June 2023

Notes from Commissioner Dennis:

The County is moving into the final stages of budget adoption for the 2024 budget. The County Manager will brief my Citizens Advisory Board on July 24 at the Goddard School District Conference Center starting at 7 p.m. There will also be two public hearings on the budget. The first is scheduled for the evening of Aug. 2 in the Ruffin Building, and the second will be on budget adoption day on the Aug. 23 during the scheduled Board of County Commisioners (BoCC) meeting. There are a number of big decisions that need to be made, both on the budget and on building acquisitions.

I attended the second Electric Vehicle Plan update. A charging station vendor briefed us on the types of charging stations available, and an Evergy representative discussed incentives and installation requirements for the charging stations. The committee is preparing to publish recommendations by the end of the year. So far, no decisions have been made.

I had the opportunity to attend two change of command ceremonies at McConnell Air Force Base recently. I want to wish Colonel Philip Heseltine well in his retirement. He relinquished command of the 931st Air Refueling Wing to Colonel Cynthia Welch. We welcome her to Sedgwick County. A week later, Colonel George Vogel relinquished command of the 22^nd Air Refueling Wing to Colonel Cory Damon. We also welcome him to Sedgwick County. We are very proud of the partnership the community has with McConnell AFB.

Speaking of McConnell, Sedgwick County just applied for a Department of Defense grant for a new Emergency Preparedness Center. Since it is a DoD grant, and the County does support McConnell AFB in emergencies, we asked the new Wing Commander, Col. Damon to support the grant, which he did. We submitted the grant application and are hoping for a positive response to that request from the DoD.

I hope everyone had a chance to attend the Wichita Riverfest this year. I had the opportunity to judge the car show on the final Saturday of the festival. We had great cars in the show, and the public had fun looking at all the magnificent vehicles we have in the community. I always enjoy that event.

It is an honor to serve the citizens of District 3. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

The views expressed by Commissioner David Dennis in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government.

Public Works in District Three

From mid-July through October, many heavily traveled roads in Sedgwick County will get a facelift. Crews will remove rough, old asphalt around many bridges, curbs and gutters and replace it with new paving and a protective overlay. This will smooth out the road surface for drivers and protect our streets for the future!

Important Election Dates to Remember

Sedgwick County's Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug.1, with five races/issues for voters

to decide:

Wichita Mayor
Wichita City Council, District 4
Wichita USD 259 At-Large
Cheney USD 268 At-Large
Park City local sales tax question

Even before Election Day, there are several important dates to keep in mind. For example, July 11 is the last day to register to vote in the primary. To learn more, visit Election Office | Sedgwick County, Kansas.

County Counselor Retiring After 36 Years of Service

Family, friends and co-workers honored County Counselor Mike Pepoon with a retirement reception after his last Board of County Commission meeting. His final day on the job will be July 7. His successor, Justin Waggoner (pictured on the right), has worked for Sedgwick County 10 years.

Sedgwick County Fire District Uses New Service to Alert Drivers

Sedgwick County Fire District 1 (SCFD) has a new way to warn drivers that a fire truck is responding to an emergency and motorists need to use caution. SCFD vehicles are now equipped with a system called HAAS Alert that automatically sends digital notifications to drivers in the area, when a fire truck’s lights and sirens are activated. The alerts appear through GPS on the cars’ navigation and entertainment screens and on drivers’ cell phones, letting them know a fire truck is en route or on the scene of an urgent call.

Watch the video below to learn more about HAAS Alert.

Non-Emergency Line Active during July 4 Holiday

The Sedgwick County Courthouse and Sedgwick County offices will be closed Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. 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 6 p.m. - 3 a.m. June 30 through July 5.

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 about parties, excess noise and fireworks. It was established to prevent an influx of nuisance calls that can block emergency calls from reaching a call taker. If someone calls 9-1-1 with a non-emergency nuisance complaint, he or she will be transferred to the non-emergency line.

Second phase of Civic Ready Alerts includes many more cities

Sedgwick County Emergency Management (SCEM) launched the second phase of Civic Ready Alerts to include 17 more cities, in addition to the two initial test sites of Wichita and Mt. Hope. Residents who sign up for this free service will receive notifications by phone or email of emergencies or important news in their community.

Click https://buff.ly/3XmNXya to opt-in, customize how you want to be contacted and which notifications you want to receive!

Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes This Summer

Fight the bite this summer and protect yourself against mosquitoes. The Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) suggests following the three D's to avoid mosquito bites. 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 and dusk when insects are most active.

To protect you and your family, SCHD is offering no-cost mosquito dunks this summer. Pick one up at the clinic at 1900 E. 9th St., or call (316) 660-7300 for more information.

Sedgwick County needs YOU on an advisory board or committee!

The Board of County Commissioners values input from its citizens and encourages you to consider serving on an advisory board or committee in one of the five districts. Click here to see a list of current vacancies.

Out and About with Commissioners

Wichita Riverfest 2023 kicked off with a parade downtown, and several commissioners and other elected officials participated with their family members.

A special dinner honored the legislative delegation from South-Central Kansas. Commissioners gathered with other state policymakers to discuss the top issues.

At the McConnell Air Force Base Change of Command Ceremony, Commissioners congratulated Colonel Cory M. Damon as the new leader of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing.

Meet your Commissioner

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Details

Sedgwick County Online

Sedgwick County Job Opportunities

Contact Commissioner David Dennis

316-660-9300

David.Dennis@sedgwick.gov

100 N. Broadway, Ste. 660, Wichita, KS 67202

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