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WICHITA DISTRICT III NEWSLETTER |
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A message from Council Member
James Clendenin...
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Neighborhood Night Out 2018 was a huge success! The event had 90 registered parties, seven parks reserved, and 84 barricades delivered for street closures across the city. The annual event promoted neighborhood safety by encouraging neighbors to get to know one another through neighborhood parties, picnics, cookouts, and other social gatherings. The Mayor and other Council Members made appearances at many of the parties along with WPD and WFD personnel.
I enjoyed the parties I was able to attend in District III (and got to show off my awesome Zumba moves at Planeview's party)! I want to continue to encourage all of you to engage in your community and be involved.
All the best,
James Clendenin
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DISTRICT III NEWS & EVENTS
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District III Road Construction Updates
47th Street South between Hydraulic and K-15
This project will install a new force main from Sewer Treatment Plant #1 to Plant # 2
Traffic impact: No traffic impacts at this time.
Estimated completion: Fall 2018
Lincoln, Hillside to Oliver
This project will perform asphalt street repairs in preparation of a surface treatment along Lincoln, between Hillside to Oliver
Traffic impact: Lincoln is one lane in each direction throughout the area of construction.
Estimated completion: Fall 2018
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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District III Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
The District III Advisory Board (DAB) meets the first Wednesday of the month at the WATER Center, 101 E. Pawnee, Wichita, KS 67211. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
To see the DAB III Agendas and Minutes,
click here.
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District III's Neighborhood Associations,
click here.
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Services available at Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center include:
- Seven public computers with internet access and limited printing at no cost
- Free public notary service, faxing, and copying
- Bi-lingual staff fluent in Spanish
- Assistance in accessing community resources
- DCF Program Consultant on site to take applications for financial, food, and child care assistance
- Season programs such as Operation Holiday in November and free tax preparation February-April
- Community Services Representative is able to respond to neighborhood concerns and serves as liaison to District III Council Member
- Affordable and fun Summer Activity Camp for kids
- Filling the Gap program that provides free boxed-lunches to children 18 years and under during Spring Break and in August before school begins.
- Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department neighborhood inspectors are housed at Colvin
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Wichita District III Facebook Page
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Pictured: Wichita's Fleet Team led by Superintendent Troy Tillotson
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City of Wichita Fleet Division Receiving National Recognition
There has been steady interest in Wichita's Fleet Maintenance Division from outside parties since it was named one of the 50 Leading Fleets in early 2018. For example,
Transportation & Logistics International magazine published an article entitled
More With Less in its most recent edition (Volume 7, Issue 3). In addition,
Government Fleet magazine most recently included information about Wichita in an article entitled
Recognizing the 2018 Leading Fleets in its July/August 2018 edition. Government Fleet magazine also plans to include a section on Wichita entitled,
Establish Service Level Agreements, in an upcoming edition as part of its
Bright Ideas article, and will likely request further information on the Fleet Decision Support Tool and Asset Assessment Scorecard for full length articles.
Fleet Maintenance will be meeting with the fleet operations of peer communities on September 19, 2018 as part of the Midwest Benchmarking project and will have an opportunity to share its recent initiatives and learn about the initiatives of its peers. Management will continue pushing initiatives to be on the leading edge of best management practices for the industry. As a result, additional articles and requests for information are expected in the future.
Through the end of July 2018,
the Fleet Team has completed almost 8000 work orders by only 27 mechanics and service attendants and five shop supervisors. In addition, they have spent right at $5,000,000 to replace or rebuild 98 assets utilizing various funding sources. These assets include forty-eight police pursuit vehicles (including motorcycles), one Hazmat fire apparatus, five dump trucks, one bulldozer rebuild (saving $570,000), four tractors with miscellaneous attachments, one compost turner for the landfill, five flex-wing mowers for Flood Control, three skid steers, two mini dumps, thirteen light pickups and sedans, seven medium duty trucks with various beds and attachments, one excavator, one high pressure cleaner, four trailers, one loader, and one backhoe.
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School Year Hustle
As summer ends and another exceptional Wichita school year begins, the
Wichita Fire Department would like to encourage everyone to practice safety. Let us work together to make sure the school year is not a time for first responders to be more active!
In order to provide for the well-being of all those headed to school (students, teachers, aides, etc.); please consider the following tips and guidelines to cut down on the stress of the school year hustle.
- Consider leaving early to pick up/drop off your school age children. This allows for unforeseen problems and may ease parking and drop off lane difficulties.
- Be aware of posted school zones (especially the lowered speed limit) and cross walks in your neighborhood and/or those routes you travel to work.
- Remember it is not only dangerous, but it is against the law, to pass a school bus, in either direction, when it is stopped and has the STOP sign extended.
- Patience and courtesy will go a long way in making sure everyone arrives at their destination safely and on time.
The Wichita Fire Department seeks to insure the welfare of those within its schools, as any of these students may one day answer a calling to join us in public service.
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2018 State of Downtown
Report Released
The annual
State of Downtown Report contains market and economic data that documents the transformation occurring in Wichita's urban center. The report is designed to be a resource for those who own, develop, market, or invest in real estate. It is intended to be a reference tool for research or preliminary project due diligence for those developing in Downtown Wichita.
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Looking for an AWESOME opportunity to be
active on the Ark?
Join us on Oct. 2, 2018 at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Wichita for
the 3rd Annual Kansas Public Health Association 1 Mile Walk/5 K Fun Run.
Held in conjunction
with the 2018 KPHA Annual Conference, everyone is invited to participate in this opportunity to be active and walk or run along the beautiful Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. The cost to register is $25 and includes a Wichita flag-inspired t-shirt.
All proceeds benefit the Kansas Public Health Association
, who serves as a voice for public health, provides forums for individuals and organizations to work collectively and ensures the conditions in which Kansans' lives will be healthy.
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Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals Extended
Through Sept. 29
605 S. Wichita St., Wichita
KAYAK and SUP (stand up paddle board) RENTALS Kayak: $10/hour (cash only); SUP: $15/hour (cash only) Saturdays, 12-3 p.m.
Receive basic instruction on kayak paddling techniques and safety. Then, you're off for a leisurely float along the Little Arkansas River.
Parking available at the lot south of Gander Mountain under Kellogg at 605 S. Wichita St.
Available on a first come, first serve basis. Preregistration not available.
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CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY TAKING APPLICATIONS
One night a week, for 13 weeks, you have the opportunity to find out what goes on in the life of a Wichita Police Officer. At the end of the training, you receive a certificate during the graduation ceremony. These sessions are exciting, informative, and loaded with tips for staying safe.
Apply NOW! The next class begins August 21, and the class fills up fast!
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Now taking applications for the next class!
Would you like to know how City government works and how you can get things done with an understanding of why they are done the way they are? Of course you would, because knowledge is power, and having that power can make all the difference. Are you still doubting why you should take this free evening class? Click here to watch testimonials from the most recent class of graduates. You can apply here and you too can become empowered.
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Saturday Farmers Markets
Old Town Farmers Market (Downtown)
Hours: Saturdays, 7 a.m. - Noon, April through October
Address: Farm & Art Market Square in Old Town, 1st and Mosley on a brick courtyard in the heart of Old Town, right next to the Museum of World Treasures Old Town Farmers Market includes live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, a kid's corner, and more. More info:
www.oldtownfarmersmarket.com
Kansas Grown Farmer's Market (West Wichita)
Hours: Saturdays, 7 a.m. - Noon, April through October
Address: Sedgwick County Extension Center, 7001 W. 21st Street N.
The west location of Kansas Grown Farmers Market is situated in the parking lot of the Sedgwick
County Extension Center and has all the home and locally-grown produce you would hope to find, along with handmade items, local honey, plants, and lots more.
NOMAR Market (Midtown)
Hours: Saturdays, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m., July through October
Address:
NOMAR International Plaza at 21st Street N. and Market
Includes live music, food, snacks, desserts, activities for children, painted faces, culture, more than 20 different vendors and above all a lot of fun. Events and entertainment vary every week.
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Items Needed for Clients Resettled in Care of the
International Rescue Committee - Wichita, KS
Thank you for your continued support. Your generous gift helps our clients' designated arrival funds stretch as they settle in their new home!
When you are ready to drop off the items, or if you have an item you wish to donate and do not see it listed, please contact the In-Kind Coordinator in advance
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Staff of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) will ultimately distribute your donated items to clients who need them.
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Note: The IRC office only accepts new items that are made with fabric, including: curtains, sheet sets, pillows, towels, etc. We do not accept clothing, but partner with several organizations who work with refugees, with whom we are happy to refer you for clothing donations. Thank you for your consideration in working with us with these extra details!
The IRC also accepts monetary donations and will be glad to purchase the items you specify instead. For other questions or clarification, feel free to use the contact information below. Thank you!
Zarin Shoity - In-Kind Donation Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA
1530 S. Oliver, Ste. 270
Wichita, KS 67218
(316) 558-8272
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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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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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| 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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 NEIGHBORHOOD INSPECTIONS
PART 1
For the first six (6) months of 2018, Neighborhood Inspectors received 6,455 complaints. Of these, 1,337 were unfounded. Why unfounded? Many times a complaint is given on a property by a neighbor or family member with a personal vendetta. Other times, a violation is taken care of before the inspector has the opportunity to visit the property.
THE INSPECTION PROCESS
- A complaint is received by phone, email, or website. If the complaint is considered to be a matter of safety, then an inspector will follow up within 24 hours. All complaints are taken seriously but can sometimes take several days to process depending on weekends, holidays, and assigned tasks or training that is necessary for inspectors.
- An inspector will go to the site of the complaint in order to verify and document that there is a code violation. Evidence is collected, mostly by photographing the violation(s).
- A nuisance case is opened by inputting information into a network system via computer, and any evidence/photographs are cataloged and attached to the assigned case number.
- Once the property owner has been identified, a letter (Notice of Violation) is sent to the property owner and sometimes the resident, as well, if the property is being leased.
- Depending on the severity of the case and frequency of violations, there will be a deadline for compliance date included in the letter between 2 weeks to 30 days' time. After the deadline, the inspector will revisit the site of the violation(s) and either dismiss the case because the issue has been resolved, or will send a second letter of violation. If the property owner needs additional time to resolve a code violation, then often the time is granted, depending on the severity of the violation.
- If the property owner does not correct the violation, a UCC - Uniform Criminal Complaint - is issued in order to bring the violator to court so that a judge can give a ruling. If this is ignored, a warrant will be issued and could result in an arrest of the violator.
The next newsletter will explain more about UCCs, court, and abatement procedures. Stay tuned.
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Is Your Home in Need of Improvements?
The Housing and Community Services Department offers Low-interest home improvement loans to qualifying homeowners! Low-interest loan programs are also available for qualifying rental property owners for the improvement of rental properties. Contact (316) 462-3713 for additional information.
Improvement loans are also available for owners of historic homes. Contact Kathy Morgan with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department for additional information regarding this program, at (316) 268-4392.
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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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Neighborhood Nuisance Reporting Made Easier
Residents are encouraged to report neighborhood nuisance problems via phone or e-mail.
Dial Wichita! Call (316) 942-4482 to reach any department
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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 by
clicking here
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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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Health Care for Uninsured,
Low-income Available
In 1999,
Project Access began coordinating access to donated medical care for uninsured, low-income residents of Sedgwick County. Thanks to the founding funders - United Way of the Plains, the City of Wichita (CSBG) and Sedgwick County - Project Access is still able to serve the community today.
Project Access and its community partners serve patients in many locations. Eligible uninsured patients are enrolled for limited periods of time to address immediate medical needs. Once enrolled, patients have access to a variety of specialists, as well as prescription medication, durable medical equipment and diabetic supplies.
Eligible patients can be referred by participating physicians throughout Sedgwick County.
Additional key partners are community clinics and the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Patients who receive primary care at certain community clinics may be referred to Project Access and enrolled by an onsite DCF eligibility specialist.
Eligible patients are referred to Project Access by providers at the following sites:
For more information call 316-688-0600
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Struggling? Need help?
Start here.
Visit the
United Way of the Plains website
for information on how to find help. United Way provides year-round
Resource Guides
to connect people to various services and resources encompassing: shelter, food, clothing, employment & job training, children & youth, medical, counseling & mental health, alcohol & drug, housing, and budgeting.
DIAL 2-1-1 FOR HELP
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