Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas
Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Members of the media join MoDOT and KDOT crews early Friday morning to capture the detonation of the old Fairfax Bridge at a safe distance.
This week in Kansas City
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This Weeks City/County Headlines
Watch Meetings on UGTV
Improving the Quality of Lives in KCK
MoDOT Begins Demolition of Historic Fairfax Bridge
Wyandotte County Job Growth Strong
Looking for Excitement to Warm Things Up This Spring?
Budget Public Hearing Coming Up
Public Safety Community Forum
UG Sets 2015 Legislative Agendas
Finance Department Honored for Financial Reporting
WyCo Appraiser Elected KAC President
KU Professor to be Guest Speaker at Annual Black History and Scholarship Banquet
Parks and Recreation Begin Preparations for Fishing Season
JFK Becomes First Google Fiber Recreation Center
Eagle Viewing at Kaw Point Park
Reward Increases to $5,000
KCK Homicides
Launch of New At-Risk Program Rescheduled
K-State Extension Offering ServSafe Course
Construction Underway Along Minnesota Avenue
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MoDOT Begins Demolition of Historic Fairfax Bridge

 

Contractors began the first phase of dismantling the historic Fairfax Bridge Friday morning with detonation of the trusses anchored on land. There were two separate blasts that dropped portions of the southbound U.S. Route 69 lanes that connect Interstate 635 in Riverside, Missouri to Seventh Street Trafficway located in the Fairfax District in Kansas City, Kansas  

 

The demolition work is part of a joint project between KDOT and MoDOT to replace both bridges with a new single multiple lane bridge that includes bike and pedestrian access.

 

Weather permitting; MoDOT has planned an official implosion ceremony on Friday, January 30, 2015 for the detonation of the remaining section of the truss bridge over the Missouri River.

 

Traffic will continue to be diverted to the northbound bridge until the first portion of the bridge is constructed. The new single bridge is expected to be completed in late 2016.

 

Fairfax Bridge Demolition
Fairfax Bridge Demolition

 

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WyCo Job Growth Strong

 

New jobs created in Wyandotte County outpaced the nation from 2103 to 2014 according to a recently released federal report.

 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Wyandotte ranks22nd nationally out of the 339 largest counties in the nation for new jobs. Wyandotte County's growth rate was approximately twice the national growth rate with a 4.4% increase in jobs between June 2013 and June 2014. The national job growth was 2.0%.

 

Wyandotte County remains strong in terms of job growth among metro area counties as well. Johnson County registered a 2.8% job growth rate and ranked 78th nationally. Clay County, Missouri increased jobs by 3% to rank 70th nationally. Jackson County (KCMO) had only a 0.7% increase and ranks 267 in the nation. 

Looking for Excitment to Warm Things Up this Spring?

 

Then sign up for the Kansas City Kansas Police Department Citizens Academy.  This Spring the Citizens Academy will be held every Monday and Wednesday, from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm, beginning on Monday, March 2, 2015, and ends Wednesday, April 15, 2015. The Citizen's Academy curriculum is designed to inform and educate the residents and stakeholders of Police Department's resources, responsibility, and commitment to its citizens. 

 

The Citizen's Academy is a mixed format of classroom lecture and field activity in a controlled environment.  The classes are instructed by the men and women who work in the specialized field such as Crime Scene Investigations, SWAT, Bomb Squad, Criminal Investigations, and much more.  Seating is limited to 25 people so sign up now.

 

For more information and an application visit WWW.KCKPD.ORG. or call the Police Training Academy at 913-596-1616.  See our videos on YouTube and our Facebook page.

 

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Budget Public Hearing

 

In last weeks edition of the ENews newsletter, we mistakenly provided the incorrect date for the Unified Government's upcoming Budget Public Hearing.

 

The correct date of the public hearing will be held Thursday evening, February 19, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commission Chamber located on the Lobby level of City Hall at 701 North 7th Street. 

 

We invite citizens and organizations to attend this public meeting and provide input on budget priorities for the adoption of the Unified Government's revised 2015 and proposed 2016 budgets.

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas will make reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If accommodations are needed for a disability, contact the Human Services Department 48-hours in advance at 913-573-5024. 

 

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Public Safety Community Forum

 

As part of the ongoing effort to encourage and promote a stronger police and community relationship, the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, KC Blue Dogs and the Kansas Black Chamber of Commerce are partnering to host a Public Safety Community Forum. The forum will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 7:00 pm at the Blue Dog Community Center located at 1300 Meadowlark Lane in Kansas City, Kansas.

 

Organizers say the forum also provides an opportunity for youth to learn about careers in public safety. Moderated by Christal Watson, President of the Kansas Black Chamber of Commerce, the program will include remarks from KCK Police Chief Terry Ziegler, Human Rights Activist Alvin Sykes and along with several guest speakers.

 

The public is invited to this free event. If you have additional questions, please contact Sam Roark, General Manager of KC Blue Dogs, at 913-638-9524. 

 

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UG Sets 2015 Legislative Agendas

 

The Unified Government Board of Commissioners has adopted its priorities and platforms for the 2014 session of the Kansas Legislature and the new federal Congressional session.

 

The Legislative Programs are based on the principle that Federal, State and Local Governments are all partners in the effort to make Kansas and its communities great places for people to live, work and play.

 

The State legislative program urges the Kansas Legislature to resist efforts to dictate policies and impose laws on cities, counties and schools because locally elected city, county and school leaders are best equipped to address issues and problems in their own communities. Local control allows citizens, working with the local officials they've elected, to decide what laws work best for their children and families. The Commissioners also call on the Kansas Legislature to defend and protect the Home Rule Rights and authority guaranteed in the Kansas Constitution to citizens and their local governments. 

 

One of the top priorities is for the Kansas Legislature to work with the Unified Government and other local governments in a positive way to address the state budget shortfall and the issue of property taxes.

 

2015 Unified Government Priority Issues


 

Kansas Tax System

The Kansas Legislature has contributed to increased property taxes by shifting the cost of providing services and programs from state government to local governments. The Kansas Legislature should renew a partnership and cooperative spirit with city, county and school leaders to address the issue of increasing property taxes caused by the shifting of costs from state government to local governments and schools. The Kansas Legislature should not continue solving its budget shortfalls by taking revenues belonging to or legally obligated to city and county governments and should reject placing more of the burden for funding vital services on local taxpayers.

 

Local government revenues which need to be protected include: local alcoholic liquor funds; special city-county highway fund; motor fuel taxes; community mental health; and community corrections funding.

 

Abandoned Housing

The Unified Government supports legislation which streamlines and expedites the process for local governments and neighborhood organizations to deal with the growing blight of abandoned, nuisance and foreclosed housing. 

 

City Elections

City elections should remain non-partisan and separate from state and national elections. Cities should continue to determine when their local elections are held.

 

Law Enforcement Mutual Aid

The Unified Government supports mutual aid legislation allowing law enforcement agencies to work cooperatively with their counterparts in adjoining states during critical incidents. The State of Missouri has already passed this mutual aid legislation affecting nine counties in the Kansas City metro. 

 

Medicaid Expansion

The Unified Government supports the expansion of Medicaid. The refusal of the state to expand Medicaid puts the burden on local governments to plan health care for the poor. The new insurance market place will target only about 11,000 adults of the approximately 36,000 uninsured in Wyandotte County. This will put pressure on the Wyandotte County Public Health Department and other health care facilities in Wyandotte County to provide care without reimbursement.

 

Urban Opportunity Zones

The Unified Government supports the creation of urban opportunity zones as a tool to rebuild and revitalize struggling urban neighborhoods.

 

Legislative Advocacy

The Unified Government supports current law allowing the use of state and local tax dollars to provide information and advocate on behalf of our community and its citizens.

 

The complete 2015 State and Federal Legislative Programs can be found on the Unified Government website www.wycokck.org under the Public Relations Department tab. 

 

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Finance Department Honored for Financial Reporting

 

The Board of Commission congratulated Rick Mikesic, UG Accounting Manager, and the Finance Department during a commission meeting for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

 

The award was for the 2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This is the 15th consecutive year the GFOA has presented the Unified Government with this prestigious award for its comprehensive financial reporting.

 

This is highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. 

 

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WyCo Appraiser Elected KAC President

 

Wyandotte County Appraiser Gene Bryan has been elected President of the Kansas Association of Counties. Bryan has been Wyandotte County Appraiser since 2004.

 

The Kansas Association of Counties advances the interests of Kansas county governments and the citizens they serve. Tax issues are always a concern for the citizens of every county and Wyandotte County citizens are no different in that regard. Recent legislative sessions have produced a number of new laws that have adversely impacted our tax base and have contributed to a tax rate that is one of the highest in the state.

 

The KAC works to inform legislators on the impact to counties, and all taxing units, of any legislation and particularly property tax legislation, so informed decisions can be made and subsequent laws will be fair to all involved. The 2015 legislative session will address property tax issues again as well as a myriad of other issues that are of concern to local commissioners, other county departments, cities, schools and any taxing entity that derives funding from property taxes.

 

Bryan is not new to a leadership role in a statewide organization. He has served as President of the Kansas County Appraiser Association and President of the Kansas Officials Council (KOC) in 1981. Bryan has been the county appraiser of Wyandotte, Lyon, Johnson and McPherson counties over a span of over 40 years.


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KU Professor to be Guest Speaker at Annual Black History and Scholarship Banquet

 

The Unified Government Black History Committee will host the 23rd Annual Black History and Scholarship Banquet at 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Jack Reardon Convention Center located at 500 Minnesota Ave. in Kansas City, Kansas. 

 

We're looking forward to having Reginald Robinson, professor and director of the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas, as the keynote speaker. As the former president and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents, Robinson is a passionate community leader and has a distinguished career in public education. He has held numerous leadership and advisory posts at the state and federal level. After conducting a nationwide search, Robinson was recently selected to lead the top-ranked public affairs and administration program. He will address this year's theme, "Strengthening America Through Education and Black Culture." 

 

In addition to the keynote speaker, every year we highlight the achievements of African Americans and organizations that promote the advancement of people of color in our community. Most importantly, the Black History Committee is proud to provide educational scholarships and academic support to promising students who have a desire to pursue a higher education.

 

The talented Kansas City, KS native and nationally renowned comedian, "B-Rich," will be host the event again this year. The evening also features live entertainment from Da Truth Band and special singing performance by the Smith sisters.

 

Tickets are $40.00 per-person or a $400.00 for a table of Ten (10).  We could not continue to host this event without the charitable support of patrons like you. We hope your schedule will allow you to join us for our 23rd annual celebration. If you have any questions you can contact me at 913 573-5506 or [email protected]

 

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Parks and Rec Prepares for Fishing Season

 

Preparations are underway for Opening Day of Fishing on March 7th. The first of many stockings of catfish took place on Friday, January 16th.

 

There will be 15,000 lbs. of channel catfish stocked at Wyandotte County Lake and 1,500 lbs. at Pierson Park. Fishing permits for the 2015 season are now for sale at the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office, Cabela's, Minnesota Bait, Legends and Bonner Springs Walmart.

 

For additional questions please call 913-573-8327.

 

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JFK Becomes First Google Fiber Recreation Center

 

Parks and Recreation is excited to announce John F. Kennedy Community Center is the first recreation center offering Google Fiber.  Patrons of the community center can now use their Wi-Fi enabled devices to gain internet access. 

 

For more details on connecting to John F. Kennedy's Google Fiber, contact Justin at 913-551-0438.

 

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Eagle Viewing at Kaw Point Park

 

The community organization, Friends of Kaw Point Park, invite you to join them for special Eagle Day events held at Kaw Point Park.

 

The confluence of the Kaw and Missouri Rivers have been recognized by bird watchers as an active winter fishing site for the American Bald Eagles. The beautiful birds are known to appear from December 15th through March 1st.

 

Special Event Days

 

Friday, January 30, 2015
student day  (call 913 677 2088 to reserve  time slot )
9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm

 

Saturday, January 31, 2015 
Public tours & displays

 

These great birds will "roost" here during the freezing temperatures because   the churning waters provide oxygen and openings in the ice.  This brings fish to the surface.  These perfect conditions allow families of eagles to catch an easy meal.

 

These magnificent aerial acrobats have gathered here annually for countless generations.  You are invited to enjoy the show. Please park on the upper lot and walk the concrete path out to the point (the statue). For best results, "Do not make any noise." Bring a good set of binoculars and dress warmly. 

 

"Friends of Kaw Point Park" will post info regarding special Eagle day events. The park is open seven days a week. For more information visit www.lewisandclarkwyco.org or call 913-677-7752. 

 

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Jaquail Mansaw Murder

Reward Increases to $5,000

 

Since a public plea from KCK Mayor Mark Holland, Unified Government Commissioner Gayle Townsend, KCK Police and members of the faith community to find the suspect responsible for the drive-by shooting which killed 7-month old Jaquail Mansaw, the reward has increased to $5,000 for information leading to the capture of the person responsible for this heinous act.

 

The homicide occurred January 5th in the 2700 block of North Early. Police urge anyone with information that will help solve this case and bring the perpetrator to justice to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-TIPS. All information is anonymous. 

 

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KCK Homicides Increase 

 

The number of murders in KCK increased in 2014 over the previous year. The number of people murdered in 2014 was 32, while the homicide rate in 2013 totaled 29.

 

The 2014 number includes two officer involved shootings, which are counted in the homicide numbers until the District Attorney officially rules if the shootings were justified.

 

Four of the homicides in 2014 claimed children as the victims. The Kansas City Kansas Police Department continues the goal remaining vigilant to reducing violent crime and homicides in the community. 


 

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New At-Risk Program Moved Back One Week 

 

The launch of the 180 Degrees program, the first of its kind in Kansas City, Kansas, will be postponed one week. Juvenile Services of Wyandotte County originally planned to kick-off the new pilot initiative today, but organizers decided to reschedule the first day to Monday, January 26th at Northwest High School.

 

The program, 180 Degrees, is designed to help improve the lives of at-risk youth in Kansas City, Kansas. It's a highly interactive and participatory after-school program that will utilize a comprehensive research-based curriculum provided by the national 180 Degrees Program model.

 

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K-State Extension Offering ServSafe Course

 

It's not too late to register for the January 27, 2015 ServSafe Course. This course is great for anyone who is interested in food service employment, handles any type of food service and/or group meals. Please contact K-State Research and Extension, Wyandotte County, at (913) 299-9300 or e-mail   [email protected]

 

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Meetings and Events
Board of Commissioners

Commission Meeting
Thursday, January 22, 2015
7:00 pm 
Commission Chamber

Planning and Zoning
Thursday, January 29, 2015
7:00 p.m. 
Commission Chamber

Agenda and Minutes

Standing Committee

PW/S and A/HS
January 20, 2015

N/CD and ED/F
February 2, 2015

PW/S and A/HS
February 17, 2015

Meetings start at 5:00 pm
Upcoming Events

Annual Black History Banquet
February 7, 2015

Budget Public Hearing
February 19, 2015 

Mayor's State of the Government
February 24, 2015


Unified Government Road Closures and Announcements
Construction Underway Along Minnesota Avenue

 

Beginning Monday, January 19, HOWCO Utilities, a contractor for AT&T, began installing new cable in existing conduit at 10th and Minnesota Avenue and the work will proceed to 5th and Minnesota Ave.

 

The project should take approximately 21 days.  The work will block parking areas and will also disrupt traffic lanes. Please be aware as you travel along Minnesota Ave. We'll continue to keep you updated!

 

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KDOT Road Closures and Announcements
KDOT Logo
No KDOT Closures to Report at this Time

 

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