(WICHITA, Kan.)—
Their time left on the bench is limited, but that didn't stop three Wichita City Council members from attending a conference in Washington DC. The council, mayor, city manager and city lobbyist attended the National League of Cities conference in March. It's an annual trip to attend seminars and mingle with congressional and other local leaders."When I took on this position, I wanted to be fully committed 100%. When the opportunity came up to do this, I thought how can I pass up something that's that important," said council member Roger Smith. He's serving a 14 week term because of a vacancy left by Jim Skelton. His term ends Tuesday April 12 along with Sue Schlapp and Paul Gray. "I'm not done in a couple of weeks. I'm still going to be a public servant. I'll serve on the district advisory board and my neighborhood association," Smith said.
Eyewitness News filed an open records request for trip's expense reports. After reviewing them, we found the trip for 8 people cost $20,967. That includes airfare, hotel, meals and the conference. Of those costs, the three outgoing council members cost $7,918. "If you look at the whole broad picture, that's a drop in the bucket to what can happen and will happen with what we bring to the table from the conference," Smith said.
Council member Schlapp says the money spent in the reports is worth it because of the networking that takes place. She says the goal is to develop relationships that will benefit the city in the longrun. She say whether it's meeting with Congressional leaders about funding for a project or working with other local governments about solutions to problems, city leaders leave the conference with better ideas for Wichita. Council member Gray says he went because it's part of his job. He says until someone is voted in to replace him, he'll continue representing Wichita.
Smith says he weighed whether it would be worth going but decided in the long run that it was worth the money. He says if he doesn't make an effort to learn and bring information to the table than he's doing a disservice to his district. Smith attended the most seminars at the conference, saying he wanted to make the most of his time in Washington. He hopes to share what he learned with the incoming council person and is willing to come back and help whenever needed.
Below is a breakdown of what each person spent on the trip. Council member Jeff Longwell did not attend. Council members did attend three meals Congressional leaders. Lobbyist Dale Goter paid for the meals on his personal credit card and council members used their per diem budget to pay him back. The city did spend $277.95 on meals for Senator Pat Roberts and his staff, the staff of Senator Jerry Moran and Representative Mike Pompeo and his staff.
The per diem rate is determined by the IRS. The rate given to Washington D.C. is $71 a day. The per diem rate for Wichita is $56 a day.
Mayor Carl Brewer
Total: $2,900.50
Airfare: $498.80
Hotel x 5 nights: $1,385.45
Per diem for food: $371.50
Luggage & Ground transport: $115.75
Conference: $529
City Lobbyist Dale Goter
Total: $3,028.55
Airfare: $322.80
Hotel x 4 nights + internet fees: $1,149.55
Per diem for food: $292.50
Meals for lawmakers: $277.95
Luggage & Ground transportation: $630.75 **he paid for cabs for several council members
Conference: $355
Councilman Paul Gray
Total:$1,967.98
Airfare: $772.80
Hotel x 2 nights: $554.18
Per diem for food: $206
Luggage & Ground transportation: $80
Conference: $355
City Manager Bob Layton
Total: $2,230.91
Airfare: $283.00
Hotel x 6 nights: $1,108.36
Per diem for food: $318.25
Luggage & Ground transportation: $101.30
Conference: $420
Councilwoman Janet Miller
Total: $1668.14
Airfare: $353.80
Hotel x 3 nights + internet fees: $845
Food: $31.34* Miller opted against per diem and wanted reimbursement for exactly what she ate
Luggage & Ground transportation: $83 Conference:$355
Councilwoman Sue Schlapp
Total: $2,625.66
Airfare: $688.80
Hotel x 4 nights: $1108.36
Per diem for food: $383.50
Luggage & Ground transportation: $90
Conference: $355
Councilman Roger Smith
Total: $3,324.59
Airfare: $343.80
Hotel x 6 nights: $1,662.54
Per diem for food: $460.25
Luggage & Ground transportation: $73
Conference: $785
Councilwoman Lavonta Williams
Total: $3,220.84
Airfare: $405.80
Hotel x 6 nights: $1662.54
Per diem for food: $449.50
Luggage & Ground transportation: $94
Conference: $609
