CITY COUNCIL
Tue, Apr 28
· 6 items
Derby Council approves housing grant amendment, fee updates, and business park sale
Derby City Council met for nearly an hour on April 28 to handle proclamations, fee adjustments, and property matters. The longest discussion centered on a First Amendment to the Moderate Income Housing Grant Agreement — taking 16 minutes of the meeting. Council also spent time on a fee resolution update (9 minutes) + the sale of a West End Business Park lot to Mid Continent Controls, Inc. (6 minutes). Public forum + announcements ran 11 minutes.
National Water Safety Month Proclamation
discussed
Council recognized May as National Water Safety Month.
Bike Month Proclamation
discussed
Council recognized May as Bike Month.
Position Count Change for Senior Services
discussed
Staffing adjustment for the senior services department.
Sale of West End Business Park Lot to Mid Continent Controls, Inc.
discussed
Council considered the sale of city property in the West End Business Park.
Fee Resolution Update
discussed
Council reviewed and discussed updates to city fees.
PLANNING
Mon, Apr 27
· 16 items
Derby USD 260 Board Celebrates High School Milestone, Reviews Capital Projects + Student Services
The Derby school board met for nearly three hours on April 27, spending the bulk of the meeting on a Derby High School presentation + years of service recognition — a 65-minute agenda item that dominated discussion. The board also reviewed the district's five-year capital outlay plan (28 minutes), heard reports on special services + middle school intervention strategies, + discussed facility upgrades including chiller replacement at Derby Middle School + roof work at El Paso. Smaller items covered online credit recovery platforms, staff device purchases, + bus camera refresh.
Derby High School Presentation and Years of Service
discussed
Extended presentation recognizing staff service milestones at Derby High School. This was the longest single agenda item at 65 minutes.
I Make A Difference Awards
discussed
Recognition program presented by Becky Moeder honoring staff contributions.
State Wrestling Champion Recognition
discussed
Recognition of Presley Beard as state wrestling champion.
Five-Year Capital Outlay Plan
discussed
District facility planning + budget priorities reviewed by Pamela Kelly, Burke Jones, + Dennis Elledge. Second-longest agenda item at 28 minutes.
Special Services Department Report
discussed
Report from Dr. Dawn Gresham on special education + support services.
PLANNING
Mon, Apr 27
· 8 items
Newton Schools Board to Vote on Driver's Ed Restart, Open Enrollment, and Program Changes
USD 373's board meets April 27 to consider relaunching the driver's education program, approve open enrollment slots for the coming year, and discuss adjustments to the school calendar. The agenda also includes a presentation from Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center and a proposed program restructuring for K-4 grades across three centers. Routine consent items — including minutes, bills, personnel actions, and renewal of Imagine Learning software — are bundled for approval.
Relaunch of Driver's Education Program
action
Board will vote on reinstating the driver's ed program in USD 373.
Open Enrollment Slots and Projected Enrollment
action
Board will approve open enrollment capacity and review enrollment projections for the district.
Calendar Adjustment
action
Board will discuss and vote on changes to the school calendar.
BOE Appointment to NRC Board
action
Board will appoint a representative to the NRC Board.
Proposed Program Adjustment for K-4 (Three Centers)
discussion
Board will review a proposed restructuring of K-4 programming across three school centers.
PLANNING
Fri, Apr 24
· 14 items
MAPC Approves PUD for Nifty Nut House Property with Parking Lot Screening Compromise
The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission approved three major zoning cases on April 23, 2026. The most significant was PUD 2026-00004 (JN Real Estate), consolidating multiple parcels around the Nifty Nut House on East Central Avenue under unified zoning. The commission approved the applicant's request to waive parking lot landscaping requirements except along East Central Avenue, where landscaping screening is required. The commission also approved PUD 2026-00006 (Moorings Plaza), a 75.6-acre mixed-use development along West 53rd Street, with staff recommendations intact. A third case, zone change 2026-00004 for duplex development at North Clara Street, was heard but no vote was recorded in the transcript.
PUD 2026-00004 (JN Real Estate / Nifty Nut House)
Approved
(Unanimous (voice vote))
Zone change from LI, GC, and B multifamily to PUD creating unified development plan for five parcels bounded by East Central, North Emporia, East Pine, and North St. Francis. Consolidates existing com
PUD 2026-00006 (Moorings Plaza)
Approved
(Unanimous (voice vote))
Zone change from SF5 single family residential and OW office warehouse to PUD for 75.6-acre mixed-use development along West 53rd Street between North Meridian and Arkansas River. Establishes 15 parce
Zone Change 2026-00004 (North Clara Street Duplex)
Heard
(Not recorded in transcript)
Request to rezone 32 acres at 525 North Clara Street from SF5 single family residential to TF3 two-family residential to allow duplex development. Vacant property; previous single-family dwelling demo
Subdivision 2026-000015 (Willow Creek Plat)
Approved on consent
(Unanimous (consent agenda))
One-step final plat at approximate location 7 East 77th Street and North Green Road in the county.
Subdivision 2026-000019 (Harbor Isle North Edition)
Approved on consent
(Unanimous (consent agenda))
Set final plat at approximate location 51st Street North and North Meridian in the city.
MEDIA BRIEFING
Fri, Apr 24
· 9 items
Veterans Benefits Event Tomorrow; City Celebrates Public Safety Partnerships + Community Cleanups
Mayor Wu highlighted a major veterans services event Friday, April 24 at the Heartland Preparedness Center (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) with 37 vendors, nine veteran service reps, and on-site medical examiners to help over 30,000 local veterans access benefits and health care. The city council renewed the veterans ride free program, which has provided 282,580 free trips since July 2020 with $20,000 in funding from the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and United Way of the Plains. The Wichita Police Department launched a second drone-as-first-responder hive in partnership with QuikTrip, expanding rapid-response capabilities across the city. Saturday brings two community cleanups: the Ark River Cleanup (9 a.m.–noon) and downtown cleanup hosted by Downtown Wichita (9 a.m.–noon at 501 East Douglas).
Veterans Benefits Event
Announced
Friday, April 24, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. at Heartland Preparedness Center. 37 vendors including Kansas National Guard, VA representatives, financial counselors, medical examiners (pulmonologist, allergist, ge
Veterans Ride Free Program Renewal
Renewed by City Council
Program has provided 282,580 free trips since inception in July 2020. Funded by Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and United Way of the Plains ($10,000 each). No additional operating costs to transit d
Drone-as-First-Responder Hive Expansion
Launched
Second DFR Hive deployed in partnership with QuikTrip, Wichita Police Department, and Wichita Police and Fire Foundation. Each hive includes three drones for rapid deployment and expanded coverage dur
Ark River Cleanup
Scheduled
Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon. Last year 800+ volunteers collected 700 bags of trash (1.3 tons). Since inception, 51+ tons of litter removed. Sign up at arkrivercleanup.org.
Downtown Wichita Cleanup
Scheduled
Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon. Check in at Downtown Wichita offices, 501 East Douglas. In 2025, 350 gallons of litter picked up, 48 flowers planted, and repainting completed in key areas.
PLANNING
Fri, Apr 24
· 4 items
Advanced Plans Committee Focuses on Data Center Regulatory Options, Infrastructure Requirements
The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission's Advanced Plans Committee held a special meeting on April 23, 2026, to discuss potential regulations for hyperscale data centers in Wichita and Sedgwick County. Planning staff presented five regulatory options ranging from conditional use permits to outright prohibition, along with detailed infrastructure maps showing transmission lines, substations, fiber routes, water districts, and flood zones. The committee heard extensive public comment expressing concerns about water availability and contamination, electrical grid capacity, environmental impacts, and the need for robust regulatory oversight before any facilities are approved. A second special meeting is scheduled for May 28 to continue discussions on potential regulations.
Regulatory Options for Hyperscale Data Centers
Discussed
Staff presented five options: conditional use permits, overlay districts, floating/performance-based districts, prohibition, and maintaining status quo. Conditional use permits were highlighted as fam
Infrastructure Mapping and Analysis
Presented
Staff displayed maps of transmission lines, electric substations, fiber routes, water districts, groundwater depth, and flood zones across Sedgwick County. Maps showed transmission line voltage variat
Comprehensive Plan Considerations
Discussed
Staff reviewed the county's vision and guiding principles, noting that any zoning changes would need to align with comprehensive plan recommendations. Language from the large-scale utility solar proce
Future Meeting Schedule
Scheduled
Regular meeting scheduled for May 14, 2026, with an additional special meeting planned for May 28, 2026, to allow two opportunities in May to review and discuss potential regulations.
CITY OF WICHITA
Thu, Apr 23
· 3 items
Housing First Program Transforms Lives by Prioritizing Shelter Over Preconditions
Wichita's Housing First program places people experiencing homelessness directly into housing, then provides optional support services tailored to individual needs. The approach prioritizes stability and client choice over mandatory treatment or compliance requirements. Joseph Holbrook's story illustrates the program's impact — after returning to Wichita homeless and struggling with addiction, he received housing without preconditions, then gradually built independence through consistent support, paid off debt to the Kansas City Housing Authority, secured two jobs, and now volunteers at the Open Door helping others. The program challenges stigma by demonstrating that people experiencing homelessness can rebuild their lives when given a foundation and genuine support.
Housing First Model Overview
Discussed
The program places people directly into housing first, then provides optional, client-driven support services. Services are not required — the focus is on stability and independence rather than precon
Joseph Holbrook Case Study
Highlighted
Holbrook returned to Wichita homeless after struggling with addiction in Kansas City. Rather than being removed from housing for non-compliance, he received consistent support, completed treatment, pa
Stigma Reduction and Community Perception
Addressed
The program challenges negative assumptions about people experiencing homelessness by sharing stories that demonstrate their capacity for change and contribution when given proper support.
CITY OF WICHITA
Wed, Apr 22
· 1 items
District 4 Encourages Residents to Report Tree Trimming Issues via Wichita App
A District 4 official highlighted tree trimming and canopy management as a common resident concern and promoted the Wichita app as a tool for reporting issues. Residents can download the app, navigate to the Wichita page, submit a report with a photo, select the location, and submit — all to help the city maintain its tree canopy. The official framed tree care as essential to a strong city.
Tree Trimming Issue Reporting
Promoted
District 4 residents can report tree trimming problems using the Wichita app by uploading a photo, selecting the location, and submitting the report.
CITY COUNCIL
Wed, Apr 22
· 8 items
Valley Center Council Approves Promotional RFP, Tables Brush Pile Decision, Advances Water Treatment Plant Project
Valley Center City Council approved an RFP for community promotional advertising services focused on streaming and display ads to attract residents, with a budget to be revealed to bidders. The council tabled discussion of the brush pile facility after extensive debate over funding options—ranging from user fees and gate systems to limited weekend hours—deciding to gather more information before the next meeting. The council also approved temporary construction easements for the water treatment plant raw water line extension and a change order for erosion control at the Rehabella development.
City Promotional Advertising RFP
approved
(unanimous)
Council authorized staff to solicit proposals for promotional services including display ads (Redfin, Zillow), pre-roll/CTV ads (Netflix, Hulu), and broadcast television commercials. The RFP will reve
Brush Pile Facility Management
tabled
(tabled unanimously)
Council discussed multiple options for the brush pile: continuing current operations, implementing a secure gate with code/card access ($15,000-$50,000 startup), establishing user fees, or opening Fri
Temporary Construction Easement—Steerman Property
approved
(unanimous)
Council approved a temporary construction easement at 505 South Sheridan for the water treatment plant raw water line extension. The offer amount is $1,353.41 at 41 cents per square foot.
Temporary Construction Easement—Sharp Property
approved
(unanimous)
Council approved a second temporary construction easement for the water treatment plant project at 41 cents per square foot, totaling $656.41.
Rehabella Change Order Number Three
approved
(unanimous)
Council approved a change order for $1,500 to install erosion control matting on a steep slope created during drainage swale construction within the drainage easement.
CITY COUNCIL
Wed, Apr 22
· 3 items
City Council Approves 2027 Tourism Budget, Celebrates Major Events Coming to Wichita
The Wichita City Council approved the Tourism Business Improvement District's 2027 scope of services and budget, which funds Visit Wichita's efforts to promote tourism and conventions. Visit Wichita reported a strong 2025 with over $300 million in economic impact and announced major new events coming to the city, including USA Gymnastics, USA Badminton, and the American Jail Association conference in 2029. The organization holds approximately $900,000 in a strategic event fund to support future events, with 80% already committed to confirmed events. Council members praised Visit Wichita's collaborative approach and its role in supporting local attractions like Exploration Place.
Tourism Business Improvement District 2027 Scope of Services and Budget
Approved
(Approved (vote count not specified in transcript))
Visit Wichita's 2027 budget was approved, funded by a 2.75% nightly hotel assessment. The organization reported $300+ million in economic impact for 2025 and a $1 billion cumulative economic impact si
Major Events Secured for Wichita
Announced
(N/A)
Visit Wichita announced several new events coming to the city: USA Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling Elite Challenge (spring 2026), USA Badminton (July 8-14, 2026 with 650 athletes), USA Boxing Natio
Strategic Event Fund and Operating Reserve
Discussed
(N/A)
Visit Wichita maintains approximately $900,000 in a strategic event fund, with 80% committed to confirmed future events and 20% pending bid results. The organization also maintains a 3-6 month operati
CITY OF WICHITA
Tue, Apr 21
· 1 items
District 4 Encourages Residents to Report Tree Trimming Issues via Wichita App
A District 4 representative highlighted tree trimming and canopy management as a common resident concern and encouraged the public to use the Wichita mobile app to report issues. The process is straightforward — download the app, navigate to the Wichita page, submit a report with a photo, select the location, and submit. The city views a healthy tree canopy as essential to a strong city.
Tree Trimming Issue Reporting
Public engagement initiative
Residents can report tree trimming problems through the Wichita app by uploading a photo, selecting the location, and submitting. This allows the city to track and address canopy concerns across Distr
PLANNING
Fri, Apr 17
· 5 items
Advanced Plans Committee Receives Data Center Policy Framework, Schedules Follow-Up Meeting
The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission's Advanced Plans Committee held a special meeting on April 16, 2026, to review regulatory options for data centers in Wichita and Sedgwick County. The Berkeley Group presented a comprehensive framework including potential zoning approaches (overlay districts, floating districts, conditional use permits, or prohibition), site development standards addressing water use, noise, air quality, and decommissioning, and draft comprehensive plan language. The committee received public comment from residents, economic development representatives, and subject matter experts, with significant opposition to hyperscale facilities and strong concerns about water impacts, community character, and rural property rights. A follow-up special meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2026, at 9 a.m., where staff will present maps of flood plains and electrical infrastructure to inform geographic suitability discussions.
Data Center Regulatory Framework Presentation
Received and filed
The Berkeley Group presented options for regulating data centers including zoning approaches (overlay districts, floating/performance-based districts, conditional use permits, or prohibition of hypers
Public Input Summary
Received and filed
Staff reported on three public engagement events: March 12 town hall (58 speakers), March 25 commission roundtable, and March 31 open house (237 sign-ins, 34 speakers). Survey conducted March 31–April
Interim Control Period Extension
Noted
The interim control period on data center development was extended from the original January 14 establishment date to June 11, 2026. This period allows the Planning Commission and Planning Department
Special Meeting Scheduled for April 23, 2026
Approved
Committee scheduled a follow-up special meeting for April 23, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the same location. Staff will present maps of 100-year and 500-year flood plains, electrical infrastructure (high-volta
Commissioner Warren Named Vice Chair
Announced
Chairman Zimmelman announced that Commissioner Warren has been named vice chair of the Advanced Plans Committee.
SUBDIVISION
Fri, Apr 17
· 8 items
Subdivision Committee Approves Six Items; Engineer Joe Hingles Announces Retirement
The Wichita Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission's Subdivision and Utility Advisory Committee met on April 16, 2026, approving six subdivision and vacation items with no significant objections from staff or the public. Three items were deferred to May 7th. The committee also elected Commissioner Johnson as vice chair and discussed concerns about video submissions from the public, with commissioners expressing preference for in-person testimony. City stormwater engineer Joe Hingles announced his retirement effective May 22, with Kevin Yale transitioning into his role.
Willow Oak Estates Final Plat
Approved
(6-0)
Six-lot residential subdivision in the county at the southwest corner of East 77th Street North and North Greenwitch Road. Staff noted the plat was revised from seven lots to six lots after combining
Cedar Rest Estates Replat
Approved
(6-0)
Six-lot replat in the county to adjust access easements, allowing family members to share driveway access. Minor drainage plan changes required but approved to move forward.
Harbor Isle North Edition Final Plat
Approved
(6-0)
Two-lot commercial subdivision in the city at the southeast corner of West 51st Street North and North Meridian. One waiver requested and approved for lot depth-to-width ratio on lot one block A.
Vacation at 1331 North Holio Avenue
Approved
(6-0)
Request to vacate west 15 feet of a 35-foot front setback on LC-zoned property to create uniform 20-foot setback matching adjacent properties and zoning code requirements.
Vacation at 5301 South Broadway Avenue
Approved
(6-0)
Request to vacate portion of complete access control to permit one full movement drive onto South Broadway Avenue. Proposed drive 280 feet from existing drive, below the 400-foot standard for arterial
PLANNING
Thu, Apr 16
· 2 items
Derby Planning Commission Spends Hour on Zoning + Subdivision Regulation Amendments
The Derby Planning Commission met April 16 for a 65-minute session dominated by a public hearing on proposed zoning and subdivision regulation amendments — the item consumed 56 minutes of discussion. The commission also heard public comment during a 6-minute forum. Routine business including meeting minutes and announcements rounded out the agenda.
Public Hearing: Zoning and Subdivision Regulation Amendments
discussed
Extended public hearing on proposed changes to Derby's zoning and subdivision regulations. This item received the majority of the meeting's time, indicating significant community or staff interest in
Public Forum
discussed
Open comment period for residents to address the commission on matters of interest.
CITY COUNCIL
Tue, Apr 14
Derby City Council meeting held April 14, 2026
The Derby City Council met for nearly two hours on April 14. The meeting agenda index provided only a single item — Call to Order — which is a procedural opening. Without detailed agenda items or discussion topics in the index, the substance of what was discussed cannot be determined from the data provided.
PLANNING
Mon, Apr 13
· 11 items
Derby USD 260 Board Focuses on RSP Enrollment, Capital Planning, + High School Curriculum Updates
The Derby school board met for nearly three hours on April 13, spending the bulk of time on RSP (Regional Service Program) enrollment updates — a 34-minute discussion with Burke Jones + Rob Schwarz — and operations staffing recognition. The board also reviewed a five-year capital outlay plan, heard curriculum proposals for high school social studies + pre-K through 8 music, + discussed driver safety training + student technology refresh initiatives. Communications + legislative updates rounded out the agenda.
Operations Years of Service Recognition
discussed
Burke Jones presented service recognition for maintenance, transportation, + food service staff.
RSP Enrollment Update
discussed
Burke Jones + Rob Schwarz from RSP provided enrollment data + program updates — the longest single agenda item at 34 minutes.
Biotechnology Pathway + White Coat Ceremony
discussed
Kathleen O'Brien + Dylan Brown presented on the biotechnology pathway program + associated white coat ceremony.
Five-Year Capital Outlay Plan
discussed
Pamela Kelly, Burke Jones, + Dennis Elledge reviewed the district's five-year capital improvement plan.
Pathwise Safe Driver 360
discussed
Burke Jones + Randy Collins presented on driver safety training initiative.
PLANNING
Mon, Apr 13
· 9 items
USD 385 Board Approves 2026-27 Instructional Materials + Fees; Health Insurance Update on Agenda
The Andover Board of Education will consider instructional materials for science, business law, + medical strand courses alongside 2026-27 staff + student handbooks at its April 13 meeting. A consent agenda includes approval of the CPA audit engagement, 2026-27 fees recommendation, + the eduCLIMBER data management platform. The board will also receive a health insurance update for 2027 + hear from the superintendent.
2026-27 Fees Recommendation
consent
Board will approve recommended fees for the 2026-27 school year.
K-5 Science Instructional Materials Recommendation
action
Board will consider adoption of science curriculum materials for elementary grades.
Business Law Instructional Materials Recommendation
action
Board will consider adoption of instructional materials for business law courses.
CAPS Medical Strand Instructional Materials Recommendation
discussion
Board will discuss instructional materials for the medical strand program.
2026-27 Staff + Student Handbooks
discussion
Board will review handbooks for licensed, classified, substitute, + administrative personnel, plus student handbooks for the upcoming school year.
PLANNING
Mon, Apr 13
· 10 items
Newton Schools Board to Vote on Staff Contracts, Transportation Handbook, and Mental Health Partnership
USD 373's board meets April 13 to approve contract extensions for building administrators, directors, and district office staff for the 2026-27 school year. The agenda includes a new transportation handbook for approval, consent items covering February financials + personnel updates, and a mental health memorandum of understanding with Prairie View. The board will also consider early graduation requests + gift donations, and discuss open enrollment projections for next year.
Contract Extensions for Building Administrators and Directors
action
Board will vote on renewing contracts for building-level leadership for the 2026-27 school year.
Contract Extensions for District Office Staff
action
Board will vote on renewing contracts for central office staff for the 2026-27 school year.
Approve 2026-27 Transportation Handbook
action
Board will review and approve the updated transportation handbook for the upcoming school year.
Approve Prairie View MHIT/Mental Health MOU
action
Board will approve a memorandum of understanding with Prairie View for mental health services.
Approve Early Graduation Requests for OA
action
Board will consider early graduation requests from students.
PLANNING
Mon, Apr 13
· 8 items
USD 262 Valley Center Board to Set Student Meal Prices, Review Handbooks, and Approve Special Meeting Schedule
The Valley Center Board of Education meets April 13 to handle routine consent items including financial reports + personnel actions, then moves to substantive decisions on nonresident student capacity, meal pricing for 2026-2027, and adoption of Character Strong curriculum for grades 6-8. The board will also conduct a first read of updated student handbooks and determine dates for fifth Monday special meetings. A legislative update + Eagle Scout project report round out the agenda before executive session.
Nonresident Student Capacity Determination
action
Board will determine capacity limits for nonresident students seeking enrollment in USD 262.
2026-2027 Student Meal Prices
action
Board will set meal pricing for the upcoming school year.
Student Handbooks (First Read)
action
Initial review of updated student handbooks before final adoption.
Character Strong Adoption for Grades 6-8
action
Board will consider adopting Character Strong curriculum for middle school students.
5th Monday Special Meetings Schedule
action
Board will establish dates for special meetings on fifth Mondays of months.