The Wichita City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, convening at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers with all seven members present. The session covered a wide range of consequential municipal matters, including a frank and detailed reckoning with the city’s fiscal outlook, urgent new information about mold conditions in Wichita fire stations, a $1/month stormwater utility rate increase approved over Mayor Wu’s objection, affordable housing progress, youth employment funding, infrastructure investments, and small business support agreements. Assistance from Claude AI.
Key outcomes at a glance:
- Quarterly Financial Report (Q4 2025) received and filed unanimously; council discussed looming budget deficits in 2028–29 and STAR bond risk at the baseball stadium district
- Stormwater utility rate increase of $1/month approved 6–1 (Mayor Wu voting no), enabling $26.5 million in drainage improvements across all six districts over 24 years
- Fire station mold crisis disclosed publicly; Station 15 temporarily vacated; remediation underway at multiple stations
- Mennonite Housing Knox Court awarded conditional $200,000 HOME funds for 46-unit affordable housing project
- Way to Work program funded for 140 summer youth jobs; 251 applications received
- Short-term rental permit denied 5–2 following 76% neighborhood protest
- Delano CBD bulk rezoning initiative directed to Planning staff for a proposal
Council Members Present
- Mayor Lily Wu
- Vice Mayor Dalton Glasscock
- Council Member Joseph Shepard (District I)
- Council Member Becky Tuttle (District II)
- Council Member Mike Hoheisel (District III)
- Council Member JV Johnston (District V)
- Council Member Maggie Ballard (District VI)
Staff present: City Manager Dennis Marstall, City Attorney Jennifer Magana, City Clerk Shinita Rice
Awards and Proclamations
The council issued a proclamation recognizing Wichita African American Council of Elders Day.
Public Agenda — Citizen Comment
1. Derrick Carlton Jackson/Bey — Property and Grievance Relief
Derrick Carlton Jackson/Bey, of 2658 East 8th Street, addressed the council about a long-running personal grievance involving a property dispute he described as ongoing for approximately 14 years. He explained he operates the Moors of Mariah Sanctum (“MOMS”), a ministry and community gathering space. He expressed a desire to preserve the property for his grandchildren, invoked his First Amendment rights, and asked the city and its police department to help resolve his grievance. He also took a moment to reflect on American Heart Month, citing Ronald Reagan’s 1983 proclamation, and connected it to personal health struggles.
2. David Braddock — Non-Discrimination Ordinance Failure
David Braddock, a resident of Council Member Ballard’s district, returned to the council to follow up on concerns he raised in December 2015 regarding what he characterized as the structural failure of the city’s non-discrimination ordinance. Braddock noted that his FOIA request revealed zero positive outcomes from the ordinance’s complaint process.
His central critique: the ordinance places the city’s Director of Law in multiple conflicting roles simultaneously — investigator, prosecutor, and de facto judge — with no binding enforcement authority. Braddock described his own religious discrimination case against Walgreens as an example of the process’s limitations: the company initially ignored the city’s inquiry, and when mediation did occur, both sides were unable to reach agreement because the ordinance prioritizes re-education over monetary remedies.
Braddock stated he is considering filing a bar complaint against the Director of Law, not out of personal animus, but because the structure of the ordinance places her in an impossible position. He asked the Mayor to commit to providing updated outcome statistics to either prove or disprove his findings.
“No one can really simultaneously act as investigator, prosecutor, judge and resolve a dispute between parties. It’s just undoable. That’s why we have separation of powers in this country.”
3. Lavonta Williams — In Memory of Rev. Jesse Jackson
Lavonta Williams addressed the council to note the passing of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, who died that morning. Williams described Jackson as “a tireless champion for social justice” who fought for people of all races, and noted that Jackson once visited Wichita during a period of labor unrest in the aviation industry and helped resolve the situation peacefully.
Williams closed with a message for the council regarding the upcoming sales tax vote: “Remember the elders. Remember the seniors of our community.”
4. Allison Fleming — West 21st Street Expansion and Sunflower Land Trust
Allison Fleming, representing the board of the Sunflower Land Trust, addressed the council regarding the planned expansion of West 21st Street. The Land Trust owns 27 acres at 12630 West 21st Street, adjacent to the project, spanning both sides of Cowskin Creek.
Fleming expressed support for the road improvement for safety reasons but submitted a technical attachment to the Clerk outlining specific engineering concerns about stormwater runoff management, private well contamination risk, and pedestrian safety. She noted that when she personally walked the existing path, she did not feel safe.
Council Member Johnston thanked Fleming and assured her the District Advisory Board and public open house process would provide ample opportunity for input.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Mayor Wu | Approved 7–0
All 25 consent agenda items were approved without discussion, including cereal malt beverage licenses, preliminary estimates, construction easement acquisitions for the Bleckley Drive drainage project, multiple tax abatement extensions, a childcare licensing grant application, and advisory board minutes.
New Council Business
Item 1: Q4 2025 Quarterly Financial Report
Motion to receive and file | Approved 7–0
Mark Manning, Finance Department, presented the Quarterly Financial Report for the period ending December 31, 2025. The discussion that followed was among the most substantive of the session, touching on projected budget deficits, STAR bond risk at the baseball stadium, reserve fund structure, and state-level property tax threats.
STAR Bond Risk — Baseball Stadium District
Council Member Hoheisel opened with questions about the ballpark STAR bond district, noting that the first phase expires in 2027, and asking whether any shortfall was built into budget projections.
Manning confirmed that while the bond covenants require an annual appropriation to cover any shortfall, no shortfall has been used to date, and none is currently projected. However, he acknowledged that risk will increase significantly in 2028, especially if Phase Two development does not materialize.
“Our risk is probably going to increase significantly in 2028, and perhaps 2027.”
Mayor Wu pressed for a more complete picture. She noted that the city is aware Phase Two includes a hotel project that has not yet broken ground, and that the development agreement requires vertical construction to commence by July 31, 2026, with substantial completion by July 31, 2028. Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson confirmed the developer has been cooperative and expresses confidence in meeting those deadlines.
Manning outlined the worst-case scenario: with Phase Two generating only about $1 million annually and annual debt service around $3.5 million, the potential general fund gap is approximately $2.5 million per year if no new development materializes. He stressed this is a worst case, not a projection.
“If there is zero development on phase two between now and 2028, and there is zero growth in the existing base, then I would tell you that it could possibly be likely that the general fund would be in a position to have to absorb a two point five million dollar loss.”
Mayor Wu asked explicitly when the city is obligated to make debt service payments. Manning explained payments are made twice per year — a roughly $600,000 interest payment in March and a larger combined payment in September. The fall payment, he said, is “by far the most challenging.”
In addition to the hotel, Anderson noted there is also 12–15,000 square feet of retail space in a mixed-use development opposite the hotel, though its occupancy status at time of opening remains uncertain.
Budget Deficit Projections
The financial model already shows projected deficits in 2028 and 2029, but Manning acknowledged several factors not included in the model:
- New fire station staffing costs (Station 23 coming online), potentially $1–2 million in additional annual expenditures if the SAFER federal grant is not received
- Possible STAR bond shortfall absorbed by the general fund
- No accounting for potential state legislation capping assessed value growth, which Manning said could have “a pretty significant detrimental impact” on property tax revenues
Mayor Wu summarized her concern directly:
“I see a budget deficit in ’28. But it has not taken into account the STAR bond underperformance because nothing has happened just yet. And then in addition, additional staffing to a new facility that again has not been put into the deficit. So these are all of great concern to me because they are literally on the horizon.”
Manning agreed: “Yes, ma’am. I would agree with you one hundred percent.”
City Reserves — Clarifying the Numbers
Mayor Wu specifically asked Manning to clarify the often-cited reserve figures, noting that community members had heard numbers ranging from $90 million to $128 million.
Manning explained the city holds approximately 38 separate funds, each with its own designated reserves — most legally restricted for specific purposes. Reserves cited in public discussion often reflect only the portion legally required by the state of Kansas, a fraction of total reserves. Examples included:
- General Fund reserve: ~$51 million
- Stabilization reserve: designed to maintain the general fund at 15% operating level
- Debt service fund: ~$25 million (required for bond rating liquidity)
- Landfill post-closure reserve: ~$17 million (legally required for pollution mitigation)
- TIF district reserves: restricted for specific pollution mitigation per KDHE rules
Manning noted he did not have a precise “discretionary” reserve figure available but would provide it to the full council. He cautioned against using the $128 million figure seen in public: “That’s taking one page in the budget book which shows a very restricted portion of our reserves.” He added that discretionary reserves are “very little” due to statutory fund restrictions.
Council Member Shepard commented on the importance of accurate public communication:
“I see it as our job, not your job, to correct that misinformation.”
She also raised the question of federal financial risk — HUD changes, DEI-related funding threats — and asked how the finance team plans for such contingencies. Manning confirmed these are tracked as risks but are typically not incorporated into the financial model until the council provides policy direction.
Bond Ratings
Wichita currently holds a AAA rating from Standard & Poor’s and an Aa2 rating from Moody’s. Manning noted that Moody’s “tends to have a little less favorable view of municipalities” than S&P, without elaborating.
Council Member Johnston raised the possibility of extending the investment duration of city holdings to lock in higher interest rates. Manning said this is feasible but requires a policy conversation, as it would require loading up on longer-term securities while maintaining the fund’s average duration requirement.
Item 2: Golf Point of Sale and Tee Sheet System
Motion by Council Member Ballard | Approved 7–0
Jesse Coffman, Golf Division, presented a new vendor selection for a Golf Point of Sale and tee sheet system to address persistent complaints about tee time availability and booking issues. Coffman acknowledged the system won’t resolve demand exceeding inventory, but will provide better control over high-volume group bookings.
Council Members Johnston and Shepard praised the golf division’s performance. Johnston noted that tee times at Wichita municipal courses are booked solid most weekends and praised recent sand trap improvements at Mac. Shepard relayed praise from First Tee, which had met with staff the day prior and offered strong commendations of the program’s management.
Item 3: Ordinance Codifying the Food and Farm Council
Motion by Mayor Wu — first reading | Approved 7–0
Attorney Nate Vierthaler-Johnson presented an ordinance to codify the Food and Farm Council in city code — a housekeeping measure to formalize the board’s statutory basis.
Vice Mayor Glasscock asked whether the forthcoming board consolidation conversation planned for March would render this action premature. City Attorney Magana indicated the correction is necessary regardless: codification must happen before the council decides how to restructure or consolidate boards.
City Manager Marstall confirmed the broader board consolidation discussion will occur during the March workshop.
Council Member Tuttle offered extended thanks to the Food and Farm Council members and supporting staff, noting that the board was established specifically to address food desert conditions in Wichita. She also thanked the Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita for attending every meeting and providing feedback to both the city council and the Board of County Commissioners.
Item 4: Change Order No. 1 — Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Program Package 3
Motion by Council Member Hoheisel | Approved 7–0
Gary Janzen, Public Works & Utilities, presented Change Order No. 1 for the BNR Program Package 3. The change order relates to a blower replacement, with the original unit potentially being sold to recoup costs. The project remains on schedule for completion in fall 2027, likely September or October.
Vice Mayor Glasscock confirmed that after the $234,000 change order, approximately $699,000 in unencumbered balance remains in the project budget.
Council Member Hoheisel noted with dry humor that the city benefits from odor control upgrades in the area of his district.
Item 5: Design Concept and Supplemental Design Agreement — West 21st Street North (119th Street West to St. Teresa) — District V
Motion by Council Member Johnston | Approved 7–0
Paul Gunzelman, Public Works & Utilities, reviewed the design concept and supplemental agreement for a major reconstruction of West 21st Street from 119th Street West to St. Teresa, in District V.
The project design includes a 10-foot multi-use path on the north side and a 6-foot sidewalk on the south side, consistent with both a 1979 ordinance and the 2024 Bicycle Master Plan.
Mayor Wu questioned the necessity of dual sidewalks and asked the City Manager to bring a report on the costs of maintaining both a 6-foot and a 10-foot sidewalk alongside other infrastructure assets. She indicated she would like to revisit whether the dual-sidewalk requirement should be mandatory or optional. Gunzelman noted that the 10-foot multi-use path is shared cost with adjacent property owners; standard 6-foot sidewalks are maintained by adjacent property owners per statute.
Four residents offered public comment:
- Tim Garroutte (Tealbrook neighborhood) expressed concern about traffic diversion during construction onto 29th Street and 13th Street, which are already congested. He also suggested coordinating with the county on bridge replacements to build 4-lane capacity now rather than return later at higher cost.
- Jim Michael (Sunflower Land Trust, 12630 West 21st Street) voiced concern about 37 trees over 60 feet tall that may be removed, noise and visual barrier loss, increased traffic noise, and trespassing on the land trust property from trail users.
- Ray Bachman (Tealbrook HOA President) reported that his neighborhood’s brick fence sits 57 feet from the road and the closest tree is 45 feet back. He asked for assurances that trees and the fence would be protected, citing the risk of root die-off damaging the fence if large trees are removed. Chief Engineer Shawn Mellies had verbally committed that any fence impact would be addressed by the city.
- Holly Terrell (Bike Walk Wichita Executive Director) supported the project design, noting that West 21st is already an active cycling corridor serving the Northwest YMCA, a preschool, and riders heading to Cheney Lake. She clarified that the 10-foot shared use path is the nationally recognized minimum standard, not an oversized luxury, per Federal Highway Administration and AASHTO guidance.
Mayor Wu noted construction is currently anticipated to begin in 2029 and end in 2030.
Item 6: Design Concept and Supplemental Design Agreement — 127th Street East (Douglas to 13th Street North) — District II
Motion by Council Member Tuttle | Approved 7–0
Gunzelman also presented a parallel design concept for 127th Street East between Douglas and 13th Street North, with a similar design standard (10-foot shared use path and 6-foot sidewalk).
Holly Terrell of Bike Walk Wichita again offered support, noting the segment’s role in connecting the K-96 bike path near 127th and 13th to facilities farther south. “When we build safe, connected facilities, people use them. When gaps remain, they do not.”
Council Member Tuttle thanked community members who attended open houses and the District Advisory Board meeting, and praised Paul Gunzelman’s team for their responsiveness in addressing concerns near Crestview Country Club.
Item 7: Stormwater Utility Rate Increase
Motion by Vice Mayor Glasscock (Option 3) | Approved 6–1 (Nay: Mayor Wu)
Gary Janzen presented three options for the stormwater utility fee:
| Option | Monthly Fee Change | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No change | Fund insolvency by 2033; no new projects |
| 2 | +$0.15/month | Minimal projects; fund extends slightly |
| 3 | +$1.00/month (2026) + $0.15/year starting 2027 | $26.5M in projects across all 6 districts over 24 years |
Under Option 3, the monthly stormwater fee increases from $3.50 to $4.50 for most residents. Today’s vote applies the $1.00 increase for 2026 only; annual $0.15 escalators beginning in 2027 will return for a future vote.
Janzen confirmed that only Option 3 enables new drainage improvement projects beyond the already-funded Bleckley project (District I, $36 million total) and the Ninth Street core area project.
Vice Mayor Glasscock asked what rate increase would keep the fund solvent in perpetuity — not just through 2044 — and asked staff to bring that analysis forward. He also praised the concept of predictable annual escalators so residents know what to expect.
Council member statements:
- Council Member Hoheisel: Noted persistent flooding impacts in his district, including seniors unable to access their front doors without walking through neighbors’ yards. “This time, I am supportive of a fee increase.”
- Council Member Tuttle: Recalled standing ankle-deep in cul-de-sacs during summer flooding. “We had seventy-six car water submersions during the rain this summer. It was a five-hundred-year rain.” She made a substitute motion for Option 3 (later withdrawn in favor of the Vice Mayor’s motion).
- Council Member Shepard: Stated it would be “very selfish” to protect projects already funded in District I while voting against improvements for other districts. “We also have an ethical and moral responsibility to do the tough things.”
- Mayor Wu: Expressed concern about fee increases, stated she had heard community opposition, and preferred Option 2 (the 15-cent increase). Her substitute motion for Option 2 died without a second.
Item 8: Woodland Park North Public Art — District VI
Motion by Council Member Ballard | Approved 7–0
Jana Erwin, Arts and Cultural Services, presented a request for $50,000 in public art funding for Woodland Park North — the maximum allowed for the project. The remaining $138,000 from the current allocation will roll over to the 2027 funding year. Mayor Wu noted the funds could potentially be applied to an America’s 250th anniversary public art project.
Council Member Ballard expressed enthusiasm for the history walk and the momentum of development on the north end of her district.
Item 9: 2026 Community Services Block Grant Application
Motion by Mayor Wu | Approved 7–0
Na’Shell Williams, Housing and Community Services, reviewed the 2026 Community Services Block Grant application, with primary focus on the Way to Work summer youth employment program.
Key facts:
- Program slots: 140 jobs (reduced from 175 due to cost-of-living adjustments and flat grant funding)
- Applications received: 251 (opened December 20, closed February 5)
- Ages served: primarily 14–17
- First official work day: May 26, 2026 (day after Memorial Day)
- Location of Roundup event: Wichita State Woolsey Hall, March 13
Williams noted that the program is at capacity and youth who don’t receive a slot are referred to Parks and Recreation aquatics positions, Wichita Workforce Alliance job prep programs, and other partners. The network of summer youth employment programs can be found at hypekansas.com.
Council Member Hoheisel asked about private sector partnerships to expand slots. Williams confirmed discussions with Wichita Workforce Alliance led to partnership opportunities with Textron, Cox Machine, and Boeing for older youth (16–17).
Council Member Shepard invited Vice Mayor Glasscock to participate in a three-on-three basketball tournament with Way to Work participants — an invitation the Vice Mayor accepted on condition that a particular individual be on his team.
Mayor Wu emphasized the need for more employers: “We need more employers in our community that would like to take in youth this summer.”
Item 10: HOME Funding — Mennonite Housing Knox Court (Districts II and IV)
Motion by Council Member Tuttle | Approved 7–0
Carmen Hoffine and Byron Adrian (Mennonite Housing) presented a conditional commitment of $200,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds for the Knox Court project — a 46-unit affordable housing development at an estimated total cost of $12.7 million ($277,609 per unit).
The project is contingent on receipt of both federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). If LIHTC is not awarded, the funds will be returned for reallocation.
Byron Adrian noted that cost per unit has climbed significantly in recent years, with some LIHTC projects approved elsewhere running $300,000–$350,000 per unit. He attributed part of the cost increase to Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliance requirements associated with federal HOME funds.
Bill Hendrix of the Presbytery of Southern Kansas also presented, highlighting the faith community partnership aspect of the project — the Presbytery is providing its property for the development.
Mayor Wu praised the model: “I really appreciate seeing our faith-based communities seeing how they can utilize property that they own for one of our challenges, which is housing in our community.”
Council Member Shepard referenced the concept of “YIMBY” — Yes In My (God’s) Backyard — as a framework for expanding faith community engagement with affordable housing development.
Items 11–12: Business Services Agreements — NXTUS and Create Campaign
Both motions by Mayor Wu | Approved 7–0
Troy Anderson, Assistant City Manager, presented Business Services Agreements with two Wichita economic development organizations:
- NXTUS, Inc. (115 North Main): $50,000 annual agreement. NXTUS provides startup accelerator services for growth-minded local entrepreneurs. Mary Beth Jarvis, NXTUS CEO, noted the organization has historically been majority privately funded, that the city’s prior $100,000 investment (2023–24) generated metrics showing $84 per job created, and that public sector backing helps NXTUS leverage private capital. “If you see us and our peers come back to you guys every now and then, it is because it sends a very powerful signal that our community is investing in these business builders.”
- Create Campaign, Inc.: $50,000 annual agreement. Create Campaign focuses on helping small businesses access resources and grow.
Council Member Shepard urged an equity lens in evaluating future business support funding, citing data-driven opportunity among Latino and Latina-owned businesses and the importance of growing the local tax base to address future budget deficits.
Anderson acknowledged that existing funding levels are partly historical and acknowledged interest in bringing a more robust funding request during the budget process. The Greater Wichita Partnership (which receives approximately $400,000/year from the city) and WIBA (which receives $100,000) round out the city’s main business support portfolio.
Planning Agenda
Item VII-1: Zone Change — 51st Street North and North Meridian Avenue (District VI)
Motion by Council Member Ballard | Approved 7–0
A zone change request from SF-5 Single-Family Residential to LC Limited Commercial and GO General Office District, at the southeast corner of West 51st Street North and North Meridian Avenue. Mayor Wu noted that the proposed commercial development is adjacent to the new Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temple currently under construction. Approved with modified Protective Overlay #469 per applicant request.
Item VII-2: Short-Term Rental Permit Denied — 6845 East 14th Street North (District II)
Motion by Council Member Tuttle to override MAPC and deny | Approved 5–2 (Nay: Glasscock, Johnston)
This was among the most closely watched planning items of the session. A conditional use permit application for a short-term rental in an SF-5 Single-Family Residential zone (6845 East 14th Street North) faced an exceptionally high 76% neighborhood protest rate.
Council Member Tuttle noted she had spoken with Planning staff, the applicant, and neighbors. She acknowledged property rights and entrepreneurial concerns but concluded:
“I do believe in this case that allowing this to happen would significantly change the character of this small neighborhood, and also because of the opposition of the neighbors.”
After Tuttle’s 5–2 motion passed, there was brief procedural confusion. The underlying MAPC decision had required six votes to approve due to the protest level — but the denial of an override of the Planning Commission requires only five of seven votes. City Attorney Magana confirmed the motion passed.
Council Member Shepard explained her support for the denial: “It did not seem like there was enough conversation or efforts made” to reach a compromise with neighbors.
Housing Agenda
Item VIII-1: Public Housing Recovery Agreement Status Report
Motion by Mayor Wu to receive and file | Approved 7–0
Sally Stang, Housing and Community Services, presented the monthly status report on the HUD Public Housing Recovery Agreement and Public Housing Disposition update for January 2026. No public comment. Received and filed unanimously.
Council Member Agenda: Fire Station Mold Crisis
Before moving to council member appointments, Mayor Wu called on City Manager Marstall, Fire Chief Tammy Snow, and Public Works Director Gary Janzen for an unscheduled but urgent briefing on mold conditions discovered at Wichita fire stations — information Wu said she received over the weekend from the local fire union.
Background Timeline
The issue traces back to September 2025, when firefighters at Station 1 reported a black substance near vents. Testing found the substance was not mold but led to broader monitoring. In October 2025, the city contracted a third-party consultant to conduct mold testing at all 21 fire stations and the regional training center. Results were received in January 2026.
Remediation work had begun at Stations 1, 3, and 4. At Station 15, workers replacing water-stained ceiling tiles last week inadvertently created a containment failure — disturbing insulation and other material above the tiles without adequate containment protocols.
Station 15 Specifics
Janzen identified two issues at Station 15:
- Mold in ceiling tiles near the women’s shower (relatively limited in scope)
- Mold in ductwork below the floor — a structural characteristic of the older station, shared by two others. This below-floor duct configuration creates conditions favorable to condensation and mold growth.
The remediation plan: install mini-split HVAC units (self-contained systems that eliminate the need for the problematic ductwork), expected to take approximately three weeks. The station has been temporarily vacated pending completion and post-remediation air testing. Janzen said he hopes to beat the three-week schedule.
Scope of the Problem
Out of 21 fire stations tested:
- 14 stations showed air quality readings considered effectively insignificant for mold
- At least 3 stations (including 11, 13, and 15) showed visible or confirmed black mold
- Remediation was scheduled to begin at some stations as late as December 2026
No government regulations — at any level — establish thresholds or guidelines for mold in buildings. Janzen confirmed this with Sedgwick County Health Department.
Vice Mayor Glasscock’s Concerns
Vice Mayor Glasscock delivered a pointed inquiry, noting that the timeline presented reflects at least eight potential opportunities to inform the council of these developments — from September 2025 through January 2026 — and that he received the mold report not from city staff but from a whistleblower.
“I am unaware of any single time that I knew that there was even an allegation of mold, that remediation work began, that we were able to because of that obtain bids for mold inspection, that then it went out to mold testing…”
Janzen acknowledged this as a learning opportunity, noting that mold is one of thousands of facility maintenance issues processed annually (more than 3,000 contractor invoices per year for facility maintenance). Fire Chief Snow took responsibility for not sharing reports with the council and committed to providing both the testing report and the remediation plan.
Glasscock also cited a 2017 Wichita Eagle article about Station 9 describing similar conditions — termite issues, leaking roofs, mold, cracks, and water intrusion — and noted no council communication on remediation since then.
Commitments and Next Steps
- Station 15: Mini-split HVAC installation underway; ceiling tiles replaced; air testing required before reoccupancy
- Ceiling tile replacement: Halted at other stations temporarily while containment protocol is corrected; will resume once protocol is improved
- Environmental hygienist: Being retained to evaluate all test results and provide risk-prioritized recommendations
- All council members to receive the full mold report
- Annual review added to work order system (Lucidity) for all fire stations, at minimum every five years going forward
- Air scrubbers and dehumidifiers under consideration for fire stations given their high-moisture operational environment
Council Statements
Council Member Tuttle referenced guidance from the International Association of Firefighters on mold response, noting it aligns with what Janzen described: inspect, remove water-damaged materials, clean, dry, and prevent future moisture. She suggested creating a mold-focused subcommittee within the fire department’s existing wellness committee framework — allowing the firefighters most affected to help lead the response. Chief Snow expressed appreciation and said it would be taken under consideration.
Council Member Hoheisel stressed the need to address even dormant mold at the three stations with confirmed black mold, and linked the issue to broader city building maintenance: “Not just fire stations, every City building.”
Council Member Shepard praised Chief Snow for acknowledging where improvement is needed, and urged the upcoming March 12–13 staff retreat to address how to build a culture of proactive communication: “How do we create an atmosphere and a culture where people feel comfortable to ask for help?”
Mayor Wu summarized her concern and expectations:
“The health and safety of our firefighters is crucial. But also at the same time knowing that public works has to take care of three hundred plus buildings… it’s good to just again have these open conversations about the status of the twenty two plus fire stations and other fire facilities.”
Council Member Glasscock closed:
“We will get you what you need to be able to address this, we just need to know what the need is, what the cost associated with that is. The community wants that, and so we just need to know what the need is, and we will make sure to give you the resources to make sure this is addressed immediately.”
Council Member Appointments and Comments
Appointments approved 7–0:
- Council Member Shepard appointed Dominic Saiki to the Wichita Transit Advisory Board for District One.
- Council Member Ballard appointed Megan Deppner to her District Advisory Board.
Council Member Comments
Council Member Hoheisel invited the community to a Saturday morning breakfast at Christian Faith Center (Pawnee and Hillside) at 9:30 a.m., with City Manager Dennis Marstall as guest of honor. A $5 donation is suggested but not required.
Vice Mayor Glasscock announced he is working with the Planning and Zoning Department on a bulk rezoning initiative for Delano, proposing to rezone portions of the Delano neighborhood to Central Business District (CBD) designation. The goal is to eliminate the case-by-case rezoning process for businesses seeking to develop or locate in Delano — noting that every such case that has come before the council has been approved. Under the proposal, businesses within the common consumption district map would be bulk-rezoned to CBD with an opt-out option for those who prefer their current designation. Glasscock directed staff to develop a formal proposal for council consideration.
Council Member Shepard shared a Black History Month fact, explaining the significance of the dashiki as a West African garment that became widely embraced during the civil rights and Black Power movements. Shepard connected this to Wichita’s history through former Mayor Carl Brewer, the city’s first elected Black mayor, who traced his ancestry to Ghana and whose heritage is reflected in public art at the Carl Brewer Community Center. Shepard highlighted Rosalind’s International Enterprise at 5025 East 21st Street North as a local Black-owned business celebrating African and global culture, open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Executive Session
The council recessed into a 20-minute executive session at 2:30 p.m. to receive information on multiple civil actions, pursuant to KSA 75-4319(B)(2), for legal consultation with the City Attorney on pending litigation matters protected by attorney-client privilege.
Adjournment
Mayor Wu moved to adjourn at 2:59 p.m. Motion approved 4–0 (Absent: Tuttle, Johnston, Ballard).
Complete Voting Record
| Item | Description | Vote | Nays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minutes Feb. 10 | Approve minutes | 7–0 | — |
| Consent Agenda 1–25 | All consent items | 7–0 | — |
| VI-1 | Q4 2025 Financial Report (receive & file) | 7–0 | — |
| VI-2 | Golf POS and Tee Sheet System | 7–0 | — |
| VI-3 | Food and Farm Council Ordinance (1st reading) | 7–0 | — |
| VI-4 | BNR Program Package 3 Change Order No. 1 | 7–0 | — |
| VI-5 | 21st Street Design Concept and Supplemental Agreement | 7–0 | — |
| VI-6 | 127th Street Design Concept and Supplemental Agreement | 7–0 | — |
| VI-7 | Stormwater Utility Rate Increase (Option 3) | 6–1 | Wu |
| VI-7 | Mayor Wu substitute motion (Option 2) | Died | — |
| VI-8 | Woodland Park North Public Art Funding | 7–0 | — |
| VI-9 | 2026 Community Services Block Grant Application | 7–0 | — |
| VI-10 | Mennonite Housing Knox Court HOME Funding | 7–0 | — |
| VI-11 | NXTUS Business Services Agreement | 7–0 | — |
| VI-12 | Create Campaign Business Services Agreement | 7–0 | — |
| VII-1 | Zone Change 51st & Meridian (District VI) | 7–0 | — |
| VII-2 | Short-Term Rental Denial 6845 E 14th St N | 5–2 | Glasscock, Johnston |
| VIII-1 | Public Housing Recovery Agreement (receive & file) | 7–0 | — |
| Appointments | Saiki (Transit), Deppner (DAB) | 7–0 | — |
| Executive Session | Civil actions legal consultation | 7–0 | — |
| Adjournment | Adjourn 2:59 p.m. | 4–0 | Tuttle, Johnston, Ballard absent |
Civic Engagement Information
How to participate in future Wichita City Council meetings:
- Regular meetings are held every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall, 455 N. Main Street
- Citizens may address the council during the Public Agenda at the start of each meeting (5-minute limit)
- Public comment on specific agenda items is accepted during council consideration of those items
- Meeting agendas and minutes are available at wichita.gov
- Summer youth employment programs: hypekansas.com
Upcoming items to watch:
- March Workshop: Board and commission consolidation discussion; STAR bond status follow-up; fire station mold remediation cost estimates
- March 12–13: Staff retreat including leadership culture and communication discussions
- March 13: Way to Work Roundup at Wichita State Woolsey Hall
- July 31, 2026 deadline: Hotel developer must commence vertical construction in STAR bond Phase Two district
- Fire Station 15: Awaiting mini-split installation and post-remediation air testing before reoccupancy
- Stormwater escalator: Annual 15-cent increases beginning 2027 to return to council for approval
Coverage by Voice for Liberty. This post is based on official Wichita City Council meeting minutes for February 17, 2026. Direct quotations are drawn from the official record.