20 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Wichita City Council met Tuesday night for over four hours in one of four evening sessions scheduled for 2024.
During the meeting, the council voted 7-0 to approve $2 million of the city’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for the Child Advocacy Center. The money will be used to expand the facility, which has seen an increase in the number of children needing care since the pandemic. The estimated cost for the expansion is $12.8 million. With the city’s funds, the CAC has raised nearly half of the money.
Council members voted 7-0 to approve $1 million in improvements to the Minisa Bridge on 13th Street next to North High School. The city says the most recent bridge inspections identified depressions in the brick-driving surface due to sand migration. Inspections also identified sidewalk, rail, column, and lighting deterioration. The bridge was last rehabilitated 15 years ago.
Other items discussed and approved by members during the meeting included having staff prepare an ordinance to remove the seven-day advance requirement to speak in front of the council. It also directed staff to take it to district advisory boards to gather information on better engaging the public.
Members also discussed reviewing the contract with McClatchy regarding the publication of legal notices.
To watch the entire meeting, click here.