Community Counts Spring/Summer 2016

COMMUNITY CITY OF LEE’S SUMMIT NEWSLETTER

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

This Issue...

CITY’S LANDFILL PRIVATIZED Page 3

_______________ NEW TEMPORARY SIGN REGULATIONS Learn where and how long to post signs Page 4

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LEGACY PARK AMPHITHEATER Enjoy movies and concerts from local and national artists Page 6

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SUMMERTIME EVENTS

Family-friendly events throughout the spring and summer Legacy Blast is July 1.

Pages 6 and 8

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MORE CITY NEWS INSIDE!

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STAY CONNECTED

Here’s to New Beginnings!

Spring is the time of year for new beginnings.

• 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 Social Services............................525-4357 Treasury (tax info.)......................969-1139 Water Utilities..............................969-1900

We see this through the renewal in nature as flowers and plants spring up and trees sprout green leaves long after the passing of the fall and winter months.

There is resurgence community-wide as the pace of construction activity rolls into higher gear. And preparations are underway for a bevy of spring and summer-related outdoor concerts, festivals and special events hosted by the City, Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation, the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street and other groups. Visit LStourism.com for a list of activities.

Many students community-wide, both in public and private schools, advanced to the next grade level while others graduated and will continue on in pursuit of higher education goals or enter the workforce. Wherever their education and career paths lead them, I congratulate Lee’s Summit’s students on their academic accomplishments throughout the year and upon entering the next chapter of their lives whether it is educational or workforce related.

Our City is undergoing its own new beginnings with the recent municipal elections on April 5. As many of you are aware we had three individuals leave the Lee’s Summit City Council who either termed out or decided not to run for re-election. I extend my sincere appreciation to former Lee’s Summit City Councilmembers Allan Gray, who represented District 2; Derek Holland, who represented District 3 and Bob Johnson, who represented District 4 for their outstanding dedication to the residents of this community over the years. Gentlemen, your leadership has been significant in the City’s progression over the years. Thank you!

Congratulations to Municipal Judge Division 263 James M. Tobin who was re-elected to serve on the Lee’s Summit Municipal Court. I also congratulate District 1 Councilmember Robert Binney on his re-election to the City Council as well as the election of the following new members to the Council: • District 2 Councilmember Craig Faith • District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Q. Edson • District 4 Councilmember Chris Moreno I look forward to serving with all of you in the years ahead as we work together to continue Lee’s Summit’s longstanding tradition of progress toward a prosperous and dynamic future.

Here’s to new beginnings, Lee’s Summit!

Yours Truly,

Mayor Randy Rhoads

2

City’s Landfill Privatized on March 1 Privatization Contract Has Resulted in Changes to Solid Waste Services in Lee’s Summit.

On Jan. 14, 2016, the City Council approved a contract with Summit Waste Systems/Heartland Environmental Services (HES), a Colorado-based company specializing in solid waste services, to privatize the City’s solid waste services effective March 1, 2016.

As part of the contract, the City agreed to sell its landfill equipment to HES and then use the proceeds to permit, design and construct a 500 tons per-day transfer station to be utilized by Summit Waste Systems/HES after the City’s landfill reaches its permitted capacity in late 2017 or early 2018. Summit Waste Systems/HES will continue to offer trash disposal, Household Hazardous Waste, yard waste/ composting, and several other environmental programs.

As a result of this decision, there are changes to the solid waste services offered in Lee’s Summit: • The City’s two recycling centers closed on Feb. 6.

Fees collected from trash disposal at the City’s landfill previously paid for the operation of these recycling centers; however, the City no longer operates the landfill and therefore no longer collects trash disposal fees to cover the recycling effort.

Residents have several options for recycling: • Contact your trash hauler for curbside recycling.

Trash haulers are required to offer curbside recycling; fees will vary.

• Utilize the mixed recycling bins located at Lee’s Summit R-7 School District schools.

These bins do not accept glass containers.

• Use Ripple Glass recycling bins located at several local grocery stores for glass container recycling.

• Visit RecycleSpot.org to search for alternative recycling drop-off locations near your home.

For more detailed information about recycling, visit LSlandfill.net.

• Summit Waste Systems/HES took over landfill operations on March 1. They will continue to offer Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), yard waste/composting, and several other environmental programs. For questions, or to make an HHW appointment, contact Summit Waste Systems/HES at (816) 623-3066 or visit SummitWasteSystemsRRP.com.

The City has started the design process for a 500 tons per-day transfer station, a building in which waste from multiple trash trucks is combined and placed in larger haul trucks for transport to an off-site landfill. The transfer station provides an alternate means for disposing of waste, and will be utilized after the City’s landfill has reached its permitted capacity and can no longer accept waste. Permitting for the transfer station is expected to begin this summer, with the total design, permitting and construction process expected to take up to two years. Because of the possibility of a gap in solid waste disposal service during the period after landfill closure and opening of the transfer station, HES requested the City’s concurrence for a vertical expansion of the landfill. At the April 7 meeting, the City Council considered the submission of a Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) landfill permit modification and voted to approve the request and forward the permit modification to MDNR. The Council also requested HES present their plan to close the landfill as soon as practically possible upon the transfer station being constructed and available for operation.

For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about both the closure of the recycling centers and the transfer station, visit LSlandfill.net. For more information or if you have questions, contact the City’s Public Works Department at (816) 969-1800 or publicworks@cityofls.net. ■

3

New Sign Regulations The following signs are now grouped together as “Non-commercial Temporary Signs” and include: • Garage sales, real estate, political, informational, and construction signs Before placing such signs, here are a few regulations to assist residents with a successful event and to keep our community aesthetically beautiful.

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

• There may be one temporary sign per lot, no larger than six square feet, year round.

Additional temporary signs are allowed as follows: • During times of election, one additional temporary sign per issue per candidate is allowed beginning 60 days prior to an election and terminated five days after the date of the election.

• During times of sale, one additional temporary sign may be placed on the property and must be removed within 15 days following the date on which the contract for sale has been executed.

• During times property is open to the public (which includes garage sales), one additional temporary sign may be located on the property on the day the property is being opened to the public but not more than 15 days per year.

• Except for temporary signs during times of election, not more than four additional signs are allowed on the property.

• 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.

• Be aware, if you live in a subdivision with a Home Owner’s Association, signage regulations may be more restrictive than the City’s and would govern their placement.

For more information, contact the City’s Planning & Codes Administration Department at (816) 969-1200 or stop by the office at 220 SE Green Street. ■

4

Don’t forget to get your Sprinkler System Tested for Backflow Prevention before use 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.

State and City laws require a backflow prevention device to be installed and tested annually for all water customers with cross connections – a connection between our drinking water system and another substance or source, like in-ground lawn

sprinklers. Yearly testing is necessary to ensure the assembly is operating properly in order to protect our water system.

You should never use an in-ground lawn sprinkler without a properly tested and functioning backflow assembly. 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 DID NOT receive a testing notice (or have not in the past), please have your assembly inspected before use and contact us via the information below.

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. ■

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 • in-ground lawn sprinkler systems • fences more than six feet in height • roofing • swimming pools, both above ground and in-ground • furnace and air conditioner replacement • detached accessory structures, such as sheds and garages over 120 square feet For more information, contact the Planning & Codes Admission Department at (816) 969-1200. ■

Community Notification Alerts Signing up for community notifications is another advantage of living in Lee’s Summit.

You can receive important event notifications direct to your phone or computer.

It’s your choice! Whether it’s general community news, weather alerts, traffic advisories, we keep you up-to-date.

You choose the information you want, for the address you want, all delivered for FREE by text message or email. All information is delivered using Nixle technology.

Sign-up today and learn more at Nixle.com or by texting LSALERTS for general City information, LSPOLICE for Police Department alerts, and LSFIRE for Fire Department alerts to 888777!

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r e t a e h t i h p Am ts!

Legacy Park Amphitheater

Even

Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation is excited to bring a top quality amphitheater to area residents.

• 6/23 – Movie-in-the-Park: Sandlot • 7/1 – Legacy Blast • 7/9 – Quiet Riot • 7/21 – Movie-in-the-Park: HOME

• 8/4 – Movie-in-the-Park: Night at the Museum • 8/12-14 – Summit Theater Group presents: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Community patrons will be able to enjoy movies in the park, concerts under the stars, including both local and national acts, local theater in the park and space to rent for private gatherings such as weddings, corporate events and much more. The amphitheater is located adjacent to Legacy Park Community Center at 897 NE Bluestem Dr. This facility, with the capacity for about 3,000 and the lake as a backdrop, allows patrons to come out and enjoy a great night of cultural arts events right in their own community.

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The amphitheater kicked off the opening with a Celebration of the Arts on May 20. The evening showcased several local art groups including dance, theater, symphony and more.

On Saturday, May 21, the first nationally recognized musician to grace the stage of Legacy Park Amphitheater was one of country music’s hottest stars—Tate Stevens; 2012 winner of Fox’s The X Factor and Belton, MO native. Local band, State Line Drive opened for Stevens. Visit RockTheAmp.net or call (816) 969-1500 for more information about the amphitheater. ■

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 18, 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 8:30 a.m. to noon 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; and airport tours and information about airport 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 or visit LSairport.net. ■

6

2015 Annual Report Highlights Actions Today Lead to Positive Impacts for the Future

The Splashpad at Miller J. Fields Park

The year 2015 was an impressive year for our community from managing a strong fiscally responsible City, maintaining safety and security, improving infrastructure, enhancing quality of life, and building and preserving strong bonds with residents, the business and development community and partners. The following are some of the highlights of those stellar accomplishments in 2015: • Celebrated more than $1 billion in economic development investments pending or completed and the development of a comprehensive incentive policy, • Completed 122 lane miles of crack seal, 51 lane miles of surface seal, 39 lane miles of overlay, 13.7 miles of curb and updated 89 sidewalk ramps to current Americans with Disabilities Act standards, • Approved the $4.7 million purchase of an additional 5 million gallons of water per day from the City of Kansas City, • Began construction on the Legacy Park Amphitheater and opened the Splashpad at Miller J. Fields, and • Completed the Orchard Street Improvements – the City’s first design-build project.

Read about these projects and more in the City of Lee’s Summit’s 2015 Annual Report, “Tomorrow Starts Now.” As the title suggests, Lee’s Summit continues to look ahead to what can be to ensure the community’s future remains bright for decades to come.

A great deal of thanks is owed to the outstanding leadership of the Lee’s Summit City Council which helps to set the direction for the Management Team and the work of staff throughout the organization. All of which has led to dynamic outcomes encapsulating the theme, “Tomorrow Starts Now.” View a copy of the 2015 Annual Report at cityofls.net under Publications and Reports. ■

Lee’s Summit’s Great for Biking and Walking

Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation was thrilled in 2015 to announce the opening of the Splashpad at Miller J. Fields Park (at the intersection of 3rd Terr and Circleview in the Briarcroft subdivision). The Splashpad was a huge hit with kids and adults alike.

We’re now pleased to announce that this year the the Splashpad has a new floor surface which will help to prevent slips & falls.

The Splashpad will be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. ■

Enjoy nationally recognized Bike and Walk Friendly Lee’s Summit. ■ 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 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.

Legacy Blast Get ready for a spectacular fireworks display at Legacy Blast on Fri., July 1, at Legacy Park, NE Legacy Park Drive.

Bring the family out to enjoy the inflatable moonwalk, balloon artists, face painters and concessions from 6 to 9 p.m. The free fireworks extravaganza choreographed to music simulcast on KCMO 94.9 will be from 9:30 to 9:50 p.m.

The south entrance of Legacy Park will open at 6 p.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Visit LSparks.net or call (816) 969-1500.

(Rain date: July 2.) ■

Yours Truly 8