Emergency Preparedness Month

This is a great time of year to remind our neighbors, friends and family of the importance of being prepared. We know it happens - severe weather, a global pandemic, and other emergencies - so check out our Facebook page where we will be sharing tips and tricks on what you can do to protect yourself in case of emergency. In the meantime, check out the public service announcement we created for the KCKFD Sound the Alarm program.

Suicide Prevention Month

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call, text, or chat 988, immediately (chat available at 988Lifeline.org). As UG employees, you can also check out our Employee Assistance Program which provides confidential and professional help 24 hours a day to employees and members of their household. The New Directions Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help with just about any problem a person might face, including: reducing stress; adjusting to a life change; improve relationships; lead others; care for loved ones; navigate the legal system; balance finances; and live healthier

Hispanic Heritage Month

Join Parks & Recreations in celebrating and honoring Hispanic Heritage Month by playing Loteria (Spanish Bingo)! This event will take place on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Armourdale Community Center from 6:00-7:00pm. For more information, please contact Lizbeth or Ethan at (913) 551-0408.

Chief Oakman Shares Great News About Our Community's Safety

Last year, KCKPD reported the second lowest number of homicides in recent KCK history. Year-to-date, we are on track to improve that record once again as we are out-performing 2023. We have had 16 homicides to date as compared to 20 last year. Overall, the stats are very positive as violent crime is down 31% and property crimes are down 32%. Chief Oakman noted his appreciation to the community for stepping up to help – as well as its collaboration with fire department and sheriff department – as we are all in this together.

Public Health

You may have heard reports that there have been several cases of TB reported in the county. The Health Department has been working closely with KDHE, the state health department, and the CDC to track this matter. There has been no recommendation for a state of emergency but the situation is being monitored closely.

Additionally, you are reminded that there has been an increase in COVID cases across the state so if you are feeling any symptoms, please be sure to test yourself. Starting at the end of September, you can request two free tests here.

The Health Department is working to address immunization rates within our public schools, with a focus on USD 500 with a vaccination awareness program. 

Human Resources

Save the date for the October 17 and the UG Health Fair. This not only is the kick-off of our open enrollment period, it's an opportunity to learn more about great resources and services to help you attain your personal health goals. Save the date and discover the full benefit of your benefits! 

The department also shared that they are working to address the scheduling issues for drug testing with KU. Thank you for your patience!

Finance

The Finance Department convened a successful conversation on grants at the UG last week and departments are reminded to post all of their documentation to the Teams site. With 2024 entering the fourth quarter, the UG must obligate all remaining American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) funds by the end of the year. The UG Commission held a special session this week to discuss.

Budget, Research & Strategy

The team is working to load the 2024 Amended / 2025 Budget this month and is scheduling appointments to review the changes with departments. We created an explainer article to highlight some of the changes here.

Elections

The Election Office reported a 13.48% turnout for the August Primary and are anticipating an even greater turnout for the November general election. They will be adding a ballot drop-box outside of the Bonner Springs Library for the upcoming election with other preparations well underway.

Update Your Bookmarks: The Election Office has a new website domain: wycovoteskck.gov

Planning & Urban Design

A few quick updates on key projects - most of which will be underway through the end of the year. As these initiatives wrap-up, stay tuned for some exciting news about our zoning code (yes, zoning can be exciting!).

• The Mid-America Regional Council has selected a consultant team for the bi-state sustainable reinvestment corridor RFP, looking at strategies to connect Independence, MO out to the Legends. 
• A streetcar route for the East-West Transit Corridor from KU Med to VA on Linwood is the culminating recommendation from Phase I of the study. The project is now in Phase II for preliminary engineering.
• The UG has been interviewing consultant teams to create a Vision Zero Action Plan which will identify to the High Injury Network across the county. These are areas that have higher rates of severe injury or fatality crashes - often a result of roadway design and other factors. As a continuation of the goDotte collaboration with Bonner Springs and Edwardsville, this plan will help us secure federal funding for roadway safety efforts.
• The UG Commission will continue its discussion about updating the land bank policy at the upcoming Standing Committee meeting. Stay tuned for more!

Parks & Recreation

The Parks & Recreation and Community Development Departments recently celebrated $2.1M of park improvements at three of our parks: Clifton, Kensington and Klamm Parks. Thank you to the Transit team for providing transportation for this ribbon-cutting tour.

Splash pads are closed for the 2024 season and community center hours have changed effective September 3.

Today, the team is celebrating new wayfinding along the Wyandotte County Lake Bridle Trail and is looking ahead to the 13th annual fundraiser hosted by the Wyandotte County Parks Foundation at Sunflower Hills Golf Course.

Tomorrow, we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Rosedale Arch at ArchFest and Dotteversity along Central Avenue. Please be advised, however, that the holiday light and magic show will not be back at Wyandotte County Park for the 2024 holiday season.

Streets Division

The team is looking ahead and getting ready for the winter season. Stay tuned for your annual reminder on snow operations! To freshen up those driving skills, the Streets Division will be hosting its annual snowplow rodeo from September 9-12 at the Fourth and Minnesota parking lot with top finishers going on to the metro-wide competition. 

Transit

You may see some new street furniture curbside - the UG Transit Department is thrilled with the new bus shelters and benches installed along our transit routes. A special shout-out to the Streets Division for their expertise in installing the new amenities.

It is anticipated that the UG Transit Department will be presenting proposed service changes to fixed route (bus) transit later this month to the UG Commission. Stay tuned for more.

Water Pollution Control

Thank you to everyone for their contributions to a successful open house at Argentine. We had tours of the facilities and introduced a new visual identity and name for Water Pollution Control. If you missed it, you're invited to join us on Friday, September 20 from 11AM-2PM at the NEW sewer maintenance facility at 4851 Armstrong Avenue, KCK 66102 for another open house. This is an informal, come-and-go event where you can: chat with team members about the rebranding; understand the importance of the new brand; take brief tours of our facility; and enjoy light snacks and refreshments. Stay tuned for announcements regarding a planned October open house for the public.

Emergency Management

The department is closing out grants for reimbursing expenses associated with the severe weather on May 17, 2024. If your department has any reimbursable expenses, including overtime, please reach out to Matt May as soon as possible.

Be advised that there is monthly training for the Emergency Operating Center and webEOC, the software, happening monthly. Emergency Management requests at least three people from each department is trained on these applications. 

Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department

The KCKFD will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fire Station 11 at Kensington Park on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 11AM-3PM. There will be many things to do and see to include a great Fire House lunch provided by “Taking It To The Streets” for all. The rain date has been set for Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the same time and location. We hope to see all of our UG Friends and Families at this celebration event.

The maintenance and repairs of KCKFD’s ambulances has been reassigned from the UG Fleet Maintenance Facility to KCKFD Support Services. This is a significant cost saving measure and will allow all UG vehicles to be repaired quicker. This transition involved much effort on the part of Public Works and KCKFD. The Public Works Department is a great partner that always works towards a positive solution to issues and opportunities.

KCKFD will be working with the American Red Cross to host our next “Sound the Alarm” smoke detector installation day. The Department has selected Saturday, October 12, 2024 with a goal of installing 100 alarms. The start time is 8:00 am with dismissal at 2:00 pm. The staging location is to be announced shortly.

The 2024 Haz Mat 2 is being prepared for response service. Once completed, Haz Mat 2 will replace two large response vehicles with a state-of-the-art response capability. A small support unit is will soon arrive to provide the necessary tools and appliances for all types of Hazardous Material alarms with a focus on rail, interstate, and industrial plant releases. The remove of two aging large vehicles with more efficient and effective apparatus is a continuation of our apparatus replacement plan.

Kansas City, Kansas Police Department

You may have noticed that there is a facelift underway at KCKPD headquarters – thanks to UG Buildings & Logistics - to refresh the facade and add new signage. Also, please stay tuned for opening celebration of the new CSI building this fall.

Back by popular demand, the KCKPD is hosting its third community self-defense class at the Police Athletic League at 8AM on Saturday, October 5: 8AM. The Police Athletic League of KCK will be hosting its first gala on October 12.

Congratulations to the KCKPD for securing a community-based crime reduction grant implementation to start – provides free counseling for witnesses to violent crime. This is the first time KCKPD will be able to make this offering as previous funding has focused on victim services. This will be an important resource for youth witnessing gun violence.

Monica Sparks Named UG Clerk

County Administrator David W. Johnston has appointed Monica L. Sparks as the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS Clerk, effective immediately. 

Sparks joined the Unified Government in 2012, spending her entire tenure with the Clerk's Office. From the mail room to Commission Chambers, Sparks has served in multiple roles, learning the intricacies and requirements of the department. Although not an original Dotte, Sparks moved to Wyandotte County in the late 80's from her hometown of Leavenworth, Kansas, and has made Wyandotte her home ever since.

“As interim Clerk, Monica has led the charge to improve department operations such as expanding access to our senior tax rebate program, introducing customer service training for staff, and streamlining the public meeting processes. She really cares about doing a great job as the UG Clerk. We all enjoy her commitment to excellent public service. I am sure she will do a great job. Congratulations!” said County Administrator David Johnston.

Learn more.

UG Honored for Innovation in Transportation Services

At the 2024 annual conference of the Kansas Public Transit Association, the Unified Government (UG) Transportation Department was honored with a 2024 Innovation Award for its implementation of on-demand transit services in Wyandotte County. Congratulations to the entire team!

The UG Transportation Department implemented the leading-edge booking and routing software IRIS, provided by RideCo, to improve the customer experience for on-demand transportation services. Launched last autumn, the UG offers same-day booking and convenient reservations by phone, web or app; electronic fare payment; and real-time trip updates for both the RideKC On-Demand Microtransit and Paratransit services. With this new system, the UG Transportation Department was able to expand the microtransit zone by 22 square miles and offer weekend service to improve access to key employment and entertainment areas of the county.

"This award is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of our entire team, said Transportation Director Deasiray Bush. "I am honored to receive this recognition from the Kansas Public Transit Association, and it fuels our commitment to continue enhancing our services and finding new ways to meet the evolving needs of our community."

Read more.