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.