eNewsletter July 06, 2011

From City Council . . . to the Business Council

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

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Recent topics from City Hall (and beyond) as of July 06, 2011…

North Kansas City Flood Outlook

Fire Chief Dave Williams reported to the City council on June 28th that the current forecast showed the river cresting on Friday July 1st at 31.6 feet and then receding to 31 feet. Without rainfall, official forecasters think that it will hold steady at 31 feet for a while, which is still below flood stage for North Kansas City.

Update on liNKCity Dark Fiber Leases

City Administrator Matt Shatto announced June 28 that 5 new applications for dark fiber leases have emerged since the recent approval of policies and rates for leasing liNKCity dark fiber.

City of North Kansas City Voluntary Retirement Program

City Council approved a program to allow and encourage voluntary resignation or retirement as one way of reducing the annual structural deficit in the City’s general fund. This is in addition to other actions which have already occurred, including a hiring freeze, a salary freeze and reduction of less essential items in the budget which have reduced the deficit by almost half.

Incentives for those who retire or resign under the program include six months of current base pay, some medical insurance premium benefits and waiver of any tuition reimbursement liability. Employees of the Communications Utility department and other agencies of the governed by separate boards (Public Library, Parks & Recreation, etc) are excluded from participating.

Purchase Agreements for Future Mixed Use Project

The City of North Kansas City is advancing toward acquisition of land necessary to move forward with the planned mixed used development east of I-35 and south of Armour Rd.

A third extension of time, until July 22, 2011, was approved by City Council for the City to close on the purchase of the ADM property due to delays ADM has experienced acquiring the unused railroad spur from BNSF Railway Company.

City Council approved the purchase of the property where Burger King is located.

Razing of the property at Burlington and Armour

If you have driven by the intersection of Burlington and Armour you may have noticed that the building on the southeast corner which was in disrepair has been torn down. City Council had approved purchase of this property, if necessary, to eliminate the unsightly appearance.

Additional drainage work on 13th Avenue Parking Lot

Public Works Director Pat Hawver reported that additional vertical drains are needed for the new 13th Avenue Parking Lot requiring an additional expenditure of $11,680 with approval of the requested change order.

Approval of Tobacco House request for conditional use permit

The Tobacco House was given approval for a conditional use permit for the North Kansas City Business Council Business After Hours event on Wednesday, July 20, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. A tent will be set up; beer will be donated by North Kansas City Beverage; and food will be donated by Chip Shot Bar & Grill.

Ordinance for Clay County Collector to Collect North Kansas City property taxes

City Council approved an ordinance to utilize the Clay County Collector’s office to collect property taxes for North Kansas City for the years 2011 through 2014. This will allow a net savings for North Kansas City because the County is able to utilize methods for collecting taxes that are more effective than what North Kansas City is able to use.

Ordinance concerning confidential City information

City Council approved an ordinance making it clearer that confidentiality is expected and required of City Council members, City staff and City Board members concerning topics discussed in executive sessions.

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What is this?

This is the 10th 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.