Kansas City Council Meeting – August 14, 2025: Special Recognitions and KCATA Transit Contract Approval
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The meeting will come to order.
Our guest chaplain is Reverend Candice Barlow of the Lighthouse Church.
Would all who are able please stand for the invocation and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pastor.
Please bow your heads.
Lord, we are so grateful for this opportunity that we get to come together and pray before the city council meeting.
But first and foremost, God, we just want to give you glory and honor and all the praise because you are a good God.
You are a holy God, and there's none like you, Lord Jesus.
And Lord God, we come together as a unified body, and we just ask you, God, to forgive us of our sins, Lord God.
Anything in us, oh God, that would hinder the work being done in this city council meeting, God, we ask you, oh God, to wipe it away, Lord God.
And Lord God, right now I pray for our city council, God, a team that was called and chosen by you, Lord God.
I pray, oh God, that you would give them unity, Lord God, in this meeting, that you would give them guidance in this meeting, oh God, that you would let them deliberate on matters, oh God, that would bless our great city, Lord God.
And Lord, as they continue to deliberate and they talk and they come with resolutions, Lord God, I ask that you remain the center of this meeting, Lord God.
I ask, oh God, that you would cover them with peace, oh God, that passes all understanding.
And if anybody in this place, any council member, the mayor has any burdens, I pray God that you would lift them up, oh God, so that they will have clarity, Lord God.
And I pray for our great city, the Kansas City Metro.
I pray, oh God, that we will continue to have progress because we are the greatest city in the United States of America.
I ask these things, and that you bless this time in Jesus' name.
We all pray, Amen.
And one of the justice.
Thank you so much for asking everyone about the Christian too.
Circle called Rome.
Yes, sir.
Raya.
Bunch.
Pearls.
Present.
Parkshaw.
I feel like I want to go out and win the game now.
O'Neill.
Here.
Will it?
Thank you.
Present France.
Present.
Rogers.
Patterson Hansley.
Present.
Robinson.
Here.
Lucas.
Here.
Will the clerk please call the special actions?
Yes, sir.
250656.
Recognizing the first anniversary of the Forever Smiles Foundation and honoring Dr.
Margaret Weiss and Dr.
Patrick Christopher.
Both doctors are present who received the special action.
Sir, how are you?
You're fine here.
Councilman O'Neill.
Before I do anything, I've got to introduce my granddaughter who's here.
Rory.
Thank you for coming, Rory.
Hey.
Hi.
So I'm I'm good at home now.
All right.
Um, this is really great for me.
I mean, getting to honor this guy I've known for a long time, who's just been a stud in everything he's done over the years.
Uh great friend of the family.
But what he does, he this is the first anniversary of Forever Smiles.
It's a foundation honor, and and it, and it was created by Patrick Christopher and Dr.
Robert Weiss.
These two guys.
Now, a year ago, these decisions, Robert Weiss and Product Patrick Christmas, transformed their passion for helping others to drive to it into a thriving mission through the creation of the Forever Smiles Foundation.
The Forever Smiles Foundation is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive, cleft craniofacial care to children and families in need, both in the Kansas City City region, but also in the world.
This expertise, this expertise includes clef lip and palate repair, cranial reconstruction and facial trauma.
Dr.
Weiss and Dr.
Christmas deliver life-changing surgical interventions to patients who might otherwise go without such care due to financial hardship or geographic barriers.
The foundation not only funds these critical procedures, but also offers education, support, and long-term resources to empower patients and families throughout their medical journey.
Driven by compassion and unwavering commitment to service, Dr.
Weiss and Dr.
Christopher donate their time and skills, both locally and abroad, leading multiple international mission trips each year to Africa.
Their efforts have brought hope and healing to hundreds of children, restoring smiles, building brighter futures, and demonstrating the transformative power of medical care and human kindness.
Be it resolved by the Council of the You say that, don't you?
The Forever Smiles Foundation continues to expand its impact through collaboration, education, and advocacy, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all, regardless of circumstance now before.
And Patrick is like one of these guys that just never sits down.
He's always doing something.
He is an incredible human being, but more important, the things he does.
And I don't know, you know, I remember when I when my uh daughter married uh a maxiofacial surgeon, I I did have to look the word up.
And uh you guys are quite the thing.
So anyway, I would uh thank you guys for all the efforts you've given and uh appreciate everything you do for the city and the and the world, really.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Thank you, Councilman O'Neil.
And great to see you, Roaring.
Right?
Hi, and thank you for being with us today.
Is there any further discussion on the ordinance?
Harry Nunn, the clerk, uh not called a role.
All in favor indicate by saying aye.
Aye.
Opposed, whoever would like to speak.
All right.
Councilman O'Neill, thank you so much.
That was that was incredible, hard to follow that.
But uh, on behalf of um Dr.
Weiss, myself, and the Forever Smiles Foundation.
Um, I'd just like to say thank you guys for this um recognition, and uh we're blessed to be able to do what we do in um Kansas City and all over the world.
So thank you guys again.
Thanks, appreciate it.
Dr.
Weiss, thanks, man.
Thank you for being here.
Thank you so much for thank you so much.
Congratulations.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Thanks for watching.
Thanks for next to action.
Yes, sir.
250676.
Honoring the Lincoln College Preparatory Academy men's best volleyball team for their historic 2025 season, during which they captured the first ever district championship in men's volleyball, representing Kansas City Public Schools with excellence on and off the court.
Hey, uh Councilwoman Patterson has it.
All right.
Um, thank you, Mayor Lucas.
Um, today we are, well, first of all, it's uh a special for me to honor uh Lincoln High School as my daughter is a rising eighth grader at Lincoln Middle School.
So uh welcome to City Hall.
And she also plays volleyball.
Um, honoring the Lincoln College Preparatory Academy men's volleyball team for their historic 2025 season, during which they captured the school's first ever district championship in men's volleyball.
They uh represented Kansas City public schools with excellence on and off the court.
Men's volleyball is a rapidly growing sport in Missouri, officially sanctioned by the Missouri State High School Activities Association in 2022.
The young men of Lincoln College Preparatory Academy have embraced this opportunity with dedication, discipline, and teamwork, serving as outstanding ambassadors for their school and city.
On May 16th, the Tigers made history by securing the district championship with a decisive 3-0 victory over Northeast High School.
The team earned national recognition by achieving the American Volleyball Coaches Association, all academic team honor for the third consecutive year awarded to programs maintaining a year-long GPA of 3.3 or higher.
In their fifth season, the program has been guided by Coach Blake Matthews, whose leadership has established a competitive and respected program within Kansas City Public Schools.
So as a KCPS graduate bonus, um, I'm also very proud of you guys.
And you know, volleyball is a really exciting sport.
I think a lot of us in probably Kansas City uh inner city is not very familiar with the sport as as a lot of people in the surrounding region is, and so you um playing the sport with such excellence and dedication, and also keeping your academics where it needs to be is really a shining example to the rest of us that we can get involved in the sport of volleyball.
So, congratulations again, and um I'm keep up the great work.
I'm really proud of everything you're doing.
Uh Councilwoman French.
I don't know how my name was left off this, so I want to be added to this ordinance as well.
So, as a former volleyball player myself, and then I have two young daughters as well, while they're middle school, high school level right now that play on national volleyball teams as well.
I know the dedication and hard work and everything that you put into this, and like she said, to keep up your grades and balance everything else on top of that.
That is just a high achievement and accomplishment um amongst winning the national championship, or I mean a championship as well.
So I just want to commend you on all that and just congratulate you and then just know just how much we appreciate you.
Wonderful.
Uh Councilman Bunch.
Thank you, Mr.
Mayor.
And I I just wanted to say I always appreciate it when we have student athletes here uh from local schools.
Just really highlights the continued need for activities for for young scholars, but also as a fellow Lincoln parent, um, it's nice to see some Lincoln representation here.
Uh so thank you so much.
Congratulations on your season and and good luck uh in the upcoming school year.
We really appreciate you coming out today.
Any others who'd like to speak to the resolution?
I'll just say I know that our uh the players behind me are excited for the first day of school on Monday.
They are thrilled.
They were like, man, we just really need to get there.
But we are proud, first of all, of your scholastic commitment.
Thank you for doing that, being leaders in your school building, and certainly your athletic success is just another cherry on the top.
But we're proud to produce young people like this.
Thank you, coach.
I assume you're coach, not a high schooler, right?
Uh but thank you, coach.
Thank you to all of your teachers, faculty, administration who support you, and we look forward to getting a chance to see you out there on the court next year.
If there are no others wish to speak to the resolution, the resolution is now before council.
All in favor indicate by saying aye.
Aye.
All opposed, resolution is adopted.
Whoever would like to speak.
First of all, I would like to honor these guys that they are doing on the court and off the court, putting in the work, and above everything else, they are student athletes and not athlete students.
And so they shine through that.
And like I said, third year in a row of getting um national all uh uh academic, and they've done a fantastic job through the years.
I would like to thank the council for inviting us today and uh honoring us, and I would also like to thank the community in general for supporting Lincoln and all the programs that we have, and especially the academics with the children.
Uh, thanks to our administration, and more than anything, thanks to the parents that support all these guys because without the parents, we wouldn't be anything.
So thank you all very much.
Appreciate it.
I think we got an age discriminant relation lawsuits telling you like a high school.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Congratulations, congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations, nice to be able to do that.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Oh, that's a baby.
Okay.
I'm not this case.
Congratulations.
Congratulations, parents.
We have additional special action from the floor, I believe, right?
Yes.
Yeah, all right.
We'll do that motion.
Yes, Mr.
Mayor requests that the clerk receive docket and read a special action prepared too late to be on today's docket.
The clerk will receive the resolution.
Assign a number and read the title.
That number is going to be 250677, recognizing Henry Acorn, Bill Hayes, and Andrew Davis, and Jake Bond as very athletic accomplishments for Rockhurst High School.
Oh, sorry, thank you so much for you.
Thanks, sir.
Absolutely.
Scouts with Bunch.
Thank you, Mr.
Mayor.
You know, I don't do a lot of special actions, as everyone probably knows, but uh this one is maybe a little near and dear to my heart as a fellow cross-country and track runner in high school and college.
Uh seeing the accomplishments of these gentlemen was uh nothing short of remarkable.
Um I I have them written down because they're quite impressive to the point where I uh am I still shocked and blown away.
And I think we have a few other uh former uh middle distance runners.
Uh one is not here today, but uh would also be I'm sure proud of these gentlemen.
Um but just to give you some sense for for the accomplishments here.
Um the uh the this four by eight hundred team in particular won the pen relay.
So if anyone has any familiarity with uh one of the most prestigious track meets uh in in North America, um won the four by eight hundred at Penn relays in a state record time of 733.83, uh which is just mind-blowing how quick that is.
Um and then individually, I think it's important to point out that uh uh Henry Acorn was the 2024 and 2025 state champion in the 1600 meter run.
I believe set a couple state records in the process.
Uh 2024 state champion across country, and we'll be running at the University of Virginia next year.
Um Bill Hayes was the this year's 2025 state champion of the 800 as an individual, and we'll be competing at nor at Notre Dame next year.
Uh or actually in like just a few months, I guess, a few weeks.
Um Andrew Davis was the 2024 state champion in the 800, and the second and finished second place in uh the 800 at uh in the state track meet.
Um and then uh he'll be attending the University of Alabama this fall, and then finally Jake Bond finished fifth in the 800 and will be returning as a uh to to Rockhurst this this uh as a senior this fall.
Um they finished the year ranked first, second, fourth, and fifth in the state of Missouri uh respectively in the hundred.
Uh their contributions also helped Rockhurst win state titles in both cross-country and track, and uh and I believe also set uh oh finished second in the nation in the four by eight hundred as well in the in the New Balance National Outdoor Championship.
So uh really incredible uh performances, and I just want to thank you all for being here today, and thank you for bearing with us as we I know we were quite late.
Um, and just congratulations on your success and good luck uh for those of you who are going off to to new adventures in different states, but also congratulations uh and and good luck uh to the Rockhurst uh cross-country season this this fall.
So thank you so much, and uh and really really we're really proud of you guys.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Councilman Boncher.
There are others who wish to speak to the resolution.
I just want to say congratulations to you all.
Um you sometimes these special actions remind us of our accomplishments, but remind us how much better these kids are.
Um believe it or not, I made it to state track and field in Missouri.
I came in last place in the 200 meters, so I'm still very proud of it.
Um so I I'm in awe of first, second, fourth, and fifth place finishers.
You're going on to great schools.
It is an incredible honor to recognize you today.
I just hope as your lives and careers continue on.
You remember us back in Kansas City.
You can continue mentoring folks, and for those of you uh still in high school, I wish you very well uh in the year ahead.
If there are not this wish to speak to the resolution, the resolution is now before council.
All in favor indicate by saying aye.
Aye, aye.
All opposed, resolution is adopted.
Whoever would like to speak.
Uh I'll keep this short.
Uh, as the head coach, it was I've had the privilege of having a front row seat to what these young men have done the last three, four years.
Um, and just seeing their work ethic and their their attitude towards track.
Uh and all the accomplishments are great, but these are also the character of these four gentlemen standing behind me is is awesome.
Uh they're just they're great people, and they represent Rockhurst great.
And I I also want to mention their distance coach Mike Dirks has a great uh responsibility for what he's done with these guys and building them up over the years.
So just thank you for guys for recognizing them, and it's been an honor working with them the last three, four years.
Coach, appreciate it, man.
Appreciate you, man.
Congratulations.
Congratulations, man.
Congratulations.
I'm gonna remember the audience.
Thanks for watching.
Congratulations.
Thank you so much.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Thank you so much.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations, Coach.
Thank you.
Well, the clerk proceed with the final readings.
Yes, sir.
25056 year old is on the case.
Oh, I'm sorry.
There's another special action.
Sorry, ma'am.
All right, we have another special action.
Who's you got it?
Well, the okay.
Is there a you have a script for a special action?
Go ahead, just read it.
We can do it all verbally.
Go ahead.
Yeah.
Well, the clerk read proceed and docking item prepared too late to be on today's docket.
The number is going to be for that item is 250 678.
Clerk received the resolution sign number and read the title.
I believe this is recognizing the retirement from the city of Miss Heather Frierson.
Recognizing the retirement of Heather Friarson.
How are you going to respond?
How are you doing, family?
Absolutely.
Councilman Willard.
Thank you, Mr.
Mayor.
A privilege to honor uh Heather for her service within the City of Kansas City.
She started her service on April 10th, uh 2019 as a member of the Kansas City Communications Department, bringing with her a wealth of experience and knowledge and dedication.
Heather's career in communications began with Casey Water, where she was immediately demonstrated her commitment and expertise leading to her transition in the um to oversee emergency communications for the city, as well as communications for housing and general services departments.
Heather has been instrumental in leading Kansas City through various emergencies by working directly with the Office of Emergency Management, providing emergency support and developing processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness in emergency communications and operations.
Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts and Broadcast Journalism from Langston University, and her professional background includes a successful tenure as a director of communications for the U.S.
House representatives from December 2015 to April 2019.
As long along with her 16 years as a TV news reporter, KC TV5 News and Meredith Corporation.
Heather's leadership, mentorship, and ability to maintain composure under pressure.
Um has made her a trusted member to her colleagues, setting a high standard for public information officers across the city.
Heather, thank you for your service to our uh constituents.
Thank you so much, Councilman Willard.
Are there others who wish to speak to the resolution?
Mayor Pro Tim.
Thank you, Uncle Mayor.
Uh just have to rise to thank you for all of the excellent service that you have provided to myself and the residents of Kansas City.
Uh you have have done an exceptional job, and I wish you all the best on your next chapter.
Thank you so much.
Councilman Robinson.
Thank you.
Um I too would like to say thank you for all of your contributions to the city of Kansas City for your patience and your support.
Um I remember meeting you at many prayer vigils uh working at the Addock Group Against Crime, but working in the communications field, telling the story, and I so appreciate uh you telling the great story of the city of Kansas City while you've been here.
So enjoy your retirement, and hopefully uh we will see you somewhere doing awesome things.
Councilman Patterson Haston.
Yes.
Uh since uh working here since being here at City Council, um Heather, you have been uh really helpful in helping me understand communications and getting press conferences set up and uh you know sitting in my office if I'm doing an interview and helping me get through it, and so I really appreciated your support um and your professionalism, but I would expect nothing less from us deltas, right?
So congratulations on your retirement.
Thank you, Councilman O'Neill.
Usually when your colleagues start saying how they're much are gonna miss you instead of saying how great it is to get to see her retire, it means something.
So uh and I think that's important to know.
So I think you will be missed, and I I wish you well in retirement because I wish I was going with you.
Thank you.
Councilman Curls.
Thank you, Mr.
Mayor.
I just want to say congratulations on your retirement as well.
Good luck to you in your next chapter.
And thank you for your dedicated service to this city and the time that you've spent here.
So congratulations.
So I can say a lot about Heather, because I've dealt and worked with her a lot.
So we kind of got to our current positions at about the same time.
And I still remember, and to Councilman Patterson Hasley's point, I think I was a brand new mayor, and they had us signing beams for the water department to signify the 200th of 300.
I don't know how many miles of like sewer pipe they were doing.
I didn't know how many miles we had done, why I'm signing this beam, where it's going, how much money we I knew nothing.
And in a course of about three or four minutes, because I was like, don't have me looking like a fool.
Right.
She had everything inputted.
We made it all look good, and that's the work that she did every day.
You know, people sometimes don't know the work that our communications office does because when their communications are flawless, no one says anything about it.
When things go awry, and you start to say a lot more.
Heather was one of those who helped us deliver so much exceptional, flawless information to the people of Kansas City.
And let's also think about the time that she did it.
Because shortly after 2019, we then go to in a pandemic in 2020, we have protests, we have all types of issues going on.
But she showed up, she didn't nothing all departments.
I love all of them, don't get me wrong.
She didn't work in easy departments.
Water services, I love my water, but man, people sometimes get on this.
Housing sometimes had issues, general services, and you were smiling, you were there, and sometimes I would ask her, because Heather isn't new to the business.
I'd be like, Why are you working on a Saturday at 9 a.m.?
You can do this, that, and the other with your family.
And as far as I know, you never complained, you never did anything else.
It is rare in life to meet somebody that used to watch on TV, and they are a much more decent and kinder person every time you see them subsequent to that.
We liked you fine when you were on TV.
I think all of us love you here, and we will miss you.
If there were others who wish to speak to the resolution, the resolution is now before council.
All in favor indicate by saying aye.
Aye.
All opposed.
Resolution's adopted.
Thank you so much for all those kind words.
And I am going to read something.
I'm not going to be long, I promise.
But I want to thank you for this incredible honor.
I feel unworthy of such recognition.
It has been a privilege to serve.
As the saying goes, you never know where life will take you.
And I came here from my home state of Texas as a young news reporter full of dreams and ambition.
And I thought I'd be doing that forever, but life had a different plan.
I met my awesome husband, Chris, and we had two awesomer daughters.
And just like that, Kansas City became home.
Before I joined the city team, I never really considered all the things that go into keeping a city running.
I didn't think about who made sure our water kept flowing, who cleared the streets.
When I walked through my neighborhood park, I never stopped to wonder who designed this path and who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the funding for it.
I didn't even know that during severe storms, there were people awake in the middle of the night at the emergency operations center working to keep all of us safe.
And I hadn't yet seen up close the realities faced by the unhoused in our community until I worked for the housing department.
Working under Director Jared Horman in the communications has been a treasure.
The comms team is remarkable.
Just look around this building, this city, online, and you can see their creativity and their work everywhere.
I've been lucky enough to work with dedicated people across multiple departments, people who keep this city moving every day.
Whether you're behind a cubicle on a quiet floor or driving a truck all day long, I see you all and I respect you.
So the next time you're walking across the street to the Wolf Park and Garage after a long day, a really long day, don't look down.
Hold your head up.
You are an employee of the city of Kansas City.
And your work, no matter how small or how tedious it may seem, it is essential.
To my family, my mom and sister watching, and my family in Oklahoma, thank you for my work ethic and your love.
To Chris Anya and Gabby, thank you for your patience through my work calls and dashes to the office.
My supervisor, Sharay, thank you for all of your guidance and support, most of all, your friendship.
Thank you to City Manager Vasquez, who is and who represents the very people I'm speaking of, those employees who quietly work behind the scenes for the betterment of this city.
And to Mayor Lucas, the city council, I hope that I demonstrate your steadfast commitment to this city.
I will never look at another city employee the same way again because I am one of you, and you will always be a part of me.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for everything you've done for us.
Thank you for serving that.
Thank you, sir.
Appreciate your mom.
Appreciate her.
Oh, you did great.
I give you permission to retire.
Beautiful job.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, your face.
Thank you.
Yes, there you go.
We have some requests.
Thank you.
We'll proceed as follows, by the way.
We will do the one item for final reading, and then for those interested in the KCATA issue, we will call that item out of order doing that next.
So for all the TV people outside, y'all, y'all may need to get them.
Okay.
But um she probably reads the other thing though, doesn't she?
Oh, you got it.
We'll proceed with the final readings.
Can uh debate document?
Yes, sir.
250560 roll, resonant area of about two acres, joining located on the southeast corner of Northwest Bayer Road and North and I Interstate 29, District A G R B 33 to District B33, approving a development plan to allow for creation of a car wash.
Neighborhood committees do pass.
Mayor Pro Tem.
Thank you, Honorable Mayor.
This applicant is requesting a rezoning uh to for a proposed uh development of a tunnel car wash.
The site previously was occupied by a restaurant which is was not permitted under the AGR zoning designation.
Done the review of the associated development plan development plan.
The staff determined that rezoning the entire parcel to B3-3 is necessary to ensure zoning consistency across the site.
Uh the neighborhood planning development committee reviewed and recommended to pass.
Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.
Is there any further discussion on the ordinance?
Harry Noneclerk called the roll.
Raya Bodge.
Aye.
Aye.
Aye, Duncan.
Aye.
O'Neal.
Woolett.
French.
No.
Rogers.
Lucas.
Aye.
Nine eyes, one name.
Ordinance passes two nays.
I'm sorry.
I didn't catch third district.
Understood.
Addison Hasley.
Robinson.
Aye.
Ten eyes and one nay.
I thought there were two names from Rogers and French.
Is that correct?
Strong eye.
You're strong.
I'm sorry about that.
Sorry.
Sorry, I heard the wrong thing.
All right.
Ordinance passes anyway.
Doesn't even matter.
Councilman Bunch, this would be your moment.
Apologies.
I was told that one of the uh track kids less bottle back there, so it's gonna go find it.
Um is gonna find that.
Um, yes, Mr.
Mayor, I request that the clerk receive docket and read an ordinance prepared too late to be on today's docket.
The clerk will receive the ordinance, assign a number and read the title.
That number is going to be 250679.
Repeal committee substitute for number ordinance number 250247, authorizing city manager to enter into an agreement with Kansas City Area Transportation Authority in amount not to exceed 77 million, 892,519 dollars to provide transit services to Kansas City, Missouri until April 30, 2026 when funds appropriated in the 2526 annual budget, which is a continued appropriation and general fund in the amount of 1,000 dollars and appropriating the same witness limitations established by the fund balance and reserve policy in section 2-1954 of the Code of Ordinances, directing city manager report back to the council with an evaluation of KCAATA performance relative to the contract and to provide a plan within 120 days to fund the KCATA in amount of 93 million four hundred and thirty-five thousand two hundred fifty-two dollars and recognize this ordinance as having solar effective date.
Councilman Bunch.
I move that the charter requirement for reading of ordinances on three separate days be waived and this ordinance be advanced for final consideration today.
Second.
So we moved and second.
Is there any further discussion on the motion?
Raya Bunch.
Aye.
Aye.
Parkshaw.
Aye.
Who aye?
Duncan?
Aye.
O'Neal.
Aye.
Will it?
Aye.
Aye.
Rogers.
Aye.
Patterson Hashley.
Aye.
Robinson.
Um Lucas.
Aye.
The motion passes.
The ordinance is now before council for final consideration.
Commissioner Bunch, thank you, and your fellow commissioners for working with us.
Is there any further discussion?
Um I just wanted to say uh a big thanks to uh our city manager, Mario Vasquez, um, for making sure that this that we've arrived at this agreement today, that I believe uh we have we have substantial agreement between the two parties, which uh was questionable.
The the relationship was tenuous, and the continuation of service with that is a vital service to Kansas Citians will continue.
Um we were uh so I'm glad that we are here today, and this contract will allow us to enter that agreement with the ATA to continue the bus service in Kansas City.
So I'm very uh and I'm very thankful for for that and very excited to make sure that we get this uh get this uh show on the road.
So uh thank you, Mr.
Mayor, for uh also helping uh a great deal with this as well, and a huge thanks to some of my colleagues, uh especially Councilman Robinson, who really helped uh help talk through some of these issues and uh and help lead the way.
So uh really appreciate it.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, Councilman Bunch, Councilman Duncan.
Yes, Mr.
Mayor.
Uh thank you, Commissioner Councilman Bunch uh for your leadership.
Um I do think it's important that somebody go over the high points of this contract and what are the major changes that we that we're doing from before.
Councilman Bunch, we we received it.
Or actually, why don't we do this?
Because we haven't done this yet during our time.
That is actually why the city manager is here, Mario.
Uh I just thought he was there to look at it.
Well, he's looking that up.
Yes, Councilman O'Neill.
I would just like to get up and say I I think one of the best things that was done was putting uh councilman bunch on the uh committee.
Um I think that's been a great help to everybody.
I appreciate all the work he did to get this thing done and being logical and getting in that group and working together.
So thank you and thank you for appointing.
Thank you, Councilman Bunch for the service, Councilman.
Councilman Willard.
Yeah, uh, thank you, Mr.
Mayor.
I think that this is a lot better um than what I was anticipating on happening.
I just want to make sure that we are bringing back the fare um and then do the need space for those who need it.
And I would just like the uh continual updates um from the commission um to make sure that we are moving in that direction by next April.
Thank you.
Uh City Manager.
I I was told I don't have to stand up, so I will not sit in but I think some of the significant differences that we have made in the new contract relative to the one that was previously approved is you know the new contract takes us takes us for uh provide service for the entire year.
Uh I think the previous uh contract only allowed um through October 31st.
Um the other item is that we are providing right now 77.9 million dollars to uh provide service for the year, and there's a commitment to uh fully fund the service uh for the year, which is estimated to cost about 93 million dollars, and uh we are to come back with um uh uh with that res with uh um the remaining funds um by December of this year.
Um IRIS service is going to be negotiated separately from this contract, and it is going to be limited to the portions of Kansas City that are within Clay and Plaque counties.
Um to Councilman Willett's uh question uh request.
Um we are uh requesting that the ATA put together a plan to introduce uh fares and create a functionally free fair system uh and and to make sure that the pre that system gets rolled out in a way that it is uh sensible and does not create confusion for users of the system.
Um we're also asking KCAT with uh to work with New York City's uh employers organization at the state and local and federal agencies uh to secure additional funding for the project but for the for the service, but more importantly, to ensure that there's seamless use uh access to the system from uh from throughout the region.
Um I believe those are the major uh the major points that are uh part of this this agreement.
Thank you, city managers for further discussion.
Councilman Curls.
Thank you, Mr.
Mayor.
I just want to say thank you to everybody who uh helped facilitate this contract on the ATA side as well, the KCATA side as well as on the CSAF side.
I know that there were some current concerns about us having an interruption in our bus service, but I want to say that this council and this city is dedicated to making sure that we continue that service, making sure that those individuals that need that transportation can continue to have that service up uh afforded to them.
So I I just want to rise and say thank you all for all the work that you did in order to get us to this point.
Mayor Pro Tim.
Thank you.
Thank you, Honorable Mayor.
I I too uh will would like to thank uh commissioner councilman bunch uh and those who worked on this.
I have a few questions just to clarify.
Um IRIS now will be negotiated in uh in its own contract.
So what happens to the the three months or however long we've been at it now because they were funding them.
So how will that be addressed and and will Iris services stop immediately or is the agreement to have them carry it until this IRS contract is negotiated?
What what happens with our services if this contract is approved?
City manager.
Well, for the time being, uh the satisfyers is a little uncertain.
Um, and we do have we have incurred expenses from May 1 to today on Iris, and we will have to reconcile those and include those in the in the future agreement.
But the intent again is is to get an estimate for the cost of service for that on-demand service, and again limited to um to uh the the portions of Kansas City that are in Clan Plaque counties, uh, and we'll have to come back with an agreement uh separately for that um uh for that service.
Well, I think um you know, over the months we've heard how important Iris serve the Irish service is, especially uh to the areas uh in uh the northland, as we know, we really don't have adequate bus services there, so I want to ensure that we are not um reducing that service that we are do have a solid plan for moving that forward, and if it is not a part of this contract, we'll need to move expeditiously to make sure that we get that resolved.
The other question I want to clarify is um because you didn't actually state it.
Uh we had a lot of significant discussion about reduction in uh uh services or reduction in the headwinds.
You know, what has any of that changed?
Are there any routes that will be reduced?
Is this existed?
Will this continue with the existing routes that we've had?
What's the detail there?
Yeah, the routes that were contemplating uh contemplated by the agreement that was previously approved by council are are not changing.
They're the same routes, the same the same service.
Uh what we need to do between now and um uh December, which is when we intend to come back with an amendment to this contract, is identify the savings that are gonna get us to the to bridge the gap between the full cost of the service versus what we're providing today.
You know, some of those savings are gonna come through efficiencies uh in the operation and administration of ATA.
Uh some of those savings are going to come from uh you know the termination really of the max or changes to the max route once the streetcar becomes uh enters in operation and um later this uh later this year.
So these are things there are some unknowns at this point um of how we're gonna achieve that uh to that level of service, but ultimately the intent is to fully serve serve the fund the routes that are included in the contract.
Uh thank you for that.
Um I also would like to just uh clarify um the um summit.
So I did have an opportunity to talk with um the chair, Mr.
Towns and Reginald Townsend uh in this past week, and of course, he indicated that many of the things that were in the prior ordinance were things that they were going to continue to pursue, you know, with getting looking for other funds and um the which you've already mentioned that, but I want to clarify are they still continuing to planning to move forward with the summit, the regional summit to encourage additional uh opportunities for our neighboring municipalities to participate in this service because uh was recently made aware that Window County has now re they have now decided not to continue their contract with KCATA, and so I my concern is that that puts more pressure on Kansas City, obviously, but I'm really concerned about Kansas City's riders that travel into KCK.
How will we uh you know, is there has there been discussion about what happens with those riders since KCK is no longer um it will no longer continue to contract with KCATA?
And I know we have our some of our, I think there's about a thousand individuals that ride into KCK to work the work sites there.
How will that be addressed?
What what has been the discussion about that?
Can I step in real quick?
I will say on the summit point, I did get an email today uh from Commissioner Townsend that was inviting leaders from around the region to um a summit, and so I believe that is planning to proceed.
I think it's the first week of October, but I'm happy to share that email with everyone too.
I would think from um certainly Kansas City's perspective, and I think from the commissioners with whom I've spoken, the plan is is always full engagement with county and city leaders from throughout the region to ensure uh that we can not just see continuation of service but further support and service from all of them.
And something I like about this contract and the work Commissioner Bunch and others did was I think getting an understanding from throughout the region that those conversations will be on ongoing.
I can't speak to individual locations and that's all I know.
Councilwoman Robinson.
Um thank you.
Would it be appropriate to ask the CEO of uh KCATA to provide some clarity around KCK?
You know, I don't need it, but I guess if we're really interested in that, I I just I worry a little bit, I'm not a judge, but but I because it once you start talking witness, you realize it becomes a wild goose chase.
Just that's what there is no plan to cut service window county, there's no notice to to see Service Wanna County.
In fact, we'll be in Wanda County tomorrow at 10 o'clock.
Um speaking on opening new transit center in Wanda County that they've been working on for the last year.
So they're taking one route back, but we're not cutting service on Wandai County.
Okay.
All right.
Thank you for clarifying.
Councilman Duncan.
Thank you, Mr.
Mayor.
I'll just say this.
Um I'm thankful about the work that's been done.
We all know there's a lot more work that needs to be done.
Um what I haven't heard is about a strategic plan that's gonna get us five years from now, so we're not back here talking about this come next contract uh agreement time.
So um looking forward to getting this contract signed, looking forward to continuing to do the work.
Councilman Councilman Bunch.
Yeah, uh, thanks, Ms.
Rand.
I and just uh to add to that, I think one of the most the most exciting thing for me with joining and and thankfully being uh appointed to the commission was was not this contract.
I mean, we had to get this done.
This is necessary.
However, I'm most excited about working with the staff over at KCHA, fellow commissioners, as well as all of you on but also as well as our regional partners.
Uh we have a lot of folks in the community through that we've many of us know through the MARC board or other committees or other regional uh regional organizations we're all a part of.
Um there is there has never been since since I've lived in Kansas City, more support, more interest and more demand for public transportation and at a regional level, and I think that we've seen a lot of that advocacy work firsthand uh with demanding we get this thing done, but uh more importantly, I think with an eye to the future, we have seen more uh more cities step up and say we want more public transportation, um, more uh more just individuals and different communities saying the same thing, and and we I think have a locally anyway, a political climate that is more supportive of public transportation that we've seen and in any the the recent past uh uh for sure.
And and so my goal is is hopefully to work on those things that you just pointed out, Councilman Duncan, and and I can guarantee you all will be apprised of those processes going forward and those plans going forward, and um, and I'm really looking forward to continue working with uh uh CEO Frank White III and and others, but also the the really I think really impressive board of commissioners over there.
So uh I'm looking towards the future.
I'm not looking at this contract.
Uh I I mean, obviously I am, however, um uh for the future.
I think the city depends on us as a leader at KC Mo.
I think this is helping to demonstrate that, but um we're building trust.
Uh everyone's building trust in the region, and I think that we're we're moving in the right direction.
But there is a heck of a lot more work to do, and I'm really excited to be part of that.
So uh looking forward to talking more about it.
Councilman Patterson has.
I was just wondering if we um thank you.
Have any information about the um how often we're gonna get reports back uh from KCATA?
Um, are you going to be are you going to help bridge some of the information divide for us?
Um, and what's that gonna look like?
Formally, uh I probably won't be the one doing this, but however, informally on a day-to-day basis.
I will gladly be a resource for anyone, and you all know uh believe how to get hold of me pretty easily, so it's a one-on-one informally.
Uh formally I think there are some things in the contract that require some report backs, and um, and I would I know that uh the big one is December 15th, uh reporting back.
However, you can count.
I uh you know I uh trust you know, I never want to say trust me, uh, but but believe that I'm going to be uh a resource and a bridge between the two organizations.
Uh that that is going to be the most important thing in in building trust and building uh building uh the vision for uh for the future, and so I want to make sure that I am providing information, so please uh never hesitate to to ping me on anything.
Um but there are some formal things, and I think uh maybe city manager could speak on that.
But you have responsive city manager has yeah, I just wanted to uh you know, just specifically to the question the the the contract that we have drafted provides that uh members of the ATA will provide a report to the city council on a quarterly basis, yeah, to the council or to a to a committee of the council as uh whatever committee you all choose, probably kind of infrastructure or business session and I'll say this for executive white and the commissioners.
Um they do answer any time we call um executive white has done the same, and so I expect us to continue to do that.
I commend him on that.
I very much appreciate uh Commissioner Bunch, who I think have spoken to probably like five or six times in the last two days on this, and so I look forward to a fruitful discussion.
I think any negotiation is about uh compromise, and I think we've seen a lot of it here functionally, free fare, further discussion on IRIS at a certain point, certain reliability and service delivery standards and more, and I think this allows us to continue to be regional leaders in giving support to a system.
We recognize that we want more to do the same, but part of how we do that is by ensuring that the system can be strong, and I think that's what our action today does.
Is there any further discussion on the ordinance?
Hearing none, the clerk will call the roll.
Raya Bunch, aye, curls, aye, Parkshaw, aye, boo, aye, Duncan, aye, O'Neal, aye, will it?
Aye, French, aye, Rogers, aye, Patterson Hasley, aye, Robinson, aye, Lucas, aye, twelve ayes.
The ordinance passes unanimously.
Well, uh, Mayor Pro Tim.
Okay.
Honorable mayor, I move that the charter requirement for reading of ordinances on three separate days be waived for the ordinances on today's document listed as committee advances, and that these ordinances are advanced for final reading and consideration at this time.
Second.
It's been moved and seconds.
Here, now the clerk will call the roll.
Raya Bunch.
Aye.
Pearls, aye, Parkshaw.
Aye.
Boo.
Aye.
Duncan.
O'Neal.
Aye.
Will it?
Aye.
French.
Aye.
Rogers.
Aye.
Patterson Hasley.
Aye.
Robinson.
Aye.
Lucas.
Aye.
11 ayes.
Motion passes.
Will the clerk proceed with the items on the advanced reading consent docket?
Yes, sir.
250640 roll.
Authorizing city manager execute amendment number one with precision and the amount of 72,570 dollars for a total contract amount of 1 million seventy-two thousand five hundred sixty dollars from funds previously appropriated.
Well, for the purpose of furthering the Illuminate KC initiative by installing decorative lighting on a KC C B5 tower.
Finance can be able to pass.
I will call the roll.
Raya Bunt.
Aye.
Aye.
Parkshaw.
Aye.
Who?
Hi.
Duncan.
O'Neal.
Will it?
Aye.
Fringe.
Aye.
Rogers?
Aye.
Patterson Hasley.
Aye.
Robinson.
Aye.
Lucas?
11 ayes.
Motion passes for the clerk proceed with the items on the advanced debate document.
Yes, sir.
250614.
Authorizing manager of becoming services executed one million dollar contract with the county of Vernon, Missouri and the sheriff to housing transport City and Mason detainees.
Otherwise a manager of Cameron Services executed 830,000 375 contract with Johnson County Sheriff's Office to House City and Mason detainees.
Otherwise a manager of parents officers to amend and extend the contracts with such additional funds that are appropriate plus this purpose.
Councilman Boo.
Honorable Mayor Potem.
Uh this contract renewal with Vernon County and its sheriff and the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.
Finance governance and public safety reviewed and recommended advance and do pass.
If there's no further discussion, the court will call a roll.
Parkshaw, aye.
Boo.
Aye.
Duncan.
O'Neal.
Will it French?
Aye.
Aye.
Robinson.
Aye.
Lucas.
10 ayes.
Ordinance passes.
250623.
Accepting approvement of recommendations of the TIFF Commission of Kansas City Missouri as to the determination on Winchester Center's IF plan and the termination of designation redevelopment project areas one through 14, acknowledging that the 23-year proof for the redirected redirection and payment in lieu of taxes and economic activity taxes expired and each redevelopment project area.
Declaring a surplus of those funds within a special allocation fund establishing connection with such redevelopment project areas, dissolving the special allocation fund, establishing connection with the redevelopment project areas and directman city courtesy and copies of the ordinance to Jackson County.
Finance committees will pass.
Councilmember Boo.
Honorable Mayor Pro Tem this ordinance terminates a Winchester Center TEP plan, which was approved in 1991, and the remaining project areas, all eligible costs for remaining projects, including the housing program and neighborhood public infrastructure program have been certified and paid.
Surplus funds will flow back to the taxing jurisdictions, including the city.
Finance governance public safety review to marketed advance and do pass.
Uh Chair, so this actually falls in the fifth district, and just want to confirm what the surplus funds are and will they stay within the district in which they were generated or so no the all the surplus funds will go back to the general fund or to the um they will go back to the city.
Um when funds are surplus surplus, they go back to the taxing jurisdiction unless there is any um determination to put those two other project use.
Um there's a ordinance on today's docket for introduction on how to use surplus funds.
Um so they would normally go back to the general fund um unless they are otherwise uh designated to go someplace else.
And remind me, how much is left in it?
Is it a couple hundred thousand?
I can't remember off the top of the case.
Tell me, you know, um I would have to look it up.
I don't I don't remember off the top of my head, and I didn't write it down.
I don't know that there was a like a huge amount.
I it may have been around thinking, do you remember Councilman Rand or Councilman Curls?
Yeah, it's been a while since I've looked at it.
Because I think it was around maybe uh either it's either a hundred thousand or maybe three hundred thousand, and I can't remember exactly.
If you could just let us know yes, I will try to um I will try to get that information um and do you want to hold it until the end of the docket until we find out?
Um that's okay.
Um we don't have to hold unless you want to hold it.
I I would like to know how much it is though, just because you know the fifth district never gets anything.
I'll go ahead and start it for you, council.
Um teasing before I get started.
Go ahead.
Uh resume.
Uh thank you.
Uh I believe that it was around 200 and something thousand.
I'm not exactly for sure, but my question is is I think that uh and city manager you might correct me, but I thought that we had talked about possibly using this or some of this surplus for another project in the fifth.
But what I'm hearing uh chair chairwoman boo saying is that it's going back into the general fund.
So I just I just got a little some clarification on that one.
I I think uh you might be thinking of the 87th and Hillcrest surplus that is being used for something else.
Uh the chairwoman is correct.
Some you know, surplus funds go to the general fund unless they're uh uh dedicated to another purpose, but and something that we have done in prior practice too is that at quarterly review we will take will reappropriate funds from general fund, you know, the the the exact same amount of funds from the general fund to a project within you know the district in which those TIP funds were generated.
So in essence, there's always a way to sort of get your money back so you don't lose it.
We we we track it, we'll tell we'll tell you them on it specifically in a quarterly uh um clean or quarter review of uh a budget we will make up appropriation to where you uh where you want to see those dedicated to.
Okay, because uh and I could be mistaken, but I thought that we were looking at the 87th Street uh TIFF funds as well as this which Winchester TIF in order to get to a amount that we were looking at when we were originally talking about a a million dollars for uh blight removal in the fifth district.
We were and and so that's what I'm saying.
We were looking at both of those in order to get us because I think that in the 63rd Street, it was I can't remember number, and this was like 200 something in order to get us to the million because that's what we were looking for in the fifth district with a total of a million dollars between the two tips.
Right, and that's I just don't want us.
I don't want us to lose from the fifth district's perspective that money because if it goes into the general fund, I want to make sure that we still have an opportunity to recoup that money because if it goes in a general fund, somebody else is gonna claim it, and I'm gonna be very upset.
I I don't I mean it it if it goes in the general fund, somebody's doesn't just get to claim it.
I mean it's gonna go in the general fund, but I I think I what the uh city manager said is once we do the uh we'll do the a quarterly cleanup in September so we can get that number and then uh you can say well, we we put X amount in the general fund.
I want to use that.
We'll know what that amount is.
I'm hoping my people are watching and will tell me that number pretty soon.
But um we'll be able to that there's gonna be a a specific amount that will be transferred to the general fund, and we'll know what that amount is, and then you can allocate that at the I just got a number from uh um staff.
Um there is a hundred and twenty-seven thousand dollars left to surplus on this TIFF plan, and those funds have already been appropriated for blight removal in the fifth district.
Okay, I know we had that discussion, that's what I want to make sure.
Okay, okay, but it's not in the ordinance right, and I don't think it's that um is where was that appropriation not in the ordinance?
Uh why don't we hold it?
Yes, yeah, because it wasn't designated in the ordinance, I don't believe.
Yeah, because we had discussions about it.
So can we let's hold it to the end of the meeting and then if we maybe need to hold it a week, we can look at doing that.
And excuse and if we need to make uh I guess an amendment to the ordinance in order to make sure that the money is allocated to the fifth district blight removal to this ordinance.
I mean, I don't I I'm not for sure how that works, and I don't think the law department chime in or why don't we do this unless there's an objection and maybe hold it for a week that way we can do the amendment.
That's unless there's an objection.
Okay, all right.
So we'll hold it for for a week.
Okay.
250632 authorizing manager of procurement services to execute a term and supply contract that will exceed the one million dollar for Weiss fire and safety LLC to provide personal protection equipment for the fire department, authorizing manager of human services to amend and extend the contract and authorizing the fire chief to expand one million sixteen thousand six hundred and seventy-five dollars from previously appropriate funds.
Finance committee was to pass.
Go ahead, share it.
Uh this ordinance would authorize as um the uh Madam Clerk read for a one-year contract with Weiss Fire and Safety to provide cancer protecting PPE to the fire department with five annual renewal options.
Um approval is needed on this contract because it exceeds one million dollars, which was previously which uses previously appropriated funds.
Finance governance and public safety reviewed them recommended advance and do pass.
If there's no further discussion, Clerk call the roll.
Raya Pearls, aye Parkshaw, aye, Duncan, O'Neal, Willet, French, aye, Rogers, Patterson Hasley, aye, Robinson Lucas, Denise, ordinance passed 250636.
Approving the fifth amendments at the heart of the city neighborhood stabilization tax increment financing plan directing the city clerk to transmit copies of the ordinance finance committee to pass.
Oh, Councilaboo.
Um let's see.
I was getting answers on the previous ordinance, but we held it.
So this amendment modifies the housing program in the heart of the city TIFF plan.
Uh, currently the TIFF loan and grants under this program are available up to $10,000.
The only modification being proposed is to increase the TIFF loan um grant amount to up to $20,000.
Applications must provide a schedule of development with an estimated start and end date uh to comply with a three-year maximum timeline um in city ordinance.
Finance governance and public safety reviewed and recommended advance and do pass.
If there's no further discussion, the clerk will call a roll.
Raya Bunt.
Applications must provide a schedule of development with an estimated start and end date uh to comply with a three-year maximum timeline um in city ordinance finance governance and public safety reviewed and recommended advanced and do pass if there's no further discussion the clerk will call the roll rea bunt aye curls aye shawl aye boo aye duncan aye o'Nealet aye aye Rogers aye Patterson Hasley aye Robinson Lucas to the nice four two five zero six two nine authorizing a five million one hundred sixty thousand dollar construction contract with Haynes and associate construction company for the water main replacement in the area of college avenue to Norton Avenue East 21st Street to E31st Street project authorizing maximum expenditure of five million seven hundred and sixty six hundred seventy six thousand dollars and recognize this ordinance is having a cellular factory date transportation committee to pass councilman o'Neill thank you mayor put them the purpose of this project is to replace eleven thousand seven hundred and thirty five linear feet of aging cast iron water mains with ductile iron pipe to improve reliability hydraulic capacity and fire protection this is a third project of twelve the goals are set eleven and eleven MBE and WBE lifespan of this prevent a mate maintenance is about a hundred years transportation structure operations committee recommends advance and do pass there's no further discussion Raya Bunch Perls aye parkshaw aye boo aye Duncan aye aye Rogers aye Harrison Hasley aye Robinson Lucas to nice ordinance pass 250630 authorizing a three million six hundred seventy three thousand seven hundred dollar design professional service contract with CDM Smith for the Tokyo Creek Pump Station rehabilitation project recognizes ordinance if having seven effects transportation committee recommends to pass councilman o'Neal uh may I pretend the purpose of this project at the turkey at the Tricky Creek pump station 2401 Allen Terrace is seeking to improve and rehabilitate the entire pump station which includes pumps piping valves electrical system and building interior the goals are 14% MBE and 14 WB Transportation Infrastructure and Operations Committee recommends advanced and do pass if there's no further discussion appropriate roll Raya Bunch aye curls aye Parkshaw aye boo aye Duncan O'Neill Willet oh sorry I just want to be him aye branch aye Rogers aye anderson has Lucas aye eleven eyes ordinance passes the well uh mayor pro tem sorry um I'm throwing mayor i move that the charter requirement for the reading of ordinances on three separate days we wait for the ordinances on today's docket listed as second readings and that these items be placed on the docket next week for final reading second the move and second is there any further discussion hearing none the clerk will call the roll rea bunch aye curls aye parkshaw aye aye o'Neal aye will it rogers aye patterns and hason aye Robinson Lucas the motion passes mayor pro tem well may I move that the charter requirement for the reading of ordinances I'm waiting on the screen thank you reading of ordinances on three separate days we wait for the ordinance on today's document list of disperse readings and that these ordinances be introduced as listed to the committee still designated is there any discussion hearing on the clerk call the road Rhea Bunt aye Parkshaw aye boom aye Duncan aye aye aye Franch aye Patterson Hasley aye Robertson Lucas aye eleven ayes passes motion passes rather we will take the items let's go in this order of uh Duncan and then will it councilman duncan I request the clerk receive dock it and read an ordinance prepared too late for today's docket clerk will side uh receive the ordinance to sign a number and read the title that ordinance is going to be 250680 authorizing director public works to execute an agreement with IC Smart City LLC for the installation maintenance and programmatic services digital kiosk on city property for a term up to 20 years referred to the transportation infrastructure operations committee councilman will it thank you mr mayor I have well quite a few um I request that the clerk receive docket and read an ordinance prepared too late to be on today's docket the clerk will receive the numbers received the ordinance sign a number and read the title last four numbers are five eight five two the ordinance number is two five zero six eight one clarifying the intent application of the city's intent incentive policies for directing the city manager to develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the intended applicability for those policies and to make recommendations of council within 30 days.
Councilman Willett.
I agree with that.
Um I request that clerk receive and docket and read an ordinance prepared too late to be on today's docket.
Clerk will receive the ordinance to sign a number and read the title.
The last four numbers are 5850 250 681.
Oh yes.
Mm-hmm.
682.
Yep.
Thank you.
Approving the first amendment to the Metro North Mall General Development Plan to amend the United States completion time, 20 years for the passage of this ordinance and affirming the findings of the City Council may when approving the plan.
Refer to the Finance Governance Public Safety Committee.
Councilman Willett.
Thank you, Mr.
Mayor.
I request the clerk receive docket and read an ordinance prepare too late to be on today's docket.
That number is going to be 250683, appropriating the sum of $3 million $33 for non-appropriate fund balance of the capital improvements funds of following projects.
Refer to the Transportation Infrastructure and Operations Committee.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Is there any further business to come before council?
Mr.
Mayor.
Counts.
We yelled one of the next.
I think we held it to next week.
So we held it next week.
Okay.
Just wanted to make sure.
Okay.
No further business coming before council will stay in the journal.
Kansas City Council Meeting – August 14, 2025
The Kansas City Council convened on August 14, 2025, at 9:00 AM. The meeting opened with an invocation by Reverend Candice Barlow of the Lighthouse Church and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council addressed several special recognitions, a major transit service contract with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), and numerous routine ordinances. All votes took place during the session.
Special Recognitions
- Forever Smiles Foundation (250656): Recognized the first anniversary of the foundation and honored Dr. Margaret Weiss and Dr. Patrick Christopher for providing high-quality cleft craniofacial care to children locally and in Africa. Councilman O'Neill praised their work. The resolution passed unanimously.
- Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Men's Volleyball Team (250676): Honored the team for capturing the school's first-ever district championship in men's volleyball on May 16, 2025, with a 3-0 victory. The team also earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Academic Team honor for the third consecutive year (minimum 3.3 GPA). Councilwoman Patterson-Hansley, Councilwoman French, and Councilman Bunch spoke in support. Unanimously adopted.
- Rockhurst High School Track Athletes (250677): Recognized Henry Acorn, Bill Hayes, Andrew Davis, and Jake Bond for outstanding achievements, including winning the 4x800 relay at the Penn Relays in a state-record time of 7:33.83 and finishing first, second, fourth, and fifth in the state in the 800 meters. Councilman Bunch sponsored. Unanimously adopted.
- Retirement of Heather Frierson (250678): Honored Heather Frierson for her service as a public information officer since April 2019. Several council members praised her composure and dedication, especially during emergencies. Frierson gave an emotional thank-you speech. Unanimously adopted.
Consent Calendar
- Final Reading – Rezoning for Car Wash (250560): Rezoned approximately 2 acres from AGR to B3-3 at NW Barry Road and I-29 to allow a tunnel car wash. Passed 10–1 (Councilmembers French and Rogers opposed? Vote record shows 10 eyes, 1 nay; French and Rogers recorded as 'no').
- Advanced Consent – Illuminate KC Lighting (250640): Authorized a $1,072,560 contract amendment with Precision for decorative lighting on a KC water tower. Unanimous.
- Advanced Consent – Detainee Housing Contracts (250614): Authorized a $1 million contract with Vernon County and an $830,375 contract with Johnson County Sheriff's Office to house city detainees. Unanimous (10 eyes).
- Advanced Consent – Fire Department PPE (250632): Authorized a one-year contract with Weiss Fire and Safety, not to exceed $1,016,675, for cancer-protecting personal protective equipment. Unanimous.
- Advanced Consent – Heart of the City TIF Amendment (250636): Increased the maximum TIF loan/grant for housing from $10,000 to $20,000. Unanimous.
- Advanced Consent – Water Main Replacement (250629): Authorized a $5,160,000 construction contract with Haynes and Associates for replacing 11,735 linear feet of aging cast-iron water mains on College Avenue to Norton Avenue, East 21st to E31st. Project lifespan: 100 years. MBE/WBE goals: 11% each. Unanimous.
- Advanced Consent – Turkey Creek Pump Station Rehabilitation (250630): Authorized a $3,673,700 design contract with CDM Smith for rehabilitating the pump station at 2401 Allen Terrace. MBE/WBE goals: 14% each. Unanimous.
Discussion Items
- KCATA Transit Contract (250679): The council debated and unanimously (12–0) approved a one-year contract with KCATA for $77,892,519 to provide transit services through April 30, 2026. The council also committed to fully fund an estimated $93,435,252 in a later amendment. Key points:
- IRIS on-demand paratransit service will be negotiated separately, limited to Clay and Platte county portions of Kansas City.
- KCATA must develop a plan to reintroduce fares (creating a functionally free system) and report quarterly to the council.
- The city manager will present a funding plan by December 2025, identifying savings through efficiencies, changes to the MAX route (due to streetcar), and regional partnerships.
- Councilmembers Duncan, O'Neill, Willard, Curls, and Mayor Pro Tem expressed support and asked about service continuity, fare policy, and regional cooperation. Councilman Bunch, newly appointed to the KCATA board, emphasized building trust and expanding regional support.
- The previous contract was set to expire October 31, 2025; the new contract ensures no service interruption.
- Winchester Center TIF Termination (250623): Initially proposed to dissolve the 1991 TIF plan and return surplus funds to taxing jurisdictions. Councilwoman Patterson-Hansley requested clarity on the surplus amount (~$127,000) and its use for blight removal in the 5th District. The council agreed to hold the item for one week to allow amendments directing the funds to that purpose.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimous approval of the KCATA contract (250679).
- Rezoning for car wash passed 10–1.
- Consent calendar items all passed unanimously except the Winchester TIF item, which was held one week.
- Introduced several new ordinances for committee referral: digital kiosk agreement (250680), incentive policy clarification (250681), Metro North Mall plan amendment (250682), and capital improvements fund appropriation (250683).
- The meeting adjourned after all business.
Meeting Transcript
The meeting will come to order. Our guest chaplain is Reverend Candice Barlow of the Lighthouse Church. Would all who are able please stand for the invocation and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor. Please bow your heads. Lord, we are so grateful for this opportunity that we get to come together and pray before the city council meeting. But first and foremost, God, we just want to give you glory and honor and all the praise because you are a good God. You are a holy God, and there's none like you, Lord Jesus. And Lord God, we come together as a unified body, and we just ask you, God, to forgive us of our sins, Lord God. Anything in us, oh God, that would hinder the work being done in this city council meeting, God, we ask you, oh God, to wipe it away, Lord God. And Lord God, right now I pray for our city council, God, a team that was called and chosen by you, Lord God. I pray, oh God, that you would give them unity, Lord God, in this meeting, that you would give them guidance in this meeting, oh God, that you would let them deliberate on matters, oh God, that would bless our great city, Lord God. And Lord, as they continue to deliberate and they talk and they come with resolutions, Lord God, I ask that you remain the center of this meeting, Lord God. I ask, oh God, that you would cover them with peace, oh God, that passes all understanding. And if anybody in this place, any council member, the mayor has any burdens, I pray God that you would lift them up, oh God, so that they will have clarity, Lord God. And I pray for our great city, the Kansas City Metro. I pray, oh God, that we will continue to have progress because we are the greatest city in the United States of America. I ask these things, and that you bless this time in Jesus' name. We all pray, Amen. And one of the justice. Thank you so much for asking everyone about the Christian too. Circle called Rome. Yes, sir. Raya. Bunch. Pearls. Present. Parkshaw. I feel like I want to go out and win the game now. O'Neill. Here. Will it? Thank you. Present France. Present. Rogers. Patterson Hansley. Present. Robinson. Here. Lucas. Here. Will the clerk please call the special actions? Yes, sir. 250656. Recognizing the first anniversary of the Forever Smiles Foundation and honoring Dr. Margaret Weiss and Dr. Patrick Christopher. Both doctors are present who received the special action. Sir, how are you?
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