The city of Wichita reports progress continues on the new Northwest water treatment facility.
Repairs to the clarifiers at the plant are almost complete, but the heat, humidity and occasional rain has affected that work. One round of testing is finished and a second is underway. The city still anticipates taking over ownership of the plant in the fall. They will operate it for 6 months before it goes completely on-line in the first quarter of 2027.
The council also had a long discussion concerning the city's encampment ordinance. The law department has suggested cleaning up some of its language to reduce the city's liability and to help with enforcement. It's not clear if it will come before the council in the future as a new agenda item.
Also at Tuesday’s workshop, retiring Wichita Fire Chief Tammy Snow was presented a key to the city.
Snow said serving as a fire chief was the greatest privilege of her life. Snow has been the city's fire chief since 2017. Her official retirement ceremony was held Monday evening.
Michael Mire, a 30-year veteran of the Houston fire department, will take command August 24.
