TownTalk Lenexa City Clerk David Bryant named Clerk of the Year
Lenexa City Clerk David Bryant, left, was honored at a recent Lenexa City Council meeting by Mayor Mike Boehm for receiving the 2014 Mildred Vance City Clerk/Finance Officer of the Year Award.
Lenexa City Clerk David Bryant was awarded the 2014 Mildred Vance City Clerk/Finance Officer of the Year award by the City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association of Kansas. Bryant has worked for the City of Lenexa since 1996 and has been serving as the City Clerk since 2009. He was instrumental in assisting Lenexa to be one of the first cities to create a paperless packet for City Council meetings. In addition, he assists in leading the Learning About Lenexa program, which invites Lenexa third-graders to City Hall for a day to learn about how government works. Bryant was recognized in April by the Lenexa City Council for the outstanding work he does for the community.
June 2014 • Issue 3
Lenexa Fire Department receives Class 1 ISO rating Effective July 1, the city becomes a Class 1 community based on the Insurance Services Office (ISO) independent rating system for measuring the quality and effectiveness of municipal fire protection. Lenexa is one of only 60 cities out of 48,000 surveyed in the U.S. to have earned an elite ISO Class 1 rating. There are currently no other Class 1 communities in Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska or Iowa. The Lenexa Fire Department, accredited by the Commission of Fire Accreditation International, joins an elite group of just 17 accredited agencies to attain an ISO Class 1 rating. ISO’s Public Protection Classification ratings are used to help establish fire insurance premiums for residential, commercial and industrial properties. ISO’s evaluation program includes 10 classifications, with 1 being the highest and 10 being the lowest. The rating is based on a comprehensive review of fire department capabilities, the water supply system, and emergency communications system. Key local partners include WaterOne, a public utility that delivers Lenexa’s water service, and the Johnson County Emergency Communications Center, which handles dispatch and tracking services for fire incidents. According to ISO data, a community’s investment in firefighting services is a good predictor of future fire losses.
Communities with excellent fire protection can expect less property damage and higher survival rates. “Lenexa property owners can be confident that, thanks to top-quality fire protection, they’ll have access to the absolute lowest insurance rates for fireloss insurance,” said Fire Chief Dan Rhodus.
TownTalk A splashing good time Get ready for a summer of fun by visiting one of Lenexa’s three aquatics facilities. The pools opened over Memorial Day weekend and are available (weather permitting) for loads of family fun. Ad Astra Pool 8265 Maurer Road 913.492.7946 • Open Swim: Mon.–Sat., noon to 8 p.m.; Sun., noon to 6 p.m. • Daily Resident Admission: $5 Flat Rock Creek Pool 13120 W. 103rd St. 913.888.3202 • Open Swim: Daily, noon to 8 p.m. • Daily Resident Admission: $5 Indian Trails Aquatic Center 8801 Greenway Lane 913.888.4659 • Open Swim: Daily, noon to 8 p.m. • Daily Resident Admission: $6 Want an even better value? Get your pool pass for as little as $60 (individual) or $110 (family). Just go online to www.lenexa.com/ towntalk or call 913.477.7100.
Contact your trash hauler for curbside bulky item pickup Need to get rid of big stuff like furniture, appliances and electronic equipment? Trash haulers operating in Lenexa are required to offer one free bulky item collection per customer per year. Some haulers ask residents to schedule a pickup date, while others have set collection dates for certain areas in the city. Contact your carrier to learn its policy for curbside collection of bulky items.
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Fun-filled summer in the City of Festivals Get Outdoors Lenexa
June 14, 9 a.m.— Noon, Black Hoof Park Bring your entire family for an exciting morning of outdoor fun, fitness and safety. Take part in great games, an obstacle course, disc golf, fishing derby, geocaching and yoga. Admission to the event is free.
Latino Art Bravisimo Reception
June 20, 6:30—8 p.m., Lenexa City Hall Latino artists from around the metro will show off their artwork in the City Hall art gallery. The show will run from June 6 - July 14. A reception honoring the artists features Latino food and entertainment. Admission to the show and reception is free.
Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle
June 27 & 28, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park This two-day event includes children’s activities, live music by The Nace Brothers and delicious food. SarKo-Par Trails Park will be open from 5-11 p.m., Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday. Admission to the Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle is $5 Friday and free Saturday.
Lenexa Freedom Run
July 4, 7 a.m., Old Town Lenexa Celebrate Independence Day with a 5K or 10K run in Old Town at the Lenexa Freedom Run. The race begins at 7 a.m. and features a flat course, electronic chip timing and a free T-shirt with registration. Fees to participate are $25 by July 3 and $30 the day of the race.
Community Days Parade
July 4, 10 a.m., Old Town Lenexa This tradition draws thousands of spectators to Old Town Lenexa on July 4. Residents are encouraged to gather along the parade route to watch floats, bands and antique cars travel through. Parade participation is free, and all entries must register online by June 20.
Lenexa invests in quality streets Maintaining city streets is residents’ top priority, according to results from the latest DirectionFinder citizen satisfaction survey. Lenexa’s Pavement Management Program evaluates current conditions as a part of its aim to preserve and reconstruct city streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, trails and parking lots. This work helps city staff prioritize and plan the most costeffective ways to make improvements. The City Council approved $3.24 million for roadway maintenance in 2014, which will be used to upgrade the following this year: •
83rd St.: Gleason Road to city limits.
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87th St. Pkwy.: Quivira to Pflumm.
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95th St.: Santa Fe Trail to Noland; Lackman to Renner Blvd.
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103rd St.: Quivira to Pflumm.
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Lackman Road: 87th to 101st; 105th to College Blvd.
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Loriet Blvd.: 95th to 87th Street.
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Quivira Road: 95th to 91st Street.
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Renner Boulevard: K-10 to 95th Street; 84th to 79th Street.
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Ridge Drive: 95th to Renner Blvd.
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Parkhurst trail
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Wild Bill trail
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Fire Station #2 parking lot
Some pavement and curb replacements are also scheduled for streets in the neighborhoods of Brookwood Place and Fawn Valley. To check the status of these projects, visit www.lenexapavement.com or contact Pavement Management Coordinator Ben Clark at 913.477.7795.
Stay aware: drive safely in work zones During construction season, road projects may lead to inconvenient traffic delays, but safety is very important in Lenexa. Careless driving, distractions, speeding, and failure to obey signs and traffic controls are the most common contributing factors to motor-vehicle wrecks in work zones. Follow these driving tips to help make sure Lenexa’s work zones stay safe this summer: •
Slow down when approaching work zones, and follow posted speed limits while you are in a work zone.
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Pay attention to traffic control and workers.
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Stay alert to changing traffic conditions and merge into the proper lane as soon as possible.
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Avoid distractions, like texting and talking on cell phones.
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Allow ample braking room between you and the car in front of you. Keep a safe distance from traffic barriers, construction equipment and workers.
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Stay calm and don’t rush. Don’t pass on the shoulder.
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To avoid a work zone entirely, plan ahead and try an alternate route.
Gateway construction gets underway
Mayor Mike Boehm helped Gov. Sam Brownback, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and other officials break ground on the $288 million second phase of the Johnson County Gateway highway interchange project on April 22. It is the largest project KDOT has ever undertaken for construction, much of which will take place in Lenexa. The goals are to reduce traffic congestion, accommodate future growth, and improve safety where I-35, I-435 and K-10 intersect. Work will continue through December 2016. In June, crews will start to widen College Boulevard between Ridgeview Road and Renner Boulevard to two lanes in each direction with a center median to help accommodate traffic from future detours. Later this summer, crews will begin building a diverging diamond interchange at the intersection of K-10 and Ridgeview Road. Project contractors expect to keep Ridgeview Road and all ramps near the interchange open during construction. Learn more about the Johnson County Gateway project or sign up to receive customized traffic alerts at www.jocogateway.com.
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CloserLook
From time to time, we will explore “hot” topics in Lenexa through the new CloserLook section of Town Talk. By looking at things the city often receives questions about, we can give residents answers to questions that may not have a simple explanation. Have a topic you think should be explored in CloserLook? E-mail communications@lenexa.com.
Why does Lenexa use roundabouts at intersections? Find more information on roundabouts at: lenexa.com/towntalk
The city receives a lot of feedback about roundabouts in Lenexa. We value your opinions, and our ultimate goal is to use your tax dollars to create safe, cost-efficient and effective roadways. At roundabouts, the combination of reduced speed and continuously moving traffic results in improved safety and reduced delay to the motoring public. Studies show roundabouts are much safer than their signalized counterparts. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts reduce collisions overall by 39 percent, injury collisions by 76 percent, and fatality collisions by 89 percent. Renner Boulevard was rebuilt several years ago in preparation for Lenexa City Center. The roadway, which features multiple, tightly spaced intersections would not function properly during peak traffic periods with traffic signals or stop signs. When Renner was rebuilt, the city knew traffic patterns along the corridor would drastically change, eventually requiring more traffic management along the route. Because the roundabouts were built when the roadway was being rebuilt, Lenexa saw significant cost savings. Roundabouts move traffic more quickly with fewer delays through intersections than other types of signalized intersections. For more information on roundabouts in Lenexa, go to www.lenexa.com/towntalk.
Stormwater pipes, wastewater pipes, water mains — what’s the difference?
Water treatment plant
treatment plant
Water ater Mains
Water ater utilities, such as WaterOne, send untreated source water ter through their treatment process, then deliver clean drinking nking water on demand to you home or business. Problems? blems? Call WaterOne at 913.895.1800.
Wastewater Pipes Stormwater Pipes
Rain collects in stormwater drains and is funneled to streams, rivers and native vegetation areas. Problems? Call City of Lenexa at 913.477.7500.
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Used water is taken from your home and treated in a wastewater treatment plant. Once treated, the water is routed to waterways. Sewer emergency? Call Johnson County Wastewater at 913.715.8600.
Disc Golf: a great activity for the family
Keep grass mowed Spring is here, and it’s likely that grass and weeds are beginning to grow tall in Lenexa neighborhoods. Grass and weeds should not exceed 8 inches in height on developed residential lots and 12 inches elsewhere throughout the city.
This summer, Lenexa debuts its familyfriendly disc golf course at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, and families are encouraged to check it out. This shorter course is located east of Indian Trails Aquatic Center and features nine par 3 holes with two target locations per hole to ensure the game is different each time you play. Disc golf is a great way to stay healthy — participants can enjoy the fresh air
while getting workout at the same time. The rules are simple: Throw the disc with the goal of landing it in the target. The person with the lowest score at the end of the round wins. And, it’s free! There is no fee to play Lenexa’s disc golf course. Simply bring a disc or Frisbee and get started.
Report properties needing attention to Lenexa’s Community Standards Division by calling 913.477.7500 or online at www.lenexa.com - just click on “Request a Service” and follow the prompts. Residents can also download the Lenexa 311 app on Android and iOS, allowing you to report items needing attention right from your phone.
More information and a map of Lenexa’s course are available online at www.lenexa.com/towntalk.
Remember these garage sale sign rules
Google Fiber update
It’s garage sale season in Lenexa, and residents should be aware of the city’s garage sale sign regulations.
Google has begun constructing the “backbone” of their future fiber network in Lenexa. Some residents may have already seen utility locate flags being placed in their neighborhood and along major streets. A date for deployment of fiber to individual homes has not been set.
Signs cannot exceed 4 square feet in size, nor be taller than 4 feet in height. Signs should be put up no earlier than 5 p.m. the night before; and the sign and should be removed when the garage sale is over. Each sale may have two garage sale signs: one at the location of the garage sale and one at the subdivision entrance or adjacent to a nearby intersection. Signs may not be placed
on any public property, utility pole or in right of way. Remember, ask permission to place your garage sale sign on private property. When placing a garage sale sign, it should be located at least 15 feet from the street and 20 feet from the pavement of an intersection. Any signs placed on city right of way will be removed.
Sign-ups have not yet begun, but more information about the Google Fiber service is available at www.google.com/fiber or by calling 866.777.7550. If you have concerns about the construction during this initial phase, please call Google at 877.454.6959.
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TownTalk Connect with the City Do you want to stay informed about what’s going on in Lenexa? The city has several ways residents can receive information. E-Newsletters The city sends several e-newsletters about varying topics. Just go online to www.lenexa.com/towntalk to choose from the following: •
My Lenexa News
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Road Construction
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Minutes & Agendas
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Parks & Recreation
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PD E-watch
Social Media Residents can also connect with the city by going online to several social media channels. City accounts cityoflenexa
Keep your family safe on Independence Day Independence Day is a time to celebrate, but the Lenexa Police Department reminds residents that it is illegal to discharge fireworks within city limits. This does NOT include sparklers, snakes, smoke bombs or other small devices using paper caps. If you see someone discharging illegal fireworks within the city limits, please call 9-1-1 to report their location. Fireworks are a safety hazard and can be very dangerous. Follow these safety tips to ensure you and your family stay safe while using approved July Fourth items:
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Never point them at another person.
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Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of mishap.
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Light them one at a time away from flammable materials.
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Always have an adult supervise children’s festivities.
Citizen’s Police Academy offers insight into PD
cityoflenexa cityoflenexa +LenexaKan cityoflenexa cityoflenexa Police Department account LenexaPD Fire Department accounts LenexaFire LenexaFire LenexaFire LenexaFire Tip: Are you already a Facebook fan, but you don’t see the city’s updates? Simply go to the city’s page, hover over the “Like” button and click “Get Notifications.”
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Lenexa congratulates the graduates of the 38th class of the Lenexa Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy. These participants spent several weeks learning about how the LPD does its work to keep Lenexa safe. Topics covered included patrol procedures, criminal law, officer safety, traffic enforcement, special units (K-9, tactical and investigations), the DARE program, firearms and more. Upon
completion of the class, participants received a certificate for their commitment. Want to take part in the fun? The fall class of the Citizen’s Police Academy is now taking applications. Participants must be 18 or older and have no criminal record. You must also live or work in Lenexa to participate in this popular program. Applications are available at www.lenexa.com/towntalk.
Lenexa students awarded arts scholarships
Arts scholarship winners were honored at the April 15 City Council meeting.
Five Lenexa high school seniors were recently selected to receive a visual or performing arts scholarship to help further their college education.
place (photography); Claire Reid, St. James Academy, second place (acrylic and oil).
Each year, the Lenexa Arts Council sponsors up to $3,000 in visual and performing arts scholarships for Lenexa graduating seniors pursuing a college arts education. Outside judges select scholarship winners in both categories.
Thomas Martin, Rockhurst High School, first place (classical voice); Natassia Howell, Shawnee Mission West, second-place tie (classical saxophone); Alexander Martin, Shawnee Mission West, second-place tie (musical theatre).
This year’s winners are: Visual Arts Jessi Sailer, Shawnee Mission West, first
Performing Arts
Find out more about the Lenexa Arts Council online at www.lenexa.com/ towntalk.
Legler Barn exhibit features World War I items On July 28, 1914, the First World War began, drawing hundreds of thousands of men into combat in Europe. Now, 100 years later, the Lenexa Historical Society looks back at the war with an exhibit at the Legler Barn Museum focusing on the Great War. Much of the collection at the Legler Barn come from the Hohen and Brulez families from Lenexa. Isadore Hohen of Lenexa was the only one of the 50 men from Lenexa to die in battle during WWI in September of 1917. Subsequently, the Lenexa V.F.W. building was named in his honor. The Legler Barn, located in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. More information is available online at www.lenexahistoricalsociety.org.
Register your teen for Youth Police Academy
Teens who wonder what it’s like to work in law enforcement have another chance to find out. The Lenexa Police Department is accepting applications for the second session of its popular Youth Police Academy, which takes place July 28–Aug. 1 from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. This free, interactive program teaches many topics — from patrol procedures to evidence collection. Participants must be age 13 to 17 and live or attend school in Lenexa, or have a parent/guardian working in Lenexa. Youths also must have a minimal record of school discipline and limited prior police and criminal contact. Learn more or apply online by July 14 at www.LPDYouthAcademy.com.
Try a game of pickleball Pickleball is a doubles racket sport blending tennis, badminton and ping pong. This low-impact sport is great for high-energy participants who play this game for a great form of fitness. Pickleball is offered at the Lenexa Community Center on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $1 per session to play. For more information, go to www.lenexa.com/ towntalk.
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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
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913.477.7500
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Moonlight Bike Ride: New name. New time. New route.
July 12, 10 p.m., Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm The Moonlight Bike Ride is coming back with a few changes this year, and residents are encouraged to participate in this fun Lenexa tradition. Back by popular demand, this year’s route takes riders on a 9-mile, closedcourse route beginning in Old Town Lenexa and running through the Meritex underground facility. The family-friendly event will begin at 10 p.m. After completing the course, participants are invited to stay for a delicious pancake breakfast. Early-bird registration fees are $20 per adult and $15 per child age 12 and younger before June 20. After that date, fees are $25 for adults and $20 for
The Lenexa Moonlight Bike Ride is back in a whole new way this year.
children. Register for the event online by the deadline, July 10, at www.moonlightbikeride.org. Don your glow-in-the-dark gear and bring your bicycle to Old Town for some mid-summer fun.
This event is sponsored by Lenexa Parks & Recreation and the Lenexa Optimist Club, and all proceeds benefit the local community through Optimistsponsored projects.
More information about the topics featured in this Town Talk is available online at www.lenexa.com/towntalk.