HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023 Year in Review2023 Year in Review
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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