Kansas City Council Meeting Honors Leaders and Advances Legislation on Jan 11, 2024
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Kansas City Council Meeting Summary – January 11, 2024
The Kansas City Council convened on January 11, 2024, at 10:15 AM to honor two community leaders, approve several ordinances, and discuss a proposed moratorium on liquor and vape shops. The meeting included unanimous approvals for routine items and sparked debate on a hate offenses ordinance and a moratorium for Barry Road. All 12 council members were present.
Consent Calendar
- Special Resolution 24010: Honoring Stephanie Shannon for her contributions to Kansas City's film industry. Adopted unanimously.
- Special Resolution 24011: Recognizing the service of Dr. Jamesha Shravan Wade, Executive Director of Start at Zero. Adopted unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Stephanie Shannon, film commissioner, expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the growth of the Kansas City Film Office since 2014, praising the support from VisitKC, Bloomberg Associates, and her team. She emphasized the positive outlook for the film industry with new state and local incentives.
- Dr. Jamesha Wade, honoree, reflected on her six years at Start at Zero, focusing on home visiting programs and the importance of early childhood development, thanking her family, team, and the council for the recognition.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance 231032 (Hate Offenses Enhancement): Councilwoman Boo introduced an amendment to place the hate offenses enhancement in the general penalty provisions of the code. Several council members expressed strong support, noting the importance of making Kansas City a safe and welcoming city. Councilman Raya highlighted the need for legal protections for the LGBTQ community, and Councilman Rogers praised the council's stance as a contrast to state legislature actions. The council voted to amend the ordinance and then passed it unanimously (12-0).
- Ordinance 231048 (Metro North Crossing Drive-Through): Councilman O'Neill explained that this amendment allows a drive-through facility at Andy's Frozen Custard, located between Hawaiian Brothers and Whataburger. The Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee recommended passage. Passed unanimously (12-0).
- Ordinance 230695 (Mill Creek Stormwater Improvements): Councilwoman Robinson reported that neighbors along Mill Creek have experienced erosion and flooding. The ordinance authorizes a $300,000 appropriation and an $87,373 contract for design work, with 19% MBE and 12% WBE goals. Passed unanimously (12-0).
- Ordinance 231045 (Water Main Replacement Design): Councilwoman Robinson noted that the project will replace approximately 22,230 linear feet of water mains in the Grandview Road to Lee's Summit Road and Gregory Boulevard to Longview Road area. The contract amendment totals $791,620. Passed unanimously (12-0).
- Ordinance 231050 (31st Street & Van Brunt Intersection Design): Councilwoman Robinson emphasized the need to complete right-of-way plans for the intersection, which supports a $13,120,000 federal grant and the World Cup transportation plan. The amendment totals $820,047. Passed unanimously (11-0).
Key Outcomes
- Unanimous Adoption of Special Resolutions honoring Stephanie Shannon and Dr. Jamesha Wade.
- Unanimous Approval of All Consent Items (Ordinances 231032, 231048, 230695, 231045, and 231050).
- Closed Session: The council voted unanimously (12-0) to go into closed session to discuss legal matters.
Late Docket Item and Moratorium Debate
- A late resolution (240047) was introduced to establish a Youth Commission and Young Adult Commission. It was received and co-sponsored by multiple council members.
- Councilman Willett introduced Ordinance 240047 (as corrected to 240048) proposing a moratorium on liquor and vape shop permits along Barry Road between NW McCombs Drive and NW Burchard Drive, until October 11, 2024. A motion to waive the three-reading requirement and advance it for final consideration was defeated (4 yays, 8 nays), meaning the ordinance will be referred back to the Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee. Councilman Raya said a ‘no’ vote would be consistent with the representation that the matter should go to the city planning commission for review.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to the meeting, or the meeting will come to order. Our guest chaplain is uh there is no chaplain this week, so think amongst yourselves of what may be right in the world or not, and however you go on with it. Would all who are able please the leads, I'm not a pastor. Would all who are able please stand for the invocation and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. I Pledge of Allegiance. One nation. Thank you. Please be seated. I will note in the last council, Councilman Fowler was usually our our pinch hitter for uh the blessing, so we'll come to you in the future. You know, Councilman Wool would be natural. You know what? We we might go with that. The clerk will call the special action. How about the role? Oh, I'm sorry, roll call. Sorry, who's here? O'Neil Willett. President Grinch. Yeah. Rogers? Here. Patterson Hasley. Robinson. President. Rhea. Bud. Carls. Here. Park Shaw. Hi. Boom. Here. Duncan? Here. Lucas? Here. Twelve members present. Clerk, please call the special action. Yes, sir. 24010. Honoring Stephanie Shannon for her incredible contributions to Kansas City. And friends and family. Kansas City Finn. Oh. And her friends and family. Stephanie's presence to receive a special action. If the fan club wants to come out too, you're welcome to. Come on, come on. Y'all can get in the shot. Or not.
openpublica.com