The Wichita City Council Tuesday voted unanimously to approve an ordinance allowing for the creation of a city-operated land bank and a seven-member board of trustees.
The land bank would be focused on the established central area, outlined by 29th Street North, Tyler Road on the west, 31st Street South, and Rock Road on the east. The land bank would work to convert vacant, abandoned and tax delinquent land to productive use. Any purchase, sale or transfer of property must be approved by the council. The land bank board would be advisory to the city council.
The plan has been in the works for some time, with some of the public input during district advisory board meetings and Facebook town hall events.
Council Member Jeff Blubaugh says the move is a positive step for the city.
The land bank's budget would be approved by the city council, with an annual report to the council on or before April 15th.
The council also approved $350 thousand for improvements to the city's seven stormwater utility pump stations, which help prevent the occurrence of flooding. The city plans to repair and replace control systems, pumps, roofs, and structures.
Finally, the council approved a water and sewer utility revenue bond sale. The city says 10 bids were received, with the winning bid going to Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. for $36.715 million at a true interest cost of 1.79%.
Bonds are used to permanently finance capital improvement projects.