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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023 Year in Review2023 Year in Review it I 141. yy� + I� ��ee� y" 1-.. 1- SQ �!I"r"1IIIIIiiiliiIbiI Parkville offers an exceptional quality of life for residents and visitors by embracing opportunities to enhance commerce and economic activity, while preserving the community's historic charm, attractive character and unique natural environments. 2023 Elected Officials Dean Katerndahl Mayor Tina Welch Ward 1 Alderman Philip Wassmer Ward 1 Alderman Brian T. Whitley Ward 2 Alderman Bob Bennett Ward 2 Alderman Douglas P. Wylie Ward 3 Alderman Stephen Melton Ward 3 Alderman Allyson R. Berberich Ward 4 Alderman Michael Lee Ward 4 Alderman Outgoing Elected Official Greg Plumb Ward 4 Alderman 2023 Administration Officials Alexa Barton City Administrator Bryan Kidney Deputy City Administrator / Finance Director Jeffery Rhodes Assistant City Administrator Kevin Chrisman Police Chief Dan Harper Public Works Director Stephen Lachky Community Development Director Brittanie Propes Parks & Recreation Director Melissa McChesney City Clerk Michelle Hefley Treasurer Employees Recognized in 2023 for Years of Service Jon Jordan, Police 30 years Melissa McChesney, Administration 10 years Kevin Humiston, Municipal Court 10 years Ethan McMillen, Police 5 years Zach Wooldridge, Police 5 years Awards & Certifications Parkville named Tree City USA for 33rd Consecutive Year For the 33rd year in a row, the City was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. The City hosted a public Arbor Day celebration on April 25th at the Sullivan Nature Sanctuary with Deep Roots KC, Urban Tree Specialists and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Parkville Ward 3 Alderman Stephen Melton read an Arbor Day proclamation and helped staff and volunteers plant Swamp White Oaks, Witch Hazels and Ninebarks in place of the Bradford/Callery Pear trees that were removed. Parkville is one of only 15 communities in Missouri that has been named as Tree City USA for 33 years or more. Parkville named 16th Safest City in Missouri Parkville was ranked the 16th safest city in Missouri according to SafeWise.com. Missouri's violent crime rates and property crime rates have both dropped since the year before. Even better, the Show Me State's safest cities have lower-than-average crime rates compared to the state. Brittanie Propes received Certified Park and Recreation Executive certification Park and Recreation Department Director Brittanie Propes was the first woman in Missouri to receive the Certified Park and Recreation Executive certification from the National Recreation and Park Association. The Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) establishes a national standard for managerial, administrative and executive parks and recreation professionals and focuses on the practical knowledge and current real-world skills necessary in today’s changing park and recreation environment. There are currently more than 6,400 park and recreation professionals who have become Certified Park and Recreation Professionals, but only 285 have the CPRE designation and only 10 are from Missouri, including Propes. Melissa McChesney received Certified Municipal Clerk certification City Clerk Melissa McChesney received her certification as a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. The CMC Program was designed to enhance the job performance of the Clerk in small and large municipalities. It prepared Melissa to meet the challenges of the complex role of the City Clerk by providing her with quality education in partnership with institutions of higher learning, as well as state, provincial and national associations. Travis Phelan received Certified Playground Safety Inspection certification Parks employee Travis Phelan received the Certified Playground Safety Inspection (CPSI) certification from the National Recreation and Park Association. CPSI is a certification that provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on playground safety issues including hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements and risk management methods. Travis is first City employee to receive the certification. Citywide Projects Voters approved three tax propositions in 2023 In April, voters approved the passage of a one-half of one percent public safety sales tax to provide our local police force with dedicated funding and resources needed to attract and retain top talent to keep our community safe. The tax became effective on October 1, 2023. In November, voters approved the passage of a use tax for trails and transportation and an adult use marijuana sales tax for basic City services, which could include stormwater. The use tax became effective January 1, 2024, and the marijuana tax will become effective April 1, 2024. Travis and Mayor Julia Porter, McChesney and Mayor Brittanie and Mayor City hosted first annual Meet and Mingle In July and August, the City held its first ever Meet and Mingle events in each of the four wards. Residents mingled with elected officials and City staff and enjoyed refreshments and family-friendly activities. Events were held in: • Ward 4 on July 28th at the infield at Creekside; • Ward 1 on August 2nd at the East Shelter in English Landing Park; • Ward 2 on August 9th at the Riss Lake Pool; and, • Ward 3 on August 16th at The Deuce at The National. The City plans to have the Meet & Mingle events in each ward in 2024. City sponsored 8th Paint Parkville purchase award The 11th Annual Paint Parkville event was held October 7-14, 2023. The City of Parkville proudly sponsored its eighth purchase award to support the event and to bring talented artists into the community. This year’s theme was Barkville (dog parks in Platte Landing Park). Mayor Dean Katerndahl presented the City’s award to winning artist Joe Patterson for his painting titled “Walking the Dog in English Landing Park” at the Board of Aldermen meeting on October 17. Diversity and Inclusion Commission added three new members The Diversity and Inclusion Commission was created in 2021 with five members to discuss issues regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. Since the Commission first met, the Board of Aldermen expressed interest in expanding the membership to enable more residents to participate. City staff met with Park University staff and students about improving their connection with the City and one of the outcomes was having a member of the student body on the Commission, since the student body represents significant diversity in the community. In July, the Board adopted an ordinance to add two new positions with four-year terms and to create a non- voting position to be held by a Park University student with a term to match the academic calendar year. City adopted 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program On September 19, the Board of Aldermen approved Resolution No. 23-010 adopting the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP is a long-range plan that identifies capital projects and equipment, provides a planning schedule and identifies options to fund the projects and equipment. It is a fluid document that can be changed as the infrastructure requirements change, development occurs and funding opportunities become available. Some of the projects in the 2024 CIP include: • Technology enhancements • New boardwalk/outlook area at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary • New farmers market structure • Changes to the bridge over Rush Creek into Platte Landing Park • Tenant build-out of leased west side police facility Administration City purchased new technology and software to improve efficiency and transparency In 2023, the City purchased several software programs to enhance citizen input, provide even more transparency and increase staff efficiency for City operations, thereby improving operational excellence. Software ranged from making park reservations and managing park programs through CivicPlus Recreation Management; to managing permit applications, inspections and contractor credentials through CivicPlus Permitting; to managing new subdivisions, plats and site plans through CivicPlus Community Development; to creating a responsive tool for resident requests via SeeClickFix; to providing public access to City documents through an online portal via Laserfiche; to obtaining electronic signatures on City documents through DocuSign; and to layer spatial coordinates with City assets, zoning and issue tracking through ArcGIS. These will be implemented in 2024. Mayor and Joe City hired new Deputy City Administrator/Finance Director Bryan Kidney was hired as Deputy City Administrator/Finance Director on August 1. The City contracted with Bryan in August 2022 to be the interim Finance Director to provide professional services in the areas of budgeting, debt structures, auditing, government financial management and other services provided by a finance director. Bryan has vast experience as a financial director and spent over 25 years working for local communities filling multiple roles, including serving as the Finance and Administration Director for the city of Independence. He has also served the roles of municipal advisor, assistant director and finance director. Board of Aldermen Board set goals for 2023-2024 at strategic planning session In April, the Board of Aldermen and senior management staff held the annual strategic planning session. The Board and staff focused on six strategic goal areas to prioritize resource allocation and guide decision-making: operational excellence, infrastructure and public facilities, quality development, parks and recreation, communications and public safety. Operational Excellence: • Provide a diverse and reliable set of financial resources • Recruit and retain highly qualified staffing • Institute appropriate processes and systems • Provide and utilize appropriate technology and equipment • Create strategic partnerships (cities, county, fire district, ambulance district, organizations, railroad, etc.) Infrastructure and Public Facilities • Pursue options regarding railroad noise reduction • Enhance Thoroughfare connectivity, safety and walkability • Extend life of infrastructure and equipment • Strategically expand (place) facilities Quality Development • Assure quality development through effective and efficient development processes • Identify and pursue development opportunities that fill quality of life gaps in the community • Promote development that is economically sustainable Parks & Recreation • Ensure Parks Master Plan meets current and future needs of the community in all wards • Develop a strategy to fully utilize parks for recreation programs • Prioritize parks projects for maintenance and expansion Communications • Use two-way communication more effectively and proactively with our community (engagement) • Fully utilize available technology for effective communications • Maximize availability of and access to information • Provide updates to strategic plans with associated goals, including quarterly PACE reports Public Safety • Provide needed resources for policing a growing community • Achieve competitive benefits/salaries for a professional police force • Create community partnerships, incl. mutual aid, regional, neighborhoods/homeowners associations • Retain public confidence through effectiveness, efficiency and engagement. Parkville Train Depot Police Department Police held several events through donations to the Police Community Assistance Fund In August, the Police Department held its annual Back to School Program to provide school supplies, backpacks, clothes and other essentials to area Parkville children in need and to help foster positive relationships between youth and the Police. Eleven children were provided with supplies and clothes to help them start off the new school year. On December 6, the Police Department held its 9th Annual Senior Holiday Luncheon in the clubhouse at Park Village Apartments. In addition, several hot meals were delivered to residents who could not attend at the clubhouse. Special thanks to Kevin Heaton, owner of Stone Canyon Pizza, and Al Burns, owner of Al’s Bar and Grill, who donated food for the event. On December 10, the Police Department held its 14th Annual Shop with a Cop event. There were over 34 young people that shopped and 15 families that were provided a full basket of groceries. All the events were made possible by the generosity of donations made by the Parkville community to the Parkville Police Community Assistance Fund. City installs two new tornado sirens in western Parkville The Board of Aldermen approved the purchase and installation of two new outdoor warning sirens to provide needed coverage to the Creekside development and Thousand Oaks. The City now maintains five active sirens and one that will be installed to serve the southern portion of the Thousand Oaks subdivision. Community Development Development Code Update received Outstanding Implementation Award The Parkville Development Code Update received the Outstanding Implementation Award from the Missouri Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). The award category recognizes the effort that demonstrates a significant achievement in accomplishing positive changes as a result of planning. The plaque and decorative glass award were formally presented at APA Missouri’s 2023 Bi-State Conference to Community Development Director Stephen Lachky on October 12. There were a total of nine awards presented and one Brentwood, Missouri also received an Outstanding Implementation Award. Other accomplishments in 2023: • Approved the rezoning and preliminary plat for Thousand Oaks 25th Plat subdivision • Approved a preliminary development plan for Taliesin development along Bell Road • Approved a preliminary development plan for Creekside West Apartments in Creekside Commons • Approved a preliminary development plan and final plat for Park Hill Elementary School No. 12 • Approved a minor site plan to rehabilitate an existing two-story mixed-use building at 8 East Street • Approved the third amendment to the Creekside TIF Plan • Approved the first amendment to the Creekside TIF Redevelopment Agreement • Approved amendments to the Parkville Municipal Code regarding underground utilities • Approved amendments to the Parkville Municipal Code regarding new provisions in the Missouri Constitution regarding recreational marijuana • Approved amendments to the Parkville Municipal Code regarding the removal of dead trees on City property and on private property New siren in Thousand Oaks Shop with a Cop Senior Luncheon • Approved amendments to the Parkville Municipal Code to address the maintenance of grass, weeds and vegetative overgrowth within public rights-of-way by adjoining property owners • Approved amendments to the Parkville Municipal Code to address the maintenance of parkways and street trees within public rights-of-way • Adopted a stream buffer protection ordinance to help prevent property damage, reduce the severity of floods, prevent stream bank erosion and protect natural habitat • Adopted a steep slope preservation ordinance to help prevent erosion, stormwater runoff, reduce the risk of dangerous landslides, and preserve natural topography and scenic hillsides • Adopted a tree cover preservation ordinance to help prevent urban heat island effect, provide natural air conditioning via shared cover, contribute to bird and wildlife habitat, reduce stormwater runoff, provide scenic amenities and increase property values • Commenced the ADA Transition Plan project • Commenced the Architectural Design Standards project • Created an interactive presentation on the City’s development process for Parkville’s inaugural Citizens’ Leadership Academy Voters approved use tax for improvements to Route 9 and Bell Road In November, voters approved a 2.5% use tax on out-of-state and online purchases, which will fund trails and transportation, including improvements to Route 9 and pedestrian safety improvements to Bell Road. Revenue from the use tax will be used to assist with the City’s match for grants received for the projects. Last winter, the City was notified that it received $3.2 million in federal grant funds and $1,787,950 in state funding for transportation improvements to Route 9 from 4th Street to the Park University entrance and from Crooked Road Route FF to Route 9. The total project cost is estimated at $7 million and the City’s estimated match will be $2,012.050. In 2023, the City received notice that it received a total of $750,000 in federal funding for safety and sidewalk improvements and landscaping for stormwater management along Bell Road from Highway 45 to Hamilton Road. Total project costs are estimated at $1.6 million and the City’s estimated match will be $850,000. More downtown redevelopment projects approved in 2023 In 2019, the Board of Aldermen adopted an ordinance approving the Downtown Parkville Redevelopment Plan that allows private property owners an opportunity to preserve downtown through real property tax abatement via RSMo Chapter 353 economic development incentives. In February, the Board approved a project to improve 12 E. 1st Street, the old bank building on the corner of East Street and 1st Street. The plan was to repurpose the building into a restaurant, utilizing the existing drive-through window and add a second story for office use and balcony space. In November, the Board approved a project to rehabilitate the two-story, mixed-use building at 8 East Street. The interior of the building is being remodeled, the second floor apartments are being transformed into office space for Level Builders and the exterior is receiving a complete overhaul by removing the old western false facades. Public Works City hired new Public Works Director On March 7, Daniel Harper was hired as the Public Works Director with more than 15 years in local and state government experience. He previously served as Assistant Director of Field Services with the City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. His career also includes time with the Kansas Department of Transportation, the University of Iowa and the Iowa Department of Transportation. Traffic at 1st & Main City received Platte County grant for stormwater improvements on N. National Drive The City received $28,000 in Platte County Stormwater Management Grant funds for stormwater improvements near 7170 N. National Drive. The project fixed issues with stormwater runoff coming from Crooked Road that caused ponding and erosion on the property. The homeowner, National Homeowners Association and the developer assisted with funding the project. Daily operations of City sewer changed to Platte County Regional Sewer District A sewer services analysis was performed for the City to consider best practice and customer services for customers of the City’s sewer system. Four options from the analysis included retaining ownership and continuing to contract with an outside contractor for operations and maintenance; retaining ownership and assuming operations and maintenance; selling to the private sector; and negotiating an agreement with the Platte County Regional Sewer District (PCRSD) to absorb City customers, thereby creating a centralized sewer utility for all of Parkville. In December, the Board of Aldermen approved an agreement with PCRSD to operate and maintain the City’s sewer system, which became effective on December 27. The second phase would have PCRSD take over administration and utility billing. A permanent decision to centralize sewer services with the PCRSD would require a public vote at a future election. City hosted five electronics recycling events In 2023, the City hosted five electronics recycling and paper shredding events in Platte Landing Park on the first Saturday of the even numbered months, except for December. Over 58,000 pounds of electronics recycled Electronics recycling is open to everyone from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot near the dog parks in Platte Landing Park. February 10,596 April 14,988 June 10,243 August 10,322 October 12,474 Total Pounds 58,623 Over 11,000 pounds of paper shredded Paper shredding events are for Parkville residents only from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the parking lot near Friends Shelter in Platte Landing Park. February 2,890 April 1,470 June 3,080 August 1,620 October 2,180 Total Pounds 11,240 Parks & Recreation City received Platte County Parks & Recreation Grant for new farmers market In December, the Platte County Commission approved $1 million in grant funding for the farmers market. In addition to the grant funds, the City received a total of $455,306 from the two trucking companies that damaged the structure. In 2024, City staff will work with BBN Architects to present design options. City received Platte County Outreach Grant for Gateway Park In 2023, the City received $34,000 in Platte County Park & Recreation Outreach grant funds that will be used to construct Gateway Park, a small park located on Route 9 at 62nd Street (near entrance to Pinecrest subdivision). The park will be a resting spot and trail head for the new sidewalks/walking trails along Route 9. It will include a drinking fountain, seating, landscaping and lighting. Parks and Nature Sanctuary received TRIM grants to remove hazardous trees In 2023, the parks and nature sanctuary both received Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance grants, totalling $71,000, to remove hazardous trees, maintain existing trees and plant new trees. Parkville Sewer Plant Barkville gets a mayor To celebrate the theme of Parkville Days “Dog Days of Summer” and showcase the Parkville dog park, Barkville, the City held a mayoral election for an honorary Mayor of Barkville. With over 30 entries and thousands of votes, the community elected Daisy as the first mayor of Barkville. Coming in second place, as the new Mayor “Paw-Tem” was Gracie. Daisy was honored by being the Grand Marshall of the Parkville Days Parade. US Army Corps of Engineers began resolving issues with the wetlands In 2019, crews broke ground on the new wetlands project in Platte Landing Park, a Section 1135 project in the Parkville Bottoms with approximately 23 acres of emergent wetlands, 14 acres of wet mesic bottomland prairie and 4.5 acres of riparian corridor. Construction was completed in 2020, but the wetlands were not holding water. After many discussions with the US Army Corps of Engineers, they agreed to fund the improvements needed to ensure the wetlands would hold water. In the fall, they began the earth work needed and in the spring they will complete the landscaping and add a water source. The estimated project completion is fall 2024. Parks & Recreation Department initiated new recreation program In 2023, new recreation programs were initiated, including: New location selected for new Veterans Memorial The Veterans Memorial Committee, comprised of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Patriot Outreach and two at-large individuals, started a project to build a Veterans Memorial to honor veterans, provide a place of reflection and remembrance and a place of recognition. In 2018, the Committee selected Ball Field No. 1 in English Landing Park to be the site for the memorial. In fall 2022, it was discovered that the location was funded with Land Water Conservation Fund grant money and required that the area be used for active recreational activities and not used for a passive recreational purpose, such as a memorial. The Committee and the City explored other options and in August, the new location was approved near the Spirit Fountain at the train depot. The next step will be to redesign the memorial to fit the space. The work will be completed in phases as funds are available. Eagle Scout Project completed at Parkville Nature Sanctuary The Board of Aldermen recognized Caleb Johnson, a local Boy Scout from Troop 261, for his hard work and dedication in helping to enhance the Parkville Nature Sanctuary through his Eagle Scout project. Caleb completed his Eagle Scout project by mulching the Old Kate Trail to the waterfall, the entirety of the mulched portion of Butterfly Pass and the story time circle. In total, one-third of a mile of trails was covered with 100 cubic yards of mulch. Improvements completed at the Girl Scout Cabin The Girl Scout Cabin at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary is located on the Old Kate Trail, a five minute hike from the parking lot. Improvements were made to fix the floor that had deteriorated over time. The cabin now has new paver floors, new concrete stairs on the west side, a new concrete ramp on the south side and a new hearth for the fireplace. The improvemetns are not only a safety enhancement, but they also add to the overall appearance of the cabin. Caleb and 22 volunteers put in 80.5 hours of work for his project Fireplace with new hearth Movie Night at Creekside Storytime in the Park Art in the Park Music in the Park Mayor Daisy Nature Sanctuary Events Winners of monthly Friends of Parkville Nature Sanctuary Amateur Photo Contest For the sixth year, Friends of Parkville Nature Sanctuary held a monthly amateur photographer photo contest. JANUARY Doug Thomas Eastern Bluebird MARCH Phil Jeffries – Breakfast of Champions APRIL Doug Thomas – Eastern Towhee MAY Tim Verner – Bad Hair Day JUNE John Mink – Crested Flycatcher JULY Janna Kittle – Early- Morning Light AUGUST Phil Jeffries – Skipper Moth, a Prairie Pollinator SEPTEMBER Janna Kittle – Autumn Mushrooms OCTOBER Ben Walker – Hanging Out NOVEMBER Doug Thomas – Best of Snow Photo of the Year DECEMBER John Mink – Flying Hawk Earth Day Work Day Pumpkin Carving Winter Wonderland Good Oak at Sullivan NS