Public Meetings - Kansas City, Missouri

The Kansas City City Council met on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers. Bishop Keith Tribitt Sr. of Victory Temple Christian Life Center gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All 13 councilmembers were present. The meeting included three special action resolutions, final readings of ordinances, consent calendar approvals, and debate docket items. No public comments were heard. Special Actions (Resolutions) - 230871 – Honoring the life of Carl J. DiCapo. Councilmember Crispin Rea spoke of DiCapo's philanthropy and mentorship; Councilmember Kevin O'Neill recalled the Irish-Italian connection with the St. Patrick's Day parade. The family accepted the resolution. Adopted unanimously. - 230872 – Declaring October 7, 2023 as the 50th Anniversary Sister City Day for Kansas City and Morelia, Mexico. Councilwoman Andrea Bough and Councilmember Rea highlighted the cultural and economic ties. Gloria Bessenbacher, chair of the Morelia Sister City Committee, thanked the council. Adopted unanimously. - 230873 – Recognizing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) for 85 years in Kansas City. Mayor Lucas noted their downtown investment and support for community causes. Councilman O'Neill thanked them for labor support. Adopted unanimously. - 230870 (Proclamation) – Recognizing October 2023 as Fire Prevention Month and October 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week. Councilman O'Neill read statistics: every 23 seconds a fire department responds; in 2021, 1.3 million fires caused 3,800 deaths and $15.9 billion in damage. Adopted unanimously. Consent Calendar - 230846 – Workers' compensation settlement for Gregory Scholz (injury August 25, 2021). Approved. - 230845 – Contract with Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission for up to $900,000 for re-entry services. Approved. - 230848 – Plat approval for Tiffany Meadows 1st Plat (60 acres, 58 lots and 8 tracts). Approved. - 230860 – Five-year SAMHSA grant ($2,000,000) for Municipal Drug Court. Approved. All consent items passed 10-0. Discussion Items (Final Readings & Committee Advances) - 230744 – Appropriation of $14,750,000 from General Obligation Bond Series 2024A for aquatic facilities repairs; directs Parks and Recreation to find additional funding if needed and report within 60 days. Passed 10-0. - 230847 – Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund contracts totaling $634,400 for 44 applications for FY2023-2024. Passed 10-0. - 230863 – Amending Chapter 2 to establish Major Events and City Sponsored Events funds to cover costs of parades and major events. Councilman Rogers offered an amendment requiring quarterly expenditure reports, which was adopted 9-1. The ordinance as amended passed 8-2. - 230865 – Authorizing $2,000,000 from the 2012 bond proceeds for a Revolving Loan Fund administered by EDC Loan Corporation. Passed 10-0. - 220747 – Approving the Historic Northeast Lofts PIEA General Development Plan (22 acres at Independence and Hardesty). Councilman Bunch noted sustainability features and affordable housing via MHDC. Passed 10-0. - 230716 – Five-year sole source contract with UMKC for Violence Prevention Fund evaluation services. Councilman Bunch emphasized data-driven evaluation of $30 million in violence prevention initiatives. Passed 10-0. - 230833 – Establishment of Wagon Trails Community Improvement District (43rd Street to State Line) for security, graffiti removal, and capital improvements. Passed 10-0. - 230834 – Lease of city-owned land at Berkley Riverfront Park to Port KC for relocation of sand volleyball courts. Passed 10-0. - 230857 – Rezoning 0.16 acres at 2936 Cherry Street from UR to DX-2 to allow a boutique hotel. Passed 10-0. - 230858 – Development plan for a 12-story mixed-use building at 1818-22 Main Street (approx. 100 apartments) with garage entrance off the streetcar line. Passed 10-0. - 230861 – Rezoning 2.6 acres at NE Barry Road and N. Brighton Avenue to B3-3 for an automobile collision center. Passed 10-0. - 230805 – Construction contract ($4,200,800) with Genesis Environmental Solutions for water main replacement in Superior Street area. Passed 10-0. - 230831 – Amendment No. 4 with Advantage Project Management ($455,670) for capital improvement program services. Passed 10-0. - 230841 – Acceptance of $880,000 USDOT grant for Citywide Safe Roads and Streets for All Planning Study. Passed 9-1. - 230850 – One-year contract renewal ($9,000,000) with Ace Pipe Cleaning for sludge hauling and pipe cleaning. Passed 10-0. - 230851 – Change order No. 1 ($2,300,000) with Superior Bowen Asphalt for asphalt/concrete restoration. Passed 10-0. Second Readings - Items from the Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee and Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee were moved to next week for final reading. These include ordinances related to a truck stop rezoning (230815, 230818, 230827) and aviation, water, and airport lease agreements. First Readings - Ordinances were introduced and referred to respective committees as designated by the mayor. Notable items: 230885 (Bannister & Wornall TIF third amendment) was re-referred from NPD to Finance Committee due to noticing issues; 230888 (Special Obligation Bond Series 2024B for fire vehicles); 230893 (2025-2029 Citywide Business Plan); 230874 (HIV epidemic grant amendment); 230875/230876 (ArriveKC plats); 230877 (Providence Pointe plat); 230892 (ReBuild KC grant program); 230884 (Board of Zoning Adjustment appointments); 230887 (resolution on grant matching funds); 230889 (EDC contract up to $4,400,000); 230894 (lobbying services contracts); 230878-230883 (water, aviation, and spray lease agreements); 230886 (Parvin Road TIF 14th amendment); 230891 (biogas DBFOM agreement with Spire). Also, late-filed ordinance 230896 was introduced to authorize sale of park property to Tiffany Spring Logistics, referred to TIO Committee. Key Outcomes - Special Actions: All four resolutions (230871, 230872, 230873, fire prevention proclamation) adopted unanimously. - Consent Calendar: Four items passed unanimously (10-0). - Debate Docket (Final Readings): - 230744 (aquatics): Passed 10-0. - 230847 (NTDF): Passed 10-0. - 230863 (major events): Amendment adopted 9-1; final passage 8-2. - 230865 (revolving loan fund): Passed 10-0. - 220747 (Historic NE Lofts PIEA): Passed 10-0. - 230716 (UMKC evaluation): Passed 10-0. - 230833 (Wagon Trails CID): Passed 10-0. - 230834 (Berkley Riverfront lease): Passed 10-0. - 230857 (Cherry Street rezoning): Passed 10-0. - 230858 (1818 Main development): Passed 10-0. - 230861 (Barry Road rezoning): Passed 10-0. - 230805 (water main): Passed 10-0. - 230831 (project management): Passed 10-0. - 230841 (safe roads grant): Passed 9-1. - 230850 (sludge hauling): Passed 10-0. - 230851 (asphalt restoration): Passed 10-0. - Second Readings: All held from the October 5 docket were advanced to final reading on October 12, 2023. - First Readings: Referred to committees as indicated in the agenda and amended by the mayor. - Closed Session: Authorized under RSMo 610.021 for legal, real estate, personnel, and other matters; no votes taken.

The Kansas City Council met on September 14, 2023, at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions, passage of numerous ordinances, and referral of new items. Notable actions included recognizing National Expungement Week, honoring Latino employees during Hispanic Heritage Month, and congratulating Dr. Jennifer Collier as superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools. The council passed several ordinances related to violence prevention funding, airport grants, and a data center development. One historic landmark item was held to the next meeting. Special Actions - Resolution 230806 – Recognizing National Expungement Week in Kansas City. Mayor Lucas and Johnny Waller Jr. (UMKC Law School Clear My Record Project) spoke about the importance of expungement for the 1.8 million Missourians with criminal records. The resolution was adopted unanimously. - Resolution 230814 – Honoring Latino city employees and residents for Hispanic Heritage Month 2023. Councilmember Rea noted that 11% of Kansas City’s population is Hispanic, and 27% of the 4th District. The resolution highlighted Vamos KC, a new employee resource group. Unanimously adopted. - Resolution 230829 – Congratulating Dr. Jennifer Collier on becoming the first female African American permanent superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools. Councilmembers praised her career and the district’s progress. Unanimously adopted. Consent Calendar - Ordinance 230713 – Accepted a $85,515 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grant at Kansas City International Airport (KCI). Unanimously passed. Discussion Items (Debate Docket) - Ordinance 230424 – Amended the Fire Code to prohibit excessive false medical alarms from alarm signaling systems, aligning with existing false fire alarm regulations. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 230691 – Authorized collection of the annual special assessment ($2.50 per abutting foot) for the Westport Special Business District, appropriating $48,165 for maintenance. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 230720 – Established Fund No. 2190 (Marijuana Sales Tax Fund) and appropriated $458,000 from the violence prevention portion of the marijuana sales tax to provide additional funding for Aim4Peace. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 230717 – Authorized a $550,000 contract with KC Common Good for Supporting Families through Summer Opportunities for Youth, funded by the previously approved $30 million violence prevention allocation. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 230718 – Authorized a $600,000 contract with Community Capital Fund to administer the KC Blueprint for Violence Prevention strategies via neighborhood associations. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 230739 – Approved a development plan for a 192,000-square-foot data center in two phases on 38 acres at NW corner of MO Highway 210 and N. Arlington Avenue (District M3-5). Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 230714 – Accepted a $844,000 BIL Airport Infrastructure Grant for a taxiway extension at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (75% federal, 25% city match). Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 230715 – Accepted a $107,167 Airport Improvement Program grant for the same downtown airport taxiway project. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All votes on the above items were unanimous (12-0) except for the motion to waive three readings for first-reading ordinances, which passed 11-1 (one councilmember voted no). - Ordinance 230705 (historic landmark designation for 4526 Warwick Boulevard) was held to the next regularly scheduled meeting without objection. - Second Reading – Ordinance 230707 (solar array development at KCI with 816 Solar Consortium) was advanced to final reading at the next meeting. - First Readings – Several ordinances were introduced and referred to committees: settlement agreements (230799-230803), ambulance financing ($4,999,002.68, 230804), water revenue bond ($93,000,000, 230813), court automation (230822, 230823), substance use disorder treatment expansion ($4,900,000, 230824), Ivanhoe Gardens renovations ($850,000, 230828), property transfer (230808), rezoning and development plans (230809, 230810, 230811, 230812, 230815, 230816, 230817, 230818, 230819, 230820, 230821, 230825, 230827, 230826), and a community improvement district (230832). - Floor Introductions – Four late-filed items were introduced: Ordinance 230831 (amendment with Advantage Project Management for $455,670), Ordinance 230832 (establishing 1108-1110 Grand Community Improvement District), Ordinance 230833 (establishing Wagon Trails Community Improvement District), and Ordinance 230834 (lease of Berkley Riverfront Park property to Port KC). These were referred to appropriate committees. - Motion to waive three readings for ordinance 230830 (legislative aide classification and pay) passed, and the ordinance was adopted unanimously, appropriating $200,000 from the General Fund to create two new job classifications with corresponding pay grades. Note: The meeting included a chaplain’s invocation and pledge of allegiance. No public comments were heard.

The Kansas City Council held a business session on August 24, 2023, to discuss the Public Infrastructure Advisory Committee (PIAC) process and receive the year-end financial report for fiscal year 2023. The meeting also included approval of previous minutes and a closed session for legal and personnel matters. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the business session of August 10, 2023, were approved by a voice vote (motion moved and seconded, all in favor). Discussion Items - PIAC Presentation: Lauren Cruddy (PIAC Chair) and Heather Bray (PIAC Administrator) presented on PIAC funding and the project cycle. Key points: PIAC is funded by a one-cent sales tax; 25% goes to street preservation; this year each council district receives $5 million (total $30 million). Last year nearly 1,000 applications were received, totaling $751 million in requests. The life cycle includes quarterly updates and contingency reallocation memos. Councilman Ray asked about project transfer decisions and delays, and requested a list of funded projects. Cruddy encouraged council to identify two to three top infrastructure priorities and to use capital asset rating screening categories (asset condition, safety, equity, sustainability) for consistency with citywide goals. - Year-End Financial Report (FY2023): Finance Director Tammy Queen, Budget Officer Krista Morrison, and Deputy Director William Choi presented the cash-basis unaudited year-end report. Highlights: - All-time high fund balances, partly due to one-time ARPA revenue and faster-than-expected revenue rebound. - General fund balance: $244.7 million (42% of operating expenditures; policy goal is 25%). - Structural imbalance remains: expenditures growing at 3.5% vs revenue growth at 1.5%; by 2026 fund balance could fall below target without action. - Record earnings tax and local use tax (latter from $40M to $70M, due to online sales and Wayfair ruling). Sales tax growth is slowing (32.5% growth last May vs 3.4% growth in current May). - Various special revenue fund balances reviewed: Parks ($22.6M), Street Maintenance ($9.4M), Public Mass Transportation ($12.6M), Streetcar ($23.3M), Central City Sales Tax ($3.5M), Development Services ($9.3M), Fire Sales Tax ($6M), Health Fund ($12.7M), Health Levy Opioid Fund ($1.7M), among others. - Council discussion: Councilman O'Neill requested quarterly fund balance reporting (Director Queen noted it is labor-intensive but will explore). Councilman Duncan asked for analysis of earnings tax drivers (number of workers vs wage increases) to determine if revenue growth is a "new normal"; Mayor Pro Tem requested a formal report. Councilman Haslett asked for more detail on public safety sales tax fund expenditures and construction schedules. Councilwoman Boo noted that development fees may be restricted, limiting use. Councilman O'Neill expressed concern that high fund balances indicate under-spending on services, while Councilman Bunch and others noted the structural deficit warrants caution. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: Motion passed by voice vote. - Closed Session Motion: A motion to enter closed session under Missouri Revised Statutes §610.021, subsections 1 (legal matters), 3 (personnel), and 13 (individually identifiable personnel records) was moved, seconded, and passed 12-0. The auditor and clerk review item was deferred to closed session. Note: The meeting was adjourned without further action; the remainder of the financial report presentation (business-type activities) was postponed to a future business session.

The Kansas City Council met on August 24, 2023, at 10:15 AM to consider a range of ordinances and resolutions, including major infrastructure projects at KCI Airport, a water main replacement, a $700,000 loan for airport-area development, and reappointments of the city clerk and auditor. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge, followed by a roll call and the holding of one historic designation item. Consent Calendar - Ordinance 30662 – Approved the plat of Platform Depot at Old Santa Fe, creating one lot for multi-residential development. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 30708 – Recognized the historical value of the Swope Park swimming pool complex and directed the city manager to develop a funding strategy for preservation. Passed unanimously. - Advanced consent items (230671, 230672, 230678, 230683, 230685, 230673, 230674, 230679) – Approved settlements, grants, and plats, including workers' compensation claims, a lawsuit settlement, a telecommunications agreement, and several subdivision plats. All passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Ordinance 230705 (held) – Historic building designation item held to the next meeting with no objection, to allow further legal analysis. - Ordinance 230701 (Conflict of Interest) – Updated the city's conflict of interest disclosure requirements to include candidates for council and mayor. Passed 11–1 (Councilman Rogers voted no). - Ordinance (North Cookingham/I-29 Roundabout Project) – Authorized a $700,000 loan to Kansas City Airport Parking LLC for an access cut and cooperative agreement with MODOT. The loan is to be repaid. After debate about policy and process, the ordinance passed 11–1 (Councilman Duncan voted no) with one abstention. - Ordinance 230703 – Approved a $17,500 contract with Truth Market Collective from previously appropriated Neighborhood Tourism Development Funds for an arts festival. Passed 11–1 (Councilman Willett abstained? Actually, vote was 11 ayes, 1 no? The roll call shows 11 ayes and Councilman Willett abstained? The transcript says "11 eyes one name" – likely 11 ayes, 1 absent. Passed.) - Ordinance 30705 – Authorized a $5.267 million contract with Burns & McDonnell for a water main master plan and risk-based asset management update. Passed unanimously. - Ordinances 30680, 230681, companion grant items – Accepted FAA grants totaling over $14.6 million for taxiway rehabilitation and runway high-speed connector design at KCI Airport. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 30688 – Authorized a $714,000 amendment to a design contract for landside pavement projects at KCI, with a contingency. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 230702 – Authorized a $17.4 million construction contract with McGowan Construction for Phase 2 of City Hall Garage and South Plaza Restoration. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 230704 – Authorized a $12.4 million contract with Siemens for low-voltage system operation and maintenance at the new KCI terminal. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 230706 – Authorized a $6.6 million construction contract with She Digs It LLC for water main replacement along Prospect Avenue. Passed unanimously. - Late-added ordinances (230745, 230746) – Reappointed Merlin Sanders as city clerk with a 14% salary increase to $101,574, and reappointed Douglas Jones as city auditor with a 4% increase to $141,267. Both passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Held item: Ordinance 230705 (historic building designation) held to the next meeting. - Votes: - Conflict of interest ordinance: 11 ayes, 1 no (Rogers). - $700,000 airport loan ordinance: 11 ayes, 1 no (Duncan), 1 abstention. - All other ordinances passed unanimously (12 ayes) except where noted. - Next steps: The city manager is to report back within 45 days on the Swope Park pool funding strategy. The city clerk and auditor reappointments are effective immediately. The $700,000 loan is to be repaid from TIF revenues or by other means if the access cut is not approved.

The Kansas City Council convened on August 17, 2023, at 9:15 AM. The meeting included a special recognition of former Councilwoman Joanne Collins, the adoption of multiple ordinances, and a debated amendment to a pool funding ordinance. All votes were unanimous except for the amendment on Ordinance 230529, which passed 7-5. Special Actions - 230684: Honoring and declaring August 29, 2023, as Joanne Collins Day. Council members spoke of her pioneering role as the first African American woman to serve on the council and as Mayor Pro Tem. The resolution passed unanimously (12 ayes). Consent Calendar - 230149: Approved a final plat for the I-49 Commerce Center on approximately 57.25 acres. Passed 12-0. - 230324: Submitted to voters a question to remove unnamed parkland (acquired in 1957) from the park system for a special election on November 7, 2023. Passed 12-0. - 230657: Authorized the sale of surplus property at 1531 Holmes Street for $400,000, with an equity participation agreement for future payments. The development is a $400 million transit-oriented project with 190 units (20% at 60% AMI). Passed 12-0. - 230666: Appropriated $1.15 million from the Parks Sales Tax Fund to repair the Minor Park golf course parking lot and Shoal Creek golf course bunkers. Passed 12-0. - 230667: Appropriated $1 million to update fitness equipment in all community centers, some of which had not been updated in 20 years. Passed 12-0. - 230665: Rezoned approximately 5.26 acres near NW 112th Street and I-29 from B3-3 to B4-2. Passed 12-0. - 230668: Rezoned about 2 acres north of Highway 92 from District AGR to M1-1. Passed 12-0. - 230446: Placed on the November 7, 2023, ballot a question to renew a 10-year, 3/8-cent sales tax for public bus transit (KCATA). The ballot language was amended to remove the state designation. Passed 13-0 (Councilman Lucas added). - 230664: Authorized a $6 million IDIQ contract with Gunner Construction for curb and sidewalk work. Passed 12-0. - 230670: Authorized a lease with Worldwide Flight Services at KCI for office/warehouse space (September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2026, with renewal option). Passed 12-0. - 230673: Authorized a $3,376,340 construction contract with Gunner Construction for sidewalk repairs, including cutting over 29,000 trip hazards to meet ADA standards. Passed 12-0. Discussion Items - 230529: Appropriating $3 million from GO Bond funds for improvements at the West Side pool (Jarboe Park). Councilman O'Neill proposed an amendment to use only $2 million from the 4th District allocation, include Tony Aguirre Center as a potential recipient, and require the city manager to report an aquatics prioritization plan within 45 days. Councilman Bunch (sponsor) objected to the reduction, arguing the project had years of engagement and needed full funding to open by summer 2024. Councilman Raya noted that the West Side pool had been studied and was ready, while Swope Park pool needed further analysis. The amendment passed 7-5, and the amended ordinance then passed unanimously (12 ayes). Key Outcomes - Vote on Amendment 230529: 7 ayes, 5 nays (Councilman French and Councilman Robinson voted no; others as recorded). - Final Ordinance 230529 as Amended: Passed 12-0. - Resolution 230708: Introduced by Mayor Pro Tem Park Shaw to recognize the historical value of the Swope Park swimming pool and direct the city manager to develop a funding strategy and report back within 45 days. Referred to the Finance, Governance, and Public Safety Committee. - Resolution 230709: Introduced to authorize a property agreement with the Ambassador Building Community Improvement District for the Northwest Cookingham and I-29 Roundabout Project, appropriating $5.5 million. Referred to committee. - Motions to Advance: Waived readings for ordinances on second and first readings, placing them on the docket for next week or assigning to committees. Passed unanimously.

This meeting featured two major presentations: the results of the Truth over Trust survey regarding the potential renaming of Trust Avenue, and the draft Master Aquatics Plan for the city's water recreation facilities. Council members discussed the survey data, community engagement, and next steps for street renaming, as well as options for aging aquatic facilities including Swope Pool, Arbor Villa, and West Side pools. No formal votes were taken, but directions were given for further community engagement and refinements to the aquatics plan. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made at the meeting. Presentations were given by council members, city staff, and consultants. Truth over Trust Survey Presentation Councilwoman Robinson introduced the item, noting that a 2020 resolution had requested a strategy for removing memorials to slave owners. Chris Good, a former Parks Commissioner, described his private campaign "Truth over Trust" to rename Trust Avenue after Dr. Benoit Trust, a slave owner. Good emphasized the community engagement efforts: two t-shirts, a mural, a mailer to all corridor address holders, and a petition with nearly 1,800 signatures. Dr. Alec Sitole, the city's chief analytics officer, presented survey results from 1,027 responses (after removing duplicates): - 76% knew who Trust Avenue was named after. - 71% believed Trust Avenue is still known as the red line of Kansas City. - 80% were aware of the effort to rename Trust Avenue. - 72% thought Kansas City streets should not honor known slave owners. - 55.5% agreed with renaming Trust Avenue; 44.5% disagreed. - Of those who agreed, 72% had prior knowledge of the street's namesake, and 77% were aware of the renaming effort. Council members discussed the need for a statistically valid survey, engagement with Gladstone (the road continues outside city limits), and the recommendation of "Truth Avenue" as the new name. Councilwoman French raised concerns about survey sample size; Chris Good responded that the survey targeted address holders along the corridor (4,000 sent) but was shared broadly, and that awareness was high due to extensive media coverage. The next steps include a potential ordinance to rename, with 14-day notifications to residents using private funds. Draft Master Aquatics Plan Presentation Lauren Osburn of Waters Edge Aquatic Design presented the plan, which evaluated the city's 27 aquatic venues (10 outdoor pools, 14 spray grounds, 3 indoor pools). Key findings: - Six facilities are in poor or very poor condition; four are currently closed (Arbor Villa, Jarbo, Swope, Central Spray Ground). - Attendance across outdoor pools is about 80% lower than expected (∼100,000 visits vs. expected 400,000+). - Cost recovery is low: 11% for outdoor pools, 10% for the Bay, 60% for the Springs. - Public survey (303 responses) and community meetings identified barriers: facilities not well maintained (49%), too far from home (35%), and lack of awareness. - Six key themes: importance of outdoor pools/neighborhood facilities; interest in maintaining water recreation at Arbor Villa and West Side; desire to reopen Swope Pool; need for indoor competition swimming north of the river; need for operational improvements. Options presented: - Arbor Villa (District 6): Option 1 – convert existing wading pool to a circulating, health-code-compliant pool ($750K–$1M). Option 2 – convert to a splash park ($1M–$1.5M). No consensus in the community. - West Side/Jarbo Pool (District 4): Option 1 – convert Jarbo to a small neighborhood pool ($3.4M–$3.6M). Option 2 – consolidate aquatic service at Tony Aguirre Community Center, expanding outdoor features ($3.3M–$3.5M). Council members raised concerns about Tony Aguirre’s foundation issues and underutilization. - Swope Pool (District 5): Currently closed after 2019 flood, in poor condition with leaks, structural issues, and floodplain location. Option 1 – decommission pool and consider future expansion east of Kansas City (cost $200K–$400K for demo). Option 2 – decommission but install a splash park (not standalone) as part of a recreational hub. Council members, particularly Councilwoman Booth and Councilman Curls, strongly advocated for refurbishing Swope Pool, citing its historic value and importance to the African American community. The consultant estimated full replacement at $5M–$15M depending on size. Mayor Pro Tem and Councilwoman Robinson also emphasized the need for better public engagement in the fifth and third districts. Key Outcomes - Truth over Trust: The council will proceed with a potential ordinance to rename Trust Avenue to Truth Avenue, with further community engagement and notifications per city code. No date was set. - Master Aquatics Plan: No formal decisions were made. Council members directed Parks and Recreation to: - Provide a detailed option for refurbishing Swope Pool, including bathhouse restoration and cost estimates. - Improve community engagement, especially in the fifth and third districts. - Explore public-private partnerships and fundraising for Swope Pool. - Present a refined plan addressing the concerns raised. The item will be discussed further in the transportation and infrastructure committee. - The council noted that the current budget does not include funds for major renovations; deferred maintenance across parks is substantial ($37 billion cited by Councilwoman Robinson, likely a misstatement). - No other ordinances or resolutions were introduced during the floor introductions segment.

The City Council convened on June 29, 2023, at 8:15 PM for a business session that included approval of prior minutes, multiple audit presentations from the City Auditor's Office, an update on the IRIS on-demand transit service, and introduction of ordinances for future consideration. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter closed session. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the previous business session held on May 25, 2023. Discussion Items - City Auditor's Annual Report (FY 2023): Doug Jones, City Auditor, presented the office's annual report. Highlights included: - Issued seven performance audits (one over goal) with an average of 654 hours per audit. - Potential direct financial impact of audits: $14.3 million; indirect impact informed management of $23.8 million in public monies/assets. - Office expenditures: $1.2 million, yielding a $32 return per dollar spent (direct and indirect combined). - Management agreed with 80% of the 27 recommendations; 70% of FY 2021 recommendations were implemented within two years. - Received a national award for best performance audit (medium shop) from the Association of Local Government Auditors for the short-term rental permit compliance audit. - Staffing challenges: lost four auditors (100+ years of experience) to retirements; two new hires in FY 2023, one vacancy filled in May 2023. - Quarterly Audit of Police Community Policing and Prevention Fund (CPP) – Q3 FY 2023: - Objective: Verify KCPD spent the $33.36 million CPP fund as intended by the council. - Department reported allocating $967,968 for 65 new officer salaries in Q3; 71% of the fund spent through the quarter. - Verified 77–82 full-time call taker positions, $1.5 million allocated to 911 communications, and $1.25 million for 120 officers in violent crimes division (exhausting the $7 million category). - No recommendations were made; no management response requested. - Councilmember asked about officer hiring goal (88 officers); 65 hired by Q3, with a fourth quarter class expected to increase the count. - Utility Street Cuts Audit Scope Statement: - Objective: Determine if street cuts are restored per city code updated in August 2021. - City spent $45 million on street rebuilding/resurfacing in FY 2023. - Audit will inspect a sample of restored cuts, review policies, and is expected to be released in September 2023. - IRIS On-Demand Transit Service Update (KCATA / RideKC): - Presented by Tyler Means (Chief Mobility & Strategy Officer, KCATA) and Bill George (CEO, ZTrip, subcontractor). - Contract: 30 vehicles, $41.02 per revenue hour, not to exceed $7.9 million in year one (total city allocation $8.9 million including $1 million for marketing over three years). - Service launched March 15, 2023 (Northland), expanded April 27 (to Brush Creek), and goes citywide July 1, 2023. - Ridership: June estimated at 1,700 trips; average wait time 6.9 minutes; average ride time 12.5 minutes (May data). - Cost per boarding declining from $550 to $300; projected to reach $50–60 within a year, with an ultimate goal of $21 per trip. - Challenges: stop accessibility, app confusion, multiple on-demand services. Plans to add flex stops, simplify zones, and consolidate services. - Opportunities: media strategy with city marketing, addition of five new Chevy Bolt EVs (five more in July), DC fast-charging station at 14th & Virginia (14 superchargers, 24/7). - Suburban expansion: interest from Parkville, Riverside, North Kansas City, Liberty, Gladstone – they would pay pro rata share plus 15% premium, with KCMO retaining fares. Goal to recover at least 10% of costs from new municipalities in year one. - Fixed-route bus ridership systemwide up 23% year-over-year (May data). - Introduction of Ordinances (Floor Introduction): - Mayor Lucas introduced two ordinances for the July 13 regular docket: an amendment to the Visit KC (Vid2KC) agreement and funding plans for the 2026 World Cup, both funded by convention and tourism taxes. Councilmember Fowler was added as co-sponsor. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - Audit presentations received without formal vote; council thanked the auditor for four years of service (auditor to be absent July 13). - Ordinances introduced for future committee discussion and action on July 13. - Closed session motion passed unanimously (vote: all ayes) to discuss legal and personnel matters pursuant to RSMo 610.021(1,3,13).

The Kansas City Council held a business session on May 25, 2023, featuring approval of prior minutes, two audit presentations (tree management and water service customer support), and a legislative update from the city's lobbying team. The meeting included questioning from councilmembers, departmental responses, and discussion of state budget and policy outcomes. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the business session of April 13, 2023. Discussion Items Tree Management Audit Presentation City Auditor Doug Jones presented the tree management audit (issued March 13, 2023), finding that Parks Department had not fully implemented the 2021 tree preservation administrative regulation (AR57). Key points: - The city's tree canopy provides approximately $28 million in annual services; current canopy is 31% of land area, with a goal of 35%. - The regulation requires a permit process and replacement ratios for tree removal, but Parks has not created the permit process or enforced replacement ratios. - Tree inventory is incomplete and not maintained; staff lack resources for updates. - Parks environmental manager Stephen Van Ryan responded that the department agrees with recommendations but has faced resource constraints. He noted a pending federal grant for inventory and plans to hire more foresters. - Councilwoman Hall criticized the printed presentation (estimated 555 pages) as wasteful, asking to opt out of paper copies. Councilman Fowler accused the department of hypocrisy for requiring developers to plant trees while failing to follow its own regulations. Councilman Bunch joked about the palm tree icon in the inventory. Water Service Customer Support Audit City Auditor Doug Jones presented the audit of Water Services Department customer assistance for unexpected high water use (issued April 24, 2023). Key findings: - Customer service representatives (CSRs) lack complete training, standard operating procedures, and a decision-making process for leaks and service calls. - The department's website is incomplete and difficult to navigate regarding leak information and bill adjustment processes. - Automated high‑use alerts underreported percentage increases (e.g., a 400% increase reported as 4%) and were not sent during 46 days in 2022, including two 18‑20 day gaps. - Water Services Director Michael Westminster agreed with the audit and noted a 40% vacancy rate in customer service, attributed to high stress and low pay. He discussed efforts to reclassify positions and improve compensation to retain staff. - Councilwoman Hall asked about recruitment efforts; Westminster said they have partnered with HR at general events but have not run specific job fairs. State Legislative Update Lobbyists Sam Panateri, Nancy Giddens, and Shannon Cooper presented the end‑of‑session report for the Missouri General Assembly. Highlights: - Appropriations successes: $50 million for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (largest state government spending on World Cup of any host city), $28.6 million for the downtown loop, $37 million for ports, $78 million in child care subsidies, $56 million for pre‑K, $2 million for Bartle Hall, $10 million increase for public transit, and many others. - Policy wins: Passage of police salary cap reform (SB 186), Blair's Law (penalizing celebratory gunfire), postpartum Medicaid expansion (from 60 days to one year), film industry tax credits restoration, and donor‑protection fix. - Defeated anti‑city legislation: Anti‑DEI budget language, local government preemption (e.g., parking meter ban, video service fees), energy efficiency code restrictions, guns‑on‑buses, sports betting (stalled due to video lottery terminal dispute), and vaccine policy mandates. - Lobbyists credited Mayor Lucas for crucial behind‑the‑scenes work to secure the budget. - Councilmembers expressed gratitude; Councilman Bunch questioned the sustainability of the surplus‑driven budget; Councilwoman Shields noted the state constitutional barrier to using motor fuel tax for transit. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes of April 13, 2023 business session. - Audit referrals: Tree management and water service audits accepted with recommendations; departments committed to implementing changes. - Process change: Council decided future printed presentations can be opted out on a per‑councilmember basis. - Legislative update received: No formal action taken. - Next steps: Legislative session concluded; governor will review budget line items through line‑item veto by June 30. Meeting adjourned until the next legislative session.

The Kansas City Council held a business session on April 14, 2023, beginning at approximately 2:30 PM. The meeting opened with the approval of minutes from the March 16 business session, followed by a detailed presentation on the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, which is set to take place in 14 days. The meeting concluded with an annual update from the Kansas City Health Commission. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 16, 2023 business session were approved unanimously by voice vote (all ayes, no opposition). Discussion Items NFL Draft Update - Presenters: Kathy Nelson (President/CEO, Kansas City Sports Commission & Visit KC), John Barker (SVP, Global Event Productions & Operations, NFL), and Aubrey Walton (Director, Event Location Strategy & Planning, NFL) participated virtually. City staff from multiple departments were also acknowledged. - Event Details: The 2023 NFL Draft will be held April 27–29, 2023, at Union Station and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. It is expected to draw 300,000 total attendees and generate $125 million in economic activity and $10 million in local tax revenue. - Logistics: The main fan entry will be via the south lawn at the World War I Museum. Street closures include Main Street and Pershing Road from 20th to 27th Street, with Grand open for foot traffic and Broadway open for vehicles. Closures will be in place from early April through May 7. A park-and-ride shuttle will operate from the West Bottoms Garage on Thursday and Friday. The KC Streetcar will not serve Union Station from April 26; service will terminate at 19th & Main. - Accessibility: The NFL and city provided extensive ADA accommodations, including wheelchair-accessible viewing areas, accessible portable restrooms with universal changing stations, and sensory-free zones for individuals with processing disorders. A mobility hotline (888-745-1455) and email (nflDraftmobility@gmail.com) were provided. - Local Engagement: Over 1,300 local residents will be paid by the NFL to work the draft, filling 2,500+ shifts. The NFL Business Connect program includes approximately 60 local diverse businesses in a resource guide; multiple contracts have already been awarded. The draft experience will feature 20 local restaurants for food and beverage. - Council Concerns: Council members raised issues about timely communication of street closures to constituents, especially those in the impacted 4th District. Councilwoman Robinson questioned street vending restrictions (not allowed within the secure perimeter). Councilman Bunch requested improved Google Maps updates for closures and additional parking enforcement to prevent illegal parking blocking sidewalks and curb cuts in adjacent neighborhoods. Health Commission Update - Presenters: Councilman Park Shaw (co-chair), Dr. Marvia Jones (Health Director), and Dr. Erica Carney (co-chair). - Overview: The Health Commission provides oversight for the Kansas City Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and advises the Mayor and Council. The 2022–27 CHIP focuses on addressing structural racism as a root cause of health inequities, including a 26-year life expectancy gap between some neighborhoods. - Accomplishments: Supported renewal of the health levy, advocated for postpartum Medicaid coverage extension (SB 639/698), opposed restrictions on Medicaid expansion, recommended ARP funding for mental health services, supported adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, and backed capital improvement funding for local health centers. - Committees: Seven committees were described: Birth Equity, Budget & Contracts Evaluation, Education, Health Policy & Advocacy, Housing (ad hoc), KC CHIP Planning, and Violence Free KC. The Birth Equity Committee is working on reducing African American infant and maternal mortality. - Health Levy Innovation Fund: $400,000 annually is allocated to safety net providers for projects aligned with CHIP goals. Projects funded in 2022 include programs at Northland Healthcare Access, University Health, Children’s Mercy, and KC Care Clinic. A detailed handout was provided. - Next Steps: The Health Commission will continue implementation of the CHIP with $200,000 in council budget support. The Health in All Policies ordinance passed recently will also be implemented. The annual report was previously distributed electronically in February 2023. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimous approval of the March 16 business session minutes. - No Formal Votes: The NFL Draft update and Health Commission update were informational; no resolutions or ordinances were voted upon. - Directives: The City Manager's office was asked to ensure that street closure and event information is posted on the city’s website and that Google Maps is updated with temporary closures. The Health Commission will continue to provide annual updates and work with contracted partners to implement the CHIP.