2019 ANNUAL REPORT
2019 2 0 1 9 A C C O L A D E S
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Regardless of what the future holds, the one certainty is that every decision will be made with residents at the forefront.
It’s often said success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, developing a strategy and carefully executing that strategy. It’s true for individuals and for organizations. Over the years, Lee’s Summit has collected dozens of accolades and received national recognition as one of the best places to live in the United States. This didn’t happen overnight. Just 20 years ago, Lee’s Summit’s population had just surpassed 70,000. As we close out this decade, the City is on the cusp of surpassing 100,000 residents. That growth is astounding, but not surprising. The City took a strategic approach to growth, resulting in the Lee’s Summit we all enjoy today. As we close out 2019 and continue into 2020, the City is once again planning for the future. One of the hallmark achievements of 2019 was the adoption of the City’s new strategic planning framework. The City is entering a new phase in its history, where City leaders, residents and community partners will all play a vital role ensuring Lee’s Summit continues to stand out as an exceptional place to live and work. Regardless of what the future holds, the one certainty is that every decision will be made with residents at the forefront. It’s this constant focus on how to best serve our residents that has shaped every past decision and will continue to influence every future decision. There are many reasons to be optimistic about the future, but none more so than our employees who have dedicated their careers to public service. Together, we have created a culture of collaboration – working with all stakeholders to deliver what is best for the community. Our employees engage with residents, business owners and community partners daily to move Lee’s Summit forward in a positive direction. In 2019, City Council approved an ordinance establishing a new pay and classification plan for core general employees, which resulted in a five percent increase of base pay or a move to the minimum pay level of the correct pay range, whichever was greater. Our employees give so much to Lee’s Summit and this new pay and classification plan reflects the commitment of the City to provide a fair and equitable workplace and retain the talented employees who have chosen to share their talents with our organization. It is a privilege to lead this organization and be surrounded by people who are committed to serving others. We will continue to focus on the future in 2020, while also remaining dedicated daily to providing the highestquality services our residents expect. It’s an exciting time for Lee’s Summit as we build on past successes and put objectives in place that will guide our City as we move forward.
City Manager Stephen A. Arbo
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Elected Officials Bill Baird Mayor
Rob Binney District 1
Fred DeMoro District 4
Craig Faith District 2
Phyllis Edson District 3
Trish Carlyle District 2
Beto Lopez District 3
Diane Forte District 1
Bob Johnson District 4
Citizen’s Survey The City of Lee’s Summit continues to provide exceptional service to residents, which is reflected in a Citizen Survey completed in 2019. When asked about the perception of Lee’s Summit, 90 percent of respondents said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with the overall quality of life in Lee’s Summit and 78 percent said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with the overall quality of services provided by the City. Lee’s Summit ranked above average for cities in the Kansas City metropolitan area in the majority of categories assessed in the survey. The City achieved significant increases in satisfaction levels in numerous categories compared to the previous Citizen Survey conducted in 2013. Satisfaction levels increased by at least five percent for the number of playgrounds available in Lee’s Summit; miles of walking and biking trails; the police department’s response to emergencies; maintenance and preservation of Downtown Lee’s Summit; availability of account information for Water Utilities; and the City’s shared use path system.
Strategic Planning Summit is entering a new “ Lee’s phase with exciting opportunities...
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The City embarked on an ambitious strategic planning process – Ignite. Your Ideas. Our Future - in 2019, which will act as a roadmap for the future. Lee’s Summit is entering a new phase with exciting opportunities that will shape the City for years to come. To understand where Lee’s Summit is presently positioned and the direction needed to continue to grow, the City made community engagement a vital part of the planning process. Residents are the foundation of any great city and are what make Lee’s Summit such a special place to live and work. Hearing firsthand from members of the community allowed the City to recognize where it shines, but also where it’s falling short of resident expectations. Based on feedback gathered from two community summits, eight focus groups, online community engagement and meetings with City leaders, the strategic plan identified seven critical success factors: • • • • • • •
Strategic Economic Development: Build an adaptable framework for continued growth in a changing environment. Strong Neighborhoods with Housing Choices: Maintain thriving, quality neighborhoods that connect a diversity of residents throughout the community. Cultural and Recreational Amenities: Create a community that celebrates, welcomes and supports cultural arts and recreational amenities. Community Engagement: Create a healthy and balanced community for all voices. Community Health and Well-being: Support a healthy, happy community by improving healthy lifestyle choices and opportunities. Collaborative Relations with Education Partners: Enhance and plan for educational opportunities to support economic development. City Services and Infrastructure: Sustain and enhance City services to protect a high quality of life.
The strategic planning process also provided the City with an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s vision, mission and values. The vision for the City of Lee’s Summit is a vibrant community ensuring the finest quality of life for all generations. A mission statement defines the role and purpose of the organization. City leaders agreed the City’s mission is to enrich the lives in our community through collaboration, creativity and commitment. The values that guide the City are stewardship, integrity and service excellence. While City Council has adopted the strategic planning framework, there is still work to be done to implement the critical success factor objectives and move the community toward the articulated vision. City Council is working with City employees, citizens and community partners to ensure the City is well placed to meet its stated goals to put Lee’s Summit on a positive path to continued success.
Collaborative Relations with Education Partners
Community Engagement
City Services & Infrastructure
Strategic Economic Development
Cultural & Recreational Amenities
Strong Neighborhoods with Housing Choices
Community Health & Wellbeing
Budget/Finance General Fund Revenues
General Fund Expenses
Charges for services Intergovernmental 2% Licenses & permits Other 2% Fine & forfeitures 1% Motor vehicle taxes Investment earnings Sale of property
11%
Interdepartment charges Property taxes
5%
30%
5% 1% Material & fuel sales 0% (3,823)
4%
16% Franchise tax
23% Sales tax
Fuel & lubricants 1%
Receivables adjustment 5%
9%
Utilities 2% Repairs & maintenance 2% Capital outlay 0% ($59,569) Other supplies, services & charges
12% Personal services 69%
Supplies for resale 0% ($196,638)
Other taxes 0% (353,142)
Airport The Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport is now reaping the rewards of years of planning and investment to distinguish itself as a gateway to the Kansas City metropolitan area. More people are flying into the airport, which has led to growth in fuel sales. In 2019, total fuel sales at the airport were $206,101, an increase of 15 percent from the previous year. The rise in activity and fuel sales follows the completion of several major improvement projects. The airport completed an extension of its north/south runway in 2017, increasing itslength to 5,501 feet. The extension of the runway allows heavier corporate aircraft to take off and land at the airport. Following the extension of the runway, the airport celebrated the opening of two new T-hangars in 2018, which house 28 units. The Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport is constantly examining ways to improve service and is in the process of updating its master and business plans that will provide guidance and a vision for the future.
Major Employers Lee’s Summit R-7 Schools Homeland Security - USCIS Saint Luke’s East Hospital Truman Medical Center - Lakewood John Knox Village GEHA Holdings, Inc. City of Lee’s Summit Lee’s Summit Medical Center ReDiscover CVS Caremark Call Center
FUEL SALES JET A
TOTAL FUEL SALES
in gallons
101,317
206,101
179,1433
79,012 2019
2018
Highlights Resource Recovery Park
It was a year of transformation at the Resource Recovery Park. Following the closure of the Lee’s Summit landfill in April, the City entered into an agreement with the KC Dumpster Company to continue to provide a variety of disposal services to residents. Among the services offered is Household Hazardous Waste disposal, making it easier for residents to discard of items such as antifreeze, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, batteries, latex paint and more at no cost. The Resource Recovery Park also accepts yard waste and brush disposal. This partnership between the City and the KC Dumpster Company has ensured residents maintain the ability to conveniently dispose of items in a safe manner that minimizes harm to the environment.
Water Utilities Customer Satisfaction Survey
Reliable water and sanitary sewer services are critical for the health and well-being of the community. A Customer Satisfaction Survey was performed in 2019 to evaluate the performance of Water Utilities and determine the needs of residents in order to better serve them. When it comes to the reliability of water service, 94 percent of respondents said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with Water Utilities. More than 80 percent of respondents said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with the clarity, smell, taste and safety of drinking water provided in Lee’s Summit. Water Utilities also received high levels of satisfaction for the reliability and maintenance of the City’s sanitary sewer system.
Development Cityscape DTLS Apartments
In 2019, City Council approved Cityscape Properties’ plan to redevelop the former Lee’s Summit United Methodist Church in downtown Lee’s Summit into an apartment complex. The development, located near Southeast Douglas Street and Southeast Second Street, will transform the downtown landscape and meets one of the objectives identified in the 2004 Old Town Master Development Plan. The apartment complex will consist of 16 studio units, 162 one-bedroom units and 98 twobedroom units. In order to maintain a piece of the City’s history, the development incorporates the Lee’s Summit United Methodist Church building in the design plan.
Meridian at View High
Significant progress is being made at the Meridian at View High apartment complex near Southwest View High Drive and Southwest Third Street. The luxury complex
Cityscape-Downtown Apartments
Meridian at View High Apartments
will consist of 312 units along with a clubhouse. It will feature a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and threebedroom units. The developer expects construction to be completed by late 2020.
Streets of West Pryor
The Streets of West Pryor mixed-use development near Northwest Pryor Road and Northwest Lowenstein Drive broke ground in 2019 and is moving along at a rapid pace. The development will feature an apartment complex, senior living facility, hotel, medical office, retail space, restaurants and the first McKeever’s Market grocery store in Lee’s Summit. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and First Watch have also announced their first Lee’s Summit locations will be at Streets of West Pryor. The first phase of the development is expected to open in 2020.
Summit Orchard/ Donovan Apartments
Streets of West Pryor
Paragon Star
Ward Road
Roadways & Signals Southwest Ward Road
Northwest Ward Road
Hook Road Shoulders
Northwest Commerce Drive
The reconstruction of Southwest Ward Road was completed in 2019, making it safer for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders. The improvement project widened and reconstructed Ward Road to a threelane road from Southwest County Line Road to 163rd Street. Sidewalks, street lighting, enclosed stormwater systems, and curb and gutter were also added to meet the City’s livable streets policy.
Paved shoulders were added along each side of Southwest Hook Road from Southwest Arthur Drive to Southwest Ward Road. The six-foot-wide paved shoulders increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, provide a paved surface for emergency situations and reduce ongoing maintenance.
Improvements were made to Northwest Ward Road from Northwest O’Brien Road to Northwest Blue Parkway to increase safety and introduce livable street components. The project reconstructed that stretch of Northwest Ward Road to a four-lane road and added sidewalks, street lighting, curb and enclosed storm drains. The improvements increase safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
The new Northwest Commerce Drive connection was completed in 2019 between Northeast Tudor Road and Northwest Main Street. The project included a new roadway with turn lanes along with sidewalks, curb and gutter. It was designed to improve access to Tudor Road and provide new opportunities for economic activity in the area.
1
2
3
4
SW WARD ROAD
HOOK ROAD SHOULDERS
NW WARD ROAD
NW COMMERCE DRIVE
$4,113,840
$1,699,730
$1,556,277
$4,113,840
Reconstruction with concrete pavement, curb and gutter, concrete sidewalk and trail, enclosed drainage system, lighting, pavement marking and signing, traffic control, waterline and sanitary sewer relocates.
Improve with 6-foot paved shoulders along each side of Hook Road to Ward Road.
Widen to four lanes with storm sewer, lighting and a new signal.
Two lane road improvements including curb and gutter, sidewalks and an enclosed stormwater system. Remove an intersection and construct a cul-de-sac.
Other projects completed include: Gateway Drive, Woods Chapel, Pryor Road temporary signal, and many more! Total construction cost: $28,429,612
Longview Community Center Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation remains dedicated to continuing to provide exceptional amenities and facilities for patrons to enjoy. The Longview Community Center celebrated its first full year in operation under Parks and Recreation in 2019, following the purchase of the center from Metropolitan Community College – Longview. Prior to opening to the public, Parks and Recreation invested $1.6 million to renovate the facility. Those improvements have been well-received by patrons. During its first full year in operation, Longview Community Center welcomed 164,077 visitors and had 3,595 active memberships. In addition to the Longview Community Center, Parks and Recreation operates three other community centers, 32 parks and more than 72 miles of trails.
LS Connect 1 The City launched LS Connect in 2019, a platform allowing residents to quickly and easily report common nonemergency concerns, such as potholes, streetlight outages and code violations. Since launching, the City has received 1,964 requests. LS Connect also provides relevant news and information about the City to help residents stay engaged. Powered by SeeClickFix, LS Connect can be accessed from a smartphone, tablet or computer.
CODE VIOLATIONS
41%
2 POTHOLES
43% online portal
19% 57% mobile app
3 SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE
7%
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