City of Wichita

District V

Newsletter 

City of Wichita Website

June 24,  2016
A Message from Council Member
Bryan Frye...
On Tuesday, June 21, the City Council heard testimony about our ambulance service agreement with the county. This community continues to grow and as Wichita goes, so goes Sedgwick County. Together with the County Commission, are we doing enough to address response times, patient needs and deployment of resources? The strain and pressure on the system has never been higher and yet we're continuing to kick the can down the road with a 12-year old agreement that doesn't reflect reality. With 85% of EMS calls coming from the citizens of Wichita, I feel it's necessary to honestly address emergency services and the potential for true consolidation. That's all I want. To explore ways to be more efficient and less of a financial burden for taxpayers and users.

One area that I believe needs more consideration is free market solutions for non-emergency transport. Let private industry have the opportunity to compete with Sedgwick County EMS for basic transport. Not for emergency response but for something as simple as transportation of a patient needing a medical test. Give the individual the freedom to make their own choice. And if they choose Sedgwick County EMS? Great. Good for EMS. But if they don't, that frees up staff time and resources for Sedgwick County EMS to respond to EMERGENCY calls.

I understand Sedgwick County Commission is struggling with budget constraints, capital improvement requests for new facilities and additional staffing levels to help meet the demand. Wouldn't now be a good time to sit down together and figure out how to improve services for Wichita & Sedgwick County? Last time I checked I'm a resident of both.

Have a safe and happy 4th!
Bryan Frye
District V City Council Member 
DISTRICT NEWS & EVENTS
Buffalo Park 
Improvements Unveiled

City of Wichita officials held a ribbon-cutting Thursday, June 23, to showcase improvements at Buffalo Park, located at 10201 Hardtner. Improvements included a prairie-themed design, a water playground, a restroom, two shelters and expanded parking. The water playground's other features include:
 
*           A buffalo head with eyes that light and nostrils that mist.
*           Indian grass sculptures reminiscent of the tallgrass prairie.
*           Limestone walls and seats representing the nearby Flint Hills.
*           Native grass plantings surrounding the area.
*           A plaza of varied colored concrete in the shape of a grass seed head.
 
" This splash water play feature will be an example of the ongoing commitment of the City to provide safe activities that improve our quality of life," said Council member Bryan Frye, whose west-side District V includes Buffalo Park."
 
The $1.65 million project includes $250,000 in Land & Water Conservation funds administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism.The City of Wichita's 2011-2020 CIP includes $500,000 in 2012 and $500,000 in 2013 for Buffalo Park construction.  The funding source is General Obligation Bonds for the base project.   

LOVE OR HATE, READY OR NOT, 
HERE THEY COME!
The non-emergency number for fireworks and nuisance complaints during the 4th of July weekend is  316-290-1011.
 
     The non-emergency line will be staffed during the following times:
 
     6:30 PM on Friday, July 1st through 3:00 AM           on Saturday, July 2nd
     6:30 PM Saturday, July 2nd through 3:00 AM on Sunday, July 3rd
     6:30 PM on Sunday, July 3rd through 3:00 AM on Monday, July 4th
     6:30 PM on Monday, July 4th through 3:00 AM on Tuesday, July 5th
 
Be kind to your neighbors who have pets, children, and/or have to work on these days. Not everyone gets to stay up and sleep in, so let's all be considerate of others.
Animal Control Advisory Board
Animal Control Advisory Board Needs You!

Councilman Bryan Frye is looking to appoint a representative from District V to the Animal Control Advisory Board (ACAB). 

The primary purpose of the Animal Control Advisory Board is to provide recommendations to the Wichita Police Department Division of Animal Control, to encourage responsible pet ownership, ensure the humane treatment of all animals, 
and promote public safety through the recommendations of animal control ordinances to the City of Wichita, Kansas. The actions of the Animal Control Advisory Board are advisory only.

Members review existing animal control regulations and make recommendations for changes; seek constructive solutions to the concerns of community members 
regarding animal control regulations, and assist in providing education to the community. 

For more information and to apply,    click here.
Wichita District V Facebook Page
Stay up-to-date with news and events in our District.  Click here to visit our Facebook page.  Send us a message or request or simply "like" our posts.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

2015 Annual Financial Report

City of Wichita officials on Tuesday, June 21, released local government's annual financial report,  showing good financial health, a strong reserve balance and sound management. Specifically,  City government's General Fund reflected an ending fund balance  of $36.1 million; the reserve balance of the General Fund was 11.4% of the 2016 Adopted Budget, which exceeds the City's established minimum reserve level of 10% of budgeted expenditures for the following year.
 
The City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the year ended December 31, 2015 was presented to the Mayor and City Council during the regular Council meeting. The CAFR includes the City's audited financial statements and provides other information on the City's outstanding debt, the audit of federal 
programs, trend data and other information useful to rating agencies, grantor 
agencies, citizens and other interested parties.
 
The annual report also reflects that the City's total outstanding bonded indebtedness was just over $1 billion at the end of 2014 and increased slightly to nearly $1.1 billion 
at the end of 2015. During 2015, the City issued $240.6 million in new bonded debt, while  bonded debt totaling $193.9 million was retired. During 2015, the  City refinanced general obligation bonds and Water and Sewer Utility Revenue Bonds saving $11.3 million in financing costs over the remaining life of the bonds.

The CAFR also includes 10-year trend data signifying that the 
City's assessed valuation has remained flat since 2008 as a result of reappraisal and the legislative 
tax exemption of machinery and equipment. Even though valuations have remained 
flat for the  past several years, the City has maintained a stable mill levy to deliver services in alignment with Council priorities and in spite  of challenges experienced since the recession.

Relatedly, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the City a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2014 fiscal year. The 2014 award represents the 42nd consecutive year that the City earned this award.
RFQ to Develop Land in Delano


City Issues RFQ to Develop Land Near New Library 

The City of Wichita has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to develop approximately 7.2 acres adjacent to the new Advance Learning Library at McLean 
and Sycamore and the River Vista apartment development.

"It is an exciting time for downtown Wichita and the Delano district with numerous development projects rising up in these areas," said Scot Rigby, Assistant City Manager and Development Services Director. "These two adjacent properties, bounded by more than $70 million dollars in private/public investment, provide a 
unique opportunity for development teams to propose mixed use projects that build upon those investments and excitement."

The City is marketing two parcels for redevelopment in an area considered a catalyst site for Downtown and the Arkansas River, according to Project Downtown, Master Plan for Wichita. The RFQ provides the opportunity to develop one or both parcels.  
The RFQ is designed to provide a multi-story, mixed-use development consistent with the vision of Project Downtown and nearby Delano district, including providing a public gathering space and public greenway in the former railroad corridor.

RFQs are being mailed to local and regional developers and brokers.  Please direct questions to Scot Rigby at srigby@wichita.gov or (316) 268-4524. The RFQ is available online at Wichita.gov/RFQ.

What Works?   WICHITA WORKS!

Mayor Jeff Longwell recently   announced that Wichita has been selected as 1 of 12 new cities to participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies' What Work Cities initiative - one of the largest-ever philanthropic efforts to enhance the use of data and evidence in the public sector.

Launched in April 2015, the initiative is now providing support to 39 cities in 25 states and will work with up to 100 mid-sized cities on a rolling basis through 2018.

Specific goals include establishing and  improving open data practices in order to make the city's data more accessible to the public, engage residents around government priorities and services, and increase transparency.

To learn more about the What Works Cities initiative, please visit www.whatworkscities.org.
Red Whit _ Boom
Live music, food trucks and fireworks.
Golf Wichita Website
27-Hole Challenge
 
Arthur B. Sim Golf Course | July 9 | $100 per golfer
 
This event will challenge your stamina with 27-holes and the friendship with your partner in the alternate shot format. Endurance will be the key the minute you hit the first tee shot. This is a two-person team, 9-hole scramble, 9-hole 4 ball, 9-hole alternate shot tournament. Tee times will start at 9 am. Lunch will be provided, and prizes will be awarded. All registered golfers will receive a tee gift just for playing!
 
For more information and to register, visit the GolfWichita website.
Officers Down 5K website
Tuesdays on the Terrace
Tuesdays on the Terrace at Botanica
Relax and unwind at Tuesdays On The Terrace, your favorite after-work party! Each Tuesday night from June to September, the Garden mixes things up with live music, happy hour and horticulture. 
 
Enjoy cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages from The Bar's Open from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and view the summer garden until 8 p.m.
 
Clear your schedule, pack a picnic, call your friends and relax in the Gardens with Tuesdays on the Terrace. Food provided by Friends of Botanica and every 3rd 
Tuesday by Molino's.

1. Attend any Wichita Park & Recreation class, athletic
league or special event and take your best selfie!

2. Follow @WichitaParkandRec on Instagram.

3. Post your selfie using #ICTSummerSelfie .

4. Be sure to check often and "like"
your favorite photos.

5. The photo with the most likes
will be featured in the 2016
Fall Activities Guide.

Winner will be notified on
August 1st through Instagram.

All photos are subject to City of Wichita
guidelines and will be removed if in violation.
Get Fit Tip:
Walking Reduces the Risk of Diabetes

Adults with diabetes who walk at least a mile per day are half as likely to die as those who are inactive. Walking improves blood-sugar levels.  And the best part is that WALKING IS FREE!

The best way to start walking is...to begin.  Place it high on your priority list.  If you plan to do it "when everything else is done" you will never start because there is always something more to do. Set a specific time to walk. Find a way to make it fun. Do you have a friend you could walk with? Do you have a dog?  Your vet would agree that your dog needs to walk also!  Does your neighborhood have a park where you could walk?  Maybe you prefer to listen to music or a book on tape.  Doesn't matter how you do it...just walk! 

Aim for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week.  But if you can't walk that long, start at 10-15 minutes.  That will help you as well.  Then try to increase your time. 

Brought to you by BikeWalkWichita.org.   
Yoga in the Park info
downtown event calendar
Life Happens Here!

From year-round to seasonal events, Dow
ntown is the preferred 
location for Wichita to celebrate throughout the year. A variety of 
events cater to the diverse interests of Wichita residents and many visitors from Kansas and throughout the regional area.
VOLUNTEER & JOB POSTINGS
Bicycle _ Pedestrian Count

It's that time again!  WAMPO is seeking volunteers for September 22nd and/or 24th to assist with a manual count of bicyclists and pedestrians in the WAMPO region.  Every year WAMPO coordinates an annual count of bicycle and pedestrian activity across 35 different sites in Park City, Goddard, Andover, Mulvane and Wichita to name a few. 
 
The data collected during the count helps to estimate the number of people and locations people bicycle, walk and run.  Once collected, the data is used to plan the location of future bicycle and pedestrian investments.  In order to effectively gather this information we rely on a team of volunteers to spend a short period of time at each site counting bicyclists and pedestrians.  
 
For more information and to volunteer, visit their website.
WATC - Wichita Promise
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.
 
   
Check out the latest information on job fairs and training courses.  Click here. 
HELPFUL INFORMATION
Kellogg/I235 Updates

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.

Click here for more information...

Don't be Left in the Dark!
 
Help deter crime and keep our communities safe by reporting street light outages.  If you notice outages within your neighborhood, fill out this simple form on Westar Energy's website.




Park & Recreation Summer Classes


 
  Sign up now for classes at CityArts by clicking here!
                
More Helpful Links
City Council Agendas, Minutes and streaming video link
  

Court Docket and Dispositions
   
     Click here to find up-to-date 
     information regarding street
     maintenance in your area.
Become part  of the solution and tell us what's on your mind. Visit Activate Wichita today!
Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
 
Check out what's happening at the Library by clicking here!
District V Activities
Westlink Branch Library 
8515 Bekemeyer
 
Southwest of Central and Maize
 
1011 N. Maize Ct.
District V Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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. For the 2015/16 meeting schedule, click here.
To find DAB V agendas and minutes click here.
  
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District V's neighborhood associations, click here .
City of Wichita, Office of Community Services | 316-352-4886
lrainwater@wichita.gov | http://www.wichita.gov
City Manager's Office
455 N. Main, 13 Floor
Wichita, KS  67202
Have questions or concerns? E-mail bfrye@wichita.gov
 or call 316-268-4331