version of the survey is available at
https://wsu.news/surveyspanish
.
|
|
ACCESS.WICHITA.GOV
is an easy and quick way to report a neighborhood nuisance, obtain a report number, and check the status of your report
.
|
|
 |
Th
e 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.
|
|
|
|
We are always looking for ways to improve the newsletter. Let us know what you like and what you don't like. What would you like to see included the District 6 Newsletter? Does your neighborhood association or organization have something you'd like to share?
|
|
|
|
|
Stay up to date on City events, announcements, and headlines with our daily releases!
|
|
|
|
GIS is the primary all-inclusive map view that gives residents the ability to view our city with different data layers.
Data layers include zoning, neighborhoods, council districts, school districts, parcel information, and much more.
|
|
|
|
Ana Lopez, Community Services Representative, District 6
(316) 303-8042
2700 N. Woodland, Wichita, KS 67204
Have questions or concerns?
Email
Council Member Cindy Claycomb or call
(316) 268-4331
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
