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City of Wichita District II Newsletter |
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A Message from Council Member
Pete Meitzner...
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First, I want to extend my congratulations to Cindy Claycomb and Brandon Johnson on being elected as the next City Council Members, representing Districts VI and I, respectively. Also, my congratulations to fellow Council Member James Clendenin, on his re-election success in District III. I look forward to serving along-side these members as we continue our efforts to make Wichita a better place.
I also want to thank outgoing Council Members Lavonta Williams and Janet Miller. Thank you to both of these women for the thousands of hours that they each have dedicated to serving our community. They have each made significant individual contributions that have added to the City's quality of life. I thank them for
their professionalism, energy and devotion to making Wichita a better place to live and work.
In the coming weeks and months, we will all be gathering information, feedback, and suggestions as to the future of Century II. Just like other major decisions, such as the new airport terminal and the new library, I will be studying all of the data and options very seriously. I want to share some preliminary information and I will keep posting additional information as I learn more. Although Century II is considered an icon and a significant structure in our City, it is not without challenges.
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One of our City's greatest legacies is our performing arts community. To know the value of all we have to offer in this region, including performers coming to Wichita for the summer under Wayne Bryan's direction, and eventually making it on Broadway in New York City, is envious by many of our peer cities. The performing arts improves our quality of life, preserves our cultural heritage, and strengthens our local economy. If you attend any performance at Century II, or ever have a chance to see the inside of the building, you will see the lack of a first-class performing arts building that our city deserves.
On the convention side of Century II, we are falling far behind, even last place, compared to our peer cities, when it comes to the convention business. As the 48th largest city in the US, it is disappointing that we can NOT attract conventions, and the reason is that Century II's round building, and patched hallways no longer serve the regional convention business. The conventions want to come to our Wichita, but we no longer have a convention space that is required in today's market.
At the Nov. 7 City Council meeting, there was an interesting array of impressive Wichita representation that addressed the Council about the upcoming public engagement. If you are interested, I highly recommend you watch the speakers (each were allowed up to 5 minutes to speak) on the City Council web site by
clicking here.
In summary, for our City to be first place in our region in the performing arts market, and last place in our region in the convention business as the 48th largest city, presents a major challenge. Each year that goes by, we experience less functionality for our deserved performing arts community, and literally no functionality for our convention business. With all the positive momentum and accomplishments in recent years, we are at a pivotal time as we address the future of Century II.
As you hear of any public engagements, please feel free to let yourself be known. This is important and I want everyone to be proud of whatever we do at Century II, just like the results of our new airport.
Pete Meitzner
Wichita City Council
District II Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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District II Community Breakfast
Join Councilman Pete Meitzner and
Mayor Jeff Longwell for breakfast!
All District II residents are invited!
When: 8:30am, Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: The Regent, 2050 N. Webb Rd
Come enjoy breakfast and hear updates from Councilman Pete Meitzner and Mayor Jeff Longwell. Representatives from WPD and WFD will also give District II activity reports.
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District II Construction Project Updates
East Kellogg Improvements
East Kellogg Improvements recently passed an annual milestone of when both projects began. Improvements at Webb have been underway for two years, while work near Greenwich just completed its first year. Check out this video the Kansas Turnpike Authority put together to highlight the progress and current status of East Kellogg improvements.
The Kellogg & Webb Project is finishing up work on the north frontage road and the west side of Webb. Work is underway to construct the southbound Webb Road bridge, which will cross over Kellogg.
At the second East Kellogg improvement project, between Greenwich and K-96, the first phase of the project, utility relocation, is nearing completion. Major work on Kellogg, between Zelta and K-96, continues. The installation of two large drainage boxes is nearly complete,
reconstruction of the eastbound Kellogg bridge and the new south frontage road bridge, both which cross over the Turnpike continues to progress
Traffic impacts in the near-term include:
- Travelers on East Kellogg should be aware of a new construction project at 143rd E and Kellogg. Westbound Kellogg traffic is reduced to one lane at 143rd Street E. Be prepared for significant delays. Learn more about this project by clicking here.
- The temporary ramp from KTA Plaza 50 to the south frontage road on Kellogg west of Webb is open. Stay alert, as eastbound Kellogg traffic merges with KTA traffic just before Webb.
- Zelta north of Kellogg will open to two-way traffic - one lane each direction - by the end of October.
- Expect temporary lane closures on the north frontage road along East Kellogg, between Greenwich and Zelta, to allow for curb and driveway work.
- Ellson south of Kellogg by the end of October.
- Until the middle of November, traffic on Greenwich will be reduced to one lane in each direction for pavement and utility work. Left turn lanes will be provided at Kellogg.
Long-term traffic impacts include:
- Southbound right lane of I-35/KTA closed for approximately two miles between K-96 and East Kellogg toll plazas. Speed limit is reduced to 65mph in this area.
- The direct access ramp from eastbound Kellogg to the KTA Kellogg Toll Plaza has been removed. The plaza remains open, however, access to it is from the south frontage road (west of KTA.) Eastbound local traffic can use the south frontage road to reach the Kellogg toll plaza. Eastbound Kellogg traffic is detoured to the K-96 toll plaza. Westbound Kellogg traffic will continue to use the U-Turn at Rock Road to reach the south frontage road and the toll plaza.
- The ramp from eastbound K-96 to westbound Kellogg is closed for the duration of the project.
- Between Zelta and K-96, Kellogg is reduced to one westbound lane and two eastbound lanes, with a left turn lane from westbound Kellogg to southbound Zelta.
- With the goal of improving safety, 127th Street the connection to East Kellogg is closed. A new connection from 127th Street to Zelta is part of the improvements.
- Kellogg speed limit reduced to 40 mph between Cypress and 143rd Streets, and Webb Road speed limit reduced to 30 mph in the construction zone for the remainder of the project.
- All left turns at Webb Road are prohibited, so drivers desiring to travel west will need to use the U-turn 1/2 mile east of Webb.
Click here to stay up-to-date on East Kellogg construction or via Twitter at @E54ict.
143rd Street Improvements
On October 2, improvements began on 143rd Street East, between Kellogg and Central.
The project will widen 143rd Street to a five lane roadway with two lanes in each direction and a center two-way left turn lane.
Improvements also include additional turn lanes on 143rd Street south of the Kellogg intersection, new traffic signals, drainage improvements, and sidewalk, including a 10-feet wide multi-use path.
The five lane expansion will accommodate future traffic counts projected with continued development along 143rd Street. The additional turn lanes on 143rd Street at Kellogg will improve the increased traffic flow and complement future Kellogg expansion.
Improvements to 143rd Street were initially scheduled for completion prior to construction of Kellogg and Greenwich, currently in progress. The freeway expansion was expedited to avoid losing construction funds thus resulting in overlap of these two projects.
The $3.6 million project includes joint funding from both the City of Wichita and federal grants administered through the Kansas Department of Transportation. The grants received were awarded for fiscal year 2018 and delays to 143rd Street improvements would result in lost funds.
143rd Street will carry one lane in each direction throughout construction. The estimated completion is summer 2018. Learn more about this project by
clicking here.
2017 Outsourced Preservation Program (OP3)
The City Council has approved the 2017 Outsourced Pavement Preservation Program (OP3). The program includes street maintenance investments totaling $8 million. See a map of targeted locations.
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 II Facebook Page
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Veteran's Day Holiday Closures, Hours
In observance of Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 10, the following City of Wichita facilities and operations will be closed:
City Hall, Neighborhood Resource Centers, Park & Recreation Centers, Great Plains Nature Center visitor center, Botanica administrative offices, Century II administrative offices, Transit administrative offices, Wichita Art Museum, WATER Center and Environmental Health.
All Wichita Public Library locations, CityArts and Old Cowtown Museum will be closed both Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11.
Wichita Transit and Paratransit bus service will run regular hours on Friday, Nov. 10.
Wichita Transit, Paratransit, and Q-LINE services will not run on Saturday, Nov. 11.
The Animal Shelter will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10.
OJ Watson Park will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11.
Botanica Gardens, Brooks Landfill, Mid-America All-Indian Center, Riverside Tennis Center, and Wichita Public Golf Courses are open regular hours on Friday.
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 Getting to Know
City Staff:
John Philbrick
Real Estate Administrator
John joined the City in 1994. He has been in charge of the Real Estate Services (formerly Property Management) office for his entire tenure with the City. Real Estate Services provides all types of real estate services to other City Departments. This includes buying all real estate interests required for City projects, selling parcels surplus to the City's needs, leasing and management of properties not directly utilized for City purposes, property tax management and advisory services such as asset valuation, project budgeting, site selection and other real estate related activities. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration from Wichita State University.
During his career at the City, John has been responsible for the acquisition of literally thousands of parcels of real estate. This includes seven major segments of Kellogg, siting of seven fire stations, acquisition of required sites and easements for the ASR project, and assemblage of the site for the ice sports complex and the site for the Opportunity Drive project.
Prior to working for the City, John worked in Dallas as an asset manager for Brazos Asset Management a subsidiary of Robert M. Bass Companies. Brazos was charged with the management, marketing and ultimate liquidation of a portfolio of real estate loans and assets with an original value of over $7.0 billion and prior to that he worked with Union Pacific Realty in Omaha as Portfolio Manager
John is a native of Wichita. His wife teaches Special Education in USD 259 and they have two daughters. His oldest daughter is a Civil Engineer working for the City of Austin. His youngest daughter is set to graduate in the Spring of 2018 with a Bachelor's of Equine Science. In his spare time, John enjoys all things outdoors including gardening, hunting, fishing and festivals. He and his wife also attend as many concerts and stage events as they can.
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A U.S. veteran called this home
for five years
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HOPE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
Because Veteran's Day is just around the corner, I would like to bring your attention to another non-profit organization in Wichita that works along with our very own HOT Team (Homeless Outreach Team) of specially trained Police Officers.
The story of this non-profit,
Passageways Ltd
., started back in 2014 by two Wichita residents, Jennifer Garrison and Susan Moellinger. At the time there were approximately 600 homeless individuals living in Wichita, with over 12% being Veterans. Passageways' simple, yet powerful goal was to provide essential tools and resources for housing stability, independence, and self-sustainability for all homeless and near homeless Veterans.
Veterans can live at Passageways until they are capable of learning to sustain themselves. They are given a comfortable bed, hot meals, and clean clothes, all provided to them at no cost. And because only Veterans are allowed to stay there, a wonderful support system awaits them. The Washington Post and a Kaiser Family Foundation poll discovered that more than half of the 2.6 million Veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars struggle with physical and mental health problems due to their service. That's alarming isn't it? We are so thankful for their service and for an organization such as Passageways who share their lives to help these men and women in need.
Please take the time to learn more about how you can contribute to this worthwhile non-profit that benefits Veterans in Wichita. We salute the volunteers of Passageways and all those who have served our country!
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Charitable Fund
Donates Winter Coats to Kids
Give the gift of warmth! You can donate to this program by
clicking here
and specifying that your donation is for the Wichita Firefighters Charitable Fund
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SHOP LOCAL ON
NOVEMBER 25
Small Business Saturday is Nov. 25, 2017. This date serves as a reminder to always shop local and support local small businesses. The small businesses contribute to our local economy by bringing growth and innovation to the community. Small businesses attract talent who invent new products or implement new solutions for existing ideas. Larger businesses often benefit from small businesses within the local community, as many large corporations depend on small businesses for the completion of various business functions through outsourcing. Small businesses also invest and volunteer in the community's social service agencies and civic functions. Many small business owners participate in local organizations by sponsoring teams, donating to charities, and participating in community events. So be sure to support those businesses who employ 500 people or less.
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Illuminations is Wichita's premier light display taking place every year at Botanica
. With more than one million lights, we invite the community to tour themed gardens, hear live music and visit with Santa.
Illuminations transforms each garden area into a different themed holiday display or uniquely lit botanical setting. Brightly lit larger-than-life flowers and bugs are placed throughout the gardens, and our pond and fountains are home to floating, lit-up giant trees that dance to the beat of music.
Every night, Santa visits and takes pictures with the children, and everyone enjoys the Candy Cane Lane and our funky tree. The Children's Garden brings smiles to young and old with lit monster trees, fairy lights in the musical maze and fun holiday creatures lighting up every corner. Live carolers and music groups are even on hand to entertain. Hot chocolate, s'mores, dinner and more are sold throughout the gardens and, on the weekends, an adult hot toddy bar is available, as well.
Along with your favorite holiday traditions, don't forget to check out our latest additions at Illuminations! Watch the Main Meadow show dance to the beat of the music, now expanding around the button fountain in the flower beds, tresses and rose arbor. Experience our new and improved underwater scene in the Shakespeare Garden, then walk the woodlands to find a display of traditional white lights with more than 25 chandeliers. Our beautiful Butterfly Garden is being overtaken with large and small butterflies, and our Butterfly House is now surrounded by a canopy of lights. Make sure you checkout the new strobe tree in the Children's Garden Meadow, and stop by the funky tree to play a game of I-spy! Last but not least, find our Elf on the Shelf, Eddie, as he travels through the gardens to a new location each night, overseeing this unique holiday experience only at Botanica.
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Victorian Christmas
at Cowtown
When the weather outside is frightful, Cowtown's lamp-lit, carol-filled streets will warm you up!
There's something magical about bundling up, stepping into the cold, and enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate with family and friends. Just between you and me - Santa's workshop is actually located at Cowtown and he doesn't mind if visitors stop by as he finishes the last toys for all the good girls and boys.
December 1, 2, 8 and 9 from 6-9pm each night! Regular admission rates apply, members get in free! (Regular admission rates: $7.75/adults, $6.50/seniors [ages 62+], $6/youth [ages 12-17], $5.50/kids [ages 5-11], children 4 and under and active military always get in free!)
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All Aboard for a Magical Journey!
The fun begins with a reading of Chris Van Allsburg's
The Polar Express and is followed by a craft and a train ride to visit Santa. Stop at the campfire to enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate, then end with a special gift! Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas. An adult must also attend and register. Ages 2+.
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Cable and Cable Alternatives: Which is Best For You?
There are more choices than ever when it comes to viewing entertaining and educational programs at home. To help you decide which options are best for you, we'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of both cable service and the ever growing number of alternative viewing options. This lecture-style class will include information on cable service, digital antennas, smart TVs, and a description of other devices to get free and paid programming through your internet connection.
Wednesday, Nov. 15
6:00 - 7:30pm
Rockwell Branch Library
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Author Talk with Clay Smalls
A published author and Wichita native shares the stories of his craft. Clay G. Small, former General Counsel for nearly all of PepsiCo's current and former divisions, will explain how a writer taps into his life experiences when writing a novel. Clay lived and worked in Wichita 22 years ago. Many years later, Clay decided to write a novel. He returned to Wichita and wrote various scenes from our city into his new novel, Heels over Head. Clay will explain why these particular places drew him back to Wichita.
Monday, Nov. 20
2:00 - 3:00pm
Central Library Library
223 S. Main
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Wichita flag fever has never been higher. If you've ever wanted a Wichita flag license plate for your car, truck or motorcycle, Plates for Parks is for you. By purchasing a Wichita Flag license plate for $50 at the time of registration or renewal, the flag will ride with you everywhere you go. The annual royalty fee of each license plate sold will go toward improving the City's park system through the Wichita Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
To make this program happen, we must demonstrate to the Kansas Legislature the demand for Wichita flag license plates by collecting 500 commitments to purchase. Show your support by completing the online form. Our initial goal is 500 names but we want many more, so please share with your family and friends.
SIGN UP TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT TODAY!
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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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H2O Care Fund
The City of Wichita recognizes that there are many residents who are struggling during these difficult economic times, especially during the holidays.
This voluntary program provides a simple way to directly help others. Even small donations can add up and provide a way for people to maintain their water service. There are three ways to help, and you can find out how by filling out the City of Wichita H2O Care Fund Program Donation Form here.
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PREPARE YOUR TEENAGER NOW
FOR A SUMMER JOB
If you have a teen between the ages of 15 - 17, he/she can acquire the training and certifications needed for attaining a job in the Y's FREE Job Prep program. They will learn first aid and CPR along with how to fill out a job application, manage their money, dress for success, and become a valuable employee. Upon completion of the course requirements, they may be eligible for a summer job (up to 25 hrs/wk).
Please check out the requirements for enrollment before Monday, January 22, 2018. If you have any questions you can email Tyrone Baker at
tyrone@wichitaymca.org
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You can also check out the application and qualifications by clicking on this document link.
Happy job hunting!
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JOBS are here in Wichita!
The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer a job board with local, Wichita area, jobs only! A free service for job seekers, it will save you the time of searching through dozens of jobs outside of the area. Create a
free account here and you will be automatically signed up for all Wichita area updates and can customize the search further if you wish.
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Check out the latest job fairs and
training courses. Click here.
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Don't be left in the
dark
If
you notice outages within
your neighborhood, fill out
this
simple form
on
Westar Energy's website
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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
here.
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Fall 2017
Park & Recreation Activities Guide is now available!
Get registered for classes
by
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Sign up now for classes at CityArts by
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
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| Comotara Branch Library
Inside Dillons Market, 2244 N. Rock
Rockwell Branch Library 5939 E. 9th Eastview Park Just South of Coleman Middle School Boston Park 6655 E. Zimmerly St. Cottonwood Park Located just East of Boston Park W.B. Harrison Park Located East of S. Webb, just South of E. Bayley St. |
District II Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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The District II Advisory Board meets the second Monday of the month at Fire Station #20 at 2255 S. Greenwich Rd. Wichita, KS 67207. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. For the 2017 meeting schedule,
click here.
The District II Breakfast occurs quarterly. The next breakfast is scheduled for
December 2, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. at The Regent Senior Living Residence at 2050 N. Webb Rd. (In the theater on the second floor).
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District II's neighborhood associations, click
here.
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Click here to find up-to-date
information regarding street
maintenance in your area.
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City Manager's Office
455 N. Main, 13 Floor
Wichita, KS 67202
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Stay Connected
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