YEAR IN REVIEW 2018
Connected Lenexa Bringing our community together
As Lenexans, we’re connected. By our infrastructure, our parks, our festivals, our history, to each other. By how much we “like” Lenexa. We proudly share this 2018 Year in Review highlighting how we have served the community in the past year. As Lenexa continues to grow, know that your elected officials and the employees who serve you are dedicated to making this an exceptional place to live, work and play. We invite you to connect with us in the coming year. Chat with city employees, attend a City Council meeting, follow us on social media, check out festivals and events, sign up for an e-newsletter. Let’s make 2019 another year of great connections.
2019 LENEXA GOVERNING BODY
Mike Boehm Mayor
Steve Lemons Ward 1
Dan Roh Ward 3
Corey Hunt Ward 3
CONTACT THE CITY www.lenexa.com • 913.477.7500 communications@lenexa.com
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Joe Karlin Ward 1
Tom Nolte Ward 2
Andy Huckaba Ward 4
Bill Nicks Ward 2
Mandy Stuke Ward 4
CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
VISION 2040 Residents and business leaders worked together to create Vision 2040, a long-term vision that charts the future of our city for the next 20 years. Building off of the success of past visioning processes, Vision 2040 gave residents the opportunity to help define the future we want for Lenexa. Throughout the process, more than 3,000 people from all around Lenexa gave their input for Vision 2040. The vision will be unveiled in the coming months and will be shared with residents through TownTalk and at Lenexa.com/Vision2040.
DID YOU KNOW? Lenexa’s population increased by 2.8% from 2017 to 2018. We now have a population of 55,345.
LENEXA: CITY OF ART If you love art, it’s a great time to live in Lenexa. With Community Orchestra performances, the Lenexa Outdoor Concert Series at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, rotating art gallery shows in City Hall and even the Sunflower Poetry Slam, there is truly something for everyone. These cultural additions to our community are curated by the Lenexa Arts Council. You can find a schedule at Lenexa.com/Art.
BEST IN KANSAS
Money Magazine hand-picked the best place to live in each state, and Lenexa was selected as the top city in Kansas, thanks to our median home price, projected job growth, median household income, average commute time and high school graduation rate. We are proud to be a community of choice in Johnson County. 2018 YEAR IN REVIEW • 3
ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR DEVELOPMENT IN LENEXA 2018 was the fourth consecutive record year for development in Lenexa, with $466.2 million in construction permits issued. This outpaced 2017 by 10.5%. Commercial construction led the way with $324.2 million in valuation. Significant projects that were started in 2018 include: • Kiewit Power headquarters • Shawnee Mission School District aquatic facility • Lenexa City Center Library • Canyon Creek Elementary School (Olathe USD 233) • Central Green office building • McKeever’s Market • Gomer’s of Kansas
CONSTRUCTION VALUATION $277.8 M
$466.2 M
$420.9M
$299.2 M
$322.8 M
$221.8 M
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Commercial construction led the way in development activity with projects located throughout Lenexa. City Center accounted for 46% of the commercial total.
WAYSIDE HORNS COMING SOON The Lenexa City Council approved the investment of $350,000 for wayside horns to help address the decades-old challenge of train horn noise in Old Town. These stationary horns mounted at railroad crossings will substantially reduce noise pollution. In May 2018, we tested a wayside horn and received positive feedback from neighbors in the community about the solution. We are now working closely with BNSF Railway to coordinate these improvements and hope to install the wayside horns at the Santa Fe Trail Drive intersections near Noland Road and Pflumm Road later this year.
COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTER STUDY 4 • 2018 YEAR IN REVIEW
Photo by Bill Harrison
To determine the best use of Old Town’s Community Center and Senior Center, we gathered input from current users and evaluated the facilities. We have limited funding to implement minor repairs and address some accessibility issues in 2019. Other improvements will be considered in coming years.
NEW BUILDING AND FIRE CODES ADOPTED After an extensive review, the Fire, Legal and Community Development Departments proposed comprehensive amendments to Lenexa’s building and safety codes. The new codes were adopted by the City Council in December. Uniform building laws and code enforcement helps maintain a standard for building construction and public safety.
TOP-RATED FIRE DEPARTMENT
CIVIC CAMPUS LEED CERTIFIED In addition to several architectural accolades, Lenexa’s new civic campus was awarded the Silver Level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification (LEED) for its ecofriendly design and environmentallyconscious infrastructure.
For the second time, the Fire Department was named an Insurance Services Office Class 1 community. This is the highest rating awarded and reflects the quality and effectiveness of fire protection and helps establish commercial insurance rates.
DID YOU KNOW? The Lenexa Fire Department responded to 6,262 incidents, conducted 3,594 fire and safety inspections and reached 17,893 people through public education in 2018.
PUBLIC ART COLLECTION EXPANDS
Photo by Chris Stillwell Lenexa’s public art collection grew as two prominent sculptures were installed on the civic campus in 2018. “Body Politic” by artist Joe O’Connell of Creative Machines uses hand-hammered stainless steel spheres featuring 200 cut-out silhouettes and light to engage those passing by. “Splash” by artist Shan Shan Sheng, a 65-foot-long abstract sculpture capturing the experience of entering water, was installed in the Rec Center. 2018 YEAR IN REVIEW • 5
FARMERS MARKET BRINGS FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCTS The Lenexa Farmers Market debuted in April and over 20,000 visitors discovered a wonderful selection of local products sourced from within a 250-mile radius. The Farmers Market is held April to October on Tuesday and Saturday mornings in the civic campus garage. Local artists, musicians and special events help make each trip unique. Lenexa.com/FarmersMarket
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN 2018 The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) helps the city plan for major projects and improvements to public facilities. In 2018, these resources were allocated to CIP projects: STREETS AND BRIDGES $43,627,975 PUBLIC BUILDINGS $8,240,400 STORMWATER PROJECTS $4,938,532 TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS $4,029,050 PARKS $2,410,457 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT $1,275,197 TOTAL $64,521,611
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LENEXA FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED The Lenexa Foundation was granted 501(c)(3) status from the IRS in September. As a charitable organization, the Lenexa Foundation accepts donations and public memorials on behalf of the City of Lenexa. Contributions support the arts, public safety, parks, recreation and special events. Lenexa.com/Foundation
I LIKE LENEXA APP UPDATES An upgraded version of the free I Like Lenexa App streamlined user experiences and enhanced popular features. Explore maps of parks, pools and trails, read the latest city news, discover festivals and events, find fitness classes and recreation programs and complete achievements across the city. Lenexa.com/ILikeLenexa
LENEXA REC CENTER CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR In its first 18 months, the Lenexa Rec Center has made a tremendous difference in the lives of our residents. Promoting healthy choices and community-based programs, more than a quarter of a million visits took place in 2018. Nearly 8,000 individuals enjoy the ongoing benefits of membership, and a whopping 854 birthday parties were hosted.
#ALOOKATLENEXA Starting in April, @cityoflenexa on Twitter gave followers a peek into the daily routines of city crews. During these “tweet-alongs,” we spent the day with lifeguards, drove around the city with Community Standards and Stormwater, assisted residents with Police and Fire Prevention and helped keep city property looking good with Building Services and Landscape crews. Use #ALookAtLenexa to look back at all the fun!
SAR-KO-PAR TRAILS PARK IMPROVEMENTS
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM HELPS LENEXA FAMILIES To ensure everyone has access to our great recreation programs and facilities, we offer a scholarship program to make the Rec Center, pools and Parks & Recreation programs more affordable for families with financial needs.
Those using a scholarship pay a reduced program fee, which is supplemented with federal dollars. Fifty families took advantage of the program in 2018.
Beginning in May, residents enjoyed a new area of Sar-KoPar Trails Park not previously open to the public. The focal point of the improvements is the Grand Pavilion, the largest openair outdoor structure in our parks system. In addition to serving as a base for several of our large festivals, the Grand Pavilion hosted 47 rentals in its first nine months.
2018 YEAR IN REVIEW • 7
CITY OF FESTIVALS
440
Dogs swam at Tails on the Trails Pet Festival
Runners and walkers at Freedom Run
8,000
1,445
Participants at Enchanted Forest
Photo by Bill Harrison
INTERNS HELP FILL POLICE HIRING NEEDS The Police Department expanded its paid summer internship program, allowing even more college students the opportunity to learn from an agency identified as a nationwide leader in the law enforcement community. Several of these wellqualified individuals have joined the LPD upon graduation.
We welcomed thousands to festivals and special events last year. From popular traditions like the Chili Challenge and Spinach Festival to newer favorites including Sar-Ko Aglow and the Art Fair, there is always something fun for families to do.
PUBLIC MARKET CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR Since opening in September 2017, the Lenexa Public Market has quickly become a popular gathering spot and was named the metro area’s “Best New Hang” by 435 Magazine. It’s a great place to meet for coffee or happy hour and sample delicious cuisine from local entrepreneurs. Add in cooking classes and special events and the Public Market is Lenexa’s favorite “third place.”
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DID YOU KNOW? Our Parks Division collected 6,138 bags of trash and 491 bags of recycling from city parks. Help us flip those numbers by recycling more!
RIDGEVIEW ROAD SET TO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN 2019 The Ridgeview Road extension, connecting Kansas Highway 10 to Prairie Star Parkway, saw significant progress this year and is expected to be complete by November 2019. The project will provide a vital transportation connection and open up the surrounding area to new development opportunities.
SERVING OUR LENEXA SENIORS Book groups, basketball, bingo, blood pressure screenings and so much more! Parks & Recreation offers a wide variety of programs for Lenexa seniors. In 2018, overall attendance at senior programs was 11,826.
SUMMER CAMPS PROVE TO BE POPULAR
Full-day, licensed summer camps debuted at the Rec Center in 2018 and the popular programs quickly sold out. Campers enjoyed a variety of educational and entertaining weekly themes like Full STEAM Ahead, Wacky Water Week, Artful Antics and even Zombie Basic Training. The program will be expanded to serve 65 percent more kids in 2019.
PARTNERS HELP US THRIVE Civic partners bring vitality to Lenexa City Center. In addition to offering classes in City Hall, Park University hosted its annual Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Lecture in Lenexa’s Community Forum. Construction of the Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center and Johnson County Library’s Lenexa City Center branch were front and center throughout the year. Both facilities will open in 2019.
2018 YEAR IN REVIEW • 9
HOME REPAIR ASSISTANCE HELPS RESIDENTS Through two popular grant programs, Lenexa provided $63,724 in home repair assistance to 21 households – a $14,894 increase over 2017! The Exterior Grant Reimbursement Program is open to residents in the Neighborhood Revitalization District in eastern Lenexa, and the Minor Home Repair Grant program is available for low-tomoderate income residents throughout the city. These programs help residents reinvest in their properties by funding updates including wood rot repair, new paint and replacing roofing, porches, garage doors and windows.
TAKING CARE OF LENEXA’S ROADS
Road maintenance is a top priority for residents. The Pavement Management Program is the city’s largest annual capital improvement project. In 2018, we invested $5 million in pavement maintenance work, including ultra-thin bonded asphalt (UBAS). UBAS surface treatments applied to residential roadways
104,917 square yards
Sidewalks replaced
6,694 linear feet
Trails installed/replaced Accessible curb ramps installed
10 • 2018 YEAR IN REVIEW
Lenexa has a number of rental spaces available for use. One of the most popular is Thompson Barn. Last year, the facility was rented 291 times (including 82 weddings!). We have 15 indoor and 52 outdoor rental spaces — everything from a 10-person meeting room to large green space fields for sports.
45.7 lane miles
Mill and overlay on thoroughfares Curbs replaced
DID YOU KNOW?
16,454 linear feet 3,228 linear feet 121 ramps
We send e-mail newsletters out each week! To stay informed, sign up for what interests you at Lenexa.com/ enews
QUIVIRA CORRIDOR STUDY The final recommendations from the Quivira Road Corridor Study will help guide redevelopment, transportation network improvements and placemaking elements in the area. The community-driven study’s recommendations are designed to build on recent redevelopment activity along the corridor, which is a major transportation and commercial hub for the city. We will take the first steps in implementing the recommendations with $3.2 million in street, pedestrian and street lighting improvements to Quivira in 2019.
COST SHARE GAINS TRACTION The stormwater Cost Share Program saw record participation, with almost all of the program’s $22,500 budget dispersed to help residents beautify their property while reducing stormwater pollution through rain gardens, rain barrels and other items at their homes. Lenexa.com/ CostShare
DUMPSTER DAYS RECYCLING The city-sponsored Dumpster Days events collected and diverted these materials from local landfills during 2018:
19.3 TONS scrap metal recycled
10.85 TONS electronics recycled
VOLUNTEERS IN LENEXA Volunteers help make Lenexa a community of choice, and hundreds of people donated their time and talents to make the city a better place in 2018. From assisting at events, to being volunteer photographers to helping with stream clean-up days, those volunteers’ efforts have a value of $304,946, according to www.independentsector.org.
12,351 VOLUNTEER HOURS
2018 YEAR IN REVIEW • 11
COMPLETE STREETS STUDY UNDERWAY Focus group sessions, a community open house and input from an advisory committee laid the foundations for Lenexa’s Complete Streets Study in late 2018. Once finalized in 2019, the study will help Lenexa design future transportation infrastructure improvements that accommodate all roadway users, including automobiles, buses, bicycles and pedestrians. Lenexa.com/CompleteStreets
AQUATICS STUDY WRAPPING UP Parks & Recreation dove into a study of the city’s aging and heavily subsidized outdoor pools. A leading aquatic design consultant helped verify facility issues, identify modernization strategies, and estimate expenses for future capital improvements. Final study recommendations in 2019 will position Lenexa to meet the community’s desire for high-quality outdoor aquatics opportunities in a fiscally responsible way.
DID YOU KNOW? We are always looking for exceptional people to join the City of Lenexa team. From maintenance workers to a management analyst, we hired 269 people to serve our community last year. We have a variety of jobs available, including full-time, part-time and seasonal positions. Check out our listings at Lenexa.com/jobs
LENEXA POLICE: BY THE NUMBERS
41,441
Calls for service
7,775
Number of emergency calls
5.3 minutes Average response time for emergency calls
Average response time for nonemergency calls
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eight minutes
CONNECTING WITH KIDS Our employees enjoy connecting with kids through special outreach programs. In May, families met firefighters and toured stations during an open house. Throughout the school year, students interact with school resource officers from the Police Department. In October, kids met those who help keep Lenexa’s infrastructure in top shape when Municipal Services hosted Truck or Treat.
DONATION HELPS TRAIN FUTURE FIRST RESPONDERS After years in service, two retired public safety vehicles were donated to the Shawnee Mission School District Blue Eagle program to support students in their study of law enforcement and firefighting. A retired Police Department patrol car and a retired fire engine will allow hands-on training for the students. The Blue Eagle Program is of great benefit to the community by educating future first responders.
A YEAR OF AWARDS FOR LENEXA The Lenexa civic campus won the Award of Excellence (Association of General Contractors of Kansas), a Merit Award (Illuminating Engineering Society), the Integration Award (Commercial Integrator) and the Capstone Award (Kansas City Business Journal). The Clear Creek Regional Wetland received Project of the Year - Environmental under $5M (American Public Works Association) and Project of the Year (American Society of Civic Engineers). Deputy City Manager Todd Pelham was named Kansas City’s Local Government Public Administrator of the Year (American Society for Public Administration). Police Dispatcher Christa Kuchta received the Everyday Hero Award (MARC Telecommunicators Awards).
Lenexa’s budget received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (Government Finance Officers Association). The Lenexa employee wellness program received a Platinum certification (Healthy KC) and a Healthiest Employers finalist (Kansas City Business Journal). The Municipal Services Fleet Division was awarded the Blue Seal of Excellence (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) September to Remember events earned a Savvy and our use of Snapchat geofilters earned a Silver Circle Award (City-County Communications & Marketing Association) and the inaugural Inspire, Create, Innovate Award (League of Kansas Municipalities). 2018 YEAR IN REVIEW • 13
KEEPING OUR URBAN FOREST HEALTHY AND SAFE Our Parks Division inspected 7,100 trees in the public right of way in the northeast section of Lenexa and pruned trees for sight and clearance issues. During the year, 536 trees were planted in parks, along trails, in medians and in residential right of ways. Lenexa has earned the Tree City USA designation by the Arbor Day Foundation for more than 30 years.
NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION TOPS $100 MILLION IN LENEXA With 241 new homes started in 2018, single family construction value surpassed the $100 million mark for the first time in our history. Over the past five years, the demand for new singlefamily homes has remained consistent and existing property values continue to be strong. Currently, the average Lenexa home is worth $307,000. DID YOU KNOW? • 14 MILES: The length of the strings of holiday lights installed by Parks crews for Sar-Ko Aglow and at the civic campus. • 19.25 INCHES: The longest fish caught at Get Outdoors Lenexa’s kids’ fishing derby. • 17.85 MILES: The amount of stormwater pipe inspected in 2018.
LED STREETLIGHT CONVERSION To save money and energy, we are replacing traditional streetlights with LED lights throughout the city. In 2018, we replaced or retrofitted 2,149 units. We see a 50 to 75 percent lifetime savings in streetlight electricity costs with LED lights. With more than 7,000 streetlights in Lenexa, the conversion will be completed in the next several years.
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BALANCED BUDGET FUNDS CITY PROJECTS 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 2018: Pavement Management Program
$2.1 M*
Bond and interest payment for the Rec Center
$2.8 M
*of $3.2 million spent on roadway maintenance
CITY OF LENEXA 2018 TOTAL BUDGET = $115,948,826
REVENUES BY SOURCE
EXPENSES BY FUNCTION
Sales and Other Taxes
44%
Property, Special Assessment, Delinquent Taxes
39%
Charges for Services
10%
Transfers in/Use of Reserve Balance Funds
3%
Licenses and Permits
2%
Fines and Forfeitures
1%
Miscellaneous
1%
Capital Improvement Projects (Including Debt Service)
29%
Public Safety
24%
Community Infrastructure
17%
Economic Development
11%
General Administration
9%
Parks & Recreation
8%
Transfers for Equipment Replacement and Facilities Maintenance
2%
2018 YEAR IN REVIEW • 15
17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy. Lenexa, KS 66219
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