|
|
Hello!
Good morning and Happy Holidays to you and yours!...
It's a busy week ahead for your Unified Government and we have several items for your consideration for this week's DotteNews, including the 2023 State of the Government Report, a new cold weather overnight shelter, appreciation breakfast for our volunteers, a reminder for your taxes (due December 20), as well as an exhibit on the first national highway in Wyandotte County.
There are some great holiday events coming up in the next few days as well as an opportunity to learn more about the Hutton/Leavenworth roundabout. We will have one more DotteNews on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 before taking a break for the Christmas and New Year's holidays...Have a great week!...
|
|
UG Issues 2023 State of the Government Report |
|
For the second consecutive year, the Unified Government issued an annual report in concert with the Mayor's State of the Government address. This report provides an overview of Wyandotte County in 2023 as well as the work underway at the Unified Government.
This year has generated multiple highlights for Wyandotte County and the UG, including adoption of PlanKCK, improved public safety metrics and the completion of key milestones in the KCK-KCMO Levee project.
Read the full report for a more in-depth view on the state of our government, including goals for 2024 as we pursue excellence in customer service; foster government accountability; and promote equitable economic development.
|
 The Unified Government held an inauguration ceremony for new and re-elected UG Board of Commissioner members and other UG elected officials at Memorial Hall, KCK on Monday, December 11. New officials include Melissa Bynum, District 1, At-Large (returning), Bill Burns, District 2 (newly elected), Christian Ramirez, District 3 (returning), Dr. Evelyn Hill, District 4 (newly elected), Philip Lopez, District 6 (newly elected), Susie Werner Nelson, Register of Deeds (newly elected)
|
|
From the Office of the Mayor |
|
Secret Santa Visits Wyandotte
On Wednesday, December 6, Mayor Tyrone A. Garner, Steve Williams, Tony Lee, KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman and several of KCKPD officers assisted Secret Santa as he made a stop here, handing out hundred-dollar bill blessings to unsuspecting families in need.
Secret Santa prayed for us and christened the Mayor and Officer Turner as an Elf, which stands for “Everlasting Friend”, and urged all of us to continue the quest of being a blessing to others. Thank you, Secret Santa, for making a stop in Wyandotte and doing something special for our community!
|
|
|
First Half of FY 23/24 WYCO Real Estate Taxes Due December 20, 2023!
A reminder to all Dotte home and property owners that all Wyandotte County property taxes are due on November 1 of each year and become past due after December 20. Taxes paid after December 20, 2023, are subject to interest, currently using a 12 percent annual rate.
If the total real estate taxes for a given parcel are at least $10, you may pay taxes in halves without incurring interest charges. If you choose to pay half before December 20, 2023, the second half must be paid by May 10, 2024, to avoid interest charges. A second half bill will be sent to all making a payment. This second half bill will be sent around April 1, 2024.
You can also make a partial payment, if you are unable to afford the full amount of taxes at the assigned date. The portion of the first half taxes unpaid on December 20, 2023, will continue to incur interest until paid. For more information as well as accepted methods of payment, click here!
|
WYCO Historical Museum Sponsoring Victory Highway Traveling Exhibit
A traveling exhibit, Hitting the Road: 100 Years on the Victory Highway, is now on display through the end of January 2024 at the Wyandotte County Historical Museum in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Victory Highway, one of the first U.S. national highways.
The exhibit tells the story of one stretch of this early paved roadway and the history of road development that proceeded the Victory Highway (now U.S. Highway 24/40). The free exhibit also highlights the road’s origins as a war memorial, its state-of-the-art paving and shares stories of the road’s impact on the lives of communities it passed through.
The Museum (631 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs) is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for further information and to view local photos of the Victory Highway!
|
UG honors 2023 volunteers at annual appreciation breakfast.
Unified Government Honors Volunteers at Appreciation Breakfast
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) hosted a volunteer appreciation celebration last Friday, December 8 at Memorial Hall, to honor the dedication of more than 120 volunteers who serve throughout many UG departments and agencies.
The Unified Government is constantly looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers who share the common goal of wanting to make a positive impact in the community. For more information about volunteering with the UG, please visit our website: www.wycokck.org/volunteer.
Applications for KS Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Opens December 18th
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), a Federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit, will begin accepting applications on December 18, 2023. To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills, with income eligibility requirements set at 150% of the federal poverty level, among other things. For more information, click here!
|
|
|
Hutton & Leavenworth Roundabout Public Meeting Tonight
We invite you to an engaging community event on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Haven Baptist Church, 3430 Hutton Road, KCK 66109. The Unified Government is excited to host this public meeting to discuss the Hutton and Leavenworth Road Roundabout Project, with a special feature being designed by students at Piper High School.
This roundabout project isn't just about improving traffic flow and enhancing safety; it's also a platform for local students to showcase their creativity and skills. Senior students from Piper High School are taking an active role in designing a unique feature for the center of the roundabout. This collaboration is more than an infrastructure project – it's a testament to our community's dedication to educational excellence and hands-on learning. Learn more.
|
Pre-bid Conference for Fourth & Minnesota Redevelopment Site This Wednesday
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 10 to 11 a.m., the UG Planning & Urban Design Department, in collaboration with the Purchasing Department, will host a hybrid pre-bid conference for the Fourth and Minnesota redevelopment site.
The pre-bid conference will give a quick synopsis of the RFQ/RFP process to date, review input received from the public and various stakeholders to date and provide an overview of the evaluation criteria. For more information about the KCK Redevelopment initiative, please visit the project website here.
|
Register for UG Parks & Rec Youth Winter Sports by Friday
There is still a few days left to register for Youth Winter Sports! Enrollment is available for youth wishing to participate in basketball or futsal. The league games will begin January 14, 2024.
The deadline to register is 5 p.m., December 15, 2023. Participants can register online or in person at UG Parks and Recreations' Main Office, 5033 State Ave. KCK 66109.
|
KCK Cold Weather Shelter Set to Open Next Week
Please join Cross-Lines Community Outreach for an open house at the KCK Cold Weather Shelter on Thursday, December 14, 2023, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 550 State Avenue. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP here.
This will be an opportunity for you to see the shelter space, hear more about the project, and learn how you can support the needs of the shelter. Cross-Lines will also cover planning for the January 2024 HMIS Point in Time & Housing Count.
It is anticipated that the overnight shelter will be open the week of December 18, 2023.
|
KCKPD Citizens Police Academy for Spanish Speakers Starts January 10
Just like our traditional, long-running Citizens Police Academy, the FREE, eight-week class is designed for residents seeking better understanding of the basics of law enforcement and the policies and procedures of the KCKPD. The only difference is that this course is offered in Spanish.
The hope is that graduates will then share that knowledge with their neighbors in an effort to strengthen the relationship between the Hispanic community and police. Topics covered include Special Operations Unit, handgun safety, victim services, CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) and gang awareness. The class, taught by Capt. Osvaldo Navarro is relaxed, informative and interactive. It is ideal for anyone interested in learning more about law enforcement as well as those interested in helping make their neighborhood a safer place. Consider enrolling with a friend, neighbor or family member! Learn more.
|
|
|
|
Members of the public may attend meetings virtually via Zoom or in-person at the Municipal Building (701 N 7th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101). The public may also stream the meeting on UGTV. Meeting agendas, location information, and information on public comments can be found on the Clerk's Page.
|
|
 The UG Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring multiple Holiday events in December! Join us for hot cocoa and a story from Mrs. Claus at the Armourdale Community Center tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m.!
|
 It's time to sprinkle some Holiday magic and get crafty! Join the UG Parks & Recreation Department at the Joe Amayo Community Center at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec.16 for a jolly celebration of creativity, where we'll make ornaments that will brighten any tree and personalized stockings. Let's create something special and crafting memories that will last a lifetime!
|
 Get in the Holiday Spirit with the UG Parks & Recreation Department in creating dazzling sugar cookie decorations at the Beatrice Lee Community Center, 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20. This recipe is perfect for some festive fun!
|
|
We're Hiring!
The Unified Government and our agencies are hiring for positions across the organization. Check out our new job portal, search for career opportunities, and let us know if you're interested. We'll even match you with jobs for which you qualify.
Administrative Support Specialist -Neighborhood Resource Center/Code Enforcement
Responsible for performing specialized support activities for the divisions and programs of the Neighborhood Resource Center, primarily for the Property Maintenance Compliance Division. Performs a variety of clerical duties such as but not limited to answering phones; answering questions and providing information regarding services; preparing court summons; assists with maintaining the unfit list; taking in monies and assisting customers with payments; entering information into a variety of computer systems.
Salary Range: $16.82-$21.40/hr.
|
|
|
|
|
|