November 2023

Notes from Commissioner Dennis:

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! I wish each of you a safe and enjoyable holiday season. November has been busy, as we come to the end of another year and deal with several issues:

Commissioners and County leadership have been looking at a number of options for a new administration building. We narrowed it down to four possible sites several months ago. One option was taken off the board early on, so we then concentrated on the other three. Sedgwick County conducted an extensive study of an existing building and decided to rule that site out, too. That left us with two remaining options - to continue renting at the Ruffin Building, which would be very expensive in the long run, or to build a new facility at 3rd and Main St. near the Ronald Reagan Building, Wichita's City Hall and the Sedgwick County Courthouse. The latter would create a “government center” downtown and could facilitate consolidation in the future, if needed. There will be more discussion next month before an informed decision on the location can be made.

Commissioners spent a lot of time discussing Wichita's homeless crisis with city, state and community leaders. In the end, Sedgwick County provided $200,000 to help the City of Wichita fund an emergency winter shelter that opens Dec. 1 near 21st and Grove. This plan does not fix the homeless situation; it just “warehouses” the homeless population during the winter months. The city is working on a long-term plan, and the County will remain a partner, as the process moves forward.

Sedgwick County recently held a town hall meeting to discuss zoning for solar energy projects and our comprehensive plan going forward. There was a great public turnout and fruitful discussion. The joint county and city planning department is now reviewing what was learned during the forum and will coordinate with the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) before recommending any action to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Thanks to all who participated in the town hall.

As a veteran myself, I want to express my gratitude to all those who came out on Veterans Day to help recognize those who have sacrificed so much for our country. I know I speak for our veterans when I say, “It was an honor to serve.”

Speaking of the military, I had the distinct honor to serve on the Air Force Academy selection boards for both Senator Jerry Moran and Congressman Ron Estes. The young men and women who aspire to serve our country are exemplary. I know our country will be in great hands, as we pass the leadership baton to these fine men and women.

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) held Local Consult meetings across the state recently. I attended the one held in Wichita to advocate for local priorities. Several organizations that I serve on and work with, including the Transportation Coalition, Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO), Sedgwick County, Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP) and the City of Wichita, all spoke with one voice about our priorities. In the past, when we advocated for the North Junction, we learned that uniting behind one list of important projects gets the attention of state leaders, and we have been successful in bringing upgrades, repairs and new construction to this region.

One of the hats the Sedgwick County Commission wears is to conduct the local vote canvass and certify the results. This year's general election really brought home the fact that every vote counts. The City of Haysville had a sales tax initiative on its ballot, and one vote decided the issue. The sales tax failed 473 to 472. The election also validated the accuracy of our voting system, since the mayor of Haysville asked for a recount, and the results were identical to the initial tally. No matter which side you were on, the process proved that every vote counts, and our elections are accurate and fair.

As always, it is an honor to serve Sedgwick County. Please let me know 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.

KDADS & Sedgwick County Town Hall Meeting

on the Mental Health Hospital

Sedgwick County honors Veterans Day 2023

Commissioners, other elected leaders and staff participated in the annual Veterans Day Parade through downtown Wichita on Nov. 11.

Two days earlier, Sedgwick County leaders attended a special Veterans Day ceremony hosted by Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and Leadership Corps cadets from several Wichita schools. Around 2,000 students performed drills and were reviewed in formation. Very fitting, since the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) had declared Nov. 9, 2023, as Wichita JROTC Leadership Day!

Sedgwick County employees share stories of military service

November was National Veterans and Military Families Month. In appreciation to all who have served and supported our Armed Forces, the video below highlights two employees and the sacrifices they made.

Fraud Awareness Week videos warn of scams

During Fraud Awareness Week Nov. 12-18, the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office released a series of short videos to educate people about common scams, the warning signs and how to protect yourself. Click here to learn about romance scams, phishing, identity theft, imposter scams, and gift card/cryptocurrency scams.

Native American Heritage Month highlights local ancestry

Sedgwick County proudly celebrated Native American Heritage Month in November by highlighting the contributions and traditions of longtime employee, Bobbi Meairs. Watch the video below to learn about her family's rich history in Wichita.

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. Sedgwick County currently has openings on the Solid Waste Management Committee.

Out and About with Commissioners

An awards ceremony recognized three inductees into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, and Commissioners were on hand to congratulate the winners - Lt. General Frank Petersen, Tom Salter (Cessna VP) and Herb Pello (Prairie Air Service).

Commissioners attended the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition's (MHSAC) annual Fall Community Update, which included discussions on building the new Regional State Behavioral Health Hospital.

Sedgwick County Commissioners and the Greater Wichita Partnership welcomed Lockheed Martin Space Executive Vice President Robert Lightfoot to a reception at the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT).