I am very pleased that we are once again sending out newsletters to the community. This newsletter looks a little different from the ones we sent in the past. Information usually included below my comments is omitted this month. The newsletter coming out by the 1st of March will once again be in the familiar format from earlier versions. Since a lot has been happening and the newsletter is a very convenient way to inform interested citizens, I want to use this newsletter to provide my thoughts on important issues that impact both my district and Sedgwick County. These comments are much longer than I usually write because so much has been happening and many critical issues are still in process.
Congratulations to Commissioner Lopez on the birth of her twin girls. Also, congratulations to Commissioner Baty as he begins his term on the Commission and to both Commissioner Meitzner and Howell whom we recently selected as Chairman and Pro Tem for the Commission.
Regional State Mental Health Facility— At the top our the County’s legislative priorities is a regional State Mental Health Facility in Sedgwick County. The most recent Governor’s budget did include $15 million for mental health that we hope will be applied to the cost of building a facility in Sedgwick County. The County has asked the SPARK committee to provide an additional $25 million to help build the facility. I have faith that the facility may finally become a reality.
Biomedical Campus— I am very pleased to support the joint effort of Wichita State University and the Kansas University School of Medicine to develop a Biomedical Campus in downtown Wichita. The vision of both universities will be transformational to this region. It will create a much needed workforce pipeline that strengthens and supports regional healthcare and mental health initiatives.
Broadband—The FCC recently put out a map that indicates that the vast majority of Sedgwick County has access to broadband. That is false. Our staff has been working to correct the maps. This is important because there is funding available to help provide broadband to those who do not have access. If the maps are incorrect, we will not receive the funding we need to expand access. This is one of the major issues the County has included in our state legislative agenda. To see our entire legislative agenda please visit:
https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/communications/government-relations/
Solar— Several years ago, the County changed our zoning regulations and the Comprehensive Plan to exclude wind farms and permit solar farms. Within District 3 there are two locations that allow alternate energy sources to have access to the electric grid. One is near Garden Plain and the other is near Colwich. A company is now in the process of acquiring land to develop a solar project between Maize and Colwich. The developers are working with County staff now to be sure that the project does not impede economic growth and development in this area, yet allows the solar project to move forward.
Fentanyl— The synthetic opioid is killing our children and adults. It is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S. Our Fire District, EMS and Sheriff deputies are all now carrying Narcan to help save lives. The County is part of the “One pill can kill” campaign. I recently wrote an article on this for the Wichita Business Journal. We also had a town hall meeting recently to hear from law enforcement, the Forensic Science Center, and community leaders on what we can do to fight back against those who are preying on our community by selling this illicit drug to our children.
Advisory Boards— I currently have openings on the Solid Waste Management Board and the Animal Control Board. Also, the Commission will be filling several positions on the newly approved Sedgwick County Fire District 1 Steering Council. Those interested can apply through the Sedgwick County Web Site or find more information at
https://boards.sedgwickcounty.org/
Homelessness— A taskforce has been formed to look at the homeless issues facing this community. Commissioner Baty is representing the County. They held their first meeting this past week and will be meeting regularly for the foreseeable future. The Homeless taskforce came about because of an en banc meeting between the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County last year to find solutions to these issues.
Traffic Safety— There have been a number of accidents at the corner of 167th West and 21st North. These accidents are caused by inattentive and reckless driving. People are disregarding the Stop Ahead Signs, the large red flashing light above the stop sign and a 48” stop sign. I have heard from the public that we need to install rumble strips, speed bumps, stoplights, roundabouts, etc. Our County Engineer and Traffic Engineer along with the state of Kansas are studying the safety of this and other intersections in the County. The County maintains 600 miles of roads with many intersections. We are looking at all the intersections, not just this one to make sure the public can travel safely. But, please remember these accidents have been the result of personal error. Please drive safely.
Citizens Advisory Board (CAB)— Please remember that I do hold a Citizen’s Advisory Board (usually the first Monday of the month, depending on holidays) at the Goddard School District Conference Center starting at 7:00 p.m. This is your opportunity to address the CAB on issues regarding either District 3 or the County. Recently, there have been a number of zoning cases that the CAB has heard. I understand that people are very passionate about protecting their homes since it is one of the largest investments they will make during their lifetime. I want to make sure that we listen to the community. That is why I created a Citizen’s Advisory Board. However, the process has a number of legal steps that must be complied with. Most of the questions can be answered by going to the Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD) website at
https://www.wichita.gov/Planning/Pages/Zoning.aspx Decisions by the MAPD, the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) and the Board of County Commissioners must meet the rules called the “Golden Rules”. These “Golden Rules” do not include “Not in my backyard.” Therefore, I am including them in this newsletter to help everyone better understand how these cases are evaluated. Finally, citizens are given the opportunity to protest a decision by the MAPC. That procedure is outlined at the following website:
https://www.wichita.gov/Planning/PlanningDocument/Protest%20Petition_revised%2011-17-2022.pdf#search=protest
THE GOLDEN RULES
- The zoning, uses and character of the neighborhood: Factual description of the application area and surrounding property as to existing zoning, land uses, general condition, age of structure, etc.
- The suitability of the subject property for the uses to which it has been restricted: How is the property currently zoned and what uses are allowed on the property? Are these uses suitable given surrounding zoning and site criteria? Are the current allowed uses the only ones which might be appropriate for this property?
- Extent to which removal of the restrictions will detrimentally affect nearby property: Can the uses allowed in the requested district be good neighbors to existing development? This is a subjective question. The focus should be on facts, not fears, and should be based on issues that zoning can address (e.g. allowed uses, minimum lot size, height, setbacks, traffic, etc.)
- Length of time subject property has remained vacant as zoned: Factual information, but its importance may be somewhat subjective. A property might be vacant because the current zoning is unsuitable, but they may be other reasons not related to zoning. Some examples might be a glut of available property of the same zoning district, financing problems, speculation, lack of available services or other development problems.
- Relative gain to the public health, safety and welfare as compared to the loss in value or the hardship imposed upon the applicant: The protection of public health, safety and welfare is the basis for zoning. The relationship between the property owner’s right to use and obtain value from their property and the City’s responsibility to its citizens should be weighed.
- Conformance of the requested change to the adopted or recognized Comprehensive Plan: Does the request agree with the adopted plan recommendations? If not, is the plan out-of-date or are there mitigating circumstances which speak to the nonconformity?
- Impact of the proposed development on community facilities: Are water and sewer available for extension? How are roads impacted? Can other community facilities (e.g. police, fire, parks, libraries, schools) handle the increased development? Should be based on factual information referencing standards used to make the determination.
- Opposition or support of neighborhood residents: This is just one of the factors to be considered and by itself is not sufficient reason to approve or deny a request.
- Recommendation of professional staff: Should be based on the preceding eight factors, adopted plans and policies, other technical reports (e.g. Capital Improvement Programs, facility master plans, etc.) which speak to the topic and staff’s best professional judgement.
As always, it is an honor to serve the citizens of District 3. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
