Nov. 6, 2007
Mayor Mark Funkhouser
Thank you to subscribing to my monthly e-newsletter. I am pleased to share how we're progressing on efforts to improve the city.
Finance
The first quarterly analysis of the city budget indicated that the city has an $18 million gap between projected revenues and expenses. In other words, we expect to come up short by a lot of money. If things don't rebound, this is going to make this upcoming budget discussion very interesting. Nevertheless, I intend to work with Budget Officer Troy Schulte, Councilmember Deb Hermann and her fellow members of the Finance and Audit Committee on including as much public input as possible in this year's budget discussion. Schulte will be introducing a resolution this Thursday that'll set that process in motion and make it so the public's input is heeded.
On a positive note, the Council passed a debt policy for the City, something a lot of people would be surprised to know we haven't had before. City staff have worked for a debt policy for a number of years, and I'm glad we finally got it done. Along with the economic development and incentive policy passed in September, I think the city is on track to be much smarter with its money.
Council
In October, I created a new committee of the City Council in hopes of paying closer attention to the goings on in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C. The Legislative Committee is being chaired by Councilmember John Sharp, who along with the other members of the committee, brings a lot of experience as a former state representative. I know they will help this city stay on top of its legislative and lobbying efforts.
It was not easy, but the Council found a compromise on the process for selecting municipal judges. We also took an important step in our negotiations with City Manager Wayne Cauthen by voting to terminate his contract if we can’t agree to a new contract by the end of November. This was a dramatic move, but it was required if we are to have a contract that is in line with the priorities of this Council. None of these votes are easy, but the Council is working very well together lately. We all campaigned on the same issues, and the shared vision we agreed to during our strategic planning session in August showed me how much we have in common.
Neighborhoods
I am confident the city's voters will renew the one-cent sales tax for capital improvements. The need for the tax renewal is acute as we continue to repair our city's crumbling streets and sidewalks. The campaign on its behalf has been well organized. It has been fun to see the orange ink from my campaign bleed over into the sales tax renewal campaign literature and television spots.
October saw the beginning of the focus groups the city is hosting as it works on a Long-Term Solid Waste Strategic Management Plan. Generally, the plan will determine how we collect and get rid of the city's trash in the future. But more specifically, I expect the plan to include ways to curb illegal dumping, encourage recycling and keep our neighborhoods cleaner.
Downtown
The Sprint Center continues to draw crowds of new visitors to downtown Kansas City. So far, we've had no significant traffic or parking problems, and people seem to be having a safe and wonderful time.
Crime
The Police Department approved a new strategic plan that includes outcomes connected to citizen satisfaction. In other words it is going to try to measure how people feel about their police department, rather than just how many officers we have or how many traffic stops we make.
Transit
In October, I had breakfast and a press conference at Union Station with six Platte County mayors, who had written a letter in support of a regional approach to light rail. It was a wonderful letter that showed these six officials see transit as I do – as something we need to consider as a metropolitan area. Also last month, the Kansas City Star came out with its own plan for light rail, and I participated in a special project hosted by KCPT on the subject of regional light rail.
Education
On Monday, the city welcomed its 11 newest employees when high school students from Kansas City's Cristo Rey High School had their first day of work for the city. The school is in its second year and relies on a unique work study program through which the students pay for their private schooling by working real jobs five days a month. I was pleased with how much city Human Resources Director Gary O'Bannon and his department did to work out an agreement. I think both the city and the students will benefit from the connection. Watch the news conference online.
Housing/ Sewers / Citizen Satisfaction
In housing, low income housing tax credits have a new process. The Water Services Department is working on a cost of service analysis that is going to have a real bearing on how the city pays for the needed repairs to its sewer and storm drainage system. And the city auditor continues to collect data on his citizen satisfaction survey.
Please check my official weblog at http://www.funksfrontporch.com for daily updates on the work of my office. If you've been forwarded this update or know someone who might be interested in subscribing, please sign up for "News from the Mayor's Office."
Sincerely,
Mayor Mark Funkhouser
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