Kansas City Council Meeting – December 19, 2024

The Kansas City Council convened on December 19, 2024, at 8:30 PM for a regular business meeting. The session included several honorary resolutions for retiring employees and community leaders, followed by consideration of ordinances related to taxes, development, and policy updates. Key decisions included renewal of a quarter-cent sales tax for capital improvements and public safety, approval of a $7.5 million brownfield loan for affordable housing, and adoption of a demolition review process for historic structures.

Consent Calendar

• 241102 – Honoring Edward T. Matheny Jr. for contributions to the city, state, and country. Adopted unanimously.
• 241087 – Honoring Delena Taylor on her retirement after 25 years and four months with the Neighborhood Services Department. Adopted unanimously.
• 241097 – Honoring Ursula Copeland on her retirement after 24 years with the Kansas City Health Department. Adopted unanimously.
• 241100 – Honoring Darkest B. Gates for her singing career and generosity to Kansas City. Adopted unanimously.
• 241084 – Honoring Hakima Payne upon her retirement from Uzzazi Village. Adopted unanimously.
• 241103 – Honoring Dr. Richard Gist on his retirement after 26 years and two months with the Kansas City Fire Department. Adopted unanimously.
• 241049 – Lease agreement with Kansas City Boys Choir for office space at Robert Mohart Center. Approved.
• 241059 – Termination of the Summit TIF plan and distribution of surplus funds. Approved.
• 241063 – Update to the film development program to align with state incentives. Approved unanimously (11-0).
• 241037 – Acceptance of $500,000 grant from Missouri Department of Natural Resources for stormwater monitoring. Approved.
• 241050 – Purchase of 8.22 acres at 5521 NE Sam Raphael Drive for park purposes. Approved.
• 241051 – Brownfields revolving loan of $7,575,000 for Historic Northeast Lofts project (389 units, 82% affordable, childcare and green space). Approved.
• 241052 – Development plan amendment for motor vehicle repair at NW 68th Street and Highway 169. Approved.
• 241055 – Surplus funds from Winchester TIF for housing repair projects. Approved after hold.
• 241066 – Rezoning at NE Barry Road and N Indiana Avenue for commercial buildings. Approved.
• 241067 – Amendment to design contract for Paseo improvements near 18th Street pedestrian mall. Approved.
• 241070 – New demolition review process for historic structures (Chapter 88 amendment). Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made. Councilmembers provided statements during discussion items.

Discussion Items

• 240695 – Renewal of quarter-cent capital improvement/public safety sales tax: Councilwoman Boo presented the ordinance calling for an election on April 8, 2025, for a 20-year renewal to fund public safety and capital expenditures. Councilman Duncan spoke in opposition, citing a disparity: for every dollar spent on public health, $11 is spent on enforcement and detention; for housing, $11 on enforcement; for tenant advocacy and unhoused services, $168 on enforcement; and for low-barrier shelter, $26 on jail. He called for better balance. Councilman Bunch, who previously opposed a municipal jail, stated he now supports the tax because it includes wraparound services and rehabilitation, and he credited Councilman Raya's leadership. He emphasized the need to continue investing in housing. Councilwoman Patterson-Hasley noted that her district needs a strategy for behavior change and that the rehabilitation aspect distinguishes this facility. The ordinance passed 9-2 (Duncan and one other opposed, but roll call shows 9 ayes, 1 no? Actually roll call: Patterson-Hasley aye, Robinson Raya aye, Bunch aye, [Curls?], Parkshaw aye, Boo aye, Duncan no, O'Neill aye, Willett aye, French Rogers aye, Lucas aye – that's 10 ayes? Wait count: ayes from O'Neill? Let's recount: listed ayes: Patterson Hasley, Robinson Raya, Bunch, Pearls (Curls?), Parkshaw, Boo, O'Neill, Willett, Rogers, Lucas = 10; Duncan no. The transcript says