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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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Hello February!
For me, January always takes too long. Following the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the month just takes forever to end. Sure it may only be 31 days on the calendar, but with the cold winter temps and early sunsets, it feels like eternity. I couldn't wait for February to get here. Puxatawny Phil better not be right. I find him hard to believe for a couple of reasons - one, it was 70 degrees earlier this week and two, he's a rodent. I'll put my faith in Jay Prater before I subscribe to weather forecasts by a groundhog.
With less than 50 days til Spring, we're starting to see a lot of activity throughout northwest Wichita. Road improvements, new construction starts and landscaping clean-up are all underway. Just recently we had a groundbreaking for a new mixed use center at 13th & Tyler and Oxford Villa celebrated its grand opening. Grene Vision has a new facility being built at 37th & Ridge Road and there is a flurry of activity along north Maize road. It's exciting to see all the growth and development as that means more options for shopping, dining and entertainment throughout the district.
Finally, here's the best news. It's only 25 days til March!
Have a great weekend!
Bryan Frye
District V City Council Member
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Getting to Know City Staff:
Gary Janzen
Assistant Director of Public Works
and City Engineer
Gary joined the City of Wichita in 1995, becoming the City Engineer in 2012. He worked for ten years in the Construction Division and seven years in Design and Project Development before assuming his current position, overseeing a work group of approximately 90 staff. He has a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University.
During his 22 years with the City, Gary has been directly involved with literally thousands of public infrastructure projects related to freeway, road, bridge, water, sewer, drainage and recreational improvements. His most memorable project is the reconstruction of the Lincoln Street bridge and dam, including a boat/fish pass incorporated with the dam. The project has won national acclaim for making the Ark River more boater freindly and for enhancing the ecology and habitat environment upstream of the dam.
Gary is a native of Newton, Kansas and has four kids, three boys and a girl. He likes to spend his time away from work following his son play football at Emporia State, golfing, and all things related to KSU sports. His oldest son recently graduated from Basic Training with the United States Army and will move on to Advanced Training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.
Gary is active in numerous organizations, including the KSU Civil Engineering Advisory Council, the Board of Directors for the Kansas Society of Professional Engineers, and the Valley Center Planning Commission.
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Kellogg/I-235 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.
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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.
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Improved Traffic Signalization Program
During Mayor Longwell's weekly briefing on Thursday, Feb 2, Public Works & Utilities Director Alan King provided details of the Traffic Signal Optimization Project designed to combat congestion, support clean air and improve commute times. The project will include:
- Evaluating arterial corridor signals on Central from Hillside to 127th Street; and Rock Road, from Lincoln to 37th Street; new timing plans for each of corridor will be implemented late spring or early summer, providing more efficient travel and less delay.
- Evaluating signals in the Central Business District, which will include determining equipment needs for each intersection and developing a communications network based on traffic data; and approximately 100 replaced traffic signal controllers in the downtown area, with new timing and coordination plans implemented. Improvements will include pedestrian push buttons and vehicle detection equipment that provide more efficient travel and safer pedestrian interaction. Work should largely be completed by fall.
The City has added $500,000 to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget to address better signalization. King said travel and traffic delay times across the city are some of the lowest in the country, with a trip across town averaging less than 20 minutes. Comparing traffic to similar-sized cities, Wichita ranks 29th out of 101 for lowest traffic delay.
"Still, we focus on reducing traffic delays, primarily through technology, regular maintenance and better reporting-response efforts," King said. "We're doing better but we want to improve."
Citizens can help by reporting problems with traffic signals through www.wichita.gov or the Wichita Report app. Dial 911 for traffic signal issues that could impact safety. Dial 942-4482 (WICHITA) to report traffic signal issues causing delays during normal business hours and call 268-4013 to report such issues after business hours.
"Maintenance is key to keeping the traffic signals operating properly," King said. "We have more than 500 signalized intersections across the City, and we rely on public input regarding problem areas."
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Keeper of the Plains
Upgrades Complete
Upgrades at the Keeper of the Plains are now complete. Upgrades and repairs began in October 2016 and required that certain areas be cordoned off. The barricades have now been removed and the area is entirely open to the public. Upgrades and repairs include:
- Construction of a barrier along ADA accessible pathways to prevent wheelchairs and other assistive mobile units from sliding off the path.
- Upgrading of the fire pot sensors for enhanced safety and efficiency
- Replacement of chain barrier with decorative fence to prevent visitors from approaching the fire pots and also from entering the fountain
- Enhanced signage for better visitor flow
- Replacement of mulch at the lower viewing plaza with the addition of decomposed granite to reduce maintenance and to have a more usable (mud free) space for visitors.
- Repair of broken stone pavers throughout the premises
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Drought Status
We are in Drought Stage 0. Water supply status is Above Normal.
Cheney Lake changed from the conservation pool to the flood pool on April 28, 2016. Our dam operators have been on call since April 2016, and throughout 2016, there have been numerous releases directed by the Corps of Engineers. At the direction of the Army Corps. of Engineers, water was released from January 17th through January 27th. At the end of the latest release, the Corps. of Engineers allowed 4% of the flood pool to remain filled, and we are pulling 75% of our raw water from Cheney.
The Equus Beds Aquifer is 98% full (January 2016), which in practical terms is full. At Cheney, the conservation pool is 102.4%
full. Our Drought Trigger stands at 100.0%,
an increase of 0.0 % from last month.
On February 1st the 1990-2013 average lake level has been
96.0%
On March 1st the 1990-2013 average lake level has been
98.8%
On February 1st, 102.4%
of the conservation pool at Cheney is filled, an increase of 0.1% from last month.
The graph below shows the lake level (% of Conservation Pool full) since 2011 (dashed). It also shows the 12-Month Average versus the drought triggers (dark blue). The thin purple line is the average lake level on the first of the month from 1990 through 2013.
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Spring is in the Air
It's hard to believe it's February and spring is right around the corner. In this issue you will find some fun ideas for Valentine's Day, spring break, and tips for summer vacation. There is also have an interesting article about one of Wichita's own, Karyn Page, who talks about her international travels. And you'll read about the phenomenal year Eisenhower National Airport had in 2016. Sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy reading this issue of Eisenhower Air, and if you would share this with a friend, we'd be grateful.
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Get Rid of Unwanted
Newspaper Delivery
The City of Wichita has recently received a large number of complaints regarding the free Wichita Eagle publications that are distributed to households that do not subscribe to the newspaper. Residents who do not want the publications, or who want to report vacant properties where the flyers are piling up should contact the Wichita Eagle by calling 268-6209
or by e-mailing
csrequest@wichitaeagle.com.
If there are areas where old publications have become a littering issue and need to be picked up, please contact Distribution Services Manager Keith Hansen at
khansen@wichitaeagle.com
or 268-6558.
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Recognizing Excellent
Public Service Employees
Beginning February 1, residents are encouraged to nominate public service employees for the annual Excellence in Public Service Award. The award, in its 29th year, recognizes City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and Wichita Public Schools employees who exhibit the highest standard of service.
The nomination process continues through 5 p.m., Feb. 24. Nomination forms are available in the City Manager's Office, the County Communications Office and Wichita Public Schools Marketing & Communications Office.
Nomination forms can be printed from this link
and turned in at the City Manager's Office - City Hall 13th Floor, 455 N. Main, Wichita, KS 67202. Nominations will also be accepted online from the following link:
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; and
- 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. Honorees 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. The Excellence in Public Service Award is sponsored by the DeVore Foundation and KSN.
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Family Fun Fair at Botanica
It's time for Family Fun Fair! Get back in the gardens with Botanica's winter party and enjoy crafts and activities suitable for all ages. Best of all,
it's free!
From
10:00am to 1:00pm, Saturday, February 4th the gardens will be open to everyone at no charge.
That's right it's free and sure to cure your cabin fever! Enter the gardens and enjoy free hot chocolate, popcorn, even take part in an exciting scavenger hunt through the gardens. This is a great and fun opportunity to learn more about the gardens, nature and wildlife with some exciting hands-on activities. Kids will make homemade tops, castanets, whirligigs and more. What makes it even more fun...there is something for everyone in the family. It's a great way to explore the gardens out-of-season!
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Academy Award Shorts
2017 marks the 31st year the Wichita Public Library will screen Academy Award-nominated short films, free and open to the public. Wichita is one of the first cities in the nation to provide a way for its community to see these films nominated in the animation, live action and documentary categories.
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SENIOR WEDNESDAYS
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.
To see the upcoming events for
January through March 2017,
click here...
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Life Happens Here!
From year-round to seasonal events, Downtown 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.
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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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Volunteers Needed!
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is looking for individuals to assist with free tax preparation so families and individuals with low to moderate income get the benefits they need. Positions include greeters, interpreters and preparers. Training provided, flexible hours (January through April), and multiple site locations available.
Contact United Way of the Plains in Wichita by calling 211 to volunteer or get more information.
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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 information on job fairs and training courses. Click here.
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Track the Snowplows
Are you ready for winter weather? The City of Wichita is! Crews have been preparing snow plows and training new drivers ahead of the storm.
You can see where the City of Wichita snowplow/treatment trucks are on a Google map. The map can be zoomed and panned as usual to see what ever area you desire.
Track the plows here!
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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.
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Winter 2017 Park & Recreation Activities Guide is now available!
Get registered for classes
by
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| Westlink Branch Library
8515 Bekemeyer
Southwest of Central and Maize
1011 N. Maize Ct. |
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. For the 2017 meeting schedule,
click here.
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District V's neighborhood associations, click
here.
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Become part of the solution and tell us what's on your mind. Visit Activate Wichita today!
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
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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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