Educational Theatre Month Proclamation

Mayor Bill Baird issued a proclamation declaring November 2022 as Educational Theatre Month, urging citizens to attend one or more performances by local high school theatre programs. Students appearing in upcoming theatre productions at Lee’s Summit West, Lee’s Summit North and Lee’s Summit High Schools were in attendance.

Theatre programs have a significant impact on the community of Lee’s Summit with over 15,000 people attending theatre productions each year.

Preliminary Development Plan for Macadoodles Drive-Thru

City Council held a public hearing discussing a preliminary development plan for Macadoodles drive-thru. The proposed drive-thru would be on the south end of the existing building and would not result in the loss of any parking spaces. A traffic study performed as part of the preliminary development plan recommended a median may be needed on Market Street south of Southwest Persels Road for safety. Concerns about the potential median and the effect it would have on businesses and residents in the area were raised by community members during public comment.

Council amended the ordinance striking the median condition. Council gave initial approval to the amended ordinance approving the preliminary development plan for the drive-thru.

Preliminary Development Plan for Westlake ACE Hardware

A public hearing was held on a preliminary plan for a Westlake ACE Hardware on land located at 3511 SW Market St., on the corner of Missouri highways 150 and 291. The single-story 15,000-square-foot building would have a seasonal garden center and 90 parking spaces.

Council gave initial approval to the preliminary development plan for the Westlake ACE Hardware.

Right-of-Way Litter Control Resources

City Council heard a presentation on litter control of City streets and state highways. The City, MoDOT, residents and businesses all have a responsibility for the maintenance of litter control and the methods used were reviewed for awareness. Potential enhancements to the current litter control resources, such as increasing enforcement of violations and coordinating volunteer opportunities through a “Clean Team” concept was presented.

The presentation received positive feedback from City Council. 

Establishment of New Commissions

City Council discussed ordinances that would establish two new commissions, a Cultural Commission and a Wellness Commission. 

Cultural Commission Ordinance:

The Cultural Commission elevates the public realm by advising the City Council on recommendations regarding arts and cultural programming, community aesthetics, and historic preservation issues relevant to citizens and visitors. The new Cultural Commission would combine the Beautification Commission, Arts Council and Historic Preservation Commission.

City Council amended Sec. 2-272. Membership, term and qualifications of the ordinance to state that the commission would consist of 13 members appointed by the mayor with the consent and approval of the City Council.

City Council unanimously passed an ordinance establishing the new Cultural Commission. The ordinance will go into effect on January 1, 2023. The existing boards and commissions will conclude their work at the end of 2022.

Wellness Commission Ordinance:

The purpose of the Wellness Commission is to advise and recommend to the City Council plans, programs, and projects which improve the health and well-being of City residents in alignment with the 2020 Ignite Strategic Plan’s Community Health and Well-Being goals and objectives. The commission supports, promotes and develops community resources in mental health, fitness, walkability, bikeability, multimodal transportation, and community well-being.

The Wellness Commission would combine the Health, Education Advisory Board, Human Services Advisory Board and Livable Streets Advisory Board. City Council amended Sec. 2-274. Membership, term and qualifications of the ordinance to state that the commission would consist of 13 members appointed by the mayor with the consent and approval of the City Council.

City Council unanimously passed an ordinance establishing the new Wellness Commission. The ordinance will go into effect on January 1, 2023. The existing boards and commissions will conclude their work at the end of 2022.