Lenexa Town Talk - February 2014

TownTalk

February 2014 • Issue 1

Citizen survey shows Lenexa provides high-quality services The information below indicates the percentage of residents who indicated a satisfaction score of 4 or 5 on a 1 (low) to 5 (high) scale.

Quality of police/fire/ ambulance services

Lenexa

KC Metro

United States

95%

80%

82%

City parks and recreation programs and facilities 93% City’s stormwater runoff/ management system Effectiveness of city communication with public

Customer service received from city employees

69%

71%

82%

55%

66%

80%

48%

46%

79%

58%

56%

Enforcement of city codes and ordinances 72% Traffic flow/ congestion management in the city

48%

54%

Lenexa residents have once again overwhelmingly shown they value the quality of services provided by the city. Results from a citizen survey, known as DirectionFinder, reveal Lenexa as a leader in providing services to its citizens.

delivery of major city services, was administered to a randomly selected group of residents in the last two months of 2013.

• 92% are satisfied with the overall quality of life in Lenexa (KC metro 72%; national 81%)

The survey also explored citizens’ views of the Lenexa City Center project. This information will be valuable as city leaders continue to engage new businesses to the area.

“We have a responsibility to understand how citizens feel about city services,” explained Lenexa Mayor Michael Boehm.

Key findings from Lenexa “The information collected residents who were surveyed and through this survey is one way expressed an opinion include: we ensure citizens’ views are taken into account as we set • 97% rated the city as priorities.” “excellent” or “good” to live in (KC metro average 83%; The survey was administered by national average 85%) ETC Institute. “Lenexa continues to set the national standard • 95% rated Lenexa as an when it comes to overall citizen “excellent” or “good” place satisfaction,” said Chris Tatham, to raise children (KC metro CEO of the ETC Institute.

80%; national 81%)

• 89% are satisfied with the overall image of Lenexa (KC metro 65%; national 72%) 72%

61%

54%

The survey, which assesses citizen satisfaction with the

Full results from the survey are available online at www.lenexa. com/survey2013.

TownTalk Dumpster Weekends April 12-13 and Oct. 11-12 Residents needing to dispose of materials not typically included in regular curbside pickup have two opportunities to do so in 2014. The city’s Dumpster Weekends in 2014 are scheduled for April 12 and 13 and Oct. 11 and 12.

Lenexa residents may bring their items to the Lenexa Municipal Services Center, 7700 Cottonwood. Proof of Lenexa residency will be required, and load fees will be assessed depending on the size of vehicle.

Additional fees will be charged for white goods with Freon, TVs and monitors and tires.

For a full listing of fees and materials accepted during the Dumpster Weekends, visit www.lenexa.com/towntalk.

Art Scholarships available Graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a college arts education are encouraged to apply for one of the Lenexa Arts Council’s art scholarships.

Outside judges award up to $3,000 in visual and performing arts scholarship to recipients.

Applicants must submit a completed scholarship application form (available on the city’s website), two samples of original, signed artwork, two recommendation letters and a biography or resume. The deadline is March 3.

Anyone with questions should call 913.477.7100. Full details and application forms are available at www.lenexa.com/towntalk.

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Lenexa Likes Volunteers Volunteers are essential to Lenexa.

From our festival helpers to the individuals that volunteer in the City’s different departments, volunteers make a significant contribution to the daily operations of Lenexa.

In 2013, 477 individuals donated more than 12,500 hours, making Lenexa a better community and an outstanding place to live, work and play. With each volunteer hour having a value of $18.45 in Kansas (according to independentsector. org), the dollar value of that service equates to almost $231,000 in man power donated by our volunteers.

Lenexa’s volunteers are a very important part of our community and we are very proud of them.

Each year in April, we induct individuals who have made a significant volunteer contribution to our community into the Lenexa Volunteer Hall of Fame.

To volunteer with the city, visit www.lenexa.com/ volunteers.

2013 Volunteer Hours

Police 2,373 Parks & Recreation 4,770 Fire 2,313

Court 842

Legler Barn 1,979

Community Development & Municipal Services - 242

We are currently accepting nominations for this year’s inductions.

If you know an individual who has been an outstanding volunteer in the Lenexa community, please consider taking the time to nominate them.

Nominations must be submitted in writing by March 7, 2014 to City Clerk David Bryant. Nomination criteria are available online.

Lenexa Bridal Show features many vendors Feb. 23, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Thompson Barn, 11184 Lackman Brides-to-be looking for creative ideas and new wedding trends need to look no further than the 2014 Lenexa Bridal Show. Enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, fashion and free giveaways at this intimate informational show featuring local wedding businesses and services.

Free samples will be available, and attendees will have the chance to win prizes including

designer wedding gowns, a $500 tuxedo gift certificate, china set and more. As a show special, Lenexa is offering a 10-percent discount for brides who book their wedding or reception at Thompson Barn during the event.

Admission is free when registering online in advance, or $5 at the door. More information is available online at www.lenexa.com/ towntalk.

Greener lawn care advice available at expo March 29, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Dr.

Five City of Lenexa Municipal Services Department employees recently graduated from the American Public Works Association’s Public Works Institute, including Josh Blann, Shawn Ralston, Calvin “Butch” Sallaz, Mike Okerberg and Mike Tharp.

The City of Lenexa is excited to once again be a sponsor of the Johnson County Healthy Yards Expo.

Residents can learn about making greener lawn care and gardening choices as well as visiting with vendors who focus on environmentally friendly practices.

Informative speakers will discuss topics such as composting, water conservation, tree care and wildlife habitat gardening. Bring a sample of your soil to the Expo to receive free testing and shop from vendors offering a wide variety of plants, garden and art accessories.

Representatives from Johnson County K-State Research, Extension Master Gardeners, and other plant societies will be available to offer expert advice about your gardening concerns. Activities will

Photo by volunteer photographer Bill Harrison

also be available for children to participate in. This fifth annual expo is a collaborative effort between the Cities of Lenexa, Shawnee and Overland Park, Johnson County K-State Research and Extension and Johnson County Stormwater Management.

Lenexa Animal Control reminds pet owners that all dogs and cats over six months of age are required by ordinance to be licensed with the city.

Animal licenses must be attached to your pet’s collar and serve as a reliable form of identification, as licenses can

The intensive training program takes two years to complete and covers 10 subjects including leadership, management, finance, community service, legal, communication and much more.

Missoula Children’s Theatre

For more information about the Healthy Yards Expo, visit www.lenexa.com/towntalk.

Residents required to license pets with the city

Animal licensing is now available to residents online at www.PetData.com, or by calling 855.585.8159. Licenses are valid from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 of each calendar year and must be renewed on an annual basis. The cost is $12 per spayed/neutered animal ($22 for intact animals), and proof of current vaccination is needed.

Lenexa continues to develop leaders

Photo by volunteer photographer Bill Harrison

be tracked if an animal becomes separated from its family.

Anyone with questions about animal licensing in Lenexa should call 913.477.7385 or go to www.lenexa.com/towntalk.

Sign up early to reserve your child’s spot to audition for “King Arthur’s Quest,” a Missoula Children’s Theatre partnership with the Lenexa Arts Council and Lenexa Parks & Recreation.

The weeklong theatre camp includes three workshops, a dress rehearsal and two live performances. A group audition will be held July 21, and the selected ensemble will include 60 cast members and four youth directors. Workshops and rehearsals will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 21 through July 26.

Camp fee is $35. To sign up, just visit www.lenexa.com/towntalk.

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TownTalk

Lenexa Town Talk is published six times a year by the City of Lenexa for its residents. Please direct questions or comments to the Communications Division by e-mailing communications@lenexa.com.

12350 W. 87th Street Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 66215

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage P A I D Kansas City, MO Permit No. 32

City Administrator Eric Wade

Mayor Mike Boehm Council Members Ward 1 Joe Karlin Steve Lemons

Ward 3 Amy Slater Lou Serrone

Ward 2 Diane Linver Tom Nolte

Ward 4 Mandy Stuke Andy Huckaba

913.477.7500

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Spring break offers many activities

Keeping Lenexa looking beautiful City officials have placed an emphasis on increasing the enforcement of property maintenance ordinances to support robust property values and ensure Lenexa remains a great place to live.

Exterior inspections are conducted biennially on every rental property registered with the city. Exterior and interior inspections may also be requested by a tenant at any time.

Lenexa Parks and Recreation has lined up a week’s worth of activities sure to keep the kids entertained during spring break, March 17 through March 21.

Activities for all ages are planned throughout the week. A highlight of this year’s spring break offerings will be trips to Union Station and the U.S. Treasury in Kansas City, Mo., along with a trip to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn.

There will also be activities at the Community Center with an instructor-led engineering demo using LEGO components, geocaching, Zumba for Kids demo, SNAG golf demo and more. For more details, or to register, go to www.lenexa.com and click on “Register for Classes.”

From 2012 to 2013, Community Standards staff worked proactively with property owners and tenants to reduce the number of properties failing to meet minimum inspection standards by 7 percent.

Tall, unsightly weeds and grass are also of concern to the community. Last year, the city’s private mowing contractor addressed 326 noncompliant properties, up from 193 in 2012. To recoup costs, city staff also increased collection efforts from the owners of these properties, either by direct invoice or property lien. If tall weeds and grass are a problem in your neighborhood, report it online or by using the Lenexa 311 mobile app.

To ensure we retain high standards in our community, Lenexa will continue monitoring property maintenance in 2014.