District 4 Advisory Board

District 4 Advisory Board Minutes Monday, February 1, 2021 • 6:30 p.m. Virtual Meeting • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Order of Business The District 4 Advisory Board meeting was held online at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Council Member Jeff Blubaugh, six (06) DAB members, seven (7) City staff, and four (4) guests in attendance DAB Members Present Staff Present Grant Delmar Rebecca Fields – Community Representative Dalton Glasscock Kathy Morgan - MAPD June Johnson Chief Jason Jones - WFD Alex Martinez CP Officer Ricky Tejeda - WPD Laura Rainwater CP Officer Seth Creighton - WPD Rebecca Robertson Robyn Belt – Library Manager Mark Stanberry – Housing Services Manager DAB Members Absent Guests Present Sonya Brown Ken Jantz Michael Gomm Claire Willenberg Matt Lashley Tristan Block Jonathan McRoy W K Clevenger Colby Unruh Council Member Present Jeff Blubaugh DAB Member Dalton Glasscock, acting Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. after waiting to see if the Board would have a quorum (6 members present). Mr. Glasscock proceeded with the agenda and asked approval for the February 1, 2021 agenda. DAB Member June Johnson made a motion to approve and DAB Member Alex Martinez gave a 2nd. Motion was approved 5/0 (at this time there was still not a quorum). The next item was approval for the January 4, 2021 DAB meeting minutes. DAB Member Laura Rainwater motioned to approve and DAB Member Alex Martinez gave a 2nd. Motion was approved 5/0. Page 1 of 9 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Staff Reports Mr. Glasscock then asked for a report from the Fire Department. Wichita Fire Battalion Chief Jason Jones reported that there were four (4) fires in District 4 during January. One fire was in the 1900 block of S Vine with estimated damage costs of $58,000. Another fire was started in an abandoned house west of the ball stadium, but that entire block was scheduled to be razed the following week so the damage was incidental. The other 2 fires were a shed and a garage; one was estimated at a $10,000 loss and the other one a $5,000 loss. Guest Tristan Block asked Chief Jones if there had been any new developments with Station 17, and if he had the overall alarm numbers for District 4. Chief Jones replied that he did not currently have those numbers. Mr. Block said that he would continue to gather statistics and monitor Station 17. (At this time another DAB Member joined the meeting, giving DAB 4 a quorum) Mr. Glasscock then asked for the reports from the Police Department. Officer Tejeda from Patrol West spoke up and said he was reporting on 16 Beat. Officer Tejeda reports that there is still a city-wide problem with catalytic converter thefts, and that WPD has a database with stats to see if there is a common denominator for the thefts. Last month an arrest was made on a catalytic converter theft, but until the rules and laws are changed regarding the sale of these to metal recycling companies there is no way to track them as actual thefts because there is no serial or VIN number on the converter that ties it back to the vehicle from which it came. Officer Tejeda then commented about the upcoming 2 nd Chance Thursdays, a program that helps citizens with outstanding traffic warrants. Anyone with a City of Wichita traffic warrant can go to 5803 W Central, the West Community Police Office, this coming Thursday to establish a court date and have any penalties or additional fines waived. DAB Member Grant Delmar asked Officer Tejeda what exactly he meant by “getting the rules changed” regarding the catalytic converter thefts, and what can people do to get them changed. Officer Tejeda replied that if the Police stop someone in possession of a catalytic converter, there is no way for the Police to determine if the converter was stolen or where it came from because there is no identifying mark or serial number on these parts. Therefore the best solution would be for the vehicle manufactures to stamp these with a VIN number or some other identifying mark that would link it to the vehicle. Officer Seth Creighton, Patrol South, then spoke up and said that the other factor involved are the metal recycling companies that purchase these converters from the sellers. There was an incident last month where a seller had several converters and when the company asked where they came from, the seller kept changing his story, so the company turned him away and alerted the Police. By the time the Police showed up, the seller was gone and officers could not locate him. Chances are that the seller simply went to another metal recycler who purchased the converters. Page 2 of 9 DAB Member Delmar asked what the City Council could do to make changes. Officer Creighton said that the Council has done everything at the municipal level that can be done, and that changes would have to be made at the State level and above. Mr. Delmar summarized that if the penalties were more severe than maybe the buyers would be more careful about purchasing them. Officer Creighton commented that there are companies with fleets or vehicles for sale that do not have sufficient lighting or security cameras which make the vehicles an easy target for thieves. All the Officers can do is to make a report. Without taking preventive measures, these companies will continue to be targeted. Mr. Delmar suggested that public announcements should be initiated so that the public is more aware of what to look for, and that with more eyes on the targets the more likely that thefts could be prevented. Officer Creighton replied that he would contact the Police Public Information Officer about making an announcement. Officer Tejeda remarked that it doesn’t take long at all for someone to remove a catalytic converter. Last month at the Quik Trip at Douglas & Seneca in the middle of the day, someone on a bicycle rolled up to a vehicle in the parking lot and removed a catalytic converter. 911 was called, but Police were unable to find the person who stole it. Obviously it doesn’t take long at all to remove one if you have the experience. This is creating an uphill battle for the Police, and having the public informed and keeping their eyes open is extremely helpful. DAB Member Delmar said that we appreciate everything that the Police are doing and wished them good luck. Chairman Glasscock then gave the floor back to Officer Creighton for the report from Patrol South. Officer Creighton reported that he was following up on graffiti along south Seneca from McCormick Street to 47th St South, as well as areas on south Broadway, where someone was spray painting the word “love” and hearts on telephone poles. Officer Creighton said that these were kind-hearted markings and not gang related, but graffiti nonetheless. He found 22 incidents and most are at intersections/corners. These were turned over to Public Works to remove or paint over, and WPD is attempting to find out who is doing this. Chairman Glasscock said that when he was on the County Commission that he received seven (7) calls about these markings and that he received more calls about this than anything else. There were no further comments from the DAB or from the public, so Chairman Glasscock called for the next report. Next on the agenda was a staff report from the library. Robyn Belt, Manager of the Alford Branch Library, who reported the following: 1. All Wichita Public Library locations are operating with curbside and drive up window service only. This decision was made by Library staff due to the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Wichita. Customers are able to borrow materials from the Library by placing holds through the online catalog or by calling your branch location. Hold and transfer fees will be waived at this time. When materials are Page 3 of 9  ready for pick up, customers will be notified. Public computing will not be available. Copy, print and fax service will be available at all locations through curbside and drive up window service. The Library’s digital collection is available 24/7 on OverDrive and Flipster. More information available at www.wichitalibrary.org/covid- 19. 2. A quick reminder that the 2021 NEA Big Read: Wichita runs through Sunday, February 21. We have a lot of great programming scheduled for the last few weeks of our annual community one-book reading program. This year, we’re reading “Circe” by Madeline Miller. More information is available at www.bigreadwichita.org. 3. The Library has three ways to get books and movies while access to the collection is limited. With Personalized Reading and Viewing Lists, and Early Literacy Grab Bags, customers fill out a quick form with reading and/or viewing preferences, and Library staff curates a list of materials customers can borrow. Customers then can choose what they want, and we will place holds on the materials for customers to pick up at their preferred Library location. More information is available at www.wichitalibrary.org/recommendations. 4. The Dr. Ronald W. Walters Branch Library has opened for curbside service. This new location at 4195 E. Harry St. is the new home of the Linwood Park Branch Library. The Library had outgrown the space at the Linwood Recreation Center. Its new home is twice the size and features many great amenities customers have grown accustomed to at the Advanced Learning Library. Virtual tours will soon be available online. Chairman Glasscock remarked that he read Circe twice and highly recommends the NEA Big Read. There were no further comments regarding staff reports, so Chair Glasscock moved on to the public agenda. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Public Agenda Scheduled Items None Off-Agenda Items No one spoke up to speak on any off-agenda items, so Chairman Gomm moved on to New Business. Page 4 of 9 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • New Business 2021-2022 Funding; CDBG, HOME, ESG Mark Stanberry with Housing Services took the floor and gave a presentation on funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that considers the City of Wichita to be an entitlement city. Wichita receives annual allocations of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds. In order to receive these funds the City is required to prepare a Consolidated Plan every five years. In addition, the City is required to submit an Annual Action Plan which addresses the priorities identified in the Consolidated Plan. Mr. Stanberry had a PowerPoint presentation that can be viewed with the minutes once these minutes have been approved by the DAB. Upon the end of the presentation, there were no questions from the DAB Members or the General Public. However, Staff Member Rebecca Fields, commented that she had submitted a request for repairs in the West High School area and that she and Councilman Blubaugh had been working with West High School administrators for several months in getting this neighborhood cleaned up. They felt it was important to help instill pride for the students of West High School and to get this neighborhood “spruced” up. Mr. Stanberry replied that there were many programs in the Housing and Community Services Department for homeowners and for landlords. DAB Member Grant Delmar then asked if funding was strictly for residential properties, or if there was funding for recreational purposes. Mr. Stanberry replied that they help fund a couple of programs for kids, including the YMCA and after-school programs are just a couple of examples. In the past there have been funds for some of the Wichita Parks, but it just depends on what the funding levels are each year. Over the past several years there has been a decline in some of the funds. DAB Member Delmar asked if any funds could be used to light pickle ball courts or to convert tennis courts over to pickle ball courts. Mr. Stanberry replied that yes, it might be possible depending on where the courts are located, and it has to be an improvement that is accessible for everyone. DAB Member June Johnson asked if this funding was used to turn the hotel into homeless residences? Mr. Stanberry replied, yes, that the 316 Hotel was funding through the CARES Act monies which converted the hotel into shelter services and affordable housing. DAB Member Rebecca Robertson asked if these funds were used for general cleanups? Mr. Stanberry replied that at one time the CDBG funds were used for neighborhood cleanups, but that ceased due to lack of funding. Mr. Stanberry referred this question over to Rebecca Fields who is in charge of the Neighborhood Cleanup program. Ms. Fields relayed that the neighborhood cleanups are now being funded from fees collected at Brooks Landfill. Ms. Robertson stated that she has been noticing more litter and trash in general throughout the City, and Ms. Fields stated that much of this is due to the pandemic Page 5 of 9 restrictions and many cleanup groups have not been meeting and holding their monthly and annual trash cleanups. She went on to say that many of the City Council members were receiving calls about trash along the river, etc. Ms. Robertson asked that if there were some groups or individuals that picked up trash, how would they dispose of the trash. Ms. Fields replied that the Parks Department or Public Works can pick up bags of trash that are collected by citizens as a cleanup effort, but should contact Ms. Fields so that she can send out that directive. There were no further questions for Mr. Stanberry, so Chairman Glasscock moved on to the next items from the Planning Department. Kathy Morgan with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD) presented all of the Planning cases. First on the agenda was CON2020-00040. The applicant, BATC, LLC, requests a Conditional Use to permit a group residence on property zoned SF-5 Single-Family Residential. The property is located on the south side of West Maple Street and one-half mile east of South Meridian Avenue (1825 W. Maple Street). The purpose of this request is to convert this two-story, eight bedroom home in to a care facility for foster children. The intent of the facility is to house six (6) school-age children for long term and emergency overnight placement. In addition, two (2) full time staff will reside at the home. A site plan is attached. No changes are proposed to the existing structure and no additional structures are proposed. Information provided in the application states the home was originally built in 1907 by the Christian Service League, which became the Kansas Children’s Service League and was used by them until 1970. After 1970, the home was used as a wedding venue, a girls foster care facility, and a Bed and Breakfast. This case was heard by the Planning Commission on January 21, and there was one neighbor who had some questions, but this was resolved and there are no more concerns. Ms. Morgan had everyone attending the meeting look at the site plan and explained that there was plenty of room for the kids to play outside. The protest period will end Thursday, February 4. DAB Member Rebecca Robertson asked if it was possible to reduce the parking requirements so as to allow the children more outside space for play. Ms. Morgan replied that they will need to apply for a variance in order to do this. DAB Member Delmar agrees with Ms. Robertson that if there is going to be 6 children living there that there should be a larger outdoor are, and wondered if this would qualify for CDBG funds. Ms. Morgan replied that this foster home would receive funding from the Department of Children and Families and therefore would not receive CDBG funds. Rebecca Fields, staff, spoke up and commented that if this was the correct house, that it is a huge house that was at one time a bed and breakfast. Mr. Kenneth Jantz, applicant for this project, replied that there are 4 parking spaces along the south side of the property that will not be necessary and that the area around these spaces is fenced which allows for privacy and a great play area. DAB Member June Johnson spoke up and commented that having a paved area for the kids to use will be an advantage and that if there is a basketball goal and maybe a place for them to sit and talk it would be more useful than a playset/playground anyway. Chairman Glasscock confirmed that it is a massive building and it is good to know that it will be put to Page 6 of 9 good use. He lives about 2 blocks from this location and is happy to see that it will be used for foster care. DAB Member Delmar asked what the neighbor’s concern was regarding this property. Ms. Morgan replied that the main concern was that the children living there might cause problems for the neighborhood. Ms. Claire Willenberg, the agent for the applicant, then spoke up and said that the neighbors were mainly concerned about parking along the street and accountability. Ms. Willenberg spoke to the neighbors and let them know that the applicant, Mr. Jantz, is a former teacher, principal, and school administrator. Ms. Willenberg has known Mr. Jantz about 20 years when they met through the Kansas Children’s Service League where they both volunteered. Ms. Willenberg reiterated to the neighbors that these are not court-ordered children due to making trouble, but will be children removed from homes that are considered unsafe or neglected. Ms. Willenberg shared Mr. Jantz’ home phone with the concerned parties and that Mr. Jantz only lives 10 minutes away from this property and can answer any questions or take care of any problems. This alleviated the neighbors’ concerns. Mr. Jantz spoke to the DAB Members and let them know that his foster care program is to teach children life skills so once they are reunited with their family that they will be more empowered to help keep their family on track. DAB Member Rebecca Robertson asked what organization was running the foster care home. Mr. Jantz replied that it is just him running the home. They are getting a new roof on the house and new doors. The people actually living with the kids will be social workers, or other qualified individuals. DAB Member Grant Delmar motioned to approve, and DAB Member June Johnson made a 2nd motion to approve. The motion passed 6/0. Next on the agenda was ZON2020-00047 for the Riverfront Village. This case was heard by the Planning Commission on January 21, and the protest period will end February 4. The applicant requests the rezoning of a portion of Lot 4, Block B, Westbreeze 2 nd Addition, generally located southeast of West Douglas Avenue and North Clara Street, from Single-Family Residential (SF-5) to TF-3 Two Family Residential (TF-3). The applicant desires to construct duplexes on the property. The subject property is approximately 12,350 square feet, (130-feet wide by 95-feet deep). Property development standards in the TF-3 zoning district require a minimum lot area of 3,000 square feet per dwelling unit for duplexes, a minimum lot width of 35 feet, a minimum front setback of 25 feet, a minimum rear setback of 20 feet, and minimum interior side setbacks of six feet. The maximum height in this zoning district is 35 feet. Kathy Morgan from the Metropolitan Area Planning Department stated that the site is a large vacant lot, and that there had been no protests filed or phone calls received as of today. Ms. Morgan asked for the DAB to look at the MAPC staff recommendations on page 2 of the staff report and that MAPD is now taking into consideration the façade and architectural elements of duplexes to fit the surrounding area. The area is also considered as a Places for People project. DAB Member Laura Rainwater motioned to approve this case, and there was a 2nd motion from DAB Member Alex Martinez. The request was approved 6/0. Page 7 of 9 Chairman Glasscock then called the next case, ZON2020-00051. The applicant/owner is requesting the rezoning of approximately 4.72 acres from SF-5 Single Family Residential (SF-5) to TF-3 Two Family Residential (TF-3); generally located approximately 975 feet north of West 55th Street South on the west side of South Seneca Street. The subject property is currently undeveloped (a large vacant lot). Properties north of the subject site is are the South Lakes Park and single-family residences. Property to the east is zoned SF-5 and is a single-family residential subdivision. Property south of the site is zoned TF-3 and is developed with duplexes. Property west of the subject site is zoned SF-5 and is developed with single-family residences. The MAPC heard this case on January 21 and approved. Will Clevenger, agent for the applicant, spoke up and said at this time they are simply requesting the Zone change. DAB Member Alex Martinez motioned to approve this case, and there was a 2nd motion from DAB Member Laura Rainwater. The request was approved 6/0. The last case heard was ZON2020-00052. The applicant/owner is requesting the rezoning of approximately 13.04 acres from SF-5 Single Family Residential (SF-5) to TF-3 Two Family Residential (TF-3); generally located on the east side of South Meridian Avenue approximately one-half mile south of West MacArthur Road. The subject property is currently undeveloped. Property north of the subject site is a recreation and entertainment venue (athletic facility) that includes both indoor and outdoor activities. Properties to the east and south are zoned MH Manufactured Housing district and is developed with mobile homes. Properties west of the subject site are zoned SF-20 Single-Family Residential with farming and ranching uses and outbuildings. DAB Member Grant Delmar motioned to approve this case, and there was a 2nd motion from DAB Member Laura Rainwater. The request was approved 6/0. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Board Agenda At this time, Chairman Glasscock thought there should be a re-vote for tonight’s agenda and the January 2021 DAB meeting minutes since there was not an official quorum for the first vote. Chair Glasscock asked for a motion to approve the agenda, and DAB Member Grant Delmar made a motion to approve. DAB Member Alex Martinez gave a 2 nd motion. The agenda was approved 6/0. DAB Member Grant Delmar then made a motion to approve the January 2021 DAB 4 minutes, and DAB Member June Johnson gave a 2 nd motion. The minutes were approved 6/0. The meeting was then open for Councilman Blubaugh and the DAB Member for any comments or discussion. Page 8 of 9 CM Blubaugh thanked Dalton for chairing the meeting, and then commented that the active COVID-19 rates are diminishing. Councilman Blubaugh went on to state that there will be more discussion coming up about Places for People, and all the zoning cases tonight are the great results of this initiative. Places for People have been great for developers and realtors and other businesses which are a boost to the Wichita economy. CM Blubaugh commented that if anyone has been following the City Council meetings then they have heard about the discussion on the City’s ethics policy. CM Blubaugh said that from his standpoint do we need a stronger ethics policy? Well, sure. But regardless, people seem to be worried about “pay to play” activity, and during the 8 years that he has served he has not seen this happen. And if someone had been suspected of this behavior they are no longer in office. When the issue with James Clendenin became public, CM Blubaugh thought that since the people of District 3 elected Mr. Clendenin and that they should be the ones to decide whether he should remain in office or not. This leaves the power with the voters and not more public officials. CM Blubaugh considers the same for himself. If he should be accused of violating an ethical issue, then the residents of District 4 should have the power to “un-elect” him. The City of Wichita needs a fair ethical policy and not a policy that was written by just one person. Right now the proposed ethics policy was written by Mayor Whipple, but an ethics policy should be about inclusion and diversity and written by a team of people. There is also the matter of the Mayor’s wife’s PAC (Political Action Committee), which technically makes the PAC also the Mayor’s since he is legally married. Right now the County has a good ethics policy and the City will probably adopt much of their policy. DAB Member Delmar stated that he was proud of Jeff for taking a stand on this and was sorry to see that the Mayor threw papers at him. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Adjournment Chairman Glasscock then asked for a motion to adjourn. DAB Member Alex Martinez made a motion to adjourn and DAB Member Laura Rainwater gave the 2nd motion. Motion was approved 6/0. The meeting adjourned at 8:16 pm. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The next DAB 4 meeting will be March 1, 2021 at 6:30 pm. Page 9 of 9