TownTalk Birthday present makes boy’s day Truett Shacklett has a few new heroes, thanks to the Lenexa Police Department, after he was involved in an accident with a lawn mower. The first responders met the four-year-old and immediately knew he was special. “All of us who went out there are all dads and parents, and he’s just an amazing kid,” said Officer Paul Oliver.
December 2014 • Issue 6
Civic Center Project becoming a reality
The officers quickly organized an effort to purchase a birthday present for Truett, based on a toy his dad said he saw at a local store. Many LPD officers contributed to the fund, and with the help of a generous citizen, were able to purchase a riding toy police vehicle. But they didn’t stop there. Oliver and other officers worked with the LPD’s internal shop to install flashing lights and a working siren. They even personalized it to include the Lenexa Police Department logo and Truett’s nickname, “Trudog.” Not long after Truett turned four, the CONTINUED ON TOWN TALK PG. 6
Artist’s rendering of future Civic Center Project site
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t’s been nearly two decades since Lenexa citizens first came together to shape the future of our city through Vision 2020, the citizen-led community planning process. One of the economic development goals enumerated in Vision 2020 was the development of Lenexa City Center, a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood located at the geographic center of our city. This place was described as becoming Lenexa’s “new downtown.” Our commitment to creating this place was reaffirmed and refined in Vision 2030 and it has been our mission to make your vision a reality. City Center, which now encompasses more than 200 acres on all four corners of 87th Street Parkway and Renner Boulevard, is finally coming to fruition. Several projects have been completed, a few are currently under construction, and there are even more on the horizon: • Perceptive Software moved into its world headquarters at 89th & Renner this summer. • WaterCrest at City Center began leasing units this fall. • The Hyatt Place Hotel and Lenexa Conference Center are currently under construction between I-435 and the B.E. Smith building.
The rideable toy police car given to Truett Shacklett by the Lenexa Police Department.
• The Domain at City Center is underway and should be completed by the spring of 2016. CONTINUED ON PG. 2
TownTalk Lenexa Civic Center Project: 1
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Public Gathering Spaces
Development is happening faster than ever before at City Center, and the signature public project for our new downtown is very close to becoming a reality. In 2006, city officials and staff began the design process for a multipurpose civic campus to be located at City Center. Consisting of recreational, retail, civic and cultural amenities, this project will be the centerpiece of Lenexa’s new downtown. After working for several years with citizen focus groups, public and private sector partners, the Chamber of Commerce and design professionals, we are pleased to announce that we will break ground on the Lenexa Civic Center Project in early 2015.
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• Indoor public market featuring local vendors • Outdoor farmers’ market • Outdoor amphitheater
Indoor Aquatic Center
• Multi-use outdoor events space
• Leisure/wellness pool • Play structures for children
• Large social gathering area and civic plaza
• Water slides • Lazy river
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Using Vision 2020, Vision 2030, and the Parks & Recreation Master Plan as guides for this generational investment, we will continue to provide a high quality of life for our residents through projects like this one. In this special section, you will learn what you can expect to find at our new civic campus and how you can stay up to date on the development. We look forward to seeing you at the ribbon cutting when we open this exciting new facility in 2017.
PLANNING 2014-15: Steering Committee and city staff are finalizing building plans.
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Recreation Facilities • Youth, teen and senior programming • A large walking track (six laps per mile) • Three multi-use gymnasiums
• Fitness facilities, including cardio and weight training equipment • Kids indoor play area with arts programming • Membership-based admission with day passes and affordable rates
CONSTRUCTION Early 2015: Groundbreaking 2015-17: Civic Center Project will be under construction.
OPEN 2017: Grand Opening
A Community Vision 20 Years in the Making 4
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City Hall & Community Forum
On-site Parking Garage
• 250-seat community forum suitable for City Council and civic meetings, small group performances and other events
• Free garage parking that will provide easy access to all civic center buildings and will support other City Center businesses
• Public art gallery space • Leasable space for higher education and institutional partners • City Hall offices (current City Hall space will convert to a needed public safety space)
www.Lenexa.com/CityCenter Communications@Lenexa.com
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CENTRAL GREEN PARK FUNDED BY THE
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• Lenexa’s Capital Improvement Fund • Revenue from leasable building space
CIVIC CENTER FUTURE SITE
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• 3/8-cent sales tax approved by Lenexa voters in 2008
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Funding Sources
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Lenexa Civic Center Project Site Plan
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PERCEPTIVE SOFTWARE
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TownTalk Use eco-friendly ice melt for clean water When treating sidewalks for ice this winter, help keep water clean by choosing environmentally friendly ice melt. Salts are generally fine to use, but can seep into groundwater and harm wildlife and plants when overapplied. A better choice is an acetatebased product. Although slightly more expensive than salt products, acetates are more effective in colder temperatures and are better for the environment. For more water quality tips, visit www.raintorecreation.org.
Keep fire hydrants clear of snow Have a fire hydrant in front of your home or business? Winter storms often bury hydrants, making it difficult for firefighters to locate them quickly in case of emergency. First responders lose precious minutes needed to fight fires when they have to spend time digging out a hydrant. After every snowfall, remember to shovel a threefoot-area around the hydrant and a path out to the street to maintain clear access.
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Lenexa crews ready for snow season Snow and ice season is here, and Lenexa snow plowing crews are ready to respond. After snow and ice events that require plowing and/or treating the roads, our crews work to ensure all roads in the city are clear within 48 hours of the completion of the storm. For full updates on Lenexa’s snow plowing progress during snow and ice events, visit www.lenexa.com/snow.
To help reduce windrows at the end of your driveway, pile snow on the left side of your driveway (facing your home), and shovel an inlet on the right side.
Main roads, such as 87th Street Parkway, are cleared first, followed by collector streets – doing this allows first responders to have the best access to the entire city in the event of an emergency. Residential and less-traveled roads are then cleared.
Remove cars from the street before snow arrives. When cars are parked on the street, it prevents snow from being cleared from the street and also increases the possibility of cars being buried by windrows of snow when the plows go by.
The city understands that residents would like their residential roads cleared as quickly as possible, and we appreciate your patience as our crews work as quickly as they can. Please wait 48 hours before reporting a missed street, which can be done by visiting www.lenexa.com/311.
In heavy snow, it is difficult for the driver to identify the edge of a curb, especially on curves. Placing a marker, such as a survey flag, behind the back of the curb will assist the driver in identifying the curb location and prevent lawn damage. Flags are available for pickup at no charge at Lenexa Municipal Services office at 7700 Cottonwood.
Other helpful reminders this snow season include:
Tips to heat your home safely in the cold Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Be extremely careful if you use a wood stove, fireplace or space heater.
• Ensure proper ventilation for the type of heater you’re using.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable items.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer.
• Store a dry chemical fire extinguisher near the area.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected.
• Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
Arts Council a valuable asset in Lenexa Lenexa is fortunate to have a devoted group of volunteers from a variety of backgrounds serving on the Lenexa Arts Council (LAC). The LAC serves the community by stimulating awareness in the arts for Lenexa residents. The nine-member volunteer board, which is appointed by the mayor with the consent of the city council, coordinates resources to develop, sustain, and promote high-quality programs and events in Lenexa. LAC members devote hundreds of hours each year to promote art in the community, including: • Public art (two new pieces to be installed in the near future). • Monthly 2-D and 3-D gallery shows at City Hall. • $3,000 in scholarships each year to Lenexa students. • Arts events such as an art trolley tour and Theatre Hike. • Musical entertainment at Lenexa festivals and Movie in the Park. • Children’s theater camp.
Missoula Children’s Theatre camp performance
Next year, the LAC will celebrate its 25th anniversary as a city-supported board. It now operates with a city budget. Throughout the years, the LAC has expanded its programs even more by partnering with other organizations and securing grants and sponsorships from community philanthropic organizations. Funding for public art acquisitions comes from a $1 per resident allocation fee and an art impact fee, which is allocated throughout the city. Arts Council members are Emily Behrman, Wayne Dothage, Kay Plaster, Glenn Poe, Rob Robinson, Judy Tuckness, Jennifer Wampler and Claire Ward.
Don’t keep vehicles running in the cold Some winter days we might do anything to stay warm. But leaving your car running in a garage, driveway or parking lot is a bad idea. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal a running car. It’s also illegal to leave your car running while unattended. The only exception is if your vehicle is equipped with a remote start function, which also keeps the car locked and secure.
Stay connected with e-newsletters There is so much more going on in Lenexa than can fit in the pages of Town Talk. Want to stay connected with the city and receive the latest information about activities, news and programs? Sign up for one of our e-newsletters. Simply go to www.lenexa.com/enews and enter your email address.
Enjoy holiday lights at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park If you weren’t able to make it to the Sar-Ko Aglow Holiday Lighting Celebration this year, be sure to stop by Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park at 87th & Lackman to enjoy the twinkling
beauty. Both natural elements and buildings have been strung in lights to enhance the park’s beauty. Residents have until Sunday, Jan. 4 to enjoy the lights.
You’ll be able to choose from My Lenexa News, Road Construction notices, Parks & Recreation news and PD E-watch. Each is sent 1-2 times per month. You are also able to manage your subscriptions at any time.
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TownTalk Dec. 31 is the deadline to renew City of Lenexa alarm permits, pet licenses and rental registrations.
Plans underway for Ridgeview north of K-10 LEGEND FUTURE CONSTRUCTION FUTURE TRAFFIC SIGNAL
All residential rental properties in Lenexa must be licensed. Licenses must be renewed annually and expire on Dec. 31 of each year.
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All business and residential alarms must be registered with the city. Registrations are valid for a calendar year and must be renewed annually. There is no fee for alarm registration. All dogs and cats over the age of six months residing in Lenexa must be licensed with the city. Pet licenses expire on Dec. 31, regardless of the date purchased, and must be renewed annually. Special pet permits for housing more than two dogs and/or more than two cats also must be renewed annually by Dec. 31.
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The City of Lenexa is in the planning and design phase of the project to construct Ridgeview Road from the K-10 interchange north to Prairie Star Parkway. Work will include a four-lane, divided road with storm drainage, sidewalks, street lighting and traffic signals. Design is also underway to construct 99th Street from the future Ridgeview Road,
RENNER BLVD
Registration renewals due by end of year
east to Britton Street. This road will provide a connection between Renner Boulevard and Ridgeview Road. Construction is expected to begin in 2015, with completion estimated in 2016. These projects will improve travel efficiency and support economic development opportunities.
Renewals for alarm registrations, pet licenses and rental registrations may be conducted online at www. lenexa.com/towntalk.
Mayor Boehm’s State of the City address Mark your calendar for the Mayor’s annual State of the City address on Feb. 25, 2015 at the Overland Park Sheraton Hotel, 6100 College Blvd. More information will be available in the next Town Talk.
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officers brought their gift to the family home and held a birthday party for him and his eight brothers and sisters. “We’re very thankful for the Lenexa Police Department and Lenexa Fire Department both for what they did when Truett got hurt, but beyond that,
what we’re really overwhelmed with is how they’ve rallied around him,” said Scott Shacklett, Truett’s father. “We don’t drive past a police car or fire truck without him shouting out the window and pointing at it. They are very special to him.”
Lenexa’s first Food Truck Frenzy a success Gateway construction continues to progress Ridgeview Road Bridge at K-10: The contractor anticipates switching bridge traffic to the newly constructed lanes by midDecember so the other half of the bridge can be demolished and rebuilt for the interchange. Work is scheduled to finish in July 2015. On Oct. 30, Lenexa hosted its first Food Truck Frenzy, a foodie-centric event comprised of 10 food trucks of different culinary styles. Held at Lenexa City Center, Food Truck Frenzy allowed staff to partner with several local operators to test a new mobile food vendor ordinance as well as determine how food trucks can activate and create enthusiasm for the City Center neighborhood. The Frenzy was a resounding
success with more than 2,000 people in attendance. Both city staff and the food truck vendors received numerous compliments via Facebook, Twitter and in person. There was such an outpouring of support for this initiative that the city plans on partnering with the food trucks again to host two more Frenzies in 2015 in June and September. We hope you’ll be able to join us for a future Food Truck Frenzy.
Two holiday tree disposal options available Lenexa residents have two options for disposing of live Christmas trees after the holidays. Drop off: Lenexa residents may drop-off live holiday trees from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 26 through Jan. 11 at the Mill Creek sports fields’ parking lot (79th St. and Cottonwood). Only Christmas trees will be accepted. Please remove all decorations, nails, plastic bags, etc. For more information, contact David Howell at dhowell@lenexa.com. Pick-up service: Boy Scout Troop
136 has again partnered with the city for the annual Christmas tree pickup Dec. 28, Jan. 3 and Jan. 4. To schedule a pickup, register online at www.troop136.org. The Boy Scouts request a minimum donation of $10.
I-435 Flyover Ramps: The piers in the median along eastbound K-10 near northbound I-435 will hold the new two-lane flyover ramps to northbound I-435. Lane closures will continue in this area. The flyover ramp is scheduled to open in summer 2015. College Boulevard: Four lanes will be open to traffic from Renner to Ridgeview by the end of the year, weather permitting. Renner Boulevard: Lane closures will occur prior to increased construction in the spring of 2015. Renner south of the K-10 ramps will close in the late spring/early summer 2015, and work will eventually move north on Renner. This will improve the flow of traffic on and off of Renner. Renner will be open to businesses in the work zone during construction. All ramps and lanes will reopen in summer 2015. Other Work: A detention basin south of I-435 is under construction to allow for improved water drainage, and at I-435 and Lackman, a building has been demolished to make way for the widening of the overpass. Visit www.jocogateway.com for more information.
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TownTalk
Lenexa Town Talk is published six times a year by the City of Lenexa for its residents. Please direct questions or comments to the Communications Division by e-mailing communications@lenexa.com.
Mayor Mike Boehm
City Administrator Eric Wade
Council Members Ward 1 Joe Karlin Steve Lemons
Ward 3 Amy Slater Lou Serrone
Ward 2 Diane Linver Tom Nolte
Ward 4 Mandy Stuke Andy Huckaba
12350 W. 87th Street Pkwy. Lenexa, KS 66215
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage P A I D Kansas City, MO Permit No. 32
913.477.7500 • www.lenexa.com Lenexa is an equal housing community
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Congratulations to Lenexa Chili Challenge winning teams
Photos by staff and volunteer photographer Bill Harrison
Congratulations to the following Lenexa teams who placed in the top 10 at the Lenexa Chili Challenge. Salsa: Two Tears and a Bucket, 1st; Lakeview Village, 2nd; Chilly Willy Chili, 10th. Hot Wings: RBR Cook-N, 1st; Two Tears and a Bucket, 3rd; Team T-Gee, 6th; Lakeview Village, 7th; Digger’s Fire in the Hole, 8th; Diabolical Crew, 9th. Home Style Chili: Macho Man Chili, 6th; GRT Chili, 7th; The Smokin’ Guns, 8th. CASI Chili: Rough & Ready, 4th and 10th. Showmanship: Chili Joint, 1st. JDRF Fundraising: Team T-Gee, 2nd.