City offices closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, trash collection delayed one day both weeks

In observance of the Christmas Day and New Year's Day holidays, City of Kansas City, Mo., offices and the 311 Call Center will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Jan. 1. Curbside trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day both weeks for residents who usually have Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday collection.


For example, residents who usually have Tuesday collection will receive the service on Wednesday, Dec. 26 and Wednesday, Jan. 2. Residents who usually have Friday collection will receive the service on Saturday, Dec. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 5. Residents who usually have Monday collection will not be affected either week.

In addition, please be advised that Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Monday, Dec. 31 is a "no tag" period for trash collection in the City. During this time, residents may set out up to 15 bags (or up to 500 pounds) on the curb without tags. This is done to accommodate the extra trash that is usually accumulated at this time of year. Utilizing the City's unlimited curbside recycling program by recycling plastics #1-7, cardboard and seasonal gift boxes can reduce the amount of trash bags being placed on the curb as well.

Christmas trees may be disposed of at the City's Leaf and Brush Drop-off Centers. Please remember to remove all ornaments, lights and tinsel before using this service. The drop-off center located at 1815 N. Chouteau Trafficway is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the drop-off center located at 10301 Raytown Road is open Saturday only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Both sites are free for residents to use on Saturdays. Residents who dispose of their Christmas trees at the Chouteau Drop-off Center on its other open days will be charged $5 per tree.

Both drop-off centers will close for the season on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 and will reopen in mid-March 2013.

The City's Household Hazardous Waste Facility will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 2.

For more information about solid waste collection services, visit http://www.kcmo.org/trash or call the 3-1-1 Action Center at 311 or 816-513-1313.

Media inquiries about trash and recycling should be directed to Sean Demory, public information officer for the Public Works Department, at 816-513-0059.

Holiday Party December 10th

You are cordially invited to our annual holiday party which will be celebrated this year at the beautiful Simpson House, 4509 Walnut. Built in 1909, this lovely house boasts a gorgeous walnut staircase, ornate panelled wood ceilings and trim, and beveled lead crystal and stained glass windows. It's the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season.

So please join us Monday, December 10th, between 5:30 and 8pm for light appetizers, wine, soft drinks and plenty of holiday cheer. Children are welcome. We look forward to seeing you!

Pilgrim Run Thursday

The Pilgrim Run, sponsored by the Pilgrim Center in Hyde Park, will host a 5K event on Thanksgiving morning.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the Children’s Programs of the Pilgrim Center.  It starts on Thursday, November 22, at 9:00 A.M.  Pilgrim Chapel, 3801 Gillham Road.  Registration ends November 20th at midnight.  http://www.pilgrimrun.org/

November SNA Meeting

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting Monday, November 12th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church. Hope you can join us!

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Committee Reports – As needed
   a. Treasurer
   b. Safety
   c. Planning & Development
   d. Program/Events
   e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook
   f.  Neighborhood Culture & Preservation
   g. Membership

4. Old business

5. New Business

6. Adjournment

General Election This Tuesday

The general election is this Tuesday, November 6th.  The vote will decide Presidential, Senatorial, and Congressional representatives, as well as more State and Local officials.  In addition, voters will decide on a Constitutional Amendment, and a few Propositions.  To view a sample ballot, click here.  If you have questions about where to vote, or if you're registered, contact the Kansas City Board of Elections.    

Curbside Leaf & Brush Pickup November 5

The city will be collecting leaves and brush the week of November 5th, for the Central area.  If your trash is usually picked up on Monday, leaf and brush pickup will be Monday, November 5th.   Up to 20 bags or bundles of leaves and brush will be picked up, per household.  See rules, below.  If you have a complaint or your leaves are not collected on the 5th, call or enter a complaint via 3-1-1 within 24 hours. 

Leaf and Brush Pickup Rules: 

• Sacks and bundles should be curbside by 7 a.m. on the scheduled day of collection.
• No more than 20 sacks and/or bundles per household.
• Sacks and bundles must not weigh more than 40 pounds each.
• Use only paper lawn debris sacks. No plastic bags.
• If you seal sacks, use masking tape only; do not use plastic or duct tape.
• No grass clippings. No trash.
• All branches must be bundled. Branches must not be more than 3 inches in diameter.
• Bundles of branches must not be more than 2 feet in diameter and not more than 4 feet long.
• Use twine or jute rope to tie bundles; do not use wire or plastic tape.
• If wet weather is forecast, cover sacks/bundles with clear plastic.

For more information, visit the city website here. 

Kansas City Marathon This Saturday

The annual Waddel & Reed Kansas City Marathon will be taking place this Saturday.  The race will begin at 7:00am, and will wrap up about 1:15pm.  During this time, some of the streets in the Downtown, Midtown, Plaza, Brookside and Waldo areas will be closed, and you may have to make a few detours to get around.  View the race map and race times here.

Dumpster Day this Saturday

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association sponsors a dumpster day twice a year - once in Spring and once in Fall.  This Fall's dumpster day will be held this Saturday, October 13th.  The dumpsters will be located at the corner of 42nd and Oak streets. The event begins at 8:00am and ends at Noon, or until the dumpsters are full.


Members are welcome to bring items to two separate dumpsters, for either general trash or yard waste.  Hazardous materials such as tires, paint or oil will not be accepted.  If you would like to participate, but are not a member, or need to renew, yearly dues are $20 for residents, $10 for seniors (over 55) and students, and $50 for businesses.  You may pay with cash or check at the event.    See you there!    

City will hold nuisance sign removal training Sept. 26

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department will provide nuisance sign removal training for residents andneighborhood groups on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Neighborhood Preservation Division, 4900 Swope Parkway.
“We’re providing this training in an effort to help neighborhoods regulate unauthorized signs placed in the right of way or on public property,” said John Parks, code enforcement manager.
Resident and neighborhood groups do not need to sign up to attend this training.

Any resident who sees a sign posted on public property may report it to the City’s 3-1-1 Call Center by dialing 311 or 816-513-1313. Residents who take the nuisance sign removal training will learn how to remove and appropriately discard the sign or submit it to the Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department for further enforcement proceedings.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact John Parks, code enforcement manager, at 816-513-8433.

September SNA Meeting

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting Monday, September 10th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church. Hope you can join us!

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Committee Reports – As needed
   a. Treasurer
   b. Safety
   c. Planning & Development
   d. Program/Events
   e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook
   f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation
   g. Membership

4. Old business

5. New Business

6. Adjournment

City's Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund hosts workshops

Applications for fiscal year 2013-14 funding due Oct. 15

Organizations interested in applying for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 reimbursable grants from the City of Kansas City, Mo., Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF) are strongly encouraged to attend the annual informational workshops, as some requirements have changed from last year. The City will host six workshops, one in each City Council district:

Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to noon

Third District: Robert J. Mohart Multipurpose Center - Auditorium

3200 Wayne Ave.

Monday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. to noon

Fifth District: Southeast Community Center

4201 E. 63rd St.

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2-4 p.m.

Second District: Northland Cathedral

101 N.W. 99th St., Room F8 (Park in the main parking lot and enter through the main canopy)

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6-8 p.m.

First District: Northland Neighborhoods, Inc.

3015 N.E. Vivion Road

Thursday, Sept. 13, 6-8 p.m.

Sixth District: Baptiste Educational Center

5401 E. 103rd St.

Saturday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to noon

Fourth District: Westport Roanoke Community Center

3601 Roanoke Road

Organizations that attend will receive an application packet with the new NTDF eligibility and funding applications. Please note that old applications will not be accepted at the annual deadline.

Workshop topics include:

- Purpose of the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund

- New eligibility requirements

- New funding requirements

- Documentation required for consideration

- Tips on preparing successful applications

- Contract compliance

- Reimbursement process

Organizations wishing to apply for a grant must host cultural, social, ethnic, historic, educational or recreational activities. In addition, interested organizations must:

- be a non-profit incorporated in the State of Missouri;

- have its registered office in the city limits of Kansas City, Mo.;

- have neighborhood, community, tourism, promotion and development priorities as part of its mission;

- meet the City's requirements for contracting with non-municipal agencies; and

- thoroughly demonstrate that it meets the program's eligibility requirements.

Application packets will be available at the workshop and will be due Monday, Oct. 15.

Applications considered at this time are for activities that will take place during the 2013-14 fiscal year, which begins May 1, 2013 and ends April 30, 2014. Applications are accepted year-round; however, many organizations choose to apply by Oct. 15, as more money is available for this funding cycle.

The Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department manages the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.

Any person with a disability who desires reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting may contact the City's 311 Action Center at 311 or 816-513-1313, or for TTY, 816-513-1889, or by email at actioncenter@kcmo.org.

For more information about the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, please contact Barbara O'Shea, Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department, at 816-513-3214.

Neighborhood Advisory Council to host candidate forum

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Neighborhood Advisory Council invites residents to attend its candidate forum on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 10-11 a.m. at the Hillcrest Community Center, 10401 Hillcrest Road.

The forum presents an opportunity for residents to meet and ask questions of the candidates who have applied to the Neighborhood Advisory Council. The top candidates will be elected by those neighborhood associations registered with the Neighborhood Services Division of the Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department.

The Neighborhood Advisory Council is divided into six regions. At full capacity, the council has two members from each region and three at-large members. Advisory Council members are expected to attend monthly meetings, meet with groups in their regions and participate in other related events, including public hearings and forums to discuss key issues and receive input on a variety of community matters.

For more information about the Neighborhood Advisory Council, call Tiffany Drummer, Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department, at 816-513-3210.

Trash pickup delayed, City offices closed Sept. 3

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day, and City of Kansas City, Mo., offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 3. The 3-1-1 Action Center, a division of the City Manager's Office, also will be closed for the holiday.

Residents who usually have Monday trash collection will receive this service Tuesday, Sept. 4. Residents who usually have Friday trash collection will receive this service Saturday, Sept. 8.
For more information about solid waste collection services, visit http://www.kcmo.org/trash or call the 3-1-1 Action Center at 311 or 816-513-1313.

Residents invited to share input at citywide PIAC hearings

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Public Improvements Advisory Committee, also called PIAC, encourages residents to provide input on potential City public improvements at a series of citywide hearings this month. The dates and locations are as follows:

Friday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to noon
City Hall, 10th floor Committee Room
414 E. 12th St.

Tuesday, Aug. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Northland Cathedral
101 N.W. 99th St.

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Hillcrest Community Center
10401 Hillcrest Road

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Gem Theatre
1616 E. 18th St.

PIAC consists of 13 members - two residents from each council district and a chairperson - who are appointed by the mayor and City Council. PIAC will use public input from the hearings to make recommendations to the City Council regarding both the citywide and neighborhood portions of the Fiscal Year 2013-14 capital budget. Project funding comes from the one-cent sales tax for public improvements.

To place a project request, please visit www.kcmo.org/piac. These forms will also be available at the hearings or from the Capital Improvements Program at City Hall, 18th Floor, 414 E. 12th St.

The deadline to submit a request form is Friday, Aug. 31, 2012.

Any person with a disability who desires reasonable accommodation to attend the PIAC citywide hearings may contact the City's 311 Action Center at 311 or 816-513-1313, or for TTY, 816-513-1889, or by email at actioncenter@kcmo.org.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Rose Rhodes, Capital Improvements Program administrator, at 816-513-1322.

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting tonight, Monday, August 13th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church. Hope you can join us!

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Guests – Google Fiber Representatives

4. Committee Reports – As needed

a. Treasurer
b. Safety
c. Planning & Development
d. Program/Events
e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook
f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation
g. Membership

5. Old business

6. New Business

7. Adjournment

Neighbors Hope to Bring Google Fiber to Southmoreland

Google has announced that they will be providing Kansas City with Internet access over 100 times faster than what we typically have today.  Instead of installing the fiber throughout the city, they are allowing all households to go online and pre-register to determine where it should go.  The city is divided into several different "Fiberhoods", and each Fiberhood must recieve a minimum number of pre-registrations in order for Google to install the Fiber in that area. 

The Southmoreland Neighborhood is divided into three separate Fiberhoods.  Southmoreland (Rochkhill Road to Gillham Road, South to Volker) needs 42 total households to meet the pre-registration goal.  Southmoreland North (39th to 43rd between Main and Gillham Road) needs 59 total households to meet the pre-registration goal.  Southmoreland South (43rd to Cleaver II between JC Nichols and Rockhill Road) needs 35 total households to meet the pre-registration goal.  If Southmoreland South reaches the goal, the Kansas City Art Institute will recieve free Fiber! 

The Fiber service will include Internet and HD TV. Plan costs range from $0 for basic Internet to $120/month for Gigabit + TV.  The Gigabit + TV service includes:  1 gigabit upload & download speed, full channel TV lineup (with HD), 2 year contract, no data caps, Nexus 7 tablet, TV box, Storage box, Network Box and 1TB storage in Google Drive. 

Pre-registration runs through September 9th, 2012.  You can do this online at: http://fiber.google.com/about/.  Pre-registration will run $10, but it will go toward your first service bill, or it will be refunded to you, should the neighborhood not meet the pre-registration quota.  If you live in a multi-tenant building, and are having difficulty registering, have your building owner or manager fill out the form located here: http://support.google.com/fiber/bin/request.py?contact_type=mdu_interest  

   

If you have questions about GoogleFiber, or would like to test the service it out for yourself, visit the FiberSpace at 43rd (Westport Road) and State Line. 

Let's do this Southmoreland! 

July SNA Meeting

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting Monday, July 9th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church.  Hope you can join us!  

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Committee Reports – As needed

   a. Treasurer

   b. Safety

   c. Planning & Development

   d. Program/Events 

   e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook 

   f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation

   g. Membership 

4. Old business

5. New Business 

6. Adjournment

Volunteers needed for the Hyde Park Children's Film Festival

A message from The Pilgrim Center:

Hello Friends and Neighbors!

In case you haven't noticed, it is already a hot, hot summer here in Kansas City!  At the Pilgrim Center, though, we don't let a little heat stop us from having our annual film festival in Hyde Park. And this is our tenth year, so in addition to the concert, film, activities for children, and refreshments each week, we've also organized a film-making competition for children ages 6-12.  Bob Walkenhorst and Jeff Porter are our musical act this week, July 6, and they are very popular local musicians.  Bob has an international following and has been on tour for the last year with his band The Rainmakers.  We know that our attendance will still be high, and so we NEED volunteers to help us staff our information, sno cone, and film competition booths.  We'll also be setting up a misting area to help everyone stay cool.  Remember, everything is FREE for attendees, so volunteers make or break our event.  

Please reply to Amelia McDaniel at amelia.mcdaniel@gmail.com or call 816.531.8116 to volunteer.  Anyone who can help set up at 6:00 p.m., staff booths from 7:00-9:00 p.m. or help break down at 10:30 p.m. will be greatly appreciated.  

KCFD reminds residents to leave fireworks to a pro

In a typical year on Independence Day, there are more fires reported in the U.S. than on any other day of the year, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires.
Since all fireworks are illegal within the city limits of Kansas City, Mo., the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. Kansas City offers a variety of opportunities throughout the area to enjoy fireworks displays in a fun and safe atmosphere, such as the KCRiverfest in Richard L. Berkley Park. So please, leave the fireworks up to the professionals.
The following statistics are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).

Nationwide in 2010, fireworks caused:
- More than 15,500 fires, including 1,100 structure fires and 500 vehicle fires. These fires resulted in eight civilian deaths and more than 60 injuries.

- 8,600 injuries that were treated in U.S. hospital emergency room departments.

- Two out of every five victims treated were younger than the age of fifteen (39 percent).

- An estimated $36 million dollars in direct property damage.

The men and women of the Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department want you to have a safe and happy Independence Day.
For more information or media inquiries regarding fireworks, please contact Lew Hendricks, public information officer for the Kansas City, Mo, Fire Department, at 816-784-9172.

June SNA Meeting

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting Monday, June 11th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church.  Hope you can join us!  

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Committee Reports – As needed

   a. Treasurer

   b. Safety

   c. Planning & Development

   d. Program/Events 

   e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook 

   f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation

   g. Membership 

4. Old business

5. New Business 

6. Adjournment

Emergency Home Repair Program to start accepting applications

Eligible Kansas City, Mo., homeowners who are in urgent need of plumbing, electrical, mechanical and limited ADA barrier removal work may apply for the City of Kansas City, Mo., Emergency Home Repair Program.

Applications for the Emergency Home Repair Program are available online by visiting www.kcmo.org/housing and clicking the "Emergency Home Repair Program" link or at the Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department's Housing Section office on the 11th floor of City Hall, 414 E. 12th St.

Applications will be accepted through July 31 or until funds have been exhausted.

"This program can help lower-income homeowners who have an urgent repair need such as a furnace repair or replacement during the heating season months or replacing a broken water line going to their house," Housing Section Manager Doug Bossert said.

The Housing Section of the Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department administers the Emergency Home Repair Program, Home Weatherization Program, Municipal Court Fund Program (by referral only), Paint Program and other housing rehabilitation and inspection programs.

Eligible applicants are homeowners who own only one property, have not received assistance from this program within the past five years, and meet the following household income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:

One person - $41,100
Two people - $46,950
Three people - $52,800
Four people - $58,650
Five people - $63,350
Six people - $68,050
Seven people - $72,750
Eight people - $77,450

A Community Development Block Grant established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds the Emergency Home Repair Program.

For more information or to request an application, call 816-513-3025.

To fill out an online application, please visit www.kcmo.org/housing and click on the "Emergency Home Repair Program"  link, or you can directly access the application at http://kcmo.org/idc/groups/housing/documents/housing/ocs879231-099073.pdf.

Media inquiries should be directed to Roger Stewart, manager of the Emergency Home Repair Program, at 816-513-3253.

Trash pick-up delayed, City offices closed May 28

In observance of Memorial Day, trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day and City of Kansas City, Mo., offices will be closed Monday, May 28. The 3-1-1 Action Center, a division of the City Manager's Office, also will be closed for the holiday.

Residents who usually have Monday trash collection will receive this service Tuesday, May 29. Residents who usually have Friday trash collection will receive this service Saturday, June 2.

For more information about solid waste collection services, visit http://www.kcmo.org/trash or call the 3-1-1 Action Center at 311 or 816-513-1313.

Media inquiries about trash and recycling should be directed to Dennis Gagnon, City Communications Office, at 816-513-2659.

May SNA Meeting

The Southmoreland Neighborhood Association will be meeting Monday, May 14th at 7:00pm at All Souls' Unitarian Universalist Church.  Hope you can join us!  


1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Committee Reports – As needed
   a. Treasurer
   b. Safety
   c. Planning & Development
   d. Program/Events 
   e. Newsletter/Website/Blog/Facebook 
   f. Neighborhood Culture & Preservation
   g. Membership 
4. Old business
5. New Business 
6. Adjournment

City schedules open houses seeking more input on KC Downtown Streetcar project

The City of Kansas City, Mo., will host a series of public open houses on May 15, 16 and 17 throughout the downtown area to discuss conceptual plans for the proposed Kansas City Downtown Streetcar project. During the open houses, the public will be able to review project exhibits that illustrate the streetcar route, explain construction timing, outline applicable studies and plans, and review the project's funding strategy. City representatives and consultant team members will be present to answer questions and discuss issues or concerns.

"Now is the perfect time for community members to engage in the KC Downtown Streetcar project," said Russ Johnson, Second District Councilman and chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "We have a solid plan, but none of the details are set in stone. Now is the time to talk with project team members so we can consider and incorporate your suggestions during the engineering phase."

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

Tuesday, May 15, 4-7 p.m.
KC Public Library - Downtown Branch, Helzberg Auditorium
14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, MO 64105

Wednesday, May 16, 4-7 p.m.
Steamboat Arabia Museum - Atrium
400 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106

Thursday, May 17, 4-7 p.m.
Union Station - Arthur Stilwell Room (on C-level near the new Grand Gallery)
30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108

Short, identical presentations will be given at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.

The proposed downtown streetcar is a starter line for an expanded regional transit system that serves downtown. As recommended by the recently completed Downtown Corridor Alternatives Analysis, the streetcar will provide an attractive transit option to more conveniently connect people and places. It will also support regional and city efforts to develop downtown Kansas City as a more vibrant and successful urban center. The total project is estimated to cost $100 million. If the project is approved, construction is expected to begin mid- to late-2013, with an anticipated opening in mid-2015.

Additional materials and updates on the project, as well as other regional studies, can be found on the Mid-America Regional Council's Smart Moves website at www.kcsmartmoves.org. Any person with a disability who desires reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting may contact the City's 311 Action Center at 311 or 816-513-1313, or for TTY, 816-513-1889, or by e-mail at actioncenter@kcmo.org.

Media inquiries and other requests for more information about the Kansas City Downtown Streetcar project should be directed to Sean Demory, Public Works Department, at 816-513-0059.

Rockfest is this Saturday, May 12th!

It will bring thousands of people to Penn Valley Park, having a significant impact on Midtown neighborhoods. With this in mind, Rockfest organizers are committed to providing an open line of communication for this year's event.

Download the Rockfest Community Information Packet for details on neighborhood cleanup, security, traffic control, and other useful information, here.  

You can also contact Mike Lowe of Rockfest Community Relations directly with any specific needs or concerns.

Spring Newsletter Now Online

The new Southmoreland newsletter is now available online.  There are is a ton of helpful information, so happy reading! 

Free paint available for eligible City homeowners

Participants may choose paint colors and receive other supplies.

Warmer weather signals the start of many things - one of which is the City of Kansas City, Mo., Paint Program. In 2011, this program provided free paint and supplies to more than 300 homeowners.

"This program helps improve our neighborhoods by assisting homeowners who need a little help with the upkeep of their property," said Doug Bossert, section manager of the Housing and Human Services Division, which manages the Paint Program. "Qualified homeowners receive high-quality exterior paint for their homes at no cost."

Eligible residents must complete an application to receive paint, primer, caulking and other supplies related to the painting of their home. Please note, the total cost of the paint supplies cannot exceed $500. Applicants must also:

- Reside in Kansas City, Mo.
- Own and live in the property to be painted
- Own only one property
- Meet these household income guidelines:
            - One person - $41,100
            - Two people - $46,950
            - Three people - $52,800
            - Four people - $58,650
            - Five people - $63,350
            - Six people - $68,050
            - Seven people - $72,750
            - Eight or more people - $77,450

Paint recipients must make all necessary repairs and properly prepare their home for painting prior to receiving their supplies. After an inspector determines a house is ready to be painted, a voucher will be awarded to the recipients, which allows them to choose an in-store color of Porter paint; no color matching will be done.

To download an application, please visit http://www.kcmo.org/idc/groups/housing/documents/housing/ocs879231-099072.pdf.

For more information or to request an application via mail, call the Housing and Human Services Division, at 816-513-3025.

For media inquiries, please contact Roger Stewart, program supervisor, at 816-513-3253.

New rates take effect May 1 to address rising costs, infrastructure needs

Beginning May 1, Water Services customers will be charged new rates on their water usage and wastewater (sanitary sewer) services. On average, most residential households will experience an increase in their combined (water, wastewater and stormwater) bill of approximately $9 a month, or about 14 percent. The increase in rates was approved by the City Council to reflect rising costs, expanded investment in new facilities, the replacement of aging infrastructure and compliance with federal government mandates for upgrades to sewer systems.

The need for major infrastructure improvements was highlighted by the number of water main breaks experienced in 2011. Although all of the breaks have been repaired, it is important that the rest of the aging infrastructure be addressed to reduce the number of service interruptions.

Kansas City Water Services continues to provide a great value for both residential and wholesale customers. In fact, our water and sewer rates are comparable to other area providers.  In addition, the quality of our drinking water has consistently received high marks from third parties.

Over the last several decades, water and wastewater rates have not kept pace with inflation. Water Services must address repairs and system replacements of aging infrastructure while at the same time implementing the Overflow Control Program, which is estimated to cost $2.4 billion in 2008 dollars.

This year Water Services is undergoing a number of changes to increase the department's efficiency and effectiveness including increasing the use of private contractors to address infrastructure breaks quickly. Water Services is also developing a new master plan identifying key water infrastructure needs, and a number of accelerated maintenance programs are underway.

For more detailed information about rate increases or for a guide on how to read and understand your Water Services bill, visit www.kcmo.org/waterbill101.

For more information, contact Colleen Doctorian, public information officer for the Water Services Department at 816-513-0232.

The Kansas City, Mo., Water Services Department maintains and operates water collection, processing and distribution systems, stormwater management and control systems, and waste water collection and processing systems for residential and business customers in Kansas City and for wholesale customers in the Kansas City region. Operation is funded by fees charged to customers based on their use of products and services.

Follow Kansas City Water Services on Facebook under Kansas City Water Services and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kcmowater.

Dr. Stephen Green to offer straight talk and real answers at community coffee event on May 6

R. Stephen Green, superintendent of the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS), will provide straight talk and direct answers to questions from community members at a community coffee event. The event will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, May 6, at the Plaza branch of the Kansas City Public Library, 4801 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.

The coffees, titled “On the Scene with Green,” are designed for parents and community members to have direct access to the superintendent and get their questions answered. Dr. Green will open the coffees with commentary about the direction and status of KCPS, followed by a question and answer session.

The event is free to the public.

WHAT: “On the Scene with Green” community coffee event

WHEN: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, May 6, 2012

WHERE: Plaza branch of the Kansas City Public Library, 4801 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 

The Kansas City Public Schools is dedicated to graduating students that are college, career, and workforce ready. This mission is supported by innovative classroom instruction, engaging programs, highly-qualified employees, and an engaged and well-informed community. To learn more about the ways our community of schools supports students and the community-at-large, please visit www.kcpublicschools.org, KCMO School District on Facebook, or KCMOSchools on Twitter. You may also call (816) 418-7000 or visitwww.kcpublicschools.org.