Vol. 2, Issue 11
November 2017
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A message from Commissioner Ranzau:
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I want to say how thankful I am to live in this great country and to have the tremendous opportunity to represent the Fourth District. It has been and continues to be a great honor and blessing to work with and for all of the people I represent. This has been a challenging year but I want my constituents to know that I fight for them on a daily basis and I am committed to making the best decisions possible for all of the right reasons.
Last month, we were able to reduce the permitting costs of agricultural buildings (and other accessory building) from 33-67%. This happened as a result of a constituent from rural Valley Center and Sen. McGinn contacting me about this issue. They were concerned about the cost of building permits for agricultural buildings compared to surrounding counties, especially since the merger of MABCD between Sedgwick County and Wichita. I asked staff to take a look at this and they brought us a recommendation to reduce the fees. More details are in the article below.
On the Tyson front, there is no new information at this time. Tyson is looking at three different cities in Kansas and multiple sites here in Sedgwick County (but I don’t know where). While I understand the Sedgwick County Farm Bureau is supportive of Tyson coming to Sedgwick County, there are many questions and issues that would need to be addressed should they decide they would like to come to here. Whenever we get more information it will be made public.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
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County Updates Permit Fees
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Commissioners passed a resolution at the Oct. 18 meeting that amended the Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Building and Trade Code Table for Building Permit Fees and reduced some prices. The resolution separates accessory, non-dwelling structures from new-built, single family homes. Previously, permit fees for all residential structures were 38 cents for every square foot of finished space and 30 cents for each square foot of unfinished space. While the permit fees for new homes remain at 38 and 30 cents, the fee for all residential accessory structures requiring a permit was reduced to 25 cents for each square foot of finished space and 20 cents for each square foot of unfinished space. If those structures exceed 5,000 square feet, the fee is further reduced to 10 cents for each additional, unfinished square foot beyond the first 5,000.
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Sedgwick County Fire promotes new leaders, welcomes graduates
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On Friday, Oct. 20, Sedgwick County Fire District 1 promoted 13 people into leadership roles. Six firefighters were promoted to lieutenants and five lieutenants were promoted to captains. Fire District also promoted two captains to division chief.
Nine people recently graduated from the fire academy program. During this five month long program, recruits learn proper firefighting techniques and go through rigorous training to prepare them for a successful career within the Fire District. Commissioners and Fire District leaders celebrated the graduates at a graduation ceremony on Friday, Nov. 17.
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Text to 911 available in Sedgwick County
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Sedgwick County Emergency Communications now has the capability to accept text messages for emergency assistance. Text-to-911 is available for those individuals who cannot safely make a voice call to 911 in an emergency. Emergency Communications has worked in conjunction with the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council to bring this service to the county.
The best way to contact 911 is by making a voice call. Please only utilize the Text-to-911 service in emergency circumstances where a voice call is not possible or safe.
Call if you can, text if you can’t. Please do not send a test text message to 911.
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November is National Family Caregiver Month. Today more than 65 million people, nearly 30% of the U.S. population, provide care for chronically ill, disabled, or older family members or friends. Caregivers can be neighbors, family, or friends and it's important they have support.
It’s essential to take care of yourself when you’re a caregiver. Ensuring that you get proper nutrition will help maintain strength, energy, stamina, and a positive attitude. Find time for yourself such as working out at the gym, reading late at night, or taking a walk with the dog. Take time to rest and recharge because caregiving affects the whole family.
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Free firewood and winter hours at the Zoo
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The Sedgwick County Zoo has partnered with Westar Energy and the City of Wichita to provide free firewood and mulch now through February 2018. Firewood and mulch will be available daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Zoo’s north parking lot and new wood will be delivered between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. daily. Chainsaws, splitters, and other mechanical equipment are not permitted in the parking lot.
As we move into the colder months, the Zoo’s winter hours come into effect. Visitors may enjoy the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, now through February 2018.
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Update on Kellogg/ 235 interchange
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- The currently closed east bound exit ramp on Kellogg to West Street should open for traffic by Thanksgiving.
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Crews continue to work on the Kellogg/ I-235 interchange rebuild. This first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2019.
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County offices to close for holiday
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Sedgwick County offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24 for Thanksgiving. Emergency services will be available by dialing or texting 9-1-1.
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INTRUST Bank Arena’s north entrance open again
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Entrance C reopened on Monday, November 13. Event goers will enjoy the additional square footage of the lobby and exterior plaza area, six sets of entrance doors – one for premium seating entrance, and staircases from the lobby to the main concourse and from the main concourse to the upper concourse.
The project to expand Entrance C took a little more than seven months to complete and cost $1.682 million.
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County leaders make an appearance at the Veterans Day parade
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County commissioners along with the County Manager participated in the annual Veterans Day parade in Wichita on Saturday, Nov. 11.
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Sedgwick County Government is proud to serve our community and honor our veterans.
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Area youth recognized for leadership
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More than 2,300 students in the Wichita Public School district participate in the Junior ROTC program. Select participants came to a recent commission meeting to help bring recognition to Wichita Junior ROTC Week, Nov. 5 through 11. The Junior ROTC and its leadership programs build citizenship and good character in youth and cadets who move on to become future leaders.
Commissioners were able to attend the Junior ROTC and Leadership Program Ceremony in honor of our veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Century II. Cadet units marched and passed in review showcasing their development. Colonel Joshua Olson, Commander at McConnell Air Force Base, provided keynote remarks.
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316-660-9300
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203
Contact Public Information Officer:
Kate Flavin, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203
Contact Corporate Communications Manager:
Keturah Austin, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203
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Connect with Sedgwick County
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