Community Counts Fall 2013

Community

s t n u o C

City of Lee’s Summit Newsletter

Fall 2013 inside

This Issue...

PORTABLE outdoor FIREPLACES & OPEN FIRES Rules for Usage and Safety Page 4 _______________

WHAT’S BEING BUILT! Latest on the Lea McKeighan Park & Police Headquarters projects Page 5 _______________

WINTER WEATHER SEASON How we are prepared and you can stay informed!

Page 6 _______________

MORE CITY NEWS INSIDE!

ly the Former ope City Sc r te newslet

Stay connected • watchLS.net • Cable: AT&T U-verse (99); Time Warner (2); Comcast (7) facebook.com/cityofLS twitter.com/cityofLS pinterest.com/cityofLS youtube.com/user/cityofLS nixle.com

Important Phone Numbers General Information................... 969-1000 Airport.........................................969-1800 Animal Control............................969-1640 Chamber of Commerce.............. 524-2424 City Hall...................................... 969-1000 Mayor..........................................969-1030 City Council................................969-1010 City Manager..............................969-1010 Codes Administration Inspect. & Plans Review.............969-1200 Neighborhood Services..............969-1200 Downtown Main St., Inc............. 246-6598 Economic Dev. Council.............. 525-6617 Fire Department Business Office...........................969-1300 Emergency Calls........................... 911 Municipal Court.......................... 969-1150 Parks & Recreation.................... 969-1500 Planning & Development........... 969-1600 Police Department Business Office...........................969-1700 Emergency Calls.............................. 911 Public Works.............................. 969-1800 Recycling.................................... 969-1980 Gamber Center........................... 554-3809 Social Services........................... 525-4357 Treasury (tax info.)..................... 969-1139 Water Utilities Operations.......... 969-1940 Customer Service (billing)..........969-7600

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Mayor’s Memo In late 2012, the City Council and I completed a visioning process through a series of working sessions. These working sessions helped

to clarify where our City is headed and to prioritize our path for the future. An outcome of our work was the establishment of a vision and goals for our community. That vision is “A culturally rich community with diverse economic sectors to create a prosperous and dynamic community in perpetuity.”

A “culturally rich community” refers to fostering an inclusive environment welcoming different backgrounds, people, perspectives and ideas – all needed in a progressive community. Lee’s Summit’s track record of using a team dynamic to reach common goals is one in which I am very proud.

The work of Lee’s Summit 360 is an example in which the efforts of many came together in pursuit of goals focused on education, economic development, health and human services, quality of life, transportation and local government. It is a successful working relationship that continues to create favorable outcomes for us all.

The “diverse economic sectors” phrase of the vision refers to building on our community’s stable financial strength by exploring avenues to bring new industries and jobs into Lee’s Summit. Work continues toward these efforts at the City and with the help of partners, including the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council and Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, Inc. Realizing our bold vision will ensure Lee’s Summit remains prosperous and dynamic for our generations and those to come.

In pursuit of that vision, the City Council established the following goals: • Improve the development and maintenance of infrastructure • Embrace a culture that promotes aggressive and bold decision-making • Attract and retain knowledge-based employers • Preserve and enhance residential developments On October 17, the City Council and I met for a Council Retreat where we were updated on the progress of the goals. There is still work to be done, but I am extremely pleased with the progress made by City’s staff and the City Council. As milestones are reached in these goal areas, the City will provide updates.

I invite you to read the City Council’s Strategic Vision and Goals 2013, by visiting cityofLS.net | Publications | Goals & Priorities, Strategic.

Yours Truly, Mayor Randy Rhoads

Newsletter’s New Look & Name Welcome to the premier issue of the redesigned City of Lee’s Summit residential newsletter.

As you can tell, the former City Scope newsletter has gone through a dramatic transformation since the last issue. The new layout and look reflects the community-wide brand through the use of the colors, fonts and the overall tone of the messages. There is also a new name for the publication that reflects the city’s branding. Enjoy! ■

When is Google Coming to Lee’s Summit?

This is the question on everyone’s mind since the City entered into a contract with Google Fiber.

In order to bring Google Fiber to Lee’s Summit, we need to build brand new Fiber infrastructure throughout the entire City. We want to get Fiber to Lee’s Summit residents as soon as possible, but unfortunately this process will take a lot of planning and a lot of construction. We appreciate your patience, and as soon as we have more information to share about timing, we will! ■

Academies Offer Glimpse of City Operations • Citizens Leadership Academy is a seven-session program

providing information about local government structure, leadership, financing and departments. Applications are now being accepted for the next class that begins in January 2014. The Citizens Leadership Academy is meant to complement other leadership and training programs already offered in the community.

• Citizens Police Academy is a 10-week program that provides

information about the daily operation of the police department. Some of the topics include patrol tactics, traffic and DWI enforcement and emergency services squad. Applications will be accepted from January 1 – February 7, 2014. Completion of this program does not certify a citizen as a police officer or a reserve officer.

For applications, visit cityofLS.net | About the City | Get Involved.

Call (816) 969-1005 about the Citizens Leadership Academy or call (816) 969-1707 about the Citizens Police Academy. ■

Dates to Remember!

• Holiday Light Strand Recycling will be from

November 19, 2013 through January 25, 2014 for old, broken or unwanted holiday lights at the City’s North Recycling Center, 1951 NE Douglas Street.

Receptacles will be located near the Attendant Station during operational hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• City Hall will be closed

on Nov. 28 and 29, Dec. 24 and 25 and in 2014 on Jan. 1 and 20, all in observance of the holidays.

• The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be at 5:00 pm on January 20, 2014 in the Pavilion at John Knox Village.

• Meet the Artist Reception

will be at 5:30 p.m. on January 16, 2014 in the lobby of Lee’s Summit City Hall, 220 SE Green St. It’s an opportunity to see artwork and talk with the artist.

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Celebrating Lee’s Summit’s 150th Year of Existence Community-wide planning is underway for the City’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2015.

This will include special events to commemorate the date of our town’s founding, Oct. 28, 1865. The Truly 150 Steering Committee has been meeting since May to plan what is sure to be a memorable time in our City’s history. The committee members are divided into the following subcommittees: • Creative: Responsible for the theme, logo design and colors for the year-long celebration

Are You Sitting Around an Open Fire?

During the last few years portable outdoor fireplaces and chimineas have become popular and are allowed at single family dwellings or duplexes in Lee’s Summit without a permit (These are strictly prohibited at multi-family dwellings).

These types of commercially manufactured devices contain and limit the size of the fire. However, open recreational fires require a permit. The permit is free and may be requested 48 hours in advance by calling the Fire Department.

An open recreational fire (camp fire/fire pit) is a fire that isn’t contained in an outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, approved and covered fire pit or barbeque grill. The size of the fire can’t be more than 3 feet in diameter by 2 feet high and must be located at least 25 feet from any combustible material (i.e., house, fencing, decks, vegetation, etc.). A site visit by the Fire Department is required prior to issuing the first permit to ensure proper location and to confirm only seasoned firewood is being burned. A new permit is required for each burn event.

Safety Tips to Remember 1. Portable outdoor fireplaces should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shouldn’t be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.

2. Burning should not be conducted when it is windy.

• Special Events: Responsible for identifying and planning signature events and activities

3. Fuel for the fire should consist only of seasoned firewood (dried at least six months) to minimize the generation of smoke. The fire is not to be used for the burning of yard waste, leaves, trash, scrap lumber, or documents.

• Logistics/Volunteers: Responsible for coordinating volunteers and scheduling before and during various events

4. The fire must be contained within the device, and lids and screens must be kept in place over the fire.

• Marketing: Responsible for creating the website and developing a communications/ marketing strategy • Budget and Finance: Responsible for identifying contributors and supporters and creating event budgets If you have questions about preparations for Lee’s Summit’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2015, please contact Truly 150 Steering Committee facilitator Art Davis III at 816-898-1962. ■

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5. Any recreational burning should be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Fire extinguishing equipment such as a hose or fire extinguisher shall be available for immediate use.

6. The Fire Department prohibits burning which will be offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emission or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.

7. The Fire Department will order the extinguishment of recreational burning which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation. Remember that smoke can be offensive, particularly to those with allergies or asthma.

The burning of vegetation debris in areas zoned agricultural or for land clearance is allowed only with a permit approved by the Lee’s Summit Fire Department and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Enjoy the cooler outdoor temperatures sitting around your outdoor fireplaces and permitted open recreational fires in safety! For questions about burning in the City of Lee’s Summit or to request a Recreational Fire Permit, contact the Fire Department at (816) 969-1300. ■

Lea McKeighan Park & Police Department Headquarters Renovations Nearing Completion Several major projects underway at the City are nearing completion in the days and months ahead.

The renovation of Lea McKeighan Park South, at the corner of Douglas and Chipman Roads, is one of those projects. A park dedication was in November. The renovated park is said to be a model of environmental sustainability with innovative stormwater management, native landscaping and energy efficient lighting. Some of the amenities will include an adventure play area, climbing rocks, multi-use trails, reflecting pond, a shelter and restroom as well as a special commemorative area to recognize the rich history of the park.

An aerial view of the Lea McKeighan Park construction activity.

Other important construction projects underway at the City: Bailey Road and Tudor Road.

The second phase of the SE Bailey Road Project began in September. Phase 2 will complete the Bailey Road connection between M-291 and Hamblen Road. A 300 foot long bridge will span the main lines and siding tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad, and in order to achieve the proper clearance over the railroad tracks, the roadway will rise almost 40 feet above the tracks. Additionally, a portion of Hamblen Road will be re-built, north of the future Bailey/Hamblen intersection. The construction contract was awarded to Pyramid Contractors Incorporated and work should be completed by late 2014. Watch the progress of this project online with the Bailey Road Construction webcam available at LSpw.net.

This project is the result of the voter-approved 2010 no tax increase bond initiative.

Construction has progressed for the Police Department upgrades thanks in part to the great weather. The tentative completion date for the project is February/early March 2014. The new facility will house a state of the art firearms training facility as well as a 100-seat classroom that can be used for training and community meetings.

In addition, the detention center will be expanded and renovated as a result of the project. The new structures will have the same exterior façade as the existing building.

The highly-anticipated Tudor Road Improvements project will complete the connection between NW Ward Road and NE Douglas Street via a new divided four-lane roadway, sidewalk and multi-use path. The first phase of this project, from Main to Douglas streets, officially began construction on October 14, 2013 with an anticipated completion date in fall 2014. The second phase of this project will begin construction upon completion of the agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad and relocation of major KCP&L facilities. The Tudor Road Improvement project was approved by voters during the November 2010 no-tax increase general obligation bond election.

This project will provide another arterial link between Ward Road and Douglas St. and open up approximately 190 acres to development. ■

Remain up-to-date on the City’s Capital Improvement Projects at cityofLS.net | Development | Capital Project status. For more information, call (816) 969-1800.

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Prepared for the Winter Season!

In an effort to keep 1,032 lane miles of roadway clear during winter weather, the City’s snow removal crews will use an enhanced de-icer known as ClearLane®.

The new de-icing material will be most effective for pre-treatment and during harsh winter weather conditions that almost always require repeat applications of melting materials and plowing. The new de-icing solution has a decreased environmental impact and is less corrosive to equipment. Residents will appreciate that they can now detect more easily whether or not streets have been treated because of the temporary green tint on roadways after ClearLane® is applied. Rock salt and a salt brine mixture will also be used during some snow removal efforts. Salt brine and/or ClearLane® are used on the main arterials and collectors and residential streets in advance of a pending snow storm. This application prevents the ice from bonding with the road surface allowing for more effective plowing.

Managers will continue to monitor snow removal efforts with the Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) system. AVL devices have been attached to all snow removal vehicles which provides information about the time and location of vehicles plowing roads. The device can also detect if the snow plow blade is up or down and when salt was dispersed. The AVL device transmits this information to managers at the snow desk who monitor the progress of snow removal efforts and make adjustments as needed.

During winter storms, City crews work two 12 hour, rotating shifts around the clock until all public streets are plowed.

The process is governed by the Snow Plan, which is made up of five levels. Depending on the intensity of the storm, Level 5 is executed under the most severe winter storms and calls for resources from other departments of the City and the activation of the City’s Emergency Operations Center.

Your Help Needed!

• Remove vehicles from streets to prevent a delay and to improve the snow removal process.

• Shovel snow to the side of your driveway to lessen the amount of snow left at the entrance of your driveway.

• Clear away snow from around fire hydrants so that they can be easily located during emergencies.

• Do not make snow tunnels on or near the street and driveways for children. Snow plows and other drivers may not see these and could accidently injure someone playing inside of them.

Stay Informed!

• Stay up-to-date on winter weather and road conditions via television and radio newscasts.

• Sign-up for the City’s free, snow removal advisories via nixle.com.

• Call the Snow Desk at 969-1870. Normal business hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

During winter storm events, the Snow Desk operates 24 hours a day.

With the help of new de-icing material, technology, snow removal equipment and snow removal staff, the City is prepared for another winter weather season.

• Obtain information about highway conditions in the state of Missouri at 1-800-222-6400 and in the state of Kansas at 1-800-585-7623.

To learn more about the City’s snow removal program, visit LSpw.net | Snow and Ice Removal.

• Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio for severe weather watches, warnings and advisories.

Learn more about the City’s preparations for winter weather and their efforts during and after a winter storm event by watching the City’s Snow Removal video available at watchLS.net. ■

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Take Care Not To Dump Down Drains Emptying cooking grease and oils down the drain sticks to the inside of sewer pipes, which can build up over time and cause blockages in pipes on your property and that of your neighbors.

Sewage blockages can back up into basements, parks, local waterways, yards, and even streets.

This can all lead to loss of property and costly repairs.

You can prevent sewer overflows by doing the following: • Do not pour grease and oil into drains or toilets.

• Do scrape grease and food scraps from dishes into a can or the trash for disposal.

• Do place catch baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids to prevent them from going down the drain.

Remember: Garbage disposals do not prevent grease blockages. Hot water and some products claiming to dissolve grease just move the grease to other parts of pipe.

City Council Mayor Randy Rhoads 1060 NW High Point Dr. (64081) (816) 524-8245 • Randy.Rhoads@cityofls.net

District 1 Rob Binney 503 NW O’Brien (64063) (816) 289-1929 • Rob.Binney@me.com

Kathy Hofmann 1011 SW Orrington Pl. (64081) (816) 536-3393 • hofmannk@kc.rr.com

District 2 Brian Whitley 4544 SW Gull Point Dr. (64082) (816) 213-9366 • Brian.Whitley@me.com

Allan S. Gray II Mayor Pro Tempore 612 SW Walden Lane (64081) (816) 695-8845 • AllanGrayd2@me.com

District 3 Derek M. Holland 4716 NE Howser Lane (64064) (816) 309-8008 • Derek.Holland@me.com

Forrest “Ed” Cockrell 4000 Cimarron (64064) (816) 350-2523 • cockrelled@yahoo.com

District 4

To minimize your financial risks in case of a sewer backup, contact your insurance provider about available options. For more information about what should not be emptied into drains, contact Lee’s Summit Water Utilities at 969-1900 or visit LSwater.net. ■

Bob Johnson 1000 NE Remington Ct. (64086) (816) 225-6126 • BJohnsond4@gmail.com

Dave Mosby 352 SE Williamsburg Ct. (64063) (816) 246-1315 • DaveMosbyD4@me.com

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit No. 79 Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

EDDM

220 SE Green Street Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (816) 969-1000 cityofLS.net

RESIDENT/BUSINESS

Vision

Citizen Input Needed

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

The 2013 City of Lee’s Summit Citizen Survey was mailed to 2,100 households randomly selected by ETC Institute, a community-based market research firm.

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

The survey is designed to better understand citizens’ satisfaction with a variety of services as well as to identify community priorities so that tax dollars can continue to be spent wisely. If you received the survey in the mail, please complete and return it in the self-addressed, postage paid envelope as soon as possible.

If your household did not receive the survey in the mail, you still have an opportunity to provide input via an online survey available at www.LSsurvey.org.

Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback! ■

Yours Truly 8