Wichita City Council Meeting August 11, 2026

The Wichita City Council meeting on August 11, 2026, included several procurement-related discussions and approvals. The council reviewed and approved the Board of Bids and Contracts dated August 10, 2026, which included awards for stormwater improvements, construction of a retaining wall, police vehicle purchases, preventive maintenance services, lighting retrofits, cybersecurity software subscription with Darktrace Holdings Limited totaling $886,052 over four years, and valve supply contract amendments. The council also discussed and deferred a lease termination item concerning the boathouse property owned by the city, requesting further information on maintenance liabilities and lease terms. Additionally, the council approved the submission of a federal SAMHSA Streets grant application aimed at expanding street-based behavioral health treatment and housing pathways for unsheltered individuals. The meeting featured a detailed discussion on reestablishing and restructuring the Wichita Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board to improve efficiency and effectiveness, with the item deferred for further input from the board. Lastly, the council authorized the application for the FY 2026 COPS School Violence Prevention Program grant, with discussions on technology use, community concerns, and cost-sharing with USD 259. Several public comments addressed homelessness, community services, and concerns about surveillance and school safety technology.