Pictured from left to right (front row): Andrew Felker, Fred DeMoro, Mayor Bill Baird, Hillary Shields, John Lovell. Pictured from left to right (back row): Phyllis Edson, Faith Hodges, Mia Prier, Mayor Pro Tem Beto Lopez.
City Council heard a presentation on the proposed realignment of the City’s citizen boards and commissions. Using the structure of a proposed Cultural Commission, City staff discussed how the restructuring of boards and commissions will create stronger alignment with the City’s Ignite! Strategic Plan goals. The Cultural Commission would combine the efforts of the Arts Council, Historic Preservation Commission and Beautification Commission into one advisory commission that would work on the formulation of strategic recommendations and report to the council. Council gave favorable feedback on the realignment strategy. It is anticipated the realignment would begin in four to six months.
City Beautification Programs and Resources and Opportunities
A presentation was given to City Council on the programs and resources currently available to address litter, debris and maintenance in various rights-of-way and public areas. The City’s programs include Stream Team, Adopt-A-Street and Sweep the Summit. Adopt-A-Highway and Sponsor-A-Highway are programs sponsored by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Short and long-term opportunities to expand and create awareness of cleanup programs will be explored as well as how to provide clarification to citizens on how best to report concerns and coordinate their own cleanup events.
City Council passed a resolution authorizing Lee’s Summit Water Utilities and Public Works’ application for grant funding from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The Missouri legislature appropriated $410 million of state American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for fiscal year 2023 to invest in Missouri’s water infrastructure through grant programs. Water Utilities and Public Works have both identified projects that meet the requirements for grant funding through the ARPA Water Infrastructure Community Program.