2016 YEAR IN REVIEW
FRAMING LENEXA’S
FUTURE
LENEXA IS A PROGRESSIVE CITY IN KANSAS that blends a small-town atmosphere and strong sense of belonging with the best of city life. Our elected officials have established six goals that guide decision-making for land use, economic development and efficiently allocating public funds. These goals reinforce Lenexa’s citizen-led Vision 2030 strategic plan. The 2016 Year in Review highlights some of the ways the city’s future was framed this year based on the goals.
2016 Lenexa Governing Body
TOP ROW Lou Serrone • Council Member • Ward 3 Mandy Stuke • Council Member • Ward 4 Michael Boehm • Mayor Steve Lemons • Council Member • Ward 1 Joe Karlin • Council Member • Ward 1
CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
BOTTOM ROW Amy K. Slater • Council Member • Ward 3 Andy Huckaba • Council Member • Ward 4 Diane Linver • Council Member • Ward 2 Thomas R. Nolte • Council Member • Ward 2
CONTACT THE CITY www.lenexa.com • 913.477.7500 communications@lenexa.com
2 • CITY OF LENEXA
GOAL:
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Provide exceptional value for community-provided resources and strive for long-term financial balance in the city’s operational and capital activities.
Lenexa has a strong financial position, with projected revenues equal to or exceeding projected expenditures for the next five years, as well as appropriate reserve levels. The city’s top-quality triple-A ratings from credit rating agencies help save thousands of dollars in interest when selling bonds to finance capital projects.
Tax supports quality of life The city’s 3/8-cent sales tax generates additional funds to help maintain roads, improve existing park facilities and provide new recreational opportunities. Lenexa residents approved the tax in 2008 for a 20-year period. HOW MONEY WAS USED IN 2016: Pavement Management Program
$2.5 M*
Bond and Interest Payment for Civic Center Project
$2.8 M
*of $4.4 million spent on roadway maintenance
City of Lenexa 2016 Total Budget = $98,102,409
Revenues by Source
Expenses by Function
Sales and Other Taxes
47%
Property, Special Assessment, Delinquent Taxes
39%
Charges for Services
8%
Fines and Forfeitures
2%
Licenses and Permits
2%
Transfers in/Use of Reserve Balance Funds
1%
Miscellaneous
1%
Public Safety
27%
Community Infrastructure
18%
Debt Service
18%
Transfers to Capital Improvement Projects
10%
General Administration
9%
Economic Development
7%
Parks and Recreation
7%
Transfers for Equipment Replacement and Facilities Maintenance
4%
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW • 3
GOAL:
CITY SERVICES
Ensure that city services assist in creating a superior quality of life and a safe atmosphere where people desire to live, work and play.
95th Street & I-35 interchange
Post Oak Stormwater Project – Rehabilitated stormwater pipes to reduce flooding, and also built a new trail in Post Oak Park.
The Kansas Department of Transportation completed all major highway improvements to K-10/I-435/I-35 for its massive Johnson County Gateway Phase 2 Project in 2016. This included a six-month reconstruction of the 95th Street and I-35 interchange in Lenexa, which improved highway access and safety.
Lenexa is switching to LED light bulbs, which are more energy efficient and require less maintenance. The city converted trail access lighting along Prairie Star Parkway, as well as some parking lot and shelter lights — saving 80 percent on electric bills!
Capital projects from 2016 The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) helps the city plan for major projects and improvements to public facilities. Funds allocated to CIP projects in 2016 included: Public Buildings
$53,150,000*
Streets and Bridges
$28,342,103
Stormwater Projects
$6,571,010
Parks
$3,476,423
Traffic Improvements
$790,000
Major Capital Equipment
$353,570
TOTAL 4 • CITY OF LENEXA
$92,683,106
Clear Creek Stormwater Project – Began work to create a recreation and water quality facility on cityowned property near Clare Road and 86th Terrace. Will include wetlands, pond and paved trails.
The Haskins Street and 95th Terrace street rehabilitation project began south of Old Town, partially funded by Johnson County’s Community Development Block Grant.
Lenexa Fire Department partnered with other local fire departments to secure a $2 million federal grant to replace self-contained breathing apparatus equipment. Having the same safety equipment will improve coordination during fires. Lenexa will be able to replace 75 units.
* Includes Civic Center Project new construction
City-sponsored Dumpster Days events collected and diverted these materials from local landfills during 2016:
Taking care of roads in 2016
15.65 TONS
Road maintenance is a top priority for residents. The Pavement Management Program is the largest annual capital improvement project.
scrap metal recycled
Surface treatments applied to roadways
100 lane mi.
Sidewalks replaced
19,340 sq. ft.
Curbs replaced
34,735 linear ft.
Asphalt trails replaced w/ concrete 62,197 sq. ft.
15.76 TONS
Accessible curb ramps installed
262
electronics recycled
Innovative fire vehicles Latest technology aids public safety • New data recorder can reconstruct a crash faster and with more detail, which helps reopen the road to traffic sooner. • New body cameras for police officers provide higher-resolution images. • More license plate readers in fixed locations help alert police to criminal activity. We completed phase one of the multiuse City Center Trail project west of Renner Boulevard and south of 87th Street Parkway, and installed an asphalt trail to the north.
The Fire and Municipal Services departments custom outfitted a truck chassis with a hydraulic lift arm that can transform it into multiple emergency response vehicles. A prototype hit the streets in 2016, which included: 1
Water tank, pump and hose reel to reach brush fires.
2
Storage pod for houses that experience fire damage.
3
Utility truck bed for hauling large equipment.
1
2
3
The Lenexa Police Department implemented a new mental health co-responder program with Johnson County Mental Health and the City of Shawnee. A professional accompanies police officers on calls that involve mental health situations. This gives residents quicker access to needed services and keeps them out of the emergency room or jail. 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW • 5
GOAL:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Promote and stimulate quality development to enhance the city’s diverse economic base.
Lenexa is growing Lenexa has seen four years of steady growth in building permit activity, which means businesses and residents are investing in the city. Development results in more living options, jobs, and places to dine and shop. And it provides the city with more resources to keep the community safe and maintain a high quality of life. From 2013–2016, the total valuation of construction topped $1 billion.
Creating a building permit PIPELINE
$277.8 M
$299.2 M
$322.8 M
$228.1 M
CONSTRUCTION VALUATION
2013
2014
2015
2016
Lenexa Logistics Centre North
Building 1
We started tracking our building pipeline in 2016 and can tell from the $145 million currently under review that building activity in 2017 will also be very strong.
Large-scale projects in 2016 Building permits were issued to these commercial and apartment projects (new or renovation) worth over $5 million.
Housing choices for all Lenexa offers a variety of housing options that meet the diverse needs of its residents. New single-family home development in western Lenexa continued rising in 2016. And developers built multifamily and senior living units to keep pace with the unmet demand identified by a multifamily housing study the city completed in 2016. 6 • CITY OF LENEXA
Lenexa Logistics Centre North
(Bldg. 1)
$47.9 M
WaterSide Residences on Quivira
$47.1 M
Lenexa Logistics Centre South
$32.6 M
(Bldg. 7)
SpringHill Suites
$17.8 M
Prairie Creek Apartments (Phase 2) $15.3 M Village Cooperative of Lenexa
$11.9 M
Holiday Inn Express
$7.7 M
Benton House of Lenexa
$5.7 M
Candlewood Suites
$5.5 M
GOAL:
REINVESTMENT
Promote and support efforts to redevelop retail sites and improve neighborhoods to continue the city’s reputation as a safe and friendly community.
A new look at Old Town After working with the community to identify redevelopment opportunities for the historic Old Town district, the City Council accepted a final plan with a list of recommendations for private property owners, merchants and the city to pursue. Lenexa is taking next steps in several areas.
Community improvement funds benefit Lenexa The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved the city’s five-year plan for using $220,000 annually in Community Development Block Grant funds to benefit low- to moderate-income households. The plan includes the new Minor Home Repair Grant Program and studying ways to repurpose the existing Community Center and Senior Center. 95th Street and I-35 is one of the busiest interchanges in Johnson County. The major reconfiguration of this interchange in 2016 — a partnership between KDOT and the city — has prompted private investment and many property improvements in the area.
Developers are using cityapproved tax increment financing to redevelop a blighted area with a new Holiday Inn Express & Suites and an extended stay Candlewood Suites at the southeast corner of the 95th Street and I-35 interchange.
New investment in infill area The 377-unit WaterSide Residences luxury apartment development is under construction at 83rd Terrace and Quivira Road on a property that long sat idle. Lenexa hasn’t seen a new apartment complex in this part of town for about 20 years. The first of 10 buildings opened for occupancy in December 2016.
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW • 7
CITY CENTER
GOAL:
Partner in the development of a premier destination point that serves as a community gathering place integrating a variety of uses.
Set to open in mid-2017, Lenexa’s highly anticipated new City Hall, Public Market and Rec Center will offer exciting features for residents. F
New Lenexa City Hall
E
CENTRAL GREEN PARK K
H W 87T ST PKWY
A
RENNER BLVD
B
PENROSE LN
C
ELMRIDGE ST
D
WINCHESTER ST
(Public Market on lower level)
W 87TH ST PKWY
J
I
G
O PE N
N
L H
RO
P
M
SE
LN
435
A
Lenexa Civic Center Project campus under construction; opens mid-2017.
I
Ignite Wood Fire Grill restaurant currently under construction.
B
City will convey property to Shawnee Mission School District for future competitive aquatic facility.
J
Office/retail building has final plan approval.
C
Canyon Farms Golf Course Clubhouse.
K
New RideKC route 495 95th Street bus stop at Lenexa City Center.
D
Site of future Lenexa Hills Elementary School (Shawnee Mission School District).
L
E
Penrose Place Phase 1 includes SpringHill Suites hotel and retail space; currently under construction.
The District mixed-use development includes residential, office and retail space; construction begins in 2017.
M
Future park and improvements planned for Lenexa City Center pond.
F
EdgeWater at City Center apartments construction was completed in 2016.
N
The Domain at City Center luxury apartments were completed in 2016.
G
Sonoma Plaza development proposed with retail, commercial, residential uses.
O
City will convey property to Johnson County Library for new branch location.
H
Hyatt Place Hotel and Lenexa Conference Center opened in 2016.
P
Infrastructure work began for the Fairways at Cottonwood Canyon Villas.
8 • CITY OF LENEXA
GOAL:
SENSE OF COMMUNITY
Celebrate Lenexa’s heritage and history to enhance the sense of community, pride and quality of life for residents.
Festival and event milestones Great Lenexa BBQ Battle
Lenexa Chili Challenge
Lenexa Artists’ Show
35 YEARS
30 YEARS
25 YEARS
We launched a city presence on Nextdoor, a free social networking service for neighborhoods. Nearly 20 percent of residents are now using it to connect with each other.
“Amusing Breeze” sculpture by Chris Duh was installed on 87th Street Parkway in Sar-KoPar Trails Park.
Partnerships for success Johnson County Library helped offer monthly outdoor movie nights during the summer. Opening Parks & Recreation trips to Mission and Shawnee residents boosted participation.
City crews trimmed 3,500 right-of-way trees, planted 265 trees, and treated 139 trees for emerald ash borer. For our commitment to sound urban forestry management, the Arbor Day Foundation designated Lenexa a Tree City USA community for the 28th year.
The city remodeled restrooms and replaced flooring at the Lenexa Senior Center.
Thirteen residents took part in the very first Citizens’ Fire Academy. They learned about all the ways the Fire Department serves Lenexa. Hundreds of volunteers donated time and talent to provide VOLUNTEER support to the city in 2016 — a value of $265,898.16.*
*Source: www.independentsector.org
11,286
HOURS
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW • 9
Youth Police Academy
Lenexa cares about its residents and businesses. I love that I can see where my tax dollars are going when my street gets repaved in the summer and plowed in the winter, when my sidewalk gets fixed, when our parks are continually improved, and when our service men and women are happy and helpful. — Robin S.
An active community that keeps to the past but pushes the envelope on future endeavors…a true balance. — Mitchell O.
Neighborhood block party
It is a wonderful forward-looking community that encompasses plans, neighborhoods, parks and festivals for people of all ages and interests!
Na-Nex-Se sculpture
— Pat E.
All of the amazing events and amenities make it clear that the city has a clear vision to remain a fantastic place to live, play and grow! 10 • Center CITY OF LENEXA Civic Project site tour
— Kristin A.
©WENDY DELZEIT
Popeye and Olive Oyl at Spinach Festival
The city is continually staying on the cutting edge of technology, business and growth while maintaining a small-town feel. — Linda G.
Enchanted Forest
Bill Nicks as Lenexa founding father Octave Chanute
©BRIANWITHANEYE
Boy Scout volunteers
Canoeing at Black Hoof Park with Friends of the Kaw
It has been a wonderful place to raise a family and put down roots. Great city planning years ago has led to great neighborhoods. Very well-run city. — Susan S.
95th Street & I-35 ribbon-cutting
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW • 11
12350 W. 87th St. Pkwy. Lenexa, KS 66215
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