Vol. 3, Issue 6                                     June 2019
Budget time is always a busy time of the year; however, we are also working on a number of other issues that are also vitally important to both my district and to the region. First, our Planning Department has been working on the Wind and Solar issues. I do not believe they will have this entire process completed and ready for a final decision by the time the current moratorium expires. Therefore, I believe we will have a very short extension on the moratorium to give the Planning Department time to complete any required changes to the Comprehensive Plan and to the Zoning regulations.

Second, we have met with the Secretary of Transportation two times within the past month. Great progress is being made on the North Junction and I believe we have an outstanding opportunity to secure the funding for the next phase of the project. That next phase, once complete, will make great strides toward alleviating the problems at that junction. We have also been talking with her about the Northwest Bypass. 

The final issue we have been working lately concerns Sedgwick County Fire District 1. We recently confirmed Doug Williams as our new Fire Chief, and more recently, we hired Brad Crisp to help work issues involved with making all the fire departments in Sedgwick County more efficient and effective. 

The public is invited to review and comment on the budget as the County Manager brings that forward to the Board of County Commissioners. As I discussed in my newsletter last month, I am still very concerned about a previous commission -- who could not foresee the challenges we have today with mental health, drug abuse, and rising costs of goods and services -- setting a mill levy cap on our county that will be even lower in the near future as we provide critical services to the community. I do believe we will be able to remain below their cap this year; however, it will become more and more difficult in the coming years.

It is an honor to serve District 3. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have concerns that the County can resolve.
Projects in District 3
Bridge Replacement on 95th St. South between Ridge and Hoover
  • Closed to thru traffic during construction
  • Expected completion in June

Hot in Place Pavement Maintenance on 29th between 167th W and 247th
  • Work expected to begin the week of July 8
  • Initial operations will use pilot car for traffic control
  • Sealing operations will result in road closures for 24 hour periods in late July

NovaChip Asphalt Overlays
  • Expected to begin in late July
  • Pilot car operations to be utilized
Stay Safe over the July 4 Holiday
In order to ensure everyone has a safe holiday, residents should be aware of regulations on fireworks sales and discharges in Sedgwick County municipalities and unincorporated areas. This information is available at www.sedgwickcounty.org/fire .

Sedgwick County Fire District 1 urges residents to stay safe over the holiday with the following tips:
  • Small children should not handle fireworks; even sparklers can be harmful if mishandled.
  • Older children and young adults should be monitored by an adult when handling fireworks.
  • Follow the directions on the packages closely.
  • Always keep a bucket of water or a water hose nearby.
  • Keep fireworks away from dry grass, hay, trees, and all structures.
  • Try to light fireworks on gravel, concrete, or a hard surface that will not ignite.

Watch a brief video related to firework safety here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e5ddbFitjI . 
Brad Crisp Named Deputy County Fire Chief: Will Lead a Consolidation Feasibility Review
The Governing Body of Fire District 1 voted Wednesday, June 19 to hire veteran firefighter Brad Crisp as Deputy Fire Chief for Sedgwick County Fire District 1 (SCFD1). Crisp retired in March as Deputy Chief of Support Services after a 30-year career with the Wichita Fire Department (WFD). In his new role, Crisp will lead a review of County fire services and he will review the feasibility of consolidation between Fire District 1 and the WFD.

Crisp will report to Fire Chief Doug Williams. He will work on consolidation matters with Williams and WFD Chief Tammy Snow. Williams and Snow are currently pursuing functional consolidation, specifically training for recruits, current employees, and specialty units. 

City and County officials have discussed and analyzed consolidation for the past several years, holding a joint workshop last year with area fire service agencies. Crisp’s hiring is a significant step in a review process that may lead to consolidation. 

With WFD, Crisp also served as Safety/Training Officer and Fire Marshal. He has a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University (WSU). Crisp holds certifications through the National Association of Fire Investigators as a Fire and Explosion Investigator (NAFI/CFEI) and through the International Association of Arson Investigators as an IAAI/CFI. He has served on several boards including the Board of Directors for the Kansas Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators. 

Crisp started his County job Monday, June 24. 
Crews continue to work on the Kellogg/ I-235 interchange rebuild. This first phase is scheduled to be completed this year.
Update on Kellogg/ 235 interchange
Project updates can be found at www.235kelloggcentral.com and include:

  • All ramps are open but temporary lane closures are possible for regular maintenance chores or to complete minor items from the construction punch list.
  • Work will resume on bridge painting as weather moderates but traffic should not be affected.
Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes this Summer
Fight the bite this summer and protect yourself against mosquitoes. Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) suggests following the three D's to avoid mosquito bites this summer. Drain  standing water; the insects breed in standing water. Use mosquito dunks or mosquito-eating fish in ponds and stagnant water. Use insect repellent that contains  DEET ; this offers the best protection against mosquito bites.  Dress  appropriately: wear loose-fitting clothing when outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk when the insects are most active.
 
Mosquitoes can cause serious health problems and spread diseases like West Nile Virus (WNV) to humans and animals. For more information about WNV and mosquito bite prevention, contact the Health Department at (316) 660-7300 or visit www.sedgwickcounty.org . 
Keep your Pets Cool this Summer
Don’t forget about your pets this summer! Follow these recommendations to keep your pets cool and safe during the hot summer days:
  • Exercise with your dog at dusk and dawn
  • Make sure they have a constant source of fresh water
  • Provide shade or shelter to keep your pet cool
County's 2020 Budget to be Discussed in July
Sedgwick County Manager Tom Stolz is scheduled to present his recommended budget for 2020 during the Board of County Commissioner’s meeting Wednesday, July 17. Sedgwick County’s 2019 Adopted Budget of $439,530,621 focuses on its key priorities (Safe and Secure Communities, Public Services and Cultural Experiences, Effective Government Organization, and Communications and Engagement).

There will be a public hearing during the Board of County Commissioners regular meeting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24. An evening public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, August 5. Both hearings will be held in the Commission meeting room, 525 N. Main, third floor. An online public forum will be open for residents as well at www.sedgwickcounty.org. Commissioners are slated to adopt a 2020 budget Wednesday, August 7. 
Wind and Solar Energy Operations Continue to be Discussed
The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) voted Thursday, June 6 to prohibit commercial wind energy operations in Sedgwick County while allowing solar energy operations. The board sent recommended revisions to the Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD) for the zoning code. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will consider extending the moratorium in mid-July. 

Earlier this year, Commissioners approved a Resolution establishing a temporary prohibition of wind and solar energy zoning applications. The current moratorium temporarily prohibits the acceptance and processing of an application for a commercial wind or solar energy system until August 12, 2019. Commissioners held a public forum related to this land use topic in March. 
Recognizing Training Center Founders
Commissioners and County leaders attended a memorial honoring fallen local law enforcement officers on Friday, May 17. This year, Sedgwick County Deputy Robert Kunze, III was given special consideration.  

The memorial honored fallen officers from the following agencies: Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff, Clearwater, Kansas Police Department, and Derby Police Department
Report Nuisances through the Non-emergency Line
The Sedgwick County Courthouse and Sedgwick County offices will be closed Thursday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Emergency services are available by dialing or texting 9-1-1.

The Sedgwick County Emergency Communications’ non-emergency phone line, 
316-290-1011, will be available during the following hours: 
  • 6 p.m. July 1 through 2:30 a.m. July 2
  • 6 p.m. July 2 through 2:30 a.m. July 3
  • 6 p.m. July 3 through 2:30 a.m. July 4
  • 6 p.m. July 4 through 2:30 a.m. July 5
  • 6 p.m. July 6 through 2:30 a.m. July 7

This line functions as an alternative to 9-1-1 and is meant to receive calls for non-emergency nuisances that do not pose a threat to life or property; examples include complaints pertaining to parties, excess noise, fireworks, etc. It was established to prevent an influx of nuisance calls that can block emergency calls from reaching a call taker; the non-emergency line is activated during times of historically high call volumes and as otherwise needed. If someone calls 9-1-1 with a non-emergency, he or she will be transferred to the non-emergency line.
As the top outdoor family attraction in the State, the mission of the Sedgwick County Zoo is to inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature. It is home to 3,000 animals and nearly 400 species. The Reed Family Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley exhibit is the third largest elephant habitat in the United States. 
Exploration Place, Kansas’ premier science center, inspires a deeper interest in science through creative and fun experiences for people of all ages. Through its permanent and travelling exhibits, education programs, Digital Dome Theater films and special events, visitors can enjoy learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  
The Kansas African American Museum endeavors to make the Kansas African American experience resonate with EVERY Kansan. Located in the venerable Calvary Baptist Church, visitors may expand their knowledge and understanding of the Kansas African American story. 
Residents and visitors can gain an understanding of our community and cultural heritage at the Wichita – Sedgwick County Historical Museum. By collecting, preserving, and interpreting materials which reflect the area’s heritage visitors can experience different facets that shaped the community we live in today.  

316-660-9300
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203