Advanced Plans Committee

Advance Plans Committee Summary of Meeting Thursday, November 19, 2020 City Council Chambers and GoTo Meetings Attendance AP Committee Members: Bill Johnson, (Chair), Chuck Warren, Joe Johnson, Bob Dool (arrived late) Cindy Miles, and Ann Fox; Members Absent: Rob Hartman; MAPD staff: Scott Wadle, Mary M. Hunt, Stephen Banks, Matt Williams, Jim Schiffelbein, Jim Schiffelbein, Paul Schiffelbein, Jeff VanZandt; Other: Wess Galyon and Robert Parnacott; Discussion Summary 1. The meeting commenced at 10:32 am with Chair Bill Johnson welcoming committee members. September meeting. Five members voted unanimously to approve the meeting summary of October 8, 2020. Two members did not vote (Hartman due to absence and Ann Fox due to this being her first meeting). 2. Scott Wadle, Planning Director presented the Power Point slide deck for an upcoming City Council Workshop regarding the status of the implementation of the Wichita: Places for People plan. The purpose is to determine if we are headed in the right direction and how best to move forward. Thanks goes out to the teams currently working on this initiatives, the Planning Commission and the advisory committee from Wichita: Places for People. The presentation included information on how the plan is derived from the Comprehensive Plan (Community Investments Plan) which led to the Wichita: Places for People plan adopted in 2019. The plan centers on the Established Central Area (ECA) where most development occurred during the 1960’s and earlier. The topics included proposed zoning changes, the creation of a land bank, potential incentives and a nodal pilot study. Mr. Warren suggested that these proposed changes be shared with neighboring communities. Mr. Wadle explained the four proposed zoning changes including accessory apartments, duplex development in the SF-5 zoning district, compact lots and townhomes with a brief description of the enhanced design guidelines required. The administrative approval process changes were explained and compared to the current processes along with the benefits of the proposed changes. Mr. Wadle explained that the current process would not be replaced by these proposals; the current system would remain in place with these processes being added as an option. Mr. J. Johnson asked about current duplex cases and how some of the proposed standards are incorporated thus far. Next, the land bank topic was explained along with the benefits and likely subsidy required to manage the activities of the land bank. The draft mission statement, ordinance, by-laws were presented along with a summary of the policies and procedures. Although the land bank would center on the Established Central Area (ECA), should opportunities outside the ECA present themselves, the land bank may take advantage of such. The land bank is prohibited Advanced Plans Committee Meeting Summary – November 19, 2020 1  by state law from using eminent domain, as the land bank is not a redevelopment authority. At this time, it is the intention of the land bank to make strategic acquisitions and that property is not held for long periods of time. The intent is to make quick property acquisition and transfer that further the purpose of the land bank. Mr. B. Dool inquired about the funding for property acquisition and if staff was familiar with Tax Redemption Certificates. Mr. VanZandt said a subsidy of the land bank would likely be necessary, at least until it becomes self-sufficient. He said he was not familiar with any redemption certificate activity in Kansas. Ms. A. Fox inquired if back taxes and nuisance assessments could be waived if the property owner donates land to the land bank. Mr. VanZandt said if the land bank could get the property prior to tax sale, with consent of property owners, the county could release the property from the tax sale and be of great benefit to the land bank. A recap of the Incentives team activity was presented including identifying a priority node location(s), identify partnership opportunities and provide revitalization assistance in the ECA. The incentives team has studied the existing incentives availalbe and have discussed development with area stakeholders. Development Strategies, a consulting firm is assisting with a market study of the nodes identified in the Wichita: Places for People plan. A summary of planned public engagement activities was presented including the website, speaker’s series and working with the city’s communications team for other outreach methods. Mr. Wadle said as we refine the zoning code and the land bank, they will be shared with the Advance Plans Committee. As details of the incentives team are ironed out, information will be shared as well. The Advance Plans committee expressed unanimous support for the progress made so far. 3. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2020 beginning at 10:30 am. 4. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:40 am. Advanced Plans Committee Meeting Summary – November 19, 2020 2