Kansas City Council Meeting – October 31, 2024

The Kansas City Council convened on October 31, 2024, at 8:45 PM. The meeting included invocation, roll call, adoption of several consent items, final passage of multiple ordinances, and extensive debate on the 2024 update of the citywide business plan. Key actions included recognition of cultural events, approval of capital improvement plans, and votes on domestic violence measures.

Consent Calendar

• 240945–240946: Appointments to RCID and CID neighborhood committees – passed unanimously.
• 240932: Settlement of $75,413 for a workers' compensation claim – approved.
• 240936: Settlement of $117,500 in a lawsuit – approved.
• 240937: Settlement of $225,000 for a workers' compensation claim – approved.
• 240940: Acceptance of a $395,000 grant for the mental health court – approved.
• 240941: Acceptance of a $656,925 grant from the Department of Justice – approved.
• 240928: Termination of the 45th and Main Community Improvement District – approved.
• 240942: Approval of a 46-lot subdivision in Clay County – approved.
• 240950: Asset transfer from expired Red Bridge CID – approved.
• 240926: Financing of $5,003,940 for 12 ambulances and equipment – passed.
• 240938: $3 million contract for automated water meter infrastructure – approved.
• 240939: $4,325,253 contract for aviation planning services at KCI – approved.
• 240949: $296,205 amendment for bridge design at KCI – approved.
• 240955: $749,084 amendment for Lee’s Summit Road design – approved.

Discussion Items

• 240857 – Citywide Business Plan Update Councilwoman Boo introduced a committee substitute. An amendment was proposed to move the Blue Ridge Boulevard project (87th to Bannister) from the 3090 fund to the GO Bond fund and add a new project (Prospect to 59th Street). After debate, this amendment failed (9 nays, 4 ayes). Councilwoman Robinson declined to offer an amendment, stating the plan was inequitable and racist. A second amendment to correct the project name (keeping the same $3 million in the 3090 fund) was adopted unanimously. The resolution as amended passed (11 ayes, 2 noes: Patterson-Hasley and Robinson).
• 240957 – Domestic Violence Support Councilman Curls presented a resolution directing the city manager to research and develop policies for domestic violence victims within 90 days. Passed unanimously.
• 240921 – 18th & Vine Museum and Mohart Center Funding Plan Councilman O’Neill reported cost estimates of $7.4 million for the museum and $3.2 million for the Mohart Center. Resolution adopted.
• 240948 & 240962 – Domestic Assault Ordinance and Parking Garage New municipal domestic assault ordinance approved. Project development agreement with Gracian Capital for an 18th & Vine district parking garage approved.
• TIF Amendments Several ordinances (240419, 240421, 240898, 240929, 240943, 240944, 240954) related to Platte Purchase, North Oak, and other TIF plans were passed.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Resolutions:
  • 240968 (UNESCO music exchange with Belfast) – adopted unanimously.
  • 240965 (Día de los Muertos recognition) – adopted unanimously.
• Final Passage of Ordinances:
  • 240857 (Citywide Business Plan, as amended) – passed 11-2.
  • 240957 (Domestic violence policy study) – passed 11-0.
  • 240933 (Brownfields cleanup grant application, up to $4 million) – passed.
  • 240903 (Infrastructure funding plan, 30-day report) – passed.
  • 240921 (18th & Vine/Mohart funding plan) – passed.
  • 240926 (Ambulance financing) – passed.
  • 240948 (Domestic assault ordinance) – passed.
  • 240962 (Parking garage at 18th & Vine) – passed.
  • Multiple TIF amendments – all passed.
• Late Ordinances Introduced:
  • 240980 (Financial relief for Linwood Shopping Center CID, $250,000 from general fund).
  • 240981 (Expand parking contract with Last Parking LLC, $1.6 million).
  • 240982 (Development plan amendment for 232-foot apartment building at 4615 Roanoke Parkway).
• No public testimony was heard during the meeting.