Welcome to the City Portal, the City's biweekly round up of all the latest City news you could ever want and more! This newsletter will be chock full of information about events, development and City services. We will still be covering COVID-19 in the COVID-19 Briefing section at the end of this newsletter.
Downtown Sculpture Walk
The last two sculptures have been installed for the Downtown Sculpture Walk.
Heart of Downtown | Designed by Lee's Summit artist Remy Norton-Hood, this sculpture is a dodecahedron where each face depicts a unique downtown landmark. The Heart of Downtown is located at the corner of Douglas and Third Streets. Visit it at night. It lights up!
Metamorphosis | This sculpture located at the corner of SE Fourth and Main Streets. Created by Hilde DeBruyne, Metamorphosis is one piece from her “Migration” series where she explores the transformation of a butterfly.
Get the Audio Guide
Hear the story behind each sculpture directly from the artist by downloading the Octocast app on your iPhone or Android device.
Fireworks Safety
When can fireworks be discharged?
- July 3 | 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- July 4 | 10 a.m. – midnight
- July 5 | 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Are permits required?
A 2021 Fireworks Permit (one per household) is required to discharge fireworks within City limits. Permits are free and can be obtained at approved consumer firework tents or City Hall.
Fireworks prohibited within City limits include:
- Bottle rockets
- Roman candles
- Sky lanterns
- Parachute with nighttime effects
- Missiles with fins or rudders for aerodynamic flight
Legacy Blast
Legacy Blast will not be taking place in 2021. The City wishes all residents a safe and enjoyable holiday.
2021 Citizen of the Year
The City of Lee’s Summit is excited to announce Mayor Bill Baird has selected Bob and Candy White as the 2021 Citizen of the Year recipients for their commitment to strengthening the community through education and volunteer efforts. They will be honored at the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Toast to Our Towns Gala on Sept. 25.
“Bob and Candy embody the spirit of community through their volunteer efforts and contributions to local civic, cultural and faith organizations helping to improve the quality of life in Lee’s Summit,” said Mayor Baird. “They have dedicated their lives to serving children and families in Lee’s Summit, enriching the whole community.”
Get the Scoop in Two Minutes!
Your weekly flash briefing is here. Get a snapshot of what's happening this week in Lee's Summit. Take a listen!
Now Hiring
Water Utilities is looking for a new member to join their team for the role of customer services representative. Is it you? This position is the primary contact for inquires related to services provided by the department.
Road Closure(s)
Scherer Road | A section of Scherer Road will be closed to thru traffic for three weeks on June 23 to install a water main.
Ward Road | A section of SE Ward Road from SW Lea Drive to SW Daney Drive will be closed on Wednesday, June 23, and will remain closed for approximately two months. The closure is necessary as part of the Lea Drive Stormwater Improvements project.
For more information, contact Public Works at publicworks@cityofLS.net or 969-1800.
Donors Up!
Royals Blood Drive
The City has partnered with the Community Blood Center for a two-day event. The blood drive will be held July 19 and July 20 at the City's Maintenance Facility from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Community Blood Center has declared an emergency blood shortage. Every little bit counts!
Appointments are strongly recommended but walk-ins will be accepted. Participating donors will receive a Royals t-shirt or hat.
New Podcast
Ever wonder how the development process works and what the City's role is when a new business is interested in setting up shop in Lee's Summit?
Director of Development Services Ryan Elam and Assistant Director of Plan Services Josh Johnson discuss the role of Development Services and components of the updated comprehensive plan.
City Council Update
June 22, 2021
2022 Fiscal Year Budget. City Council advanced to second reading an ordinance adopting the City’s budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The approved budget includes two amendments, allocating $50,000 for a Fourth of July celebration and adding two full-time positions in Development Services, a building inspector and field engineering inspector. The general fund budget, which is the City’s fund for daily operations, totals $80,298,295 with expenditures from all funds totaling $236,558,612. City Council also advanced to second reading an ordinance adopting the budget for Municipal Court.
Downtown Lee’s Summit PSA. City Council advanced to second reading an ordinance approving a public service agreement with Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street. The agreement is for up to three years with Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street receiving up to $60,000 a year. As part of the agreement, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street will submit biannual program status reports, describing results of activities, program effectiveness and capital expenditures, if any.
Economic Development Council PSA. City Council advanced to second reading an ordinance approving a public service agreement with the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council. The agreement is up to three years with the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council receiving up to $200,000 a year. The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council is responsible for serving as a workforce liaison for the community, contributing to the creation of new quality jobs and development in the City and implementing action items designated by the Ignite! Strategic Plan.
Downtown Market Plaza. City Council received a written update on the Downtown Market Plaza redevelopment project near Southeast Green Street and Southeast Third Street. The next steps for the project include drafting a budget, scheduling stakeholder meetings and developing a process to select a master architect.
State of Emergency Update
Mayor Bill Baird signed a proclamation ending the City’s state of emergency, which was first declared March 17, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The state of emergency proclamation helped the City expedite emergency response efforts and allowed the City to quickly procure needed resources and alter policies and processes to protect public health and safety.
News
June 21, 2021 | Missouri has the highest rate of new COVID-19 infections in the country, according to a New York Times analysis. Over the past 14 days, most states have seen the number of cases decline, but Missouri had a 72% increase.
June 22, 2021 | The CDC reported that nearly 9.5 million more women than men have been vaccinated in the U.S.
Quick Hits
As of June 23, 2021:
- More than 177 million people across the United States have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- 4,850,985 total vaccine doses administered in Missouri.
- 43.7% of Missourians have received at least one vaccine dose.
- 35.6% of Jackson County residents are fully vaccinated.
Sources: CDC and the Missouri COVID-19 Dashboard
COVID-19 Resources
* The Jackson County Health Department testing sites in Lee's Summit have moved to a new location. They will now be conducted at Legacy Football Venue, 1300 NE Legacy Park Drive.