Fall 2011
Lee's Summit 360o Update 2
→ LS360 o Diversity 2
→ LS360 o Community-wide Branding 3
→ LS360 o Education Task Force 3
Mayor’s
I am ready for cooler Future of Sustainability Taking 4
Memo temperatures and look forward Shape In Community
→ Electric Vehicle Charging Station 4
to watching with amazement as → Recognition for Traffic Signal Upgrades 4
the leaves of summer turn to the → Creation of Action Plan 4
vibrant oranges, yellows, and Citizens Leadership Academy in Jan. 5
browns of fall. The crispness in the air creates the
perfect setting in which to stroll through our beautiful Save the Dates 5
neighborhoods, parks and trails throughout the City. Jackson County Tax Payment Information 5
While fall is an invitation to enjoy the great Mayor and City Council 6
outdoors it is also time to prepare for the colder
Todd George Parkway Extension Open 6
temperatures of the winter season. Therefore, today’s
column is filled with tips to prepare now. Community of Character 6
Winterize the interior and exterior of your home by Improved Snow Removal Efficiency 7
caulking and adding weather stripping around windows City Receives Bronze 8
and doors to prevent heat loss that could lead to higher Walkability Designation
heating costs this winter. Seal around pipes, wires, ducts, etc.
between finished spaces and unfinished spaces including the
attic. These steps could also save dollars on your energy bills.
It is also time to schedule an inspection of your furnace and chimney
before using them.
Our automobiles will need to be winterized, too. This time of the year, I generally
begin a check-list of supplies to place in the vehicles before the onset of winter weather. Among
those items are blankets, a shovel, a flashlight and batteries. Snacks are also a good idea
to keep in the car, such as granola bars, trail mix and water.
Besides preparations for the winter weather, the fall is the time to renew or purchase
a pet license. On November 5, there will be a special pet license opportunity at Lee’s
Summit Animal Control, 1991 SE Hamblen Road, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. I’ll be
onsite from 10 a.m. to noon with free giveaways and an opportunity to chat with you
one-on-one. This is a part of my new program “A Moment with the Mayor” which
strives to build a stronger relationship with the community and to promote
transparency in City government.
~ Mayor Randy Rhoads
Diversity religious, cultural, and ethnic groups.”
In order to better understand and support this
Results of the 2010 Census revealed a significant goal, Mayor Rhoads established the Mayor’s Ad Hoc
population growth in Lee’s Summit over the last decade. Committee on Community Diversity in 2010 composed
Not only did our population increase but we also of representatives from the Lee’s Summit 360° initiative,
became a more diverse community seeing an increase the City’s HRC, the Lee’s Summit Police Department,
in the number of African-Americans, Asians, and and members of the business and education
Hispanics moving to Lee’s Summit. community. The Task Force developed the following
The City has long been aware of this trend for years, mission statement: “It is our mission to promote mutual
and has taken steps to address diversity awareness understanding, respect, and inclusion among all
through education and the promotion of mutual diverse groups represented in Lee’s Summit through
understanding and respect. In 1993, one of the goals the implementation of education and civic standards.”
to emerge from the first community strategic planning To further this mission statement, the committee was
process, Lee’s Summit 21st Century, was the formation charged with reviewing the Ordinance and the duties
of a Human Relations Commission (HRC) to “eliminate and structure of the HRC and to make several suggested
racial misunderstandings, hate group activities, changes. The primary change the committee suggested
and prejudices of all types; and, to promote mutual was the restructuring of the HRC to gain perspectives
understanding and respect among all social, racial, and support for diversity initiatives from those in the
religious, cultural, and ethnic groups in the city.” These places where residents work, serve, play, and learn:
goals were further supported and expounded upon in the business community, the faith community and
an update to the strategic plan in 1998. the educational community. It is proposed that a
Diversity awareness was again identified as an representative from each of these communities become
important priority for the community in the more recent an appointed member of the City’s HRC and it is
community strategic planning process in 2008 known recommended the Mayor serve as City liaison to the
as Lee’s Summit 360°: Charting Tomorrow. HRC as well.
The Quality of Life Key Performance This newly, reconstituted HRC will work to
Area in the strategic plan provided a develop civic standards by which to promote diversity
goal for diversity that states, “identify, awareness and understanding in all aspects of life in
educate and implement civic standards our community. The new HRC will begin its work in the
for diversity within the community in next few months.
order to promote mutual understanding If you are interested in participating in the efforts of
and respect among all social, racial, the HRC, call (816) 969-1010.
2010 Census Population Comparison
Population Lee’s Summit BlueSprings Independence
White 86.10% 87.60% 85.70%
African American 8.40% 6.20% 5.60%
Hispanic 3.90% 5.00% 7.70%
Asian 1.70% 1.20% 1.00%
American Indian 0.30% 0.50% 0.60%
Pacific Islander 0.10% 0.30% 0.70%
One Race 97.60% 96.90% 96.80%
2 Two or More Races 2.40% 3.10% 3.20%
The City’s branding efforts continue to move
forward. This summer, North Star Destination As a place to live... National Lee's Summit, MO
Strategies, Inc., the consultant engaged to assist Lee’s Summit outperforms the national average, as a
destination for recruiting residents.
the LS360° Branding Committee in developing a 80.0%
70.8%
community branding campaign for Lee's Summit, 70.0%
conducted an In-Market visit. They spent several 60.0%
days interviewing residents and businesses, and 50.0% 46.2%
conducting person-on-the-street interviews to obtain 40.0%
31.8%
a well rounded perspective of how people view our 30.0%
22.0% 20.9%
community. 20.0%
8.3%
10.0%
A community-wide survey was also distributed to
0.0%
gather perceptions of Lee's Summit. With almost 1,000 Detractors Passives Promoters
surveys conducted, the response was quite impressive. As a place to conduct business...
See the two charts for responses received about the As a place to conduct business, Lee’s Summit performs
very well against the national average.
community as a place to live and do business. 80.0%
70.0%
The results of North Star’s research and interviews
60.0% 55.8%
were presented to the City Council in September along 45.8%
50.0%
with a recommended Brand Platform, or primary 40.0%
brand message for the community. With the brand 30.0%
29.8%
27.5%
message approved, the creative process has begun 24.4%
20.0% 16.7%
with the design of the creative elements, such as a logo, 10.0%
taglines and succinct written messaging. Creation of 0.0%
Detractors Passives Promoters
a plan to help guide the community in the successful
implementation of the new brand message will also be
developed. Watch for more updates!
communication and dissemination tool for education
programs and resources available to Lee’s Summit
residents. This site is envisioned to be a one-stop-
shop for a variety of users. It will contain information
and resources on lifelong learning programs
for all ages, career exploration and work skills
training, and funding options and opportunities
for education programs and career training.
It will also contain a searchable directory of
education programs and resources. Members
Education Summit 2010 of the education community will enter and
maintain their own information in the directory;
An inaugural Education Summit held in June the working group will be administrator of the
2010 brought together education stakeholders and site to provide some oversight and regulation of
engaged citizens from across Lee’s Summit to discuss program postings.
education-related topics affecting the community. The
The timeline for this launch is
Education Summit participants led to the formation
approximately spring 2012. The site is
of several working groups to discuss education in
currently available for viewing at www.
depth. It became evident in several of the working
learnforlifels.com. Comments and
groups that clear and comprehensive communication
suggestions for content are welcome and
and dissemination of education programs and
may be submitted at the FAQ/Contacts
resources available to Lee’s Summit residents was
tab under “Contacts” or by emailing
lacking. As a result, a community education Web
findout@learnforlifels.com. 3
site is in development to create a comprehensive
A number of strides have been made to further The Creation of an Action Plan
the City’s sustainability efforts. Learn about some of
City staff and community stakeholders gathered
the more recent efforts below and continue to watch
on August 30 at Legacy Park Community Center to
for ways in which you can reduce your carbon foot
offer input into a community-wide Sustainability
print, help the environment, and save money. More
Action Plan that takes into account the areas of energy
information will be coming in future issues of this
efficiency, transportation, land use, water conservation
newsletter; broadcast on the government access
and stormwater management, and waste reduction
channel available on Comcast, channel 7, Time
and management. Methods of communication
Warner, channel 2 , and AT&T U-verse, channel 99;
through education, advocacy and outreach were also
and located on the “Environment” page of cityofls.net
addressed at the workshop. The plan will be presented
under “Sustainability”.
to the City Council in early 2012.
Recognition for Traffic Signal
Upgrades
In July, the City received the 2010 KCITE Excellence
in Transportation Award for “green” achievements
with the installation of InSync adaptive traffic signal
controls and signal synchronization along Chipman
Road. The award was presented by the Kansas City
Chapter of the Institute of Transportation Engineers
(KCITE).
Pictured are participants at the Sustainability Action Plan
Workshop on August 30 at Legacy Park Community Center.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Electric vehicles can now be charged at the new electric
vehicle charging station available on the main level of the Lee’s
Summit City Hall parking garage on 2nd and Green streets in
Lee’s Summit. Lee’s Summit is one of eight sites located in the
Kansas City metropolitan area. To use the charging station, an
individual will need to call 1-888-758-4389 to obtain a card for
access. The charging station is funded by the U.S. Department of
Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition is working with
KCP&L and the City’s Fleet Division to administer the grant. For
more information, visit cityofls.net, select “About the City” and
“Downtown Lee’s Summit”.
4
Citizens Leadership
Academy in January:
Apply today! Weekdays until
mid-January
Applications are now being accepted for Stop by City Hall to view
the 2nd Annual Citizens Leadership Academy. local artist Jerry Brown’s
The academy is free and open to Lee’s Summit artwork on display from now
residents who want to gain better insight into until mid-January during
the operations of City government as well as to regular business hours. Visit
prepare for greater involvement in community cityofls.net for more details.
leadership. The program will be interactive
and City staff will work with the participants to November 5
answer questions and to guide them through “A Moment with the Mayor,” 10 a.m. to noon, at Lee’s
the municipal process. There will be room for Summit Animal Control, 1991 SE Hamblen Road. Chat
18 participants, including three high school one-one with Mayor Rhoads. Free giveaways, pet adoption
seniors nominated by either a school principal and license renewal opportunity.
or counselor.
January 16 - Earlier Start Time!
(Pre-show begins at 5:30 p.m.)
The City will host its 15th Annual Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Celebration at 6 p.m. on January 16th, 2012 in the
Pavilion at John Knox Village. This year’s celebration will
include music, dance, and a culturally-inspired fashion
show. The keynote speaker will be announced soon.
Watch for details about this event on the City’s Web site
and on the government access channel broadcast on
Comcast, channel 7; Time Warner, channel 2; and AT&T
U-verse, channel 99.
Participants of the 2011 Citizens Leadership Academy Pencil in these dates and make plans to attend!
listen to a presentation by Codes Administration
Director Mark Dunning.
Participants will meet twice a month on
Saturday from 8:15 a.m. until noon from
January through April at various City facilities.
If you are interested in participating in the Jackson County citizens can pay their Jackson
Citizens Leadership Academy, download the County personal property and real estates tax bills
application from the City’s Web site, cityofls.net in the Treasury Office on the first floor of Lee’s
by clicking the “Main” site, “About the City” and Summit City Hall, 220 SE Green St. Present your
“Get Involved”. Applications are also available tax statement to one of the cashiers and you will
in the City Clerk’s Office in Lee’s Summit City
be issued a receipt upon payment. Please bring
Hall, 220 SE Green St., Lee’s Summit, MO.
incorrect statements to the Treasury Office for
Completed applications can be e-mailed correction prior to the last week of December
to Denise.Chisum@cityofls.net, faxed to (816) to avoid long lines and delays in processing.
969-1002, dropped off or mailed to Lee’s Summit Titles, registrations or proof of sale documents
City Hall.
are required for billing corrections.
Extended office hours: Tues-Fri (Dec 27-30)
The application deadline is from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. City offices will be
December 10, 2011. closed November 24 & 25 and December 23
For information, call & 26. Tax payments are accepted by cash
(816) 969-1006. or check only. 5
District 1 District 1 District 2 District 2
Mayor Randy Rhoads
James Hallam Kathy Hofmann Brian Whitley Allan S. Gray II
1060 NW High Point Dr. (64081)
3996 SE Doc Henry Rd. 1011 SW Orrington Pl. 4544 SW Gull Point Dr. 612 SW Walden Lane
(816) 524-8245
(64082) (64081) (64082) (64081)
Randy.Rhoads@cityofls.net
(816) 517-7790 (816) 536-3393 (816) 213-9366 (816) 695-8845
jhallam@mid-west.net hofmannk@kc.rr.com BWhitleyd2@gmail.com agrayd2@gmail.com
Mayor &
City
Council
District 3 District 3 District 4 District 4
Joseph C. Spallo Forrest “Ed” Cockrell Bob Johnson Dave Mosby
5502 NE Oaks Ridge Cr. 4000 Cimarron 1000 NE Remington Ct. 352 SE Williamsburg Ct.
(64064) (64064) (64086) (64063)
(816) 478-6752 (816) 350-2523 (816) 225-6126 (816) 246-1315
jspallo@sbcglobal.net cockrelled@yahoo.com BJohnsond4@gmail.com DaveHMosby@gmail.com
The new Todd George
Parkway between Woods
Chapel and Colbern roads
is now open. This new
roadway extends Todd
George Parkway from where
it ended at Colbern Road
north to Woods Chapel Road where
it connects with Lakewood Way. The Todd
George Parkway extension was funded by the
Strother Road Tax Increment Financing (TIF)/
Transportation Development District (TDD)
and an American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act (ARRA) stimulus grant. The stimulus grant
paid $1.1 million of the total $4.7 million project
6 construction cost.
The winter season will soon be upon us, and the In addition to implementing new technologies
City is busy preparing for its most important winter job and practices, the department spends time each fall
– snow removal! preparing snow removal equipment, conducting
Each year, the City’s Public Works Department practice runs on designated snow routes, and
begins preparation by identifying lessons learned conducting drills at the department’s annual Snow
and opportunities for improvement from previous Rodeo. The Snow Rodeo, held annually in September, is
years’ events. This often means implementing new
technologies and practices.
This year, the department is testing a To stay informed about snow removal
new Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) activities, sign up for Nixle, a free service
system that will allow managers to at www.nixle.com and enter your zip
monitor snow removal efforts in “real code.
time.” An AVL device has been attached
to all snow removal vehicles which will
track the time and location of vehicles. The device
can also detect and record if the snow plow blade is
up or down and if salt is being dispersed. The AVL
device transmits this information back to managers
at the snow desk who monitor the progress of snow
removal efforts and make adjustments as needed.
Eventually, the system will be available on the Web
site for residents to view.
Another innovation the department
implemented a few years ago is the application of a a fun way for drivers to improve their skills at clearing
salt brine mixture on main arterials and collectors cul-de-sacs, turning sharp radiuses, maneuvering
in advance of pending snow storms that are not around vehicles and other obstacles that may be
scheduled to begin as rain events. This application encountered when plowing streets during a
prevents the ice from bonding with the road surface snow storm.
allowing for more effective plowing. The snow removal process is a
demanding job. Crews work 12 hour,
rotating shifts around the clock until the
snowfall has ended and all public streets
are plowed. The process is governed by the
Snow Plan, which is made up of five levels.
• Stay up-to-date on winter weather and road Depending on the intensity of the storm,
conditions via television and radio newscasts. Level 5 is executed under the most severe
winter storms and calls for resources from
• Remove vehicles from streets to prevent other departments of the City.
a delay and to improve the snow removal
process. To learn more about the City’s snow
removal program, visit cityofls.net, click
• Shovel snow to the side of your driveway to “Transportation, Street Programs and
lessen the amount of snow left at the entrance Maintenance” then select “Snow and Ice
of your driveway. Removal.” Residents can call (816) 969-
1870 if they have questions about the snow
• Call the Snow Desk at 816-969-1870. Normal
removal program.
business hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday. During winter storm events, 7
the Snow Desk operates 24 hours a day.
Metroflex Downtown Bus ................. (816) 346-0802
OATS Bus ............................................. (816) 380-7433
LS Social Services ...............................(816) 525-4357
Gamber Center ....................................(816) 969-1580
Economic Dev. Council ......................(816) 525-6617
Downtown Main St., Inc ................... (816) 246-6598
Chamber of Commerce ......................(816) 524-2424
City Hall ...............................................(816) 969-1000
Important Community Phone Numbers
RESIDENT/BUSINESS
ECRWSS
64063
Lee’s Summit, MO
Permit No. 79
PAID
U.S. POSTAGE
PRSRT STD
Phone Numbers
General Information .................... 969-1000
Animal Control.......................... 969-1640
Administration ............................969-1010
Lee’s Summit has been designated a Bronze Level
Mayor ........................................969-1030
Walk Friendly Community for its walkability initiatives City Council ..............................969-1010
and programs by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information City Manager ............................969-1013
Center. Lee’s Summit is one of the first communities in Codes Administration
the metropolitan area to adopt a Livable Streets Policy Inspect. & Plans Review ..........969-1200
– a concept that takes into account our roads belong Neighborhood Services ...........969-1200
to everyone – those driving vehicles, using public Fire Department
transportation, riding bicycles and walking, as Business Office .........................969-1300
well as individuals of all ages and abilities.” Emergency Calls .................... 911
Municipal Court ..........................969-1150
The City’s diverse trail system, community
Parks & Recreation .....................969-1500
events within walking distances of Planning & Development ..........969-1600
neighborhoods, maps, wayfinding Police Department
signage, tours and well thought out road Business Office .........................969-1700
projects contributed to our community Emergency Calls .................... 911
receiving the designation. Public Works
Airport .......................................969-1182
As a recipient of the Bronze Level Walk Engineering ..............................969-1800
Friendly Communities Designation, Lee’s Summit is Operations (Streets) .................969-1870
among ten communities recognized in the latest round Resource Recovery Park..........969-1980
of Walk Friendly Communities announced. To date, 21 Recycling ..................................969-1804
communities in the U.S. have been designated as Walk Treasury Dept.(tax info.) ............969-1139
8 Friendly Communities. Water Utilities Operations .........969-1940
Customer Service (billing) .....969-1900