Wellington – Week of July 3 2025

Resident Sounds Alarm On Westridge Drainage Failures And Safety Hazards

Council Acts On “Dangerous” Downtown Building Ahead Of Wheat Festival

Airport To Receive Major Fuel System Upgrade With KDOT Grant

Mayor Commends Local Entrepreneurs For Revitalization Efforts

Legality Of Electric Bicycles On City Streets Questioned

Resident Sounds Alarm On Westridge Drainage Failures And Safety Hazards

WELLINGTON - A Wellington resident addressed the city council to demand action on what she described as a severe water-drainage problem in the Westridge area. Sally Amberg of 410 Morningside Dr. presented photos and videos to illustrate how the volume and speed of stormwater have dramatically increased, leading to significant land and road erosion. Amberg stated that the drainage system, known as Canal Street, became overburdened after the city allowed the Wheat Ridge and Coyote Ridge developments to use it. She argued that Canal Street has not been properly maintained, resulting in large cracks and holes that pose a danger to cars, walkers, and bikers. Amberg proposed short-term solutions, including cleaning the creek, repairing streets, clearing debris after storms, and using barricades during floods. For the long term, she requested the city formally evaluate the problem and report back with a potential solution. City officials acknowledged the issue is a long-term challenge and promised to consult with the city’s engineer to scope a project and investigate potential engineering controls and grants.

Council Acts On “Dangerous” Downtown Building Ahead Of Wheat Festival

WELLINGTON - The City Council has initiated proceedings to address a deteriorating building at 210 S. Washington Ave., citing urgent public-safety concerns. A city official reported observing the building’s condition worsen over the past year, and recent attempts to contact the owner for repairs have been unsuccessful. Although a local contractor for the owner has reportedly engaged a structural engineer, the building’s decay has progressed, with two windows now broken, presumably from the structure shifting. Council members expressed alarm over the building’s stability, especially with the Kansas Wheat Festival expected to draw large crowds downtown. The parade is slated to pass directly by the hazardous structure, prompting the council to discuss immediately placing barriers to prevent public access. The council voted unanimously to pass a resolution setting a future hearing where the owner must show cause why the building should not be condemned or ordered demolished.

Airport To Receive Major Fuel System Upgrade With KDOT Grant

WELLINGTON - Wellington Municipal Airport is set to receive a significant upgrade to its 24-hour credit-card fuel processing system after being awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). The project will replace the current system for 100LL fuel, which is used by piston-driven aircraft. The existing equipment relies on analog phone lines that AT&T has stated are obsolete and will soon be discontinued. The KDOT grant will fund 90 % of the purchase and installation costs, up to $29,925, leaving the city with a maximum local match of $2,992.50. Though the grant was awarded sooner than anticipated, city staff reported that there are sufficient funds in the current operating budget to cover the city’s share of the cost.

Mayor Commends Local Entrepreneurs For Revitalization Efforts

WELLINGTON - Mayor Joe Soria publicly commended business owners Bill Lindley and Sean Bryant for their positive impact on the city, stating they have “made Wellington very proud” with the rapid development of their new stores. The mayor highlighted their efficient and impressive work since arriving in town a year and a half ago and praised their forthcoming restaurant project. Invoking the memory of the late Tom McAlister, the mayor said he would have praised their efforts with a hearty “well done.” The owners of the new bowling alley were also included in the commendation for their contributions to the community.

Legality Of Electric Bicycles On City Streets Questioned

WELLINGTON - The growing presence of electric and motorized bicycles in Wellington has prompted questions about their legal status. Councilwoman Cindy Antonich asked city officials if these vehicles are street-legal and if they require registration. A city official explained that the issue is complex, as legality depends on the specific type of vehicle, noting that some battery-assisted bicycles are generally permitted on streets while others may not be. The councilwoman requested that staff investigate the regulations and report back with information for the council and the public.

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Sources

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ656TTiAek 
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ656TTiAek
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ656TTiAek 
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ656TTiAek
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ656TTiAek

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