Kansas City Council Meeting - October 27, 2023

The Kansas City City Council met on October 27, 2023, at 6:15 PM. The meeting opened with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. The council adopted four special actions honoring individuals and organizations, and passed numerous ordinances on consent and after debate. Key actions included approval of a $14.75 million aquatics repair package, a $2 million revolving loan fund for economic development, and a rezoning for a transit-oriented development near the streetcar line. All votes were recorded with tallies.

Special Actions

• 230871 – Honoring Carl DeCapo: Councilman Ray and family members spoke about DeCapo’s contributions to Kansas City, including his philanthropy, mentorship, and role in the Italian-American community. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
• 230872 – 50th Anniversary of Sister City Day with Morelia, Mexico: Councilwoman Boo and Councilman Ray celebrated the golden anniversary, noting cultural and economic ties. Gloria Bessenbacher, chair of the Morelia Sister City Committee, expressed appreciation. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
• 230873 – Recognizing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City for 85 Years: Mayor Lucas praised the organization’s community investments and support for zero-fare transit. Councilman O’Neill noted its labor-friendly history. Representatives accepted the resolution. Adopted unanimously.
• Fire Prevention Week Proclamation: Councilman O’Neill presented statistics: every 23 seconds a fire department responds, with 1.3 million fires reported in 2021, causing 3,800 deaths, 14,700 injuries, and $15.9 billion in property damage. The proclamation designated October 8, 2023, as the 101st anniversary of National Fire Prevention Week. Adopted unanimously.

Consent Calendar

The council suspended rules for three readings and voted en bloc on the following items (all passed with 10 ayes):

• 230846: Approving a workers’ compensation settlement for Gregory Schultz.
• 230845: Authorizing a $900,000 contract with the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission for re-entry services.
• 230848: Approving the Tiffany Meadows subdivision (58 lots, 8 tracts) for residential development.
• 230860: Accepting a $2 million federal grant for the Municipal Drug Court.

Discussion Items

• 230744 – Aquatics Repair Ordinance: Councilwoman Boo introduced a $14.75 million appropriation for repairs to aquatic facilities. A committee substitute added $100,000 at Councilman O’Neill’s request. The ordinance passed 10-0.
• 230847 – Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF): Councilwoman Boo reported that 44 applications were received for the third quarter cycle, totaling $634,400. The committee recommendation was approved. Passed 10-0.
• 230863 – Amending NTDF to Allow Major Events and City-Sponsored Events: Councilwoman Boo explained the amendment would set aside 10% for major events (e.g., Chiefs parade) and 20% for city-sponsored events. Councilman Rogers offered a floor amendment requiring quarterly reports from the city manager on expenditures. The amendment passed 9-1, and the ordinance as amended passed 10-0.
• 230865 – Revolving Loan Fund with EDC: Councilwoman Boo described a $2 million program to provide startup capital for projects, administered by the Economic Development Corporation. Passed 10-0.
• 230747 – Historic Northeast PIEA Plan: Councilman Bunch presented a 22-acre mixed-use development with affordable housing and solar power. The plan was approved. Passed 10-0.
• 230836 – UMKC Violence Prevention Evaluation: Councilman Bunch noted a five-year sole-source contract with UMKC to evaluate crime prevention initiatives using scientific methods. Passed 10-0.
• 230855 – Westport Road Community Improvement District: Councilman Bunch described the CID covering 43rd Street to State Line Road for graffiti removal, security, and improvements. Passed 10-0.
• 230856 – Relocation of Volleyball Courts at Riverfront Park: Councilman Bunch explained that the sand volleyball courts must be moved west to accommodate the new stadium, at Port KC’s expense. Passed 10-0.
• 230857 – Rezoning at 2936 Cherry Street: Councilman Bunch noted a conversion of an existing building into a tiny hotel, with neighborhood support. Passed 10-0.
• 230858 – Development at 18th and Main Street: Councilman Bunch highlighted a 12-story, 100-unit apartment building with a garage entrance away from the streetcar line. Passed 10-0.
• 230861 – Rezoning for Auto Body Shop near Barry Road and Brighton: Councilman Bunch noted the companion to the area plan amendment. Passed 10-0.
• 230829 – Water Main Replacement Contract: Councilman O’Neill authorized a $4.28 million contract with Justice Environmental Solutions. Passed 10-0.
• 230831 – Contract Amendment with Advantage Project Management: Councilman O’Neill approved a $455,670 increase for project management services. Passed 10-0.
• 230833 – Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning Grant: Councilman O’Neill accepted an $880,000 federal grant for the Vision Zero Action Plan. Passed 9-0 (one absent).
• 230850 – Pipe Cleaning Contract Renewal: Councilman O’Neill authorized a $9 million one-year renewal with Ace Pipe Cleaning, with MBE/WBE goals. Passed 9-0.
• 230851 – Construction Contract Change Order for Asphalt Restoration: Councilman O’Neill approved a $2.3 million change order with Superior Bowen Asphalt, reducing water services costs by 50%. Passed 10-0.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions adopted: 230871, 230872, 230873, and Fire Prevention Week proclamation (all unanimous).
• Consent ordinances passed: 230846, 230845, 230848, 230860 (10-0 each).
• Ordinances passed after debate: 230744 (10-0), 230847 (10-0), 230863 as amended (10-0 after amendment passed 9-1), 230865 (10-0), 230747 (10-0), 230836 (10-0), 230855 (10-0), 230856 (10-0), 230857 (10-0), 230858 (10-0), 230861 (10-0), 230829 (10-0), 230831 (10-0), 230833 (9-0), 230850 (9-0), 230851 (10-0).
• First readings referred: Ordinance 230896 (property sale to Tiffany Spring Logistics) referred to Transportation Infrastructure and Operations.
• Motion to suspend rules for three readings passed (10-0) for both committee advances and first readings.
• Councilman O’Neill announced the Mizzou Caucus would attend the Mizzou vs. LSU football game.