City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF MISSION HILLS, KANSAS June 12, 2023 The City Council of the City of Mission Hills, Kansas held a meeting on June 12, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. PRESIDING: Mayor David W. Dickey PRESENT: Councilpersons Bill Bruning, Barbara Nelson, Braden Perry (via phone), Andy Weed, and Eden Thorne ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Jennifer Lee, City Administrator; Justin Carroll, Assistant City Administrator; Anna Krstulic, City Attorney; Meghan Woolbright, City Clerk; Jesse Kirk, City Arborist; Chief Byron Roberson, Prairie Village Police Department (“PVPD”); Captain McCullough, PVPD; Battalion Chief Wes Sanders; Consolidated Fire District No. 2; Spencer Jones, City Treasurer (via phone) VISITORS: Lynn Douthat, Mission Hills; Tom Grant, Mission Hills; Anna Grodzinsky, Mission Hills; Bill Lyons, Mission Hills; Tim McQuaid, Mission Hills; Mike McQuaid, Fairway, KS; Tanya Trost, Mission Hills; Jeff Wilke, Kimley Horn Mayor Dickey called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. GREETINGS AND INTRODUCTIONS Following the pledge of allegiance, Mayor Dickey greeted visitors and noted that the order of the agenda would be adjusted to accommodate the interests of the visitors. Mayor Dickey noted that the meeting would be recorded for the purpose of meeting minutes. ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION Mayor Dickey proclaimed June 12, 2023, to be Arbor Day in the City of Mission Hills. The Mayor and Council planted an Amur maackia tree on City Hall grounds with the City Arborist in celebration of Arbor Day. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING – May 8, 2023 Councilperson Nelson moved to approve the minutes of the May 8, 2023 meeting. Councilperson Bruning seconded. All proposed edits were approved and accepted by Councilperson Nelson and Councilperson Bruning. Approved 5-0. 1 PUBLIC SAFETY A. Police Report Chief Roberson referred to the May Narrative report and noted there were two residential burglaries. He noted in the burglary on Belinder Avenue the garage was open and a spare key was left inside the vehicle that was stolen and then later recovered in Kansas City, MO. He added in the burglary on 67th Street it is unknown if the garage door was open, but one vehicle was stolen and has not been recovered and electronics were stolen from a second vehicle. Chief Roberson noted a catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle parked in a resident’s driveway and added that this type of theft typically occurs in commercial parking lots. He noted with the installation of security cameras at the Carriage Club criminal activity in their parking lot has decreased. He referred to the theft from an unlocked vehicle on 66th Terrace and noted the stolen debit card was used but a suspect has not been identified. He added there is a possibility that the burglary at 67th Street and theft at 66th Terrace could be related. Chief Roberson noted the resident with a criminal damage to property case on 70th Street does not wish to prosecute. Additionally, the criminal damage to property on Indian Lane is believed to be mischievous kids and there is currently not a suspect. Chief Roberson noted on 68th Street an unlocked vehicle with the keys inside was stolen and later recovered in Kansas City, MO. He added there were also two thefts that were both related to employees of the residents. Chief Roberson referred to the May Activities report and noted generally crime activity is level and the categories with increased activity are traffic stops and failure to yield to an officer. He noted these increases are an indicator that crime is being detected and possibly deterred. Chief Roberson added a detective will transition to a crime prevention officer to conduct house surveys for residents and identify ways to improve safety. Councilperson Nelson noted in May it was reported that an officer was in motorcycle training and asked how and when that capability would be utilized. Chief Roberson replied that the officer passed motorcycle school and will likely begin patrolling on the motorcycle with the start of the school year. He added the new BMW motorcycle is more efficient and safer for the officer than previous models. Councilperson Nelson asked where the motorcycle officer would patrol. Chief Roberson replied that the motorcycle officer will patrol city-wide, and especially near schools. Mayor Dickey noted the thefts related to unlocked vehicles and added his article in the next newsletter will once again remind residents to lock their cars and not leave the keys inside. B. Fire District Report There was no additional Fire District report given. NEW BUSINESS A. Belinder Low Water Crossing – Traffic Study Results 2 Mayor Dickey noted several residents are present for the Belinder Low Water Crossing (BLWC) traffic study presentation. Ms. Lee introduced Jeff Wilke from Kimley Horn who completed the traffic study and is attending to present the study findings and answer questions. She added that the Police and Fire Departments and Johnson County’s MED-ACT reviewed the study, and their comments were incorporated into the report. She noted they are attending to answer any questions regarding their ability to provide service. Mr. Wilke thanked the Council for the opportunity to present the findings of the traffic study and noted his twenty years of conducting traffic studies in the Kansas City metro. He referred to the presentation and clarified that the BLWC study area included Mission Hills and a segment of Fairway with the bounds of State Line Road on the east, 63rd Street on the south, Mission Road west and Shawnee Mission Parkway on the north. Mr. Wilke noted traffic counts at 63rd Street, Belinder Avenue, and State Line Road were collected throughout typical weekdays in March, when school was in session. These counts found that traffic volumes were within the expected range by road type with 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles on State Line Road and 63rd Street and 1,400 vehicles crossing the BLWC. Additionally, counts were conducted at nine intersections in the study at peak hours in the morning and evening to understand how the intersection operates. He continued that the traffic modeling program, Replica, used cell phone, land use, and street network data to model the routing behavior. He reported the Replica model of the study area shows 16% to 11% of traffic or approximately 200 vehicles at the BLWC are external to external or cut through traffic. Mr. Wilke noted that once existing traffic patterns were established, he created a traffic redistribution model at the nine intersections of the study to show how traffic patterns would respond if the BLWC was removed. He referred to the traffic redistribution slide of the presentation and noted when peak hour and daily trips were redistributed based on trip origins and destination that the intersection levels of service were largely unchanged. Mr. Wilke noted that the level of service grading scale is A through F and measures the efficiency of an intersection. He added the existing condition of all intersections in the study are A and B except the intersection of State Line Road and Shawnee Mission Parkway is a C. Mr. Wilke reported four of the nine intersections would experience an approximately three second wait increase. He added there would be an approximately 10% increase in daily traffic on State Line Road and 63rd Street, which is still within the expected range for these road types. Mr. Wilke noted that this traffic redistribution data was then used to establish the impact on travel time if the BLWC was removed. He noted the model projected vehicular travel times would increase one to three minutes, bicycle trips would increase six minutes, and pedestrian travel would be the most impacted with a 10-to-20-minute increase. Mr. Wilke noted that the Police and Fire Departments and Johnson County’s MED-ACT were consulted to comment on the impact to emergency response times if the BLWC were closed. He reported the consensus was it is nice to have every route available, but the BLWC is not the typical route used and under normal conditions there would not be a significant impact or reduction of service. He noted in conclusion that vehicular traffic travel time increase was one to three minutes and redistributed traffic volumes were manageable, but bicycle and pedestrian traffic travel times would be 3 significantly increased. Mr. Wilke noted the study findings support and include a plan for a bicycle and pedestrian crossing for consideration. Mayor Dickey thanked Mr. Wilke for his presentation and noted that no decisions regarding the BLWC would be made at this meeting and the traffic study was requested by the Council to further inform their ongoing discussions. Mr. Lyons asked for additional background information on the motivation for the traffic study at the BLWC. Mayor Dickey replied that the genesis of this discussion was the physical modeling of the convergence of Brush Creek and Rock Creek at the crossing, which demonstrated the creeks meet in a highly unsatisfactory way from a hydrology perspective. He added the constant damage to the intersection and BLWC walls over time led to a discussion around options to improve the creeks convergence to reduce damage and flooding of infrastructure at the BLWC and upstream on State Park Road. Thus far, there are three options that have been discussed: replace the BLWC with the same crossing designed to be over topped with water; replace the BLWC with a raised bridge designed to not be over topped with water; and remove the BLWC with reconfiguration of the Brush and Rock creek convergence. He noted the first option would require ongoing maintenance costs but would maintain the current BLWC and allow for minimal creek improvements. He referred to the second bridge option and compared it to the bridge constructed by Fairway over Mission Road. He added that during the 63rd Street project the Council evaluated a raised bridge option that would have removed the Indian Lane low water crossing from flooding, but it was not pursued because the impact to the surrounding area and bridge height was found to be unacceptable. He noted that the third option would eliminate the crossing and the ongoing maintenance, which historically costs an average of $80,000 per year. Mayor Dickey noted the residents adjacent to the BLWC have observed the hardening of infrastructure that has been required, such as KCP&L (now Evergy) installing a very large concrete embedded steel pole to replace the wooden pole that could not withstand the overtopping of water at the crossing. He added that in addition to electrical utilities, there are sewer and water lines relevant to this discussion. Mayor Dickey added that the City held a resident meeting at the BLWC two years ago and the Council determined a traffic study was needed to identify the use and traffic patterns at the BLWC and the potential impacts to travel times and routes if the BLWC was removed. He added that the intent of the study is to support the Council in making a conscious decision about the BLWC. Mr. Lyons noted that he attended the resident meeting and there was discussion about the potential benefits of flood control improvements and public safety. He added that the City’s water engineer reported removing the BLWC would not provide flood improvements upstream or downstream and that there have not been any public safety issues since the installation of the flood gates. He asked if there had been any updates to the study referred to at the resident meeting. Mayor Dickey stated the flood control benefit of removing the BLWC is there no longer would be infrastructure that is overtopped by water, which is a continued maintenance cost. He noted the slight reconfiguration of the creeks at that location would not improve upstream or downstream flooding. Mayor Dickey noted regarding public safety that there have not been recent incidents, but there were two fatalities at this location in the 1960s. He noted firstly the Council wants to determine if emergency response times are affected if the BLWC were removed and secondly that the police activity report shows an increased rate of individuals 4 refusing to yield to an officer and whether this could eliminate a route for fleeing. Chief Roberson noted the has been an increase in individuals refusing to yield to officers and individuals fleeing in this direction, but the activity reports do not document any frequency of this occurring. Mr. T. McQuaid noted the previous Army Corps of Engineers report and asked if a reconfiguration effort is required or if they found the current condition sufficient. Mayor Dickey noted there is not an obligation from the Army Corps of Engineers to remove or reconfigure the BLWC but removing infrastructure from flooding is one of their general goals. Mr. Grant noted that previous discussions regarding the BLWC were mostly based on cost of infrastructure maintenance versus vehicular convenience. He asked if the Indian low water crossing has the same annual maintenance expenses. Ms. Lee replied no, the maintenance cost at the Indian Lane low water crossings at both 63rd Street and Kansas City County Club are less. She added that the BLWC is at the confluence of two creeks, so water is churned at a greater rate which results in damage to the infrastructure and the asphalt road. Mr. Lyons asked if there was consideration for removing the Indian Lane water crossings. Mayor Dickey replied no, but there was discussion of a raised bridge at Indian Lane and 63rd Street, which was found to be unfeasible. He added that when Indian Lane was closed during the 63rd Street project, residents enjoyed walking and biking there and requested the Council evaluate keeping that road closed to vehicle traffic. When public safety reviewed this request, there was a reduction in response to the north of 63rd Street, because Indian Lane is a primary route for fire and police services. Mr. Grant referred to the presentation and noted that if BLWC were removed that traffic would seek alternative routes. He noted the significant number of walkers and bikers that use Indian Lane and opined that any increased traffic to that lane could have a safety impact. Mr. Wilkes noted that the study did not include data on Indian Lane but does show traffic volumes using alternative routes including 63rd Street. Mr. Grant opined the current condition of Indian Lane without a sidewalk is already challenging and modifications to traffic patterns could prove to be more challenging. Councilperson Bruning referred to the travel patterns slide of the presentation and if it was correct to interpret the findings as approximately 50% of the travel is between external and internal traffic and therefore people who do not live in Mission Hills. Mr. Wilke noted the study included Fairway between State Park Road and Belinder Avenue to Shawnee Mission Parkway in the neighborhood definition, so this section of Fairway was included in the neighborhood-to- neighborhood trips was 11 to 16% of travelers. Councilperson Nelson noted the use of Replica in the study and asked how it generated a percentage of traveler’s origin and destination without stopping every car and asking. Mr. Wilkes replied that Replica models traffic using street characteristics, speed limit and street network configuration, as well as census and land use data to identify origin and destination behaviors. He added cell phone mapping data, captured through Bluetooth and location services, is also utilized to identify traffic behaviors. Councilperson Nelson noted that the Mission Hills street network is very winding, and it can be difficult to navigate for even long-term residents. She maintained that most travelers using the BLWC reside close to it and the convenience is very important to them and their lifestyle. She added the Council should closely evaluate the expenditures at BLWC and opined if there are $80,000 in average annual maintenance then considerations for other materials or contractor should be 5 considered. She noted the creek wall appears to be structurally sound, but the top appears to be poorly constructed, which could be a result of the contractor and not water. Councilperson Nelson added that there is a considerable amount of trash in the creek at the Indian Lane low water crossing, which after a rain is quickly cleaned up, but due to this first strainer it does not reach the BLWC. Councilperson Nelson stated there is a medical center on Shawnee Mission Parkway and in a life and death situation that every minute counts. She reiterated that Mission Hills is not a city people casually drive through and if the BLWC is being used it is for a specific purpose. Councilperson Bruning noted at this time he is neutral on which option the Council should pursue and opined the traffic study was helpful. He asked for clarification on the percentage of BLWC travelers who are cut through traffic. Mr. Wilke replied 11% to 16% of travelers are cut through. Councilperson Bruning states so that by this estimation a significant majority of traffic has an origin or destination in Mission Hills. Mayor Dickey noted the study defined a portion of Fairway as neighborhood traffic. He asked if the data could reflect only Mission Hills traffic and Fairway as an external travel. Mr. Wilke replied yes and would provide that data to the City. Councilperson Bruning asked if pedestrians and bicycle travelers were using the BLWC for recreational activity. Mr. Wilke replied that the bicycle travels data did not account for use type and Belinder Avenue is a well-known and used recreational route from Westwood through Mission Hills and into Prairie Village. He added especially with characteristics of the neighborhood and following personal observation, the pedestrians are generally recreational users. Councilperson Nelson noted that when she observed the BLWC nearly every pedestrian appeared recreational and was walking a dog or two. Councilperson Bruning thanked the public safety representatives for providing commentary to the study and noted they are neutral on closing the BLWC. Mayor Dickey asked City staff to make this report available on the website for residents to review. OLD BUSINESS A. Repeat Nuisance Properties a. Request to Refund Extension Fees – 2520 W. 63rd Street Mayor Dickey stated the residents at 2520 W. 63rd Street are requesting a refund of extension fees and noted the Council has previously discussed this topic and determined to wait to decide until the project was finished. Ms. Lee verified that all required elements of the project at 2520 W. 63rd Street were finished. Dr. Grodzinsky thanked the Council for considering their request for a fee refund and noted their project is fully completed including all plantings required by the landscape plan. Mayor Dickey reiterated that the residents are seeking a refund for the extension fees paid. Councilperson Perry moved to return the fees related to the building permit extension at 2520 W. 63rd Street as stipulated in the original agreement with the City. Councilperson Thorne asked the details of the extension agreement with the residents at 2520 W. 63rd Street. Ms. Lee replied that the original extension agreement was to return five of the six months extension fees to the property owners. She noted that each month the fee was approximately $3,000, and the agreement was for the City to retain one month of extension fees, so 6 approximately $15,000 would be returned. Councilperson Nelson asked if retaining one month of extension fees was to recover the additional cost of staff time and resources necessary for managing this extension process. Ms. Lee replied the ordinance requires a performance bond, which as an individual property owner this proved difficult to acquire, so in lieu of the bond cost the Council decided to retain one month of fees. Councilperson Nelson asked if there were extraordinary costs that the City is seeking to recoup. Ms. Lee replied no, all inspections were purchased and there was not an extraordinary amount of staff time to recoup. Councilperson Bruning noted that over the past five years this project was reviewed numerous times by the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and opined an extensive amount of staff time has been spent on this project prior to the building permit timeframe. Dr. Grodzinsky noted that the permit was issued 2020. Councilperson Perry noted that City entered into an agreement with the property owners at 2520 W. 63rd Street that the fees would be returned if the project was complete by January 31, 2023. He noted that there were technical aspects of the permits that were not complete at that time. Councilperson Perry noted from his perspective a substantially completed deal is fair enough to return their fees. Councilperson Bruning asked the terms of the agreement. Ms. Lee replied that in July 2022 the Council reached agreement with the property owners at 2520 W. 63rd Street to issue a secondary building permit. She noted each month of extension the fee of approximately $3,000 would be collected and if the project was completed by January 31, 2023, then five of the six month extensions fees or approximately $15,000 would be returned. Mayor Dickey noted that the project was not fully completed by January 31, 2023 nor by the May Council meeting. Dr. Grodzinsky noted that the home was completed in January, but the required plants could not be planted in January. Councilperson Bruning noted that the property owner decided to seed in November 2022 as opposed to sod, which delayed the completion of the landscape plan requirements. He added that he is not inclined to return the extension fees because the property owner did not complete the project by January 31, 2023. Mayor Dickey asked if there were any items outstanding other than landscaping on January 31, 2023. Ms. Lee replied yes, there were a few code items delineated in the Council packet. Ms. Trost noted that those code items were addressed. Mayor Dickey noted that Councilperson Perry’s motion had not received a second and another motion could be put forward. Councilperson Perry stated he would continue to put forward his motion because the resident substantially met the agreement with the City and stated the goal of completing the project was met. Mayor Dickey called for a second to the motion. Motion did not advance due to a lack of a second. Dr. Grodzinsky asked to clarify if there would be no return of fees. Mayor Dickey replied that was correct. Dr. Grodzinsky noted that over the course of their project they paid over $55,000 in permitting fees and asked if there were any other opportunities to appeal for a refund. Councilperson Weed asked if there were any compromises that the property owners were willing to suggest. Dr. Grodinsky replied they have completed a high- quality renovation of their property and appreciate the patience of their neighbors during this process. She added that the property owners actively communicated with the City and met the substantial requirements of the City by the deadline. Ms. Trost stated that the ARB landscape plan was an added requirement in 2023. Ms. Lee stated that an ARB approved landscape plan was always a project requirement. Dr. Grodzinsky noted concern that this is being framed as five-year project and the home is continued to be listed as a repeat nuisance. Councilperson 7 Weed noted personal concern that if the terms of the original agreement are not upheld then it establishes a precedent for projects in the future that go beyond their permitted timeframe. Dr. Grodzinsky reiterated that the property owners have paid in total more than $55,000 in permit fees and the project, including the home renovation, was completed by January 31, 2023. Councilperson Thorne stated that the agreement was for all items related to the project to be completed and that was not met. Councilperson Bruning reiterated the extensive staff time required for this project and opined the intent of the fees is to recoup costs not make a profit of property owners. Mayor Dickey agreed and noted that there are also fees to provide the right incentives, such as speeding violations. He stated that at a certain point the incentive structure has to reflect Citywide resident desires, which is for projects to be completed in a reasonable timeframe. Ms. Krsutlic referred to the code 5-1038 D “if a secondary permit is issued it shall contain an expiration date established by the City Council and may contain such terms and conditions as the City Council determines to be appropriate. Provided, however, that all secondary building permits shall be conditioned upon posting a performance bond,” which the Council discussed was not applicable to this situation, “a penalty for the secondary permit shall be charged and collected from the applicant in the same manner as would be required for an extension of the original permit.” Ms. Krstulic reiterated that the decision of the Council is specifically authorized by the code. CONSENT AGENDA A. Claims Ordinance No. 1635 B. Resolution No. 2023 – L: CARS Program (2024-2028) C. Resolution No. 2023 – M: Contract with MB Painting KC to Paint Curb Addresses Citywide D. Resolution No. 2023 – N: Contract with Heartland Traffic Services to Install New Pavement Markings and Solar Pedestrian Signal at 63rd Street and Belinder/Overhill Councilperson Bruning asked for clarification on State Line improvements listed in Resolution No. 2023-L for the 2024-2028 CARS Program. Ms. Lee replied that the City would be responsible for funding half of the project and then would reimbursed half of the City’s portion through CARS funding. Councilperson Bruning moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilperson Thorne seconded. Approved 5-0. FINANCIAL REPORT A. May Financial Report Mr. Carroll referred to the May revenue and expense report and noted that the City received 53.2% of the projected revenues compared to 42% at this point last year. He added that the May monthly sales tax distribution occurred later than normal due to the Memorial Day holiday. 8 OLD BUSINESS (Continued) A. Repeat Nuisance Properties b. 6447 Sagamore Mr. Carroll noted stucco on the front of the second story of the home is significantly cracked and there is noticeable wood rot around the windows. He added a nuisance inspection was conducted several months ago and there has been noticeable deterioration. Councilperson Bruning asked why this property is being brought to the attention of the Council. Mr. Carroll replied the issue is resident complaint driven. a. Request to Refund Extension Fees – 2520 W. 63rd Street Dr. Grodzinsky asked the Council if there would be an opportunity to appeal the decision of the Council not to return extension fees for the project at 2520 W. 63rd Street. Ms. Krstulic stated the Council’s decision is a final decision and advised that the property owners could consult with an attorney. NEW BUSINESS REPORTS OF CITY STAFF A. City Clerk Ms. Woolbright noted the next City meeting is the ARB meeting on June 13, 2023 at 3 p.m. B. City Administrator Ms. Lee noted in addition to her staff report that there is an opportunity for the City to improve the existing geogrid material along Brush Creek in conjunction with Johnson County Wastewater project along Mission Road. She stated the geogrid could be replaced with approximately 100 feet of stone wall for $100,000 and fifty-percent of the cost could be reimbursed through the SMAC program. Councilperson Weed asked if it was common for a City to split the cost for an improvement if both cities are not involved in the project. Mayor Dickey noted that the wall would be a function of the Johnson County Wastewater project, not Prairie Village. Ms. Lee stated that additional information is needed at this time. Councilperson Nelson stated the wall would be a significant improvement and would be worth gathering additional information. Councilperson Bruning noted the Mission Hills side of Brush Creek will be significantly denuded by the Johnson County Wastewater project and it would be in the best interest of the adjacent residents to consider a wall improvement. Ms. Lee noted that she and Mr. Carroll met with the Police Chief and captains after her report was submitted. This meeting provided answers regarding the requested police budget and 9 excellent detail of the police contract budget formula. She added the primary drivers increasing their budget are personnel enhancements in the form of wages from their compensation study and recruitment or retention incentives offered. Ms. Lee noted there is a significant increase in the 2024 budget, but they do not anticipate increases in the out years. Councilperson Weed noted in the two years there has been a thirty-percent cost increase. Ms. Lee noted it is a significant increase to raise the base of their contract and she wanted to bring this to the Council’s attention now because this rate differs from the financial retreat discussion. Mayor Dickey asked the Council to closely review Ms. Lee’s report in the July meeting to have a robust conversation regarding the Police budget. Councilperson Bruning stated he was bothered by the significate contract increase and that the Police budget is the greatest expense of the City. Mayor Dickey noted he expressed the City’s frustration with the significant cost increase with Mayor Mikkelson. Councilperson Bruning noted the neighborhood meeting in advance of the 70th Terrace reconstruction project and asked the meeting address. Ms. Lee replied Superior Bowen was awarded the 70th Terrace project and they routinely offer onsite neighborhood meetings for their projects and given the extensive roadbed replacement staff determined it is a good opportunity to try this type of meetings. She noted the meeting would take place mid-70th Terrace. Councilperson Bruning agreed and noted the residents of 70th Terrace have expressed a desire for this project. Ms. Lee noted that 70th Terrace is in poor condition and the southside roadbed has sunk, so this will be a significant improvement. Councilperson Weed asked when the Mission Road project in Prairie Village would begin. Ms. Lee replied that Prairie Village staff said the Mission Road closure would start the last week of June and then the project would begin in earnest July 5th. She added in late July the intersection of Tomahawk Road and Mission Road would be closed for approximately a month for Johnson County Wastewater to complete their work because there is significant existing infrastructure beneath the intersection. Councilperson Nelson noted with the closure of Mission Road and the Tomahawk Road intersection there would be significant detours for Mission Hills residents. Councilperson Weed noted residents will need to utilize 71st Street to access Prairie Village. Mayor Dickey stated that the police will need to firmly enforce the no truck routes during Prairie Village’s project, especially with Tomahawk Road being brand new. C. Assistant City Administrator There were no questions or comments on the Assistant City Administrator report. D. City Planner There were no questions or comments on the City Planner report. MAYOR’S COMMENTS 10  A. Annual Appointments Mayor Dickey noted there is one appointment for the Council’s consideration, Ms. Gibson the chair of Park Board has nominated long-time resident Leslie Brett to be appointed to the Park Board. Councilperson Nelson moved to appoint Ms. Brett to the Park Board. Councilperson Thorne seconded. Approved 5-0. Councilperson Nelson noted that she received a letter from Mr. Grant regarding the BLWC discussion, which she would share. B. Liaison Reports Councilperson Perry reported the Crime Prevention and Safety Committee had not met. Councilperson Bruning reported the Park Board met in June and would recess until September. He noted the Park Board discussed on-going projects at Sunken Gardens, Verona Columns, and 59th Street at Colonial Court. He added that at Sunken Gardens there continues to be drainage issues and planting discussions. Councilperson Bruning noted the Board’s primary focus has been 59th Street and ongoing discussions with the homes association. He noted the Board is discussing the annual planting plan throughout the City, including the color and use of bulbs. Councilperson Bruning added there has also been discussion of islands that could have improved aesthetics through added utilities, including water and electricity. He noted his support of the City’s Arborist to cultivate an arboretum of trees in City Hall Park and the continued efforts to be a tree city. Councilperson Nelson agreed and suggested publicizing this effort. Councilperson Nelson reported the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) met and approved a resolution to replace a failing retaining wall and terrace. She added a variance to replace an existing fence was approved on 70th Terrace, but since part of the original fence was in Prairie Village, the resident had to move the fence to the property line within Mission Hills. Councilperson Weed reported the Planning Commission would meet and elect a new chair and vice chair. He added the agenda included a request to replat 6300 Belinder Avenue. He noted one of the homes behind the Verona Columns recently sold, so a resident asked him if that home could be demolished. Ms. Lee replied that it is a possibility. Councilperson Nelson noted the new owner does not intend to demolish the home. Mayor Dickey noted that Councilperson Bruning and staff did extensive research and there was not a path for historic protection that was not overly onerous to the property owner. Councilperson Bruning noted that except for communities of significant historic importance like Nantucket, historic districts do not typically stop demolition. He noted historic districts can delay demolition and added that Kansas City, MO has an effective method to delay demolition by at least 18-months, which can deter individuals from demolishing. Councilperson Thorne noted the ARB had discussed historic plaques for homes of historical value to encourage residents to maintain them. Councilperson Thorne reported the ARB met about a temporary parking lot proposed by the Mission Hills Country Club. She added neighbors from Mission Woods attended the meeting, 11 and the Club and neighbors reached a compromise that the ARB approved for temporary grass parking. Councilperson Thorne reported the Community Engagement Committee continues to have a busy schedule of events and the Street Fair was successful. She noted the recent Food Truck Thursday had approximately 100 attendees and the National Charity League of Young Women gathered at the event to make flower bouquets for retirement homes. Councilperson Thorne noted the string trio was beautiful but difficult to hear over the food truck generators. She suggested electricity could be added to the island on Mission Drive. Councilperson Bruning referred to his previous Park Board report and noted that Sunken Garden’s use could be a reason to consider water and electrical at this location. Councilperson Nelson noted the homes association might be an interested party for this improvement. Ms. Lee stated that a cost estimate could be requested for consideration and noted that any new installations of electricity require a four-foot-tall meter, which can be challenging to obscure on small islands. Councilperson Nelson suggested getting a bid for undergrounding electricity from Sunken Garden to the island to avoid a meter on the island. Mayor Dickey noted the continued success and strong attendance of the Community Engagement Committee events. Mayor Dickey requested the Council drive 67th Street between Roe Avenue and Nall Avenue in Prairie Village to experience their new traffic calming strategy. He noted that residents from 69th Street and 67th Street have requested this calming strategy be considered for their street. He opined that it is a nice traffic calming option that could be considered in Mission Hills. Councilperson Bruning noted another example of this traffic calming strategy in Prairie Village is east of the Nall Avenue intersection with 87th Street. He added that Belinder Avenue could also be considered for this traffic calming strategy. Mr. T. McQuaid noted there had been additional coyote sightings and asked if there would be an effort to monitor them. Mr. Carroll replied no. Mayor Dickey noted the Council has decided to pause any coyote monitoring efforts. ADJOURNMENT /s/ Meghan Woolbright 12