Kansas City Council Meeting – February 8, 2024

The Kansas City Council convened on February 8, 2024, with an invocation by Bishop Frank Douglas of Beth Judah Ministries, who prayed for repentance, accountability, and attention to the sanctuary city concept, and cautioned about potential lawsuit costs. The meeting included special recognitions, approvals of consent items, debates on gentrification tracking and moratoriums on liquor licenses and gas stations, and adoption of late resolutions including a Super Bowl bet with San Francisco.

Special Recognitions

• 240187 – Celebrating the 130th anniversary of Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas. Councilman Rogers highlighted Goodwill's services (career navigation, digital skills training, re-entry services). The resolution passed unanimously (11 ayes). Kristen Wood accepted on behalf of Goodwill, thanking the council.
• 240188 – Thanking Alfred Winder for his dedication and service. Councilman O'Neill, Councilman Curls, and Councilwoman French praised Winder's career in transportation, digital equity, and mentorship. The resolution was adopted unanimously. Mr. Winder addressed the council, emphasizing building infrastructure with people and preparing for the World Cup and Super Bowl.

Consent Calendar

• Final readings – Routine appointments to Community Improvement Districts were approved: 240151 (5050 Maine CID), 240152 (Linwood Shopping Center CID), 240153 (Limerick Square CID), 240154 (State Line Shopping Center CID). All passed on roll call.
• Advanced consent docket – Approved: 240128 (lease with Parson & Associates), 240129 (workers’ compensation settlement of $85,000), 240149 (lease with MWT Bulk Services). All passed 12 ayes.

Discussion Items

• 240741 (held) – Ordinance regarding private sewage disposal systems was held for one week for further progress.
• 240079 – Authorizing a five-year lease amendment with Subway Real Estate for a restaurant at 327 East 11th Street. Councilwoman Boo and Councilman O'Neill spoke in support; passed 12 ayes.
• 240156 – Reducing $3,900,000 in the taxable special obligations series 2028 project fund and establishing a new fund for a parking facility at Midland Theater. Passed 12 ayes.
• 240091 – Vacating unimproved right-of-way in District B3 to consolidate two lots. Passed 12 ayes.
• 240150 – Declaring a moratorium until August 8, 2024, on new liquor licenses for stores under 20,000 sq ft (excluding certain circumstances). Councilman Bunch introduced and then moved an amendment to exempt applicants whose 30-day neighbor notification period had elapsed. Councilman Curls supported. After discussion, the amendment passed (12 ayes), and the ordinance as amended passed (12 ayes).
• 240157 – Declaring a moratorium until August 8, 2024, on new permits for gas stations, with exceptions for council-approved plans. Councilman Bunch presented it as a response to an overabundance of new gas stations. Passed 12 ayes.
• 240161 – Rezoning approximately 7 acres at 4000 NW 80th Street from R5 to R80 at the owner’s request to maintain rural character. Passed 12 ayes.
• 240162 – Waiving certain procedures for the Arterial Street Impact Fee Ordinance and appropriating $800,000 for design of the Blue Ridge Boulevard streetscape project (87th St to Bannister Rd). Councilman Bunch noted the ordinance is outdated. Councilwoman Patterson-Hasley clarified that a report on the fee system is expected in 60 days. Councilman Willett mentioned some districts are active. Councilman Duncan questioned if the fund is shared with the 6th District. The item was held for one week for further conversations between the 5th and 6th districts.
• 231046 – Amending the classification and compensation plan for positions covered under Local 500 (e.g., Superintendent of Recreation, Asset Analyst). Passed 12 ayes.
• 240131 – Authorizing a $1,481,880 contract with Mega KC to rehabilitate relief wells at the downtown airport (final phase). Passed 12 ayes.
• 240132 – Authorizing amendment six with Alpha Banesh & Company for $297,825 for Front Street improvements (design); construction expected spring 2025. Passed 12 ayes.
• 240133 – Authorizing $1,100,000 contract with CDM Smith for stormwater and green infrastructure at 37th and Norton (Smart Sewer program, year 14 of 30). Councilman Willett thanked city attorney Matt Gellotti for his work. Passed 12 ayes.
• 240159 – Authorizing $3,000,000 construction contract for sewer line repairs in various locations (on-call project). Passed.
• 240165 (first reading) – Ordinance to create an Office of Language Access. Introduced and referred to committee (motion passed).

Late Resolutions (Prepared Too Late for Docket)

• 240199 – Expressing support for a city grant application for the Grand Boulevard Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge Project ($8,532,929 total, $2,133,232 local match). Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee.
• 240200 – Expressing support for an application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program and directing the city manager to develop a plan for local match funding. Referred to committee.
• 240201 – Congratulating the Kansas City Chiefs on winning the AFC Championship and challenging the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to a civic bet on Super Bowl 58. Adopted by immediate motion (12 ayes).

Key Outcomes

• All consent items and most debate items passed unanimously (12 ayes) except where noted.
• Moratorium on liquor licenses (240150) passed with an amendment to protect applicants who had completed neighbor notification.
• Moratorium on gas stations (240157) passed without amendment.
• The arterial street impact fee appropriation (240162) was held for one week for district coordination.
• Three late resolutions were introduced: two referred to committee, and the Super Bowl bet resolution was adopted immediately.