Riverside Progress Report 2017

UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY STORIES 2017 PROGRESS REPORT 1

I

have just finished a year of being the President of the Missouri Municipal League, and while I have always been

very active in advocating for municipal interests at the state and local levels, this past year gave me an opportunity for

deeper discussions and closer examination of the challenges that Missouri towns and cities face. And by extension, it also allowed me to measure the work all of us have done to make and keep Riverside Upstream from Ordinary.

This is all illustrated on the pages of this 2017 report. At our core are the people of our community: why they choose to live here and how they pay it forward. Businesses that locate here support our city in a number of different ways. But it’s a two-way street and I think you will be proud to read why Riverside was selected and how we work to affirm their decision each day. You will also see that just like our residents and businesses, the city pays it forward, too. We understand that a vibrant community is a benevolent community.

This past year illustrated to me what I already knew. Riverside measures up by any standard.

I hope you enjoy our 2017 Progress Report.

KATHY ROSE MAYOR OF RIVERSIDE

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY STORIES What makes Riverside “Upstream from Ordinary?” To one person, it may be the schools. Another may cite parks or recreational opportunities. Yet another may cite neighborhoods or city services. The answers will likely be as unique as the individual being asked. But when you dig deeper, you’ll learn that their idea of community isn’t truly shaped by one amenity or another: it’s the feeling that comes from being part of a very special, tight-knit community that welcomes everyone, works for the greater good and strives to be “Upstream from Ordinary.” On the following pages you’ll find the stories of a few people who live or work (or both) in Riverside, and their take on what makes our city one of a kind.

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY PEOPLE How does one decide where to live? Some choose based on affordability. For others, it’s history or family connections.

For a few, it’s the chance to nix the commute and live and work in the same great community. Here are two examples of Riverside residents who do just that.

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PEOPLE

IF YOU PAY ATTENTION TO MEDIA REPORTS, YOU MIGHT BELIEVE MOST COMMUNITIES ARE AT ODDS WITH THOSE CHARGED TO PROTECT THEM. NOTHING IS FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH IN RIVERSIDE, WHERE A TRUSTING AND POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP EXISTS BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS. RECENT POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATE AND NEW OFFICER MADISON HASS SAYS HER JOB IN RIVERSIDE IS 100% “UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY.”

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

MADISON HASS Riverside Resident & Riverside Police Officer

The Academy prepares you for all the negative things that could go on around you, but unlike in larger metro areas, you just don’t see them in the awesome community of Riverside. We’re a tight, diverse, friendly, welcoming community where you can do your job on a weekday and then come together with residents for an event at E.H. Young Park and the Community Center

M

adison is living out her childhood dream

of a career in law enforcement.

Extremely determined, she took extra classes in high school to get a head start on her goal and immediately enrolled in college after

graduation without taking the summer off. Her persistence paid off when her cousin and Riverside dispatcher Tina Hass

on your off days.

told her about an opening on

—

the force. After graduating in

Madison Hass

May 2016, Madison moved from her hometown of Council Bluffs, Iowa, applied with the Riverside Police Department and was hired shortly after.

She is the department’s fourth female officer.

“I’m not seeing anything on the streets like you read about or hear on the news,” she explained. “I’ve never seen a

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PEOPLE

PEOPLE JUST WANT TO HELP EACH OTHER community like this, so close-

“There are not a lot of people

knit, where people just want

backing you these days, but the

to help each other.” In the few

people of Riverside are always

short months policing Riverside,

behind me,” she concluded.

Madison says people frequently

“I won’t be backing down when

come up to her and say: “Hey,

it comes to your safety, either.

you and your fellow officers

If you need me, come to me.

are doing a great job!”

I’ll be here to help.”

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

SAMIR MOWAD Riverside Resident & General Manager, The Argosy Casino

T

he first time Samir Mowad came to this area, he worked north of the river but lived in Kansas City, Missouri. This time around,

it’s a different story. As General Manager of Argosy Casino, he

calls Montebella home and enjoys the five-minute door-to-door commute — and the many other perks of Riverside living.

“Riverside offers the full experience — it’s just a great place to live and work,” boasts Samir. He cites quality housing, residential neighborhoods, ease of access to downtown Kansas City, proximity to airport and interstates, free trash and the Healthy Citizen’s initiative, which provides a 75-percent discount on a YMCA membership to residents as a few of the many benefits. Living in Riverside offers the Mowads an affordable cost of living, especially when you’re not paying the KC Earnings Tax and hefty big-city

I’ve worked in multiple gaming jurisdictions and in lots of host communities, but I’ve never lived and worked in one as well-rounded, collaborative and community-engaged as Riverside. That’s what makes it truly Upstream from Ordinary.

— 8

Samir Mowad

PEOPLE

IT’S JUST A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK property taxes. With a 4-year-old, Samir’s family takes advantage of the many holiday and community gatherings throughout the year. Especially memorable was the city’s summer outreach gesture bringing a fire truck and ice cream truck to Montebella just to say, “We’re glad you’re here.” “In most communities, you can find a couple of these things,” said Samir, “but where else can you find all the things I mentioned and more in one community?”

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY BUSINESS What makes a community good for business? What makes a business a good community member? Upstream from Ordinary partnerships. For Riverside, it’s about being open-minded, accessible and welcoming to those who want to bring jobs and revenue to town. For business, it’s about more than just being “in” the community: It’s about truly being part of it.

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BUSINESS

BEFORE CHOOSING HORIZONS BUSINESS PARK TO RELOCATE ITS CORPORATE OFFICE AND KANSAS CITY, KANSAS MANUFACTURING PLANT IN 2012, PREMIUM WATERS LOOKED AT MANY CRITERIA TO DETERMINE IF RIVERSIDE HAD THE RIGHT “UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY” FEEL AND AMENITIES TO HOUSE THE MOST SOPHISTICATED WATER BOTTLING FACILITY IN THE WORLD. DURING THE LAST FIVE YEARS, THE COMPANY HAS BUILT FOUR NEW PLANTS IN OTHER COMMUNITIES, BUT ACCORDING TO VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR BERNIE ZARDA, NONE HAVE BEEN AS COOPERATIVE AND GROWTHMINDED AS THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE. 11

UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

BERNIE ZARDA Vice President & Director, Premium Waters

If I had to say anything to another company considering Riverside, it would be this: Think of the best experience you’ve had growing your business or a new market, and you’ll have that or

“I

t’s the people,” said Bernie.

“From the Alderman to the

Fire Chief to the Mayor, they

truly make you feel like part of Riverside and that you are important to this community. We just felt so much more welcomed here.”

better here. Everyone in Riverside

With facilities in larger cities

is trying to help you be successful

such as Minneapolis, Ft. Worth

instead of trying to throw up

and Las Vegas, Premium Waters’

roadblocks to that success.

150 Riverside employees enjoy

—

the small town atmosphere in

Bernie Zarda

the middle of the big city, said Bernie. Just as Riverside has made a positive impact on Premium Waters’ business, the company has done so much more than build facilities in Riverside: It is actively lifting up the community by making a difference in our schools, fire and police departments. And it’s all just part and parcel of Bernie’s commitment to shepherding a good relationship between Premium Waters and the city.

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BUSINESS

YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO THIS COMMUNITY To introduce students to

An avid runner, Bernie

advanced manufacturing, Bernie

volunteers as a coach for high

supports tours of the company’s

school distance runners and

manufacturing operations for

even has a cross country course

the Northland CAPS program.

on his personal property that

He also provides meeting space

teams can use for competitions.

at the facility for Park Hill South High School students to work on club projects related to robotics and manufacturing. For several years, Bernie has donated water to numerous groups such as Girls on the Run, Riverside F/PAL and high school athletics teams.

According to Riverside Mayor Kathy Rose, “Every time we have asked Bernie to be a partner in one of our activities, he has always said yes. We could not be happier to have Bernie Zarda and Premium Waters as a part of our community.”

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

JASON ACORD Division Real Estate Manager, QuikTrip

W

hen you unveil an Upstream from Ordinary new concept, you need a like-minded customer base to match. That’s why

QuikTrip Corporation picked Riverside, a longtime home to QT stores, to debut the first Made Fresh to Order concept prototype in March 2015. For years, QT, the City of Riverside and the community’s customers have had a mutual appreciation for one another, making for a win-win relationship and a highly successful in-store kitchen launch.

“Riverside’s emphasis is on the future, not just focused on today but what’s coming,” said QuickTrip Division Real Estate Manager Jason Acord. “The city constantly thinks about how to set something up for success down the road. Other communities look at old things or do whatever is hip and cool in the moment. Riverside embraces what’s new but at the same time understands the needs of its community.

That’s the big difference in Riverside, making it one of the better cities in the metro area for businesses and developers.”

Business Update

EXPANSIONS IN 2017 14

BUNZL took 170,000 square

Premium Waters added another

feet in Riverside Logistics

bottling line to its facility with an

Centre and added 120 jobs

investment of more than $12 million

BUSINESS

GEORGIA PROCTOR Camaro Club of Kansas City

I

t’s no secret Riverside has a love affair with classic cars. After holding its Annual CamaroFest every summer for 11 years in

E.H. Young Riverfront Park, the Camaro Club of Kansas City has

a fondness for Riverside as well.

“Riverside is the ideal location for our show,” said Georgia Proctor, Camaro Club President. “It has everything we need. We get people from Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and the St. Louis area, and Riverside offers easy out-of-town highway access. Not to mention, the location on the river is aesthetically appealing, and the Argosy Casino is convenient for entertainment and lodging. It’s a give and take relationship – we feel welcomed and appreciated by residents and city officials, and we bring something good for the local economy.”

Riverside has gone above and beyond to make event planning easy, Georgia said. One year, when the Park flooded a week before the show, Red X offered its parking lots to the Club. Georgia and members presented a trophy of appreciation to the city in 2017 as its way of saying thanks for rolling out the red carpet all these years. “It was extraordinary that the City Council stopped its meeting for nearly 20 minutes to take pictures and chat about classic cars with us.”

Horizons Spec VI is adding 415,000

Frito Lay opened a new

square feet of new Class A industrial

14,000-square-foot facility

space and began leasing in October

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY SUPPORT When one member of your community is in need, how do you respond? Whether someone is in crisis or in need, seeking support or in need of a mentor, Riverside ensures that help is at hand by supporting a wide array of service organizations. Here are the stories of two Upstream from Ordinary organizations that help those in our community in extraordinary ways.

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SUPPORT

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PAIR A PARK HILL SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WITH A PASSION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY WITH A DEDICATED MENTOR WITHIN THE RIVERSIDE POLICE OR FIRE DEPARTMENTS? SOMETHING UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED, SAYS STEPHANIE AMAYA, DIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, PARK HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT.

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

STEPHANIE AMAYA Director of Professional Studies, Park Hill School District

When I first started at the fire station, I was a little conflicted with

C

onnecting classroom learning with profes-

sional experiences is the

exactly what I wanted to do in the future.

goal of the Park Hill Profes-

However, after the experiences I’ve had

sional Study Program. It is

during this internship, I know that this is my future career path.

— Regan, Fire Department Intern

a one-semester, highly immersive internship that matches high-achieving juniors and seniors with partners in their chosen fields of interest. Students

I have learned so much about law enforcement, and it is because I am actually at Riverside PD learning from true law enforcement professionals. I also think the networking piece is huge. Meeting people in your future career is very rewarding.

— Shalleica, Police Department Intern

spend two hours a day, four days a week for 12 weeks within a participating organization helping to fill a workforce need. They earn dual credit hours from Northwest Missouri State University, and in the case of the City of Riverside, they also gain a lifelong adviser.

“So often our kids don’t get the same personalized attention from other companies they get from Riverside’s public safety

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SUPPORT

SPREAD THE GOOD WORD ABOUT RIVERSIDE departments,” said Stephanie.

will potentially spread the

She recently placed a student

good word about Riverside to

with Fire Chief Gordon Fowlston

other students. “The idea is to

and one with Police Captain

develop a pipeline from here

Mike Costanzo. “It was amazing

where these students want

watching these men and their

to pursue their careers at a

teams surround our kids with

vocational or technical schools

support and guidance.”

and colleges, and then come

Long-term, Fowlston and Costanzo are helping students grow into future leaders who

back to serve the community in which they grew up,” concluded Stephanie.

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

RIVERSIDE STANDS OUT JULIE DONELON MSW, President & CEO, MOCSA

T

he City of Riverside has long understood the need to support victims of sexual assault — and that’s very “Upstream,” according

to Julie Donelon, MSW, President & CEO of the Metropolitan Organi-

zation to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA). The relationship between the two organizations got a boost 10 years ago when the city began granting funds to ensure residents would continue to receive the valuable services MOCSA provides. Soon after, the city would play a pivotal role in helping change the way law enforcement across the metro approached and supported victims.

In the spring of 2016, MOCSA wanted to bring the “Start by Believing” campaign, which raises survivor credibility awareness, to the greater metro area law enforcement agencies. Chief Greg Mills, who at the time was Riverside Director of Public Safety, was the first person Julie turned to for help in engaging other metro police departments as partners in the campaign. “As a leader in the law enforcement community, Chief Mills got MOCSA on the agenda of a key meeting of the Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association. Without his effective introduction, we may never have forged ahead at such a rapid pace nor gained the public relations momentum we did.” She commends current Riverside Police Chief Chris Skinrood, Mayor Rose and the Riverside Police Department for its continued promotion of MOCSA throughout the community.

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SUPPORT

GARRY LINN Vice President of Operations, YMCA of Greater Kansas City

“Y

ou can’t really separate the Y from the City of Riverside,” said Garry Linn, VP of Operations, YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

Linn has been touting the praises of Riverside’s investment in its residents for nearly 10 years because it directly aligns with the Y’s core

mission: Youth Development. Healthy Living. Social Responsibility.

By partnering with the city to bring more extensive programming to the Community Center in 2014, Riverside citizens enjoy access to more fitness, fun and instructional opportunities than ever before, all right in the neighborhood. And through the city’s Healthy Citizen’s Initiative, which subsidizes 75% of the cost of membership for residents, Riverside is able to put quality programming within reach of residents who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Garry also credits the city’s commitment to parks and trail system expansion as evidence of just how much the health of its citizens truly matters to them. “When you look at all this and compare to what other cities have done, or more importantly what they haven’t done, Riverside stands out.”

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED

BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE American Red Cross redcross.org

Park Hill School District Beyond the Bell

A humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education

Offers after-school tutoring, crafts, study time and snacks to students attending English Landing School

Feed Northland Kids feednorthlandkids.org

Platte County Health Department plattecountyhealthdept.com

A weekend nutrition program that provides healthy food for school-age children

Offers a variety of services including classes, immunizations, health resources, permits and certifications

Miles of Smiles milesofsmilesinc.org Provides free dental care to children who do not have access to oral health services MOCSA mocsa.org Supports those impacted by sexual assault and abuse Northland Health Care nhcakc.org Increases access to quality healthcare in the Northland

Platte County Senior Services platteseniors.org Supports programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation to the Senior Center and shopping, and resources and activities for older adults Synergy Services synergyservices.org Helps children and teens affected by family violence find the safety, support, strength and skills needed to change their lives YMCA ymca.com An organization that promotes youth development, healthy living and social responsibility

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SUPPORT

RIVERSIDE IS NOT AFRAID TO INVEST RESOURCES TO IMPROVE OVERALL COMMUNITY AND CHANGE LIVES. ITS COMMITMENT TO RESIDENTS IN TERMS OF OVERALL HEALTH IS UNPRECEDENTED IN THE KC METRO AREA, AND I KNOW BECAUSE I WORK WITH LOTS OF DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES. RIVERSIDE’S CITY LEADERS ARE REALLY THE ONES WHO COME UP WITH ALL THE GREAT IDEAS TO IMPACT RESIDENTS. NOT ALL COMMUNITIES THINK LIKE THIS. — GARRY LINN

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

In June 2017, the Board of Aldermen adopted the 2017-18 Operating Budget. Gaming revenue, Real Estate Income and TIF Revenue have all increased in recent years. The Board of Aldermen added three new police officers this year. Discussion on the 2018-19 Operating Budget will begin in April with the final budget adoption in June.

2017 – 2018 BUDGET 2017-2018 REVENUE GAMING REVENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,600,000 TIF FROM HORIZONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,280,000 REAL ESTATE INCOME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,400,000 TAXES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,891,960 OTHER REVENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 957,637 TOTAL REVENUES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22,129,597

EXPENDITURE BUDGET SALARIES & BENEFITS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,122,743 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,906,858 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439,900 DEBT SERVICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,920,836 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,505,000 TOTAL EXPENDITURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,895,337

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FINANCIALS

EQUIPMENT 3 POLICE VEHICLES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 135,000 1 PUBLIC WORKS VEHICLE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34,000 COMMAND BUS IMPROVEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,000 PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,000 FIRE EQUIPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67,000 COMPUTER EQUIPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,000 AUDIO/VISUAL EQUIPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,000 POLICE EQUIPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71,900 TOTAL.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439,900

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,055,000 PARKS & TRAILS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,000 HORIZONS INFRASTRUCTURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,400,000 TOTAL.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,505,000

GENERAL BUDGET GROWTH 2017-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10,888,601...... (6.1%) 2016-17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,264,428...... (1.3%) 2015-16.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,132,369..... (0.8%) 2014-15.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,056,787...... (1.5%) 2013-14.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,907,612...... (1.8%) 2012-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,727,892.................

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UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY

BOARDS & COMMITTEES

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

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Mayor Kathy Rose

Ron Super

Al Bowman

Chett Pruett

Aaron Thatcher

Salvatore LoPorto

Art Homer

BOARDS & COMMITTEES

The City of Riverside is only as strong as those who choose to serve our community. We are fortunate to have this dedicated group of individuals committed to ensuring Riverside remains an “Upstream from Ordinary� place to work and live for years to come.

Board of Zoning Adjustment

Planning & Zoning Commission

Chris Craig

Nathan Cretsinger

Rick Euwer

Jim Frakes

John Heryer

Steven Kaspar

Lowell Hickman

Steven King

Dave Thatcher

Mike Lombardo

Industrial Development Authority

Harold Snoderley Mike Soler

Frank Biondo

Ray Uhl

Leland Finley

Tax Increment Financing Commission

Harold Snoderley Parks Board William Bray Jill Hammond LaNette Ingram Cathy Kline Chet Pruett Elaine Warren Deana Winter

Jeanette Cowherd Kip Crawford Leland Finley Paul Kelly Kathy Rose Ron Schieber Ron Super Tourism Commission Brad Cope Denise Hamilton Lori Locke 27

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