Happy Thursday, Wyandotte County!
We want to hear your #DotteBlackHistory stories -- who are the community members you admire today? What historic figures should we be celebrating? Tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram as we continue our month of highlighting black leaders who have made a difference in Wyandotte County.
|
|
Updates on COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children Ages 6 Months to 4 Years
Not Available Yet – Food And Drug Administration Meeting on 2/15
|
Recent headlines about the coming availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 6 months to 4 years of age have left many people confused as to whether these are available now (they aren’t) and when they will be.
The short answer is that the okay for an emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for this age group is still pending from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In fact, the FDA is set to discuss that EUA next Monday, February 15. But that’s only part of the process of making vaccinations available for children ages 6 months to 4 years old.
Once the FDA and the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBAC) approve the emergency use authorization, there may be an additional meeting with representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). These groups will review data and can then provide the next level of approval for the EUA. After that approval is received, each individual state must determine what its guidance will be concerning the new EUA. Once finalized, each state issues its statewide guidance, which must be followed by cities and counties.
City and county health departments like the UGPHD can preorder vaccines for this age group in anticipation of EUA approval, but we do not have a firm date as to when those vaccines will arrive. Once the vaccines for these younger children are ordered, it can take days or weeks to receive the vaccinations and get staff and facilities ready to begin administering vaccinations to them. For example, many facilities will bring on pediatric nurses and staff, who are specially trained to work with very young children, to help assist with administering vaccinations for them.
|
|
Mayor's Special Committees:
Let Us Know You're Interested By February 18
|
As we shared last month, Mayor Tyrone Garner announced the formation of several special committees, to be led by Unified Government Commissioners and include diverse group of leaders representing various industries and interests. These committees will support key community-driven priorities embraced by Mayor Garner and his administration. We encourage you to express your interest by February 18 as the Commissioners will soon kick-off the committees. |
|
|
Commission to Consider Safe & Welcoming City Act This Evening |
On Monday, January 24, 2022 at the Public Safety Standing Committee, the Commissioners heard and advanced a proposed Safe & Welcoming City Act to the Board of Commissioners. This proposed policy was brought forward by the Safe and Welcoming Wyandotte Coalition and sets policies that are more inclusive for undocumented immigrants. The Full Commission will consider the Safe & Welcoming City Act this evening at 7PM.
|
|
|
We have launched a video series to help you access our budget online. We are about to kick-off the next cycle of planning our budget and invite you to get engaged. Check out this introductory video explaining how to access OpenGov, our online budget tool. The series continues with the links below:
|
|
|
The Unified Government hosted an online survey from January 20-24 to understand community sentiment about mask mandates. Over half of the respondents (59%) answered that they support or strongly support a mask mandate for public spaces during times of high COVID spread. With numbers indicating that the latest COVID surge may be behind us, we do not currently have a mask mandate in place. However, our Public Health Department strongly recommends the use of a high quality mask (e.g. KN95) whenever in an indoor public setting and individual businesses and organizations are permitted to set their own masking rules. We appreciate your participation in this survey and will be sure to reach out in the future. Read more here.
|
|
|
Lifeguard Summer 2022:
Now Hiring for the Best Job Ever
|
We are excited to announce that we are now recruiting lifeguards for Parkwood Pool Summer 2022! We've increased hourly pay, created a summer bonus program, and will offer certification opportunities for qualified swimmers. Be a part of Parkwood Pool this summer and apply now for the #bestsummerjob.
|
|
|
Capital Maintenance & Improvement Program (CMIP) |
The Capital Maintenance & Improvement Program (CMIP) is the Unified Government's five-year roadmap for all major capital projects in Kansas City, Kansas. This map displays five years of planned projects, color-coded by year, which helps with coordinating work by others in the right-of-way. The Unified Government has just launched its Capital Maintenance & Improvement Program planning for the next budget cycle so look forward to future opportunities to provide your input! |
|
|
Economic Development: Bid Opportunities |
|
Upcoming Meetings & Events |
|
Special Session: Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) Grants
Monday, February 10, 2022 at 5PM
Full Commission
Monday, February 10, 2022 at 7PM
In addition to the Safe & Welcoming City Act, the Commission will discuss several topics, including creating a $15/hour baseline wage for UG staff.
|
|
|
Wyandotte Virtual Roundtable
February 12, 2022
10:30AM-Noon
|
Join KC Farm School at Gibbs Road for a discussion about transportation and getting around in Wyandotte County with Director of Planning & Urban Design Gunnar Hand. Learn more about goDotte and provide your input! |
|
Edgerton Park Design Workshop
February 15, 2022
4:00PM-6:30PM
Beatrice L. Lee Community Ctr
|
Join us for a Kids' Design Workshop from 4:00-4:45PM or the Adults' Design Workshop from 5:00-6:30PM as we plan for a new playground at Edgerton Park. Learn more here.
|
|
American Rescue Plan Act Grants of up to $10K for KCK Small Businesses |
|
Help With Your Utility Bills Is Available Through This State Program |
|
Low-Cost Radon Tests Now Available for Your Home |
|
Seniors Encouraged to Apply for Tax Rebates |
KCK and Wyandotte County residents are encouraged to look into and apply for programs designed to provide tax relief to seniors. |
|
Need Help With Your Tax Preparation? |
Free, virtual help with your taxes is available starting February 2 through April 14, 2022. Learn more and see if you qualify for this service. |
|
Financial Help for Internet Services |
You might be eligible for up to $30/month on your internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
