City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF MISSION HILLS, KANSAS October 9, 2023 The City Council of the City of Mission Hills, Kansas held a meeting on October 9, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. PRESIDING: Mayor David W. Dickey PRESENT: Councilpersons Bill Bruning, Barbara Nelson, Braden Perry, Eden Thorne, and Andy Weed ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Jennifer Lee, City Administrator; Justin Carroll, Assistant City Administrator; Meghan Woolbright, City Clerk; Anna Krstulic, City Attorney; Spencer Jones, City Treasurer; Chief Byron Roberson, Prairie Village Police Department (PVPD); Captain Eric McCullough, PVPD; Captain Ivan Washington, PVPD, and Chief Steve Chick, Consolidated Fire District No. 2 (CFD2) VISITORS: Debbie Cox, Mission Hills, KS; Gregg Davidson, Mission Hills, KS; Mike McQuaid, Fairway, KS; Tim McQuaid, Mission Hills, KS; and Christopher Tarpey, Mission Hills, KS CALL TO ORDER 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING – September 11, 2023 Councilperson Weed moved to approve the minutes of the September 11, 2023 meeting. Councilperson Nelson seconded. Approved 5-0. PUBLIC SAFETY A. Police Report Chief Roberson referred to the September narrative report and noted that it was a good month with a low frequency of incidents. He referred to the theft from a vehicle that occurred on High Drive and noted a window was broken by the burglar to access visible items. Chief Roberson 1 noted that vehicles are not typically broken into unless there are valuables in plain sight. He added that fishing equipment and a CPAP machine were among the items stolen. Chief Roberson noted in the second incident on Mission Drive a window was broken to enter a vehicle, but no items were stolen. Chief Roberson reported there were several traffic accidents involving inattentive or distracted drivers. He added that the PVPD has routine distracted driving campaigns to curb the habit. Councilperson Weed noted his understanding was the license plate readers (LPR) were installed in the community to help inform the PVPD of who was traveling in the City. He noted the LPRs have been used to solve and possibly deter crime, and asked if this was an intended consequence of their installation. Chief Roberson replied yes, and the plan was for the LPRs to be a tool for the PVPD. He added LPRs are frequently used to develop a suspect vehicle and solve crimes. Councilperson Bruning noted the low frequency of incidents in the report and asked if break ins typically occur when cars are parked on the street or driveways. Chief Roberson referred to the September narrative report and noted that both incidents occurred in a residential driveway. He added that in Mission Hills most vehicles are parked in driveways and added it can be difficult for patrolling officers to detect or interrupt a suspect if there is a lengthy driveway. He noted for comparison in Prairie Village many vehicles are parked on the street, so patrolling officers can see dome lights and deter or interrupt a suspect. Councilperson Nelson referred to the September activity report and the potentially distressing number of nine mental health calls in one month. She asked if PVPD is tracking what other communities are doing in response to mental health calls and if the frequency in Mission Hills is comparable. Mayor Dickey noted that most of this month’s calls were all the same person at a single residence, so there is not a rise across the City, but a residence with a troubled person. Chief Roberson agreed and noted that mental health calls can be wide in scope and do not necessarily mean that someone is being violent, but someone is in crisis needing resources. Councilperson Nelson referred to the September activity report and noted the two weapons violations, which is unusual and the first occurrences of the year. She asked for the definition of a weapons violation and if these two incidents were related to the two vehicle burglaries. Chief Roberson noted he was not familiar with those exact cases, but a weapons violation can occur at traffic stops. He added that when an officer conducts a driving while intoxicated (DUI) or drug case traffic stop, they could come upon weapons whether legally or illegally owned. Councilperson Nelson asked if weapons violations mostly occur when an officer investigates a vehicle during a traffic stop. Chief Roberson replied that more than likely a weapons violation would be related to a traffic stop and added that if an officer arrests someone and there is a weapon that is an additional violation. He noted that unfortunately in the last several years officers have come across a lot of people that have weapons on them during traffic stops and arrests, and these weapons are both legally and illegally owned. Chief Roberson noted that 2 individuals have the right to own weapons legally. Mayor Dickey noted an interest in discussing the deployment of LPR phases three and four in 2024. B. Fire District Report Chief Chick noted he presented the Consolidated Fire District No. 2 (CFD2) 2024 budget to the Johnson County Commission for approval. He added that the CFD2 continues to work with their appointed board on mission critical topics, maintaining the financial stability of the district, and retaining employees. He noted that 80% of the district’s budget is related to employing qualified firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Chief Chick highlighted the collaborative efforts in the County extend beyond shared resources. He noted in 2022 the CFD2 had 900 hours of collaborative training, in 2023 there was 1,315 hours of collaborative training, and there are plans to expand this initiative in 2024 with Overland Park. He added that fire departments in the County have specialized services, and CFD2 plans work with Olathe in 2024 on structural and trench collapse services with the intent to respond in tandem to those incidents. He noted the advance life support program has a consistent response time of five minutes from the time someone calls for assistance and paramedics are at the door. Chief Chick noted he regularly reports to the County Commissioners that tax increment financing (TIF) for commercial properties continues to be a challenge for the district. He noted there are a significant number of projects in the district with TIF. He noted a recent, successful partnership with Prairie Village that structured the TIF to allow CFD2 to collect increased revenues. Chief Chick noted he plans to build similar partnerships with cities in the district and noted that CFD2 is advocating at the state level for fire districts to be segregated from TIF and collect a base mill like school districts. Chief Chick reported that the CFD2 facilities continue to be in good shape, and noted there are planned improvements for the 25-year-old station at 63rd Street and Mission Road. He highlighted the continued success of the firefighter intern program, which has led to hiring two full time firefighters. Chief Chick also noted that CFD2 continues to have the highest possible rating awarded for their annual financial audit and employee turnover remains very low. He added that the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rates how well a fire district can protect a community and its homes and CFD2 has the highest possible rating of class one. He noted that only 411 of 50,000 fire districts are rated class one, which provides home and business owners with the lowest possible insurance rates. Chief Chick reported that the 2024 budget will be the fourth consecutive budget to include a mill levy decrease, for a combined reduction of 1.745 mills. He noted budget challenges include TIF as previously discussed and that fire districts are excluded from the public safety sales tax. Chief Chick noted that rising inflation for the cost of goods has been largely offset by the 37% increase in property values in the district. He added in the last five years, proportionally in northeast Johnson County no other taxing subdivision collects less revenues than CFD2, while providing an excellent level of service. Councilperson Weed noted the financial discussion and that typically TIF expires after 20 years. Chief Chick replied TIF agreements can be extended. He 3 added that CFD2 understands the value of attracting business to a jurisdiction using TIF, but these businesses go on to utilize the district’s services. Chief Chick noted for example Fairway is building an active 55 years and older community using TIF and given these demographics, CFD2 will be responding to calls in the community and providing services to a for profit company that is not contributing to the tax bill. Mayor Dickey noted last month that the Council had a conversation about CFD2 using homes that are going to be torn down for training. He added the Council is very supportive and requests training be limited to a one-week timeframe. Chief Chick replied the CFD2 is happy to have an opportunity to train in Mission Hills and will work with City staff to appropriately notice neighbors and schedule one-week trainings. Mr. T. McQuaid noted that Olathe recently built a fire training facility and there is a training facility in Overland Park, he asked if CFD2 uses these facilities to train. Chief Chick replied that CFD2 pays for time at those facilities, since the cities invested in building these facilities. He added in 2024, CFD2 is programed to train at the facilities in Olathe, Overland Park, and South Platte. CONSENT AGENDA A. Claims Ordinance No. 1641 B. Resolution No. 2023 – DD: Contract with LMCC for Playground Project Demo and Site Preparation Councilperson Bruning moved to approve the consent agenda as presented. Councilperson Nelson seconded. Approved 5-0. REPORTS OF CITY STAFF B. City Administrator Mayor Dickey noted two residents are in attendance to discuss shifting the crosswalk on 63rd Street and installing a pedestrian activated signal addressed in the City Administrator’s report. Ms. Lee noted that Mr. Tarpey sent a letter and rendering of the proposed crosswalk to the City, which was emailed to the Council. She noted a summary of the project was included in her staff report. Ms. Lee stated that the City had received concerns from multiple residents about the safety of the crossing in that area and cars not stopping at the crossing, so the Council engaged a traffic engineer in December 2022 to review the exiting conditions. After the study was complete, the Council elected to implement the traffic engineer’s recommendation which included shifting the crossing on 63rd Street and placing a pedestrian activated signal. Ms. Lee added that as the installation date got closer, she reached out to the Tarpeys to share crossing details to be added to the right of way, which prompted a call from Mrs. Tarpey and letter from Mr. Tarpey. Ms. Lee noted that the traffic engineer reviewed the original recommendation, and the crossing could be slightly shifted, but this would still not meet the Tarpey’s request. She offered paper copies of the engineer’s report and accompanying photos for attendees and noted the traffic engineer was unable to attend the meeting. 4 Ms. Lee stated the primary driver for the engineer’s recommendation was to create the shortest distance for crossing pedestrians and maximize the sight distance for cars approaching the crossing. She clarified placing the crossing at the crest of the hill allows the pedestrians’ view of east and west to be maximized wherever the crosswalk terminates, while also maximizing the view of pedestrians for drivers. Ms. Lee noted the secondary driver of the engineer’s recommendation is providing a crossing refuge at the median for walkers. She added the study found that an average of 59 pedestrians cross back and forth at this intersection each day. She noted the pattern of walkers varied with crossings occurring near the existing crosswalk in the north bound lane of Belinder Avenue and crossings occurring in the south bound lane of Belinder Avenue as opposed to using the crosswalk. She added that generally pedestrians traveling from the north used the crosswalk. Ms. Lee added a third, although lesser reason, for the new crossing location at the median was to increase convenience and possibly usage of the crosswalk for pedestrians traveling from the south. She noted in summary the engineer recommended crossing location would improve sight distance for walkers and drivers, provide a pedestrian refuge, and increase crossing convenience for walkers. She added the engineer indicated that the crossing could be kept in its current location, but it would not address these points as well. Ms. Lee noted the City has not communicated with the homeowners adjacent to the existing crossing. Councilperson Bruning noted that the Council has been advised by residents and a traffic engineer that there is a danger for pedestrians crossing at this intersection and modified crossing and activated light could improve safety. He asked if City staff is recommending moving the crossing and light. Ms. Lee replied any modifications would be a Council decision. She added from a safety perspective the traffic engineer is recommending the originally proposed location, while there would still benefit to having an activated light at the current crossing location. Ms. Lee noted she asked the traffic engineer about placing the push button lights on the existing crosswalk who said it would meet the minimum standards for sight distances, but the proposed location would provide a greater sight distance. Mr. Tarpey referred to his letter to the Council, which identified his family’s points of concern with the crosswalk modifications. He added as a homeowner he was lacking the context of what drove the Council to approve the original plans and opined it would be helpful to know how many residents of the City had voiced safety concerns. Mr. Tarpey noted he has lived in his home for many years and there are traffic accidents at this intersection, but he does not have a context for how many pedestrians related incidents there have been. He noted a few years ago a high school skateboarder entered the intersection without using the crossing and there was an accident, but he hopes this was not the impetus for the proposed change. Mr. Tarpey noted that this is an unorthodox intersection and the proposed crossing in a median is also unorthodox. He added that his initial reaction was that the moved crossing would add more confusion. Mr. Tarpey added that without the use of engineering equipment, it appears that the crest of the hill is not significantly higher than the existing crosswalk. He added that his property has one of the most beautiful, picturesque views in Mission Hills and opined there could be an alternative, elegant solution that achieves increased safety. 5 Ms. Cox stated that she walks through this intersection every morning around 8 am when it is very busy, and the existing crosswalk is not enforced. She added that she is not suggesting the crosswalk be enforced, since she can wait to cross until the traffic has passed. Ms. Cox opined that moving the crosswalk seems to be the wrong decision and suggested asking walkers at this intersection how the crossing could be safer. She noted the background summary did not address how many pedestrians are turning at this intersection, which could be useful for planning. She added that pedestrians already have a clear line of sight to avoid cars. Ms. Cox reiterated asking walkers how they would improve this intersection and requested that Council slow down implementing a crossing change. Councilperson Bruning noted the skateboarder accident at this intersection and asked if there were any other accidents at this intersection. Ms. Lee replied that the accident data from this intersection was provided for the traffic engineer to study and could be shared. She added in addition to the skateboarder accident, there was one other vehicular accident that did not involve a pedestrian. Ms. Lee noted the impetus for the study was four or five requests from residents on 63rd Street seeking to improve the safety of this intersection. She added these residents noted as Ms. Cox mentioned that vehicles do not observe the crosswalk, so walkers must decide whether it is safe to cross. Mayor Dickey noted thankfully there have been very few pedestrian-vehicular accidents in the City and if that was the basis for which all decisions then the City would not have taken action to improve the Tomahawk Road to City Hall playground crossings. He added there is merit to Mr. Tarpey and Ms. Cox’s requests and suggestions. Mayor Dickey stated that having a pedestrian activated light crossing, which has proven to be a successful device to inform drivers that a pedestrian is using the crosswalk, at this location is the right thing to do. He added the exact location of the crossing could be reviewed especially since this a very nonstandard intersection. Mayor Dickey noted that the goal is for pedestrians to use the crossing and activated light and for the crossing to be visible to cars in both directions. Councilperson Bruning referred to Mr. Tarpey’s comments and asked the elevation differential between the crest of the hill and existing crossing. Ms. Lee noted the engineer report referenced a difference in elevation but did not have the exact measurement. Mayor Dickey noted it is most important that the crossing and light are elevated to where the driver can easily see the pedestrian and both sides of crossing. He added it is incumbent on the driver to recognize a pedestrian is using the crossing. Councilperson Thorne asked if there would be a flashing light on both sides of the crossing. Ms. Lee replied yes. Councilperson Thorne noted that she lives close to this crossing and when she enters from the north her goal is to cross to the median of Belinder Court because it is more scenic and the closest distance to cross 63rd Street. She noted understanding Mr. Tarpey’s interest in maintaining the view of Belinder Court but when evaluating this crossing her primary concern is safety and for this reason, she supported the findings of the traffic engineer. Councilperson Weed asked if the Park Board provided a recommendation and noted the Council had recently considered J.C. Nichols’s original design when reviewing a request for the residence at the southwest corner. He agreed that Belinder Court is a beautiful and iconic view. Councilperson Perry noted that when the plan for the crossing was reviewed in December it showed the location of the pedestrian activated light, but the rendering submitted by Mr. Tarpey provides a new perspective that he finds concerning. He added that he supports 6 safety improvements, but he wants to know the exact design and placement of the lighted crossings before proceeding with the installation. Councilperson Nelson noted she visited this location prior to the meeting and could not envision the placement of the activated light. She noted hesitation with proceeding to installation until further review. Mayor Dickey suggested installing story poles at the current crossing and the crossing provided by the traffic engineer to simulate the placement of the aesthetics of the pedestrian activated lights and location. He added this would provide residents, walkers, and Council with an accurate representation of placement and height. Councilperson Thorne agreed and added that cars traveling on 63rd Street often stop at this intersection believing there is a stop sign. Councilperson Bruning asked if the traffic engineer identified this as a dangerous location. Councilperson Perry replied that this location was identified for safety improvements by a residential letter writing campaign and the City engaged the traffic engineer who provided recommendations for safety improvements. The Council discussed the installation of story poles and requested staff communicate to adjacent residents to inform them of the purpose of the story poles. Mayor Dickey suggested an informational letter could be included on the story pole to inform walkers of their purpose and provide contact information to provide feedback to City Hall. He elaborated the City requires the installation of temporary, wooden poles for new homes to visually represent a project’s height and scale for neighbors. Mr. Tarpey asked if the traffic engineer considered stops at this intersection. Ms. Lee replied that this particular report did not review stop signs, but the City previously engaged a traffic engineer to review stop signs at this intersection. She added that the Council at that time determined that the cons were greater than the pros for installing stop signs. Mayor Dickey noted this intersection is nontypical and the previous traffic engineer struggled to design a safe all-way stop. He added that stop signs at this intersection would create additional noise for every resident as each vehicle stops and accelerates. He also noted the existing stop signs to the west and east and opined stop signs at this intersection could result in hard accelerations from frustrated drivers. NEW BUSINESS FINANCIAL REPORT A. September Financial Report There were no questions or comments on the September financial report. OLD BUSINESS A. Repeat Nuisance Properties No nuisance properties to report. 7 NEW BUSINESS A. Ordinance No. 1642: Right of Way Vacation at 5964 Overhill Road Mayor Dickey noted that the right of way vacation and acceptance of public dedications in the replat of 5964 Overhill Road are interlinked and were both reviewed by the Planning Commission and submitted to the Council for approval. Councilperson Nelson moved to approve Ordinance No. 1642 for the right-of-way vacation at 5964 Overhill Road. Councilperson Bruning seconded. Approved 5-0. B. Acceptance of Public Dedications in Replat of 5964 Overhill Road Councilperson Nelson moved to accept the public dedications in the replat of 5964 Overhill Road. Councilperson Weed seconded. Councilperson Bruning asked if the Council accepts the dedications presented could it lead to a significantly larger home being placed on this lot. Ms. Lee replied that when the previous property owner gifted Sunken Garden to the City part of the agreement was that the lot would forever be designated a corner lot. She added this perpetual corner lot designation could make renovations to the existing structures a more palatable option. Ms. Lee noted that the City has not received an application for renovation or redevelopment of this property, but the owners have indicated plans for restoration and an addition. Councilperson Bruning expressed concern that accepting the public dedications in the replat could facilitate a vastly different structure on a significant lot to the community. Ms. Lee noted that in addition to the Sunken Garden lot, the previous owner of 5964 Overhill Road and their north neighbor purchased and then divided the lot between them, leaving a utility right of way between original lots 6 and 7. Councilperson Bruning noted the existing right of way between the original lots 6 and 7 precludes building over it. Mayor Dickey noted that the Council vacated the referenced right of way with the adoption of Ordinance No. 1642. Councilperson Bruning noted concern that if this lot is redeveloped that a new residence could expand significantly beyond the current residence footprint. Mayor Dickey disclosed he works for the owner of 5964 Overhill Road and noted his concern for protecting iconic views in the City is well taken, but if there is an application for redevelopment it would be appropriately constrained by the City’s Architectural Review Board process, ordinances, Design Guidelines, and greenspace recommendations. Councilperson Bruning noted at the July meeting the Council denied the dedications in a requested replat because it would have altered J.C. Nichols’ original plan. He expressed concern that there are not any formal protections for maintaining iconic homes, such as the homes behind Sunken Garden and the Verona Columns. He added that he does not want to facilitate the construction of a significantly larger structure at this location. Mayor Dickey noted that concerns regarding redevelopment are not a consideration in this matter. Councilperson Bruning stated given this discussion he had tainted his vote and would abstain. Councilperson Thorne asked if the owners of 5964 Overhill Road currently reside in Mission Hills. Mayor Dickey replied yes. Ms. Krstulic stated that considerations for renovation or redevelopment are not relevant to the replat process. She added that the subdivision regulations in the Code provide specific criteria for replat that were met in advance of the Planning 8 Commission’s discussion at a public hearing. Councilperson Perry noted he may have concerns related to potential redevelopment, but the Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing the replat and recommended its approval by the City Council. Mr. T. McQuaid noted that he attended the public hearing at the Planning Commission meeting for this replat and asked if the platted front building line was altered. Ms. Lee replied that the platted front building line, which is 75 feet would not be changed in the replat. Mr. T. McQuaid noted that if redevelopment occurred a new home could be placed at the front building line. Mayor Dickey reiterated that the Planning Commission submitted the replat for Council approval and controlling redevelopment is not the purpose of a replat. Ms. Krstulic added that the Council’s role is not to approve the replat but to accept the public dedications. She clarified that in the Council’s review of the replat in July that the public dedications included a new building line for fences that was 10 feet further than the 50-foot established building line, so it was within the Council’s purview to deny that request. Councilperson Bruning added the City engaged Rosin Preservation several years ago and their report noted that there were several iconic sites in the community at risk because there were not any local historic districts or designation. He opined that this warning could be coming to fruition. Motion approved 3-1-1. Councilperson Nelson denied and Councilperson Bruning abstained. C. Ordinance No. 1643: Crime Prevention and Safety Committee Recommendation on Appealing Dangerous Dog Designations Mayor Dickey stated the Crime Prevention and Safety Committee (CPSC) reviewed the dangerous dog designations at the Council’s request and provided recommendations for Council adoption. Mr. T. McQuaid, Chair of the CPSC, referred to his letter to the Council in the packet and noted the Municipal Court would determine whether there is adequate evidence to appeal a dangerous dog designation. Councilperson Bruning moved to approve Ordinance No. 1643 to appeal dangerous dog designations. Councilperson Thorne seconded. Ms. Krstulic added that the animal control officer included additional requirements for dogs once they are declared potentially dangerous and dangerous. She noted Ordinance No. 1643 would also require owners to provide proof to the City that a declared dog has been spayed or neutered and additional situations, such as the removal of the dog from the City or move within the City, would require 10-day notice to the City. Councilperson Nelson noted that the proposed changes to the dangerous dog declaration do not address dogs running at large. She suggested there could be ordinance language that specifically directed recourse for the rising number of dogs being walked off leash in the City. She added that owners of even the finest of dogs can lose control, especially when the dog is off leash. Councilperson Nelson suggested that the police could enforce leash use while on patrol and the first offense could be a warning and additional offenses could be fined. Councilperson Thorne asked how leash requirements are currently enforced. Councilperson Weed opined that it can be difficult for the police and animal control to patrol and enforce leash compliance. Councilperson Nelson suggested that the City publicize there is a leash law and empower residents to encourage each other to use leashes, because there are penalties for not doing so. Mayor Dickey noted there is currently a leash law with a penalty. Councilperson Nelson suggested the newsletter could 9 include a direct article about the importance of dogs being leashed and the penalties for dogs running off leash. She added that she is concerned about the safety of the public and would feel empowered to report a dog off leash to the police dispatch. Councilperson Bruning noted that it can be difficult to enforce leash use and noted twice people have entered his backyard from Belinder Avenue to retrieve dogs off leash. He opined that this a great ruse to case a home for burglary and noted he added side yard fences for this reason. Councilperson Bruning reiterated there is currently a leash law. Councilperson Nelson suggested that residents need to be encouraged if they see a dog off leash to say something, because there are residents afraid of dogs off leash in the City. Ms. Lee said that the dog leash requirements could be highlighted in the next newsletter and the letter to all residents regarding annual pet tag renewals. Ms. Krstulic added that the specific provision for dogs running at large includes a penalty adopted by resolution. Approved 5-0. D. Governing Body Handbook – In Process Draft Mayor Dickey noted that the in-process draft of the Governing Body Handbook was included in the packet and asked the Council to provide any feedback directly to staff. Councilperson Bruning asked for clarification on the purpose of the Handbook. Ms. Lee replied that when new Council members were sworn in, they were provided with an orientation book at an onboarding session. She noted other cities have been developing living documents to incorporate orientation information, while also being a contemporary resource throughout a term of service. Ms. Lee added the Handbook format allows for topics to be added or subtracted as necessary. Mayor Dickey noted following the next election there would be a new Council member. E. 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan Councilperson Nelson asked to clarify the Wenonga project listed in 2026. Ms. Lee replied Wenonga Road and Wenonga Circle are scheduled for 2026 and Wenonga Terrace was completed in 2019. Councilperson Nelson moved to approve the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. Councilperson Thorne seconded. Approved 5-0. REPORTS OF CITY STAFF A. City Clerk Ms. Woolbright referred to the calendar in the packet and noted the holiday luncheon was scheduled for December 14th. Mayor Dickey requested staff communicate with the homes association about scheduling the annual homes association meeting. Ms. Lee noted those discussions have started and Tomahawk Road Homes Association will host. She added the date for the joint retreat of the City boards and committees has been finalized for January 12th. She noted that the agenda would include the results of the resident survey for discussion, and there 10 would be AED and CPR training offered around 12:30 pm for anyone interested and the joint retreat is scheduled for 2 p.m. B. City Administrator Ms. Lee noted that the resident survey will be delivered to mailboxes shortly and the due date is October 31st. She reported that State Line Road is being milled and weather permitting milling will be completed by the end of the week with paving completed the following week. Ms. Lee added that once State Line Road is completed, Mission Drive will be milled and then paved starting at Tomahawk Road. She added that weather permitting, Mission Drive would be completed by October 31st. Ms. Lee reported that the City has not received any feedback from those affected by the potential addition of sidewalk connectors on State Line Road, with the exception of one resident concerned about restoration since they just completed a project at their home. She added that unless the Council has received any concerns, the City would plan to proceed with that project, most likely in early November once State Line Road work is completed. Ms. Lee added that 2024 is the 75th anniversary of the City’s founding and there are thoughts of amplifying an existing event and commemorative merchandise to hand out or sell. Mayor Dickey noted that June 10, 2024 is a Council meeting, so there could be an acknowledgement ceremony that night. Councilperson Nelson noted she was on the 50th anniversary committee, which was the genesis of the annual street fair. Councilperson Bruning noted Leawood, KS celebrated their 75th anniversary this year and their events could be a resource for suggestions. C. Assistant City Administrator Mr. Carroll noted the playground renovation will begin October 23 and weather dependent a completion date of October 31st is anticipated. He referred to the SeeClickFix (SCF) quarterly report and noted that after the July storm and downloadable QR codes in the last newsletter there has been a measurable increase in use. He added the City’s SCF platform has 350 users. Mr. Carroll noted many residents used SCF to report issues after the July storm, so the City’s average response time this quarter is a bit slower. He added that SCF has improved the staff’s internal management of resident requests. Councilperson Bruning noted he is receiving notification if a neighbor has filed a request and asked the protocol for the proximity of neighbor notices. Mr. Carroll replied there are neighborhood or proximity alerts that can be turned on and off in the user’s profile settings. He added the intention of this feature is to keep neighbors informed and prevent duplicate tickets, for issues such as a tree down in the street. D. City Planner Councilperson Nelson noted the construction report and asked about the status of a project on Verona Road that was not shown on the map. Ms. Woolbright replied that this project had received a final codes inspection, so it no longer meets the definition of substantial construction. 11 She added a City architect inspection was still pending. Councilperson Nelson noted that landscaping is not complete and there continues to be construction related vehicles on Verona Road. Ms. Lee noted that the policy for tracking substantial construction projects could be altered to reflect full completion of all project elements. Mayor Dickey suggested that another color could be added to reflect projects that have completed substantial construction, but landscaping and architectural final remains. Councilperson Nelson noted the yellow is difficult to see and suggested using a different color. E. City Arborist There was no additional report or discussion. MAYOR’S COMMENTS A. Liaison Reports Councilperson Bruning reported that the Park Board will meet this week. He noted that he attended the Crime Prevention and Safety Committee meeting, and the result of their discussion was the ordinance revision to appeal a dangerous dog designation. Councilperson Nelson reported the Board of Zoning Appeals met and there were two requests for variance granted. She noted the October meeting could have a substantial agenda. Councilperson Nelson noted that the variances being granted are generally within ten feet of a setback. Councilperson Thorne reported the ARB meets next week. She thanked the Community Engagement Committee and City staff for all the work toward the Diner a Verona event that was unfortunately cancelled due to rain. She noted the rain date was a home Chief’s game, so the event was cancelled. Councilperson Nelson asked the turn out for the Movie Night at City Hall. Ms. Lee replied there were more than 100 attendees. Councilperson Bruning noted it was cold, but there were lots of kids in attendance. Councilperson Weed reported that the Planning Commission would meet this week and David Sargent of Sargent Town Planning would be attending to present on lot redevelopment and structural massing. He noted that the City continues to receive requests for improvements related to new and major construction and the Planning Commission continues to address these topics. Councilperson Perry thanked Councilperson Bruning for attending the Crime Prevention and Safety Committee on his behalf. Mayor Dickey noted the next newsletter will be mailed to residents shortly and his article will address public safety and the need to be vigilant. He noted there has been a reduction in crime rates from 2022. Mayor Dickey added his article will also include dog leash requirements, the placement of story poles on Belinder Avenue to mark the previously discussed crossing locations, the importance of wearing reflective clothing while walking as there is less sunlight, and reporting issues for the City to act. He added there will also be a statement that the City is no 12 longer trapping or monitoring coyotes in the newsletter. He also noted the newsletter will also include capital improvement program updates to the City playground surface and sidewalk connectors on State Line Road. Mayor Dickey referred to Prairie Village’s project on Mission Road, which is currently scheduled for completion around Thanksgiving. He asked the Council if there were any topics to be addressed in the newsletter. Councilperson Weed suggested including from Chief Chick’s report that Consolidated Fire District No. 2 (CFD2) has received a Class One rating from Insurance Services Organization (ISO). Mayor Dickey noted that if the Council knows of anyone interested in serving on the City’s boards, please let him know as there will most likely be a few vacancies. Councilperson Thorne asked if there were specific openings to be filled. Mayor Dickey replied that the Planning Commission will likely have one or two openings. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m. /s/ Meghan Woolbright 13