The Wichita City Council had a full slate of agenda items to discuss Tuesday.
The council approved around $4.4 million dollars for the purchase of five new fire engines; along with hoses, nozzles, adaptors, and other tools to equip them. These projects are in the city's capital improvement program and will be paid for by general obligation bonds.
The city also agreed to a $353 thousand deal with Burns and McDonnell engineering to develop a multi-year program to address the city's 20" water mains.
A major line break in October 2021 caused a loss of water pressure around the city and resulted in a boil water advisory. City leaders say the studies will help them understand which pipes are more susceptible and develop a plan to address the issue.
Another baseball field is coming to McAdams Park.
League 42---named in honor of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American in Major League Baseball--raised the necessary funds for the project. Founder and Executive Director Bob Lutz said there will be no future expansion after this fourth field is added, given the space limitations of the park.
The new ballfield will have artificial turf and lighting. The project should be completed before the 2023 season begins next April.
League 42's first season in 2014 had 16 teams and 200 players. This season it had 43 teams and 600 players. The addition of the fourth baseball field will help alleviate overcrowding issues.
The council also approved splitting the costs of safety improvements at Wichita schools. The $100 thousand plan will address concerns like repainting crosswalks near schools, repairing sidewalks and streets and maintaining traffic signals to keep students safe. USD 259 will reimburse the city $50 thousand.
