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City of Wichita District V Newsletter |
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A Message from Council Member
Bryan Frye...
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Today is the 147th anniversary of the founding of Wichita and this town has plenty to celebrate!
Just this week alone, we finalized the Cargill agreement, took another step towards improving the West River Bank & Lawrence Dumont Stadium and announced 400 new jobs coming to Union Station. In addition, a design contract was awarded to develop plans for more useable public space at Naftzger Park and another great new mural made its debut on Douglas. And who can forget Sir Paul McCartney playing to a sold-out crowd at Intrust Bank Arena?
All this great news calls for a party! From 1-5 p.m. tomorrow, July 22, the
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum is hosting a birthday bash for the City and also commemorating the 127th anniversary of its building - Wichita's original City Hall. You will see Wichita's remarkable history through four floors of exhibits and enjoy special tours, crafts, activities and refreshments. Admission to the museum's birthday event is free to individuals and small groups bringing a birthday card.
Also on Saturday, the 83rd NBC World Series powered by Westar Energy will begin their two-week tournament. For a complete list of the 30 team field as well as the breakdown of First and Championship Week participants, visit nbcbaseball.com. To order individual game tickets go to selectaseat.com or call 316-977-9400.
One word of caution - even with temperatures expected to be over 100 for the next few days, don't let the weather stop you from getting out and celebrating Wichita. Just remember to drink plenty of water and stay in the shade whenever possible.
Have a great weekend!
Bryan Frye
Wichita City Council
District V Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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City Staff:
LaShonda Garnes
Business Operations Manager
Public Works & Utilities
Billing Division
LaShonda Garnes, desiring a change and different environment to raise her family, moved to Wichita, Kansas in 2005. While in Chicago, Garnes worked in the banking industry for eight years as an Operations Manager responsible for corporate and personal financial trust accounts. After arriving in Wichita, she received her MPA (Masters of Public Administration) degree from Wichita State University, was hired by the City of Wichita, and embarked on a new career in government.
LaShonda first served the City as a Neighborhood Assistant, acting as a liaison between the community and government. She worked closely with elected officials to identify solutions and programs to help enhance the quality of life for residents in Wichita.
In September 2013, Garnes transitioned into her current position as the Business Operations Manager for Public Works & Utilities (water, sewer, and storm) billing division, managing 16 staff. The billing division is primarily responsible for generating approximately 147,000 monthly bills, managing wholesale and conservation contracts, and in-person customer service. She has been instrumental in enhancing business processes, improving customer service, and transitioning the division to a new billing and customer service portal. In addition to her role as Business Operations Manager, she also serves in key roles on the Senior Management and Emergency Management Incident Command Teams. She has been instrumental in leading contract negotiations, community engagement efforts, financial management, and business process improvements.
Garnes is often sought out due to her love of community and her proven skills as a Project Manager. Leadership and stewardship has always been her passion. As she began to address quality of life issues, she realized there were many other opportunities to become involved and make a difference. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Her community service work includes serving as a Board Chair for Life Matters Ministry, a Board member for Rise Up for Youth, a volunteer for Real Men Real Heroes, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Habitat for Humanity, and a facilitator and strategic planning consultant.
Garnes is married and has two daughters, a son, and two step daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family. From her two daughter's competitive volleyball games and dance, to her son's soccer games, she takes great delight in watching, cheering and traveling to their many activities. She will soon have to travel a little father as her daughter will be attending and dancing at Forts Hays University this fall.
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Westlink Neighborhood Party in the Park
Date: August 1, 2017
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Come and enjoy some summer outdoor fun at a neighborhood party in Westlink Park! Free admission and entertainment that includes two local bands, food trucks and games for youth and children. Hosted by West Heights UMC.
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Road Construction Update
Kellogg & I235
Interchange:
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.
Hyatt-Funded Pavement Preservation:
- NE of Central/119th
- Pavement prep work is complete
- Micro surface to follow in the fall
- Central to 13th, Maize to Tyler
- Pavement prep work is complete
- Micro surface to follow in the fall
- Country Acres will move to summer/fall 2018 for completion of water main replacement that is now in progress
Arterial Crack Seal - Fall 2017:
- Maple, I-235 to 151st St. W. - partially complete, will resume in fall
- 119th, Maple to Central
- Central, ½ mile west of Ridge
- 21st, Maize to 119th
- Maize Rd, 13th to 21st
- Tyler, 21st to 29th
- Residential neighborhoods will begin this fall
Arterial Thermal Crack Repair - Fall 2017
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21st, Hoover to West
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21st, ½ mile west of 119th
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Ridge Rd, 13th to 37th
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Tyler Rd, 13th to 21st
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Maize Rd, 21st to Westlakes Pkwy (N. of 29th, Fox Ridge entrance)
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Central, Hoover to Ridge
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Central, ½ mile west of 119th
2nd Street sidewalk, Country Acres to Ridge:
- Bid 07/21/17
- Construction fall 2017
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Wichita District V Facebook Page
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2018-2019 Budget Highlights
- Community involvement helped shape budget recommendations. The June 15 and June 20 Social Media Town Hall events, which used Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor, gathered feedback from residents, including 670 comments. Staff also presented information through traditional meeting channels at District Advisory Board meetings in each City Council district.
- The 2018 mill levy rate is unchanged. The 2018 budget is based on an estimated mill levy rate equal to last year's rate. This is the 24th consecutive year the mill levy has remained stable.
- Police Staffing Study recommendations are funded. The 2018 Proposed Budget includes funding to implement the first phase of recommendations, in order to respond to calls in a timely manner and provide proactive policing. Police officer positions will be added in order to improve officer availability, increase community engagement, and boost problem solving. Community service officer positions will be added to provide services that can be carried out by civilian staff.
- Parking and Mobility functions are centralized. In order to improve downtown mobility and integrate parking policy and operations, three parking enforcement positions are transferred from the Police Department and parking meter collection is moved from Public Works & Utilities to the City Manager's Office.
- Transit operations have been stabilized. A portion of the proceeds from the City of Wichita selling the Hyatt Regency Hotel ($4 million) will be used to implement the four-year sustainability plan that aims to stabilize the system by building ridership, use data to refine the fixed route system, develop alternative modes, and leverage partnerships.
- The Advanced Learning Library will open in 2018. The 2018 Proposed Budget adds five full-time and six part-time positions (8 FTE) to supplement staffing at the new Advanced Learning Library. Staffing will allow summer Sunday hours at the facility and provide additional technological capabilities, including expanded digital collections.
- Street maintenance improvements continue. The Capital Improvement Program and Operating Budget are integrated to provide $8 million in funding in 2018, and $10 million in 2019 for street maintenance.
- Flood prevention efforts are funded. Recently approved Stormwater Utility rate adjustments are included. These funds will allow additional maintenance, increased funding for small drainage projects, and more funding for capital equipment. Additional improvements will also be included in the Capital Improvement Program.
- Zero-Based Budgeting resulted in service alignment changes. To better align services with departmental missions, the City Call Center, zoning enforcement, safety training, solid waste hauler licensing, and Special Alcohol Fund Programs are transferred to different departments in the 2018 Proposed Budget.
- Reserves are maintained at appropriate levels. The 2018 budget includes General Fund reserves of $29.5 million, which is greater than 10% of projected expenditures, in accordance with City Council policy.
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Market Street Garage Receives International Concrete Construction Award
Commonly known as the Macy's Garage, the parking structure located at 215 S. Market fell into disrepair and was closed by the former Office of Central Inspection in 2012. The City assumed control of the property and initiated structural repairs to the garage in 2014. Built in the 1960's, the nearly 500-car parking garage began to experience significant concrete damage and the necessary repairs required its closure. Reopened in 2016, the parking garage now provides parking relief for many employers in the area, including High Touch Technologies.
This week, staff received notification that this project has won the International Excellence in Concrete award in the category of repair and restoration from the American Concrete Institute (ACI). This follows two previous awards received for this project, the "Concrete Construction Award" for the Kansas chapter of the ACI and the same award for the Midwest Region.
Along with City staff, Eby Construction, Krudwig Structural Engineers and LK Architecture played an integral role in this project's success.
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83rd NBC WORLD SERIES
LAWRENCE DUMONT STADIUM
July 22 - August 6
The
NBC World Series Tournament continues to showcase the best amateur talent in America and around the world. From Satchel Paige to Mark McGwire, Joe Carter, Roger Clemens Ozzie Smith, Albert Pujols, Tim Lincecum, and Heath Bell, the National Tournament is a who's who for the future of the Major Leagues. Each year, nearly every Major League team sends scouts to the tournament looking for the next diamond in the rough. With 32 teams competing in a two week double elimination tournament, the days are long and the sheer volume of players is staggering. The NBC World Series is a tournament which has no equal and will crown a new National Champion in August.
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DON'T MESS AROUND WITH THE HEAT
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, over 600 people die from complications related to extreme heat each year in the United States - more than tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, lightning or any other weather event combined.
Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, but it's important to identify the warning signs and to react swiftly and appropriately when they arise.
What's the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion is the precursor to heatstroke and is a direct result of the body overheating.
According to Mayo Clinic,
heat exhaustion is identifiable by heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, fatigue, cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat, muscle cramps, nausea and headache.
These symptoms may develop over time or come on suddenly, especially during or following periods of prolonged exercise.
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WPD Releases 2016 Annual Report
The Wichita Police Department can mark the year 2016 as a success.
There were many highlights and advances which continued enhancing
public safety services.
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Eisenhower National Airport Teams Up With Make-A-Wish to Grant Wishes
Eisenhower National Airport was honored to participate in a
Make-A-Wish Kansas event for two families recently. Both families were treated to a trip to Orlando and Walt Disney World on Allegiant Air. One of the children is 5 years old and has leukemia, and the other is 8 years old and needs a bone marrow transplant. Both children and their siblings and parents were excited to go to Disney to meet their favorite characters.
Airline passengers with excess or unused miles from their frequent flyer programs can donate them to Make-A-Wish to help deserving families make their dreams come true.
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Happy Birthday Wichita!
Saturday, July 22nd 1-5pm
Wichita was officially born July 21, 1870. View Wichita's remarkable history wandering the four floors of the Museum's exhibits and enjoy special tours, crafts, activities and refreshments.
Admission is FREE to those individuals and small groups bringing a Birthday Card!
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SayYES! Summer Food Program Serving Thousands of Meals
The City of Wichita's
sayYES! Summer Food Service Program component reaches children who do not get enough to eat. Since the launch last month at the New Life Church, 1156 N. Oliver, there have been 594 meals served. Lunch is available each weekday from 12:00 - 1:00 pm. The total number of meals served through June 30, in conjunction with Park & Recreation sites, is 9,907. This level of production across the state has helped Kansas rise to 45th in meeting child hunger needs in the summertime.
Local efforts are targeted to help 30,000 children who have been determined to be food insecure by the Food Research and Action Center. Participation incentives will be provided during the week of July 17 to increase awareness of the program. Daily drawings will occur and the children who receive a meal will have an opportunity to win prizes. The Summer Food Service Program will end of July 28.
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KMUW Public Radio wants to hear from you! They want to know about where you live. What changes would you like to see in your neighborhood? What issues do you encounter in your part of town? How can we change our community to make it better for everyone? Come to the Library and share your thoughts and enjoy free snacks while the kids are entertained with an arts activity.
Saturday, August 12 at 2pm
Rockwell Branch Library
5939 E 9th St N, Wichita, Kansas 67208
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Free Fall Gardening Classes
Every Monday in August, learn the tools you need to grow a fall garden. Master gardeners and other experts will present free programs at the Central Library on a variety of topics.
Each program is
FREE but registration is required
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The Basics of Investing
If you are just getting started with investing your money, it can be confusing. Stocks? Bonds? Mutual funds? When to take your Social Security?
Learn more about how to begin building a portfolio that will pay future dividends as you realize your dreams. Consumer Credit Counseling Services will present sound, reliable information so that your investments are secure and give you peace of mind.
Thursday, August 3
6:30 - 7:30pm
Westlink Branch Library
8515 Bekemeyer
Registration is required
; call 337-9456 or register online.
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JOIN THE CIRCLE
Learning Circles are educational courses for people to take in a social, peer classroom setting. They cover a range of interests. The sessions are lightly facilitated by library staff hosted at Wichita Public Library locations. Some programs may meet once while others may meet consecutively for several weeks. There are a wide variety of subjects, one of which will surely catch your interest.
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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, Aug. 8.
Neighborhood Night Out is an annual event that promotes public safety. It combats crime by encouraging neighbors to get to know one another through neighborhood parties, picnics, cookouts and other social gatherings over one designated evening. Formerly celebrated as National Night Out and Celebrate Safe Communities, Neighborhood Night Out is in its second year. Elected officials, police officers, firefighters and other City staff will attend neighborhood parties.
"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 that want to hold their gathering in a neighborhood park. While supplies last, the City also will provide barricades at no charge to groups that want to block off a portion of the street for their event. It's up to neighborhoods to decide how to celebrate.
The registration form for parties is available online, as well as the form for street closures.
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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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KANSEL Construction
Training Program
KANSEL has a great training opportunity for men and women interested in a career in construction. This
FREE program prepares students for entry level construction work. They are trained in power & hand tools, construction math, blueprint reading, and receive OSHA, physical fitness, and life management skills instruction.
Students who complete the course have an opportunity to interview with local construction companies. Applicants must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or GED, be legally employable in the U.S. and attend all session of the 7 week course.
Interested students should plan to attend one of the above information sessions to apply for the program.
Call 263-9620 for more information.
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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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Summer 2017
Park & Recreation Activities Guide is now available!
Get registered for classes
by
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8515 Beckemeyer
Southeast of Central and Maize Rd.
1011 N. Maize Ct.
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District V Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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The District V Advisory Board meets the first Monday of the month at Fire Station #21 at 2110 N. 135th St W. Wichita, KS 672235.
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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Click hereto find up-to-date
information regarding street
maintenance in your area.
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases.
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City Manager's Office
455 N. Main, 13 Floor
Wichita, KS 67202
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