May 2024

Note from Commissioner Howell:

Get Ready for Aluminum Wiring in Brand New Homes

Back in the mid-70’s, aluminum wiring for homes was banned nationally, after it was discovered to be the cause for many fires and deaths. Installed correctly, in most cases, aluminum wire is not a problem, but mistakes during installation have led to corrosion, metal fatigue, broken conductors or loose connections that may arc and ignite a fire. Nevertheless, soft aluminum wiring was allowed and became popular because it was less expensive than copper wire. The motive for using aluminum was economic, but the true cost was human suffering and death.

One of the many hats that Sedgwick County Commissioners wear is to review and adopt building codes. In most cases, regulations are a response to new technology or are adopted for life and safety reasons. Generally, I have been somewhat reluctant to adopt more restrictive regulations because they usually lead to increased costs. Unnecessary regulations are like a hidden tax. I don’t mind permissive regulations as much because they clarify how something should be done if it is done. Conversely, mandatory regulations must have verified compliance or occupancy is not permitted.

Generally, Sedgwick County makes an update to building regulations about every three years. In May, the Commission adopted another update to the electrical codes, based on recommendations from the National Electric Code. I couldn’t support the update because it includes new regulations that either waste money or increase life and safety risks. 

One of the potential dangers now allowed in the National Electric Code is copper-clad aluminum wiring for 10-amp lighting circuits. This newer kind of wire is still being engineered, but it will start going into new homes very soon. I’m not sure how much money this could save, but regardless, the homebuilder - not the homebuyer - will capture the savings. Even worse, the homeowner is unlikely to know there is cheaper wiring buried in the walls.

Copper-clad wire makes the use of standard devices possible and minimizes corrosion. The newer aluminum alloy is supposed to be less susceptible to temperature or brittleness. Nevertheless, we should not jump on the bandwagon before this new material is proven. How many times in the past have we seen building codes allow something that was later banned? Masonite siding, DDT pesticide, PCB transformers, lead paint and asbestos have been eliminated, along with 1970’s aluminum wire. Personally, I would not buy a new house with cheap aluminum wiring hidden in the walls. This allowance may save money, but at what cost?

If you would like to watch the discussion about this at the May 1 Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting, click here.

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

Learn about issues affecting your community!

You are invited to attend the next District 5 Citizens Advisory Board meeting on Friday, June 7, 4-6 p.m. at the Oaklawn Community Center, 2937 E. Oaklawn Dr. Commissioner Howell and CAB members will hear a presentation by Jack Joseph, Director of Sedgwick County's GIS Department.

Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.

• Monday, June 10, 4-5:30 p.m.
• Range 54, 5725 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, 67218

Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.

• Tuesday, June 18, 7-9 a.m.
• The Grill, 222 N. 2nd Ave., Mulvane, 67110

Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee provided.

• Friday, June 28, 7-9 a.m.
• Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037

Police Week highlights sacrifices, hard work of law enforcement

On May 15, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to law enforcement heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Elected officials, Wichita Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies gathered at the Law Enforcement Memorial to honor their memory and express gratitude for their service. Let us never forget their courage and dedication.

Also, in honor of Police Week May 12-18, the video below highlights our dedicated Courthouse Police who keep our buildings and courtrooms safe.

National Correctional Officers Week recognizes dedicated staff

The Sedgwick County Adult Residential Facility and Juvenile Detention Facility celebrated National Correctional Officers Week May 5-11, with games, pizza, ice cream and fun activities outdoors for its employees. Thank you for your diligence in keeping our detention facilities safe.

Picnics honor Sedgwick County EMS & Public Works employees

The week of May 19-25 held special significance for two County departments, recognized during EMS Week 2024 and National Public Works Week. Sedgwick County EMS held picnics on two different days (above) so employees from all shifts could attend one of the lunches. Public Works held its own picnic for staff (below), complete with remote-controlled bulldozers for employees to practice their driving skills on a small scale! Thanks to these great teams for working to keep us safe - at home, at work and on the roads.

Sedgwick County salutes its third shift employees

All too often we forget that while we sleep at night, hundreds of people are still working. From 9-1-1 dispatch to Sheriff's deputies, Fire, EMS, Corrections, COMCARE and more, Sedgwick County recognizes these unsung heroes. Watch the video above, as we spotlight a few of those who work to keep us safe after the sun sets.

COMCARE hosts party for Children's Mental Health Day

Kids and their families enjoyed games, clowns, therapy animals, face painting and food at a free party at Osage Park, in honor of Children's Mental Health Day May 9. COMCARE also provided information about resources available to kids suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD or behavior disorders. Learn more at Youth Mental Health | Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Let the Register of Deeds safeguard your military discharge form

Veterans can file their DD-214 discharge document and get five certified copies for free with the Sedgwick County Register of Deeds Office. Retired and active-duty military can also get a free discount card, good at businesses all across Kansas. Watch the video below to learn more.

Commissioner Howell gave the keynote speech at the 3rd Annual Spirit Memorial Day Observance.

Commissioners attended the Wichita Prayer Breakfast, an annual event organized by Lead Wichita, where they enjoyed fellowship with other members of the community.

Home Base Wichita hosted a breakfast honoring veterans and military spouses for National Military Appreciation Month. Home Base connects transitioning military, National Guard, reservists, military spouses, and veterans to employers in South Central Kansas. Commissioner David Dennis helped bring the concept to Wichita in 2018.

Contact Commissioner Jim Howell

316-660-9300

Jim.Howell@sedgwick.gov

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