Council Debrief | October 13, 2026

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October 13, 2026

COUNCIL DEBRIEF

CITY COUNCIL

CITY BUDGET

NEWS

All City Council Meetings

Meeting Agenda

Proclamations

Mayor Lopez issued two proclamations during the Oct. 13 City Council meeting, raising awareness and showing continued support for community values.

Proclamations

Jackson County Supports Playground Expansion and Regional 911 Center

Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota presented the City of Lee’s Summit with $150,000 to support the purchase of playground equipment for the all-inclusive playground expansion at the Joseph A. Dyke playground at Legacy Park. The funding was approved through a Jackson County appropriation for community projects and infrastructure needs and will help expand inclusive recreational opportunities for residents of all abilities.

LeVota also presented $3.2 million in funding for the City to support the development of a regional backup 911 communications center. It would ensure continuity of 911 call-taking and emergency dispatch services if a participating Jackson County public safety answering point experiences a disruption due to severe weather, power outages, or system failures.

LeVota emphasized the importance of investing in first responders and strengthening partnerships among Jackson County municipalities to protect residents throughout the region. He thanked Lee’s Summit leadership for leading the initiative and highlighted the shared responsibility of keeping communities safe.

Ordinance

Improve I-70 KC

City Council heard a presentation from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), on the Improve I-70 KC project, which aims to upgrade Interstate 70 between The Paseo Boulevard and U.S. 40/31st Street. With a programmed budget of $237 million, the project aims to improve safety, reliability, and local accessibility, with construction expected to finish by spring 2028 and the project to be completed by December 31, 2028. Key construction elements involve adding a fourth eastbound lane from Prospect Avenue to Manchester Avenue, replacing 15 bridges and rehabilitating seven others, improving pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and reconstructing portions of I-70 including the Benton and Jackson curves.

A major milestone is planned for early January to mid-December 2027, featuring an 11-month closure of both directions of I-70 from Prospect Avenue to Van Brunt Boulevard to accommodate mainline bridge and roadway work. Motorists are encouraged to use navigation apps and plan alternate routes ahead of time during these disruptions.t. After discussion, City Council approved the ordinance for second reading.

Project Overview

Missouri Blue Shield Grant Program Agreement

City Council adopted an ordinance for a $29,069.76 grant from the State of Missouri through the SFY 2027 Missouri Blue Shield Grant Program to support the Lee’s Summit Police Department. The funding would be used to purchase emergency communication equipment, specialized ballistic protective equipment, personal protective equipment, and signage recognizing the City’s Missouri Blue Shield designation.

Ordinance

Air Traffic Control Tower Operations Agreement

City Council received an ordinance for an Air Traffic Control Tower Operations Agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the City moves forward with plans for an air traffic control tower at the Kansas City - Lee's Summit Regional Airport. The agreement is a required step before air traffic control services can begin and allows the project to proceed toward the tower’s design and construction. The ordinance was moved to second reading.

Ordinance

NW Main and NE Douglas Community Improvement District

City Council adopted an ordinance establishing the NW Main and NE Douglas Community Improvement District (CID) for a proposed $48.8 million development featuring a 100,000-square-foot Dillons grocery store, a fueling center, and additional retail space. The project is expected to create more than 250 full- and part-time jobs and includes public infrastructure improvements such as road widening, sidewalks, and a new traffic signal. The CID will be funded through a proposed 1% sales tax on taxable retail sales within the district, with up to $6.79 million in reimbursements requested for eligible project costs.

Developer Presentation