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Council moves forward on Botanica security improvements with TGT funding
Summary
City staff proposed and council approved a project to add cameras, lighting and other security improvements at Botanica (city-owned, nonprofit-operated); the project is funded with $120,000 in transient guest-tax funding and the bonding resolution was approved 7-0.
The Wichita City Council approved a capital project to upgrade security at Botanica, the city-owned botanical garden operated by nonprofit Botanica Inc., authorizing project initiation and a bonding resolution using transient guest-tax (TGT) funds.
Lindsay Bonacca of the City Manager’s Office, Division of Arts and Cultural Services, told council the garden—opened in 1987—hosts hundreds of programs and last year drew more than 350,000 visitors. Bonacca said staff and Public Works completed a decision-support assessment of the facility and recommended immediate security upgrades after annual reporting identified safety and infrastructure needs.
Why it matters: Botanica is a high-visitor cultural asset with tourism and economic impact; staff said security cameras, additional fixtures and lighting are intended to protect visitors, staff, volunteers and the facility’s horticultural collection.
Financials and next steps: The adopted CIP contains $120,000 in TGT funding for the project, staff recommended initiating the project and approving the bonding resolution. Staff also confirmed the new cameras will be integrated with the Wichita Police Department’s real-time information center (ARDIC). Councilmember Maggie Ballard moved approval and the motion passed 7-0.
Ending: Staff said Botanica will be added to the DST-based maintenance schedule to guide future capital planning and will proceed with procurement and design for camera and lighting improvements.
