Kansas City Council Meeting – April 25, 2024

The Kansas City Council convened on April 25, 2024, at 9:15 AM. The meeting included special actions honoring local figures and events, followed by final readings and debate on several ordinances addressing housing, transit, and property redevelopment. A key discussion centered on the reconsideration of a property sale ordinance.

Special Actions (Resolutions Adopted by Acclamation)

• 240043 – Recognizing Brian Adams (Slacker): Councilman O'Neill spoke about the legendary radio personality who passed at age 59, honoring his 30-year career and charitable contributions. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
• 240420 – National Therapy Animal Day (April 30, 2024): Councilman Raya highlighted the work of Pet Partners and therapy animals in hospitals, schools, and courts. Council members shared personal stories. The resolution was adopted unanimously. Representatives Elaine Bowers, Roseanne, Amy, and their therapy dogs (Mo, Joker, Opus) accepted the proclamation.
• 240436 – Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (April 25, 2024): Councilwoman Patterson Hasley introduced the resolution, noting that 81% of girls and 60% of boys who participate envision reducing work hours when they have children. Council members welcomed youth in attendance and encouraged public service. Adopted unanimously.

Final Reading and Debate Ordinances

240415 – Reject and Reissue RFP for Non-Congregate Shelter Supportive Services (Directing City Manager)

• Councilwoman Boo explained the resolution would cancel the prior RFP (originally issued August 1, 2023) and reissue a 30-day RFP clarifying that funding may be awarded for any of four service types (non-congregate shelter, supportive services, nonprofit operating, capacity building) rather than to a single provider. Uses HOME-ARP funds.
• Councilman Duncan spoke in opposition, stating the original RFP supported low-barrier shelter and that the new resolution “flies in the face” of assistance for vulnerable populations.
• Vote: 8 ayes, 2 nays. Ordinance passed.

240413 – Amend Housing Trust Fund (Chapter 2, Section 1693)

• Councilman Raya (with Councilwoman Boo) explained the ordinance allows the HTF Board to solicit proposals at least once per year (instead of twice) and adjust allocation minimums. Since Round 3, the HTF Board has approved over 1,800 affordable units (1,600 at 60% AMI or below) totaling $33,223,186.
• No further discussion.
• Vote: 10 ayes, 0 nays. Ordinance passed.

240399 – Sale and Redevelopment of City-Owned Properties (2400 Truce, 1200 & 1120 E 24th St, 2500 & 2526 Campbell St)

• The city issued an RFP on November 16, 2023, receiving five submissions. The Selection Committee recommended Block Real Estate Services for the 2400 Truce parcel (health department site) and Riverstone Platform Partners for the Campbell Street parcels.
• Initial vote: 7 ayes, 2 nays. Ordinance passed.
• Councilwoman French immediately moved for reconsideration (as a member of the prevailing side). After debate, the motion to reconsider passed 11-0.
• Debate included concerns about coordination with the Health Sciences District, the BioNexus program, and a potential state mental health facility at University Health. Councilman Bunch suggested holding the item for further discussion. Councilman Willett questioned the committee process, noting the Legal Review Committee lacks Northland representation.
• A motion to re-refer to a different committee was seconded but later withdrawn after discussion. The ordinance remains on hold on the council floor for further deliberation.

240400 – Contract with Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (Not to Exceed $5,196,000)

• Funded from the FY24-25 adopted budget, the contract supports business retention, attraction, and entrepreneurship. No discussion.
• Vote: 10 ayes, 0 nays. Ordinance passed.

240378 – KCATA Transit Service Agreement ($70,851,783 for May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025)

• Authorizes funding for fixed-route, on-demand, and specialized transit services. Includes direction to work with KCATA on a zero-fare program.
• Councilman O'Neill introduced an amendment directing the city manager to examine the costs and benefits of zero fare compared with a functionally free program and report back within 60 days.
• Councilman Duncan supported the amendment for further analysis, clarifying that “functionally free fare is not being implemented today.” Councilman Willett opposed, citing increased security costs ($1.2 million increase under zero fare) and concerns about the mayor’s appointments to the KCATA board.
• Amendment vote: 10 ayes, 0 nays.
• Final ordinance vote (as amended): 9 ayes, 1 nay (Willett). Ordinance passed.

Key Outcomes

• All special actions (resolutions) were adopted by acclamation.
• Ordinance 240415 passed (8-2-0).
• Ordinances 240413, 240400 passed (10-0-0).
• Ordinance 240399 initially passed (7-2-0), then reconsidered (11-0-0) and held on the council floor for additional discussion.
• Ordinance 240378 passed with an amendment (9-1-0).
• The council waived charter requirements for first-reading ordinances and introduced them to designated committees.