At a rare, Tuesday evening meeting, the Wichita City Council discussed proposed downtown parking plans. But even after three and a half hours of discussion, the motion was tabled until next month.
The council had five options from which to choose but the two most popular options could not gain the four votes needed to pass.
The first would have expanded paid parking in Delano, Downtown, and Old Town, with a flat rate of 75 cents per hour during the hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The second option would have taken a phased approach, enhancing operations and maintenance. Higher rates, on the order of $3 per hour, would have been introduced on lots and garages in 2025. Parking meters would have been introduced in the downtown core in 2026.
Dan Norton, owner of Norton's Brewing Company, said small businesses are still hurting post-pandemic, and this plan wouldn't help.
Tim Dugger owns businesses and resides in Delano and says the parking plan is not progress, but regression.
City staff will now discuss further considerations of the two options and will bring any new adjustments to the council on December 10th.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the council unanimously approved a Holocaust Memorial, which will be constructed on city-owned property adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park in the downtown.
Holocaust Memorial Monument, Inc. will fund and coordinate the construction of the memorial and routine maintenance. Grounds maintenance and electrical systems maintenance will continue to be funded by the city, estimated at $1,560 annually.
The council also approved budget adjustments for Public Works and Utilities.
The city says continued inflationary pressures have increased the costs of certain goods and services, including water production, which will cost an additional $1.3 million.
By a narrow 4-3 vote, the council approved going ahead with downtown restroom and hydration station improvements.
Restrooms and a hydration station will be provided at A. Price Woodard Jr. Memorial Park and restrooms at Naftzger Park.
The lowest bid received for the project exceeded the Engineer’s estimate by over $28 thousand. The city says the higher bid is a result of inflationary impacts on materials costs and labor.