Public Meetings - Kansas City, Missouri

The Kansas City Council held a business session on January 6, 2022, to receive two audit presentations from the City Auditor, discuss the reinstitution of a mask mandate with a presentation from the interim public health director, and honor a departing police captain. The meeting highlighted significant weaknesses in the city's purchasing card program, with findings of noncompliance and potential fraud, and concluded with a robust debate over the necessity and efficacy of a new mask mandate amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the previous business session by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during this session. Discussion Items 1. Purchasing Card Program Audit Presentation - Audit Findings: City Auditor Doug Jones presented the December 2021 audit of the purchasing card program. Between December 29, 2019, and January 27, 2021, city employees made approximately 7,800 purchases totaling about $3.3 million. The audit identified 216 transactions resulting in 256 violations, including potential ethics violations, payment splitting, lack of receipts, and disregard for contracting policies. These violations accounted for approximately $385,000 in unapproved expenditures. - Program Weaknesses: The audit found that transaction approvers failed to identify violations, 670 transactions were not reviewed before payment, and two approvers were unaware that buying from family members was an ethics violation. Additionally, about one-third of sampled transactions had receipt problems, and the finance department's review process did not target high-risk departments. - Management Response: Director of Finance Ms. Quinn presented a joint response. Management agreed with all nine recommendations, including enhancing training, reinstating card suspension for non-compliance, requiring receipt uploads, targeting reviews to high-risk areas, developing policies for third-party platforms, and reducing the number of underused cards. The city manager noted immediate steps: drafting a revised administrative regulation within the month and conducting a card census. - Council Concerns: Councilmembers expressed concern over the lack of disciplinary action and the financial impact. Councilwoman Hall called for immediate removal of cards from violators, and Councilman O'Neill questioned the lack of penalties. Councilwoman Parkshaw urged incorporating conflict-of-interest training and documentation. The auditor agreed to provide dollar amounts and a follow-up report in six months, though councilmembers pushed for faster action. 2. Annual Audit Plan FY 2023 - Presentation: City Auditor Doug Jones presented the annual audit plan for fiscal year 2023, which includes six performance audits covering topics such as the Central City Economic Development Sales Tax, water services, public improvements advisory committee, police workforce diversity, short-term rentals, and urban forestry. He also provided an update on the current year's audits, noting that two of six planned audits have been issued, with the rest expected between March and April 2022. - Council Feedback: The plan was accepted without question. 3. Go KC Sidewalk Program Follow-up Audit Scope - Presentation: The auditor presented the scope for a follow-up audit of the Go KC Sidewalk Program, funded by a voter-approved tax increase in April 2017 with a minimum of $150 million over 20 years. The audit will evaluate warranty enforcement and construction specifications. Public Works reports completing repairs to about 77% (270 of 352 blocks) of the backlog, with an expected completion by 2025. - Council Discussion: Councilman Barnes and Councilman O'Neill raised concerns about a recent ordinance prioritizing sidewalk installation near schools, questioning whether it diverted from voter-approved repair priorities. Councilmembers requested the auditor to investigate the legal constraints and performance against ordinances. The auditor agreed to review the referenced ordinances. 4. COVID-19 Mask Mandate Discussion - Health Department Presentation: Interim Director of Public Health Frank Thompson presented data showing a surge in cases, with over 5,000 new cases in one week (about 1% of the city's population), zero ICU beds available in Kansas City hospitals, and 48% of ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. He recommended universal masking for all ages, or at least for preschool through college. - Council Debate: The discussion was divided. Some councilmembers, including Councilman Bunch and Councilman Fowler, supported a universal mask mandate, citing the need to protect healthcare workers and the public. Others, like Councilwoman Hall and Councilman Ellington, opposed mandates, questioning the effectiveness and data interpretation, and emphasizing personal freedom. Councilman O'Neill questioned the ongoing cycle of mandates given flat vaccination rates. Mayor Lucas defended the public health approach, noting the city's role in protecting residents. 5. Recognition of Departing Police Captain - The council recognized Captain Martin Kavanaugh on his promotion to Major in the Kansas City Police Department, thanking him for his service at City Hall. Key Outcomes - Approved the meeting minutes unanimously. - Management agreed to implement all nine recommendations from the purchasing card audit, including immediate steps to reduce card misuse and improve oversight. - The city manager committed to drafting a revised administrative regulation addressing audit recommendations within the month (January 2022). - The council discussed but did not vote on a new mask mandate; the item was brought up for discussion, and further action was deferred. - The auditor agreed to investigate the school sidewalk ordinance and report back to the council.

The Kansas City Council held a business session on December 9, 2021, primarily dedicated to receiving the final report and recommendation from the city's redistricting task force. The commission, after a compressed nine-to-thirteen-week process due to COVID-19 delays, presented a proposed map (identified as 8.4.3) which was approved by a supermajority of the commission (6-3). The presentation included detailed explanations of guiding principles, population changes, and the rationale behind the new boundaries, followed by a minority report from commissioners who dissented. Council members then debated the map, with some supporting it and others opposing it, particularly regarding the proposed horizontal split in the Northland along Barry Road. The map is scheduled for a council vote the following week. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes: The council approved the minutes from the business session of December 2, 2021, by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - The redistricting commission reported receiving over 204 comments through the online chat portal and testimony at multiple public hearings (Mohart Center, Northland Neighborhood Inc. Center, Southeast, Baptist Educational Center, and Greg Kleiss Community Center). The commission noted that input was received from all across the city. Specific statistics: 50+ comments favored a vertical Northland split, while 30+ favored a horizontal split, with 13 of the 17 pro-horizontal comments coming from a single zip code (64151). - Residents who testified expressed desires for better representation, especially in older neighborhoods, and concerns about economic and racial segregation. Some Northland residents argued that the southern part of the Northland has been neglected in terms of infrastructure and investment. Discussion Items - Redistricting Commission Presentation: Chair Stephen E. Smith opened with gratitude and noted the process was guided by equity, compromise, and both qualitative/quantitative data. Commissioner Rucker outlined legal requirements: districts must be roughly equal in population (ideal size 84,600), compact and contiguous, and comply with the Voting Rights Act. The commission also prioritized increasing Latinx representation on the council (not present for about two decades). Kyle Elliott (City Planning) presented population growth data: Kansas City grew 10.5% since 2011, reaching 508,000. Current districts ranged from 76,000 to 92,000; the target is 84,600. - Commissioner Zamora highlighted the compressed timeline (12 meetings from Sept 8 to Dec 22) and that 41 maps were developed before selecting map 8.4.3. He expressed offense at a statement comparing Barry Road to Troost Avenue, calling it unfair and noting the commission acted with integrity. - Dr. Koquethia Hill (former councilwoman) emphasized the commission's intentionality, data-rich process, and the difficulty of drawing six districts within a 10% population variance while respecting legal parameters and community priorities. She noted that districts 3, 4, 5, and 6 also disliked their new boundaries but acquiesced for the good of the city. She requested that if the council rejects the map, they consider a charter review. - Commissioner Victoria Notice explained that the 4th District is the most eclectic, including downtown, the West Side, and parts of the Northland. The district grew by 16%, and the final recommendation has the 4th as the heaviest district. She noted that the economic corridor from downtown to the Plaza has 200,000 jobs and older infrastructure. The challenge of the Northland: the first and second districts both grew and needed to shed population, leading to the horizontal split. The map places the Plaza and UMKC into the 6th District, which now stretches to Martin City. - Minority Report: Commissioner Rucker presented the minority view (dissenting votes from two of three Northland commissioners). Key objections: 1) The horizontal split will cause the 1st District to violate the 10% rule by 2023 (projected 20% out of compliance by 2026, 34% by 2030); a vertical split would delay that to 2025 (20% out by 2030). 2) School districts (e.g., Hickman Mills) would be split. 3) The horizontal split mirrors the Troost divide, creating socioeconomic and racial segregation. 4) Most pro-horizontal comments came from one zip code (13 of 17). He argued that a vertical configuration maintains diversity and allows council members to use different funding tools (TIF, PIAC, Geobond) across the district. - Commissioner Reed Day supported the majority map, stating the changes were carefully considered. He noted that the 6th District has never had the Plaza, and that while the Northland change is significant, the map respects natural features and representation. The map achieves 54% African American in District 3, 57% in District 5, and 22% Hispanic in District 4. The population variance is only 3.545%, well under 10%. He argued that poor infrastructure, not poor people, creates poor districts. - Chair Smith and Dr. Hill refuted comparisons to Troost, emphasizing that Troost's divide resulted from systemic racism and disinvestment, whereas the Barry Road line can be managed through equitable policies. Hill noted that 178,000 people south of 152 Highway currently lack a proximate elected official. She stressed that if the council does not want another Troost, they should approve the horizontal map. - Council Comments: Councilwoman Hall provided data: since 2015, the 1st and 2nd Districts have invested millions south of Barry Road—$17 million in the second district alone—and argued that claims of neglect are false. She displayed emails: many more favored the vertical map. Councilwoman Lorn said she was offended by remarks from

The Kansas City Council held a business session on December 2, 2021, beginning at approximately 2:15 p.m. (20:15 UTC). The meeting included approval of prior minutes, an update from the Office of Citizen Engagement, a mandated report on mask wearing, and a discussion of an ordinance to fund a national search for a new police chief. No public comments were heard. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Business Session, November 10, 2021): Moved and seconded; approved unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items - Office of Citizen Engagement Update – Councilman Ellington introduced Mr. Austin Taylor, who presented a consolidated report for August through November 2021. Key activities included: - Partnership with religious organizations to build neighborhood coalitions. - Recognition from Evergy for community engagement work. - Collaboration with organizations such as Zane for Heart and Z Travel. - Creation of an Office of Citizen Engagement pamphlet with resources. - Participation in Civic Saturday events with the city manager’s office. - Workshops on grant writing and qualifying language for community organizations. - Distribution of 200 blessing bags and 150 dinners to homeless camps, in partnership with Emanuel Family Child Care Development Center. Councilman Ellington expressed support for the office’s work, noting its potential to increase service provider capacity and improve efficiency for homeless services. - Mask Mandate Report – The council acknowledged receipt of a memorandum from Acting Health Director Mr. Thompson, dated December 1, 2021, regarding the wearing of masks in public spaces, as required by state law. No further action was taken. - Swallow Park Lights Fee Inquiry – An unnamed council member reported constituent concerns about a fee charged to drive through Swallow Park to view holiday lights. The city manager was asked to provide an explanation at a future meeting regarding why the fee exists and where the revenue goes. - Ordinance to Fund National Search for Police Chief – Councilwoman Shields introduced an ordinance (on the printed docket) to authorize $200,000 for a national search firm for the Kansas City, Missouri Police Commission. She argued that the funding would remove a potential excuse for not conducting an immediate, nationwide search. Councilmember Ellington questioned why the council should provide funds for a search that is solely the commission’s responsibility, noting the commission could accept the money and still not conduct a national search. Councilwoman Shields responded that the ordinance expresses the council’s expectation and provides financial support, but final decisions rest with the commission. No vote was taken during the business session; the matter was expected to be taken up later in the regular session. Key Outcomes - Minutes of the November 10, 2021 business session were approved. - The Office of Citizen Engagement report was received; further monthly reports will be provided per ordinance. - The mask mandate report was acknowledged as received. - A request for information on Swallow Park light fees was referred to the city manager for a future response. - The police chief search ordinance was introduced and discussed but not voted on; the council planned to reconvene at 3 p.m. for the regular session to continue deliberations. - The business session was adjourned.

The Kansas City Council held a business session on November 10, 2021, addressing transit service challenges, climate action planning, UNESCO Creative City of Music updates, and procedural matters regarding an upcoming bond election and a staff position classification. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from a previous business session was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items KCATA Update on Service Levels and Staffing Dick Gerald (KCATA) and David Johnson (Vice President of Planning and Strategy) presented on transit service reductions. They reported that bus service is currently at approximately 75% of pre-COVID levels due to staffing shortages, with an attrition rate exceeding training capacity. A 20-person training class is underway, but full restoration is not expected until April 2022. Gerald noted that the authority received approximately $109 million in federal coronavirus relief funds (CARES, CRRSAA, ARP) to be used over 3–5 years. Council members Robinson, Ellington, Fowler, Park-Shaw, and others expressed concern about reduced routes on the east side (e.g., Prospect Local service) and questioned the lack of direct correlation between infrastructure funding and service restoration. Gerald emphasized that the staffing shortage, not funding, is the primary barrier. Councilman Ellington requested itemized restoration timelines, which he said were not honored. Climate Action KC and City Climate Plan Update Mayor Mike Kelly (Roeland Park) and Tom Jacobs (MARC) presented the regional Climate Action KC plan, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2050 through strategies in energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, waste management, and carbon sequestration. They noted that a third of regional emissions come from transportation and over 60% from building energy use. Laura Ish (Sustainability Manager) updated on the city’s local climate plan, which targets climate neutrality by 2040 community-wide and 2030 for municipal operations. She reported a 24% reduction in emissions since 2005, with transportation now the largest source. The city is in the "Prioritize and Align" phase, with draft plan expected early 2022. Council members asked no questions but thanked presenters. UNESCO Creative City of Music Update Anita Dixon Brown and a professor (unnamed) presented on Kansas City’s status as the only UNESCO Creative City of Music in the United States. They highlighted achievements over the past four years, including participation in global meetings, Voyage of the Drum project with 17 cities, and partnerships for equitable tourism. They requested continued council support for the next four years. Councilman Barnes commended their work. No questions from other members. Discussion of February Bond Election Date Mayor Lucas shared a letter from the Kansas City Election Board requesting to move the $750 million water bond election from February 2022 to April 2022, citing a projected $600,000 cost for a low-turnout (6%) election. Finance Director Tammy Queen explained that the water department preferred February to start projects earlier in the construction season, but bond anticipation notes could allow April passage. Councilman Park-Shaw raised concerns about potential additional costs (up to $8 million over 20 years) if projects were delayed. Mayor Lucas indicated he would introduce a floor ordinance to move the election to April, pending further analysis from the finance department. Office of Citizen Engagement Position Classification Councilman Ellington introduced a technical fix to change the classification of the Office of Citizen Engagement position from a classified ME-E to unclassified, aligning with the original intent of the ordinance. He argued the current classification was a bureaucratic error. Councilwoman Shields suggested sending it to committee, but after city manager indicated no objection, Mayor Lucas noted the issue would be discussed on the floor. No final decision was made. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - KCATA will provide detailed route restoration timelines and metrics to council members. - Climate Action KC and the city’s plan were presented; no formal action taken. - UNESCO presentation acknowledged; no vote. - Bond election: Mayor Lucas plans to bring a floor ordinance to move the election to April, contingent on receiving cost analysis from finance. - Position classification: Deferred to floor discussion; no vote taken.

The City Council of Kansas City, Missouri held a Business Session on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 2:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered updates on the Advance KC Task Force, the Five-Year Business Plan, the KCPD budget, and routine approvals. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes for Business Session of October 28, 2021: Approved by motion and second. Councilmember questioned the legal requirement for approving business session minutes; the city attorney agreed to research the practice. Discussion Items Advance KC Task Force Update Carrie Tyndall (City Manager's Office) presented an update on the task force, which was convened to review incentive policies with an equity-centered approach. Key points: - The task force has held 11 committee meetings and conducted community outreach including an online survey (655 responses, exceeding the goal of 300-400) and focus groups (60 attendees from 133 invitations, 45% attendance rate). - Two pieces of legislation are before the Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee: a resolution to adopt purposes/value statements and an ordinance updating the 2014 economic development incentive policy. - Feedback so far indicates a need for stronger vision/goals, new funding tools, and multi-pronged strategies; the community wants more input. - Councilwoman Shields emphasized including climate protection and historic preservation in the task force’s work. Councilwoman Hall recommended reaching out to disability and workforce groups (e.g., Summit Future Foundation). Councilwoman Boo encouraged colleagues to send revisions to the draft policy language. - Councilwoman Hall asked about the relationship between the task force’s recommendations and the council’s policy direction; Tyndall explained the process: community input informs high-level goals, then the task force develops strategies and scorecard updates for council approval. Five-Year Business Plan Update Krista Morrison (Budget Officer) provided an overview of the citywide business plan, which includes the strategic plan, financial strategic plan, and five-year planning model. Key points: - The finance committee has received three presentations; a detailed five-year forecast will be presented to full council on November 9, 2021. - The plan will include scenarios for salary compression (pay adjustments) and various debt scenarios for projects such as the jail, Barney Allis Plaza, and City Hall garage. - Councilwoman Shields expressed frustration that cost estimates for capital projects are not always shared transparently with the council during the early stages. KCPD Budget Discussion Update Captain Martin Cobanau (KCPD City Hall Liaison) and Mayor Lucas (as Police Commissioner) provided an update on the 2022-2023 police budget. Key points: - The Board of Police Commissioners is working on a budget that includes pay raises, pay scale adjustments, and hiring. The requested amount is $281 million (9.4% increase over current year). - The salary line item is $135 million, funding 1,412 officer positions and 613 civilian positions. Mayor Lucas emphasized a resolution to prevent shifting salary funds to other expenses (e.g., legal settlements). - Attrition rates: roughly 10 law enforcement officers per month and 8 civilian staff per month; this year’s attrition is significantly higher than previous years. - Councilwoman Hall expressed concern about delays in hiring new officers, noting that academy classes take 9-12 months before officers are on patrol. She urged immediate action to avoid staffing shortages for upcoming events (e.g., 2022 National League of Cities summit). - Councilwoman Parkshaw requested data on officer retention strategies and exit interview results. Captain Cobanau noted exit interviews are conducted but did not have immediate trend data. - Councilman Bough (?) noted the importance of salary funds being used for their intended purpose and the need for transparency in budget transfers. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved. - No votes were taken on the Advance KC or budget items; updates were for information and discussion. - The Board of Police Commissioners was scheduled to meet on November 5, 2021 at 8:00 AM to consider a resolution ensuring salary funds are not diverted; Mayor Lucas indicated he would share the result with council. - The Five-Year Business Plan forecast will be presented to full council on November 9, 2021 after further finance committee work.

The Kansas City Council held a business session on October 28, 2021, focused primarily on an update regarding the city's houselessness plan, including early successes, immediate winter preparations, and recommended proposals for housing interventions. The session also included a brief discussion on a docket item concerning the creation of an advisory committee for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The meeting began with approval of minutes and featured presentations from city staff and Councilmember Raina Parkshaw. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes for the business sessions of October 10 and October 21, 2021, by voice vote (all in favor). Discussion Items Houselessness Plan Update - Early Successes: The 90-day hotel program provided shelter for over 400 people across 12 hotels over 98 days, resulting in two healthy births and over 100 individuals accessing improved benefits. - Emergency Rental Assistance: The city expended 100% of the $14 million in ERAP funds, serving 3,098 at-risk households at an average of $4,400 per household. The program will continue with ERAP 2 funds. - Long-Term Goal: The city aims to create 10,000 new low-income housing units by 2027, citing that affordable housing reduces homelessness. - Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Two projects were approved, providing 152 units (60% AMI and less, half at 30% AMI). $12.5 million from ARPA was set aside, with approximately $4 million allocated to these projects. The allocation process is under review. - Extreme Weather Plan: Councilmember Parkshaw outlined a coordinated response involving multiple partners (American Red Cross, KCATA, health department, etc.). Key elements include: - Daily shelter bed capacity tracking. - Additional support to existing shelters rather than creating new city-run spaces. - A 2-1-1 referral hotline and a website for real-time information. - City Union Mission providing warehouse space for donations. - Free COVID-19 rapid testing for shelters to expand capacity. - American Red Cross volunteer training. - Recommended Proposals (from 18 RFPs): 1. Hotel conversion (Lotus Care House): Single-room occupancy for 100 individuals, including 75 with medical needs. Estimated cost: $1.3 million for first year. 2. Amethyst Place expansion: Pre-development costs of $300,000 for a permanent supportive housing project (22 apartment units and 12 townhouses, total cost $14.1 million). Expected completion summer 2023 if tax credits awarded. 3. Hope Faith pallet shelter: Semi-permanent shelter for 60–100 individuals. - Staff clarified that the ordinance for these proposals would be introduced that day as a placeholder, with contract negotiations ongoing. - Councilman O'Neill questioned accountability and oversight of the $1.3 million for Lotus Care House. Staff confirmed the hotel is currently operational and would provide immediate use. - Councilwoman Robinson inquired about the overall homeless census (estimated 1,700–2,000, potentially 40% increase by 2022–2023, possibly 3,000 regionally), the number served by Bartle Hall (300–500/night), and gaps in the current plan. She requested details on the 18 proposals and policies on encampment sweeps. Staff noted that a regional response is being developed with MARC. - Councilwoman Parkshaw added that an ordinance co-sponsored with Councilwoman Robinson would allocate ARPA funds to support shelter staffing and supplies. - Councilwoman Shields expressed concern that the council was not given access to all 18 proposals to make informed decisions, comparing it to prior airport procurement issues. She requested a full list after contract negotiations. Ordinance: Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee - Councilwoman Shields asked about a docket item proposing a new committee to oversee the Housing Trust Fund. Councilman Fowler clarified that the committee is advisory only; the council retains final spending authority per the ordinance language. Key Outcomes - The houselessness plan update received broad support with requests for additional transparency. - An ordinance authorizing the three recommended housing proposals is expected to be introduced and referred to committee. - Councilmember Parkshaw indicated that an ordinance on camp enforcement policies will be introduced next week. - The discussion on the Housing Trust Fund committee confirmed its advisory nature; no objections were raised. - Next steps include continued contract negotiations, committee hearings, and activation of the extreme weather plan in the coming weeks.

This business session of the Kansas City City Council on October 21, 2021, began with the approval of minutes from the previous session (October 14, 2021) and featured a detailed presentation by the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) on its Police Explorers Program (Post 8600). The presentation highlighted the program's purpose, activities, costs, and community impact, followed by positive remarks from council members. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (October 14, 2021): Motion made, seconded, and passed unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items - KCPD Police Explorers Program Presentation: - Presenters: Captain Martin Cobanaugh (City Hall Liaison Officer) and Major Mark Folsom (Investigations Bureau) delivered an overview. Three explorers—Peyton Dillingham (age 16, Park Hill district), Kamati Parks (senior at Frontier School, attending since first meeting), and David (homeschooled, first to join)—also spoke about their experiences. - Program Details: The post was re-established on September 11, 2019, after previous versions dating back to 1971. It is open to youth aged 14–20 who live in a school district within Kansas City borders. Participants must maintain a 2.0 GPA and pay a $45 annual registration fee (financial assistance available). The program meets every other Thursday from 6:30–8:00 PM, year-round except holidays, primarily at South Patrol. All adult leaders complete Boy Scouts of America youth protection training. The program is fully funded by KCPD, covering uniforms, equipment, registration fees, and overtime for leaders. - Activities: The explorers participate in hands-on training such as traffic control, building searches, vehicle stops, ride-alongs, drunk driving simulations, firearm safety (using simulators and non-lethal training guns), hostage negotiations, canine units, helicopter tours, and forensic science. They also engage in community service, including food drives during COVID-19. - Speaker Positions: - Major Folsom described the program as a recruitment tool that builds trust and exposes youth to law enforcement careers. He stated the program is "a win for KCPD, a win for the participants, and a win for the city of Kansas City, Missouri." - Explorer Peyton Dillingham expressed that the program taught her teamwork, community help, and behind-the-scenes police work, and emphasized that it is not solely about becoming a police officer but about learning and family. - Councilwoman Parks Show commended the explorers and thanked presenters for the "detailed presentation," noting she did not realize the program's scope. - Councilwoman Hall expressed appreciation, stating the program is "important for our future" and thanked Captain Cobanaugh for sharing job information. - World Cup Photo Initiative: Councilwoman Hall proposed that the council take a group photo to show support for Kansas City's FIFA World Cup bid. The mayor agreed to coordinate the photo before the next meeting. Key Outcomes - The council received the Police Explorers Program presentation with unanimous appreciation and support from speaking members. - No ordinances or resolutions were introduced or voted on during this session. - A World Cup promotional photo will be taken by the council before a future meeting.

The meeting began with approval of minutes, followed by a presentation on the city's snow plan for the 2021-2022 winter season from Public Works Director Michael Shaw and Deputy Director Forrest Ecker. Council then received an update on the Blueprint for Violence Prevention from Councilwoman Robinson, Councilwoman Parkshaw, and Health Department officials. The session concluded with introductions of ordinances by Council members. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 30, 2021 Business Session): Motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items - Snow Plan Presentation: Director Shaw outlined the city's five-stage snow response, covering arterial (37 routes, 2,700 lane miles) and residential (66 routes, 3,300 lane miles) plowing. The city has 296 trucks available (up from 200 last year), 40,000 tons of salt in storage (plus 10,000 tons on order), 20,000 gallons of calcium chloride, and 1,200 tons of ice band salt. Last winter, 27,000 tons of salt, 1,100 gallons of ice band were used; crews drove over 340,000 miles and logged 56,000 hours. Successes included 50 new plows, 100 additional drivers, 24-hour residential plowing for stage 4/5 events, and a 5% increase in citizen satisfaction. Lessons learned emphasized communication, staff training, technology (tablets for routing), and better salting strategies. Councilwoman Boo asked about bike lane plowing (parks department has specialized equipment, plowed on a secondary schedule). Councilwoman Robinson requested performance metrics (response times) and public communication updates (city communications on daily calls). Councilman Fowler volunteered for plow training with other council members. - Blueprint for Violence Prevention Update: Dr. Jones and Councilwoman Robinson reported on the implementation of 24 local government recommendations: 6 completed, 8 in progress, 4 not started, 1 abandoned due to state preemption. Completed items included Quality of Life Investment District (QLID) for 38 parks in low life-expectancy zip codes, expanded bulky item pickup (new ordinance forthcoming), and concentration of alcohol establishment reforms (Chapter 10 reform led by Councilwoman Boo). Key updates: Aim for Peace outreach team remains disbanded pending new funding; hospital response team operates but future funding uncertain; Community Capital Fund partnership delivered 282 hours of class training, 105 hours of technical assistance, 26 participants, and 12 new registered businesses. A summer program with youth (COGO Kids, Lyrics Institute, etc.) showed improvements in resilience (self-awareness, empathy). The 1% for Violence Prevention resolution passed in January 2021; the city manager is developing a fund development strategy. Next steps include collaborative discussions with the Board of Police Commissioners as recommended by the KC Chamber and Civic Council, and council members taking ownership of specific strategies. Key Outcomes - Snow Plan: Councilman Fowler and others volunteered for snow plow training. Councilwoman Robinson requested a report on response times and complaint resolution. Director Shaw noted that trash and recycling will be suspended during stage 5 events to free up personnel. - Violence Prevention: Councilman Allen criticized the city manager for not filling a previously approved grant writer position in the Office of Citizen Engagement, emphasizing the need to hire to expand DOJ and other grant opportunities. Councilwoman Robinson and Parkshaw will contact colleagues to assign leadership for remaining strategies. - Ordinances Introduced: Councilman Allen announced an ordinance restricting collection of personal information (e.g., sexual orientation, health status) for entering public buildings; it will be referred to the Transportation, Infrastructure & Public Safety (TIPS) committee. Councilwoman Shields introduced an ordinance adopting an asset management policy for the Public Works department, prepared too late for the printed docket; it will go to committee without discussion.

本次会议于2021年9月30日晚8点15分开始，主要议程包括批准上次会议记录以及一项关于停车违规行政裁决系统的专题演示。演示由总法律顾问Jane Brown和停车项目经理Matthew Muckenthaler主持，重点讨论了堪萨斯城停车场系统面临的挑战及改进方案。 同意日历 - 会议一致批准了2021年9月23日商务会议的会议记录。 讨论项目 停车法庭演示 - 介绍：Jane Brown介绍了 ordinance 200677 建立的停车及非移动违规行政裁决系统。过去11个月，一个跨部门委员会致力于完善该系统。 - 主要问题：Matthew Muckenthaler指出，堪萨斯城停车场系统每年产生1650万美元亏损，主要源于：1) 缺乏足够的支付选项和技术；2) 免费停车过多（市中心75%免费）；3) 执法表现不足。 - 建议：通过升级技术、实施市场费率（当前仅25%的市中心停车位收费）、以及补充执法（预计每年增加5万张罚单，带来100万美元额外收入，足以覆盖执法成本）来改善。新系统将引入9美元行政费替代原来的22.50美元法庭费用，并提供48小时内在线缴费折扣。 - 案例参考：奥马哈市采用类似系统，年处理约7.5万张罚单，70%在90天内缴纳，95%在线支付。 - 未来行动：公共工程部门建议尽快启动补充执法和行政上诉程序，最早可在2021年秋季开始。仍需完成新技术采购、招聘人员，并与堪萨斯城警察局协调。 议会讨论与提问 - Councilwoman Park Shaw：询问年收入每车位数据是否包含疫情期间的收入。Matthew解释数据基于疫情前的行业对比，疫情期间所有城市收入均下降约50%，但比例关系不变。 - Councilwoman Boo：感谢演讲者，并提出关于未支付罚单的后续措施。Jane Brown和Matthew解释，将不再签发逮捕令，而是采用车轮固定（boot）等技术，并在固定前提前21天通知车主，旨在促进合规而非惩罚。 - Councilwoman Hall：建议部分罚款可捐给慈善机构（如市长圣诞树基金），以激励支付。演讲者表示将考虑此建议。 - Councilman Ellington：表达担忧，一是将违规从刑事转为行政后，当事人在行政裁决外的司法救济途径有限；二是对低收入群体，车轮固定可能等同于“债务人监狱”，限制其移动能力；三是减少免费停车可能影响市中心吸引力。Matthew回应，行政裁决为最终决定，当事人仍可向密苏里州法院上诉（奥马哈案例中八年内仅发生不到五次）；车轮固定前有21天通知，并强调目标是合规，会考虑个案情况。 - Councilwoman Shields：质疑减少免费停车是否会影响小企业收入。Matthew引用MARC研究，认为合理定价（70-85%占用率）可提高车位周转率，每车位每年可为周边企业贡献20万美元收入。Councilman Bunch补充说明，河市场等地企业曾主动要求收费以增加周转。 - Councilwoman Shields仍持保留态度，认为许多居民因停车费而不愿前往市中心，希望获得更多信息。 关键结果 - 无正式投票或决议；本次会议为信息性演示和初步讨论。 - 公共工程部门计划在2021年秋季启动补充执法和行政上诉程序，但需后续议会行动。 - 会议结束后，议会进入闭门会议，讨论与市书记官和市审计官人事相关的事项。