District 1 Advisory Board

DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD (DAB) I MEETING MINUTES Monday, October 1, 2012 6:30 p.m. Atwater Community Center, 2755 E. 19th, Wichita, Kansas 67214 Members Present Members Absent Guests Janice Rich KC Ohaebosim Judy Meadows Beverly Domitrovic James Roseboro Dan Anderson Twila Chaloupek Julie Lusk Gerald Domitrovic Janet Wilson Eugene Smith Brandon James Andrew Gough Dan Heflin Carla Jackson-Patton Bill Wynne Maxine Bostic Lisa Klaassen Jennifer Rygg City of Wichita Staff Present Captain Pearman, Wichita Fire Department Officer Lowe Beat 31, Wichita Police Department Officer Watson Beat 45, Wichita Police Department John Schlegel, Director of Planning Department LaShonda Garnes, District 1 Neighborhood Assistant Order of Business Call to Order Council Member Williams called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m.and and welcomed staff and guest. She thanked everyone for coming and proceeded with the first order of business. Approval of Agenda Wilson (Wynne) made a motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Motion carried. 7:0 Approval of Minutes September minute corrections: Bill Wynne was absent and Janet Wilson was present. Wynne (James) made a motion to approve the minutes with the noted corrections. Motion carried. 7:0 Public Agenda 1. Agenda Items No items submitted. 2. Off Agenda Items  District I Advisory Board Minutes October 1, 2012 Page 2 of 9 No items submitted. Staff Report 3. Park and Recreation Report No items submitted. 4. Fire Report Captain Pearman, Wichita Fire Department provided the statistics for August 2012 5 fires under investigation 5 accidental fires 3 incendiary fires 1 fire undetermined Pearman noted that WFD began conducting code compliance inspections for businesses. He noted that some common issues they encounter include:  Extension cords being used on a permanent basis  Fire extinguishers should be serviced annually  Having the appropriate # of fire extinguishers  Utility closets should be clear of debris  All exits should be properly marked  All doors should be unlocked during business hours Wilson wanted to know how District 1 compared to the rest of the city. Pearman advised that he would need to research that information. CM Williams asked that Pearman get that information and forward to Garnes for dissemination to the Board. James wanted to know how District 1 stats compared to September 2011. Pearman advised that in 2011 there were 922 service calls and in 2012 913 service calls. Dan Anderson, Sleepyhollow N.A. wanted to know if this information could be provide to neighborhood associations as well. Pearman advised yes. Council Member Williams thanked the Captain Pearman for his updates. Action Taken: Received and filed. 5. Police Report Officer Lowe Beat 31, Wichita Police Department advised that officers they have been dealing with both aggravated assaults and battery cases. He noted that they seen thefts from vehicles and that vehicles were left unlocked. Lowe advised that 5 burglaries were reported and 2 arrests have been made. He indicated that there was 1 robbery and 1 attempted robbery. Lowe further explained that the Officers are looking into a house that might be a “party house” and they will be conducting a neighborhood survey to get more feedback from the community to see if this is a neighborhood or individual concern. Lowe also advised that there are currently eleven open drug complaints. 2  District I Advisory Board Minutes October 1, 2012 Page 3 of 9 Lowe advised that WPD will host “Halloween in the Park” at Edgemoor Park on October 26th from 6p.m. – 9p.m. Lowe also advised that the city has trained 22 citizens on illegal sign enforcement. Heflin wanted to know if a property is tagged with gang graffiti should the owner notify WPD before removing. Lowe advised that yes it is important to notify WPD. Williams added that if people are unsure of what to do to contact Garnes. Officer Watson Beat 45, Wichita Police Department advised that they have responded to 3 car larcenies in the 3800 block of east 16th Street. He also advised that there were 3 car larcenies in the 1700 block of Gentry. Watson advised that they have made contact with the property owners asking them to address the lighting issues on the east side of the building and that has been corrected. Watson advised that they worked with the media who will run a story on Tuesday. He also advised that they have been disseminating “If I was a Thief” flyers to inform the community as to what to secure, how they should lock their vehicles, etc. Watson reported that Woodgate Apartments had eleven cars broken into when we had the rain storm. Watson reported that an international student from WSU was robbed and 3 juveniles were stopped. He advised that the victim was not able to identify anyone, so the juveniles were released. Watson advised that there was a gang shooting on the 9th in the 1400 block of Bluff. He advised that they held an IMPACT meeting to talk with neighbors and individuals from the targeted house have been evicted. Wynne wanted to know if they continuously surveyed the parking lot after they put the “If I was a Thief” flyer on vehicle. Watson advised no. Wynne stated is that giving the thief more information and quickly pointing to what they need to steal? Watson stated he understood his concern, but many times the thief is not going to stop and read a flyer that is on the vehicle. James wanted to know if he could have some follow up information on the crimes that involved students from WSU. Watson advised that the Chief of Police at WSU had this information and encouraged James to attend the Fairmount and Northeast Heights Neighborhood Association were this information is also shared with the community. Domitrovic wanted to know if there had been any issues at the Lady Bug house. Watson advised no. Council Member Williams thanked Officers for their reports. Action Taken: Received and filed. New Business 6. DER2012-00007: City of Wichita Bicycle Master Plan John Schlegel, Director of Planning Department presented the proposed City of Wichita Bicycle Master Plan. The draft City of Wichita Bicycle Master Plan is a ten year guide for the provision of infrastructure, policies, and programs in both the City of Wichita (city) and the Wichita 2030 Urban Growth Area. The Plan includes goals, objectives, actions, priorities, and 3  District I Advisory Board Minutes October 1, 2012 Page 4 of 9 performance measures along with a Priority Bikeway Network map of more than 150 miles of recommended new bicycle facilities. Schlegel explained that the citizen survey conducted in 2010 indicated the satisfaction of Wichita residents with the ease of bicycle travel in the city is”much below” the satisfaction of residents in comparable cities. Wichita ranked 21 out of 29 comparable cities for the ease of bicycle travel. It was one of the three least positive ratings by the citizens of Wichita. Schlegel noted that the projected schedule is to present the proposed plan to the City Council in November/December for final approval. He noted that approval of the plan does not commit funding, that if funding is allocated for any component of the plan that a separate action would have to be taken at a later date. Schlegel advised that more than 4,000 individuals provided input for the Plan by completing surveys, serving on committees, volunteering for community events, participating in community meetings, and attending open house events. He advised that they received 1600 responses from the online survey and the #1 concern was the fear of motor vehicle traffic and the #1 improvement was connectivity of on and off road bicycle facilities. Schlegel advised that the steering committee was composed of a diverse group, which included: Wichita City Council  KDOT  Bike/Walk Alliance  Oz Bicycle Club  Coasters Club  Run Wichita  Wichita Bike-Ped Task Force  Commercial developer  Mayor’s Youth Council  WAMPO  Sedgwick County Health Dept.  USD 259 BOE  Wichita Downtown Development Corporation  Wichita Area Builders  Park Board  Sedgwick County Advisory Council on Aging Association  Sedgwick County Commission Schlegel from all the meetings the following vision and goals were developed:  Increase the level of cycling  Increase the safety of cyclists  Promote a culture of bicycling Schlegel noted that they are 4 types of transportation cyclists:  1% Strong & Fearless  7% Enthused & Confident  60% Interested but Concerned  33% No Way No How 4  District I Advisory Board Minutes October 1, 2012 Page 5 of 9 Schlegel went further to explain that as they began the map development process that reviewed the different opportunities for cyclists. Those opportunities included: FACILITY MILES LONG PRIORITY TERM NETWORK 10 YEARS Shared Use Pathway 237 4.5 Bike Lanes & Buffered Bike Lanes 129 34.8 Bicycle Boulevard 124 57.2 Side Path 50 8.1 Shared Lane Markings 69 38.7 Paved Shoulder 47 5.7 TOTAL 770 149 Schlegel explained that they then reviewed how to build the network for cyclist; either as stand alone projects or with other projects. He noted that with other projects would be optimal. Schlegel noted that possible funding options could be City’s Capital Improvement Program $500,000 every other year ($2.5 million over 10 years). Possible Federal funding Potential to apply for up to $10 million over 10 years (if the current $2.5 million is used as the local match). Schlegel advised that they are also working to complete the Redbud Trail out to K-96. He indicated that the policies and programs that the committee will be looking at are  Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board  Annual maintenance plan  Routine Accommodation  Wayfinding system  Bicycle parking  Education and enforcement  Complete Streets Policy  And more… The next steps after endorsement will be implementation of a Bicycle Advisory Board, Annual Work Plan, and an Annual Report. Schlegel noted that staff is looking for a recommendation the District Advisory Board recommend that the City Council endorse the plan. Wynne stated that he would like to see more promotion on safety when riding bicycles, requiring helmets. Heflin wanted to know is the purpose of the master plan. Schlegel advised that the survey told us that citizens wanted to more comfortably cycle. He noted that everyone has different motives as to why they would like these opportunities. Heflin followed up and asked how many people are using bicycles now? Schlegel advised that there is not a large percentage currently. Heflin wanted to know about riding on the sidewalks. Schlegel advised that when the sidewalks are wide enough it is safe to ride on the sidewalks. 5  District I Advisory Board Minutes October 1, 2012 Page 6 of 9 CM Williams sated that Wichita is behind the curve in developing this plan and they are moving in the right direction. James stated he was really excited about this plan and that he felt education is very crucial to this process. Dan Anderson, Sleepyhollow education and enforcement should be a high priority for this plan. Andy Gouga, Sleepyhollow advised that our investment in this plan will gives us a great future return. He also noted that sidewalks are bad for bicyclists. Maxine Bostic, Kenmar noted that safety is important and that adequate lighting, maintenance, and safety boxes should be included in the plan. Schlegel plan does have a plan for maintenance built in; however, this plan does not speak to the specifics. James wanted to know if more riders would deter or reduce crime. CM Williams advised they are considering all those aspects as they further study bike paths. CM Williams thanked the Bike/Walk Alliance and that are here to support the plan. Action Taken: Recommends the City Council endorse the proposed plan. (Wilson) Chaloupek Motion carried. 7:0 7. Neighborhood Clean-up Program LaShonda Garnes, District 1 Neighborhood Assistant presented the proposed Neighborhood Clean-up Program. The neighborhood clean-up program has been operating in one form or another for at least the last twenty-five years. The program’s focus shifted from a citywide free dump day event to a neighborhood association/group organized event in about 1999. The City helps organize and provides funding for equipment and disposal fees for about 80 neighborhood clean-ups per year. The current program allows for any neighborhood in Wichita to apply, as long as they organize volunteers, coordinate & monitor clean-up event, notify the neighborhood, attend training, and complete all the necessary paperwork. Garnes provided an overview of the program noting that the city currently supports eight clean ups per year, dispose of 5,500 – 6,000 tires annually, as well as, assistance with alley clean ups and illegal dumping. She noted that the funding for clean ups currently comes from the tipping fees from the C&D landfill, grant funding – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Community Service Block Grant (CSBG). Garnes explained that during a city council meeting in May 2012, a decision was made to cut the budget by $50,000 requiring staff to review the program and identify how to support the neighborhood clean up at the new funding levels. In 2012, staff reviewed the program and identified opportunities to reduce the budget in alley clean ups and bulky waste pickups from illegal dumping, to allow for full support of the neighborhood clean up program. 6  District I Advisory Board Minutes October 1, 2012 Page 7 of 9 Garnes advised that after the 2012 budget was reviewed staff was given the direction to review neighborhood clean up program for future years and look at how to be most efficient with providing the service at reduced funding levels. Garnes explained that staff first did an peer city review. Findings from the peer city reviewed showed that franchise service was key to others cities being successful at providing these services to the community. She noted that in each of the peer cities reviewed they all provided franchise trash service, which provided monthly bulky waste pick up, yard waste pick up, and annual clean ups in some fashion as well. She also noted that Sedgwick County has a “trash coupon” that is available to residents to dump up to 1000 lbs or $30; however, residents had to have transportation to get to the landfill to dispose of the trash. This proved to be an issue for many residents. Garnes advised that the next step staff took was to complete a needs assessment to determine, where clean ups were being held, who qualified for grant funding, and what neighborhoods had the ability to pay for their clean ups. This assessment was done through the use of a map that showed the city, overlaid with neighborhood and homeowner association boundaries, and then overlaid with 2010 census median income data. Garnes explained that the median income was broken into 4 categories: MEDIAN INCOME CATEGORIES VERY LOW $9,849.00 – $22,180 LOW – MODERATE $22,180.01 – 44,360 MODERATE $44,360.01 – 88,720 HIGH $88,720.01 – 208,594 Garnes advised that the proposed plan for neighborhood clean ups was to make it an income based program. In doing so, those areas that were in the very low to low-moderate median income ranges would qualify for a FREE traditional clean up. She noted that those neighborhoods that fell in the moderate to high median income range would qualify for the Dollars for Doers program. Garnes explained that the Dollars for Doers program was a $1-for- $1 match grant program. This would require neighborhoods to pay 50% of the cost for the clean up with the city paying the other $50%. Garnes explained that this new component would allow the neighborhood clean up program to still exist and remain open to all neighborhoods. She noted that the program would now be administered by the City Managers Office and no longer the Office of Central Inspection. She also provided that the program will also follow guidelines:  Applications will be taken January 1st – February 11th  Applications will be reviewed and type of clean-up will be determined and neighborhoods will be notified by March 1st  Attend mandatory clean-up training (if training is not attended the clean-up will not be scheduled) Garnes then explained that if neighborhoods were having clean ups under the Dollars for Doers program that the following guidelines would apply:  Submit payment to City of Wichita 30 days prior to clean-up (clean-up will not be schedule unless payment is received) 7  District I Advisory Board Minutes October 1, 2012 Page 8 of 9  Required payment will be an estimate based on the amount of last years clean-up cost  Refunds for overpayment will be submitted by the same method of payment  Balances will be billed to the neighborhood and future clean ups will not be scheduled if balance is outstanding Garnes then explained that the proposed program had been presented at both WIN Board and general meeting and then went over the feedback from each of those meeting.  This is just a stop gap measure, as the landfill is closing and this program will have to be revamped again. Why aren’t we addressing that issue now? This was a big concern at both meetings.  Change the income guidelines so that the neighborhoods would pay only 25% of cost and require those in the “High” median income category to pay 100% for their clean-up  If volunteers do not show up for clean up and requires more resources from the city, the following year that neighborhood should be held responsible for the cost  Safeguard neighborhoods who really need the service  If City Council feels this program is important, then they should find a way to fund the program as they do with Fire and Police  Appreciated all the work that was put into the re-designed program Garnes thanked board for their time and stood for questions. Wynne noted that they have seen residents save their trash all year long and then when the clean up comes, dumps at that time. He noted that he would like written advices or notices written up to address those issues. He also wanted to know if the rule behind tree waste having to be cut down to 4 inches and bundled be changed. Garnes advised that if neighborhoods are noticing such activity they could report it to the Office of Central Inspection as all residents are required to have trash service. She also noted that the rule could be change; however, the volunteers would have to be willing to load the tree waste on the trash truck. Wilson stated that what they do to help remedy the problem, is drive the neighborhood the evening before the clean up and if they don’t have the tree waste cut and bundle they will stop and talk with the resident and let them know the requirement and inform them if they don’t have it at the curb appropriately they will be responsible for disposing of the waste. Wilson noted that since they started this practice 2 years ago, they have not had any issues. Heflin advised that he thought this was a good solution. Dan Andersen, Sleepyhollow wanted to know if neighborhoods could know the cost of packers and skids to help them in making decisions on what to order for there clean ups. Maxine Bostic, Kenmar thanked staff for there work with the program and advised Councilmember Williams that she wanted to talk more regarding the Kenmar Neighborhood Association. 8  District I Advisory Board Minutes October 1, 2012 Page 9 of 9 Carla Jackson, Power NA wanted to clarify that payment would be due 30 days prior to clean up date. Garnes confirmed yes that was correct. CM Williams thanked Garnes for her presentation and the effort put into making this a program for all residents. Action Taken: Provide feedback. Updates, Issues and Reports Heflin advised that Sleepy hollow meets the 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Panera Bread. Domitrovic advised that they would have a Celebrate Safe Communities event at either Schweiter or Rivera Park. She also advised that the Park Board approved closing Schweiter Park at 9 p.m. to help address some of the concerns from the community. Domitrovic also advised that they are working with AARP to create a new pocket park with a senior focus. Chaloupek advised that they would be moving to Linwood Senior Center for their neighborhood meetings. Wynne noted that he had a concern with the difference in response time when a complaint was called in about a dog complaint vs. a complaint called in about a slashed tire and brake line tempering. Wilson advised that they would be have a Celebrate Safe Communities event at 9th & Volutsia and 10th & Madison. She also noted that she would be recognized at the October 13th NAACP banquet. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:27p.m. Respectfully Submitted, LaShonda Garnes Neighborhood Assistant 9