Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee Minutes - 12/12/2017MINUTES
LAKE WICHITA REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
December 12, 2017
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Steve Garner, Chair ■ Members
Penny Miller, Secretary
Sam Bownds
Jesse Brown, City Council
Jack Browne
Michael Chapman
Kathy Forehand-Chaddick
Pete Gill
Ford Swanson
Jake VanDonge
Tom Lang, Ex-Officio
Terry Points, Parks and Recreation ■ Staff
Jim Dockery, City Manager's Office
Davis Powell, Engineering
Vikesh Desai, Engineering
Sally Gray, Wild Bird Rescue ■ Guests
Tina Henderson
Claire Kowalick, Times Record News
ABSENT: Kendrick Jones, Larry Scott
1. Call to Order and Introductions
Steve Garner called the meeting to order. Members, staff and guests introduced
themselves.
II. Approval of Minutes
Motion made to approve the November minutes with one correction. Motion passed.
III. City Capital Improvement
Jim Dockery reported that the City staff is finalizing a list of projects which are overdue,
high priority needs we haven't had the monies to address, such as streets, facilities,
trails, Lake Wichita, etc. He asked for a list of shoreline improvements for Lake
Wichita —the list provided by Tom Lang was reviewed by committee members. It does
not include excavation/dredging. Jim Dockery asked to have the legend for the paddling
trail added to the map for City Council.
The City Council will scrub the final list in January and February. A bond election will be
in either May or November. The City Attorney has concerns about members of the
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committee advocating on behalf of the bond. The City will categorize projects in the
bond for approval. The last time a bond was placed on the ballot, 6 or 8 propositions
passed.
Ford Swanson stated that some private donors have concerns about donating money if
dredging is not done. Jim Dockery stated it was always a fact that the lake would have
to be funded with private dollars. The bond for shoreline improvements would allow
donations to go further and be applied to dredging.
Ford Swanson asked for opinions about a citizen's referendum for the full amount of the
project, separate from the city bond. This idea was discussed.
Ford Swanson made a motion to recommend to City Council to proceed with $15.6M for
the full amount of lake amenities with a provision to be able to use any dollars not
needed due to private fundraising to be allocated to Phase I of excavation. The motion
was seconded and was passed unanimously.
Davis Powell will get updated estimates for projects as part of the preparation for City
Council review. The trail over the lake is not part of the projects list because it requires
a 408 permit and will need to be done later.
IV. Discussion of Grant Projects
A donor has agreed to help match dollars for the Boardwalk grant, but we don't have
the dollar amount yet.
Steve Garner and Tom Lang met with a potential donor for the Kemp Blvd boat ramp.
They hope to have a commitment by the end of the year.
V. Discussion of Brick Sale Campaign
There were 14 electronic brick orders this month.
VI. Discussion of Fundraising
Steve Garner and Tom Lang have been working hard on fundraising this past month.
They have met with some private donors and have more meetings coming up.
VII. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
Date
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