Kansas City Business Session – Health Commission Annual Report and Ordinance Discussions – April 14, 2022

The Kansas City City Council held a business session on April 14, 2022, at 8:15 PM CT. The meeting opened with the approval of minutes from the March 31, 2022 business session and featured a detailed annual report from the Health Commission, co-chaired by Councilwoman Raina Parkshaw and Dr. Carney. The commission presented its 2021-2022 accomplishments, highlighted persistent racial health inequities (including an 18.2-year life expectancy gap between zip codes 64113 and 64128), and outlined priorities for the 2022-2027 Community Health Improvement Plan (KC CHIP). Council members also discussed floor introductions for ordinances, including one on stream setbacks (22032) referred to a joint committee.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (March 31, 2022): Motion made and seconded; passed unanimously by voice vote.

Discussion Items

• Health Commission Annual Report: Co-chairs Dr. Carney and Councilwoman Parkshaw, supported by Dr. Marvia Jones (Health Director) and staff, presented the commission's annual update. Key points included:
  • The commission’s purpose per city charter: oversight of the community health plan and advising the mayor and council on public health matters.
  • A timeline of actions, notably the council’s adoption of the 2022-2027 KC CHIP in March 2022.
  • A striking statistic: an 18.2-year life expectancy gap between zip codes 64113 (93% white) and 64128 (86% Black). Dr. Carney noted previous efforts to direct resources for bystander CPR and AEDs based on similar data and expressed interest in revisiting those with current city leadership.
  • The CHIP focuses on root causes of health inequities, including racism, redlining, aging housing, utility costs, and food deserts east of Troost.
  • The health levy innovation fund ($400,000 total) awarded to Northland Healthcare Access, Samuel Rogers Health Center, and Swop Health Center.
  • Committee highlights: Birth Equity, Budget & Contract Evaluation, Education, Health Policy & Advocacy, Ad Hoc Housing, KC CHIP Planning, and Violence-Free KC.
  • Priorities for 2022: hiring a CHIP manager and coordinator, anti-racism health equity strategies, increased advocacy, and anti-racism legislation.
  • Requests from council: continued support for the CHIP, making health/life expectancy a priority in policy and funding, support for the Casey Blueprint for violence prevention, and sustaining the health levy innovation fund.
• Council Comments on Health Report: Councilwoman Hall thanked the commission for its pandemic response and noted connections between health statistics and policies on unhoused, affordable housing, and public safety. Councilman Fowler praised the co-chairs and Dr. Jones. Dr. Carney personally thanked the council for support during the COVID crisis, emphasizing the unprecedented challenges in emergency medicine and crisis standards of care.
• Ordinance Discussions:
  • Councilman Fowler noted a conversation with Councilwoman Boo regarding ordinance 22032 (stream setbacks) and referred it to a joint committee, stating it was better handled by the Neighborhood Planning and Development committee due to limited impact on water systems.
  • Councilwoman Parkshaw indicated she would introduce an ordinance for the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (too late for today’s docket) to appropriate funds.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved (unanimous).
• Health Commission annual report received – no formal vote needed; council expressed gratitude and support.
• Ordinance 22032 referred to the Neighborhood Planning and Development committee.
• Future action: An ordinance for the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund will be introduced at a later date.
• Meeting adjourned after approximately 30 minutes.