Sales Tax Rate Reduction at Town Center Crossing Effective April 1
No, it’s not an April Fool’s joke. The special 1% sales tax that’s been in place for several years at Town Center Crossing (previously One Nineteen) will be removed as of April 1. The tax on retail purchases there was used to pay for special transportation-related improvements to the center, located on the southeast corner of 119th & Roe. The bonds for those improvements have been paid off, so shoppers at the center will see a savings on purchases there.
David Ley Named Director of Public Works
David Ley, who has been serving as the Interim Public Works Director for the City of Leawood for the past several months, was officially named the Public Works Director at the Council meeting on February 5, 2018. David has been with the City of Leawood for 26 years, most recently service in the capacity of Assistant Public Works Director. Several Council members, as well as Mayor Dunn, expressed their confidence in how Ley has handled his role as Interim Director, citing his skills at interacting with citizens, staff and members of the Council.
Mary Larson Sworn in As Council Member for Ward 2
Mary Larson, who ran unopposed in November 2017 for an open seat in Ward Two for City Council, was sworn in at the meeting on February 5. Mary looks forward to serving the citizens of Leawood. Ward two covers some very important commercial areas for Leawood, including Town Center Plaza | Crossing, Park Place and the offices along Tomahawk Creek Parkway.
Proposals Being Solicited for New City Banners
The City of Leawood is soliciting proposals from artists to create the artwork to be used on banners that will be displayed on street lights throughout Leawood. Many of the current banners that are still on display are over a decade old, and the City has lost several due to storm damage. Governing Body member Julie Cain (Ward 3), is the Council liaison for the committee reviewing the proposals.
Undergrounding of Power Lines Along Major Roads a Goal for the Council
At its annual goal setting session in January, the City Council identified looking into the costs of undergrounding of overhead power lines along major streets as a priority for 2018. When the City is in the process of doing road improvements, statute allows the City to use its bonding authority to fund the undergrounding of utilities along that route. Public Works and the City administrator will be gathering cost data for the Council to review for a decision later this year.
Council Work Session Provides Direction on Storage Facilities in the City
At the Council’s February 5, 2018, information was presented and discussed about the City’s policy regarding storage facilities in Leawood. The current Leawood Development Ordinance (LDO) does not specifically call out the City’s position on these facilities. However, the City’s ordinances generally have been held to the standard that if a use is not permitted by ordinance, then it is prohibited.
At the Council meeting Monday night, the Council directed staff to begin the process of amending the LDO to specifically prohibit storage facilities in the City. That process is expected to be back before the Council by mid-May.