Kansas City Council Meeting – August 15, 2024

The Kansas City Council convened on August 15, 2024, at 9:15 AM. The meeting included special recognitions, final readings of numerous ordinances, a lengthy debate on energy code amendments, approval of a new firefighter collective bargaining agreement, and introduction of late items. Key votes involved homelessness services, scooter program funding, and a motion to hold an energy code ordinance for further negotiation.

Consent Calendar

• Several routine zoning and plat approvals were passed by unanimous consent on the committee advances docket, including: villas at Oakwood (renamed cottages at Oakwood), 147 residential units at 1818 Main Street, a sports recreation facility at I-35 and Northeast Oak Ridge Drive, a street vacation at Prospect Avenue, a grant for African American historic sites (National Park Service, $75,000), an alley vacation in the West Bottoms, and the Tiffany Square Community Improvement District (27-year term, 1% sales tax).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments or testimony were given during the recorded portion of the meeting.

Discussion Items

Special Action – Recognition of Darren Gilliam

• The council adopted a resolution honoring Darren Gilliam, a 20-year city employee in the Revenue Division who passed away unexpectedly. Councilwoman Boo highlighted his service and military background. The resolution passed unanimously.

Bird Scooters Cooperative Agreement (Ordinance 231049)

• The council approved a cooperative agreement with Bird Rides for continued operation of shared electric scooters through December 31, 2026. Revenues collected from Bird are directed to zero-fare transit and micro-mobility infrastructure. Councilman Willett voted no, stating that a promised report on zero-fare transit had not been delivered. The ordinance passed 11–1.

Hope Faith Homeless Shelter Negotiations (Ordinance 240690)

• The council considered a contract negotiation with Hope Faith Homelessness Campus for a non-congregate low-barrier shelter using $7,137,610 in HOME-ARP funds. An amendment (by Councilwoman Patterson-Hasley) added Restart Inc. to negotiations, allocated $500,000 for site enhancements within 1,000 feet of shelters, and directed the city manager to explore reprogrammed HOME dollars. Councilman Curls emphasized that public engagement would occur before any final decisions. Councilwoman Robinson stressed the need for neighborhood cohesion. The amendment passed 11–2 (Willett and one other voting no), and the final ordinance passed unanimously (13–0).

Fire Station Gender Neutral Upgrades (Ordinance 240699)

• The council approved a design contract ($948,000) for gender-neutral upgrades at eight fire stations. Funding was split between the public safety sales tax and capital improvements fund. Councilman Willett voted no, objecting to the funding sources. The ordinance passed 12–1 (Willett no).

Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) Grant (Ordinance 240567)

• The council approved a $146,922 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to extend the Energy Works KC program. An amendment corrected accounting strings. Councilman Willett voted no, criticizing MEC for spending only a small portion of previous grants within Kansas City. Councilwoman Robinson recused herself. The ordinance passed 11–1, with one abstention.

Energy Code Amendments (Ordinance 240434) – Debate and Motion to Hold

• A vigorous debate occurred over a proposed committee substitute to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, which would create a fourth compliance path using the HERS index (starting at 60 or 58). Councilwoman Patterson-Hasley and Councilman Rogers argued that a compromise was nearly reached, with builders and environmental groups close to agreement. Councilman Willett and Councilwoman Robinson cited concerns about process, the need for staff input, and the upcoming 2024 IECC code. Councilwoman Robinson emphasized the city's climate goals and the burden on low-income residents. After extensive discussion, a motion to hold the ordinance off the docket passed 7–6, effectively postponing further action until a future meeting.

Firefighter Collective Bargaining Agreement (Ordinance 240725)

• Assistant City Manager Kelly Poushade presented a five-year contract with IAFF Local 42. Key provisions include: average salary increase of 26.77% over five years (14% in year one, 2% in years 2-4, 4.76% in year five); increased ambulance staffing (from 32 to 35 day, 16 to 28 evening); annual fire academy classes; new interview process for academy instructors; strengthened driver’s license discipline; a diversity and recruitment officer; critical illness insurance (up to $100,000 for work-related cancer); and a new communications division minimum staffing of 60. The contract also incorporates the 2023 EEO side letter and removes a previous side letter on bargaining unit pay. The ordinance passed unanimously (13–0).

Airport Grants (Ordinances 240726–240729)

• The council accepted four federal grants for Kansas City International Airport: $2,555,732 (AIP grant), $8,661,831 (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), $3,070,499 (another BIL grant), and $3,011,204 (AIP grant). All were passed unanimously (13–0) after waiver of readings.

Joanne Collins Training Room Dedication (Ordinance 240730)

• The council approved naming a training room on the 8th floor of City Hall after Joanne Collins, a longtime community leader, and declaring August 29 as Joanne Collins Day. Passed unanimously.

Cancellation of Meetings (Ordinance 240731)

• The council voted to cancel all standing committee meetings, business session, and legislative session for the week of August 19, 2024, due to the Democratic National Convention and the start of the school year. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Darren Gilliam recognition – Adopted unanimously.
• Bird scooter agreement – Passed 11–1 (Willett opposed).
• Hope Faith shelter negotiations – Amendment passed 11–2; final ordinance passed 13–0.
• Fire station upgrades – Passed 12–1 (Willett opposed).
• MEC grant – Passed 11–1 (Willett opposed; Robinson recused).
• Energy code amendments – Motion to hold off docket passed 7–6.
• Firefighter contract – Passed unanimously (13–0).
• Airport grants – All passed unanimously.
• Joanne Collins dedication – Passed unanimously.
• Meeting cancellations – Passed unanimously.

Note: Several items were introduced late in the meeting; all were considered and voted on the same day through waiver of charter requirements.