The Honorable Mayor

and members of the City Council

City of Warrensburg, Missouri

Dear Mayor and Council Members:

SUBJECT: City Manager Report for the April 13, 2009 City Council Meeting

Council Letter No. 09-057

April 10, 2009

Inspire a Shared Vision

Challenge the Process

Enable Others to Act

Encourage the Heart

Model the Way

The quotation for this City Manager Report centers on the leadership concept of

"Enable Others to Act.”

City Council Meetings, Study Sessions, and Executive Sessions

Our next City Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2009, and we plan to have an Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall Annex just prior to the 7:00 p.m. regular City Council Meeting.  We anticipate that the Agenda for the 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting will include the following:

• Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Bills;

• Second Reading of an Ordinance Adopting the Wage & Benefit Salary and Amending the 2008-09 City Budget to implement;

• Ordinance Approving the 2009 Street Maintenance Program;
• Ordinance Authorizing the 2009 Curb and Sidewalk Program;

• Ordinance Establishing a Four-Way Stop at the Intersection of Grandview Drive and Northfield Park Boulevard;
• Ordinance Declaring the Election of One Council Member for a Three-Year Term at the General Election Held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009

• City Council Presentations;
• Council sine die;
• Swearing in of New Council Member and Administration of Oath of Office;
• Election of Mayor and Chairman Pro Tem;
• Presentation by DeWayne Jackson, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation, of the Parks Board Annual Report.
• Ordinance Authorizing a Contract for the Cemetery Maintenance Building.

The City Clerk asked me to inform you that a picture of the City Council will be taken at this meeting.  That includes the old and the new City Council with individual pictures as has been done in the past.  So be ready to dress pretty and smile big.

At this time we do not plan to have a second City Council Meeting in April.

Possible items for the May 11, 2009 City Council Agenda include:

• Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Bills;
• Resolution by the Parks Board and City Council on Administrative Policies and Training;

• Resolution Authorizing a Task Force Committee to Review Sports Tourism in Warrensburg, Use of Joint Recreation Facilities, and a Possible Sports Authority;

• Second Reading of an Ordinance Establishing a City Tree Board;
• Ordinance Approving a Contract for Engineering of the Downtown Revitalization Phase III (Pine Street) Project;
• Ordinance Authorizing a Contract for Water Service to the Animal Shelter;
• Ordinance regarding Amateur Radio Services;
• Ordinance on a Minor Plat of Civic Center Addition;
• Ordinance Accepting the Southeast Sewer Districts Improvements and Making Final Payment on the Interceptor;
• Presentation of Pre-Fire Planning System by the Warrensburg Fire Department.

Council Communication and Projects

You have communicated to City staff, as a group or individually, requests for information on certain issues.  The following are some of those items:

Survey of Restaurants and Bars on Smoking Complete

At the last City Council Meeting, the City Council voted to raise the smoking issue in restaurants and bars from a medium level to a high level.  At a previous request of City Councilmember Nimmer, City staff recently completed a telephone survey to ascertain what City restaurants and bars presently allow or disallow in regard to smoking and if they do allow smoking, what additional restrictions they provide.  This information was forwarded to the City Council on Wednesday, April 8.  Additional information on other community activity that was requested by the City Council at the March 23 meeting, including other community information, is still being compiled but should hopefully be available for your review at the May 11 City Council meeting.

As previously communicated, we have been in contact with Jessica Rhodes of Main Street and a member of the Hospitality subcommittee of the Warrensburg Area Partners in Prevention (WAPIP) to seek additional input from Warrensburg establishments.  We provided to her, as well as the Warrensburg Area Partners in Prevention (WAPIP), copies of the survey at yesterday’s WAPIP meeting.     

Upcoming Resolution Authorizing a Task Force Committee to Review Sports Tourism in Warrensburg

Attached is a draft resolution that would establish a Task Force to look into Sports Tourism, use of joint recreation facilities, and a possible sports authority.  The President of the University and the School Superintendent have provided their representatives to the Task Force if the City Council wishes to proceed.  I am also providing information that was compiled by Suzy Latare at the Visitor’s Center that shows what other communities have done in this regard.  Because we have a new Councilmember and because I did not want to rush this to the table without your comment, I have provided this draft resolution for your review prior to it appearing on a City Council Agenda.  Please review and provide any thoughts you may have.  If there is not major objection or revision, we plan to place this resolution on your May 11 City Council Agenda. 

Efforts to Obtain Global Strike Command at Whiteman Unsuccessful

As you may know, Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana has been selected to house the Air Force’s new Global Strike Command.  While Whiteman was not selected, the effort that was shown by the regions, communities and organizations that worked together was truly remarkable.  I’m sure that the State of Missouri and this region has left a positive mark on the US Air Force.  We will need to stay alert for the next opportunity.

Work on Pine Street Trail Kiosk

Sandy Irle of Blind Boone Park acclaim has received support from a class at the University to build a new trail head near the KCP&L lot and on City owned property on Pine Street.  City staff has met with her and is working to assist in the project.  We have also held meetings with KCP&L about a possible long-term lease arrangement so that we may use their lot for parking.  

COPS Grant

As authorized by the City Council at its March 27 City Council meeting, the Police Chief and I recently submitted an online application for a federal grant to fund four (4) police officers.  If awarded, funding for these officers would take place for three years.  The City would have to guarantee funding for one additional year.    

Charter Communications Begins voluntary Chapter 11 Process

Included in this agenda packet is an April 1 letter from Senior Director and Counsel Mark Brown of Charter Communications that outlines their recent voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization process.  

Warrensburg Partners in Prevention Win Award at Regional Network Area 5 Spring Conference

On Saturday the Police Chief and I participated in a panel discussion during the “Meeting of the Minds: Networking for Success in Prevention” conference in Kansas City. At that time we learned that our own Warrensburg Area Partners in Prevention (WAPIP) received regional recognition for promoting the responsible sale, service and consumption of alcohol. WAPIP was presented the Tempe Humphrey Memorial Award

This award was presented by the statewide Partners in Prevention coalition on the opening day of the conference.  It was also announced by Nancy McGee, a special agent with the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, St. Louis District, prior to a panel discussion featuring WAPIP, which she moderated the final day of the event.  The conference was attended by about 360 individuals from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and included discussion on a number of topics related to substance abuse and wellness education.  Organizations which jointly sponsored the conference with PIP included the BACCHUS Network, Missouri Partners in Environmental Change, The Network, and the Campus-Community Alliances for Smoke-Free Environments.

Recent City Manager Activities, Meetings and Events

Since our last City Council meeting, your City Manager attended; a going away reception for Michelle Hendricks at the university, the annual Johnson County/Warrensburg Day in Jefferson City, the quarterly Leadership Challenge Luncheon, a meeting with the City’s representatives of the Visitors Center Advisory Committee, a chamber networking luncheon, and a meeting with the City Council on a quarterly evaluation.

During the week of March 30, I met with Animal Shelter personnel on a possible revision to animal shelter fees, attended a City/County signing of the joint City/County Emergency Management Agreement, attended a meeting with our construction manager, spoke at a media briefing breakfast on the census, and interviewed five Public Works Director candidates.  In addition, I met with Director of Public Works Robert Crumb to discuss the transition of a new Public Works Director and some of his final projects.

This week, I met with staff to review the format of the upcoming second quarter financial report, met with the Fire Chief and Community Development Director on the potential Ham Radio Tower Ordinance, met with City representatives and a DREAM consultant on the DREAM initiative, attended a stimulus meeting with the local Administrators’ group, met with our new Emergency Planning Director Steve Moody and attended his swearing in ceremony, met with MoDOT representatives on a potential Highway 13 and Highway 50 contract for the City to accept maintenance, met with Tracy Brantner on the potential of an Industrial Park, attended a capital improvement budget meeting, discussed with City staff the upcoming joint parks/city resolution, met with Cindy on the training and staffing of the City’s Boards and Commissions, and attended a Chamber Branding Marketing meeting.   

Upcoming City Manager Activities, Meetings and Events

During the week of April 13, I plan to attend a Census Committee meeting, meet with Bob Crumb and the Public Works Project Managers, attend the Traffic Commission and speak at a Chamber networking breakfast.

The following week I plan to participate in our monthly KOKO radio show, speak at a Parks and Tourism class on campus, attend a Business Roundtable discussion and breakfast on campus, and attend the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission Board Meeting.  From Wednesday through Friday, I plan to attend the annual Missouri City Managers Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Attached is the fourth quarter report from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County for your review.

Economic Partnership Activities

As is our custom, attached are the monthly reports from Warrensburg Main Street, Inc., the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and Johnson County Economic Development Corporation.  The reports from these Warrensburg Economic Partners are not only being provided to keep you informed, but are also available for interested citizens.

As always, if there are any questions on any matter, or if you need additional information on this report, please contact either myself or any of the Department Directors noted in this report.  You may always contact me on any subject at any time by e-mail or mobile phone or leave a voice mail message at (660) 747-9180.  

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Barbara Carroll, Director of Community Development

March 2009 Community Development Activity Report

The Community Development Report for the month of March is attached.  Please ask if you have any questions regarding this information.

Residential Lot Inventory Updated

For the past two years, staff has included an inventory of the residential lots available for development in Warrensburg in the City’s annual report.  The list includes single-family and multi-family lots available in medium-large subdivisions developed since 2000.  Angela Eley, City Planner, is now updating this list on a quarterly basis and staff will begin providing it each quarter in the City Manager’s report.  Attached is the inventory through March 31, 2009.

2010 Census Media Breakfast Held

The 2010 Census Committee hosted a breakfast on April 1, 2009, for representatives from different media outlets in Johnson County.  Twenty people attended representing six different media outlets.  Craig Best, Assistant Regional Census Manager, and Laurie Patton Glasson, Partnership Specialist, attended and spoke about the importance of the census at a state and local level.  Mr. Best stated that for every 100 people not counted in Missouri a million dollars in federal grants and aid is lost over a two year period.  The 2010 Census Committee’s next regular meeting is April 13, 2009.

Is Your Number Up?

Starting in early April, census workers will be in Warrensburg verifying address information submitted by the City last year as part of the Local Update of Census Address (LUCA) program.  To make their work easier and more effective, the 2010 Census Committee is encouraging home owners, tenants, and landlords to make sure address numbers are installed on all residences.  This is also important from a public safety and emergency services standpoint.  Attached is a press release issued on April 3 with additional information. 

Census Address Canvassing Begins

Please be aware that address canvassing for the 2010 Census has begun nationwide and will run through July 2009.  This canvassing operation is being conducted in order to update census address lists and maps.  Census employees will canvas neighborhoods in all areas of the country with hand-held computers and laptops and may require limited contact with citizens.  Census employees will have official identification cards issued by the Census Bureau and are prepared to show this identification upon request.

Code Enforcement Door Hanger Mailed to Landlords

Per Council’s request, a cover letter, flyer and door hanger were mailed to 46 local landlords on April 7.  The flyer was designed to make it easy to copy and attach to a lease.  Additional copies of the door hanger will be provided to landlords upon their request.

DREAM Focus Group Meetings Held

The five focus groups sessions held on April 6 were very productive and everyone’s attendance and input were greatly appreciated.  The consultants will now begin a telephone survey of Warrensburg residents to gauge public perceptions about downtown using the themes identified in the focus group sessions.  Staff is currently working to identify a date in June for the kick-off meeting which begins the public portion of the three-year planning effort. 

Housing and Employment Workshop Set for April 22

Plans are coming together for the Housing and Employment Workshop on April 22, 2009, at 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. at the ABC Building.  Representatives from Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, KCP&L, Workforce Development, and Missouri Housing Development Commission will be present to discuss various programs offered by the organizations.  Attached is a flyer with additional information.  City staff, Johnson County Economic Development Corporation, and Main Street are coordinating the event. 

Building Official Attends Conference

Roland Kitchen, Building Official, attended the spring conference of the Missouri Association of Code Administrators (MACA) on April 1-3 at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Roland attended sessions on residential electrical inspections, earthquake preparedness and response, and new 2008 and 2009 electrical code changes.  The MACA conferences are held each spring and fall and the City’s building inspection staff attends on a rotating basis.

Planning and Zoning Commission Action on Amateur Radio Ordinance

Following public comment at the March 9 City Council meeting; Council referred the amateur radio ordinance back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for additional action.  At the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on April 6, a long discussion took place concerning the intent of the ordinance, the clarity of the ordinance, the definition of a tower and the different types and uses of pieces of equipment used for amateur radio communications.  The meeting was well attended by approximately eight area citizens involved in amateur radio communications. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted not to require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for amateur radio towers up to 60 ft. in height in any zoning district.  Therefore, a 60 ft. amateur radio tower would be a use allowed by right in all zoning districts.  The commission also asked staff to work with the club in the next two weeks to come to agreement on a definition of tower and to provide a revised ordinance with a simplified CUP permit process for 61+ ft. towers by June 2009.  They also directed staff not to regulate building mounted equipment in the revised ordinance.

ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

Chris Lowe

Information Technology

This department rolled out new increased security password policies which were implemented successfully.   This was long overdue, but because of the great communication by the IT Team, there were no complaints received regarding this important change.  The System Review RFP that was released Tuesday, March 24, 2009 is due on Friday, April 24.  We are excited about getting this process going.  This is both an opportunity to review our current practices, but also to update and adopt best practices in the industry.  IT rebuilt CSERVER06 which is already in production with no negative reports.

New Project Accounting software is up and running in Public Works.  The GIS project steering team is scheduled to meet on Thursday to determine agency needs and goals.  The agencies involved include Central Dispatch, JCAD, Holden PD, Johnson County Assessor and the City of Warrensburg.  IT Team has a training strategy planned and budgeted and is waiting for the green light to implement.

Support Services

We are continuing work on the Wage and Benefit study.  The Department Directors and I participated in interviewing the Public Works candidates and enjoyed the experience of meeting the candidates.

Finance

Finance staff met with the City Manager to discuss the development of the 2^nd Quarter Financial Report.  Tracy Martens, Sr. Accountant, is returning from maternity leave on April 9, 2009.  We do not expect that she will be able to develop a full-blown financial statement as the bond reconciliations have not been done while she was on leave and the team may not be able to get that data updated by the time the Report is required.  However, the Finance staff is committed to providing as complete and up to date financial information as modified accrual accounting rules allow and will continue to work toward developing this information for Council and ultimately for the auditors.

CITY CLERK

Cindy Gabel

• Monday, April 13 is an Executive Session at 1:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building;
• Monday, April 13 is an Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. and a City Council meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.;
• Thursday, April 16 was the scheduled date for the Piccadilly Auction but it has been cancelled;
• Friday, April 17 is the Chamber Networking Breakfast at the Community Center from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.  The City Manager will be speaking on “Invest, Market and Grow”. 

I still need to update a few ordinance books with the latest codifications!

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Phil Johnston, Fire Chief

Firefighter Employment Update

Three additional part-time firefighters are joining our ranks this week.  They join six others who have been employed since March 2.  Two more candidates are completing the pre-employment process.  Once these additional part-time firefighters are employed, we will still have six conventional part-time firefighter openings and three student-resident part-time firefighter openings.  Fire Department staff members will meet on April 8 to discuss when the next testing cycle will occur.

Pre-Fire Planning Update

The pre-fire planning program that was implemented recently will be demonstrated during a brief presentation at the May 11 City Council meeting.  Fire Department personnel will show the program’s features and ways of being utilized during the presentation.  More than 300 occupancy pre-fire plans are now accessible through mobile data terminals installed in two of our fire engines, the Battalion Chief’s vehicle, and the vehicle assigned to the Fire and Emergency Prevention Officer.  The pre-fire plan documents contain emergency contact information, building and contents information, access-egress and utility information, and other important data that might be useful during emergency situations at occupancies that have been visited by firefighters.  We hope funds will become available in the future to allow us to purchase additional mobile computers and to acquire the software needed to interface this program with the computers in the central dispatch center.

Assistant Fire Chief Attended the National Fire Academy

Assistant Fire Chief Sean Douglas recently completed the first of four annual courses of the Executive Fire Officer program taught at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.  He and 20 other fire officers from around the United States will return to the National Fire Academy for two week sessions for the next three years as well as complete course requirements and prepare research papers between classes.  The federal government pays for almost all of the program costs.

Portable Fire Trainer Project

On Friday, April 10, Fire Department representatives are scheduled to visit four fire departments in southwest Missouri to examine portable fire trainers.  Although these units are portable in that they can be moved, it is more likely that firefighters will visit the site at Station 2 where the unit will be located, rather than taking the unit to other locations.  These training units provide heat, smoke and flames through controlled conditions.   This type of training is especially difficult to obtain without having a fire training unit or simulator.  Because there are stringent safety requirements associated with these units that require additional personnel to be present and extra precautions to be taken, it is probable we will operate the simulator once or twice a month.

The primary purpose of this one-day trip is to evaluate four different brands of portable fire trainers so that we may properly prepare purchase specifications.  The City previously was awarded a $133,000 federal grant to enable the City to acquire a portable fire training unit.  Four manufacturers’ products can be seen and evaluated in this single trip.  Although other brands of fire training units exist, the four units that will be examined are within the $140,000 that is available for this project.  The City’s portion of the fire trainer project is estimated to be $7,000.  Funds are available in the current budget.

MERIS Training Course

On Wednesday, April 1, Battalion Chiefs Jim Kushner and Doyle Oxley taught a day-long course for the State Emergency Management Agency.  The course took place here in Warrensburg, and the subject was the Missouri Emergency Resource Information System (MERIS).  Several of us from the Warrensburg Fire Department attended the course.  Other attendees included representatives from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other local government agency personnel.  This new computer-based system provides a means of reporting emergencies to the State of Missouri.  The software also has features that enable requests for assistance to be transmitted electronically.  During localized emergencies, the MERIS process might not be needed.  However, during a large scale event such as an earthquake, ice storm or tornado outbreak, resource utilization is going to be a priority.  By having personnel trained in using the system to report incidents and request help, we should be able to send our requests in a timely manner and anticipate that serious consideration will be given to meeting our needs

PARKS and RECREATION

Kory Alfred, Director

Lions Lake Dredging

Staff has drained the small basin west of Lions Lake.  Terra Technologies is conducting tests to determine if the basin is spring fed and how many cubic yards of material the basin could potentially hold.  The reason for conducting these tests is to determine if the basin can hold the material that is dredged from the lake.  Staff is investigating renting hydraulic dredging equipment and to dredge the lake in-house.  To hydraulically dredge the lake, an area must be determined to pump the material.  Because the park does not have a large area to stock pile the dredge material, the small basin west of the lake is being investigated as a potential location.

Neighbors have called to express concerns about draining the basin.  I am meeting with the neighbors on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 to discuss their concerns.

Lion Lake Initiative Fish Fry/Art Auction

The Lions Lake Initiative Committee hosted a fundraising Fish Fry/Art Auction on Friday, April 3, 2009 at the Warrensburg Community Center.  The event had over 200 people in attendance and rose over $5,000 for the Lions Lake dredging project.

PUBLIC WORKS

Bob Crumb, Director of Public Works

Street Department Activities

The crew is working on inventory and inspection of the storm drains in the city and now we are repairing the problems that were found.

They are also working on crack sealing as weather permits.

Street Maintenance Program

Bid opening was held on Friday, March 27, apparent low bid is Hilty Quarries.  This will be presented to Council on April 13 for approval.

Curb and Sidewalk Program

Bid opening was held on Friday, March 27, with the apparent low bid as Heartland Construction.  This will be presented to Council on April 13 for approval.

Bike Route Project

The signs have all been installed and the substantial completion payment will be submitted at the April 13 meeting.

Gay and Burkarth Traffic Study

The traffic counters have been collected and are being analyzed.  Several engineers are scheduled to conduct live counts of vehicles and observe the intersection area on April 7.

2009 Spring Clean up Programs

The first half of the Spring Clean up has been completed.  The area from the west side of Maguire began on April 6, 2009.

Cemetery Grant Distribution

We have received our yearly donation from the Theodore and Clara Fuhr Funck Fund in the amount of $4,450.00.  This grant is an annual distribution for general support made in accordance with the wishes of the donor who established this fund as a component fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation.

Wastewater Plant Expansion Project

The contract for the wastewater treatment plants has been signed.  Notice to Proceed was issued and construction will begin very soon.

Wastewater Plant Conference Attended

At the combined Missouri Water Environment Association (MWEA)/Missouri American Water Works Association (MO AWWA) Conference, George Ballman and Nancy Westbrook received the Small Plant of the Year award presented by MWEA.  A press release was issued.

Phil Adlich and Dave Penrose also attended the MWEA & MO AWWA joint annual conference.

At the MWEA & MO AWWA conference, the City of Warrensburg Industrial Pretreatment Program, in participation with the MWEA, awarded Warrensburg’s EnerSys Energy Products Inc. facility the gold award certificate for wastewater pretreatment achievements during the year of 2008.     

Monthly Utility Inspection Report

See attached

Highway 13 Intersection Project

Contracts for the project have been executed with J.C. Myers Construction Company and the notice of award was issued on March 11, 2009.  We held the first utility coordination meeting on April 1, 2009, for J.C. Myers Construction to complete the traffic control plan for Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) approval.  We will tentatively issue the notice to proceed in mid-April, pending required utility work.  The construction schedule will coincide with Martin Warren School’s closing date for the Grover & Hwy 13 intersection.  The project is tentatively scheduled to be completed before school reconvenes in August.

Fire Station No. 2 Parking Lot

Contracts for the project have been executed with J.C. Myers Construction Company and the notice of award was issued on March 11, 2009.  The notice to proceed was issued on March 30, 2009.  The pre-construction meeting is being scheduled within the week of April 6th; the contractor’s completion date is May 29, 2009. 

Johnson County Historical Courthouse

We have received the preliminary plans approval from MoDOT and the final plans and specifications are being updated by HDR-Archer for final plan approval submittal.  MoDOT is working on approval for the ADA alternative methods required for this project and will address the issue during final approval.

Public Works Maintenance Building

The building interior is taking on its final shape.  The painting contractor just completed the primer coat.  Site work continues with the installation of storm and sanitary sewer lines.

Police Building

The new police headquarters building project is progressing well in spite of significant weather challenges.  Currently the new water main is being installed from the tap at Holden west along Madison Street.  Once the water main installation is complete early next week, we expect the sewer lines to begin immediately following.  Additionally, the electrical, phone and cable utilities have begun moving their overhead lines in preparation for all new underground service lines over the entire project site.  The project is progressing on schedule.

City Hall Renovation-Programming Phase

George Butler Associates (GBA) has submitted a proposal for the design and construction phase services for the City Hall Renovation Project.  The Public Works Director and Construction Manager have reviewed the proposal and returned it for additional clarification in the scope of work.  We expect the design contract to be ready for Council approval at the May meeting.  Additionally, the City senior staff has reviewed the latest floor plan layouts and has provided their comments.  The architects will incorporate the latest feedback and resubmit conceptual layouts for another review.  

Animal Shelter

We have received the architect’s latest design submittal.  The mechanical, electrical, structural and civil engineers are continuing their design effort.  The building project should be ready for bid by mid-May.  We have begun staging a large quantity of fill material that will be required for the building project.  The material was taken out of the police building site which is resulting in a significant savings to the City.

Cemetery Maintenance Building

The bid opening occurred on March 12, 2009.  Grun-D Construction was the apparent qualified and low bidder.  Requested approval for the project is scheduled to go before the Council April 13.

Activities and Meetings of the Director of Public Works

This is my last week before I retire.  I have enjoyed working for the citizens of Warrensburg and the support of the City Manager, Mayors and City Council for all of these years.  The employees, City Manager and Council members are the most dedicated and giving people I have ever known.  They are not just co-workers but true friends. 

I will continue to work on a very limited part-time basis as the City Manager deems appropriate.   I look forward to my retirement with mixed feelings but I will remain in Warrensburg and will continue to be active in the community.  I am so grateful to have had such a great place to work, thank you all.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Bruce Howey, Police Chief

Wal-Mart Donation

Wal-Mart has notified us that we are the recipient of a $1,500 donation through their Bentonville office.  The Police Department submitted a grant request for funds to provide use of force training for our officers.  The donation will pay for a year of use of the Midwest Tactical training facility near Leeton, MO and provide access to their specialized classes.

Meeting of the Minds Conference in Kansas City

John Harrington and Tom Carey attended the Meeting of the Minds Conference in Kansas City this past week.  City Manager Jeff Hancock and Chief Bruce Howey attended the Saturday morning breakfast.  A panel discussion of Warrensburg Partners in Prevention members was held during this breakfast meeting.  Those on the panel were Rich Morrell, Gary Schmidt, Amy Kiger, Kory Bowman, Jessica Rhodes, John Harrington, Jeff Hancock and Bruce Howey.  We discussed the success and challenges we have had in Warrensburg with alcohol issues.  It was announced earlier in the conference that the Warrensburg Partners in Prevention would be recognized with an annual award for the progress they have made regarding alcohol issues.  It was also announced that Warrensburg had gone from the most at-risk drinking behavior in the State of Missouri to the best at-risk drinking behavior in the State for university communities.   A news release will be coming from the University on the award and the progress that has been made.

Resisting Arrest Cases Return to Municipal Court

A meeting with Chief Bruce Howey, Lt. Asher Snook, Lt. Randy Eich and City Prosecutor Doug Harris was held regarding resisting arrest cases.  I developed a memo directing resisting arrest cases to be filed in Municipal Court unless the case is a felony.  This is permissible now with a new Municipal Judge in place and his no-nonsense approach in fines and penalties appropriate for the offenses.

Animal Shelter

The shelter sells cardboard cat carriers (at cost) for individuals adopting cats to have a safe way to transport them to their new home. The price of the carriers has risen from the original $2.00 to $3.00.

Evaluation of Shelter Fees

The shelter has been working on reevaluating our fee structure. We have researched and compared our current fees with those of other area shelters, and have been evaluating our cost per animal. A presentation will be made to the City Council in the future.

Shelter Closed for Adoption Day

The shelter was closed April 4^th due to a lack of staffing in order to cover the commitment of a scheduled adoption at Heartland Farm & Lawn in Centerview.

City Managers Report available in .pdf

Main Street Report

Visitor Center Advisory Board Minutes

Visitor Center Staff Update

Johnson County Economic Development Corporation Report

If you would like to receive an electronic copy of the City Managers Report send an email to:

CMmailing@warrensburg-mo.com