eNewsletter April 20, 2011

From City Council . . . to the Business Council

Prepared by Rich Groves, Executive Director, North Kansas City Business Council

Levee Repairs and Certification

Richard Lanning, President of the Levee District, and Leon Staab, District Engineer who works for Burns & McDonnell Engineering, updated the City Council about the need for capital improvement projects necessary to increase the reliability of the North Kansas City Levee Unit. The cost of all projects will be approximately $11.1 million. Some of the costs will be shared with the federal government, and the Levee District’s contribution will be about $4.5 million. One project has a $1.5 dollar cost and must be completed by January 2012 for certification of the levee in FEMA’s flood insurance program. The Levee District expects to expend the $4.5 million within the next two fiscal years. The cost for these large projects exceeds what is available from the District’s normal operation and maintenance budget. Therefore, the Levee District plans to issue debt to cover the costs. As a result, property owners within the district can expect their annual assessments to increase.

The Levee District is currently in the process of certifying that the levee meets FEMA’s requirements. If certification does not occur, there will be a significant increase in flood insurance premiums for all properties that are protected by the levee. City Council was asked to consider either lending money to the Levee District to get the project moving quickly, or to grant money to assist with financing the project and reducing the amount of funding from bonds that would be needed. No specific amount was requested. City staff agreed to develop recommendations for City Council consideration as an urgent priority.

Dark Fiber Usage by liNKCity and Its Customers

This isn’t a "Darth Vader" story. Dark fibers are the un-lit, unused fibers within the fiber optic network cable. Various requests have been made during the past few years to be able to lease use of some of these dark fibers for dedicated use. LiNKCity has engaged Columbia Telecommunications Corporation which will assist in moving forward to develop program policies and procedures, a template for leasing agreements, pricing to be used and how to incorporate this leasing option in liNKCity’s integrated marketing program. Leasing the use of dark fibers is expected to have a significant positive impact on liNKCity’s income.

Farmer's Market Proposal

As part of the normal approval process for a short-term conditional use permit, I presented plans for the 2011 Friday Farmer's Market at the City Council work session. The Farmer's Market will be every Friday morning, May through October, from 7 a.m. extending through the lunch hour, at Caboose Park (Armour and Howell) beginning May 6. Approval is expected at the next Business session for use of Caboose Park and for approval to use helpful signage to encourage residents, workers and those just driving through North Kansas City to notice and patronize the Farmer's Market. A variety of other low cost ways to promote the Farmer's Market will be used. First Watch has agreed to provide "Free Friday Coffee" at the market.

North Kansas City Audit Becomes KC Business Journal News

A mandatory financial audit forced by a petition signed by 291 North Kansas City residents was described in the April 15-21 issue of the Kansas City Business Journal, page 5. Primary issues by citizens who signed the audit were handling of gaming revenue and land ownership by the city. Petitioners questioned the wisdom of using part of the reserve fund derived from revenue from Harrah’s Casino on “amenities” such as the community center and liNKCity. The reserve fund is also used to cover the deficit in the city’s operating budget. Jeff Samborski was quoted about the decision to buy the ADM property in anticipation of an eventual multi-use project on that site and the inevitable departure of AMD due to changes in the industry in which it participates.

New City Council persons sworn in

Jim Martino – Ward 1 – re-elected
David Silvers – Ward 2 – re-elected
Richard Stewart – Ward 3 – 1st term
Denise Lambert – Ward 4 – 1st term

Well-trained City staff

The April 12 City Council meeting included several approvals for staff members to attend conferences and training. Our city staff is obviously trying to keep current with the state of the art and relevant issues for good city management.

Fire Chief David Williams – SEMA Conference (State Emergency Management Agency)
City Administrator Matt Shatto – MCMA Spring Conference (Missouri City Management Association)
Deputy City Administrator Mike Smith – MCMA Spring Conference
Municipal Court Clerk Vicki Russell – Missouri Association of Court Administrators Conference
Officer Steve Beamer – FBI National Academy Associates Annual Conference

Well-structured, well-run and fast-moving City Council meetings

As a regular attendee at City Council meetings, I am impressed by how well North Kansas City’s meetings are organized and conducted. Credit goes to a good system for preparing City Council persons with information in advance about issues to be voted on and by excellent meeting management by Mayor Bill Biggerstaff. Also helping to keep meetings on track is the work of City Clerk Loutishia Powell, and City Administrator Matt Shatto. When discussion is needed, it is conducted in a business-like, respectful manner.

More Discussion of Issues at City Council Meetings?

Perhaps as a sign of things to come, new City Council person Denise Lambert in her first meeting, asked for more information about contracts about lawn care. Public Works Director Pat Hawver was prepared for the questions and approval followed quickly.

Second Saturday approved for a new year

It was clear that City staff and City Council members are in full support of Second Saturdays. The request for a temporary conditional use permit was approved as was an agreement with Kol Media to promote Second Saturdays.

Bob Hiatt City Beautification Day Re-scheduled for Saturday, April 30

The annual beautification day which attracts citizen participation, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 16, was re-scheduled for Saturday, April 30, due to anticipated cold weather. That proved to be a wise decision because the original date was, indeed, unseasonably cold.

What is this?

This is the 4th in a series of e-newsletters that will bring to you, twice a month, any relevant news for the business community from the City Council meetings that I attend each week, as well as other happenings at City Hall.

Why do we do it?

This communication is intended to be an additional Benefit of Membership for members of the North Kansas City Business Council. If you know of other businesses who are NOT members – but who probably would benefit by being a member – please let them know this is one thing they are missing.

If you have good “leads” for prospective new members, please let me know. Call 472-7700 or e-mail richard@nkcbusinesscouncil.com.

2012 Mickey Finn Scholarship Golf Classic
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Farmer's Market Application and Rules
Learn More About the Business Council - Click here for details