Happy Thursday, Wyandotte County!

There is so much going on, we're emailing you twice this week! Tonight is the follow-up conversation by the Board of Commissioners on stormwater which we hope you'll tune in for at 7PM. You can join us on Zoom, UGTV or YouTube, or via the first floor lobby of City Hall where we have it set-up for public hearings and participation. Then, tomorrow night come join us for some fun and holiday spirit at the Downtown KCK Holiday Lighting Festival. There will be holiday goodies for the children, music, and a tree lighting around 6:45PM, to be followed by something new: Mayor Alvey will be launching the illumination of six church steeples across the KCK skyline. It should be a great way to end the week and we hope you'll join us.
ICYMI: Talking to Kids About COVID Vaccines
As pediatric vaccines are now available for youth ages 5+, talking to your children about the vaccine before heading to the clinic can help put them at ease. In this weekly update video, Health Educator Lindsey Hensley with the Unified Government Public Health Department shares some tips for parents and guardians on talking to their kids about COVID vaccines.

Find additional resources on this topic at the links below:
TONIGHT: Stormwater User Fee Discussion Continues
The Unified Government Board of Commissioners will continue the conversation about stormwater rates this evening during their meeting tonight at 7PM. Since 2018, the Unified Government has been working with the community to assess the state of our infrastructure and bring forward ideas to ensure our system is more sustainable. Having the certainty of a sustainable rate structure will be a key element to help our community secure other funds to support infrastructure improvements and maintenance over the next few years. Check out the website link below to read more, explore the rate calculator, and learn more about the options under consideration. We hope to see you this evening for this important conversation to address our critical stormwater issues.
Watch this short video (above) with David Reno, Community Engagement Officer for Public Works for more information about the different user fee options being considered this week.
Brett A. Deichler Appointed Unified Government Clerk
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas is pleased to announce Brett A. Deichler, previously the Interim County Clerk since January 2021, as the newly appointed Clerk. The Clerk’s office serves as the official records custodian for the Unified Government Commission, city and county records of the Unified Government, while also levying special assessments and maintaining the County’s tax rolls. Congratulations, Brett!
Brett A. Deichler appointed Unified Government Clerk.
Compensation Increases Coming for KCKFD Paramedics
The Kansas City Kansas Fire Department and the International Association of Firefighters, Local No. 64 (IAFF) are pleased that they are able to announce that they have reached agreement on a compensation package for the positions of need of Firefighter-Paramedic. The Fire Department, IAFF Local 64, and the Unified Government have signed a letter of understanding that increases the compensation for Firefighters-Paramedics employed with the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD).
KCKFD K9 Zoom Awarded Honorable Mention Grant
Thank you to everyone who voted for our KCKFD K9 Zoom! After a tight competition over the past couple months, KCKFD K9 Zoom was awarded an honorable mention grant of $500.00. Zoom made top 15 out hundreds of dogs in the Aftermath K9 grant competition.
News Brief: Committee Updates 11.29.2021
As part of our ongoing effort to improve access to information and our overall communications, we will be posting a brief overview of the various items brought forward to the Unified Government standing committees. Community members are encouraged to participate in our meetings or to watch along online.
Standing Committee News Brief
BPU Warns Customers of Telephone Scams Targeting Customers
According to BPU representatives, multiple reports have been made about calls stating if payment is not made, services will be shut off within 30 minutes. The caller claims to represent a local utility, and sometimes uses caller ID spoofing to convince victims the call is from a real customer service number.

The caller tries to get the customer to provide credit card information or other personal information, telling the customer a check has bounced or he/she has a past-due bill. Imposters will often ask customers to use a pre-paid card for payment. BPU will never ask a customer to purchase a pre-paid debit card, gift card, or any form of cryptocurrency, to pay for service.

BPU never asks for payment over the phone or threatens to disconnect utilities due to non-payment. Customers that suspect they are being targeted by a scam need to hang up right away and call the BPU Customer Service Department at 913-573-9190. If you feel you have been a victim of a scam, please work with your local law enforcement agency to report the crime.
Avoid utility phone scams
Upcoming Events
Are you pregnant COVID event December 4
Are you pregnant?
Get your first COVID vaccine and other free resources this Saturday, December 4 from 12-2pm at the Kmart vaccination site (7836 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS). Get a $100 gift card, Baby Personal-care kits, free Carbon monoxide/ smoke detectors and more. A doctor will be on site to answer your questions. No appointment necessary.
Estas embarazada
Downtown KCK Holiday Lighting
Downtown KCK Holiday Lighting Festival
December 3, starting at 5PM

The Annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony has been scheduled for Friday, December 3, with the holiday tree lights turned on at approximately 6:45 p.m. in front of City Hall. There will be limited in-person access again this year, but vehicles will be able to drive by and receive goodie bags for children, see performers, etc.
Church Steeple Lighting
KCK Steeple Lighting
December 3 at 7PM

Please join Mayor David Alvey as he kicks off the new lighting of six historic churches across the KCK skyline. Starting this Friday at 7PM, the steeples of six churches will be illuminated by donated LED technology from the Cashen Brothers and LED Direct. This installation will be a permanent addition to our evening skyline.
Community Meeting
Neighborhood Meeting on the Village Initiative
December 11 at 10AM

Rev. David Lee of Guiding Star Missionary Baptist Church (MBC), has graciously offered to host a neighborhood meeting regarding the plans brought forward during the recent Neighborhood and Community Development Standing Committee Meeting, by the Village Initiative.
Special Executive Session: Litigation
Thursday, December 2, 2021, 5:15PM

Planning & Zoning and Full Commission Meeting
Thursday, December 2, 2021, 7PM

Public Works and Safety Standing Committee
Monday, December 6, 2021, 5PM

Administration and Human Services Standing Committee,
Monday, December 6, 2021, Immediately following previous meeting
On the Agenda Tonight
Tonight the Board of Commissioners will be meeting for both Planning & Zoning and a Full Commission meetings. With so much on the agenda, we recommend you take a look as there is sure to be something of interest! Here's a quick snapshot of several topics to be considered:
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the meetings of the Unified Government Board of Commission will be conducted remotely using Zoom and broadcast via UGTV and YouTube. Members of the public may attend meetings virtually or watch the virtual meeting in the lobby of city hall (701 N 7th Street, KCK, 66101). The virtual meeting information is also available on the agenda itself.
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