Kansas City Council Meeting - August 17, 2023

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.