At Tuesday's Wichita City Council meeting, we learned how much the city has spent so far to repair that large water main break nearly a month ago.
The emergency repairs and testing has cost $250 thousand thus far, which was necessary to mitigate the risk of inadequate water supply and fire protection. Gary Janzen with the city says an engineering firm is currently investigating why the main broke, by testing the pipe and taking soil samples.
The 42-inch water main ruptured on October 7 near I-135 and 18th Street, which resulted in low water pressure, and a subsequent boil water advisory. The water line remains out of service until the testing is complete, which is expected in the next week.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, the council approved a remodel project that will take place at Wichita Police headquarters in City Hall.
A Police official said the records department on the fifth floor and the investigations area on the sixth floor are outdated. The total budget for the upgrades is $575 thousand, which will come from the capital improvement program.
The council also approved a $325 thousand budget adjustment for the city's golf fund, challenged in recent years due to declining rounds.
In 2020, rounds played and revenue exceeded expectations as more people played golf due to the pandemic. The upward trend continued into 2021, with rounds played on municipal courses increasing by 25 percent, and driving range and cart rentals increasing by more than 20 percent.
Increased revenues will outpace increased expenditures, which will exceed what was budgeted in 2021, resulting in the adjustments made by the council.
Look for expansion plans and upgrades at the Stryker multi-sport complex in northeast Wichita.
Expansion of the press box will take place, along with locker room modifications to accommodate collegiate tournaments. To increase safety, the installation of protective netting and additional fencing will occur as well.
The city says design work will be finished by Thanksgiving. Groundbreaking should start early next year and be done by May.
