The Wichita City Council convened on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 9:03 a.m. for a regular meeting that addressed significant community concerns alongside routine municipal business. The meeting featured passionate public testimony about conditions at the Wichita Animal Shelter (WAS), ongoing neighborhood disputes involving alleged criminal activity, and the approval of multiple ordinances related to utility rates, industrial revenue bonds, and zoning changes. All seven council members were present, and the council unanimously approved the consent agenda containing planning, housing, and airport items. Assistance from Claude AI.
Key Takeaways:
- Advocate Janette Peterson presented detailed concerns about animal welfare at WAS, citing a 30% euthanasia rate and inadequate veterinary care despite monthly payments to Kansas Humane Society
- Resident Victor Mariani reported ongoing criminal activity and property damage from neighbors, expressing frustration with law enforcement response
- Council approved second reading of ordinances increasing water and sewer rates
- Multiple industrial revenue bond ordinances were passed to support local economic development, including projects for Textron Aviation Inc., Larksfield Place, and Air Capital Flight Line
- Routine consent agenda items included property sales, plat approvals, and airport licensing agreements
Meeting Details
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 9:03 a.m.
Location: Wichita City Hall
Council Members Present:
- Mayor Lily Wu (presiding)
- JV Johnston
- Brandon Johnson
- Becky Tuttle
- Mike Hoheisel
- Dalton Glasscock
- Maggie Ballard
Staff Present:
- Robert Layton, City Manager
- Jennifer Magana, City Attorney
- Shinita Rice, City Clerk
Opening Business
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lily Wu at 9:03 a.m. The Council unanimously approved (7-0) the minutes from the December 2, 2025 regular meeting.
Awards and Proclamations
The Council recognized the city’s receipt of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Budget Award, acknowledging excellence in municipal financial planning and transparency. Council Member Dalton Glasscock briefly stepped away during this portion of the meeting.
Public Agenda
1. Janette Peterson – Wichita Animal Shelter and Animals in Wichita
Janette Peterson (3522 North Lake Ridge Court) delivered impassioned testimony about systemic problems at the Wichita Animal Shelter (WAS), drawing on her personal experience fostering a dog removed from the shelter on September 11, 2025.
Peterson’s Key Concerns:
Medical Neglect: Peterson described rescuing a dog with a severe, untreated ear infection—”Brown gunk was running down from her ears”—despite the city paying Kansas Humane Society (KHS) $7,722 monthly for veterinary care. She questioned why basic medical conditions go undiagnosed and untreated.
Unacceptable Euthanasia Rate: Peterson stated that 30% of animals entering WAS never leave alive, describing this as a fundamental failure of the shelter system and questioning how staff can continue working in such conditions.
Lack of Police Department Oversight: Peterson criticized Chief of Police for appearing “okay with the abuse and killing of animals,” noting that the department’s repeated response of “we are just not the experts” demonstrates acceptance of the status quo rather than accountability.
Council Inaction: Peterson challenged the City Council for appearing to “continue to ignore the public’s pleas and allow the situation to continue.” She noted that while the city budget was reportedly based on survey responses from 461 people, her petition calling for shelter reform had gathered 804 signatures with over 9,012 views, indicating significant public interest in the issue.
Representative Government Failure: Peterson expressed concern that residents have “forgotten that we are supposed to have a representative government that represents the will of the people,” noting many citizens believe “our leadership won’t listen, so what is the point of trying?”
Peterson provided each council member with a folder containing documentation of her findings and requested they review the materials to consider positive changes. She emphasized her commitment to ongoing advocacy: “Because doing nothing would make me part of the problem rather than advocating for solutions. And I just can’t accept being part of the problem.”
Mayor and City Manager Response:
Mayor Wu requested budget clarification from City Manager Robert Layton. She referenced page 312 of the police department budget, noting that:
- Total police department budget: $142 million
- Animal control services budget: $3.4 million
Mayor Wu acknowledged competing priorities, stating: “I know that multiple individuals here in our community are here to talk about individuals, people who are homeless. And I know that you care a lot about animals who are homeless. and so I know that we’re trying our very best to prioritize all of these needs in our community.”
City Manager Layton acknowledged that the animal services budget “has increased over time” but “probably not as significantly as other portions of the police budget.” He assured Peterson that her comments “have not fallen on deaf ears” and referenced a long-term plan for continued improvement presented in a previous workshop, covering both operational and capital improvements.
Layton noted that current staff are “working hard to develop better relationships with the rescues who can also help us with the issue of overcrowding and the significant number of abandoned animals here in the community.” He committed that the Council would “continue to receive plans from the staff to enhance the animal control operation over time.”
2. Victor Mariani – Neighbor Problems
Victor Mariani (3216 Countryside Plaza) presented detailed testimony about ongoing criminal activity and property destruction by neighbors at 3210 Countryside Plaza, who moved in September 2024.
Mariani’s Documented Concerns:
Property Damage and Trespassing: Mariani described neighbors who “parked three trucks in the front yard along with two motorcycles” immediately upon moving in, then began regularly driving “to the end of my driveway about 20, 30 miles an hour, hit the curb and hop over the drive through about 15 feet through my yard into their yard.” He reported needing to park his Honda Pilot “literally almost in the street in the driveway to keep them from doing this” and that the damage occurs both day and night. Mariani observed his neighbors “out in their backyard at midnight with flashlights and headlights.”
Stolen Property: In the Monday before Christmas (2024), police came to Mariani’s home stating his neighbor “has stolen car” and requested to search Mariani’s backyard. The officer asked about a truck and trailer that had been there “about a week.” Both vehicles disappeared within days, but police did not return. In February 2025, police returned and ultimately “hauled off it was a stolen truck and trailer” from the neighbor’s property.
Illegal Burning: Beginning February 2025, neighbors burned “brush and tree stumps in the backyard 9 o’clock at night.” After a neighbor called the fire department, firefighters “pulled up immediately and put it out.” The neighbors repeated this behavior three more times before finally stopping after the fourth fire department response.
Pattern of Avoidance: Mariani noted that “every time they do this my neighbors stay away from about a week. Right now they’re gone. They come at night, and they stay there for a while, and they leave right now.” He stated he doesn’t speak to them, calling them “potential criminals” from whom he stays away.
Yard Destruction: Mariani reported the neighbors have “literally torn up about 15 feet of my yard” and documented property damage through photographs. He showed evidence that “every time a truck goes through there it tears up the sod.”
Code Enforcement Failures: Mariani contacted Code Enforcement officer Enrique Martinez who visited but took no action. When neighbors removed vehicles temporarily for inspections, they returned them immediately after: “The next day the vehicles were back.” Martinez told Mariani he “can’t be there all the time,” and Mariani noted, “I can’t either.”
Multiple Agency Frustration: Mariani described calling various agencies:
- Code Enforcement: Minimal action
- Neighborhood Services: Referred him to Code Enforcement
- Police Non-Emergency Line (316-268-4221): “You call that number you never speak to a person”
- City Manager’s Office: Left messages without response
Request for Action: Mariani specifically asked council members: “Mr. Johnson and Ms. Tuttle, you guys are my representatives. I have called you guys. Brandon, you’ve at least sent me an email I haven’t heard anything. Ms. Tuttle, I haven’t heard a thing from you.” He requested specific assistance in addressing his neighbors’ ongoing criminal activity and property damage.
Mayor Wu’s Response:
Mayor Wu acknowledged Mariani’s frustration and committed to follow-up: “Mr. Mariani, I do appreciate your advocacy for your neighborhood and your concerns that you’ve brought to the Council. I think it’s fair that we do our job in reaching out back. I’ll make sure that our staff does do that. I’m sorry that you haven’t gotten a return call yet.”
The Mayor assured Mariani that staff would reach out “by the end of this week” and asked him to provide his contact information to the City Clerk.
3. Andrea Zimmerman – Comments on Sustainability Initiatives
Andrea Zimmerman (address not recorded) spoke regarding sustainability initiatives and environmental concerns, though detailed minutes of her testimony were not included in the official record beyond her name and general topic.
4. Tom Laing – Rental Registration Program
Tom Laing (1910 North Woodchuck) provided testimony about the city’s rental registration program, though specific details of his comments were not included in the summary portion of the official minutes.
5. Steve Harness – Homelessness in Wichita
Steve Harness spoke about homelessness issues in Wichita, though the detailed content of his testimony was not included in the summary section of the official record.
Consent Agenda
The Council approved the consent agenda, which included multiple categories of routine business items.
Consent Non-Planning Agenda Items (Items 1-5)
The consent non-planning agenda contained:
- Agreement with Sedgwick County for the 2026 Heartland Youth Football League
- Agreement with Kansas Department of Health and Environment regarding Ryegrass Subbasin Well Improvement Project
- Agreement with Kansas Department of Transportation for City of Wichita FY 2026 Traffic Safety Grant Funding
- Sale of Liquor – Approval of Cereal Malt Beverage On-Premises License for KC Drink Hall LLC (DBA KC Draft House), 328 North Mead
- Receiving Minutes from Various City Boards:
- Metropolitan Area Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (October 23, 2025)
- Wichita Library Board Meeting Minutes (September and October 2025)
- Wichita Transit Advisory Board Meeting Minutes (September 17 and October 15, 2025)
Uncategorized Items (Items 6-8)
Item 6: Overestimate Bid for 17th Street North from I-135 to Hillside (District I) The Council approved acceptance of a bid overestimate for the 17th Street North infrastructure project, which will improve the roadway from Interstate 135 to Hillside. The project includes Resolution No. 25-522.
Item 7: 2026 Grants Review Committee Appointments The Council approved appointments to the 2026 Grants Review Committee, which evaluates applications for municipal grant funding programs.
Item 8: Second Reading Ordinances The Council conducted second readings for multiple ordinances first read on December 2, 2025:
Utility Rate Ordinances:
Ordinance No. 52-846 – Amending Section 16.14.040 pertaining to fees, rates, and charges for sanitary sewer utilities. This ordinance increases sewer service rates for city residents and businesses.
Ordinance No. 52-847 – Amending Section 17.12.090 pertaining to the schedule of fees, rates, and charges for water utilities. This ordinance increases water service rates.
Economic Development Bond Ordinances:
Ordinance No. 52-850 – Authorizing the city to issue Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series V, 2025 for Textron Aviation Inc. These bonds will finance acquisition, modification, and equipping of manufacturing facilities, machinery, equipment, and related capital investments in the Wichita-area aircraft manufacturing facilities operated by Textron Aviation Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
Ordinance No. 52-851 – Authorizing the city to issue Health Care Facilities Revenue Bonds (Larksfield Place) Series VII 2025A and Series VII 2025B for constructing and equipping improvements to an existing retirement community facility.
Ordinance No. 52-852 – Authorizing the city to issue Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series VI, 2025 for the Air Capital Flight Line Building 167N Project. These bonds will pay for acquisition, construction, and equipping of a wide body hangar and aircraft modifications/repair facility.
Infrastructure and Zoning Ordinances:
Ordinance No. 52-853 – Making special assessments and providing tax levy for the cost of sidewalk construction in the City of Wichita.
Ordinance No. 52-854 – Changing zoning classifications for lands at West Kellogg and South 135th Street West.
Ordinance No. 52-855 – Changing zoning classifications for lands at East K-96 and North Hillside.
Ordinance No. 52-856 (Case Number A25-04) – Including and incorporating certain segments of right-of-way within the city limits and boundaries (annexation request).
Ordinance No. 52-857 (Case Number A25-05) – Including and incorporating certain segments of right-of-way within the city limits and boundaries (annexation request).
Ordinance No. 52-858 – Changing zoning classifications to create the Eastside Community Church District.
Consent Planning Agenda Items (Item 9)
Item 9: SUB2025-00034 – Plat of Colter Ridge Addition Located south along West 55th Street South and east of South Meridian Avenue (District IV), this plat approval allows subdivision development in the southern portion of the city.
Consent Housing Agenda Items (Item 10)
Item 10: Sale of 1613 East Del Mar Street (District III) The Council approved the sale of city-owned property at 1613 East Del Mar Street in District III, continuing the city’s program of disposing of surplus residential properties.
Consent Airport Agenda Items (Item 11)
Item 11: SecurityPoint Media LLC License Agreement The Council approved a license agreement with SecurityPoint Media LLC at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, allowing the company to operate advertising and media services within the airport facility.
Analysis and Context
Animal Shelter Crisis Escalates
Janette Peterson’s testimony represents a growing public outcry about conditions at the Wichita Animal Shelter. Her documented concerns—including the 30% euthanasia rate, untreated medical conditions, and $7,722 monthly veterinary contract with minimal visible results—paint a picture of systemic failure requiring immediate attention.
The disparity between the 461 survey respondents used for budget planning and the 804+ petition signatures demanding shelter reform suggests significant public engagement on this issue that may not be adequately reflected in city planning processes. Peterson’s critique that residents feel their voices don’t matter to city leadership points to a potential crisis in civic trust.
City Manager Layton’s acknowledgment of a “long-term plan” for shelter improvements, while reassuring, leaves unanswered questions about timeline, specific reforms, and accountability measures. The modest budget increases for animal services compared to other police department priorities may need reconsideration given documented service failures.
Neighborhood Crime and Code Enforcement Gaps
Victor Mariani’s detailed testimony reveals concerning gaps in the city’s ability to address ongoing criminal activity and quality-of-life violations in residential neighborhoods. His documentation of:
- Stolen vehicles on neighboring property
- Illegal burning repeated four times
- Property destruction through trespassing
- Minimal code enforcement response despite documented violations
These factors suggest systemic issues in inter-departmental coordination between police, fire, and code enforcement. Mariani’s inability to reach anyone through the non-emergency police line (316-268-4221) and failure to receive callbacks from the City Manager’s office indicate communication and accountability problems that extend beyond this single case.
Council Members Johnson and Tuttle’s apparent lack of response to a constituent’s repeated contacts raises questions about constituent services protocols and whether council members have adequate staff support to address resident concerns.
Economic Development Through Revenue Bonds
The approval of three separate industrial revenue bond ordinances (Textron Aviation, Larksfield Place, and Air Capital Flight Line) demonstrates the city’s continued commitment to economic development through tax-advantaged financing. These bonds allow private entities to access tax-exempt or taxable financing for projects that create jobs and economic activity.
Textron Aviation’s Series V bonds support the city’s crucial aviation manufacturing sector, maintaining Wichita’s identity as the “Air Capital of the World.” Larksfield Place’s health care facility bonds address the growing senior housing and care needs in the community. Air Capital Flight Line’s hangar and repair facility bonds further strengthen the aviation maintenance sector.
While these bonds don’t create direct city financial obligations, they represent the city’s ongoing strategy of leveraging its bonding authority to attract and retain major employers.
Utility Rate Increases
The second reading of water and sewer rate ordinances (52-846 and 52-847) reflects ongoing needs for utility infrastructure maintenance and improvements. While the specific percentage increases weren’t detailed in public testimony, these rate adjustments typically fund:
- Aging infrastructure replacement
- Compliance with federal environmental regulations
- System expansion to serve new development
- Treatment facility upgrades
Residents should review the full ordinance texts for specific rate schedules and implementation dates.
Zoning and Development Activity
The approval of multiple zoning changes and annexations (Ordinances 52-854 through 52-858) continues Wichita’s pattern of managed growth, with development activity in the western and eastern portions of the city. The creation of the Eastside Community Church District (52-858) reflects the city’s accommodation of faith-based institutional uses.
The Colter Ridge Addition plat in southwest Wichita (District IV) represents continued residential development in that corridor along Meridian Avenue.
Quotes
Janette Peterson on medical neglect at WAS:
“The first thing I noticed on the way home was that she had a severe ear infection. Brown gunk was running down from her ears. This concerned me because I don’t know how long she had been there but to have an infection this noticeable she must have had it for some time. This got me asking a lot of why questions. The first was, why when the City of Wichita pays KHS $7,722 a month for vet care am I picking up a dog that has a simple ear infection that anyone could diagnose?”
Peterson on the euthanasia rate:
“First, why would anyone that loves animals work at WAS, especially when 30% of the animals that enter that building don’t ever come out? We are failing the animals at WAS but as – but also seem to fail the workers too.”
Peterson on representative government:
“Fourth, and maybe the most important, why do the people of Wichita appear to have forgotten that we are supposed to have a representative government that represents the will of the people? Many times I am told or have read that our leadership won’t listen, so what is the point of trying?”
Peterson on her advocacy commitment:
“Why do I do this? Because doing nothing would make me part of the problem rather than advocating for solutions. And I just can’t accept being part of the problem.”
Mayor Wu acknowledging competing priorities:
“I know that there are multiple priorities. I know that, multiple individuals here in our community are here to talk about individuals, people who are homeless. And I know that you care a lot about, animals who are homeless. and so I know that we’re trying our very best, to prioritize all of these needs in our community.”
City Manager Robert Layton on animal shelter improvements:
“The comments that were just made have not fallen on deaf ears. We know there are concerns about the ongoing operations as well as the partnerships that we have. I think that our current staff are working hard to develop better relationships with the rescues who can also help us with the issue of overcrowding and the significant number of abandoned animals here in the community.”
Victor Mariani on neighbor criminal activity:
“These people are potential criminals. I stay away from them. Then they drive in their yard. They’ve literally torn up about 15 feet of my yard.”
Mariani on code enforcement failures:
“I had Enrique Martinez who is the code enforcement officer who came and looked at it. He said, ‘Oh, yeah, I can see,’ you know, he says, ‘I can see,’ you know, ‘what they’re doing.’ And they moved the vehicles for like maybe two days during an inspection or whatever. The next day the vehicles were back.”
Mariani on inability to reach city services:
“You call that number you never speak to a person. I’ve called the city manager’s office, I’ve left messages with all of them, haven’t heard anything. I call Code Enforcement I get the runaround.”
Mariani directly addressing his council representatives:
“Mr. Johnson and Ms. Tuttle, you guys are my representatives. I have called you guys. Brandon, you’ve at least sent me an email I haven’t heard anything. Ms. Tuttle, I haven’t heard a thing from you.”
Mayor Wu committing to follow-up:
“Mr. Mariani, I do appreciate your advocacy for your neighborhood and your concerns that you’ve brought to the Council. I think it’s fair that we do our job in reaching out back. I’ll make sure that our staff does do that. I’m sorry that you haven’t gotten a return call yet.”
What’s Next?
Follow-Up Items Expected:
- Animal Shelter Reforms: City Manager Layton committed to presenting ongoing plans for animal control operation enhancements. Citizens should monitor future workshop and council meetings for specific reform proposals, budget allocations, and implementation timelines.
- Mariani Neighborhood Complaint: Mayor Wu committed that staff would contact Victor Mariani “by the end of this week” to address his ongoing neighbor issues. This situation will test the city’s ability to coordinate police, code enforcement, and legal responses to persistent criminal and nuisance activity.
- Implementation of Approved Ordinances: The second-reading ordinances approved December 9, 2025, will now take effect according to their individual implementation schedules. Residents should review utility billing for water and sewer rate increases in upcoming months.
- Bond Issuance Closing: The industrial revenue bonds for Textron Aviation, Larksfield Place, and Air Capital Flight Line will proceed through legal documentation and closing processes, with construction and equipment acquisition beginning thereafter.
Upcoming Council Meetings:
The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Residents may sign up for public comment through the City Clerk’s office or attend to observe proceedings.
How to Get Involved
Attend Meetings: City Council meetings are open to the public and held most Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. at Wichita City Hall.
Public Comment: Residents may sign up to speak during the Public Agenda portion of council meetings by contacting the City Clerk’s office in advance.
Contact Your Council Member:
- District I: [Contact information]
- District II: [Contact information]
- District III: Brandon Johnson, Becky Tuttle [Contact information]
- District IV: [Contact information]
- District V: [Contact information]
- District VI: [Contact information]
- Mayor: Lily Wu [Contact information]
Submit Written Comments: Written comments on agenda items can be submitted to the City Clerk’s office at cityclerk@wichita.gov.
Access Meeting Materials: Full agendas, staff reports, and ordinance texts are available on the City of Wichita website at wichita.gov.
Document Information
Meeting Minutes Source: Official Wichita City Council Meeting Minutes, December 9, 2025
Minutes Prepared By: Shinita Rice, City Clerk
Minutes Approval Date: Expected December 16, 2025
Document Page Count: 154 pages
Attachments Referenced: Multiple agenda reports, resolutions, ordinances, agreements, plat documents, and board minutes (see full minutes for complete attachment list)
Citation
“Minutes of the Meeting of the City Council.” City Council Proceedings, City of Wichita, Kansas, 9 Dec. 2025.
Social Media Summary
🏛️ Wichita City Council met Dec. 9, addressing major community concerns:
🐕 Animal advocate Janette Peterson challenged 30% WAS euthanasia rate & $7,722 monthly vet contract producing minimal results
🏘️ Resident Victor Mariani detailed ongoing criminal activity by neighbors, frustrated by lack of code enforcement response
💰 Council approved water/sewer rate increases & $140M+ in economic development bonds for Textron, Larksfield Place & Air Capital Flight Line
📋 Consent agenda included planning approvals, property sale & airport licensing
Next meeting: Dec. 16, 9am. Public comment welcome! #WichitaKS #CityCouncil #LocalGov