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ANNUAL REPORT
Table of Contents Message to Residents.............3 Performance Audit Recommendations................4 Elected Officials .............5 Mayor & Council Goals.............5-6 Management Team.............7 Fiscal Sustainability..............7 Accolades.............8 Community Connections.........9 Community & Economic Development.........10 Infrastructure..............11 Activities & Recreation..............12 Department/Division Highlights & Future........13-19
Message to Residents Here is to another successful year for Lee’s Summit! As caretakers of this community, we think our most important work should be … • Safeguarding the welfare of Lee’s Summit’s greatest assets: it’s people, environment, culture, character and values, • Promoting proactive leadership to ensure efficient and effective deployment of all City resources for today as well as tomorrow, and • Attracting individuals and businesses who are optimistic, enthusiastic and continually strive to reach their full potential Both of us have been given the good fortune and opportunity to serve as your mayor and city manager, respectively. During the last seven years, we have had an opportunity to work with a team of elected officials and City staff dedicated to building our economic base while creating positive changes for the future. A reason for this success is Lee’s Summit’s ability to think ahead and plan. To this end, the Lee’s Summit City Council participates in long-term strategic planning and goal setting meetings annually. These goals help guide the City Council’s critical decision-making and future planning for the community. Outlined in this report are the strategic initiatives and goals from the 2016 meeting. It provides a solid foundation for City staff to continue the incredible strides of 2016. And what a year 2016 has been for Lee’s Summit! The City continues to invest capital improvement dollars toward projects creating new opportunities for growth while meeting citizen expectations to maintain existing infrastructure systems. As an example in the last year, the City constructed an east/west connector, Bailey Road Bridge, to relieve traffic congestion at the Missouri 291 South and US 50 Highway Interchange. Another notable improvement was the new Lee’s Summit Road to make a safer connection for north Lee’s Summit to the central part of the City. Both of these projects were quite expensive, but addressed a combination of current needs while creating new economic development opportunities. Great attention was given to infrastructure below ground with millions of dollars spent to rehabilitate 3.3 miles of water mains across the City as well as to increase wastewater capacity and storage for future development and reduce the risk of overflows. Lee’s Summit’s placing resources into neighborhoods – re-purposing and reinvesting in parks, trails and recreation centers, and providing quality public safety services.
Officers spent the day enjoying the costumes and kids of our annual Boos, Barks and Badges Halloween event.
approximately $318,000. Commercial construction had more than 900,000 square feet of building area permitted. This is three times more commercial building area than was permitted in 2015. For new investment in non-residential growth, the permit valuation was $167,065,264.97. The City’s reputation flourished as the place to be. In 2016, Lee’s Summit was named Best Place to Live in the state of Missouri by Money Magazine, Best in Class 20+ employees as the recipient of the Truly the Best Business of the Year award and #1 of the 10 Happiest Mid-Sized Cities in America by Zippia. Lee’s Summit continues to celebrate these recognitions and it makes us extremely proud. That’s not to say we have not had our bumps along the way. Everyone does, but Lee’s Summit continues to persevere and focus on the potential that is created by all of us working together. Together, we all embody a spirit of community in Lee’s Summit – each striving to make life better for us all. Please enjoy your 2016 Annual Report and the stories inside reflective of our passion for providing quality services and the people responsible for it! They are among our everyday heroes.
The City continued to see strong demand as a “regional destination” for new families to call Lee’s Summit home. Mayor Randy Rhoads In 2016, the City received 324 single-family home permits and the average valuation of a new single family home was Page 3
City Manager Stephen Arbo
Performance Audit Recommendations Pursuant to Article IX, Section 2.552 of the City Code of Ordinances, the City Manager is required to prepare and submit to the City Council a written recommendation of any matter relative to the City government or any City operation or program he deems appropriate for a management or performance review for consideration by the Council for possible funding during the next fiscal year budget. To this end, City Manager Stephen Arbo has recommended the following two separate performance audits: Municipal Court Operations Audit The citizens of Lee’s Summit approved the assignment of the Municipal Court Operations under the review and control of the city manager as part of the adoption of the Revised City Charter on April 4, 2017. In order to bring this vital and important function under this new assignment, it will be necessary to better understand current operations and to measure against best management practices as it relates to municipal court operations. The last municipal court operational audit was conducted in 2009. While the court was described as “well-managed” in the 2009 audit, recommendations were made to improve the court’s webpage and to address areas such as facilities, long-range planning, policies and technology issues. Similar to this performance audit recommendation, that audit was conducted as a result of the city manager’s Performance Audit Recommendation. The purpose and scope of the 2017/18 audit would be to conduct a general review of current operations in light of applicable Missouri State Statutes and case law relating to the processing of court matters. The auditor would be requested to determine what new operating policies and procedures are necessary to provide the best management practices ensuring good customer service and protection of the City regarding liability concerns. Digital Access Audit for City Records 1 The City is utilizing a three-phase approach for Record Management at the organization. During the 2015 performance year, the City of Lee’s Summit conducted the first phase of the records management audit. This phase served as a “snapshot” of our current conditions and provided recommendations for system enhancements. The second phase of the records management audit is underway and entails working with City staff engaged in records management to develop policies, processes, practices, services and tools used by the City to create, manage, retrieve and discard information. Now that the City is developing operating policies that assist the organization in keeping public records current and stored systematically for future reference, it is appropriate to begin finding ways to make all public records available in an electronic format accessible through the City’s website or some other internetbased portal. The scope of the third phase of the audit would be to evaluate the records management process recently created and determine the most appropriate type of electronic document management system to allow City staff and the public a logical approach to gain access to the City’s records. This will be the “final phase” of a very important, but lengthy process, to assure transparency of governmental operations, correct retention and storage of records that are accessible to the public.
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12/11/17: Due to organizational needs, an audit of the Human Resources Division was completed in place of this recommendation.
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Mayor & City Council Goals Update Lee’s Summit Mayor Randy Rhoads and the members of the Lee’s Summit City Council held multiple long-term strategic planning and goal setting sessions in 2016. The work of the Mayor and the City Council involve making critical decisions to bring about favorable results today and in the future for the Lee’s Summit community. The sessions give the Mayor and City Council opportunities to discuss goals, set priorities, and plan for the future.
2016
Mayor Randall Rhoads
The sessions were facilitated by a representative from a company that specializes in leadership training, business consulting and executive coaching. Below is the City of Lee’s Summit Strategic Planning Framework, which was crafted and adopted as a result of the strategic planning sessions. The Mayor and City Council, in concert with City staff, will continue to work through the Strategic Planning Framework and Process in 2017.
Mayor ProTempore Robert Binney
Councilmember Diane Forte
Councilmember Trish Carlyle
Councilmember Craig Faith
Councilmember Diane Seif
Councilmember Phyllis Edson
Councilmember Dave Mosby
Councilmember Chris Moreno
Safety Vision: To create an environment where the perception of safety is supported by the reality of safety Goal 1: Educate our citizens on high performance standards and how we are attaining these goals. Goal 2: A well-staffed, well-paid, well-equipped public safety group that is future-oriented, who carry forward community values. Goal 3: Provide resources and facilities to maximize ability to protect citizens. Education Vision: Continue the environment for education ecosystem to thrive Goal 1: Collaboration of all sectors of educational institutions. Goal 2: Engage students in community to retain studies in Lee’s Summit after graduation. Goal 3: Upgrade online and communication technology that builds data to increase community education and engagement. Transportation Vision: A multi-modal system that embraces livability and connectivity, including accessibility Goal 1: Investigate and implement different modes of transportation for all ages. Goal 2: Incorporate technology into transportation. Goal 3: Identify support (leverage and capitalize) for regional options. Goal 4: Connect recreation to economic development projects. Goal 5: Viable roadways in all parts of the city.
Health and Human Services Vision: Maximize accessibility and affordability as a wellness community Goal 1: Wellness community; Education and outreach; Legislative advocacy; Protection of environmental resources. Goal 2: Encourage development, growth, additions, and expansion of non-profit programs. Goal 3: Encourage development of medical resources. Goal 4: Assess housing for non-profits. Goal 5: Aid in free and reduced lunches. Infrastructure Vision: Ability to address needs, expanding capacity for the future Goal 1: Identify gaps and shortcomings, and work to address. Goal 2: Maximize roadway capacity. Goal 3: Improve storm water management system. Goal 4: Maintain curbs and sidewalks. Goal 5: Develop clear policies regarding public vs. private needs. Goal 6: Long-term planning including maintenance schedules. Economic Development Vision: Thriving, yet affordable growth which generates options for longterm careers Goal 1: High-quality, diverse economic development with bold and flexible decision-making to encourage more innovative technology and high-wage careers. Goal 2: Clear, easily-understandable processes allowing for high-quality appropriate development with emphasis on problem solving. Goal 3: Spec buildings ready for occupancy. Culture/Arts Vision: Create a supportive environment for artistic expression that represents community values Goal 1: Cultivate and foster the growth of an emerging and energetic arts environment. Goal 2: Complete Cultural Arts Corridor. Goal 3: Encourage private investment. Goal 4: Public art visible in all areas of the community. Goal 5: Unique and fun options that builds culture and community, attracts others and increases value.
2016
MANAGEMENT TEAM City Manager Stephen Arbo; City Attorney Brian Head; Assistant City Manager/Operations Christal Kliewer Weber; Assistant City Manager Development Services/ Communications Mark Dunning
Finance Director Conrad Lamb; Parks & Recreation Administrator Tom Lovell; Police Chief Travis Forbes; Fire Chief Rick Poeschl
Water Utilities Director Mark Schaufler; Public Works Director Dena Mezger; Planning & Special Projects Director Robert McKay; Director of Development Center Ryan Elam
Director of Administration Nick Edwards; Chief Technology Officer Steve Marsh; Human Resources Director Denise Kelly; and Public Communications Coordinator Melissa Fears
FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY The City Council has crafted a vision and adopted a strategic planning framework and process from which to build a strategic plan. Meanwhile, the organization is undertaking a compensation General Fund Year-End Reserve Balance (in $millions) and benefit study to measure the $26.38 $26.94 competitiveness of the City’s pay structures $25.22 $25.81 $25.15 $24.44 to attract and retain quality employees. $19.88 Taken together with the City’s financial $17.24 position, City leadership has the opportunity $14.82 to address critical needs of the community $12.17 $12.91 and organization with lasting impact. To accomplish this, the City will need to plan and identify sustainable revenue sources that can be counted on to support the level FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 of service expected by the citizens of Lee’s Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Budget Projected Projected Projected Projected Summit. General Fund Reserve Policy (2 Months of Expenditures)
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$26.58
$26.23
FY21
FY22
Projected Projected
Accolades City of Lee’s Summit programs, services and quality of life amenities were recognized throughout 2016. The following are among those honors celebrated by staff and the community: • City named Best Place to Live in state of Missouri by Money Magazine
on Fire Accreditation International
• City ranked #43 on the Top 50 Best Places to Live by Money Magazine
• Public Works Department Receives Reaccreditation from the American Public Works Association
• City Named Best in Class 20+ Employees as the recipient of the Truly the Best Business of the Year Award by the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce
• Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation ranked as “Best Entertainment & Recreation“ as part of first-ever online Reader’s Choice survey conducted by Lee’s Summit Lifestyle magazine
• City Ranked #1 of The 10 Happiest Mid-Sized Cities in America by Zippia
• Excellence in Concrete Paving Award for the SW Hood Road Reconstruction from the Missouri/Kansas Chapter of the American Concrete Pavement Association
• City recognized as a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community • Lee’s Summit Fire Department received Accredited Agency Status with the Commission
City’s staff was recognized for their tremendous accomplishments organizationally and professionally. The following are among the honorees in 2016: • Lee’s Summit Mayor Randy Rhoads named president of the Missouri Municipal League (MML) • Finance Director Conrad Lamb appointed to the Study Commission on State Tax Policy • Public Works Director Dena Mezger named as one of the 2016 Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year by the American Public Works Association • Procurement and Contract Services Manager Ben Calia received the 2016 Missouri Association of Public Purchasing Manager of the Year – Small Entity award • Senior Procurement Officer DeeDee Tschirhart received the 2016 Missouri Association of Public Purchasing Buyer of the Year – Small Entity award • Dispatchers recognized during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week at the KC Area Public Safety Telecommunicator Awards Banquet • City of Lee’s Summit Employee of the Year awarded to Gene Williams • Administration Employee of the Year Julie Pryor Page 8
• Central Building Services Employee of the Year Ron Johnson • Development Services Employee of the Year Gene Williams • Human Resources Department Employee of the Year Nanci White • Information Technology Services Employee of the Year Tim Scharf who was also the Administrative group Employee of the Year • Law Department Employee of the Year Jackie McCormick Heanue • Firefighter of the Year Dylan Borns • Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation Employee of the Year Andy Carr • Police Officer of the Year awarded to Ben Griffin • Police Department Civilian of the Year Josh Ward • Public Works Department Employee of the Year Stacy Lombardo • Water Utilities Department Employee of the Year Kathy Nye
COMMUNITY CONNECTION City Embarks on Regional Tourism Campaign Lee’s Summit launched a regional tourism initiative and outreach campaign aimed at attracting multi-generational travelers to the historic community in suburban Kansas City in 2016 and beyond. The campaign is a collaboration among the City, the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street. The three-month initiative targets selected cities in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska with a blend of traditional advertising, interactive media buys and social media outreach. “Research shows us that baby boomers are looking for meaningful experiences with their children and grandchildren. With gasoline prices remaining at historic lows, the City’s aimed to spread the word through the region that a visit to Lee’s Summit is affordable, enriching and most of all, fun for all. “By sponsoring our World Champion Royals, the City of Lee’s Summit has the opportunity to reach hundreds of thousands of potential tourists to our City in a six-state region.” “We want to encourage families who pack up the minivan and head to Kansas City for a Royals game this summer to spend a few extra days exploring everything Lee’s Summit has to offer,” said Lee’s Summit Mayor Randy Rhoads.
The tourism campaign is supported by the City’s sponsorship of the 2016 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals. The cooperative advertising agreement included more than 150, 30-second commercials promoting Lee’s Summit airing throughout the 2016 season on 610 Sports Radio’s On-Deck Pregame and Postgame shows. 610 Sports is the Royals official broadcast network.
A variety of ads promoting the City’s economic development, Historic Downtown Lee’s Summit restaurant and entertainment options, health and wellness initiatives and recreational opportunities and events broadcast to listeners throughout Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas and South Dakota. Live Broadcast at City Hall Places Community in Positive Spotlight Throughout the day on May 5, there was a “Spotlight on Lee’s Summit” as KMBZ broadcasted live from the lobby of City Hall. Lee’s Summit became the first City spotlight on 98.1 fm KMBZ. And boy did we shine bright in Lee’s Summit with individuals involved in development, downtown businesses, the community, the City and education talking about what Lee’s Summit has to offer to residents, business owners and visitors in those areas of interest. Among the live broadcasts were Mayor Randy Rhoads, City Manager Steve Arbo, Paragon Star Developer and Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council Chairman Bill Brown, and Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street Executive Director Donnie Rodgers, MCCLongview President Dr. Kirk Nooks and Assistant City Manager Mark Dunning.
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LStourism.com
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The last year has been a prosperous one for Lee’s Summit, as our community has contributed more than $1 billion in combined public and private investments here over a two-year period. The spending Residential Development included new and expanded buildings, roads and sewers and residential construction permits. Lee’s Summit’s high quality educational opportunities and strong workforce are helping attract a wide range of building and leasing activity that includes new restaurant and retail projects, residential development and master-planned industrial space. And while 2016 was busy, all indications are that 2017 will be a blockbuster year as well. If all currently proposed projects are approved, the City could again hit $1 billion in fresh economic development investment. Exciting activity on the west side of Lee’s Summit includes Phase One of Paragon Star’s regional soccer complex and retail village, the $225 million Village at View High mixed-use project and the $50 million New Longview commercial district and B&B Theatre. New multifamily, hotel, retail and office projects added momentum to the thriving Summit Technology Corridor near I-470 and US Highway 50 in 2016. Anchored by the Summit Technology Campus, the area booked an estimated $200 million in new investment, including the $85 million Summit Orchards mixed-use project, $50 million Missouri Innovation Campus, $55 million in new retail development and a $10 million Holiday Inn Express, all set to open in 2017. On the south side of town, the state and City are teaming up to spend $18 million to improve roads and bridges, including the realignment of the southbound interchange at Missouri Route 291 and Missouri Route 50 and the new Bailey Road Bridge. The interchange is a key access point for The Grove at Lee’s Summit, an 83-acre mixeduse office, warehouse and light industrial project expected to break ground in 2017. The Grove will complement existing nearby manufacturers that announced or completed expansions in 2016, including High Tech Solutions LLC and JCI Industries Inc.
Paragon Star Groundbreaking
Lee’s Summit is one of the fastest growing communities in Missouri, projected to hit 100,000 residents by 2020. The City is working with partners to ensure the upward trend in economic development activity continues to create a world-class City we are all proud to call home. High Tech Solutions
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INFRASTRUCTURE In 2016, $2.45 million of work was contracted to rehabilitate 3.3 miles of water mains across the City as part of an ongoing Neighborhood Water Main Replacement Program, reducing costs for maintenance and repair of the aging water infrastructure and diminishing the occurrence of unplanned interruptions in water services. Another 16 miles is scheduled to be replaced through 2020. Two major projects to increase wastewater capacity and storage for future development and to reduce the risk of overflows were completed in May 2016 – Phase 2 of the Cedar Creek Sanitary Sewer Interceptor and improvements to the Scruggs Road Excess Flow Holding Basin. 2016 also saw significant improvements to the Tudor Road Pump Station and more than 18,000 feet of sewer mains rehabilitated through a pipe lining process. Bailey Road The Bailey Road bridge was opened to traffic at the end of March 2016. The Bailey Road project included
the extension of Bailey Road from Missouri Route 291 (M-291) Highway east to the intersection of SE Hamblen and SE Bailey roads. The most significant portion of the project was the design and construction of a 300 foot-long bridge rising nearly 40 feet in the air for clearance over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The removal and replacement of the SE Hamblen and SE Bailey roads intersection was the final step before the new Bailey Road bridge could be opened to traffic. The project was anticipated to improve access to the east side of M-291, relieve congestion near US 50 and M-291 Highways, and open the area for further development. Funding came from the extension of the 1/2 cent sales tax for capital improvement projects passed by Lee’s Summit voters in the spring of 2007. Lee’s Summit Road The Lee’s Summit Road project was completed in late 2016, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in conjunction with the purchase of
the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport’s Hangar 1 in Dec. 2016. Among the improvements promoting better connectivity, safety and accessibility to neighborhoods, businesses, surrounding cities of Kansas City and Independence, as well as the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport and Strother Road are: wider roadway with three lanes and the addition of shoulders; a multi-use trail; street lighting; and better roadway alignment to improve sight distances for motorists traveling this crucial stretch of roadway into and out of northern Lee’s Summit. These roadway improvements also provide connectivity enhancements for bicyclists and pedestrians. The construction cost was $10.3 million for the 2 1/4-mile section between Colbern Road and Gregory Boulevard, with Lee’s Summit and Kansas City each paying for the portion of the project within their city limits. This project is one of six projects funded by the 1/2 cent sales tax approved by voters in 2007. There were also federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds allocated for this project.
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Bailey Road Bridge
Activities and Recreation 2016 was an exciting year in local park development. LSPR completed construction on the Legacy Park Amphitheater, 901 NE Bluestem Drive, in 2016 and hosted headliners Tate Stevens and Quiet Riot. Langsford Plaza Park, West of Todd George/Langsford Road Intersection, was completed and dedicated in 2016. The CDBG 6th street to 5th street sidewalk/boardwalk from Harris Park to Downtown alongside the Union Pacific Railroad was completed in 2016. The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration gave the community an opportunity to celebrate the life, legacy and teachings of the late civil rights leader. The theme of the event was Living Bridge of Peace which focused on living in peace and harmony as Dr. King envisioned for the nation. More than 400 attended the ceremony at the Pavilion at John Knox Village featuring a thought-provoking keynote speech by Dr. Kirk Nooks, president of MCC Longview. Among the spectacular performers: Lee’s Summit North High School Air Force Jr. ROTC, Pillars of Truth Ministries choir, Creative Movements dancers, a guitar solo from Dante Woods and the Bernard Campbell Middle School choir. The event is free and planned by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Planning Committee and is one of the key activities of the City of Lee’s Summit’s Human Relations Commission. The City of Lee’s Summit Public Works and Water Utilities department were Truckin’ into Tomorrow at the Big Truck & Equipment Show, a popular community event in which kids of all ages can climb up into the driver’s seat of some of the City’s biggest pieces of equipment. Held in front of City Hall, the event was popular with families excited to see live equipment demonstrations. The event showcases the big trucks and equipment the City uses to provide important everyday services like maintaining our streets and water supply.
Dante Woods, MLK Celebration
The Lee’s Summit Airport once again hosted an Open House in June to showcase all it has to offer to the community. Aviation enthusiasts enjoyed watching planes take-off and land up close, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) once again offered Young Eagles flights for children ages 8 to 17, and children’s activities, aircraft displays and aviation related vendor booths created a fun atmosphere. RecycleFEST was a fun, family event offered in fall 2016, which allowed residents to recycle a variety of usual and unusual items which are repurposed or reused. Paper shredding continued to be the most popular attraction. The event helped to recycle the following items: • Nearly four tons of shredded paper
• two dozen license plates
• 50 rechargeable batteries
• 12 bikes
• 800 pill bottles
• 35 cell phones
• 100 pairs of shoes
• three dozen keys
• 72 tennis balls
• Nearly 1,000 wine corks
• four gallons of crayons
• 600 golf balls
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Water Utilities Pat Torello shows Evan Gloudemans how the sewer inspection camera works.
DEPARTMENT & DIVISION HIGHLIGHTS & FUTURE PROGRAMS Administration Throughout the year, the Administration Department provides assistance and support to staff within the organization as well as community partners. The following are among initiatives centered on continuing to improve upon the service quality offered to residents and employees. A cross-departmental effort consisting of members of Administration, Law, Police, Fire, Finance, and Information Technology Services worked together providing education for a $14.5 million no-tax increase bond election to fund replacing the current Fire Station No. 3, replacing older air packs for fire personnel, upgrading the radio system for public safety and improving network capability at City-owned buildings and facilities. The efforts of staff as well as community supporters led to overwhelming passage of the November ballot issue. A four-sevenths voter majority was needed for passage of the ballot question. The election results from the Jackson County Election Board for Lee’s Summit’s 41 precincts: 79.12% or 36,713 with a “yes” response and 20.88% or 9,688 votes with a “no” response. Lee’s Summit has not had a failed City-initiated, no-tax increase ballot question since 1995. Additionally, the department educated voters about the Out-of-State Motor Vehicle Sales Tax initiative on the August ballot. In this case, a “NO” vote allowed continued collection of existing sales taxes on motor vehicles, trailers, boats and outboard motors purchased from dealerships other than a licensed Missouri dealer. Besides educating the public on issues surrounding elections, the department worked on two important projects focused on organizational employees. In November, the Lee’s Summit City Council approved a one-year contract with Springsted, Inc. to conduct the 2017 Compensation & Benefits Study for the organization. As a part of this work, Springsted is reviewing the compensation levels of the organization’s positions in relation to defined competitive market and objectively comparing the City’s jobs to one another. The Compensation & Benefits Study Leadership Team conducted interviews with representatives from several companies before choosing Springsted to
conduct the 2017 Compensation & Benefits Study for the organization. A project kick-off meeting was held in December for employees learn about the project, the proposed timeline and to ask questions. Communications is an important part of the project’s success. To ensure consistent communication, a dedicated website page on cityofLS.net was created to share important updates, frequently asked questions, meeting videos, and project milestones. By creating this special webpage, employees have the ability to access information about the project on multiple platforms at any time as long there is internet connection. The completion of the study is anticipated by June 30, 2017. After months of contract talks and negotiations between City staff and union representatives with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) a labor agreement was reached that will be approved by City Council in January, 2017. The City is committed to providing reliable and valuable municipal services to our community. This can only be achieved by retaining highly professional and dedicated employees. The City will continue to fulfill this commitment through the agreement with IAFF. The proposed contract provides a one-time salary adjustment for 124 IAFF members at an annual cost of approximately $862,000, which includes a $2,000 increase to the paramedic stipend. With the inclusion of the wage adjustment and benefits for chief officers, the total cost of the one-time salary adjustment is approximately $1.2 million. The funding for the newly approved IAFF contract is partially possible through an increase in revenue growth due to improved economic conditions and other related factors. Airport In 2016, the City received grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to extend the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport’s north/south runway 18/36 from 4,000 to 5,500 feet. The Airport master plan, first approved in 1996 and updated in 2000, began the process of airport improvements by calling for the north/south runway length of 5,500 feet. The earthwork project for the longer runway was completed in summer 2016, and the paving project is expected to be complete in fall 2017. The Airport also held its first Tenant Open House, which
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provided a forum for customers to learn more about the upcoming Airport construction and improvements. At the end of 2016, the Airport purchased the former Air Charter hangar building at 2525 NE Douglas Street for $1.5 million. The 40,000 square foot space was renamed Hangar 1. The hangar can accommodate up to 13 based corporate aircraft with additional room for overnight, transient aircraft in the fully enclosed, heated space. Animal Control In 2016, the Animal Control Division partnered with the citizens of Lee’s Summit to focus on our community outreach programs. Animal Control Staff performed more than 40 community service related events in the last year. This included events with the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and various schools. An Eagle Scout candidate built an obstacle course for our dogs in the play area outside of the shelter to help the dogs get more exercise. Animal Control staff collaborated with a local rescue group that specializes in training assistance dogs for veterans who struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diabetes and other medical conditions. This group adopted two dogs from our shelter that met the criteria and they are currently being trained. Our community outreach programs continue to help us form strong bonds between the Animal Control Department and the citizen’s of Lee’s Summit. Central Building Services
site observation for the project. The construction phase for the Water Utilities facility began in September, 2016. Other budgeted projects involving the City’s architect include the new Waste Oil Furnace project to supplement heat used for the maintenance area of the Fleet Division and the new central fueling station which is in the design phase. The Facility Maintenance staff continues to be successful retrofitting high intensity discharge lighting to LED technology in City Hall and the parking garage structure. The in-house staff completed 185 work orders and responded to numerous e-mail requests for repairs and maintenance at facilities throughout the organization, achieving significant savings by completing the work themselves instead of paying outside contractors for these services. City Clerk’s Office
The City Architect Steve Aldridge has been involved with two General Obligation Bond projects: the downtown Performing Arts Space and Farmer’s Market Pavilion as well as the replacement of Fire Station No. 3. Both projects are in early stages of development, primarily, the pre-design phase. Both projects will continue to include the involvement of the City’s architect as well as the under construction Water Utilities facility, where he is providing contract administration and
In accordance with Lee’s Summit Charter provisions, the City Council creates a Charter Review Commission every 10 years. Formed by the Council in December of 2015 for the following year, the 2016 Charter Review Commission began deliberations in January, and the City Clerk provided staff support, along with the City Manager Stephen Arbo, City Attorney Brian Head and staff recorder. The Commission carefully reviewed
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Charter Review Commission
each chapter of the document and presented their recommendations to the City Council in December of 2016. These recommendations will be presented to the voters on the April 4, 2017, ballot. The questions approved by the voters will become part of the Charter. Following the April election, the City Clerk’s Office will begin an in-depth recodification of the City Code of Ordinances, incorporating changes required by the approved Charter amendments and also reviewing the Code for changes in policies or procedures. The Records Management Audit moved into Phase 2, which is the creation of department policies for records management and implementation of those policies and procedures. A representative from MCCi visited the different departments to assist with this process. MCCi is the organization selected by the City to lead the records management audit for the organization.
by mid-2017. This increased level of staff will allow Development Services to continue to refine and improve the overall development process, while managing increased development activity. Development Services is also continuously looking at ways to incorporate additional technology, reducing paper and streamlining timelines. Current processes are being analyzed as well to identify areas of improvement and increase the focus on customer service. Opportunities for expanded services, including pro-active code enforcement and a rental licensing program are under development. The reorganization effort has placed the various business and development disciplines into a single structure allowing the department to focus on the customer and citizen experiences as a whole and provides an opportunity for service enhancements. In the midst of the reorganization efforts, 2016 continued to see strong economic activity for the City. Residential construction saw slight increases in single family homes with 323 building permits issued, and luxury multi-family housing contributed to additional increases in residential development with 194 apartment units and 8 duplex units being permitted. These totals helped lead the way in the number of permits issued when compared to the surrounding metro. Commercial construction saw its biggest year of the decade with more than 900,000 square feet of building area permitted. This is over three times more commercial building area than was permitted in 2015. Significant projects over 50,000 square feet include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Holiday Inn Express, Missouri Innovation Campus, and Wal-Mart Supercenter – Raintree. With activity remaining high and many large projects in the pipeline, such as The Grove, Paragon Star, Fascination at New Longview, Summit Place, Summit Orchards and Village at View High, 2017 is expected to be a busy year.
As a part of standard practice throughout the year, the city clerk and deputy city clerk provided assistance to Mayor Randy Rhoads and members of the Lee’s Summit City Council by preparing agendas and packets for 39 Regular and Special Sessions of the City Council, including 279 ordinances and 25 resolutions. The new agenda packet system through Granicus Finance became fully functional in April of 2016. In 2016, the Finance Department implemented the The Citizens Leadership Academy, created in 2011 and cashiering upgrade enhancing payment processing spearheaded by the city clerk, had another successful and integrating payments with the Enterprise Resource year. The sessions, which include seven Saturdays Planning (ERP) system. The department facilitated the from January to April, included five highly engaged sale of $14.1 million in General Obligation debt for the Tudor Road Bridge and 50 Highway - M-291 South individuals. interchange replacement projects. Moody’s Investor Development Services Services reaffirmed the City’s AA1 credit rating enabling the bonds to be sold at an average interest rate of net In 2016, Development Services continued to interest cost of 2.47 percent. The City received the implement reorganization efforts that began with the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate formation of the Development Center in 2014. A new of Achievement in Financial Reporting for the 38th director has been hired, open positions are being filled consecutive year. and Development Services expects to be fully staffed Page 15
Fire The Lee’s Summit Fire Department (LSFD) reached a significant milestone in 2016. In August, the department received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program. The achievement of Accredited Agency status demonstrates LSFD’s commitment to provide the highest quality of service to our community. The information gained from the accreditation process provides for continuous improvement of service delivery based on data and benchmarks set by national standards. One of those data driven improvements included the approval of a sixth ambulance to go to Station #6. It also contributed to the questions asked on the Public Safety Bond election in November, in which the citizens gave overwhelming approval to relocate and build a new Station #3; purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); acquire the necessary equipment to connect to the Metropolitan Area Regional Radio System (MARRS), and make other station improvements to benefit the health and wellness of our personnel, so that we can better serve the community. The Lee’s Summit Fire Department takes great PRIDE in meeting the emergency service needs of the community, and will continue move forward with the CFAI recommendations to meet the future service needs of a fast growing city. Additionally, the Lee’s Summit City Council gave approval to hire nine additional full-time employees to staff a sixth ambulance at Station No. 6, including the purchase of two ambulances. Increased ambulance fees to recover costs and bring the fee structure in line with prevailing service rates in the region was also approved in 2016.
ethanol to corrode the inside of the underground fiberglass tanks, which will be replaced by January 2018. There has also been deterioration of the pumps due to the age of the fueling system at this location, which has led to periods of inoperability and expensive short-term repairs. Working with the Fleet Advisory Board, a new location for the central fuel site has been established and plans are underway to design and construct a new site that is tentatively scheduled for completion in fall of Fleet at Metropolitan Community 2017. College Automotive Career Program Human Resources The Human Resources Department processed in excess of 2,000 applications and 300 new hires for approximately 80 openings in 2016. As the need for talent becomes increasingly competitive the Human Resources Department will make strategic changes in recruiting efforts. The focus for 2016 and beyond is to reach out and develop partnerships with area community colleges, universities and organizations to increase the opportunity to attract talent to the City. These new partnerships include MCC Longview Automotive Career Program and military organizations. Two military organizations the City formed a partnership with for referrals are the Show Me Heroes and the KanVet programs. These resources will provide the City an opportunity to work with veterans recently released from duty who possess the skills, qualifications and experience necessary to enrich our work environment. Military personnel referred by these programs meet specific positions requirements that are available throughout the City.
Fleet In 2016, the Fleet Department began work on the replacement and relocation of the central fuel site currently located behind Fire Department Headquarters. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, whose mission is to protect that state’s natural and cultural resources, determined the current location of the site, which is directly adjacent to a major downtown storm drain, poses the risk of a potential hazardous fuel spill into the city stormwater runoff system. Additionally, it has been determined that due to the use of mandated ethanol blended fuel there is the potential for the
The City is required to complete the “Request for Proposal” procurement process every three years for Health and Welfare Plans. During the 2016-2017 program year, many of the organization’s plans came due for renewal. Proposals will be reviewed and compared to present coverage platforms with the intent of identifying potential cost savings while maintaining comparable levels of benefits coverage. 1095-C forms were distributed in March 2016 as required by the Affordable Care Act and the option for employees to “opt-in” to receive forms electronically was developed and implemented. Informational meetings on plan
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enhancements and changes were provided to employees during the open enrollment period. Nationwide and ICMA representatives were available during the open enrollment period for employees to meet and discuss their 457 plan options. Employees needing to utilize the Family Medical Leave Act were provided with one-on-one informational meetings to receive an explanation of benefits and get assistance to apply for leave. In 2016, the eleventh Annual Safety and Wellness Fair resulted in a successful turnout of employees attending training sessions and participants in various wellness-related activities. Departmental Safety meetings continue to provide safety training in more specific areas of risk management and injury prevention. Risk Management and Safety training were included in the June National Safety Month activities and multiple training sessions throughout the year. The efforts of all employees resulted in a record breaking year for the fewest number of workrelated injuries in the history of the City’s being selfinsured for Worker’s Compensation. The City was able to capitalize on the maximum amount allowed for reimbursements from Blue Cross Blue Shield of KC for wellness-related activities during 2016. Finally, many activities were provided to employees to kick-off their personal fitness and wellness programs. Activities included May National Employee Fitness and Health month activities, Walk at Work events, Turkey Trot Challenge, Wellness Screenings, Flu shots, Lunch and Learn Meetings, RevUp and ReLoad Program Supplements, Wellness reward Point Redemptions and Gym Membership reimbursements. Information Technology Services The year 2016 was focused on mobile technology, and the improvement of the City’s online presence. Several projects were completed and rolled out to users. Those include the new Parks and Recreation department website that is more visually appealing with robust content and better organization to improve user experience. The new Legislative Information Center giving citizens improved accessibility to view the Council calendar, agendas and minutes of meetings began as well. There are also links allowing users to view current meetings or past meetings with the ability to advance to the item of interest to the user. In 2016, ITS kicked off the redesign of the City’s website. Starting off with a community survey to determine what residents wanted in a new site, a team of ITS and City Communications staff, along with a committee
of citizens are working through the development and testing of the new site. An effort to put new capabilities in the hands of citizen and business owners began in 2016. ITS staff working with the development center started the process of placing roofing and business licensing renewals online. ITS has also been updating and rolling out new mobile hardware, and solutions for its users. Police vehicles are being updated with new mobile hardware, replacing 36 aging devices. The Fire Department completed the roll out of mobile technology in its apparatus, to improve information delivery while in transit, and to improve the development of metrics that will help them analyze effectiveness. Mobile applications were also released for Public Works. A mobile app built by ITS GIS staff will allow users to enter sidewalk defects in the field, reducing the time to enter the data from field notes into the database, and the potential for errors that process could include.
Law The Law Department saw significant changes with continued restructuring and new initiatives. Personnel changes allowed for increased specialization with the hiring of two part-time, highly experienced attorneys. These individuals dramatically increase the ability of the department to handle litigation and general municipal law issues internally. Also, during 2016, the decennial Charter Review was initiated and concluded with significant staff support from the Law Department. As in previous years, the Law Department continues to streamline contract compliance and tracking. The contract database is complete and is being continually updated. In 2016, grants were added to the tracking database. In 2017-18, the department anticipates additional initiatives in this area to provide further tracking and cataloging of contracts. Finally, the department anticipates a number of additional new projects and continued initiatives during the coming year. The Law Department will have a significant role in upcoming recodification, continued collective bargaining with two labor groups and a direct focus on the major development initiatives pending before the City.
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Municipal Court
was the EnVision LS Conceptual Master Development Plan, approximately 175 acres, focused on the area Activity at the Lee’s Summit Municipal Court continued adjacent to the new diverging diamond interchange at in a workman like ‘business as usual’ environment. 50 Highway and South M-291 Highway that will begin Like other courts throughout the State of Missouri, the construction in spring 2017. The second specific area Lee’s Summit Municipal Court continues to monitor plan was the West Pryor Village Conceptual Master and implement court reforms and court orders issued Development Plan, approximately 70 acres, west of by the state. These changes have helped the court be Pryor Road between Interstate 470 and Chipman Road. more transparent and accountable to the community Both plans were directed by the Lee’s Summit City and court patrons. 2017 will be a busy year as the court Council. Both plans processes consisted of multiple continues to evaluate options that will give customers open houses and neighborhood meetings. Both plans the opportunity to conduct business online. also included rezoning to Planned Mixed Use (PMIX) providing mixed use developments in both areas. Parks & Recreation EnVision LS received final approval on the rezoning to PMIX and the Conceptual Development Plan and is awaiting approval of Design Standards. West Pryor is just beginning the rezoning, Conceptual Plan and Design Standards approval process. Police In an effort to improve the efficiency of the police department, a focus was placed on technology in 2016. A new position was added to oversee technology projects including video systems, radio technology, records management and more. Annually, between facility, park, event, and program attendance, Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation (LSPR) is serving over one million patrons. Park Operations and Construction, Recreation and Administration activities are the responsibility of 42 fulltime employees, more than 400 part-time employees, and numerous contractors all made possible by a 16 cent property tax levy that has been in place since 1970. LSPR had 3,328 volunteers in 2016 volunteering more than 98,000 hours with an estimated $2,400,000 in value to the community. Today, the property tax levy generates $3.1 million dollars annually, with a majority of the operating funding coming from patrons through activity fees, membership fees, rentals, and contributions. In 2016, Lee’s Summit families had several opportunities sponsored by Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation including the popular Father Daughter Dance, Summer Concert Series, Movies in the Parks, the Night Flight 5k run, the Tour De Lakes Bike Ride, and more. Construction of the Legacy Park Amphitheater was completed in spring of 2016 with headliners Tate Stevens and Quiet Riot “rocking the amp.”
In November of 2016, voters approved a public safety bond issue that will allow the City’s police and fire departments to join the Kansas City Metropolitan Area Regional Radio System, or MARRS. When completed, the project will improve coordination with regional partners during both day-to-day operations and critical emergencies. The police and fire departments will be able to easily communicate with neighboring agencies when necessary. This project will commence in 2017. In 2016, the police department launched a Police Explorer post, drawing immediate interest from the youth in our community. The post will introduce students to basic law enforcement procedures and instill positive character values. Lee’s Summit youth may develop an interest in the field, leading to future police leaders. Procurement & Contract Services
Planning & Special Projects
In 2016, the Procurement and Contract Services Division continued to develop and implement new and/ or revised instructional scripts pertaining to LAWSON, the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
2016 was a year of transition for the department. Primary responsibilities included the creation of two specific area Conceptual Master Development Plans. The first
The division developed overviews and instructional Power Point presentations and handouts that pertained to overviews of the City’s Procurement and LAWSON ERP system. These educational and training
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documents were utilized to educate City staff in Human Resources, ITS and Administration. Additionally, training was requested by the Water Operations Division for new hires. It is a continuous goal of the Procurement and Contract Services Division to develop and/or revise educational scripts and to provide training on the procurement to pay functions of LAWSON as well as Procurement and its processes in general. There is a LAWSON upgrade scheduled to take place in 2017 at which time a full review of our training scripts will be reviewed to identify and revise if necessary dependent upon the outcome of the upgrade. Public Works – Administration, Engineering & Operations Keeping roads, sidewalks and curb in good, safe condition is important to the City of Lee’s Summit. The City’s annual pavement maintenance program, managed by the Public Works Engineering division, included more than $4 million in maintenance in 2016: nearly 35 lane miles of roadway were overlaid; 52 lane miles of roadway were slurry sealed or micro surfaced; 108 lane miles or roadway were crack sealed; 8.5 miles of curb were replaced; and 74 ramps were renovated to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The one-time arterial curb replacement program, totaling $3.3 million funded by project savings from the 2007 Capital Improvement Sales Tax, replaced more than 25 miles of curb on six major arterial streets and renovated 144 sidewalk ramps to ADA standards. Public Works Operations introduced several new tools to help fight snow and ice. Construction of new automatic salt brine and salt conveyor systems was completed at the City’s Maintenance Facility. These systems increase efficiency and give the City
more options in treating snow and ice on roadways. Funding was provided by the transportation sales tax, and the total cost of these projects was approximately $905,000. Solid Waste/Environment The Lee’s Summit City Council approved a contract with Heartland Environmental Services (HES), LLC, to privatize the City’s trash disposal services at the landfill, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program, and yard waste/composting program. HES, operating in Lee’s Summit as Summit Waste Systems, LLC, took over landfill operations on March 1, 2016. The City’s two recycling centers did not continue under the contract. Per the contract, the City sold its landfill equipment to HES/Summit Waste Systems, and the proceeds are to be used for the design, permitting, and construction of a 500 tons per-day transfer station to be utilized by HES/Summit Waste Systems when the landfill is full and can no longer accept waste. The design process for the transfer station began in 2016. Also approved in 2016 was a vertical expansion of the landfill which extends its life by approximately three years, helping to provide a waste disposal option until the transfer station is operational. Water Utilities In 2016, Water Utilities broke ground on the Water Utilities Service Center, a 38,110-square-foot facility that will provide space for the entire department to operate under one roof, maximizing operating efficiency for the department. The building, which sits at 1200 SE Hamblen Road, is set to be completed in the fall of 2017.
Water Utilities New Service Center
Vision
A culturally rich community with diverse economic sectors to create a prosperous and dynamic community in perpetuity.
Mission
Our mission is to create positive community relationships and a progressive organization delivering valued programs and services.
Core Values Accountability • Communication • Trustworthiness • Engaged Professional • Innovative • Customer Focus-Driven • Collaborative
Yours Truly
220 SE Green Street | Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | 816.969.1000 | cityofLS.net