Kansas City Council Meeting - February 13, 2025: Engineer Week Proclamation, Appointments, Lead Funding, and Crime Prevention
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Kansas City Council Meeting - February 13, 2025
The Kansas City Council convened on February 13, 2025, at 20:15 for a regular meeting. The session opened with an invocation by Pastor Alden Jones, celebrating Black History Month and praying for the city and the Kansas City Chiefs. Twelve council members were present. The council adopted several resolutions and ordinances, including a proclamation for Engineers Week, appointments to community improvement districts, ratification of an acting city auditor, and funding for lead remediation and paramedic training. All votes were unanimous except one.
Consent Calendar
- Special Act 250152: Declared the week of February 16–26, 2025, as Engineers Week in Kansas City, honoring the city’s engineers. Councilwoman French spoke in support, noting the theme "Design Your Future." The resolution was adopted unanimously.
- Final Readings Consent Docket (Items 250092, 250093, 250095): Appointments to the Raven Shopping Center, 39th Street, and 31st Street Community Improvement Districts. The clerk called the roll; the vote was 11 ayes and 2 nays (Councilmembers Pearls and Willit voted no). Passed.
- Resolution 250135: Ratified the mayor's appointment of Mark Shaw as Acting City Auditor at a temporary salary of $14,750 per month, effective February 6, 2025. Councilmember Patterson-Hasley expressed strong support. Adopted unanimously (13 ayes).
Discussion Items
- 250132 – Northland Career Center Workforce Development Facility: A city-managed development finance plan to support a new workforce facility. Councilwoman Boo stated that the current center is limited and that the state of Missouri has appropriated $37 million in matching funds. The ordinance directs a report back within 45 days. Passed 13-0.
- Paramedic School Program (no item number given): Authorized the Kansas City Fire Department to operate a paramedic school, creating new positions including Division Chief EMS Education Program Director. Estimated revenue of $225,250 from a general fund appropriation and $71,000 from fund balance. Passed 13-0.
- Lead Hazard Remediation Grant (item 250135?): Accepted a four-year, $6,419,475 grant from HUD for the Safe KC program to identify and remediate lead hazards in low-income homes with children. Mayor Pro Tem stated that lead poisoning is the top environmental hazard for children and that the program will serve 170 homes. Passed 13-0.
- 250136 – Platinum District MPD Amendment: Amended condition 8 of Ordinance 220656, shifting responsibility for street improvements along Belmont Avenue from the developer to the city if future northern development requires them. The change was recommended by the city engineer. Passed 13-0.
- 250137 – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED): Directed the city manager to develop an education and training program for businesses and neighborhoods, in collaboration with the Public Safety Task Force, KCPD, and community organizations. Councilwoman Boo cited increasing property crime and the effectiveness of CPTED. Passed 13-0.
- Resolution 250176 – Economic Mobility Strategy: Introduced by Councilwoman Robinson, calling for adoption of a strategy for residents at 400% of the federal poverty level, a $250,000 pilot for FY26-27, and engagement of an external vendor. Referred to the Finance, Governance, and Public Safety Committee.
- Resolution 250177 – Property Owner Support Program Suspension: Introduced by Councilman Duncan, providing for temporary suspension pending conclusion of certain litigation. Referred to the Finance, Governance, and Public Safety Committee.
Key Outcomes
- Votes: All ordinances passed with 13 ayes except the Consent Calendar appointments (11-2).
- Next Steps: The Northland Career Center report is due within 45 days; the economic mobility pilot will be proposed in annual budget cycles; the CPTED program will be developed with the task force.
- Closed Session: Motion to enter closed session for legal matters (litigation/privilege) passed. The council returned and adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
The meeting will come to order. Our guest chaplain is Pastor Alden Jones of the City of Life Kansas City Church, 24th and Park in the beautiful third district. But all who are able, please stand for the invocation and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Let us pray. God of wisdom and justice. God, our mayor and city council members, as they grapple with the complex issues facing our great city. Grant them discernment as they consider their docket, and may their deliberations be marked by thoughtful considerations. As we proudly celebrate Black History Month, which was created in 1926 in these United States of America by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. We not only remember, we also celebrate what the very ancestors of so many fought for, cried for, prayed for, hoped for, died for and are living for now. In this chamber, it bears its own black history with Bruce R. Watkins to serve as the first person to serve as a city council member in 1963. And Emmanuel Cleaver the second to serve as the first African American mayor in 1991. And Alvin Brooks, who was the city's first African American assistant city manager. Oh God, today our leaders stand on the shoulders of giants that have paved the way for our storied Kansas City history. May this history inform their decisions, reminding them of the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice, help them to understand the systemic issues that continue to affect our community and inspire them to create policies that promote and advance equity and opportunity for all, regardless of race. Bless their efforts and may their work contribute to a more just and equitable society for all as we strive to make the beloved community a reality for generations yet unborn. One last thing, God, as you know I'm one of those people, Lord. Our God of comfort and strength, I come to you again as we lift up our beloved Kansas City Chiefs. While this past Sunday game in New Orleans wasn't our desired outcome, oh God, we know you're still an on-time God. We still are victorious because we believe in a God of eternal hope and resurrection. Because of all your all-encompassing power, we know we will rise victorious again. Thank you for a remarkable football season. We as a city celebrate their triumph season and look forward to a greater 2025 and 2026 season. In your name we pray, we all say Amen. Congratulations. It's a thing. Present. Raya. Bunch. President Parkshaw Boo. Here. Donc here. O'Neill. Present. Will it? President. Brench. Here. Rogers. Lucas. Present. Twelve members present. Sorry if I get confused on this. All right. The clerk will read the special act. Oh, yes, sir. 250152, declaring the week of February 26, February 16, 2025, Engineers Week in Kansas City, Missouri, celebrating the work of all engineers employed by the city. Jeff and others are present to receive the special action. Welcome back.
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