The latest District 3 and City news

October 30, 2020 Newsletter

Message From the Office of Community Services

Voting Season Is Nearing Its End

Voting and elections are vital obligations for a functioning democracy, and this year's election is shaping up to be a historical one as constituents navigate a pandemic and wade through an abundance of misinformation.

We've compiled credible voting resources and tips below to help citizens stay informed and safe while fulfilling their crucial civic duty this year.

Voting By Mail

Voting by mail has been shown time and time again to be a secure and reliable way to cast your ballot. Mail-in ballots are a desirable option for many residents with concerns about COVID-19 and social distancing. Residents who've requested an advanced voting ballot may send their ballots through the U.S. Postal Service or submit them to the Sedgwick County Election Office (510 N. Main) or any secure ballot drop box. For a full list of Sedgwick County ballot drop boxes, click here. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day Nov. 3 and received by the election office by Nov. 6. Voters can track their advance ballots at myvoteinfo.voteks.org. If voting by mail, constituents should pay mind to confirm they've filled out their ballot correctly and followed all instructions, otherwise they risk having their vote thrown out. The most common mistakes voters make is not signing the outside of their envelope or ballots not being turned in by the deadline. Please note deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot has passed. Voters who received a ballot through the mail but choose to vote in-person instead may be forced to fill out a provisional ballot.

Early Voting

There's two days left for voters to take advantage of early voting. Any Sedgwick County registered voter can vote at any early voting site today or tomorrow . Voters must bring an acceptable form of photo ID. Click here to see a list of every early voting location including addresses and hours of operation.

Election Day Voting

Many citizens will elect to vote in person on Election Day. Residents voting in person on Election Day must go to their assigned polling location. You can find your assigned polling place by clicking here. Voters will need to have an acceptable form of photo ID.

Become An Informed Voter

By this point, many citizens have already decided who they will cast a vote for in the presidential election. While local elections don't receive the same level of attention as a presidential election, they are just as important. Local officials vote on policies that affect everyday life, and local elections can frequently be determined by a small margin of votes. The Wichita Public Library has curated numerous resources to help voters become more informed about how to get involved with the election process, learn about current election issues, and find out who the candidates are for state and federal offices. Click here to visit their Informed Voter website. Citizens can use this link to review a sample ballot for the upcoming election. It has information specific to the individual to help them prepare their voting plan.

Do your part by becoming an informed and prepared voter this election cycle! Visit the Sedgwick County Election Office website for more information on all of these subjects.

District 3 News

Updates

DAB Holds Special Meeting to Address Recent Allegations Involving CM Clendenin

The District 3 Advisory Board held a special meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 28 to discuss recent media reports alleging inappropriate activity by Council Member James Clendenin.

The DAB voted 7-1 to pass a motion condemning CM Clendenin's involvement in unethical activity and announcing a vote of no confidence in the council member.

Numerous DAB members and residents made statements during the meeting. Some shared strong opposition against the council member's behavior and called for his resignation, while others requested a cautious approach to publicly denouncing him, expressing the sentiment that the situation should play out through the legal system.

There were 37 members of the public in attendance on the Zoom meeting, and the Facebook live-stream of the meeting has reached 1,461 people and garnered 79 public comments. A video of the meeting can be viewed here.

City Council also passed a resolution earlier in the week condemning the behavior of the three public officials (CM Clendenin, County Commissioner Michael O'Donnell, and State Representative Michael Capps) heard in the recently released audio recording. The resolution supports the District Attorney's investigation into the officials and demands CM Clendenin consider the will of his constituents as he makes decisions about the future of his term as a City Council Member.

Help Us Improve the Newsletter

The City of Wichita district newsletters are a great way for residents to stay apprised of what is happening in their council district and city-wide.

The newsletters feature City news, district-specific updates, informative articles, events, and community resources.

Please help us to continue to improve these newsletters by participating in this brief survey. Your feedback will help us curate the most relevant and valuable information and ensure we're delivering it in an easily digestible format.

Take the Newsletter Survey

Help us name the new District 3 Library! The new location, located at 4195 E. Harry (in the parking lot of what's known to many as the Wichita Mall) will open early 2021 and will be the new home of the Linwood Park Branch. Click the button below to learn more about the project and to submit your name ideas for the new branch. You can also watch a KSN interview by clicking here!

District 3 Library Branch

Colvin NRC Hosts Pet Resource Event

The Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center partnered with the Wichita Animal Action League to offer a low-cost microchipping and nail trimming event for pets on Oct. 24.

Numerous residents braved the cold weather to come out and have their pets microchipped and/or get their nails trimmed. A total of 38 pets were microchipped and 25 pets had their nails trimmed. Some of the pets received a free nail trimming for owners who struggled to pay the $10 fee. Attendees also received free pet resources such as dog/cat food, beds, and toys. Officer Ron Walton with WPD’s Animal Control also attended the event to train on implanting microchips under supervision.

Upcoming Events & Programs

District 3 Advisory Board

Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. for the virtual DAB meeting!

The District 3 Advisory Board will meet via Zoom next week. The DAB will receive staff reports from the Wichita Police and Fire Departments and hear an update on the new District 3 Library Branch. DAB will also continue their discussion on recent media reports alleging inappropriate activity from Council Member James Clendenin.

Residents can participate in the meeting via Zoom or watch the meeting live on the District 3 Facebook page. Click here to see the agenda. Zoom meeting details are below.

Zoom meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/96174548678?pwd=MjF2K2t4QjFZWExybGpBNnM1OE5xdz09
Meeting ID: 961 7454 8678
Passcode: 907515
Call-in number (audio only, long distance charges may apply): +1 312 626 6799

District 3 Breakfast

Join us on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9-10 a.m. for a virtual breakfast!

Staff from the City's Public Works & Utilities Department will be providing updates on significant City and District 3 projects and answering any questions you have.

Participate in the meeting via Zoom or watch the meeting live on the District 3 Facebook page. Facebook viewers can leave their questions in the comments, and we will be sure to address them. Zoom meeting details are below.

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/97707073618?pwd=WkxBbXhlelgxSU5wVjJVbnZXTE0rdz09
Meeting ID: 977 0707 3618
Passcode: 025308
Call-in number (audio only, long distance charges may apply): +1 312 626 6799

District 3 Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed for District 3 alley cleanups. Neighbors are working together with the City of Wichita to address alleys that have become overgrown and littered. Volunteers should bring their own gloves and mask and wear appropriate clothing. MABCD will provide tools and dumpsters. Below are the dates and general locations. Please email mcampbell@wichita.gov if you are interested in helping.

October 31, South Crestway
November 11, South Topeka Street

Poll

How do you plan to vote this year?

Vote by mail

Select

Vote early in person

Select

Vote in person on Election Day

Select

I do not plan to vote

Select

Results From the Last Poll

How do you plan to vote this year?

Vote by mail - 47.8% (11)
Vote early in person - 39.1% (9)
Vote in person on Election Day - 13% (3)
I do not plan to vote - 0% (0)

City of Wichita News

Updates

City Breaks Ground on Northwest Water Treatment Facility

A special ceremonial groundbreaking event for the new Northwest Water Treatment Facility took place on Oct. 21. Shovels broke ground at 21st Street and Hoover, the future home to the new water treatment plant.

Public Works & Utilities has spent years preparing and awaiting this groundbreaking event. Director of Public Works & Utilities, Alan King, spoke at the event and shared, “A great deal of time and expertise has been employed reviewing how best to address our aging infrastructure and specifically how to address our aging water treatment plant.” He went on to say, “We have had many talented engineers and analysts review – many citizens have engaged in the process – and many others invested their time into bringing this project to life.”

The new state-of-the-art water treatment plant will serve over 550,000 water customers and replace the 80 year old plant currently in operation. The new facility will be sized to meet peak hourly demand with the ability to treat up to 120 million gallons of water each day and include redundant treatment systems to safeguard against water outages due to operational issues. Due to favorable financing from both the EPA's WIFIA program and KDHE's SRF program, the City anticipates to save an estimated $150 million in financing costs and complete the project earlier than if financed through traditional revenue bonds alone.

Among those in attendance were our partners Leo Henning, of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Kevin McDonald of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who both spoke on the criticality and value of the project. Public Works & Utilities staff were also in attendance including, Alan King, Don Henry, Ben Nelson, Bill Perkins, and Joni Chamberlain.

The new water treatment facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.

Council Approves Design Concepts for Aquatics Master Plan Phase 2

City Council recently approved the design concepts for Phase 2 of the Aquatics Master Plan.

The designs entail the new Linwood splash pad and Harvest and Minisa Park pools.

Check out the designs here.

Learn more about the Aquatics Master Plan here.

Wichita Mask Ordinance Expires

County Mask Ordinance Still in Effect in Wichita

The City of Wichita’s mask ordinance expired on Oct. 21.

However, Wichita will continue to follow Sedgwick County’s Emergency Public Health Order which requires residents to continue to use masks in all public places, including all City of Wichita facilities. Learn more about Sedgwick County’s mask requirements and health exceptions on their website: sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19.

As the City of Wichita no longer has a mask ordinance in effect, the City will close its mask hotline and email service this week. Questions regarding the mask order and other health and safety orders should be directed to the County.

The City will continue to share news and updates related to COVID-19 at wichita.gov/coronavirus.

Community News

SCKEDD Offers Assistance to Tenants and Landlords

SCKEDD is excited to announce their partnership with Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to offer assistance with Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP).

KEPP provides rental assistance to households that have missed one or more rent payments as a result of the COVID pandemic. Landlords and tenants apply via a joint online process. If the application is approved, the landlord receives rental assistance funds directly from KEPP. Approved tenants are eligible for a maximum of nine months assistance, not to exceed $5,000 per household.

Please call our offices today if you are needing assistance with your online application.

620.259.6544 or 316.262.7035

Click here for more information

Salvation Army Provides Christmas Assistance

Applications for 2020 Christmas assistance are now available.

Visit www.salvationarmy-wichita.org to apply. No in-person applications will be done this year.

For households with children 16 and younger, select "Angel Tree." For households with no children, select "Star of Hope."

If you are unable to complete your application online, please call 316.425.6123 to complete your application. Phone hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Helpful District 3 Information

Meeting Information

The DAB hears various presentations from City staff, receives staff reports from the Wichita Police and Fire Departments, and votes on zoning cases. Public feedback and questions are welcome.

All meetings are live-streamed on the District 3 Facebook page. Recordings of past meetings can be found under the "Videos" tab.

The upcoming agenda and any supporting documents for new business items, including Metropolitan Area Planning Department staff reports and any presentations, are posted to the District 3 web page the Friday prior to the meeting.

2020 DAB Calendar

DAB Documents

Join Council Member James Clendenin for a monthly community breakfast!

CM Clendenin hosts a guest presenter and provides District 3 and City updates. The District 3 Breakfast is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors, community leaders, local organizations, and chat with your council member! If you are unable to attend, you can catch the meeting live-streamed on the District 3 Facebook page.

Please bring $5 if you would like to eat.

Thank you to our wonderful hosts, the Christian Faith Centre!

2020 Breakfast Calendar

City Council Meetings

First, second, and third Tuesday of the month

(except holidays)

9 a.m.

City Hall, Council Chambers, First Floor, 455 N. Main

Please note: Residents are currently unable to attend the City Council meeting in person. Visit the City Council web page for more information.

Next City Council meeting:

November 3

Upcoming District 3-Related Agenda Items:

To be determined

The public is invited to attend all City Council meetings. City Council meetings are aired live on local Channel 7 with replays on Tuesday at 6 p.m., Wednesday at 1 a.m., Saturday at 10 a.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. All meetings can also be viewed live or after the fact online by visiting the City Council web page.

Members of the public can request to speak on the Public Agenda by submitting an online request or mailing in this form. All requests must be made by noon a week prior. Speakers are limited to 5 minutes and cannot appear more frequently than once every fourth meeting.

2020 City Council Calendar

City Council Agenda Packets

Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center

All services at Colvin NRC are free and include:

7 public computers with internet access and limited printing
Faxing and copying
Public notary
Wi-Fi hot spots available for check out for up to 2 weeks at a time
Bilingual staff fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese
Assistance in accessing community resources
Access to a Community Services Representative who is able to respond to neighborhood concerns and serves as liaison to the District 3 Council Member and other City departments/staff
DCF Program Consultant on site to take applications for financial, food, and childcare assistance and to help with KanCare (Medicaid) applications
Park & Recreation Department offers before/after school program and summer activity camp for kids
Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) neighborhood inspectors are housed at Colvin
Seasonal programs such as the Filling the Gap free lunch program for youth, Operation Holiday, LIEAP, AARP tax preparation, SHICK Medicare counseling, and more
Various workshops hosted by community partners
1 small conference room (10 people) is available to use as meeting space (by appointment/schedule only)

Construction Updates

Current Major District 3 Projects

Currently there are two major traffic projects in District 3:

Mount Vernon, Broadway to Southeast Boulevard

This project will convert Mount Vernon from a two-lane roadway to three lanes with on-street bike lanes. The project also replaces the undersized drainage system along the corridor. The intersections of Washington and Southeast Boulevard will be reconstructed. Mt. Vernon is CLOSED in three-block segments. Traffic is detoured to Harry at Broadway and Hydraulic. This closure will move in three-block segments moving from Broadway to Mead. Traffic on Southeast Boulevard is reduced to one lane in each direction between Harry and Hydraulic. Starting Sept. 14, Mt. Vernon will be closed west of Southeast Boulevard. Traffic will be detoured utilizing Washington and Hydraulic. Westbound Mt. Vernon traffic, east of Southeast Boulevard will be detoured at Hydraulic. Estimated completion is spring 2021.

Harry Street Bridge over Arkansas River

This project will replace the bridge on Harry Street over the Arkansas River. The bridge is CLOSED and traffic will be detoured utilizing Broadway, Lincoln, and McLean. Local traffic will be allowed to residences and businesses between Broadway and Greenway Boulevard. Estimated completed is spring 2021.

Click here to check out the Weekly Construction Bulletin for more information on each project!

Additional Traffic and Construction Resources

Neighboring Tip of the Week

52 Weeks of Neighboring - Week 37

Reflect on the neighboring experiments you’ve attempted in the last few months. Have you attempted any neighboring experiments in the last few months? If not, we understand, and now you have the opportunity to reflect upon if you feel energized to experiment with any in the next few months! If so, that’s awesome, and now you have the opportunity to reflect upon what those experiences were like!