District 4 Advisory Board

District 4 Advisory Board Minutes Monday, March 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, seven (7) DAB members, seven (7) City staff, and five (5) guests in attendance DAB Members Present Staff Present Dalton Glasscock Rebecca Fields – Community Representative Michael Gomm Robyn Belt – Library Manager June Johnson CP Officer Seth Creighton - WPD Matt Lashley Battalion Chief Terry Gresham - WFD Jonathan McRoy Battalion Chief John Eck - WFD Laura Rainwater Larry Hoetmer – Park & Rec Architect Rebecca Robertson Philip Zevenbergen - MAPD DAB Members Absent Guests Present Grant Delmar Tristan Block Alex Martinez Danielle Harmon Kirk Miller Chris Stark (Unknown on cell phone) Council Member Present Jeff Blubaugh DAB Member Michael Gomm, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Mr. Gomm proceeded with the agenda and asked approval for the March 1, 2021 agenda. DAB Member June Johnson made a motion to approve and DAB Member Jonathan McRoy gave a 2nd. Motion was approved 7/0. The next item was approval for the February 1, 2021 DAB 4 meeting minutes. DAB Member Laura Rainwater motioned to approve and DAB Member Dalton Glasscock gave a 2nd. Motion was approved 7/0. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Page 1 of 9 Staff Reports Chairman Gomm then asked for a report from the Fire Department. Wichita Fire Battalion Chief Terry Gresham (from east side) reported that there were eleven fires in the City that were investigated in February. Three (3) fires were in District 4, with total loss estimated at $50K in damages. During the week of extreme cold weather there were probably 30 fires to which WFD responded. Total damages from fires throughout the City were approximately $497,000. DAB Member Rebecca Robertson asked for a total of medical alarms tin which they respond and Chief Gresham said yes, he was sure those could be printed out. Guest Tristan Block asked if the Chief had any details about the 3 fires that occurred last month in District 4. Chief Gresham replied that one fire was at 2313 S Leecrest and the fire started in the subfloor of the kitchen. A fire was in the 3200 block of S Gordon and started in a south bedroom and is still under investigation. The other fire was at 401 S All Hallows and was an electrical issue in the garage. Mr. Block then asked for additional information about the S Leecrest fire including the response times of the arriving units. Chief Gresham replied that he could get that information for Mr. Block. There were no further questions for Chief Gresham. Chairman Gomm moved on to the Police reports. Officer Seth Creighton, Community Police from Patrol South, spoke about catalytic converter thefts and auto thefts. Officer Creighton worked with U-Haul on south Seneca that has been hit several times with catalytic converter thefts. U-Haul locations throughout Wichita have decided to hire private security to start monitoring their lots at night. They are currently not willing to install fencing with passcodes in which to secure their fleet of trucks and equipment. The box trucks are easier for thieves to get under to remove the converters, and the converters that are from larger vehicles typically bring in more money. Officer Creighton remarked that auto thefts were also on the rise. On his patrol beat there have been several thefts and also several stolen vehicles left abandoned or “dropped off”. DAB Member Rebecca Robertson asked Officer Creighton if he knew what this (catalytic converter thefts) was costing residents/business owners citywide? Officer Creighton does not have that figure, but he did state that the typical box trucks at U-Haul were costing about $2,000 to replace each one including parts and labor. At one time this year, Wichita U-Haul businesses had 77 trucks that were out of operation due mostly to catalytic thefts. No one from Patrol West joined the meeting to give a report. Chairman Gomm then asked for a report from the Library. Robyn Belt, Manager of the Alford Branch Library and the Walter Branch Library, gave the following report: Checkout statistics for February were 2,579 items All Wichita Public Library locations will reopen to in-person services on Monday, March 8. Regular hours will remain in effect. Here are the services we will offer: Page 2 of 9   Customers can browse shelves for materials  Public computers will be available at most locations  Print, copy and fax service will be available inside most locations  Customers with mobile devices can use Wi-Fi service at designated tables inside most locations  Customers can use self-check stations for no-contact borrowing where self-check stations are present  Curbside and drive up window service will still be available for ADA accommodation  Virtual programs will still be offered and require registration  Test proctoring is available in a remote/virtual format  Book-A-Librarian technology help will be available by appointment only at the Advanced Learning Library  The Research Pavilion at the Advanced Learning Library will be available by appointment only The following services won’t be available at this time, but we hope to reinstate in the near future:  Collaboration rooms and meeting rooms  AV Studio at the Advanced Learning Library  Room rentals  Book donations and other materials  Lounging furniture will be removed to prevent gatherings  The Friends of the Library used bookstore inside the Advanced Learning Library  Reverie Coffee Roasters at the Advanced Learning Library More information is available at www.wichita.gov/covid-19. 1. The Library is excited to announce the launch of its new podcast, “Read. Return. Repeat.,” coming this month. This podcast brings you in-depth literary interviews with special guests, as well as reading recommendations for each #ReadICT category. If you don’t know, the #ReadICT Reading Challenge is a reading challenge for adults to read 12 books from 12 categories in 12 months. Learn more about the challenge, and soon the podcast, at www.wichitalibrary.org/readict. 2. Virtual programming continues this month with several programs you can register for today. Registration is required. All programs are held via Zoom, and customers will receive a Zoom link and login information the day before and an hour before the program:  “Public Art: Engaging Your Community” from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, will explore how public art is transforming neighborhoods and business districts with a heightened sense of community identity and engagement with the arts. Page 3 of 9   The Wichita Genealogical Society will present “DNA for Genealogy: Clusters” on Saturday, March 20 from 1-3 p.m. Discover the concept of clusters in your DNA research. This is the second part of a DNA series for genealogists. “Tuesday Topics: Public Health in Sedgwick County” from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23 will host Pete Meitzner of the Sedgwick County Commission and Phillip Brownlee from the Medical Society of Sedgwick County who will present views on how public health might best be served in a more coordinated fashion. This is a program sponsored by the League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro. Talking Point: Tuesday Topics is a series that presents a topic in current events and introduces two speakers who present both sides of the topic. 3. The Spring Gardening Series is back (virtually) this year. This series is presented in partnership with the K-State Research & Extension – Sedgwick County Master Gardeners Program. The series begins March 25 and runs for five weeks on Thursday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. online via Zoom. Visit www.wichitalibrary.org/gardening to learn more and register. Rebecca Fields asked about having access to the meeting room at the library. Ms. Belt replied that they still had social distancing rules in place and not allowing any public meetings at this time. DAB Member June Johnson asked Ms. Belt about genealogical research at the library, and Ms. Belt replied that this would be available now by appointment only, Research Pavilion, at the Advanced Learning Library. Chairman Gomm moved on to the Public Agenda. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Public Agenda Scheduled Items Chris Stark, volunteer for the pollinator garden at Pawnee Prairie Park, reported that he was stepping down from this responsibility in order to devote more time to Bike Walk Wichita. The Parks Department is helping Chris in finding others to volunteer their time in tending the garden. Councilman Blubaugh thanked Chris for all he had done at the park over the past few years. Chris commented that the Kansas Plant Society is likely who will be providing volunteers to take over the maintenance of this garden. Chris also commented that he is in favor of the Places for People proposal and encourages the City Council to adopt the program. 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 Park & Rec Athletic Court CIP Presentation: Larry Hoetmer, Landscape Architect with Wichita’s Park Design Services, gave this presentation that included a PowerPoint. The 2021-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes funding annually to renovate athletic courts within the Park System. The 2021 CIP includes $225,000 for Athletic Court Improvements, which includes tennis, futsal, pickle ball, basketball and multi-use courts. In recent years, the Park & Recreation Department (P&R) has been focusing on replacing existing cracked asphalt courts with reinforced concrete or post- tension concrete courts, which will last in excess of 20 years. These renovations also allow for the types and numbers of courts at a particular park to be modified to better match current neighborhood interests and maintenance resources. After the PowerPoint presentation, Larry asked if anyone had any questions, staff Rebecca Fields asked when Osage Park was scheduled to have their pickle ball court installed. Larry replied that Osage is currently being designed and he hopes that it will go out for bid later this year. Councilman Blubaugh asked Larry what is the cost of renovating an old court versus building a new court. Larry replied that basic renovation/repair can cost $10K – 15K per court, but quite frankly they just don’t last very long. CM Blubaugh further stated that District 4 is one-quarter of the entire City and that he was expecting to get more courts in the area, and especially some new pickle ball courts to the west of Pawnee Prairie Park. CM Blubaugh asked for Larry to ask the Parks Department why District 4 does not have more courts available due to the size of the district and the fact that it seems to be disproportionate with the other districts. CM Blubaugh stated that he had recently received about 60 emails requesting pickle ball courts in southwest Wichita. Mr. Hoetmer replied that the department looks at who uses the courts via surveys, on-site visits, and phone calls received. DAB Member Rebecca Robertson requested clarification as to how the money is being distributed for new courts. Mr. Hoetmer replied that there is $225K for new courts this year that covers the entire city. This includes tennis, pickle ball, and basketball courts. Based on all the assessments taken on each court, those that are in the worst condition are the ones that will be replaced this year. The three worst courts are basketball courts, one each in Boston Park, Harvest Park, and Planeview Park. These courts will need the $225K that has been allocated for courts this year. Each new replacement court costs between $60K-70K, and any monies remaining in this budget could go to removing other courts that are in disrepair or not being used. Of course this will all pend on the contractor bids submitted. Larry Hoetmer was also presenting the next item on the agenda. Page 5 of 9 West Millbrook Park vehicle accommodation: West Millbrook Park is located at 404 S 119 St W. There is a residential neighborhood on the north side of the park causing residents concern about the lack of off-street parking for this active park. Plans for a new parking lot are being considered. This particular park has a new disc golf course that has proven to be very popular and causing parking problems on the residential street that runs along the north side of the park, 11,800 – 11,900 W Taft. The solution would be to add a small parking lot off of Taft Street that would offer 18 – 20 parking spaces. The lot would be centered between Taft and the park’s restrooms. The funding to do this lot has not been secured, but in order to accommodate ADA requirements, there would need to be paved surfaces. DAB Member June Johnson commented that during warmer months that softball and soccer practices/games both go on and this park becomes quite crowded. Mr. Hoetmer remarked that the Park & Rec Department is predicting higher percentages of park usage this year, just as they saw last year. DAB Member Rebecca Robertson commented that the disc golf course is being used year-round, even during very cold weather. Ms. Robertson asked if there was a way to offer temporary off-street parking until a lot could be installed since the proposed parking lot is probably a year from being built. Mr. Hoetmer pointed out that having “shoulders” to park on is not a viable solution due to the drainage swells (ditches) along Taft. In order to provide some type of shoulder parking, there would need to be storm water drains installed which could cost even more. Ms. Robertson asked if this parking lot is to be pavement, gravel, or what type of material will be used. Mr. Hoetmer said that at this time there is nothing in the budget for this lot, but in order to keep the costs down it will probably need to be a combination of pavement and gravel, and will be contingent on MAPD’s approval. Ms. Robertson said that this is a street that bicyclists use and it is becoming more and more dangerous to travel on this street due to the parking situation. But it is good to see the park being used by so many residents. There were no further questions or comments for Mr. Hoetmer, so Chairman Gomm moved on to the next item. CON2021-00002: Philip Zevenbergen, Planner with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD), presented CON2021-00002 to the District 4 Advisory Board. The applicant, 1001 W Douglas Investments LLC, is requesting a City Conditional Use for a drinking establishment within 300 feet of a park on property zoned CBD Central Business District; generally located on the south side of west Douglas Avenue and one block east of south Seneca Street (1001 W Douglas). The agent intends to open the Alvazino Wine Tavern, which the narrative describes as a new wine bar concept. They intend to serve wine, beer, and soft drinks in addition to food. They estimate that total food sales will comprise about 35 percent of their total revenue. There will be no live music. The use requires a conditional use because the location is within 300 feet of a public park (Seneca Park). The site plan indicated a proposed outdoor patio on the east side Page 6 of 9  of the building. The applicant is aware they need to apply for a Use of Sidewalk permit for the proposed location of the patio. Section III-D(6)(w) of the Unified Zoning Code apply to the subject property regarding the outdoor seating. Mr. Zevenbergen relayed that the protest period would end by 5 pm on March 4, 2021. DAB Members commented that this was an appropriate use for the location, and there were no objections. DAB Member Rebecca Robertson motioned to approve, and DAB Member June Johnson made a 2nd motion to approve. The motion passed 7/0. CON2021-00006: Philip Zevenbergen, Planner with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD), presented CON2021-00006 to the District 4 Advisory Board. The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use to allow the placement of a 125-foot tall cell tower for AT&T on property located approximately one-quarter mile west of South Seneca Street and within one-half mile north of West 31st Street South (1511 W 27th Street South). The site is zoned SF-5 Single Family Residential and is the location of Southwest Presbyterian Church. The church is leasing a portion of their land for the location of this tower. Per the Unified Zoning Code, this location is outside the area authorized for administrative approval of wireless communication facilities. Lots to the north and to the west of this site are zoned SF-5. Using the scale of the attached site plan provided by the applicant, the tower is approximately 75 feet +/- from the lot line of the nearest property zoned SF-5. Therefore, the UZC compatibility height standard would limit the tower to 75’ in height. The proposed 125-foot tower exceeds the compatibility height standards by approximately 50 feet. The conditional use process can waive the height compatibility standards if they are exceeded and it is determined that the proposed height of the tower will not detrimentally affect nearby properties. Mr. Zevenbergen explained the area guidelines for Wireless Communication, relayed that this case had not been heard to date by MAPC, and that the protest period would end in two (2) weeks. DAB Members commented that due to the location of the proposed tower and that the church was willing to house this tower on their property, they found no objection. DAB Member Laura Rainwater motioned to approve, and DAB Member Dalton Glasscock made a 2nd motion to approve. The motion passed 7/0. ZON2021-00005: Philip Zevenbergen, Planner with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD), presented ZON2021-00005 to the District 4 Advisory Board. The applicant/owner is requesting the rezoning of the subject site from SF-5 Single- Family Residential to LI Limited Industrial. The subject property is generally located Page 7 of 9  north of West Harry Street and east of South Ridge Road (1515 South Yucca). The applicant intends to remove the existing home and redevelop the property with a warehouse and a parking lot. Both screening and landscaping are required for LI zoned properties when abutting residential uses, and will be required on the south and west property lines of the subject site. Properties north and east of the subject site are zoned LI Limited Industrial and developed with a range of industrial uses including warehouse/office, storage, and service garages. Properties south and west of the subject site are zoned SF-5 Single- Family Residential and developed with single family homes. Mr. Zevenbergen pointed out via the zoning map that accompanied the report that the majority of the area has been zoned Limited Industrial. DAB Member Rebecca Robertson commented that it appears that eventually the entire area will be used for industry and that it makes sense to approve this request. DAB Member Rebecca Robertson motioned to approve, and DAB Member Laura Rainwater made a 2nd motion to approve. The motion passed 7/0. Places for People Presentation: Due to the presenter of this presentation not being online at this time (8:05 pm), Chairman Gomm decided that we would table this presentation and that the DAB Members would view the presentation on their own time, write down their comments and questions, and ask that MAPD staff attend the April 5, 2021 DAB 4 meeting to receive comments and answer any questions by the DAB. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Board Agenda Councilman Blubaugh commented that tomorrow morning was going to be a big day on the City Council as the Council will be voting on a District 3 interim candidate. On Tuesday afternoon the Council will be reviewing the City’s ethic policies as revised by the NLC (National League of Cities), and Councilman Blubaugh is looking forward to their suggestions/ideas. With everyone coming out of COVID now there are a lot of projects that will be submitted to the Council. Staff Rebecca Fields commented that she had been asked if a date has been set for the 2021 Neighborhood Night Out, and she in turn reached out to the Police Department who sponsors this event, but has yet to hear back a confirmation date. This event is normally held the 2nd Tuesday evening in August. DAB member Laura Rainwater explained that National Night Out charges a fee to tag on to their national event, which is the reason that WPD has implemented Neighborhood Night Out. At 8:13 pm, Scott Wadle, Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD), joined the meeting and it was explained the Board’s decision to view the presentation on their own and to have someone from MAPD attend next month’s DAB meeting in order to take comments and answer questions from the DAB. Page 8 of 9 Councilman Blubaugh then proposed that our June or July District Advisory Board meeting be held at Riverfront Stadium and asked Becky Fields to look into making this happen. Ms. Fields gave an affirmative to this directive. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Adjournment Chairman Gomm then asked for a motion to adjourn. DAB Member Matt Lashley made a motion to adjourn and DAB Member Laura Rainwater gave the 2nd motion. Motion was approved 7/0. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The next DAB 4 meeting will be online, April 5, 2021 at 6:30 pm. Page 9 of 9