The Wichita City Council held a regular meeting on January 13, 2026, marking a significant transition in leadership with the selection of Dalton Glasscock as the new Vice Mayor for 2026. The meeting was dominated by a dramatic debate over whether to delay the March 3, 2026 special election on a proposed sales tax increase, with Mayor Lily Wu’s motion to hold a special meeting for reconsideration ultimately failing in a 3-4 vote. The Council also approved multiple capital improvement projects for parks and recreation, addressed public concerns about transit technology issues, and received updates on the McConnell Air Force Base Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) study. Assistance from Claude AI.
Key Decisions:
- Dalton Glasscock elected as Vice Mayor for 2026 (7-0)
- Mayor Wu’s motion to hold special meeting on sales tax delay failed (3-4)
- Approved $225,000 for athletic court improvements at Minisa and Buffalo Parks
- Approved multiple 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program park projects
- Approved amendments to Emergency Communications Advisory Board membership
Major Discussions:
- Heated debate over potential delay of March 3 special election on sales tax
- Concerns about increased election costs ($170,000) and polling location changes
- Transit app technology problems affecting bus pass functionality
- Kansas Aviation Museum updates on STEAM education programs
Leadership Transition: Dalton Glasscock Becomes Vice Mayor
Selection Process
In a unanimous 7-0 vote, the Wichita City Council elected Dalton Glasscock as Vice Mayor for 2026, following the one-year term rotation established by city ordinance. Mayor Lily Wu opened the floor for nominations, stating that “by ordinance, this position is for a term of one year, and it’s rotated among the six council members.”
Outgoing Vice Mayor JV Johnston Recognized
Council members took time to thank JV Johnston for his service as 2025 Vice Mayor. Mayor Wu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with Johnston, while Council Member Becky Tuttle praised his representation of both his district and the city, noting that “you went into it a little apprehensively, but you did it so well and you represented us so well.”
Johnston reflected on his year with characteristic humility, joking that “I cannot tell you how disappointed people are when I take the Mayor’s place at a function,” but affirming that “it’s a pleasure and honor to represent the City.”
Vice Mayor Glasscock’s Oath and Remarks
After taking the oath of office administered by Chief Administrative Judge Jones, Vice Mayor Glasscock delivered remarks rooted in Wichita’s history and his personal connection to civic leadership. He shared that he had visited the Sedgwick County Historical Museum over the weekend to reflect on the city’s founding.
Quoting early Wichita settler J.R. Mead, Glasscock emphasized that “Cities are not the result of chance, nor do they make themselves. Their prosperity and greatness are in large measure due to sagacity and enterprise of their founders.”
Drawing on Wichita’s historic nicknames—the “Magic City of the Plains” and “Peerless Princess in Kansas’ crown and glory”—Glasscock asserted that progress requires “refusing to be paralyzed” by challenges and “choosing reform over retreat.”
In a personal touch, Council Member Lavonta Williams, a former District 1 representative, noted Glasscock’s participation in the Mayor’s Youth Council started during Mayor Carl Brewer’s administration. Williams stated, “I’ve watched this young man come up through the ranks, and it just makes me very proud to see you in that position.”
Sales Tax Special Election Controversy
Background: New Information Creates Uncertainty
The meeting’s most contentious segment focused on the March 3, 2026 special election on a proposed sales tax increase. Mayor Wu revealed that the Council received new information on Friday morning indicating that the special election would cost $170,000 (up from the original $150,000 estimate) and that approximately 26,000 voters would need to vote at different polling locations than usual.
Mayor Wu’s Motion for Special Meeting
Mayor Wu asked City Attorney Jennifer Magana to explain the legal process for potentially delaying the election. Magana confirmed that repealing the ordinance setting the March 3 election date would require only four votes (not five), and that the election could only be held on March 3 or during the August 2026 primary.
Wu then asked if any Council members would join her in calling a special meeting to vote on delaying the election until August. She clarified that “my vote was not about my individual opinion for or against the sales tax, but, again, rather to let the community vote in an election. However, over the last few weeks, I’ve also heard various responses on the sales tax proposal.”
Council Members React
Council Member Joseph Shepard indicated he would support a special meeting to allow public comment but stated he would not support delaying the election. He emphasized that residents of District 1 would be disproportionately affected by polling location changes and announced that “members of our community are actively working on a plan to provide transportation for those disproportionately impacted at no cost to the City.”
Shepard delivered an extensive statement on democratic engagement, arguing that “most folks do not have time to track government proposals for months at a time. They tune in when something is real, when it’s on the ballot, when mailers arrive.” He also warned that placing the sales tax question on the August ballot alongside gubernatorial and judicial races “creates one of the most crowded and complicated ballots that voters will ever see and face.”
Council Member JV Johnston expressed concerns about the impact of delay on funding for Second Light (homeless services) and first responder facilities. He noted the financial investments already made by advocacy groups, stating that “they have already spent a lot of money. So that would be essentially flushed down the toilet if we did delay it.”
Johnston also raised trust in government concerns: “I think if we – if we do rescind the vote then we – they lose trust of government. We’re wishy-washy. Yes one, no another one, go back and forth, back and forth.”
Council Member Becky Tuttle expressed frustration with the process, calling the situation “the understatement of the century” in terms of frustration. She criticized the lack of advance notice, stating “It’s not transparent. That’s not consistent. It’s not giving anyone in the community any trust in us when we can’t even decide, oh, I’m going to bring it up today and we’re going to vote on it. No, now we’re going to have a special meeting.”
Tuttle suggested that discussion could occur at the already-scheduled January 27 workshop meeting rather than calling a special meeting.
Vice Mayor Glasscock echoed the concerns raised by Tuttle, Shepard, and Council Member Maggie Ballard, supporting their positions on the process.
Council Member Mike Hoheisel indicated he had supported delaying the election “from the start,” stating “I do think the workshop later this month will offer clarification, but again, I have been in support of delaying this from the start.”
Timeline Pressures and Procedural Questions
City Attorney Magana confirmed that overseas mail ballots were scheduled to go out on Friday, meaning any decision to delay would need to be made by close of business Thursday. This created a narrow window for any potential special meeting.
Council members questioned whether the Election Commissioner could be present at a potential special meeting. Magana reported that the Election Commissioner would not be available Thursday afternoon.
Failed Motions
Mayor Wu made two formal motions:
- Motion to hold a special meeting to vote on delaying the election: Failed 3-4 (Voting no: Glasscock, Tuttle, Johnston, Ballard; Voting yes: Wu, Hoheisel, Shepard)
- Motion to hold a special meeting Wednesday, January 15, 2026 at noon: Failed 3-4 (Same voting pattern)
Mayor Wu’s Defense of the Process
In defending her decision to raise the issue during the meeting, Mayor Wu stated: “The delay, the surprise and the frustration actually happened on Friday morning when we received an email letting us know that it was going to cost more and that many voters would not be at their polling location. With new information it does change things.”
She emphasized that the Communications Department had immediately sent out a news release with the new information to maintain transparency.
Alternative Discussion at January 27 Workshop
With the motions failing, discussion shifted to the already-scheduled January 27 meeting, which City Manager Dennis Marstall confirmed had been converted from a workshop to a regular meeting that would include public comment. Marstall stated the agenda could be structured to include the sales tax as part of the business portion allowing for public input.
Public Agenda Highlights
McConnell Air Force Base AICUZ Study
Mathew Butwin, a contractor with the Air Force, invited the public to an open house for the 2025 Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Study for McConnell Air Force Base. The meeting was scheduled for 4:00-6:00 PM at the Advanced Learning Library (711 West 2nd Street North).
Butwin explained that AICUZ “stands for Air Installations Compatible Use Zones, and is a long-standing program within the Air Force and the DOD. The goal of the AICUZ program is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of those living and working around the air installation while sustaining the military’s operational mission.”
The study provides recommendations that “noise-sensitive uses should not be in noise zones, and people-intensive uses should not be in accident-potential zones,” with the goal of integrating this information into local planning documents and zoning procedures.
Transit App Technology Problems
Andrew Crane, representing Guiding Paws ICT, reported significant problems with the Wichita Transit app and bus passes. Crane stated he had paid $55 for a bus pass that was not working on buses, and that “the Transit Center told me they couldn’t do anything for me.”
He advocated for IT department intervention and expressed support for the upcoming sales tax vote, noting its potential to help Wichita Transit. Crane also mentioned his involvement with the National Federation of the Blind of Kansas and upcoming advocacy in Washington, D.C.
Council Members Maggie Ballard and Joseph Shepard both requested that City Manager Dennis Marstall work with Transit Director Penny to resolve the issues. Shepard noted that he had met with the Transit Director about “some incredible opportunities to continue to expand” accessibility.
Kansas Aviation Museum Update
Ben Saucedo, representing the Kansas Aviation Museum, provided an update on 2025 activities and 2026 plans. He thanked Steve Lewis, Gary Janzen, and city staff for addressing deferred maintenance issues at the museum building.
2025 Accomplishments:
- Partnered with foundations to offer over 50 grants and scholarships to underserved and underrepresented students for free summer STEAM camps
- Provided food during camps to address basic needs beyond just cost and transportation barriers
- Continued partnerships with Urban League, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Empower League 42
2026 Plans:
- April: AIAA Design, Build Fly competition welcoming over 1,000 college students from around the world
- October: Frontiers in Flight Air Show
- Continued STEAM camp scholarships for underserved communities and high STEAM achievers
Saucedo concluded by supporting the sales tax proposal: “Things like our City sales tax are going to be important things to ensuring that we can make the investments in our community necessary to help lift those that might come from situations other than what most of us find ourselves in. So, thank you for your time. Vote yes, March 3.”
Former Council Member Lavonta Williams’ Remarks
Lavonta Williams, former District 1 Council Member, congratulated the Council on entering 2026 and specifically thanked Council Members Hoheisel and Ballard for returning for four more years of service. She praised the transition of Vice Mayor leadership and welcomed new Council Member Joseph Shepard.
Williams offered support to the new Council Member: “Council Member Shepard, please know that you have people that are standing beside you. There are those out there that are willing to listen and that are willing to step forward as much as we can.”
She concluded by encouraging the Council to ensure everyone is included in the sales tax conversation.
James Barfield’s Sales Tax Criticism
James Barfield opened by wishing Council Member Hoheisel a happy birthday before launching into criticism of the March 3 special election. He argued that “not a single one of you of the seven people that voted for that clearly understood what the proposal truly represented.”
Key criticisms:
- Wichita Forward refused to release poll results when requested by Council members, damaging their credibility
- The proposal has divided the city “like I’ve never seen it before”
- There are “a lot more questions than there are answers”
- Cost increased $20,000 since the vote
- 26,000 people will not be able to vote at normal polling places, which Barfield characterized as “tantamount to voter disenfranchisement”
- Council didn’t ask the Election Commissioner’s representative about potential problems before voting
Barfield urged the Council to “admit you made a mistake on December the 16th and reverse that decision,” arguing that rushing the proposal indicates it may not be a good deal. He referenced Mayor Wu’s campaign promise of “Restoring trust in City Hall,” questioning “If we cannot trust you and the other Council members to be protectors of our hard-earned tax dollars, what other trust is there?”
Board of Bids and Contracts
Josh Lauber from the Finance Department presented items from the January 12, 2026 Board of Bids and Contracts meeting. Council Member Johnston raised questions about vehicle purchases from vendors outside Wichita, including dealers in Olathe, Miami (Oklahoma), and other locations.
Local Preference Discussion
Johnston asked “how far out do we go to get bids? I mean, can we not keep them local?”
Lauber clarified that “The City does not have a local preference policy” and that the procurement software system “allows any and all vendors who meet specifications solicited to respond.” He noted that vendors submit bids nationally, with vehicle dealers from the region participating.
The city’s approach is “low price, meeting specifications, and it’s freight on board, delivered on our dock.”
Regarding warranty work, Lauber explained that while he couldn’t speak definitively, “what I commonly see is I will see that a dealer purchase occurs with the dealer franchise, and then warranty work may occur in a local region just by association the Wichita, Kansas metro area.”
The Council voted 7-0 to receive and file the report, approve the contracts, and authorize necessary signatures.
Petitions for Public Improvements
Paul Gunzelman from the Engineering Department presented petitions for public improvements related to The Ranch 3rd Addition. The Council approved seven resolutions covering:
- Phase I Water Improvements (Resolution 26-024)
- Phase 2 Water Improvements (Resolution 26-025)
- Storm Water Drain No. 554 (Resolution 26-026)
- Phase 1 Storm Water Sewer No. 828 (Resolution 26-027)
- Phase 2 Storm Water Sewer No. 829 (Resolution 26-028)
- Phase 1 Sanitary Sewer Improvements (Resolution 26-029)
- Phase 2 Sanitary Sewer Improvements (Resolution 26-030)
The Council voted 7-0 to approve the petitions and budgets, adopt the resolutions, and authorize necessary signatures.
2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program: Parks & Recreation
Tim Kellams from Public Works & Utilities presented funding for multiple Capital Improvement Program projects focused on park and recreation facilities.
Athletic Courts: Cost Analysis and Challenges
The most extensive discussion centered on $225,000 allocated for two basketball courts at Minisa and Buffalo Parks. Mayor Wu questioned whether this amount for just two courts was justified, particularly given that $225,000 covered three courts the previous year.
Cost Escalation Issues:
Kellams explained that athletic court costs have increased significantly, noting “a few years ago, we were able to get maybe $50,000 to $75,000 for a basketball court, but obviously that’s grown since then.”
He detailed several factors driving costs:
- Limited number of specialized court builders in the bidding pool
- Larger concrete contractors often view two-court projects as not worth their time and submit high bids
- The city uses standard concrete systems for basketball courts (not the more expensive post-tension systems used for tennis courts)
- Staff is actively reaching out to concrete contractors who may not traditionally bid on court projects
Kellams noted progress: “Last year, we put out a bid for three basketball courts. That one came in over our engineer’s estimate, which was right around that 225. We do have account for staff time and engineering services for this.” The city was able to work with a local contractor to complete three courts, though “many of the bids that we did have for the courts were well above the 225.”
Strategy for Cost Reduction:
The department is pursuing a new approach by “trying to reach out to folks that we know are capable enough to doing larger slabs of concrete to hopefully provide and have a more competitive bid for this type of project.”
Other CIP Projects Approved
Irrigation Systems – Addressing aging infrastructure in parks
Athletic Fields – Maintenance and improvements, including flood damage repairs
Park Facility Enhancements – Various improvements including bleacher repairs and safety upgrades
Park Signage – Continuing the transition to new standardized signs throughout the park system
Playgrounds – Based on over 260 playground inspections conducted in December alone
Trail, Path and Sidewalk Repairs – Addressing maintenance needs
Walking Paths – Improvements to pedestrian infrastructure
Wooden Sign Preservation
Council Member Hoheisel asked about communities wanting to preserve wooden park signs rather than transitioning to newer signs.
Kellams responded that the department “has avoided the areas where they have asked for those wood signs” and plans more community engagement before addressing those signs. With over 120 parks and approximately 150+ signs, “we need to do more community engagement. I think we’re a little ways out from getting to those signs.”
Decision Support Tools
When asked about decision-support tools for project prioritization, Kellams explained that the department uses different approaches for different asset types:
- Playgrounds, athletic courts, athletic fields: Robust inspection data and regular monitoring (260+ playground inspections in December alone)
- Walking paths and trails: Exploring enhanced decision support tools for items not inspected as regularly
- Identifiable items: Existing decision support tools and inspections help prioritize
Park Lighting Funding
Responding to questions about park lighting, Kellams clarified that while the department works closely with Public Works on lighting issues, “we do not have an annual CIP item specifically for lighting and park security.” There had been a previous CIP item for park security and lighting that was not an annual fund.
Swanson Park Timeline
Council Member Johnston asked about completion timeline for Swanson Park, noting he receives “a lot of complaints about Swanson Park.”
Kellams indicated that once funds are initiated, “I imagine we’d probably be able to get something done probably in the spring or early summer,” as the project likely won’t require an external engineer and can be handled by in-house staff.
Park Master Plan Integration
Mayor Wu asked how the CIP projects coordinate with the ongoing park master plan process.
Kellams explained that the department “specifically targeted ones that we knew were deferred maintenance” – items like cracked basketball courts that are safety issues. These maintenance items “are things that we know would come up in the CIP” regardless of the master plan outcomes.
He encouraged the public to participate in the park survey and attend an open house scheduled for January 21 at Boston Recreation Center (4:00-7:00 PM) to meet with the firm conducting the park master plan.
Sign Removal Request
Mayor Wu requested removal of old, graffiti-damaged signs where new signs have been installed, specifically citing an eyesore River Center sign on Douglas Street next to the new A. Price Woodard Park sign. Kellams confirmed the department would remove such signs.
Public Comment: Clapp Park
George Theoharris from the Grandview, Meadowlark, and Mead neighborhoods wished Council Member Hoheisel a happy birthday and requested information about Clapp Park progress, calling it “Mike’s babysitter” where “he takes his son over there, and he wears him out so he can come home and go to bed.”
Hoheisel responded that the neighborhood could expect an update during the upcoming neighborhood season, noting that the Clapp Park fund still has money for parking lot improvements next to the playground, repair of the northernmost bridge damaged in floods, and potentially memorial benches for community members who have passed away.
Final Vote
The Council voted 7-0 to approve initiation of the projects, adopt the bonding resolutions, and authorize necessary signatures.
Emergency Communications Advisory Board Amendment
Donte Martin, Assistant City Manager, presented amendments to the Joint Resolution and Ordinance pertaining to the Wichita-Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Advisory Board, modifying membership and responsibilities.
Mayor Wu thanked Sedgwick County Emergency Management and 911 for their service, stating “you are the first in line” before first responders can get to calls. She expressed gratitude for the partnership between Wichita and Sedgwick County on emergency communications and the collaborative leadership from both jurisdictions and surrounding communities.
The Council voted 7-0 to adopt the joint resolution and ordinance amending the board and authorized the Mayor to execute the documents.
Council Member Travel Approvals
The Council approved multiple travel requests:
Approved 7-0:
- Council Member Shepard – Local Government Day in Topeka, January 28-29, 2026, to meet with state legislators
- Council Member Johnston – Local Government Day in Topeka, January 28, 2026 (no expense to the City)
- Council Members Johnston, Glasscock, and Hoheisel – NLC’s Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C., March 13-18, 2026
- Council Member Tuttle – Kansas Firefighter Association meeting in Salina, January 17, 2026, to present with Fire Chief Tammy Snow and Senator Owen on firefighter cancer screening (no expense to the City)
- Mayor Wu – State of the State, January 13, 2026 (no expense to the City)
Mayor Wu noted that Vice Mayor Glasscock would attend the League of Kansas Municipalities board meeting on her behalf on January 29 so Council Member Shepard could return to Wichita for the community-wide prayer in memory of those who lost their lives in the American Airlines crash on January 29, 2025.
Transparency Initiative
Mayor Wu requested that staff add Key to the City votes to the transparency portal “so people can see the keys to the City that the Council has voted on and whom has voted for those keys.” She recommended including records from 2024, 2025, and 2026.
She reminded the community that all Mayor and Council travel is available for public viewing at Wichita.gov/CityCouncil.
Consent Agenda
The Council approved Consent Agenda items 1 through 8 with a 7-0 vote, including:
- Applications for cereal malt beverage licenses
- Contract for lease of transit tires
- Water service area agreement with Rural Water District 4 for Oak Tree Addition
- Supplemental design agreement for Prairie Glen Addition
- Easement acquisition for Hoover Road improvements
- Proclamation votes
- Second reading of multiple ordinances (International Fire Code adoption, zoning code amendments, special assessments, zoning changes)
- Vacation request for platted setback at 6803 West Taft Avenue
Meeting Proceedings and Executive Session
The meeting concluded with procedural confusion when Vice Mayor Glasscock attempted to adjourn the meeting before the scheduled executive session. City Attorney Magana clarified that the Council needed to recess into executive session before adjourning.
After the failed votes on calling a special meeting regarding the sales tax, the Council voted 7-0 to recess into executive session for 10 minutes to receive information on a street project pursuant to KSA 75-4319B2 for preliminary discussions of real property acquisition. The executive session was scheduled from 11:10 AM to 11:20 AM.
The meeting adjourned at 11:22 AM with a 5-0 vote (two members had apparently left following the executive session).
Analysis and Context
Sales Tax Debate Reveals Deep Divisions
The January 13 meeting exposed significant divisions on the Council regarding both process and substance of the sales tax proposal. While the December vote to place the measure on the March ballot was unanimous (with Council Member Shepard not yet seated), opinions clearly diverged once new information about costs and polling locations emerged.
The 3-4 vote against even holding a special meeting to discuss delay suggests that a majority of the Council remains committed to the March 3 timeline despite concerns raised by Mayor Wu and supported by Council Members Hoheisel and Shepard.
Competing Concerns: Rushed Process vs. Delayed Funding
The debate highlighted a fundamental tension between two legitimate concerns:
Process advocates (Wu, Hoheisel) emphasized:
- Insufficient time for public education and deliberation
- New cost and logistical information that emerged after the December vote
- Need to build public trust through transparent, deliberate decision-making
- Risk of voter confusion with polling location changes
Timeline advocates (Johnston, Tuttle, Ballard, Glasscock) emphasized:
- Immediate funding needs for Second Light, first responder facilities, and infrastructure
- Financial investments already made by advocacy groups
- Potential damage to government credibility from reversing course
- Opportunity for public input at January 27 workshop
Council Member Shepard occupied a unique middle position, supporting a special meeting for public comment but opposing actual delay of the election, while warning about the complexities of an August ballot.
Transportation Access as Equity Issue
Council Member Shepard’s announcement that community members are organizing free transportation for District 1 residents affected by polling location changes represents a grassroots response to a procedural challenge. This initiative, combined with the city’s traditional practice of offering free transit on election days, attempts to mitigate concerns about voter access.
However, the underlying question of whether proceeding with an election that disproportionately affects certain districts raises broader equity considerations that may resurface as the March 3 date approaches.
Park Funding Reveals Infrastructure Challenges
The discussion of athletic court costs illuminated broader challenges facing municipal infrastructure maintenance:
Cost inflation – Basketball courts that cost $50,000-$75,000 “a few years ago” now require $100,000+ per court, with some bids “well above” estimates
Limited competition – Specialized court builders have limited incentive to bid on small projects, while general concrete contractors may not realize they’re qualified
Deferred maintenance – With over 260 playground inspections in December alone revealing safety issues, the backlog of needed repairs continues to grow faster than available funding
Competing priorities – Balancing new amenities with maintenance of existing facilities in a city with 120+ parks
These same dynamics likely apply across city infrastructure—streets, utilities, buildings—making the case for additional revenue sources while simultaneously raising questions about cost control and efficiency.
Democratic Engagement Philosophy
Council Member Shepard’s extended remarks on democratic participation offered a sophisticated analysis of how ordinary citizens actually engage with government:
“The reality is that most folks do not have time to track government proposals for months at a time. They tune in when something is real, when it’s on the ballot, when mailers arrive. That’s not apathy. That is real life.”
This perspective challenges assumptions that longer timelines automatically produce better-informed voters, suggesting instead that focused campaign periods during election cycles may actually maximize public attention and understanding.
His warning about August ballot complexity—gubernatorial race, judicial retention, and sales tax all competing for voter attention—raises legitimate concerns about decision quality when voters face cognitive overload.
Historical Continuity in Leadership
Vice Mayor Glasscock’s oath of office remarks connected current civic challenges to Wichita’s founding principles, grounding contemporary debates in the city’s historical identity as a place built by people “who said yes.”
His evolution from Mayor’s Youth Council participant to Vice Mayor represents successful civic leadership development, while his public acknowledgment of being “a nerd” who researched city history at the Sedgwick County Historical Museum offers an authentic personal style that may resonate with younger constituents.
The transfer of the traditional Keeper of the Plains memento from outgoing Vice Mayor Johnston symbolizes continuity in civic rituals even as personnel change.
What Happens Next
January 27 Workshop/Regular Meeting
With special meeting proposals defeated, attention shifts to the January 27 gathering, now structured as a regular meeting (rather than workshop) to allow public comment. City Manager Marstall confirmed the sales tax will be part of the business agenda structure.
This meeting represents the last major opportunity for public input before mail ballots go out for the March 3 election. Expect robust turnout from both supporters and opponents of the sales tax proposal.
March 3 Special Election Timeline
With overseas mail ballots scheduled to go out Friday (and the narrow window for delay now closed), the March 3 special election will proceed as planned. Key milestones:
- Mail ballots sent to overseas voters: January 17 (approximate)
- Broader mail ballot distribution: Late January/Early February
- Early voting begins: Mid-February
- Election Day: March 3, 2026
The $170,000 cost and 26,000 voters affected by polling location changes will remain points of controversy throughout the campaign.
Sales Tax Proposal Details
While the January 13 meeting focused primarily on process rather than substance, several Council members alluded to key elements:
- Funding for Second Light (homeless services and housing)
- First responder facilities and equipment upgrades
- Infrastructure improvements
- Potential savings of $197 million in CIP funds if sales tax passes
Council Member Shepard emphasized the need for “guardrails” and serious conversation about how the $197 million in CIP savings would be allocated, with public input on those decisions.
Park Master Plan Process
The ongoing park master plan continues with:
- Public survey available online
- Open house at Boston Recreation Center on January 21, 4:00-7:00 PM
- Integration of deferred maintenance priorities identified in CIP discussions
McConnell AFB AICUZ Implementation
Following the January 13 open house at Advanced Learning Library, the Air Force’s updated AICUZ study recommendations will begin integration into local planning documents and zoning procedures, potentially affecting land use compatibility near the base for years to come.
Transit Technology Fixes
City Manager Marstall committed to working with Transit Director Penny to resolve the bus pass app functionality problems reported by Andrew Crane, with Council Members Ballard and Shepard both requesting follow-up.
Meeting Participants
Council Members Present (All 7)
- Mayor Lily Wu
- Vice Mayor Dalton Glasscock (elected during meeting; previously Council Member)
- Council Member JV Johnston (outgoing Vice Mayor from 2025)
- Council Member Joseph Shepard (newly seated; first regular meeting)
- Council Member Becky Tuttle
- Council Member Mike Hoheisel
- Council Member Maggie Ballard
City Staff Present
- Dennis Marstall – City Manager
- Jennifer Magana – City Attorney
- Jo Hensley – Deputy City Clerk
- Donte Martin – Assistant City Manager
- Josh Lauber – Finance Department
- Paul Gunzelman – Engineering Department
- Tim Kellams – Public Works & Utilities
Public Speakers
- Mathew Butwin – Air Force contractor, AICUZ Study
- Andrew Crane – Guiding Paws ICT, transit accessibility advocate
- Ben Saucedo – Kansas Aviation Museum
- Lavonta Williams – Former District 1 Council Member
- James Barfield – Sales tax critic
- George Theoharris – Grandview, Meadowlark, and Mead neighborhoods resident
Documents and Resolutions
Resolutions Adopted
- Resolution 26-024: Phase I Water Improvements – The Ranch 3rd Addition
- Resolution 26-025: Phase 2 Water Improvements – The Ranch 3rd Addition
- Resolution 26-026: Storm Water Drain No. 554 – The Ranch 3rd Addition
- Resolution 26-027: Phase 1 Storm Water Sewer No. 828 – The Ranch 3rd Addition
- Resolution 26-028: Phase 2 Storm Water Sewer No. 829 – The Ranch 3rd Addition
- Resolution 26-029: Phase 1 Sanitary Sewer Improvements – The Ranch 3rd Addition
- Resolution 26-030: Phase 2 Sanitary Sewer Improvements – The Ranch 3rd Addition
- Resolution 26-031: Irrigation Systems CIP
- Resolution 26-032: Athletic Courts CIP
- Resolution 26-033: Athletic Fields CIP
- Resolution 26-034: Park Facility Enhancements CIP
- Resolution 26-035: Park Signage CIP
- Resolution 26-036: Playgrounds CIP
- Resolution 26-037: Trail, Path and Sidewalk Repairs CIP
- Resolution 26-038: Walking Path CIP
Ordinances (Second Reading)
- Ordinance 52-878: Adopting 2024 International Fire Code
- Ordinance 52-879: Amending Unified Zoning Code
- Ordinance 52-880: Special assessment for weed cutting
- Ordinance 52-881: Special assessment for sidewalk construction
- Ordinance 52-882: Zoning change at 3142 North Amidon Avenue
- Ordinance 52-883: Zoning change at Greenwich Road and East 37th Street North
- Ordinance 52-884: Zoning change at Southwest Corner of East 29th Street North and North 143rd Street East
- Ordinance 52-885: Joint Resolution Emergency Communications Board
- Ordinance 52-886: Emergency Communications Board
Key Quotes
Vice Mayor Dalton Glasscock on Wichita’s history and future:
“Cities are not the result of chance, nor do they make themselves. Their prosperity and greatness are in large measure due to sagacity and enterprise of their founders. Wichita didn’t appear fully formed. It existed because people made intentional choices to build, to invest, and to believe in this place. Wichita was not built by those who said no. It was built by those who said yes.”
Council Member Joseph Shepard on democratic engagement:
“The reality is that most folks do not have time to track government proposals for months at a time. They tune in when something is real, when it’s on the ballot, when mailers arrive. That’s not apathy. That is real life. Everyone deserves clear information before they vote.”
Council Member JV Johnston on trust in government:
“I think if we – if we do rescind the vote then we – they lose trust of government. We’re wishy-washy. Yes one, no another one, go back and forth, back and forth. So I think trust in government is a factor here and I think it’s trust in government that we don’t do what we say we’re going to do.”
Mayor Lily Wu on transparency:
“The delay, the surprise and the frustration actually happened on Friday morning when we received an email letting us know that it was going to cost more and that many voters would not be at their polling location. With new information it does change things.”
Council Member Becky Tuttle on process concerns:
“To say I’m frustrated and baffled is like the understatement of the century. It was brought up that we were going to vote today and now it’s we’re not going to vote today, we’re going to have a special meeting. That’s not transparent. That’s not consistent.”
James Barfield on the sales tax proposal:
“I think that there’s a lot more questions than there are answers on this proposal as it stands today. And as we’ve seen in the last week, the issue has gotten even more problematic in two ways. Number one, the cost has gone up $20,000. Number two, 26,000 people will not be able to vote at their normal polling place. Now, this to me is tantamount to voter disenfranchisement.”
Ben Saucedo on community investment:
“Things like our City sales tax are going to be important things to ensuring that we can make the investments in our community necessary to help lift those that might come from situations other than what most of us find ourselves in.”
Conclusion
The January 13, 2026 Wichita City Council meeting marked both ceremonial transition and substantive controversy. While Vice Mayor Glasscock’s selection proceeded smoothly with unanimous support, the failed attempt to delay the March 3 sales tax special election revealed deep divisions over both process and priorities.
The meeting demonstrated competing visions of democratic governance: one emphasizing deliberation, transparency, and caution in the face of new information; another prioritizing action, consistency, and meeting immediate needs despite imperfect circumstances. Both perspectives reflect legitimate civic values, and the 3-4 vote suggests the Council remains closely divided on how to balance them.
As Wichita heads toward the March 3 special election, the community faces not only a decision about sales tax funding but broader questions about civic engagement, infrastructure investment, and trust in local government. The January 27 meeting will provide one final major forum for public input before voters make their choice.