2014 Annual Report

2014

Annual Report

Yours Truly Page 1

2014 Year of Progress Table of Contents Message to Residents.............3-4 Performance Audit Recommendation................5 Mayor & City Council Goal Update.............6-7 Management Team.............8 Accolades.............9 Public Safety...............10 Community & Economic Development..............11 Community Connections.........12 Infrastructure..............13 Activities & Recreation..............14 Administration & Workforce..............15 Fiscal Sustainability..............16 2014 Department & Division Highlights & Future Programs........17-22

220 SE Green Street | Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | P: 816.969.1000 | cityofLS.net | LSmeansBusiness.net Page 2

Message to Residents From the Mayor and City Manager Dear Residents, Since 1865, early settlers came to Lee’s Summit overflowing with dreams of a better life. Founding father, William B. Howard recognized 150 years ago Lee’s Summit is a special place — a beautiful land, full of opportunity that would attract forward looking people, with a high regard for their neighbors in search of a better life. People, who to this day still find great pride and comfort in calling Lee’s Summit home.

Lee’s Summit remains this picturesque place made up of more than 93,000 residents and hundreds of dedicated employees serving this community from the cashiers in the Treasury Department, the scale house attendants at the Resource Recovery Park, the snow plow and animal control operators, administrative assistants and the meter readers.

Lee’s Summit has never lost sight of what truly matters.

• We place high standards of excellence on services and programs.

• We embrace our mission, vision and core values to guide relationships, conduct business and build community-wide relationships.

• We continue to manage a strong City, maintain safety, enhance quality of life and invest in the future.

Lee’s Summit remains a great community by continually seeking support from our visionary leaders. In 2014, the City welcomed Councilmembers Diane Seif, Diane Forte and Trish Carlyle to their first term on the Lee’s Summit City Council. They join Councilmembers Rob Binney, Allan Gray, Derek Holland, Bob Johnson and Dave Mosby in this honored capacity of public service.

In 2014, we also welcomed to positions of leadership on the Management Team City Attorney Brian Head, Public Works Director Dena Mezger, Chief Technology Officer Steve Marsh, Human Resources Director Denise Kelly, Fire Chief Rick Poeschl, and Police Chief Travis Forbes. The City also said farewell to dedicated leaders who retired or sought opportunities elsewhere throughout the community.

Holding fast to what really matters – providing quality services and programs and setting the standards for excellence in customer service are vital to our work. These ideals are instrumental in the City’s outstanding accomplishments in 2014, including rating at or above the national and Kansas City averages in satisfaction for many service areas of critical importance, such as: • police protection, • fire/ambulance services, • quality of life, • services, and • communications The City continues to look for ways in which to improve our work by ensuring best practices. The Lee’s Summit Police Department remains in the top 4% of United States law enforcement agencies with the award of its Advanced Law Enforcement Reaccreditation. One of only three accredited agencies in Missouri by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies is the Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation Department. Since becoming accredited in 2004, the Public Works Department has received two re-accreditations and the Lee’s Summit Fire Department is working towards this official endorsement for their service areas.

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In May 2014, the 30,000 square-foot addition to the police department headquarters was unveiled, which include the detention renovation, addition of an indoor firing range, training classrooms and associated support space.

In November, the community became a model of sustainability in the parks systems with the unveiling of the repurposed Lea McKeighan Park – one of our City’s busiest downtown parks.

Several new roads built in 2014 provide better connectivity, safety and access to land for development to occur.

Phase I of Tudor Road, the Pryor Road shoulder and the realignment of Blue Parkway are complete and work is underway on Strother Road and Bailey Road. Because of attention to infrastructure below ground, the City continues to provide reliable water and sanitary sewer services responsibly and efficiently for the health and safety of our customers.

Lee’s Summit continues to take pride in the success of our local businesses. When one succeeds… we all succeed. Our community’s entrepreneurs make up a significant portion of the more than 3,000 businesses responsible for stimulating our local economy by providing jobs, goods and services for purchase, sales and property tax revenue.

Our economic development strategy is focused on fostering and maintaining our energetic business environment.

Beginning with the launch of the City’s Development Center approximately a year ago, this one-stop shop has processed more than 90 applications to help entrepreneurs navigate the steps of the business development process from the application stage to final occupancy.

Through dynamic partnerships and forward-thinking ideas at the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, MCC-Longview and other organizations, our community continues to thrive and make this one of the best places to live. Our citizens remain engaged through volunteering, serving on boards and commissions, attending events, and showing support for City-led projects, initiatives and programs.

This document has been written for our citizens to better understand the priorities of the City’s organization and our approach to providing services and building new opportunities for economic growth.

We are proud of the accomplishments in the 2014 Annual Report and equally grateful to leadership, employees, partners and citizens who were an intricate part of these successes. We acknowledge the work ahead requires collaboration and innovative, bold decision-making. We’re prepared for the challenge as an organization and a community.

That’s why in this community we humbly and proudly proclaim: We

Mean Business!

Yours Truly,

Mayor Randy Rhoads

City Manager Stephen Arbo

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Performance Audit Recommendation Pursuant to Article IX, Section 2.552 of the City Code of Ordinances, the City Manager is required to prepare and submit to the City Council a written recommendation of any matter relative to the City government or any City operation or program he deems appropriate for a management or performance review. The Lee’s Summit City Council will consider the study for possible funding during the next fiscal year.

To this end, City Manager Stephen Arbo has recommended an audit of records management within the organization.

Records management is a fundamental function of all government entities. Government records are both an important business asset and the cornerstone of truly accountable government.

Establishing and maintaining an effective records management framework represents a significant business challenge. This task is made more difficult by the multitude of legal requirements and rapidly changing technology.

This record management audit will review the policies, processes, practices, services and tools used by the City to create, manage, retrieve and discard our information. The audit will not only help us ensure we are meeting legal requirements, but also supporting business needs and wisely using resources. A strong records management program maintains information so that it is timely, accurate, complete, cost-effective, accessible, and usable.

Vision A culturally rich community with diverse economic sectors to create a prosperous and dynamic community in perpetuity.

Mission

Our mission is to create positive community relationships and a progressive organization delivering valued programs and services.

Core Values

Accountability • Communication • Trustworthiness • Engaged Professional • Innovative • Customer Focus-Driven • Collaborative

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Mayor & City Council

Goals Update Lee’s Summit is home to highly engaged public officials. Their vision for Lee’s Summit is a “Culturally rich community with diverse economic sectors to create a prosperous and dynamic community in perpetuity.” Their decisions are based on what is best for the City. During 2014, new leadership joined the Lee’s Summit City Council with the election of Councilmember Diane Forte, representing District 1; Councilmember Trish Carlyle, representing District 2; and Councilmember Diane Seif, representing District 3.

In May 2014, Mayor Rhoads and the Lee’s Summit City Council participated in a retreat facilitated by Ron Holifield, president of SGR. These sessions allowed the council an opportunity to discuss long-term vision, goals and strategies. They also re-affirmed their priority of economic development and committed to exploring incentive strategies with input from community partners. Following are among the tremendous accomplishments in 2014 as a result of Council leadership. All of which help us declare, “Lee’s Summit Means Business!”

Improve the development and maintenance of infrastructure • Processed 90 applications through the new Development Center, which was launched in 2013 to assist moving forward economic development projects • Helped with citizen public education regarding the 2014 no-tax general obligation bond issue to fund $10 million in improvements to the U.S. Highway 50 and Route 291 South interchange • Identified federal funds to begin work on the U.S. Highway 50 and Route 291 South interchange • Allocated nearly $1 million in equipment and technology to enhance the City’s snow and ice control operations • Completed several millions of dollars’ worth of roadway projects throughout the City, including Phase I Tudor Road improvements, Pryor Road Shoulders and Hook Road.

• Started the Scruggs Road Sewer Pump Station basin expansion projects, which will provide capacity for development • Completed approximately $1 million of sewer lining projects throughout the City.

• Reached tentative agreement to increase the total water supply capacity to 32.5 million gallons per day (MGD) by adding an additional 5 MGD of supply.

Embrace a culture that promotes aggressive and bold decision-making • Convened planning sessions with staff and key stakeholders to develop an economic development incentive policy • Worked on new Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council public service agreement that is goal-oriented and measurement-based • Authorized funding for a three-year marketing campaign with emphasis on economic development and community pride • Approved a reclamation process to create developable space within the View High Drive corridor • Adopted the City’s Five-Year Business Plan which aligns the organization by integrating Page 6

processes and utilizing best practices Attract and retain knowledge-based employers • Authorized the development of a business plan regarding an entrepreneurial center after investigating the possibilities of such a venture in 2013 • Expanded the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) to key economic development corridors in order to attract and retain businesses and employers Preserve and enhance residential development • Approved a redevelopment plan for the John Knox Village retirement community • Renovation of Miller J. Fields Park is underway with design and redevelopment of this longtime park influenced by those living around this recreation area.

• Water Main Rehabilitation project to replace waterlines throughout the City with a history of breaks and service disruptions.

Learn more about elected officials by visiting cityofLS.net | City Officials.

(L-R Seated) Councilmember Dave Mosby; Mayor Randall Rhoads; and Mayor Pro Tempore Allan Gray II (L-R Standing) Councilmember Bob Johnson; Councilmember Diane Forte; Councilmember Trish Carlyle; Councilmember Robert Binney; Councilmember Derek Holland; and Councilmember Diane Seif

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Management Team Lee’s Summit is led day-to-day by the men and women of the Management Team under the organizational direction of City Manager Arbo. It is through these dedicated individuals along with staff that our organization enthusiastically demonstrates,

”Lee’s Summit Means Business.”

Stephen Arbo City Manager

Christal Weber Assistant City Manager

Conrad Lamb Finance Director

Brian Head City Attorney

Mark Schaufler Water Utilities Director

Robert McKay Planning & Codes Administration Director

Travis Forbes Police Chief

Rick Poeschl Fire Chief

Dena Mezger Public Works Director

Mark Dunning Development Center Director

Tom Lovell Parks & Recreation Administrator

Steve Marsh Chief Technology Officer

Denise Kelly Human Resources Director

Melissa Fears Public Communications Coordinator

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Accolades These are among the awards, recognitions and honors received in 2014 by the City of Lee’s Summit for programs, services and quality of life features.

• Best Place to Live in the state of Missouri by AreaVibes Livability Score • Best Cities in Missouri by Movoto, a national real estate brokerage firm • Safest Communities in Missouri by SafeWise, a community-focused security organization • Top 10 Happiest Places in Missouri by Movoto • Lee’s Summit Police Department remains in the top 4% of United States law enforcement agencies with the award of its Advanced Law Enforcement Reaccreditation • Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the annual budget document beginning July 1, 2014 by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).

• Outstanding Collection Program award for RecycleFEST from the Missouri Recycling Association (MORA) • 2014 Missouri Municipal League (MML) Innovation Award in the large cities category for the City’s Crime Reduction Team, a community-oriented policing strategy implemented in 2011.

• The Kansas City Metro Chapter of the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Sustainable Practices Award awarded to the Solid Waste Division in recognition of the electronics and carpet recycling facilities located at the Resource Recovery Park.

Learn about more awards received by the organization; visit cityofLS.net | Awards and Recognitions.

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Public Safety We mean business by ensuring an environment where everyone feels safe and secure!

On October 19th, 2014, the Lee’s Summit Police Department in cooperation with the Lee’s Summit Fire Department conducted a mass casualty training exercise on the grounds of the Summit Technology campus.

Once the scenario began, units from the Police Department and Fire Department were then evaluated on their response to the incident as it continued to unfold and develop. In addition the LSPD and LSFD, agencies from both state and federal law enforcement participated in the training exercise as well.

At the conclusion of the exercise a detailed report was completed that identified the strengths and weaknesses of the response so that changes could be made for future incidents. The scenario based training is part of our commitment to having the best trained and best equipped first responders in order to keep our community safe.

For more information about the accomplishments of the Lee’s Summit Police Department, view their 2014 Police Department Annual Report available at LSpolice.net.

Fire Department Annual Report Available at LSfire.net | Publications and Reports

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& Economic

Community

Development We mean business by creating an atmosphere for community and economic development success community-wide!

Many economic development initiatives were born in 2014, including podcasts from City Hall, an increased awareness in messaging, discussions on a shared space for entrepreneurs and the launch of the Development Center at City Hall.

“Developing Lee’s Summit” is a weekly featured podcast centered on economic development and business topics that launches weekly from City Hall. Guests discuss the latest projects and themes and future growth possibilities in commercial, residential and other developments.

The debut of the Development Center was a true launch for “Lee’s Summit Means Business” as project managers and support staff came together to form a one-stop-business-shop at City Hall, helping some 90 projects in its first year from conceptual phases to project completion. Development staff has been working in conjunction with the Community & Economic Development Committee to evaluate economic development and redevelopment opportunities within nine Target Planning Areas established within the City.

Also in an effort to help the City Council achieve economic development goals and vision, a group of business leaders and community volunteers developed a bold concept to help assist new businesses and entrepreneurs in Lee’s Summit. The Market Center of Ideas Task Force has been working to formulate plans for an entrepreneurial hub in the community.

has been placed on the department with guest columns appearing weekly in newspapers, trade publications, HOA newsletters and in other outlets and with a weekly “What is it?” feature that focuses on new commercial and residential development around Lee’s Summit.

Marketing economic development in Lee’s Summit to a wider audience also took flight in 2014.

As a City we believe that staying relevant is the main challenges facing business today. The marketing collaboration with the City of Lee’s Summit, 1,000 Chamber of Commerce members, 300 businesses and investors in Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council’s 125 investors and the newly created Development Center has allowed us to craft a timely and coherent messaging LSmeansBusiness.net platform which has had a profound impact on our target audience segments via several communication channels, including: business radio channels; targeted digital ads and e-mail blasts; trade magazines and print media; as well as our partnership with the Kansas City Area Development Council.

Because Lee’s Summit means business, we’ve enthusiastically created a “one stop shop” for our customers to quickly navigate each step of the business and development process from start to finish. We think this collaborative approach creates the optimum environment for economic growth and development for both the community and our business partners who call Lee’s Summit home.

220 SE Green Street | Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | 816.969.1220

All the while, an increased emphasis on editorial content

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Community Connections We mean business by shaping the direction of our community by working together!

Throughout the year, the City and community worked together toward the achievement of significant accomplishments in 2014.

The Truly 150 Steering Committee was designated by the City Council as the official committee to organize, promote and celebrate Lee’s Summit’s 150th Birthday, also known as a Sesquicentennial Celebration, in 2015.

A broad-based group of community volunteers worked throughout the year to plan events that will celebrate the historic milestone. Four historic eras will be celebrated throughout the year: Settlement (1865-1914); Establishment (1915-1964); Development (1965-2014); and Empowerment (2015 and Beyond). A variety of events have been planned, including the Opening of the Centennial Time Capsule, A Fair to Remember, Celebrate 150 Parade & Event, Founder’s Day Celebration and more.

The Committee developed a website (Truly150.com), and started using social media sites including Face Book, Twitter and Instagram.

The City raised its newly designed flag for the first time along with the American flag on June 12 during National Flag Week. Many watched as Mayor Rhoads gave a speech and the flags were hoisted up the flag pole by the Honor Guard of Lee’s Summit’s Police and Fire departments. The public commemoration honored the enduring symbol of pride, unity and heritage associated with both flags for our community. The event also paid homage to the men and women of our military and the incredible sacrifices of these individuals to preserve our freedom. The flags are proudly displayed at many City facilities.

The Lee’s Summit Missouri Municipal Building Authority (LSMMBA) served as the steward of dollars raised and initiated the contracting/building process for the construction of the monument. Longtime Lee’s Summit resident and former councilmember Ron Williams’ general contracting firm, Integral Construction Services Inc., was responsible for building the monument at cost.

This project was jumpstarted by the Lee’s Summit Industrial Development Authority (IDA), specifically Vice President Rick Viar and board member Gene Gamber. In addition to other fundraising, the two encouraged IDA to match grant funds of $50,000 toward the construction of this monument, which cost an estimated $140,000.

LSMMBA President Brad Cox conveyed ownership and future maintenance of the monument to the City during the informal gathering on Oct. 29, 2014 at City Hall City staff communications strategies focus on social media to educate and engage citizens on Lee’s Summit updates, events and initiatives. Some of the avenues utilized include Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Our page reaches continue to grow each month with information ranging from departmental achievements and announcements to reminders about our valued services.

Lee’s Summit unveiled its first gateway monument this fall, a much welcomed birthday present! The monument was built thanks to the generous support of Lee’s Summit’s highly engaged civic, business, and organizational communities. The monument is located just east of the View High Drive exit on I-470 and its tower reaches nearly 20 feet. It represents the quality and community identity of Lee’s Summit and can be viewed by welcomed travelers from approximately 1,000 feet.

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Infrastructure We mean business by ensuring the integrity of the City’s infrastructure above and below ground!

Lee’s Summit Water Utilities made a number of rehabilitation and expansion improvements to provide capacity for future economic development and improved service for current customers and citizens. The Community Sewer Line Rehabilitation Program targeted another eight miles of sewer main in most need of repair through a relining process specifically designed for minimal impact and disruption to neighborhoods and customers.

This project reduces blockages caused by tree and plant roots, debris and the infiltration of groundwater in the public main, which reduces surcharges, overflows and backups.

during the 2010 no-tax increase general obligation bond election. Phase 2 improvements are expected to begin in spring 2015.

Hook Road • Hook Road was re-built from Ward Road to M-291 as a 24-foot wide, two-lane section with six-foot paved shoulders. This project is one of six projects funded by the 2007 half-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax, and was completed under budget.

Pryor Road Shoulders • Six-foot paved shoulders were added to Pryor Road from Hook Road to Longview Road. This project was voter approved during the 2013 no-tax increase general obligation bond election.

Second Street Corridor • Second Street near downtown Lee’s Summit went through a ‘road diet’ from four lanes to three lanes, and streetlights were also added. The improvements addressed crash trends and operations along the corridor.

Blue Parkway Re-alignment • Blue Parkway was re-aligned south of Colbern Road.

The roadway aligns with a new intersection at the Unity Village entrance. The new intersection is a roundabout.

The department replaced the water main on Chipman Road from Pryor Road to NW Bent Tree Drive to improve service and increase capacity for area residents. Additional water line improvements and replacements were completed in the John Know Village area with more slated for 2015. Design work to increase capacity on the Cedar Creek Sanitary Sewer Interceptor and the Scruggs Road Excess Flow Holding Basin were also completed in 2014 with construction to begin in 2015.

Several roadway improvement projects were completed in 2014: Tudor Road Improvements, Phase 1 • This project improved Tudor Road west of Douglas Street to Main Street from a two-lane section to a fourlane section with a new intersection at Main Street.

Sloan Street was also extended as a two-lane facility south to Tudor Road. This project was voter approved

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Activities & Recreation We mean business by continuing award-winning parks and recreational services and programs as well as City activities!

Repurposing was the name of the game in 2014 for Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation. Park renovations included the development of a community garden area at Sylvia Bailey Farm Park with all 46 plots leased.

Lea McKeighan North received four, lighted outdoor volleyball courts which is the first phase of the overall Master Plan. Lee’s Summit’s second off leash dog park was completed and the canine water feature received a four paws up rating. Upper Banner Park’s facelift included new pickleball courts, renovation of the tennis courts and walk ways. The playground was replaced and the shelter will follow along with expansion of the parking lot. Legacy Park Community Center (LPCC) and Gamber Community Center (GCC) repurposing efforts included increasing fitness space. LPCC eliminated the community rooms and converted them into group fitness space, including a new cycle studio, a group exercise room to accommodate up to 50 class participants and serve as home to the new fitness-on-demand kiosk. The aerobics room was converted into a cardio studio with 32 pieces of cardio equipment. A new functional fitness piece will be added to the wellness floor to enhance our strength equipment and the current cycle studio will be transformed into an assessment room for personal trainers as well as serve as an area that can be utilized by patrons for stretching and abdominal work. The GCC transformed the current fitness room to a cardio workout center with 10 new cardio pieces. The former computer lab now houses strength and weight equipment.

In addition, the operating hours were expanded to accommodate the growing demand from fitness patrons.

event provides an opportunity for the recycling of unique items including keys, crayons, eyeglasses, hearing aids, license plates, wine corks, tennis and golf balls, prescription pill bottles and much more.

The event received the Outstanding Collection Program award from the Missouri Recycling Association (MORA) in September. Lee’s Summit was recognized for being a leader in waste diversion in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The Big Truck & Equipment Show moved from the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport to downtown Lee’s Summit in 2014. The event, which took place on May 17, in front of City Hall, drew large crowds and created great synergy with the nearby Farmers Market and downtown business district. This annual event highlights the projects, people and equipment of the City’s Public Works and Water Utilities departments to help celebrate National Public Works Week.

The first-ever RecycleFEST took place in April 2014, with a second event in October 2014. This twice-a-year event is offered as a way to celebrate Earth Day in April, and America Recycles Day in October. In addition to the popular free sensitive document shredding, the

The Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport hosted its first Airport Open House on June 21. Visitors enjoyed a hot air balloon demonstration, Young Eagles flights, helicopter rides, airplane displays, aviation-related vendors and a lot more fun activities. The event showcased the importance of the airport as a gateway that connects businesses across the country to Lee’s Summit and surrounding communities.

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Administration & Workforce We mean business by emphasizing customer service and workplace excellence to audiences internally and externally!

Performance Excellence

with a team of 40 employees and supervisors.

The City’s Performance Excellence program is guided by the organization’s Five Year Business Plan: 20132018. The focus is on customers, workforce, ability to deliver quality services, internal and external communication, and fiscal accountability.

Department directorled teams consisting of multidisciplinary employees implement action plans developed to help us improve in each of the five areas of focus. We have begun to measure the results of our efforts, which are monitored by the City’s Management Team on a quarterly basis. In July 2014, department directors gathered with external stakeholders to ensure the direction of the business plan was meeting customer expectations. The City Council received its first progress report in September of 2014 and discussed objectives to address strategic challenges as well as some of our performance results.

Among the most significant initiatives accomplished in 2014: • Delivery of Services team developed a strategic planning guide to help departments start this process.

• Communications team launched an enhanced intranet site, known as LS Connect. Besides a new look, the site has scrolling headlines, a classified ads page for employees to post items, a Kudos/Recognition page to honor co-workers and more. The team also created “In the News” a weekly, electronic organizational newsletter, and “In the News Highlights” a publication sent to supervisors on Mondays.

• Financial Accountability team began developing needed financial policies • Customer Focus team researched ways in which to build relationships with customers.

• Workforce team focused on developing an employee engagement strategy

A follow up employee survey to measure results of efforts to enhance our work environment was conducted and the results are shown in the graphic.

Progress has been made and there is still opportunity for continual improvement. In 2015, employees will be assisting in developing ways to address further improvements.

Workforce In May, department directors began the citywide Core Values program education to all employees. The City’s organizational Core Values are Accountability, Communication, Trustworthiness, Engaged, Professional, Customer FocusDriven, and Collaborative (ACT EPICC). These values ensure the mission of the City is achieved, through our decisions, actions and behaviors.

The Administration and Human Resources departments worked with an employee benefits service provider to offer for the first time to employees a temporary, one-time, Voluntary Retirement Maximization Program (VRMP) or Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA). The program was established to help employees better prepare for postretirement healthcare costs. The VRMP provides a dedicated source to help fund the participant’s eligible medical expenses, maximizes their retirement leave payout benefit, and provides additional resources for retirement planning.

Participants can use their contributions to pay for healthcare costs including insurance premiums. The contributions to and interest earned on these funds in the VEBA are tax free. The program kicked – off with eligible employees attending an informational session in August. Enrollment began that month and concluded mid September.

In an effort to help those individuals choosing to retire transition out of the workforce or into a new profession, the City offered the “Explore Your Future” workshop. Through the workshop, participants’ focused on their personal values, interests and abilities to ensure their work or volunteer efforts are accomplished in line with their passion. The City was able to offer the program through a partnership with Truman Heartland Community Foundation and Shepard Center.

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Fiscal Sustainability We mean business by using foresight and proactive strategic planning to make sound financial decisions!

The City continued its response to the challenges brought forward by the economic recession that began in 2007. The primary challenge is providing quality services to our residents with the lack of significant growth within the City’s revenue stream. This challenge was increasingly difficult as the City planned to balance the operating budget and limit the reliance on non-recurring revenues.

In FY14, the City’s general fund budget was incrementally reduced by approximately $1 million from 2013 amounts ($59.3m to $58.3m).

The City’s General Fund model indicated a structural deficit for FY14 due to diminished revenues in 2013. To address this situation in FY13 & FY14, the Management Team and budget staff identified $2.2m which include reductions from their original requests to incrementally mitigate the impact of decreased revenues projected for FY14. This reduction was intended to minimize our use of the non-recurring revenues for use to fund daily operations.

Stay abreast of the City’s budget by viewing the dashboard available at cityofLS.net | Budget, Finances, Grants, and Taxes.

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Department & Division Highlights & Future Programs

Administration

The City’s staff in the Administration Department spearheaded several projects with the help of other departments throughout the year. Many of these projects had widespread community appeal – one for the ability to offer high speed internet and the other for the capability of providing a new home for historic pieces with a link to our community’s past, present and future.

In July, Lee’s Summit’s residents were invited to a special presentation about upcoming Google Fiber plans for the community. It was an opportunity to ask questions about the ultra highspeed Internet and television service before construction of the Google Fiber network commenced in the winter. With the growing questions from residents about the project, the City worked with representatives from Google Fiber on a list of FAQs to house on the City website to answer some of those frequently asked questions and to direct them to whom to contract for additional information. Preparatory utility work began in August and construction and installation of the services is expected in 2015.

The preservation and rehabilitation of the former post office/city hall at 220 S. Main Street for use as a historic museum moved ahead in 2014.

The project was made possible as a result of the voter-approved 2013 no-tax increase general obligation bond election. Hollis + Miller was the architect on the project, and contractor The Wilson Group was awarded the contract for renovations which began in August 2014. The new Lee’s Summit History Museum will open its doors in 2015, just in time for the community-wide Sesquicentennial celebration taking place throughout the year in honor of Lee’s Summit’s 150th birthday.

With the help of City staff, community partners and residents, the City celebrated another successful no-tax increase general obligation bond election in 2014. Lee’s Summit voters overwhelmingly approved a $10 million bond project to address much needed improvements to the interchange at U.S. Highway 50 and Route 291 South. Those improvements are expected to have a positive impact on safety, connectivity and economic development.

City Clerk’s Office

In 2014, the City Council conducted 46 Regular Sessions, 11 Work Sessions and 12 Special Sessions. In these meetings, the Council passed 142 ordinances and 16 resolutions. The City Clerk’s office prepared agendas and packets for each meeting, as well as assisted the mayor and councilmembers by attending the meetings and producing notes on the actions taken by them.

In addition to these duties, the city clerk was elected by the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association as Region VII director to serve on the Board of Directors for the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). Region VII consists of Missouri, Illinois and Kansas. She was sworn in as a director at the annual IIMC conference in May and will serve a three-year term.

The City Clerk’s Office was also instrumental in the reorganization of the Administrative Assistants Committee, which will now meet bi-monthly. The committee’s proposed topics in 2015 are contract tracker, automated phone system, and interdepartmental communications and relations.

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Animal Control

Animal Control had a successful 2014. The adoption success of adoptable animals increased to more than 98% by utilizing the services of a rescue group to place animals in good homes. The division’s goal was to reduce the length of stay for our animals by actively finding potential adoptees even while the animals were in the required five-day holding period. This helped us adopt the animals much quicker than in the past.

In 2014, a 100-foot x 100-foot play/exercise yard was constructed at the shelter. One of Animal Control’s volunteers thought it would be nice to have an area for dogs and their potential adopters to get acquainted. This volunteer donated more than $7,000 for the construction of the fenced in area, which is separated into two sections so that multiple groups can use the area at the same time.

Central Building Services

The city architect and maintenance staff completed the boiler replacement project at City Hall in November 2015.

The four, new, high efficiency boilers replaced two boilers which had reached the end of useful life. The new boilers have significantly lowered the operating costs of the heating and air conditioning system and was paid for from funds in the Building Equipment Replacement Program (BERP).

Development Center

In January of 2014, the City of Lee’s Summit launched its Development Center – a new department that put project managers and customer representatives at the forefront of helping businesses and developers in a one-on-one setting at City Hall. As the year progressed, more than 90 projects, from conceptual to complete, passed through the center, and over 4,000 business licenses were processed.

Economic Development action plans, including targeting specific areas of growth around Lee’s Summit and initiating a new economic development incentive policy, also took form in 2014. The targeted areas, as outlined by the City Council, will be evaluated for new development and redevelopment while looking at best and highest uses within the targeted areas.

New businesses have gone vertical in 2014 in all corners of Lee’s Summit, with new construction changing the landscape off of I-470, positive signs in the single-family residential construction market, and a plethora of business licenses pointing to a new era of business development around Lee’s Summit and business cooperation at City Hall.

The new Water Utilities Operations Facility, which is currently in the design phase, will go out for bids in the spring of 2015 and the construction phase will begin in the summer 2015. The city architect will provide construction oversight during the construction phase of this building project.

In July 2015, the custodial staff will begin servicing three Water Operations facilities. This expansion of service locations will be achieved by using existing CBS staff and eliminating the need for contract services.

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Finance

In 2014, the Finance Department continued to make improvements to the functionally of its new ERP software.

Evaluation of the cashier system was performed and plans are moving forward for replacement which should enhance data held in the ERP system. Finance also facilitated the refinancing of $9 million in Parks and Recreation debt for a savings of $500,000. This savings will make it possible for additional improvements to be made to the parks system.

Throughout the year, the Fire and Finance departments collaborated to move the ambulance billing process over to the Finance Department. This included moving personnel costs for billing as well. The year ended with the conversion and first billing cycle with the new third party ambulance billing provider. This change is expected to reduce costs associated with billing and collection of ambulance services going forward into 2015.

Fire

In 2014, the Lee’s Summit Fire Department entered a period of transition that was triggered by the retirement of eleven members, including the fire chief and four chief officers. This started a promotional and hiring process that will influence the department for years to come. The faces in the department may change, but the tradition of providing the highest level of emergency services to its citizens will live on.

This is evident in the new commitment to “continuous improvement” as the department moves forward with the accreditation process and implementation of strategic initiatives.

Technology, training, and collaboration are keys to saving lives and property. The addition of a second LUCAS automatic CPR device and ongoing advanced cardiac life support training, have continued to show an increase in cardiac arrest save rates. The goal of all departments is to make Lee’s Summit a safe community to live in.

Fleet

Fleet worked this year to enhance the equipment installation process on vehicles. By streamlining the process of police vehicle equipment, the installation time

was reduced to less than 42 hours per car compared to 60 hours per car a year ago. Staff began installing specialty equipment on trucks utilizing in-house staff to reduce the down time for new vehicle preparations and increase workmanship quality. This has resulted in faster turnaround time and more reliable equipment. As a result of the Fleet Audit conducted in 2014, the division is working on better communication with City departments, including explaining the charge-back process and service costs compared to vendors. Staff continues to review underutilized vehicles and equipment to identify the best course of action for these items.

Human Resources

The Human Resource Department is continuing with the programs started in 2013 and adding services that will benefit the organization. The primary goal is to respond to the needs of our customers, the City’s employees. As needs change, the department will continue a proactive approach to provide services that are aligned with the needs of the organization and employees.

A new Human Resources Department director, benefits specialist and human resources generalist were added to the team in 2014. With this level of experience in the department, the team will focus on improvement, expanding service levels and processes, and using technology to increase efficiency where applicable.

Job duties of team members were reorganized to capitalize on skills and abilities. This change caused increased visibility and provided efficiencies in HR processes to improve the delivery of services. HR staff continues to partner with the Management Team and employees to provide support for recruiting efforts, benefits, risk management, payroll, HR administration, and employee relations.

The department facilitated training sessions to provide employees the ability to access their W2 statements online. This was a major benefit to employees by allowing them early access to crucial information without waiting for mail services and to the City by providing cost savings from decreased postage and printing expenses.

The Annual Safety and Wellness Fair provide employees an opportunity to receive required safety training and to obtain vision, hearing, glucose and blood pressure checks. A healthier workforce reduces health benefits claims and enables the City to provide broader benefits at an affordable premium. Improved safety habits results in lower frequency of work-related injuries, lower premium and medical costs while helping to minimize lost work days due to injury.

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The roll-out of the revised performance evaluation document for the Management Team began in 2014 and has an anticipated implementation date of April 2015.

Other efforts to expect in 2015: • Providing Core Value training during New Employee Orientation • Revising the Distinguished Service Awards program • Adding online services to the HR website page for employment • Utilizing technology to update processes and procedures

Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport (LXT)

Information Technology

In 2014, there were many improvements to existing City tools and resources. Several significant changes were made to Internet and Intranet resources. The City Intranet was revamped and rebranded as LS Connect. More information and links to resources were added. CityWorks, our asset management, and work order tracking system was converted from desktop software to a web-based tool.

This enables field employees to stay connected with their work. There were several infrastructure projects completed, including server upgrades; transition to the state-wide court system, JIS; implementation of a new fueling system; a new mobile ticketing system for the police department; and compatibility testing for Windows 8. Several software application upgrades were completed: FDM Dispatch, Lawson and CIS Infinity. In addition to the new software that was deployed, several systems were also upgraded to new versions to make software improvements available to City staff. Looking forward, IT will be focusing on several initiatives, including a review of the Managed Equipment Replacement Program (MERP), a study of the City’s network infrastructure, a network security audit and finalizing a new strategic plan.

Law

In early June, the Law Department welcomed a new director to the department. With the arrival of City Attorney Brian Head, the Law Department quickly expanded its role in several areas of the organization. Notably, the Law Department now has a direct and active role in human resources, labor relations, and economic development as well as increased involvement in most other City departments. The Law Department, through the city attorney, is now actively engaged from the earliest moments of a prospective economic development project in collaboration with the Development Center.

Additionally, the department has been reorganized to capitalize on the skills of existing staff and to increase overall efficiency while reducing staff costs. Overall, the Law Department is seeking to become more proactive and efficient in its approach to advising both staff and the City Council.

The terminal entrance road relocation and east-west runway (11-29) earthwork extension were completed in May. These projects were the first phase of airport improvements which include a 1,500-foot extension of the north-south runway (18-36) and 200-foot extension of the east-west runway (11-29). The improvements will allow operations of a greater variety of business class aircraft under a greater range of weather conditions, thereby increasing the economic value of the airport to the City.

The airport also adopted a comprehensive Revenue Enhancement Program to help improve its financial position. The program includes adjustments to hangar rates, a minimum fuel purchase program and fuel margin mark-up adjustments. In addition, the implementation of a new fuel volume discount program is designed to increase fuel sales by encouraging large volume users to make their purchases at LXT.

Municipal Court

The year 2014 started with the Municipal Court going live on the state-wide court automation system – Justice Information System (JIS). Soon thereafter, the court records became available online through Case.

Net, providing access to the public and the legal community. The addition of a new online payment provider has improved and increased the collection of fines, court costs, restitutions and probation fees. The year of 2015 will include changes to the court case filing system; participation in the Debt Collection and TaxOffset Programs provided by the Office of State Court Administrator and the implementation of electronic citation transfer.

Parks & Recreation

Annually, between facility, park, event and program attendance, LSPR is serving over one million patrons.

Parks Operations and Construction, Recreation and Administration activities are the responsibility of 42 fulltime employees, more than 400 part-time employees, more than 2,500 volunteers and numerous contractors all made possible by a 16 cent property tax levy that has been in place since 1970. Today, the property tax levy

Page 20

generates $3.3 million dollars annually, but a majority of the operating funds (around $4.7 million) comes from the generous support of our citizens through their program fees and donations.

Codes Administration continued to be busy with new development construction activities. Several large projects from a year ago are now under construction and new applications continue to come in. Residential development is on the rise again and commercial activity has increased substantially with more on the horizon. Neighborhood Services complaints are down as compared to the same time last year. Neighborhood Services will begin review of commercial parking lots and handicap accessible parking spaces for maintenance and proper identification with paint, striping and signage.

In 2014, Lee’s Summit families had over 18 special event 2014 District Activity opportunities sponsored PART I OFFENSES TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS NOTABLE

by Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation PART II OFFENSES In November of including the popular Father Daughter Dance, Summer 2010, voters in Concert Series, Movies in the Parks, 5K Runs, Bike Rides Lee’s Summit and more. The 33rd Annual “Night Flight 5K” with more than 360 participants of all ages ran (or walked) from Harris approved a bond initiative for the Park through downtown Lee’s Summit and back in June. construction Also, in June was the 13th Annual Tour de Lakes Bike of an indoor CALLS FOR SERVICE SWORN OFFICERS ANIMAL CONTROL Ride hosting over 700 cyclists from all over Missouri and CALLS FOR SERVICE Kansas. The Friends of the Parks (FOP) program continues firearms range and training room to grow, reaching 5,000 in 2014. This year “Friends” were for the Lee’s invited to three private and free FOP events, which took Summit Police place in LSPR facilities or parks.

Department.

The bond Future Projects: Miller J. Fields Park is currently under renovation. The design and redevelopment of this longtime also provided additional funds neighborhood park was influenced by those living around for the renovation 816.969.1700 | Committed to Excellence | LSpolice.net the park. New features for the park include walking trails, and expansion which are completed, a spray ground scheduled to be of the current completed mid-to-late summer 2015, renovated ball fields, detention facility. In April of 2013, construction began on shelter, restrooms and a renovated playground. both projects under the direction of Titan Construction.

Police

Non-District Related

2,294

8,125

District 5

6,964

District 6

11,140

District 7

District 10

2,385

2,232

2,229

2,357

2,220

2,417

2,047

1,972

2,053

8,650

District 8 District 9

Common assault, drug violations, fraud, forgery, liquor law violations and property damage.

7,614

District 4

12,987

8,772

4,151

9,009

District 3

7,274

4,606

5,627

District 2

8,725

Criminal homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson.

8,269

District 1

7,970

6,015

6,089

1,325

2,015

1,906

1,628

5,583

1,821

3,445

1,750

1,753

4,361

2010

91,037

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

88,846

2014

9,848

77,008

75,325

73,244

143

142

142

142

8,857

8,960

8,737

8,474

136

2010

Planning & Codes Administration The year 2014 was busy for development with a variety of applications being processed including communication tower antennae relocates, vacation of easements, minor plats, sign applications and Unified Development Ordinance Amendments.

Significant applications included: • Green Lantern car wash • Residences at New Longview – 309 luxury apartment units • St. Mathews Lutheran Church addition • Quattro • Frontier Justice • Party City • Jack Stack Barbecue • St. Michael’s High School • Hy-Vee Gas Station • Cheddington Commons • Final Plats for Park Ridge, Winterset Valley, Stoney Creek Estates

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

In May of 2014, the new, state-of-the-art facility was dedicated and opened. The new facilities include an expanded detention facility that is compliant with all state and federal standards as well as a 120-seat training room and a 10-lane indoor firing range. The new facilities will allow our police officers the ability to train more regularly in real world, scenario-based training. The training and meeting room will allow both citizens and officers to attend training and meetings in a comfortable space within our community.

Public Works- Engineering & Operations

The Operations Division launched LSsnow.net, the City’s Snow and Ice Control page which is conveniently accessible whether viewing from a desktop or mobile device. A new Snow Control FAQs & Tips page on the website provides residents with important information about the City’s Snow Plan. The website also contains a Page 21

snow blog for updates during winter weather events, and links to a new Snow and Ice Control progress map which is a public display of the City’s Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) data. The Operations Division also purchased its first wing plow for use during snow and ice control operations.

The plow is a side extension on a truck, and allows drivers to cover more area while plowing.

The Engineering Division began or completed several major road projects in 2014. Hook Road between Ward Road and M-291 Highway was completed in August, and the project received an Excellence in Concrete Paving Award from the American Concrete Paving Association.

Tudor Road from Douglas to Main streets was completed in conjunction with the new Police Station expansion.

Strother Road from the I-470 interchange to Lee’s Summit Road, and the connection of Bailey Road between Hamblen Road and M-291 Highway, will be completed in 2015. Development related work increased significantly in 2014 along with support for the Google Fiber citywide installation.

Water Utilities

Solid Waste/Environment

In 2014, the Solid Waste Division started a new mattress recycling program at its Resource Recovery Park (RRP).

For a fee, the RRP will take unstained mattresses which are then transferred to a nearby facility to be broken down into parts for recycling. The City partners with Avenue of Life, a nonprofit that has the goal of creating market-based solutions to help people break the cycle of poverty, for the program. The City benefits by keeping bulky mattresses out of the landfill, and by reusing the clean wood out of the mattresses to produce mulch for resale.

In April, the division received the Kansas City Metro Chapter of the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Sustainable Practices Award in recognition of the electronics and carpet recycling facilities located at the RRP. The facilities were developed to meet the need for public infrastructure as a means to increase waste diversion efforts in our community in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

The division started a Scout educational program in which staff works with young scouting groups to educate them about the importance of environmental issues, waste diversion and recycling efforts.

Procurement

Works, Legal, Water Utilities, Parks and Information Technology. This project was undertaken to replace an outdated policy with a new policy that will better identify the rules of City procurement and empower City staff to carry out the organization’s procurement mission of providing innovation, value and cost-effective solutions with integrity while preserving the public trust. Several meetings were held throughout the year and continue to be held to finalize a draft policy that will be presented to City Council for adoption.

Progress continued this year toward defined service goals by increasing customer communications and improving access to billing information.

The Utility also completed $4.5 million in capital improvement projects, replacing 3.2 miles of water main and rehabilitating 3.6 miles of sewer main. As a result, service levels continue to improve with many measures already above performance expectations laid out in the Water Utilities Strategic Plan.

To improve its overall effectiveness, the Utility purchased property and is designing a service center to house all departmental staff under one roof. Construction is expected to begin fall 2015.

To guide our commitment to serve the community, dedicated employees from all divisions collaborated to update our Mission Statement, which now reads: Lee’s Summit Water Utilities is dedicated to providing reliable water and sanitary sewer services responsibly and efficiently for the health and safety of our community with exceptional customer service, integrity and pride.

Procurement and Contract Services undertook the process of drafting a new Procurement Policy with the help of the Procurement Policy Revision Committee made up of representatives from the following City departments: Administration, Finance, Procurement, Police, Fire, Public Page 22

2014 Annual Report