Plans, projects delayed Budget hearing set

THREE LONG-TERM PLANNING EFFORTS ON HOLD

Lenexa had three major planning efforts scheduled for this year that must be paused due to efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Focus groups, interviews, community meetings, open houses and surveys allow cities to reach broader demographics and provide a critical spectrum of opinions when preparing any longterm community plans. We plan to fully engage the public in shaping the future of our community at a time when public health officials agree it is safe to gather, our residents feel safe and the City’s fiscal health is better known. These plans are anticipated to move forward in 2021 as the aforementioned factors are satisfied: • A Comprehensive Plan update that will serve as the City’s official policy guide for future growth and development. • A Parks Master Plan that will provide a long-range vision for Parks & Recreation programs and amenities. • An Aquatics Study that will explore the community’s preferences and priorities for outdoor pool offerings.

We plan to open all three outdoor Lenexa pools in 2021 as we continue to develop a plan the future of our aquatics system. While the coronavirus has also delayed the development of homeless shelter regulations, staff is exploring ways to move the regulations toward the public review process in a safe way. More information will be announced in the near future.

Some projects delayed — not canceled — due to revenue uncertainty

Economic woes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will have an impact on some City projects this year. Disruptions in the municipal bond market and projected shortfalls in sales/use tax revenues mean vital revenue sources for some City projects will be significantly affected. These include: • Community Center and Senior

Center improvements • 109th Street to College

Boulevard storm drainage improvements • Ashley Park storm drainage improvements • Public Safety Complex • Oakhill storm drainage improvements The scope of some projects may also be reduced to help meet revenue shortfalls. For example, pavement management work on Prairie Star Parkway may be scaled back due to the project’s heavy reliance on sales tax revenue. Other major projects that have already started construction, are in the late phases of design or use other funding sources are planned to move forward this year. Several are highlighted on page 9, and other projects planned will be featured in the fall edition of TownTalk.

2021 RECOMMENDED BUDGET HEARING SET

A public hearing for the 2021 Recommended Budget is tentatively scheduled for July 21 at 7 p.m. during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting at Lenexa City Hall. The COVID-19 pandemic will have a major impact on revenues for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. Through this budget process, City staff are recommending the use of reserves and other short-term measures to mitigate the financial impact. The public is welcome to attend the City Council’s budget review session on June 23 at 7 p.m. at Lenexa City Hall. The 2021 Recommended Budget will be posted June 19 at Lenexa.com/Budget. Questions and comments about the budget can be directed to budget@ lenexa.com or Chief Financial Officer Doug Robinson at 913.477.7500.