Summary of Wichita City Council Meeting – August 7, 2025
1. Opening and Formalities
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lily Wu at 6:02 p.m. All council members were present. Minutes from the July 22, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. Proclamations were issued for Young Professionals Week and National Health Center Week, and an award was presented for Operation Care Connect recognition.
2. Public Agenda
Mary Dean – Reparations Ordinance Delay
Mary Dean criticized the council for failing to act on a reparations ordinance recommended by the city’s Diversity Inclusion and Civil Rights Advisory Board in May 2025. She accused leadership of political fear due to federal pressure against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Dean stated she would file a complaint with the UN Human Rights Commission if the matter remained stalled. A tense exchange followed between Dean, Mayor Wu, and city officials. City Manager Robert Layton cited recent U.S. Attorney General guidance prohibiting race-based program participation, claiming the ordinance would conflict with federal law.
Michael Austin – Citizen-Led Budget and Efficiency Review
Representing the Wichita Government Efficiency Exchange, Austin presented a report titled Finding a Better Way, developed by unpaid volunteers. Using benchmarking, vendor audits, and incentive contract reviews, the group identified nine recommendations for efficiency, focusing on eliminating duplicate services, improving vendor oversight, and enforcing existing processes. Survey data from 300 residents showed strong preference for efficiency over tax increases.
Celeste Racette – Economic Development Findings
Racette’s report section identified weak oversight and transparency in city contracts, citing examples of unpaid debts, misuse of TIF funds, and uncollected CID taxes. She estimated $2 million in potential savings from better compliance and an additional $4 million from pending lawsuits.
Deb and Pat Lucia – Vendor and Process Standardization
The Lucias reported inconsistent procurement and accounts payable practices across departments, frequent cost overruns, and $13.5 million in keycard spending that could be reduced with contract bundling. They urged standardization of processes to improve accountability.
John Whitmer – Bipartisan Support for Efficiency Report
Whitmer emphasized the bipartisan nature of the group and the shared goal of reducing spending to avoid tax increases, noting significant property tax growth since 1997.
3. Consent Agenda and Business Items
- Item II-4B was deferred to August 19, 2025, with public comment allowed (no speakers). Remaining consent agenda items passed unanimously.
- Board of Bids and Contracts (Aug. 4, 2025) – Contracts approved unanimously.
- Petitions for Public Improvements – Multiple infrastructure projects approved.
4. New Council Business
Executive Search Services for City Manager
Council approved a contract with CPS HR Consulting to conduct the search, with a goal to hire by December 1, 2025. The contract includes a one-year candidate guarantee. Discussion covered public engagement methods, candidate travel budgets, and the firm’s relevant experience in similar cities.
Osage Park Improvements (District IV)
Council approved funding for new park amenities, leveraging savings from other park projects and a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. Discussion noted high usage rates and minimal vandalism at similar installations.
5. Adjournment
The meeting concluded after completion of agenda items, with recurring themes of budget efficiency, transparency, and community engagement in decision-making.
