Spring 2015

COMMUNITY

s t n u o C

CITY OF LEE’S SUMMIT NEWSLETTER

SPRING 2015

This Issue...

LANDFILL EXPECTED TO REACH PERMITTED CAPACITY IN 2017 City explores future of solid waste services Page 3

_______________

TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF NORTH DROP-OFF RECYCLING CENTER

Reconstruction of Lee’s Summit Road estimated to begin in July Page 4

_______________

GARAGE SALE RULES

Hosting a successful event Page 5

_______________

CELEBRATE LEE’S SUMMIT! Family-friendly events Pages 7 & 8

_______________

MORE CITY NEWS INSIDE!

onally i t a n y Enjo Bike d e z i n g reco iendly r F k l a and W mit. m u S s Lee’ om

etsLS.c

stre Livable

STAY CONNECTED • watchLS.net • Cable: AT&T U-verse (99); Time Warner (2); Comcast (7) facebook.com/cityofLS twitter.com/cityofLS pinterest.com/cityofLS youtube.com/user/cityofLS nixle.com

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS General Information................... 969-1000 Airport.........................................969-1800 Animal Control............................969-1640 Chamber of Commerce.............. 524-2424 City Hall...................................... 969-1000 Mayor..........................................969-1030 City Council................................969-1010 City Manager..............................969-1010 Development Center.................. 969-1220 Downtown Lee’s Summit Main St. 246-6598 Economic Dev. Council.............. 525-6617 Fire Department Business Office...........................969-1300 Emergency Calls........................... 911 Gamber Community Center....... 554-3809 Municipal Court.......................... 969-1150 Parks & Recreation.................... 969-1500 Planning & Codes Administration Inspect. & Plans Review.............969-1200 Neighborhood Services..............969-1200 Planning & Development............969-1600 Police Department Business Office...........................969-1700 Emergency Calls.............................. 911 Public Works.............................. 969-1800 Recycling.................................... 969-1800 Social Services........................... 525-4357 Treasury (tax info.)..................... 969-1139 Water Utilities............................. 969-1900

2

Mayor’s Memo Happy spring!

What a great time of the year! There are festivals, special events, musical performances and the best time to take advantage of the parks and trails. Partaking in these outdoor activities is something to look forward to this time of the year.

This spring/summer will be particularly packed with fun-filled activities surrounding the City’s 150th Birthday Celebration or Sesquicentennial, such as the “Celebrate 150 Parade!” See event details at Truly150.com and inside this newsletter.

Our vibrant downtown will become the backdrop for music from a variety of local musicians participating in the free events, the Music in the Park series organized by Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street and the Summer Concert Series organized by the Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation Department.

Those with an interest in the arts will enjoy artist receptions and exhibits at the Gamber Community Center and City Hall, art galleries and Fourth Friday Art Walks.

There are more activities and special events hosted by the City and others within the community. Learn about many of them inside this issue of the residential newsletter. Please check the City’s website cityofLS.net; the Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation page, Summeroffun.net; the Lee’s Summit tourism page, LStourism.com; and Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street page, downtownls.org, for more exciting things to do this spring and summer.

Besides enjoying these fun-filled activities, there is another fulfilling way in which to contribute to the success of these spectacular events. Volunteerism!

Volunteering gives you a rare, behind-the scenes glimpse at the work that goes into carefully crafting activities not to mention the chance to work alongside highly engaged, community-minded people supportive of a common vision and mission.

That’s what Lee’s Summit is all about. We are caring, supportive individuals always willing to pitch in and lend a helping hand. These qualities were true about Lee’s Summit 150 years ago and I am proud to say remain a part of our rich history today.

Check with local organizations to inquire about volunteering at special events, as well as sign-up for volunteer opportunities, by visiting Truly150.com.

Enjoy your spring and the summer months ahead.

Yours Truly, Mayor Randy Rhoads

City Considering Future of Solid Waste Services

Development in Full Bloom

The City’s landfill will reach its permitted capacity in 2017.

As a result, the City’s staff has been exploring the best options for the future of the City’s solid waste services.

There are more than flowers blooming around Lee’s Summit.

Some of those City-sponsored, award-winning, environmental programs include carpet, appliance, shingle and concrete recycling as well as Household Hazardous Waste and the drop-off recycling centers. Annually, it costs the City approximately $900,000 to operate these and other environmental programs.

The City’s economic development activity is full steam ahead with several businesses under construction throughout the community – all great news for Lee’s Summit’s workforce and the economy. Here is a list of some of those developments in progress and/ or completed:

Revenue generated from trash disposal fees at the Resource Recovery Park (RRP) funds the environmental programs and services.

The City’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), with the support of staff, have been exploring ways in which to pay for these programs once the landfill closes. Through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, the need for flow control was indicated in order to continue the City’s solid waste services and programs. Flow control would require solid waste haulers working within our community to dispose of their trash at the City’s RRP. A new City ordinance would have to be adopted

by City Council since some solid waste haulers serving Lee’s Summit residents utilize other landfills for disposal. However, individuals would not be required to utilize the RRP for disposal of their solid waste.

A discussion and vote regarding flow control have not yet gone before the City Council because the ENR Committee has recommended tabling this topic until the results of a solid waste citizen survey on the impact of environmental programs is known. The survey has been mailed to randomly selected households in the community and the results will be made available.

• Abundant Life • Calmar (redevelopment) • f’real • Frontier Justice • Green Lantern • Gateway signage (Chipman and U.S. 50) • At Home • John Knox Village • Grider Orthodontics • Lee’s Summit History Museum • Northpoint at Longview • Todd George Shopping Center • Century Drive office space • Wilshire at Lakewood • Jack Stack BBQ • St. Matthew’s Church Stay up-to-date on the City’s development activity by listening to the Developing Lee’s Summit podcast at cityofls.net, as well as through LSmeansbusiness.net and subscribe on iTunes. ■

The North Recycling Center, 1951 NE Douglas St., is one of the City’s two drop-off recycling locations and among many environmental programs. Visit LSlandfill.net to learn more about these programs and services.

If you have questions about flow control, please see the FAQs at LSlandfill.net or call the City’s Public Works Department at (816) 969-1800. ■

3

North Drop-off Recycling Center Temporarily Relocated Beginning in July Due to the reconstruction of Lee’s Summit Road, the North Drop-off Recycling Center (NRC), located at 1951 NE Douglas St., will temporarily relocate to the northwest corner of Hagen and Leinweber on the east side of Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport.

The first two phases of the construction of Lee’s Summit Road will require the roadway to be closed at NE Colbern Road for approximately four months. The closure is estimated to begin in July 2015. During this same time period, the North Dropoff Recycling Center will remain at the temporary location.

Residents will still be able to enjoy the award-winning services offered by this drop-off recycling center, which include glass, cardboard and paperboard, aluminum and tin cans, plastic and paper recycling services. The hours will remain the same, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After the completion of phases one and two, the NRC will reopen at its original location on Douglas St. During Phases three and four of Lee’s Summit Road construction, November 2015 through fall 2016, the roadway will remain open. The reconstruction of Lee’s Summit Road will consist of building a three-lane road with turn lanes. The work will include paved shoulders, multi-use path, street lighting and utility relocation. Funding will be shared between Lee’s Summit and Kansas City, with each city paying for the portion within their city limits. There have also been federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds allocated for this project.

For more information about the relocation of the City’s North Recycling Center and Lee’s Summit Road Construction, visit LSlandfill.net or call (816) 969-1800. ■

Projects Around the House May Require a Permit?

Before beginning your next home improvement project, check with the Planning and Codes Administration Department on whether or not those projects require a permit before the work begins.

In order to obtain a permit, certain information must be provided to the Planning and Codes Administration Department. The information needed varies depending on the type of project being constructed. Here are some projects that require permits: • Room additions • Decks • Covered decks • Basement finishes • Detached accessory structures, such as sheds and garages over 120 square feet • In-ground lawn sprinkler systems • Fences more than 6 feet in height • Roofing • Swimming pools, both above ground and in-ground • furnace and air conditioner replacement For more information, contact the Planning & Codes Administration Department at (816) 969-1200. ■

4

Test Your Sprinkler System Before Use to Prevent Backflow

Springtime Garage Sales!

Before you fire up that in-ground lawn sprinkler system, remember to get your backflow prevention assembly inspected by a certified backflow tester with a current Lee’s Summit business license.

Before your next garage sale, here are a few regulations to assist residents with a successful event and to keep our community aesthetically beautiful.

State and City laws require a backflow prevention device to be installed and tested annually for all water customers with in-ground lawn sprinklers, to protect our water system.

Lee’s Summit Water Utilities is mailing customers with registered lawn sprinkler systems a testing notice. If you have an in-ground lawn sprinkler and DO NOT receive a testing notice (or have not in the past), please have your assembly inspected before use and contact us.

For more information on backflow prevention, including a list of certified backflow testers, please visit LSwater.net or contact the Lee’s Summit Water Utilities Backflow Prevention Coordinator at (816) 969-1930. ■

Spring Cleaning: Keep Sidewalks, Paths & Fire Hydrants Clear & Safe!

25 ft

Clear Sight Triangle Property Line

It’s spring; the foliage is flourishing and people are active.

It’s essential to maintain safe roads, sidewalks and multi-use Sidewalk paths for public use throughout our community. While you’re spring Curb cleaning and working in your yard, please remember to trim or remove Street any tree limbs, shrubs, tall grasses and landscaping on or adjacent to your property that may obstruct these facilities, block the visibility of traffic signs, or limit a driver’s (or cyclist/pedestrian) view of conflicting traffic at an intersection. Please also be sure that overgrowth does not impede access to fire hydrants and access to manholes and meters.

25 ft

Sidewalks and paths must be kept clear of debris and overhanging vegetation for a height of no less than seven feet.

Generally, an unobstructed view above two feet should be provided across all corners of an intersection (sight triangle). ■

• All signs must be posted on privately owned property in agricultural or residential districts with the permission of the property owner.

• There can only be one garage sale sign per lot, no larger than six square feet, which must be removed within 72 hours after posting.

• Signs are not permitted in the City’s right-of-way, on utility poles, buildings, trees, fences and fence posts. Signs placed improperly are subject to removal.

• The City permits individuals a maximum of four garage sales per calendar year at their residence.

Garage sales are limited to five days per event.

For more information, contact the City’s Planning & Codes Administration Department at (816) 969-1200. To download a brochure: visit cityofls.net | Publications and Reports. ■

5

2014 Annual Report Outlines Year of Progress Holding fast to what really matters – providing quality services and programs and setting the standard for excellence in customer service are vital to the City’s work. These ideals are instrumental in the City’s outstanding accomplishments that are highlighted in the City of Lee’s Summit 2014 Annual Report and demonstrate to all, “Lee’s Summit Means Business.”

Lee’s Summit was named a “Best Place to Live” in the state of Missouri

by AreaVibes Livability Score; recognized as one of the “Best Cities” and “Happiest Places” in Missouri by Movoto; and identified as one of the “Safest Communities” in Missouri by Safewise.

Among the notable City achievements for 2014: • The Development Center processed more than 90 applications to help entrepreneurs navigate the steps of the business development process from start to finish.

• The City raised its newly designed flag for the first time along with the American Flag during National Flag Week.

• With the help of City staff, community partners and residents, Lee’s Summit celebrated another successful no-tax increase general obligation bond election in 2014 with the overwhelming approval of a $10 million bond project to address much needed improvements to U.S. Highway 50 and Route 291 South.

Visit cityofls.net to download a copy of the 2014 Annual Report to learn more about the City’s accomplishments. ■

Lee’s Summit History Museum has a New Home The doors are now open at the new location for the City’s museum showcasing the rich history of Lee’s Summit. More than 100 people attended the ribbon-cutting in mid-April at the museum located at 220 SW Main in downtown Lee’s Summit.

The museum hours are Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The project was made possible as a result of the voter-approved 2013 no-tax increase general obligation bond election. Hollis + Miller was the architect on the project, and contractor the Wilson Group was awarded the contract for renovations which began in August 2014.

Congratulations to all who made this community project possible! ■

6

Community Invited to Celebrate Lee’s Summit!

Happy Birthday, Lee’s Summit!

What is “Sesquicentennial”?

Good question. Lee’s Summit originated as the Town of Strother back in 1865, so 2015 marks Lee’s Summit’s 150th birthday - also commonly referred to as “Sesquicentennial.”

• Founder’s Day Celebration & Dedication of Sesquicentennial Time Capsule: Oct. 18 Time TBA; Lee’s Summit History Museum, 220 SW Main St. • Truly 150 – Holiday Magic & Memories: Dec. 11-12 (Performance by the Lee’s Summit Symphony and other special guests.)

Times TBA; Lee’s Summit High School, 400 SE Blue Parkway You can show your support for Lee’s Summit’s 150th birthday by stocking up on memorabilia available now at Lee’s Summit Hy-Vee East and Lee’s Summit Hy-Vee West, and at the new Lee’s Summit History Museum, 220 SW Main St.

The Truly 150 Steering Committee, established by the City Council as the official City Committee to organize, promote and celebrate Lee’s Summit’s 150th Birthday, has organized a year’s worth of celebratory events to mark Lee’s Summit’s milestone. In addition to annual community events, the Committee has planned several Truly 150 signature events specifically orchestrated to celebrate Lee’s Summit’s birthday.

Here is the list of summer and fall events: • Party in the Park – Celebrating Lee’s Summit’s 150th Birthday: July 25 7-10 p.m. at Summit Waves, 120 SW Blue Parkway Tickets required; legacyforparksfoundation.org • Celebrate 150! Parade and Event: Aug. 1 Parade 10 a.m./Event TBA; Parade in Downtown Lee’s Summit and Event at Lee’s Summit High School, 400 SE Blue Parkway

For more information about these events, and to sign up for the Truly 150 newsletter or volunteer, visit Truly150.com. A lot of buzz about the Truly 150 efforts is occurring on social media sites, too. See what others are sharing, share your own memories, and join in the discussion by following Truly 150 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Airport Open House is June 20, 2015 The Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport invites the community to celebrate more than 37 years of City ownership and operation at its Airport Open House event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at the airport, 2751 NE Douglas St. This free, family-friendly event includes a variety of activities: • Invitational fly-in • Static aircraft displays • Children’s entertainment • Aviation-related vendor booths • Free Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles flights from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. for children ages 8 to 17 • All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m., hosted by EAA and only $5 per person • Airport tours and information about improvements The Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport is an important gateway that connects businesses across the country to Lee’s Summit and surrounding communities. For more information, call (816) 969-1800. ■

7

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit No. 79 Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

EDDM

220 SE Green Street Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (816) 969-1000 cityofLS.net

RESIDENT/BUSINESS

Vision

lee’s summit parks & recreation

A culturally rich community with diverse economic sectors to create a prosperous and dynamic community in perpetuity.

.net Night Flight 5K

Mission Our mission is to create positive community relationships and a progressive organization delivering valued programs and services.

June 19 Tour de Lakes Bike Ride July 2 Rain-out date: July 3

July 17 August 7

#lsparksandrec | 816.969.1500

www. summeroffun.net

Yours Truly 8