John Tracy Councilmember

Auidtorium receives grant

2012-02-05T19:36:00.002-06:00

The Memorial Auditorium recently received a Community Development Block Grant for nearly $400,000. The grant monies, which will be matched equally with funds from the Horton Trust Fund bequeathed by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Horton, will be used to make ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) improvements to the building. New handicapped accessible restrooms, stair and wheel chair lifts will be installed, and an elevator to the 2nd Floor will be constructed. Making the building ADA Accessible will allow more activities to be held at the Auditorium such as concerts, banquets, and other events.

Thanks to Gus Collins, Jeremy Jones, and the Auditorium Board for their work on this project.

The Auditorium has applied for a second grant which will be awarded this month. If successful, this grant will replace windows and doors which are currently in disrepair.

City welcomes Economic Development Director

2012-02-05T19:33:00.000-06:00

From City Manager Gus Collins: City Manager Gus Collins announced today that Mr. Cody Sims has been selected as the new Economic Development/Grant Writer for the City of Wellington. Mr. Sims will begin his duties at the end of February 2012. Mr. Sims was selected from over fifty applicants to serve in this position.

Currently, Mr. Sims is serving as a Structural Designer for Airbus-Wichita. Mr. Sims has also completed a year-long Internship with the City of Bel Aire, serving in the various Municipal capacities, including Assistant to the City Manager, with the emphasis on Grant Writing for the City of Bel Aire. He was also instrumental in the management for Economic Development projects through his affiliation with Bel Aire.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Southwestern and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Wichita State University. He and his wife & daughter currently live in Wichita and will be relocating to Wellington very soon.

We are very excited to have such a very capable and enthusiastic candidate as Mr. Sims. We look forward to having him in the Community.

Filing deadline has passed; ten candidates file

2012-01-24T20:43:00.003-06:00

The filing deadline was at noon today. Ten candidates filed for office including;

Ward 1 – James Shawn, John Brand.
Ward 2 – Chase Weber, Bronson Campbell.
Ward 3 – Jon Holmes, Lannon Taylor.
Ward 4 – Paula Mortimer, Christopher Bruster, Jan Korte, Jerry Sears.

Fourth Ward only will see a primary. The General election is in April.

"Light Up Wellington" informational meeting held

2012-01-11T19:15:00.002-06:00

A "Light Up Wellington" informational meeting was held this evening at the Memorial Auditorium. The "Light Up Wellington" committee is trying to raise funding to string lights atop the downtown buildings which would illuminate the buildings in the evening. Caldwell, Anthony, and Kingman have all undertaken the project to some extent, and the lights are a beautiful addition to the downtown area. If funding allows, the committee would like to continue to pursue funding for light replacement, and even to replace the existing Christmas decorations that are hung downtown each Christmas season. The lights are expected to last 8 years, with LED bulbs lasting 5 years. Because the lights are LED, the energy cost to light up downtown for about six hours each night will be approximately $6 per month.

If you would like to donate to this project, and help beautify downtown Wellington, you can make checks payable to the Wellington Community Foundation, c/o Marlene Flickinger, 711 North Poplar, Wellington. Make sure to note on your check you are directing the donation to the "Light Up Wellington" project. Donations are tax deductible.

For more information, contact Shelly Hansel at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, or Gus Collins at the City of Wellington. Sunni Bales and Cliff Zens also serve on the "Light Up Wellington" committee.

Tracy will not seek another term

2011-12-27T21:48:00.002-06:00

In the Spring of 2010, I was part of a committee that recommended changes to restructure City Government. These recommendations resulted in the passage of Charter Ordinance 25 in the Sumner of 2010. There are many changes as a result of this, however one major change is the addition of term limits: elected City Officials will be limited to two 4 year terms at any one time. Even though term limi...ts will not go into effect until 2013, I feel it is my duty to comply with the "intent" of CO25, and since this is my eighth year on the City Council, I will not be seeking another term in April.

The reason I am making this announcement is to give others time to seriously considering running for the open seat in 3rd Ward. There are both pros and cons to being a City Councilmember, however I believe the pros far outweigh the cons. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve for the last 8 years. Did I accomplish everything I sought? Definitely not...I lost more battles than I won. But some of the battles I won made some much needed changes in the way City Government serves you. And you can make changes too...you just have to try.

I ask that if you've ever been remotely interested in serving as a City Councilmember, if you are genuinly concerned about the future of our community, or if you have ideas that will make Wellington a better place in which to live, I urge you to consider running for office. I've posted an article from the Wellington Daily News on my Facebook page that details the filing requirements as well as the filing deadline.

So am I done with politics? Time will tell. Probably after a break, I would consider running for public office again because it truly has been a rewarding experience...if I would be lucky enough to get elected again. So please...we need good people at the helm. It is difficult finding candidates...of my four terms, two were unopposed. Throw your name in the hat, and see what you can accomplish!

Employees receive awards

2011-11-16T06:40:00.002-06:00

Hats off and thanks to the many employees who received service awards at last nights Council meeting. Sponsored in part by the League of Kansas Municipalities, around 20 employees received service awards for 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service to the citizens of Wellington. Thank you for your continued dedication!

Sidewalk grant received; City approves contract

2011-11-16T06:37:00.002-06:00

The City has received a $250,000 "Safe Routes to Schools" grant, and the Council approved the City/State contract last night. Grant funds will be used to replace certain sidewalks in neighborhoods near schools where children most frequently walk.

Roundabout construction nearing the end

2011-11-01T19:53:00.001-05:00

All concrete work for the roundabout project is completed, and workers continue to finish the dirtwork, signage, and pavement markings. The project is expected to be complete within the next two or three weeks.

Council approved development plat

2011-11-01T19:50:00.002-05:00

The City Council approved a plat for a proposed retail business development this evening, to be located just south of McDonalds and west of Walmart. The plat calls for construction of a building that will house up to five businesses; one 4200 square foot business with up to four additional 1200 square foot businesses. Design plans are expected to be finalized within 45 days and the developer hopes to begin construction before years end.

Issue on ephedrine goes to the ballot

2011-10-18T21:08:00.002-05:00

The Council voted 7-1 this evening to put the issue of ephedrine to a public vote. A valid and certified petition had been presented to the City Council, forcing an Ordinance which would have made certain cold medications a "prescription" drug. By State Statute, the Council either had to pass the Ordinance, or put the issue to a vote. The special election must be held within 90 days and the date will be determined by the County Election Officer. Stay tuned for more information...the actual wording on the ballot will be made public in advance so you can study the issue prior to voting.

Sunday "consumption" of CMB passes

2011-10-04T21:32:00.002-05:00

The City Council passed an Ordinance this evening that will allow the "consumption" of cereal malt beverages in certain establishments, on Sundays.

The law allows for Sunday sales of...
1. "on-premise" sale and consumption (carry out from retail sales at convenience or grocery stores is not allowed)
2. hours of sale are limited to Noon to 8p.m.
3. the business must have at least 30% of their revenue come from the sale of food

Primarily, those establishments affected by the Ordinance are restaurants that serve beer as part of their beverage menu. Other establishments may be allowed providing they meet the food sale requirement.

The law applies only to the sale of cereal malt beverage (3.2% alcohol or less). Alcoholic beverages are controlled by the State and by State Statutes.

Petition determined to be valid

2011-10-04T21:27:00.002-05:00

A petition filed with the Wellington City Clerk requesting passage of an Ordinance pertaining to the sale of certain cold medicines in Wellington has been determined to be valid. The petition contained the required amount of signatures, and signatures were verified to be those of registered voters.

The City Council now has 20 days upon which to take action; pass an Ordinance that makes certain over-the-counter cold medicines prescription-only drugs, or put the issue to a vote of the citizens. If a referendum is chosen, it must be held within 90days, therefore a special election will be required. A special elections costs between $4,000-$5,000. Because of the petition, the Council cannot vote "against" the Ordinance; the Ordinance must be adopted, or the issue put up for vote.

Let me know your opinion on this important issue. Email me at bjtracy@sbcglobal.net.

Petition on cold medicines submitted

2011-09-22T21:34:00.002-05:00

The City has received a petition to pass an Ordinance making certain over-the-counter cold medicines prescription drugs. The petition has been sent to the County Election Officer to certify the signatures.

If the signatures are valid, the City Council has 90 days in which to pass an Ordinance, or put the issue to the vote of the citizens. A special election costs about $5,000.

New Klink Project approved

2011-09-06T20:32:00.002-05:00

The City Council, at tonights meeting, approved another KLINK Project which will provide for resurfacing 15th Street from Washington to the west side of the roundabout, and 16th Street from the east side of the roundabout to Woodlawn. The project will be done in conjunction with the final stage of the roundabout so then entire route, from Washington to Woodlawn, will be new and smooth. Anyone who has tried to turn into any of the businesses along 16th Street knows how "wavy" the ride is....the new overlay of asphalt will correct those ruts.

Final stage of Roundabout to be started

2011-09-06T20:29:00.002-05:00

The final stage of the Roundabout is scheduled to be started the week of September 19th. When this occurs, there will be no westbound traffic allowed. Vehicles can travel from west to east on US160, and from north to west on US81. All eastbound traffic will be routed to Harvey, then to Woodlawn, then back to 16th St. Pay attention to the news media and to detour signs when the final stage begins.

Fair Street nears completion

2011-09-06T20:27:00.002-05:00

The Fair Street project is very near completion. The 1st Street Bridge has been replaced, lowering of the roadway at 1st and Fair is done, and new curb and gutter, concrete pavement, and asphalt installed. New drainage storm sewers have been buried and a small "Spillway" to allow water to drain from under the bridge has been poured. There is a little cleanup to do and the bridge should be reopened!

Population down, but not as bad as estimated

2011-07-13T21:22:00.003-05:00

The U.S. Census reports Wellington's population has dropped around 300 in the last ten years; but that is not as bad as what had been estimated. The U.S. Census "estimates" population each year, that estimated being adopted by the State as "official". The 2009 population of Wellington was estimated to be around 7,700, about a 10% decline, however 2010 census statistics indicate the population to actually be 8,172. While still a decline, it's certainly good news that it wasn't as bad as estimated. Now to work on gaining some of that population back........

City partners with Efficiency Kansas

2011-06-28T22:13:00.002-05:00

The City of Wellington has partnered with "Efficiency Kansas", a program which offers low cost loans for the purpose of making energy efficient improvement to your home. The loan, provided through the State, is paid back through your utility bill. For more information, visit the City's website at www.cityofwellington.net and click on the "Efficiency Kansas" logo.

City Council to consider concealed-carry

2011-06-28T22:11:00.002-05:00

The City of Wellington will be seeking an Attorney General's Opinion as to whether or not Councilmembers with "concealed carry permits" are allowed to take weapons with them to City Hall. City Attorney Mike Brown will be working on a letter explaining the request for interpretation of the State's concealed carry statute.

Projects continue

2011-06-28T22:09:00.002-05:00

The Roundabout and Fair Street renovations continue, and "B" Street is expected to be completed by tomorrow. To keep abreast of all ongoing and pending projects, visit the City's website at www.cityofwellington.net.

2012 Budget being discussed

2011-06-28T22:07:00.002-05:00

Budget discussions for the year 2012 are underway with the Council reviewing the Capital Improvement Plan and Capital Outlay this evening. While the budget process is far from over, I've posted a preview of the 2012 Capital Improvement Plan on my website at www.johntracy.net. I'll add more information as it becomes available. A Public Hearing will be held for public comment on the proposed budget sometime in August before the final budget is adopted.

Fair Street project

2011-05-13T20:40:00.001-05:00

AT&T will begin relocating affected telephones next week on the Fair Street project. The contractor has begun to mobilize equipment and if all goes as planned, dirt will turn around the first week in June!

City initiates new Customer Service tool

2011-05-13T20:37:00.002-05:00

The City has established a new Customer Service tool on their website. You can view frequently asked questions, comment or make a request, or ask your own question. Check it out at www.cityofwellington.net/customerservicecenter.html .

Choose SRMC

2011-05-13T20:29:00.003-05:00

Everything is hurting is our current economy...even our hospital. SRMC is facing large deficits due to cutbacks in Medicare and Medicaid, bad debt on patient medical bills, and because citizens are choosing to use Wichita and other area hospitals instead. While certain instances can't be helped, choosing a medical facility in Wichita has the same affect on our hospital and shopping in Wichita has on our retail businesses. Local money leaves town.
Support you local hospital. It offers many great services and has a friendly, hometown staff. Check our a new flyer promoting their services at www.johntracy.net/files/Choices.pdf.

Safe Routes to Schools needs support

2011-05-03T20:15:00.002-05:00

The "Safe Routes to Schools" program is a grant program that helps build needed sidewalks in areas traveled by children walking to school. Wellington has applied for this grant in the past, but funds are limited and competition is great. We have already completed the required study, and now are applying for the actual funding. Letters of support will help. If you would like to support Wellington is getting "safe routes to schools", contact City Hall or send letters of support to Larry Mangan, City Engineer.