The Wichita City Council convened on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, for a comprehensive session addressing critical issues including the approval of a new City Manager, significant water and sewer rate adjustments, union contract negotiations, and affordable housing initiatives. The meeting featured passionate public testimony on food deserts and homelessness, the approval of Dennis Marstall as the next City Manager despite concerns about the selection process, and a contentious vote establishing three-year water rate increases. Assistance from Claude AI.
Key Decisions:
- Dennis Marstall approved as City Manager (5-2 vote)
- Water/sewer rates increased through 2028 using Option 3 (4-3 vote)
- Three union contracts approved unanimously
- Multiple affordable housing revenue bond letters of intent approved
- Golf course irrigation improvements authorized
Meeting Participants
Council Members Present:
- Mayor Lily Wu
- Vice Mayor JV Johnston
- Council Member Brandon Johnson (District I)
- Council Member Becky Tuttle (District II)
- Council Member Mike Hoheisel (District III)
- Council Member Dalton Glasscock (District IV)
- Council Member Maggie Ballard (District VI)
Staff Members:
- Robert Layton, City Manager
- Jennifer Magana, City Attorney
- Shinita Rice, City Clerk
- Troy Anderson, Assistant City Manager
- Gary Janzen, Public Works & Utilities
- Pam Pennington, Human Resources
- Jason Hood, Human Resources
- Scott Wadle, Planning Department
- Timothy Kellams, Public Works & Utilities
- Jesse Coffman, Golf Division
- Aaron Henning, Public Works & Utilities
Presentations
WSU Tech Annual Update
Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech, presented the institution’s annual update highlighting workforce development achievements and partnerships with local high schools.
Key Points:
- WSU Tech serves students through career and technical education programs
- Partnership with Wichita Public Schools through FutureReady Centers
- Programs allow high school students to earn industry certifications
- Students can graduate high school with two-year certificates in fields like welding
- Programs lead to immediate employment opportunities often exceeding traditional college graduate starting salaries
Council Response:…