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District 6
Newsletter
Council Member Maggie Ballard
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The City of Wichita is exploring changes to the existing MId-America All Indian Museum parking lot and concepts for a new lot. Our underground water reservoirs, below the lots, are starting to exhibit some structural issues and so we need to consider options and seek out a solution for parking challenges at MAAIM and overflow parking needs of the Museums on the River area.
The City has identified two potential solutions: a public transit shuttle service and a parking lot expansion on the museum site. We do not yet have a recommendation for moving forward. There is work yet to be done with possible alternatives, design work, cost estimates, and ultimately District Advisory Board and City Council approval and we are just beginning to gather public feedback about this project.
An initial public meeting was held at the Indian Museum on January 31 to learn about possible changes to the existing museum parking lot and concepts for a new lot and provide input. A final plan and funding mechanisms for any changes have not been developed.
The lot was closed with limited, controlled use by installing barricades and gates in August 2022. All use was discontinued as of January 2023.
It would be cost prohibitive to build new storage tanks. The cost to move HESS (reservoirs, pump station, and piping) is estimated at $325 MM.
Estimated Timeline
- Phase 1 – Now until April 1, Public Feedback
- Phase 2 – April 1 – May 31, District Advisory Board Presentations
- Phase 3 – June – City Council
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Dates are subject to change.
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The Civic Engagement Academy is a free eight-week course that helps residents explore civic engagement behaviors and action steps to improve quality of life for their families, and neighbors. Participants become acquainted with general City operations and an understanding of the work of various City Departments. Opportunities to experiment with civic engagement ideas are built into the classroom instruction and optional homework assignments.
The academy is offered twice per year, typically in March and October. Applications are accepted starting eight weeks prior to the Academy session.
Overall Program Objectives
- Invite, inspire and empower individuals to civically engage with their municipal government.
- Teach individuals how and why to become civically engaged.
- Provide hands-on experience with specific civic engagement activities.
- Inspire regular voting habits.
Application are being accepted now through March 3. Apply here.
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2024-2025 Budget Discussion on Forum |
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Even though 2023 has just begun, the City of Wichita Budget Office is already working on the 2024-2025 budget, and they would like to hear from you on Forum.
Each year, the City strives to educate and engage the public about their spending priorities in a variety of ways during the budget process including a social media town hall, District Advisory Board meetings, a budget simulator, newsletter content, in person City Council presentations and more.
Let us know your thoughts and ask any questions you may have about the City's budget, such as:
- What do you want to see in the budget?
- What areas of the budget are you most interested in?
- What questions do you have about the budget that we can answer?
- How would you prefer to weigh in about budget priorities?
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Vendors Wanted for Open Streets NOMAR |
Open Streets ICT - Nomar is Sunday, May 7, and we are looking for Vendors to stage along the one mile route!
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Traffic tip: The rules for a 4-way stop. |
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Nominations Open to Recognize Public Service Employees |
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Beginning today, residents are encouraged to nominate public service employees for the annual Excellence in Public Service Award. Now in its 35th year, the award recognizes employees from City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and Wichita Public Schools who exhibit the highest standard of service.
The nomination process is open through 5 p.m., February 24. Nominations can be submitted on https://lfforms.wichita.gov/Forms/Excellence. English and Spanish forms are available. Nomination forms are also available in the City Manager’s Office, the County Manager’s Office and Wichita Public Schools’ Strategic Communications Office.
The Excellence in Public Service Award honors public employees who go beyond the call of duty and demonstrate the following:
- Exemplary performance that has contributed to the public interest;
- Innovative problem-solving skills that have improved service delivery;
- Adherence to high ethical standards in carrying out job responsibilities;
- A record of community involvement through participation in civic organizations.
Honorees will be selected by a committee comprised of nine public and private sector representatives. In April, they will be surprised at work by their supervisors, colleagues, selection committee members and media. The winners will receive $2,500 and will be honored at a reception attended by family, friends, co-workers, previous honorees, the selection committee and members of the DeVore Foundation in May. The Excellence in Public Service Award is sponsored by the DeVore Foundation and KSN.
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Wichita Public Library locations will provide specific tax forms February 1 through April 18.
The IRS indicated that they will provide the 1040 form, 1040-SR form, Schedules 1 through 3 and 1040 instructions. Residents needing additional federal or state forms can use a public computer at any Library location to print them. Prints are 10 cents per page.
Residents may call the United Way of the Plains at 211 to schedule an appointment for tax preparation assistance at the location closest to them. There are also tax preparation assistance sites in Wichita residents can call in advance to schedule appointments:
- Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center, (316) 303-8017
- Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center, (316) 303-8029
- CSJ Dear Neighbor Ministries, (316) 684-5120
- Downtown Senior Center, (316) 267-0197, February 21-23 only
- Evergreen Neighborhood Resource Center, (316) 303-8042
- La Familia, (316) 267-1700, March 15-16 only
- Linwood Senior Center, (316) 263-3703, February 28 & March 1-2 only
- Northeast Senior Center, (316) 267-1321
- Oaklawn Senior Center, (316) 624-7545
- Orchard Park Senior Center, (316) 942-2293, Limited appointments in March
As a reminder, Library staff is unable to answer tax questions or give tax advice as staff do not have specialized tax training. The Library can provide forms and resources only.
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Reigniting Wichita’s North End |
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Start up and Start Right in Spanish
Learn how to quickly startup in just 10 steps with this free workshop that covers licenses and permits, federal/state tax IDs, and other business essentials.
Date and time: February 21st at 6 PM
Location: Evergreen Community Center & Library
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Her Market
Empower and the Miss Wichita Scholarship Organization is proud to host the 2nd Annual Her Wichita Women’s Business Market in honor of International Women’s History Month.
Date and time: March 11th from 11:30 to 1:30 PM
Location: Evergreen Community Rec Center
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Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) |
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The LIEAP application period will be from Tuesday, January 3, 2023, through Friday, March 30, 2023. Be sure to set a reminder on your mobile phone or home calendar so you do not miss the deadline. For more information, please check the following link - http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx
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Water Conservation Rebate Program = $$ |
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Thank you for your interest in the City of Wichita's Water Conservation Rebate Program. You play an important role in helping Wichita conserve water and avoid drought restrictions! The installation of water-efficient devices reduces water demand AND saves you money on your water bill!
City Council approved $100,000 for the 2023 Water Conservation Rebate Program on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. If rebate funds are exhausted on, or before, October 31, 2023, the City Council has approved additional funds up to $25,000 for the 2023 rebate program.
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City of Wichita | wichita.gov |
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